Her Minions tore through the village Raven was raiding; the village had so little importance to her, that she couldn't even be bothered to remember its name. They had armed guards, a must if you live outside the walls, but her new army proved their worth right away, their claws slicing through guards with ease.
The quickly growing respect for this newfound race was crushed even faster when one of the Minions spotted a bucket near a home, screamed in joy, rushed to it, and put it on, with the water inside the bucket flowing down the Minion. Despite it all, he proudly marched up to her and showed off his new conquest.
"Look, Master! I've found looties!"
Despite the sheer absurdity of how the Minion looked, other Minions looked seriously jealous, and even impressed. Raven was beginning to rethink the praise she had given them.
"Minions will automatically equip any useful items they find... and often, oh, any useless items too!" Gnarl told her telepathically, using the Heart's link to her to his advantage. "But do not fear, your weapons and armor are custom forged at the Tower. We wouldn't dream of giving you any old steal-me-downs, no, no, no..."
Raven lifted her right arm and inspected the gauntlet she was given earlier in the day. It was true, this was clearly custom-made, impressive piece of work made only better by the fact that it was also full of magic, the brownish circle glowing at her attention. They had offered her custom made armor as well, but she had refused, she liked her outfit as is.
She bid the Minion away, and told them to take anything of value the village had. An intrusive thought compelled her to ask her advisor if her new servants even understood what valuables were. Considering the glee with which the bucket was stolen, she wasn't sure.
"What is valuable to an Overlord like yourself, Master, and what is valuable to a Minion are two different matters entirely. I remember when I was a young Minion, out in the field! Oh the things I put on my head! We Minions love looting, and we love putting that loot on ourselves even more. But, of course, the Dark Lady wants something different, gold, jewelry, magical artifacts, we understand that. "
Gnarl was proven right about his kind. While looting, they would periodically bring their haul to her. Things that they could wear, no matter how loosely one considered that term, and weaponry, they kept. Valuables, on the other hand, including lien, they brought to her, her gauntlet using its magic to transport said items to her treasure vault.
She turned on her heel to leave. In no time at all, the village was done and looted for all it's worth. Grimm would finish the rest.
"If I may, Dark Lady?" the ever present voice of Gnarl interrupted her. She paused and gave him the mental go-ahead to proceed. "Looting and mayhem is great, but, Master, perhaps you should consider occupying the territory? What kind of Evil Empire is without territories?"
Evil Empire was new, though not particularly surprising development. She'll entertain the idea, she decided, might as well see if it could be useful to her. That didn't mean, however, that she was just going to agree. She saw issues with this plan.
"I already robbed them blind," she reminded him, "what good are they to me now? Protecting them, and keeping them too afraid to rebel would just be a drain on my resources."
"What good is currency to you, Sire?" Gnarl countered. When she did not respond, unsure as to the point he was making, he elaborated. "Money is just a step towards getting what you want, a small part of something bigger. One village is not of great use, ten would be a different matter. But to get ten, you have to start with one."
He was suggesting she think long-term, then. She thought it over. Constant source of additional labor could be useful, some of the livestock could be converted to Minions, being stronger is always a plus. Then again, it would be drain on her time and resources to manage them, keep them safe, especially considering that unlike her own camp with its fortifications, this village regretfully had none.
"Maybe if some other village is more useful to me." she finally decided, rejecting her advisor's idea. "Even if I hadn't come here, they don't look like they would have survived the Grimm. I have no patience for such weaklings."
"As you wish, Master." Gnarl conceded on the issue with the village. "But I insist that you give the overall idea more thought. Weak have their own uses in human lands."
Raven conceded to his request, at the very least thinking it over later will do her no harm. Her Minions proven willing and eager to fight, and therefore something she could use. She sent her new servants back to her Dark Tower, and herself returned to her camp. They had to be reassured that she was alright, she had been gone for several hours now, and then she had to integrate her two domains, make sure either could take advantage of another.
She flew most of the way there in her bird form, the flight helping clear her head, if there was anything positive she'd gained from Ozpin, this was it. Nearing her camp, she transformed back, and crossed the remaining distance on foot. She smiled seeing that her fellow tribesmen respectfully stood at attention as she neared. She liked the respect, she wasn't going to deny that, but discipline was important too, and that is something she demanded of her people ever since she became the leader.
The gates were opened for her, and she made her way towards her tent, though she changed her mind and stopped in the middle of the camp. She looked around, and was pleased to see that all eyes were on her, as was only proper. She raised her gauntlet-clad hand high in the air, and used her bond with the Tower Heart to demand it open up a Tower Gate near her.
The Gauntlet glowed with power, and to the left of her, a Tower Gate rose from the ground, displacing the ground around it. Connection established, she demanded more, Gnarl had previously mentioned Minion Gates, and she willed one to appear nearby the Tower Gate. The Heart obeyed her, and as it did Gnarl whispered in her head, explaining that the Heart used her as a focus point, and that's why it could only create these things where she was currently present, or other magical creature the Heart was intimately familiar with, like himself for example. The gates that were created for her, would remain active even if she were to leave the location, they'd only 'fall asleep' upon her death, something she was not eager to experience.
The Minion gate was nothing more than rocks forming an anthill of sorts, the top glowing bright brown, color of the hive it was connected to. She beckoned, and a Minion erupted from the gate to the shock of all observers. Raven was secretly thankful it wasn't the Minion with the bucket; she wasn't sure how she would spin that as an example of a useful alliance.
She lowered her hand, and observed as the light on the gate dimmed; she willed it to disappear, and the Minion gate submerged itself beneath the ground, the spot where it once was appearing no different than before its appearance. That was how she missed the ambush, Raven realized, and with every little thing she learned, she realized that despite it all, she hit a jackpot.
She extended her arm towards her Minion, to divert attention to him, and began her speech. Strictly speaking, they'd obey her even if they were not convinced, but doubt is a wound, and a wounded dragon is vulnerable to disease. Practicality was on the front of her mind, but there was also the emotional side to consider. She led them for many years, and they faithfully served her, and while she had a deeper connection with her daughter she abandoned, her Semblance could testify to that, she had a connection with them regardless, she could respect their choice in life, their ability to survive, persevere, and seize their goals, even if their goals could be aimed higher.
"These creatures, they are called Minions, and I have entered into an alliance." Raven started off her speech with the most important part, the part they'd have to hear and accept, her mind already made. "They will serve me, as will their brothers and sisters. In return they ask for very little, just the ability to be part of our great future. Because our future will be great, won't it?"
A rhetorical question, but nevertheless it has been met with pleased yells and cheers of approval. She had been content to carve her own piece of life, and as such this was probably new to them, though they were obviously eager. Greed and wishes of a better life ran through their blood. They were Mistrali, after all, that was in their nature.
"Of course it will." Raven continued after they had their fill of cheers. "Under me, we have achieved greatness. There are three powers in this Kingdom. Leonardo and his Huntsmen," jeers were the response she heard from her tribesmen, "yes, pathetic and barely holding to their power; then there is the Spider Guild," the response was more positive there, though somewhat cautious. To criminals there is much to gain from the Spider Guild, but the prices were just as outrageous, "and finally there is us." the response to that was overwhelming, as expected, they had pride in themselves, even the Minion she summoned cheered, used to the position he is now to serve. "Spider and Huntsmen squabble over the Kingdom, but both know that what is outside of the walls, that is ours! And if either of their kind gets overzealous, we'll be happy to remove the attacker of its head!"
She heard more cheers of agreement. No one would dare mess with her tribe if they had any brain in their head of theirs. Her speech, however, was nearing the end point. There was one final thing to say.
"The help of Minion-kind will be invaluable to us. They are willing to fight and die to ensure we claim as much of the world as we dare to dream. We are all allies here, let's help them help us!"
She stayed for a while, absorbed their praise and applause, before turning to march into her tent, Minion left behind so they could all get acquainted. She sat down on a cushion near her table, and after a few minutes, Vernal entered carrying a tray of tea, set it down on the table, and sat on the other side of it, on a cushion too.
Raven took the tea with thanks, and awaited what Vernal wanted to say. It wasn't often she entered her tent unsummoned without a good reason. Though she was granted the most leniency of all of Raven's tribesmen, decorum had to be maintained.
"Tell me more about this alliance, Ma'am." was her respectful request. Raven frowned, this was unusual. Vernal usually knew to keep her nose where it belongs. Seeing Raven's expression, Vernal continued. "You have been gone for several hours, and in that time you have come back not only more full of life and ambition than I have seen you in a long time, but also with strange, almost demonic looking creatures, supposedly willing to die for a woman they just met."
She was suspicious then, and wary, though she didn't make any accusations. Raven wondered whether the concern was for her or herself. She took a sip of her tea, made just as she liked it.
"Are you afraid that I sold my soul to the Devil?" Raven asked, amusement coloring her tone. Her worry was unfounded; Raven wouldn't allow herself to be owned by anyone.
"In a world with magic, is that such a ridiculous worry?" Vernal said instead. She knew, of course, about magic. Raven used her as a decoy to hide her Maiden powers.
"What do you want to know?" Raven asked, conceding to Vernal's inquisitive mood.
"What did you promise them in return for their service?" the question was direct, clearly the question was weighing importantly on her mind.
Raven though for a bit what would be the best way to answer. She could say 'nothing' though she doubted that Vernal would believe her, nor was it entirely true. She decided to go with the truth for now.
"Their leader, now my subordinate, is called Gnarl. I met him when I told you all to return to the camp." Raven said casually, stressing that Gnarl now served her. "He was looking for a master, for a sovereign to lead his race to greatness. He's part of some sort death cult, worshipers of evil all of them. They found me suitably evil, full of greatness, perfect Queen to lead them all. If I find all of their tribes, three left to find, they all serve me live or die. Already tested them, they are more than willing to fight on my command, they thirst for a fight."
"So they are doing it all for family then?" Vernal asked, though her voice was neutral, Raven knew her well enough to know that she didn't buy the reason.
Raven gestured around them, and even though no other tribesmen were here, she figured she got the point across.
"Family's important, isn't it?" Qrow would call her words deeply hypocritical, but she cast that thought aside. "Some people are born to lead, some to follow. Our tribe follows. These Minions follow too. Is it that strange?"
"I don't trust them," Vernal said and her eyes trailed on Raven's gauntlets, "or their gifts."
It was wise of her, though seeing their obedience firsthand, seeing how she could think something and her servants would rush to obey, it convinced Raven that they were genuine. Whatever their reasons would be, true or false, they gave themselves up to her for survival. She could trust that, though she knew that she ought to make sure they don't meet a stronger master, survival like that often rested on hiding behind the strongest in the room. Though, she had to concede, that doesn't work very well with their eagerness to fight for her, no matter the occasion. Perhaps all they are concerned is finding someone best suited to lead them to fulfill their base desires, to help them cause evil?
"Trust me, then." Raven suggested.
"And your newfound ambition?" Vernal countered, her most loyal subordinate still suspicious. Raven sighed in annoyance. It would be nice that she trusted her like her brother trusted Ozpin. She meant well, but it was getting on her nerves.
"It was time for my ambition to wake up." was all Raven said in return. "I was content with the life I had made for myself, but when offered a chance to do something more…" Raven paused and resumed with honesty in her voice. "it woke up my curiosity. It woke up the part of me from the old Beacon days. Why live if you aren't going to enjoy it all?" Raven then looked Vernal straight in the eye and sighed. "Look, Vernal, I'm still the woman you know. Nothing's changing."
Vernal stared at her for a few minutes, and eventually gave her a nod.
"You know that I'd do anything for this tribe. " Vernal said. "If this is going to help us, fine, I can put up with that."
Raven smiled at her, happy to have her onboard. They drank their tea in silence, and after they were finished, Raven created a Tower Gate with a purposeful motion of her hand. She stood on the gate, and turned to look at her female subordinate.
"You have to demand it to take you to the 'Dark Tower'." Raven informed her, and before Vernal's very eyes, Raven disappeared.
Raven made her way to the throne, and as she sat down on it, she spotted Vernal appearing, not surprising since she lacked neither bravery nor intelligence, and the instruction she was given wasn't particularly complicated either.
Raven saw Vernal looking around, impressed by her dark domain despite its state. Mentally, Raven summoned Gnarl and he quickly made his way to her. Raven waved a hand in his direction.
"This is Gnarl I mentioned before." Raven introduced him to Vernal. Gnarl gave Vernal a once-over, and directed his attention to his Master.
"Did you need me for something, Dark Lady?"
Though Vernal raised an eyebrow at the title, she did not comment, and Raven took that opportunity to speak herself.
"You will work with my tribe to fix up this tower. I expect you Minions to do most of the labor, while we will make sure to provide the necessary resources and equipment."
Gnarl nodded in acceptance. "As you command, Master."
Raven wasn't done, however and continued. "When I'm not around, I expect Vernal's orders to be followed as if they were mine. She has worked many years, loyally and excellently, to earn my trust, and if your kind is to work well for me, I need to be sure you can all work together, that you can integrate yourself in my command structure."
"Of course, Sire," was Gnarl's obedient response, though that was not the end of it, "but I do hope that in time I can earn your trust as well."
Perhaps he will, Raven thought to herself, as she changed the topic to their other points of interest, to what their next actions would be.
Vernal suggested taking down Mistral, an ambitious goal that Gnarl found himself in agreement with. Raven shot down the idea, the time just wasn't right, not without an opportunity, whatever natural or made. The structure of Mistral-proper was divided in two, the Huntsmen and Spider Guild, both sharing their power almost evenly. The upper levels of Mistral tended to fall more under the Huntsmen influence, the lower levels, under Spider's.
Under Malachite, the Spider Guild was stable, but if she were taken out, Raven was sure the crime syndicate would collapse upon itself, splitting in many different sects vying for power, something easily cleaned up and taken advantage of. Problem was that attacking her base of operations head on was inadvisable. Malachite was often a target of overzealous young Huntsmen and people wanting to make a name for themselves. That was her domain, full of traps, and many hired ex-huntsmen. Raven wanted to run her Minions through some more tests, see the extent of their usefulness, and putting them in a scenario where they'd surely die was not on her list of priorities. Nor was needlessly sacrificing her tribe. She thought that with Maiden powers she could take it all on herself, but she was smart enough to not get overconfident. It was just power. An elite Huntsman is good, 30 average Huntsmen are better. She wasn't taking the risk, because when she starts this war, she'll have to win it, no matter what.
Huntsmen under Lionheart weren't particularly stable, and it was no secret to anyone that Malachite aimed to be the only power in the Kingdom, something many believed she could do. Qrow's actions in Kuchinashi has brought more legitimacy and stability to Lionheart's rule, but it also showed that the Kingdom had to rely on outside help to solve domestic problems. If another Kuchinashi happened, another big issue arose that Lionheart couldn't solve, that might be the opportunity Malachite would need to take the risk and press her influence, meet him and force him to resign. And Malachite out of her base of operations would be good for Raven too, hit all her influence at the same time, then from there go for the head of the snake. Attacking Lionheart directly wasn't an option either. Ozpin would take that as direct and explicit attack on his faction, a statement that they can never work again. She enjoyed being able to do business in other Kingdoms, and more importantly, if Ozpin began sending his best of the best against her, that'd be far too troublesome for her.
Another, long term idea was to regain the Minion tribes, an idea Raven would follow, but did not expect to be completed soon. The world was a big place, and they could be anywhere.
Third idea is to go exploring. With mystical creatures at her command, many of the world's riches and secrets could soon land in her hands.
There was much to think over, and they spent the rest of the day doing just that.