A/N : So! Well, whaddya know, Valentine's Day has come and gone (well, it was technically STILL Valentine's when I started writing this). 'Tis the season you see more couples than singles around, and more often than not doing the usual stuff or shopping for the most common items during this time of the year: dates, chocolates, roses, romantic dinners, shopping for RWBY merch together, attending RWBY cosplays and stuff... (Spare me from all that though. I don't like the expenses involved. My wallet's still hurting from the emergency expenses last Christmas and New Year, plus I'm not exactly in the mood to be romantic. Don't worry though; I'm not going to take it out on anyone.)

Anyways, I was digging through my unused drafts last night, and I came across this little piece that I wrote while listening to Blind Guardian ("Valkyries"), Evanescence ("My Immortal"), and Metallica ("Nothing Else Matters"), among others. Y'all should be able to spot the references, if you've listened to them. This was originally written as a flashback of sorts, but I've changed it to what it is now.

And yes, expect some... Uh... Unexpected stuff.

Before anything else (yes, I know, same old stuff, blah blah blah...) :

DISCLAIMER : I DO NOT OWN RWBY. CREDIT GOES TO (RWBYGOD) MONTY OUM AND ROOSTERTEETH.

HOWEVER, I DO CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF THE ORIGINAL IDEAS AND/OR CHARACTERS.

Lights, camera, action!

The sound of something sizzling in a scalding-hot frying pan; the soft swish of a sharp knife through something crisp and firm, ending in a muffled thud, the entire sequence taking no longer than half a second; and a pleasant voice humming a catchy melody.

Those three combined during early mornings have always served as Myst's alarm clock, of sorts, ever since she could remember. It became her everyday ritual prior to getting up: lying on her back, wide awake yet eyes closed, taking in the sounds from the kitchen nearby, where her mother prepared their breakfast. It never failed to get the flaxen-haired girl's senses attuned to everything, even if she had little to no sleep at all the previous night.

Once she heard the knife stop its rapid, rhythmic slicing, Myst knew what to expect next: the sound of something being stir-fried, followed by a loud, satisfying crunch. Next came the scent of lightly browned garlic, onions, ginger root, and other herbs and spices.

Usually, by this time Myst would have dragged herself out of bed and stumbled her way to the dining table, easily visible from the kitchen where her mother was oft seen. Now, Myst decided to wait until she was called.

Myst had always held her mother in high regard. Standing with her back to the flaxen-haired girl, Myst's mother could be very easily mistaken as her twin, or elder sister. Both had the same standing posture, the same long flaxen hair, and similar height.

It was only when she turned around that Amaranth, Myst's mother, could be distinguished from her daughter. Where Myst had blue eyes, courtesy of her father, Amaranth had lively green ones. Myst adopted her father's poker face, while the older woman always had a ready smile.

Shortly after finishing whatever she was frying, Amaranth would flip the large pan with a practiced grace, and somehow get its contents transferred into a plate without spilling anything. Then, in one smooth motion, she would turn off the stove, toss the rags she used as pot holders into the wicker basket that served as their laundry hamper, and slip off the apron to hang it on its peg behind the door.

Amaranth's soft voice broke into the younger girl's train of thought. "Myst, have you not awakened yet?"

Myst opened her eyes and slowly sat up, allowing her mother to see that she was. "Ah, good. You're awake. Breakfast is ready; I will go and wake your father shortly."

"Many thanks, Mother," Myst sleepily answered as she sat up and trudged to the bathroom, washing her face first, then proceeding to the dining table.

At the same time that Myst sat at the dining table, Amaranth entered with a hugely-yawning man in tow. Myst nodded and greeted, "Good morrow, Father."

The man merely grunted in response. This was Boreas, Amaranth's husband and Myst's father. Boreas was truly an intimidating sight - a large man, built like a bear, with a shaggy mane of steel-grey hair and cold, piercing blue eyes. Normally he spoke with an air of authority that expected to be obeyed, but to those who knew him closely he was an absolute softie.

Amaranth elbowed Boreas lightly, with a slight furrow of her brows. He only responded with a grunt as he paused slightly. "Aye, good morrow daughter." He sat down at the head of the table, and reached out for a loaf of bread.

Myst watched in silence as her parents went about their business for a good few minutes. As Amaranth sat herself down at the table, Myst could not help but ask the one question she had always wanted to ask them ever since. "Mother, Father, I have been always curious. How and where didst thou meet?"

Boreas, who was downing his second cup of coffee at the time, sputtered at the question, earning a light chuckle from Amaranth. "What?! What sort of thoughts have crept into thy mind, daughter?"

"Oh, hush, you big bear." Amaranth gently placed a hand on top of her husband's. "I think it was time that Myst knew."

The corner of Boreas' lip curved upwards slightly. "If thou sayest so." He turned to his daughter, his voice lowering slightly, but still enough so Amaranth can hear. "Hark, then, daughter; I shalt tell thee the tale of how I met thine mother..."

Amaranth rolled her eyes. "Showoff."

Flashback: First Person POV: Boreas

I reach into my pigeonhole, feeling the unmistakable roll of parchment sealed with wax instead of being tied with cord or ribbon. Ah, another assignment, barely a day after the last one. This is becoming quite repetitively tiring. Perhaps I should ask for at least a partner...

The sound of fast, heavy footfalls reach mine ears. True enough, here comes the messenger... My, is he in a hurry. Whatever for? Perhaps I shalt ask.

I raise my arm and flag down the man. "Ho, there, good man! Why the unseemly haste? Slow down, slow down, man, thou canst only speak as fast as thine breath shalt allow..." He seemed all too glad for the break in running, as he immediately launched into a breathless, gasping monologue. I listen to him ramble quite breathlessly, amused at his excitement as he seemed really eager to spread the news, whatever it was.

Owing to his breathlessness I could not get the entirety, but I did get the gist of it. One of our scouts had managed to pin down the location of a group of Fauna, likely a majority of them kidnapped by a large band of slavers. If we're lucky, they haven't been branded yet, which would help them reintegrate themselves into the general populace. For those unlucky enough to have a slave brand burned into their bodies - usually in their arms, chests, or necks - we have little else to offer but the protection of the Order. Either way, a skirmish was imminent, that much was certain.

I grinned from ear to ear, and the poor man must have been scared half out of his wits to see me, Boreas Ventego, the Gray Tempest, grinning so widely. I clapped the man's shoulder. "Eh, so the slavers hath been found? Good, good news indeed. Very well! Carry on, good man, and make sure thou shalt pick up a flagon of good wine once thou hath delivered thy dispatch!"

Not a second passed and he was off again, faster on his heels now that he has had a short breather. I glance again to my pigeonhole, reach up and pull the roll of parchment out. Using a small pen knife, I broke the wax seal and started to read through it, no longer being surprised with the contents.

The Arms Master was anticipating this would happen, and had set me and two others in a joint operation to stage a multi-pronged attack. I was to be with the distraction and main assault head team, Leu the lion Faunus was to be with the team assigned to infiltrate and rescue all civilians, and the Cuwphah lass was to help provide ranged cover for both teams.

There was one more name on the list but I wasn't able to read it. One of the sentries had called me and was now walking alongside as I made my way to my quarters to set up my meager gear. It has always been simply me, my armor, and my double sabre Polaris.

I do remember that person was assigned for combat medic duty.

Flashback: First Person POV: Amaranth

A bright morning greeted my eyes as I woke up. Slowly sitting up, I let my body get its bearings. I have to remind myself I am no longer in Mistral; it has been several years since my ship got wrecked and I somehow washed ashore, only my shield and spear-cannon remaining with me.

That is all in the past; today, I am officially beginning duty as a battle medic for the Order.

I glance to my bedside, and again my eyes are drawn to the pair that has always saved my life: my round buckler shield Kalina-Tinechor (1), and my spear-cannon Agaru-Lote (2). No doubt, I shall have to rely on them again.

After breaking my fast with simple fare - a boiled leg of hare, some herbs and the half loaf of bread I set aside last night - I took a quick bath and donned my new raiment. It still feels awkward to be using light armor, as I've been used to my old heavy armor's weight. I glance to the small table at my bedside, where my old battle armor now rested, and a small sigh left my lips.

The full plate mail, dented and twisted in several places - but otherwise still unbroken, each showing where I cheated the dark gods and escaped with my life intact - now sat on the table like a museum display. If it weren't for the dents and scratches, the vibrant purple would still be easily seen. My helm was still the same - a gleaming steel sallet, with its cheek and nose guards taking the brunt of the blows to my face. The gods above knew how much this meant, especially to one such as myself who have devoted their life to battle.

I remember striking a rather imposing figure in them, and my shield and spear completed the ensemble.

I picked up the sallet and tucked it under one arm, slinging my shield on my back and hefting the spear with my other arm. Hopefully I shall not have to use them today.

Flashback: Third Person POV

The assault went better than expected, although there were still losses on either side. Majority of the captive Fauna were recovered, and would be provided with passage back to their homelands. For those who were willing, induction into the Order as freemen were offered. Not a few accepted, mostly those unfortunate enough to have slave brands already touch their skin.

Amaranth was slowly making her way through the smoldering field, littered with broken weapons and armor, blood stains, and the occasional dead body. Most of the wounded had already been recovered and brought back by their respective forces, and she was assigned to go through the now-charred field that was a chaotic battlefield earlier.

Scattered here and there were various bits and pieces, some recognizable as good-luck or battle charms; trinkets that Amaranth never really put much faith into. Others were from weaponry or armor: a gun barrel here, a broken-off blade partly buried over there, the remains of steel greaves on another side.

A short distance away was a small contingent of guards - more of backup, if one thought about it. Easily noticeable among them was a large-built man, clothed in gray robes that were fastened at the waist by a length of braided rope, and wore no head protection. His feet were shod in leather boots and he was holding a double saber in his right hand. He was poking and prodding a pile of rubble close by.

He straightened up after a few more moments of this and turned to Amaranth, gesturing to the field. "Aye, there be no life in this immediate area. We had best move on."

Amaranth nodded. While her companions started to move out, she jogged closer and looked up to him. "You're the Gray Tempest, right? Boreas Ventego?"

He slightly nodded, with a smooth salute. "Aye, m'lady. I be known as that, however truth be told I prefer to be called by mine name." He extended a hand to her. "And thou art...?"

"Amaranth. Amaranth Sarzin." She took his hand and gave it a firm squeeze. She smiled slightly as he reciprocated, the rough yet warm palm against hers.

Boreas instantly liked the girl. She was soft-spoken, appeared to be a lone-wolf type of person, yet he could see a fire and intelligence in her eyes that belied the impression that she gave.

Amaranth started to relax a bit around Boreas. It would seem she would find a friend in here, after all.

As the group moved along, Boreas and Amaranth were silent for the first few minutes. "Ah... Art thou new? I have not seen thee before," Boreas started.

Amaranth shrugged. "Nay, I have been here for awhile. Although I tend to keep to my room if I do not have any task that requires me to leave." She glanced around the fields again, her eyes taking on a hard look. "Such waste... But I do not know which loss I find worse, the loss of land or the loss of life in general."

"Aye, 'tis truly vexing to see thy homeland ravaged thus," Boreas agreed. "But, as long as the citizens stand firm and rebuild what has been lost, then in due time all shall be well. If needed then we can claim other uninhabited lands; as long as life, whether it be human or Faunus, is preserved, then I am at peace." He turned to her, a sage look on his face. "What sayeth thou, Lady Sarzin?"

She was surprised, not at the question, but at Boreas' facial expression. Throughout her years, Amaranth had learned to gauge whether a person was merely attempting to fool her, or was genuinely interested. The Gray Tempest was honestly interested in her, it seemed. And for starters, it seemed that he also shared her interests.

This would be a very interesting year for her.

Seven months later...

"All I am saying is that thy technique needs more refinement. When thou commenceth thy assault, thou leaveth thy entire left side open - canst thou try to keep thine shield closer?"

"Says the bear who doesn't even wear a helm, or any other sort of protection."

"Ah, but that is the core of my offense and defense - lure attackers in and make them regret it. Thou hath seen Polaris, yes?"

"Yes, and while I agree that your armor - or lack thereof - allows you greater mobility and flexibility, you can't just disregard ranged attackers. Have you ever thought what might possibly happen if you were engaging someone in close quarters then some sniper decides to take potshots at you?"

"I have not yet done so, but I shall get by. And while we are discussing, might I also remind thee that thou also need to improve thine balance."

Amaranth let out an audible huff. "We can discuss that another time."

"... How about we talk it over at dinner, then? I shalt take care of everything. Thou only need to come so we can discuss and eat at the same time."

"... Are you asking me out, Boreas Ventego?"

"That shalt depend on thee, Amaranth Sarzin."

The door slammed open, and a steaming mad lion Faunus stormed in. "Oi, can't the two of ya pipe down?! Other cats here can't sleep, damnit!"

Boreas and Amaranth looked at Leu who just barged in, exchanged glances, then turned back to the newcomer. Boreas broke the awkward silence. "I, ah, apologize, Leu. However... Canst thou not, ah, barge in... In thy birthday suit?"

The lion glanced down, and his angry face gained a bright blush that was not in any way associated with anger. Amaranth could not suppress a giggle as the lion Faunus practically ran from her room, slamming the door shut as he went.

Both shared a chuckle for a few minutes, before Amaranth quieted down. "So, where were we...?"

Five months later, a full year from when they first met...

"Boreas, duck!"

"Aye, m'lady! Quack!" The sound of something getting squelched followed, then a muffled boom as a Beowolf blasted away.

Amaranth swatted Boreas' back as she straightened up. "Stop making fun of me, you big bear!"

The Gray Tempest pretended to be hurt, his eyes showing amusement. "But I merely followed thy command! Thou didst say duck, unless thou art calling me a liar... And Leu canst attest to that."

"Aw, quit pullin' me into yer lover games, the two of ya," a lion Faunus landed softly a short distance away from them. "You two lovebirds gotta quit beatin' round da bush and get yerselves married already."

Amaranth's face immediately blushed red, noticeable even through her full helm. "Wha...?! I... How could...?"

That was the only moment that Amaranth let her guard down, failing to notice an Alpha Beowolf lunging at her from somewhere in the murky shadows.

"Amaranth!"

A second later, Boreas was holding her close, turning her away from something. Leu, some distance away, was trying to get closer but it was clear he wouldn't make it in time.

That was when she noticed a spray of red from somewhere behind the body hugging her close. She also felt one of Boreas' arms let go of her, just long enough to swing Polaris and decapitate an Alpha Beowolf, and sever one of its paws. She clearly heard its dead body thud on the dirt, at the same time she felt an increase of pressure from Boreas. He was definitely hurt.

Amaranth tried to push Boreas slightly. When she looked up, his face was pale, and a stream of blood painted his face and hers a bright red. He was smiling down at her, though. "A... Art thou...?"

"Hush, don't talk you big bear." She silenced him with a finger to his lips and tried to set his larger bulk to the ground. And this had to happen at a time when she didn't have most of her medic supplies! "Sometimes you can really be so thoughtless."

Her concern increased when she noticed his breathing became shallower. Amaranth turned to the lion Faunus, standing at her side. "Leu! Please run back and get help! Boreas won't last long like this!"

The lion Faunus nodded and dashed off. Amaranth's blood seemed to run cold as she heard Boreas started softly singing.

"To the gods of the North, I pray;
And I raise my cup for the fallen ones.
Then I cry,
In Valhalla we'll sing..."

"Don't you dare let go, you big bear," Amaranth frantically whispered. "You still owe me a dinner..."

The pale face formed a smile. "Ah... Yes. I had forgotten..." He coughed slightly, obviously suppressing it. "I apologize..."

Save that for later, Amaranth thought to herself. Apologize later, you still owe me that dinner... "You big stupid bear... Aren't you in the least concerned for yourself?"

Boreas winced as Amaranth tried to roll him to his side. "Nay... If it means I can save a life, human or Faunus, I shalt be at peace..."

Amaranth tried pulling off Boreas' robe. Just as she suspected, he did get a nasty set of deep gashes. Luckily none of those gashes hit his spine, otherwise he would certainly be severely handicapped. She refused to think of the possibility of Boreas dying on her.

Some of the blood dripped down to Boreas' face. Softly he started singing again:

"Rain, red blood keeps pouring down;
Come, Valkyries, join me in my final ride!
Here I lie, bleeding;
All-Father, I await thee!"

At this, Amaranth swatted the injured man's shoulder. "You aren't going anywhere, you big bear. By all that's holy, you are coming back with me..." She glanced to his cloudy blue eyes, and something about it reminded her it has been one full year from the day they met. "You probably don't remember, but it's been a year..."

Amaranth set herself to staunching the wounds for now, and check for any further injuries once they get back. Death by exsanguination wasn't exactly pleasant, at least to the onlookers; those who suffered it usually were blessed with not feeling anything else, since the blood loss normally left them blissfully unaware of everything around them.

She sighed in relief when she saw that Boreas seemed to have passed out.

Leu returned about half an hour later with several Order medics. They slowly placed him on the stretcher, being careful not to move him any more than necessary.

Once in the infirmary, Amaranth was among those who helped clean the wound and find out that Boreas actually took more than just four claw slashes: one of the Alpha Beowolf's claws broke off and was left embedded in his body, dangerously close to his lungs.

"We all agree Boreas is in a dangerous situation right now." The chief medic took off his glasses and wiped them on his handkerchief. "And we all agree that we have to remove that Beowolf claw. Immediately. However…"

"However… What?" Amaranth and Leu asked at the same time.

"However… We can't guarantee he'll survive unscathed."

Amaranth clenched her fist. "I never thought I'd say this," she began softly, "but let's do this."

Leu and the chief medic looked at her with surprise. "Eh? What in tarnation made you-?"

"Boreas himself believed in this: 'if it means I can save a life, human or Faunus, then I shall be at peace'. I shall follow that belief as well." Amaranth set her full helm down on the table. "Please. Do all you can for him."

The chief medic regarded the flaxen-haired woman in front of him for a few minutes, then nodded. "I understand. I'll have my team ready in half an hour and begin immediately."

As the chief medic left, Leu put a hand to Amaranth's shoulder. "So, ya ready to admit to him."

She merely nodded. "I'll not risk waiting any longer than necessary."

A month after the incident…

Amaranth entered the medic ward. As usual, everything was white, quiet.

Save for the man in the bed, who – even though unconscious – still managed to snore like it was nobody's business.

The green-eyed woman sat on the chair beside the bed and gently grasped the sleeping man's hand. "Perhaps you'll not wake up... Or perhaps you will soon. I do not know; but still I come here every day and tell you the same things over and over. Perhaps I am getting crazy." She let out a soft sigh. "All I know is that I've been all alone this past month… And I am tired of it. I am tired of subjecting myself to this. I am tired of being fenced in by my fears… I do not wish to sound like I am giving you an ultimatum, Boreas, but you better wake up soon, or else..."

She sat in silence for several minutes more before leaning closer, one hand propping Amaranth up, the other gently sweeping stray strands of hair. "I can't deny that you've been a ray of light in my life, and that light captivated me, guided me… If you leave my life now, I… I'll be forever haunted by your loss. So now I'll tell you… I've decided that if and when you ask me, I'll accept. I want to be part of your life, as much as you will be with mine. When either of us weeps, the other will wipe the tears away; when either screams in their nightmares, the other will fight their fears and stay close by…" Amaranth's voice started to break. "I don't know how I'll continue without you now, Boreas. You've become so entwined in my life… Please wake up soon…" She raised her hand, entwined with his, and softly kissed the back of his hand. Amaranth's eyes gently closed, tears straying down from her closed lids.

"… M'lady… Valkyrie… Amaranth…?"

Amaranth's eyes popped open. Boreas' eyes were still partly closed, but she felt a gentle squeeze.

He's awake. He's awake!

Back to present time…

"I spent the better half of the year recuperating, daughter. And let me tell thee, a Beowolf claw in thy back is something that thou shouldst never look forward to." Boreas eased slightly as Myst continued listening, enraptured. Amaranth grinned and winked at her husband.

"Back then, daughter, I was lucky to have met your father and have him take a liking to me. I don't know how my life would have turned out, otherwise." Amaranth reached out and gave Boreas' hand a gentle squeeze, while also doing the same to Myst's. "Now, I'm content. I have the man I want, and the child I wished for. Just remember you'll always be close, no matter how physically far you are from us; you'll find that the distance is never too far from your heart. Simply trust your heart; it will never fail to tell you who you are, and that's all that matters now."

All three exchanged smiles. The younger woman turned and asked Boreas, "So, Father… How long after until thou married Mother?" Myst's voice was excited.

Amaranth let go of her husband and daughter, stood up and got two more glasses of fruit juice for the two. When she returned, the green-eyed woman mussed up her daughter's hair before answering. "He actually waited until he was assigned a new job until asking me to marry him. Your father certainly has nerve."

"I did no such thing!" Boreas put both hands up, in a placating gesture. "At least, not intentionally. Thou knowst I had already wanted to ask thee…However I had to delay since I wanted you to have the best, grandest wedding in all of the Order's history!"

Myst turned to her mother. "Did thou, Mother? I mean, was Father able to give thee a grand wedding?"

"Yes, darling, and then some. I'm still miffed that he forgot one tiny detail though…"

"Eh? What could that be, wife?"

Amaranth's eyes narrowed at Boreas. "All this time and you haven't remembered?! Where's that dinner you promised me twenty-one years ago?"

"… Oh."

And there we have it. These two put a whole new meaning to the expression 'love is a battlefield'.

For some reason, whenever I re-read Myst's lines, I always imagine it being said in Rachel Alucard's voice. For Amaranth, I had imagined a slightly lower toned, softer voiced Torakaka. Boreas' was…Idunno, a really deep barrel voice. Maybe.

Another thing, I don't know how the hell I uploaded the final drafted version for 'Swordplay' instead of the actual proofread version. I'm really sorry about the mixup. I've already fixed it.

Translation Time:

1 : Kalina-Tinechor = Light Shield

2 : Agaru-Lote = Crimson Flower

Translations based from (slash)empire2(slash)angora5(slash)