HELLO! It has been a while since my last upload, and I am so excited to be back in the saddle. I had to take a break to get the motivation back, and had to deal with a pretty tough semester of uni. Now with that out of the way I am free to return to writing. Thanks for the ongoing support while I was away, and as always I am here to improve so reviews and comments are greatly appreciated.
Dear Mercury,
I hope you are well at the time of receiving this letter. We may have only met recently but I believe you to be a man of utmost character. During our last conversation you offered your assistance should I need it, and while at the time I believed I would never require your help, I have come to understand that I do.
The events of the last few months have drained me, and being foolish as I am, I have refused to acknowledge this. I am in dire need of a break, to get away from all the pressures of running the Schnee affairs. I plan to travel to a small vineyard out in the countryside for a few weeks to properly relax. During this time I am in need of someone to manage the businesses under my purview. I would be honoured if you would be able to assist me in this. I promise it would only be for a maximum of a month, then I would return and resume control.
I understand if I am asking too much. If you accept however, I will be eternally grateful.
Yours sincerely, Weiss Schnee.
Cinder read over the letter, her lips twitching into a smile. "I presume you have accepted this offer?"
"I sent a reply as soon as I got it; she is sending me a key to the manor. It should arrive this afternoon."
"Excellent, this was easier than I thought it would be. To get invited into the private sanctum of the heir of the last leader of the Assassins. I look forward to your discoveries Mercury, you have done very well." Cinder cupped his cheek affectionately, Mercury's expression remaining clam. "Find the names of the rest of the Assassins, then send Emerald to deal with them. By the time Ms Schnee returns, the Assassin order will be no more."
"Yes mam…" Mercury looked away, guilt written on his face. Cinder's smile disappeared,
"What is it Mercury, you're not telling me something."
"Well, at the party. I tried to follow Ms Schnee, see if she was meeting anyone. I got distracted and lost her for a time. When I found her again, she was with… with her lady-in-waiting."
"What do you mean by 'with'?" Cinder's curiosity returning her sinister smile.
"I saw them kiss." Mercury's composure failing him, an equally sinister smile growing as he spoke.
"It saddens me that you waited so long to tell me," Mercury's confidence disappeared under Cinder's glare. "However, this is truly excellent news, we now have another card to play." Cinder waved a dismissal at Mercury, "Go, do what I have asked. You will be greatly rewarded for you exemplary service."
Mercury left the room at Cinder's instance. As the doors closed behind him he noticed Emerald, leant against the wall next to the door. He pressed on, Emerald following behind him, "I thought spying on women was a bit below you Mercury, apparently I was wrong. I will have to be extra careful from now on, wouldn't want you peeking."
"Please, you're not worth spying on."
"Oh no, just pretty white haired heirs."
"Exactly, I did my job, how about I go and help you complete yours."
"I don't need your help."
"Sure, sure, you already knew all the names and locations of the Assassins in London."
"We don't know for sure that there will be any names. It would be such a shame if all your hard work ended up being fruitless, I wonder what Cinder would do to you if you failed?"
"Do to 'us' if we fail, you won't get off scot free for failing either," Mercury corrected. Emerald sighed deeply,
"Truce?" Emerald asked hesitantly,
"Truce."
Weiss oversaw the servants as they packed the carriage full of luggage. She had always been an over packer when it came to travel, obsessed with being prepared for any situation. This time though, she felt more comfortable than ever before, because this time she was going on a holiday. Instead of packing ammunition and extra pistols, she was packing clothes and other luxuries. She did sneak in a set of pistols just in case, never could be too careful. "Hurry up Ruby, I want to make it to the vineyard by evening," Weiss ordered as Ruby strolled out of the manor, holding her own bag. Ruby smiled as she placed her own bag on the carriage, refusing the assistance of any servants. "Did you inform your Father that you are leaving?"
"Yup, I said goodbye while I got my stuff." Ruby smiling proudly as she opened the door of the carriage for Weiss. Weiss blushed, accepting Ruby's help into the coach. They had to be reserved around the servants, the risk of them talking was too great. So these small gestures of affection would have to do, and in truth, meant the world to Weiss. If news got out it would be disastrous for Weiss, and while she would likely lose most of her business, at least she would be able to pay off the constables. The same could not be said for Ruby.
Ruby hopped in the coach behind Weiss, the two sitting opposite each other. They felt the jolt as the carriage suddenly moved, the clicking of horseshoes on cobblestone playing in a rhythmic pattern.
The two of them waited until they had left the city, then Weiss informed the driver not to disturb them. Ruby slid up next to Weiss, snuggling in close and resting her head on Weiss' shoulder. Weiss tensed up at the surprise physical contact. It was a odd feeling, one that she was still getting used too. The warmth of another human being, the soft drum of their heartbeat and soothing sound of breathing, accompanied with an almost euphoric feeling of contentment. It took her a few moments to ease up, her muscles having tensed up by reflex. "Are you sure it's alright for us to do this?" Ruby whispered from Weiss' shoulder.
"Alright to do what?"
"You know, leave right now. The order is still getting reformed, and you said that you had a lot of issues with the Schnee business stuff." Ruby's voice was calm, but Weiss could hear the nervousness hidden under the façade of composure. Weiss sighed, her hand reaching around to rest on Ruby's shoulder, absentmindedly tracing patterns on the soft fabric of her dress. "I'm taking a break from it all. I have set up someone to take care of the businesses while I'm away. As for the order, well, they didn't want me."
"Weiss, they said they didn't want you to lead, that doesn't mean you should quit. You're the best Assassin I know, they need you." Ruby looked up at Weiss, her cheerful smile forcing Weiss relax. "Well until they need me, I think I deserve some time to relax," Weiss now rested her head on Ruby's. The two fell asleep quickly, happily rested up against each other.
Mercury scanned the papers on the desk, his patience slowly fading. He found nothing but boring letters from various disgruntled workers and business partners. Thankfully Cinder had organised someone else to deal with all the boring stuff, the stuff Weiss had actually asked him to do. Mercury just had to find out whatever secrets that could be found in the Schnee manor.
He scanned the bookcase, analysing the titles of each of the tomes. Nothing stood out, it was all simple literature. Mercury grumbled curses under his breath as he started going through each of the books on the shelves, hoping to find a cut out with secret dispatches or something along those lines. For a long while he searched through the book case, finding nothing pertaining to the Assassins. He pulled out a blue tome, the cover was worn and the binding showed signs of decay. Nothing here either, Mercury went to place the book back, and noticed a switch inlaid into the wall behind the book. A smile crept onto his face as he pulled the lever. A loud click echoing through the room, and Mercury turned to search for the opened lock.
He examined the room itself, only noticing now that the doors to the office had opened, and in the doorway stood one of the servants. He looked at Mercury with curious eyes, frowning as he looked around the room at the mess that Mercury had made. "U-uh sir, do you need assistance?"
"No, I'm perfectly fine," Mercury stood up straight, kicking some fallen papers away from his feet. The servant entered the room proper, looking cautiously at Mercury, "Sir I don't think Lady Schnee would like it if she found you-" Mercury took a casual step forward, and in a single swift motion, pulled the dagger from his boot. The servant's eyes widened as Mercury flung the dagger expertly, the silver blade slamming into his chest. The servant grasped his bleeding chest as he stumbled back against the door, slamming it shut.
"Did you really have to kill him?" Emerald sat in the open window, having entered without notice. Mercury craned his neck to see her, a satisfied look on his face, "Nope, but I haven't killed anyone in months."
"You are such a child," Emerald said as she rolled her eyes. Mercury just shook his head and returned to his search.
Weiss woke suddenly as the coach jolted. She quickly wiped the sleep out of her eyes and took stock of her situation. Still in the coach, late afternoon, Ruby is- Weiss looked down at the sleeping figure nestled into her side. "Ruby, we're almost there," Weiss shook Ruby gently, her other hand rubbing her shoulder. Ruby's eyes slowly opened, her silver orbs meeting Weiss'. "Morning," Ruby's voice slightly hoarse after having slept.
"It's actually evening Ruby," Weiss corrected
"Whatever," Ruby yawned as she lay her head back down on Weiss. Ruby struggled as a ray of amber light pierced the thin curtain over the carriages window. Weiss moved to readjust the curtain, but instead got caught up in the view outside. The coach rolled down a winding country path, soft green hills spread out before her, the only sign of humanities far reaching grasp were rows of grape vine plantations in the distance. The sky was split in two, the dark of night slowly overcoming the orange light of the day. "That's pretty," Ruby said as she sat up, now looking over Weiss shoulder out at the view.
Eventually the coach came to a halt outside of a cottage that overlooked the vineyard and the vineyards warehouse. Ruby and Weiss separated quickly, returning to their seats opposite each other. The driver opened the door and assisted both of them in exiting, before setting about transporting the bags inside. Weiss directed the man to Ruby and Weiss respective rooms, the separation only an illusion for any outsiders.
The two of them waited outside for the driver to finish, eyeing him carefully as he moved the two swords inside. The landscape was painted amber by the autumn season, the trees sparse with red, brown and golden leaves. In the east lay a dense forest, untouched by anything but nature. "We will have to do some exploring tomorrow, I have never been out to this property before," Weiss said idly as she scanned the beautiful horizon.
"Ooh I love exploring!" Ruby cheered in excitement, taking in the sights around her with a wide grin. Weiss took her eyes off of the view and enjoyed Ruby's enthusiasm, her unquenchable thirst for excitement. She had heard all the stories from her old friends, telling of their dalliances with rich suitors who made their knees weak with a simple glance. Weiss usually wrote those people off as fools, the wish fullness of it all seemed so impractical, so naïve. It was so obvious now that she was the fool, for discounting the feeling, denying the possibility of true devotion and trust. Ruby glanced at her for a moment, smile glued to her face, and it made Weiss weak in the knees.
Mercury read through the letters again, committing as much to memory as possible. He already had a basic list of names, Scarletina, Nikos and Lie having come up the most. He had passed it all on too Emerald, who was eager to get to work. Once again though Mercury was left behind, condemned to playing the friendly aristocrat, uncovering the dark secrets of London's high society. It was terribly boring.
Emerald pulled at the scratchy plain dress. It was getting old at this point, the whole serving maid routine. The only issue was that it was a very effective way of getting into places where you were not invited. She slipped through the back gate, the lock easily picked, as was usual for a woman of Emeralds skills.
She cased the house, watching the scurrying servant's shadows play out in the light emanating from the windows. She found her opening quickly, easing one of the back doors open and entering. She cast her eyes down and moved quickly, her disguise allowing her to be invisible in plain sight. Walking with purpose allowed her to remain unquestioned by any other staff.
She could hear her targets in the next room, the three of them partaking in simple cups of tea before bed. The lamps were running low due to the late hour, and the long shadows emanating from the light provided the perfect cover for Emerald to wait. The three figures finished their idle chat, a servant appearing to retrieve their cups. Emerald watched from the shadows as the maid left with two teacups and a fine glass. Next came the family, the wife and husband walked past Emerald who had moved behind a set of ornamental armour. They kissed their daughter good night before heading upstairs, the young girl retiring to her own room down the hall of the first floor.
Emerald decided to go after the parents first, deciding to deal with the biggest threat first. She hurried up the stairs and turned towards the master bedroom. As she stalked through the low light she gazed out the window, the serving staff could be seen leaving through the garden. Perfect, nice and quiet.
Emerald leaned against the wall next to the door. She waited for the light leaking under the door to turn to darkness. She heard the creaking of old wood, what she assumed to be the bed as her targets laid down to sleep. Emerald slowed her breathing, flexing the muscles in her fingers as she drew the stiletto blade from under her dress. She waited another minute before twisting the brass handle of the door, the cold metal turning without a sound. She peaked inside, comforted by the sight of the two figures motionless under the sheets.
Emerald hid the blade behind her back as she moved through the room, her steps careful as she walked over the polished floorboards. It was only when she was a step away that the floor finally sounded in protest, an eerie creak breaking the silence. Someone in the bed shifted, her face startled as she look up at Emerald. Emerald struck, slamming the knife down quickly. The man next to the now dead woman sprung up, faster than Emerald could bring the blade to bare. "Helen!" The man cried out as he looked into the glassy eyes of his wife. Emerald lunged aiming for the man's throat. Bare chested the man backed away and brought up his forearm to deflect the blade. The knife sliced his forearm, but Emerald was pushed back by the larger man. "Templar bitch!" He cried as he threw a powerful right hook. Emerald was faster and managed to dodge the blow. She struck again, like a viper striking with its fangs she jabbed at him, her blade sinking into his side. He grunted and pushed Emerald back. Their eyes met for a second before the man's eyes darted behind Emerald.
"Velvet run!" He commanded as he engaged Emerald. He managed to get several blows past Emeralds defences, yet each successful blow cost him. Every time he passed through her defences her blade would taste flesh.
The floorboards creaked behind Emerald and she spun. Velvet stood behind her, swinging her mother's jewellery box at Emerald. Emerald rolled out of the way, the man jumping back in surprise as his daughter joined the fight. Emerald sprung to her feet and threw her blade. The man tried to raise his forearm again to block the flying steel, once again Emerald was faster. The man fell back with a spray of blood. Velvet cried out and swung her box, the carved jewellery box cracking against Emeralds shoulder.
Bolts of pain spread through Emerald, the shock of the blow causing her to stumble back. Velvet's face was alight with anger, as she haphazardly swung the box. Emerald was unprepared for the ferocity of the attacks and was forced back towards the window. Unarmed Emerald was forced to use her limited knowledge of hand to hand fighting. Her kicks and punches seemed to have no effect on the rage filled girl.
The box slammed into her again, this time crashing against her head. Emerald fell back onto the wall, a streak of blood slid down her face. Velvet threw the box at her, desperate to end the life of the person who had killed her parents. Emerald dropped into a roll as the box splintered and broke against the wall. Emerald rolled past Velvet, springing up next to Velvets father. She pulled free the blade and rushed Velvet.
Velvet ran into Emerald, her fist connecting with Emerald's already battered face. The two collided with force, both falling away from each other and collapsing to the ground. Emerald crawled away, using the bedpost to pull herself up. She looked over at Velvet, who lay motionless on her back, the stiletto protruding from her stomach. Emerald sunk back down, her breathing was heavy and her hands shook. The family lay dead, faces a mix of sadness and pain. Emerald just sat in the darkness for a moment recovering. Reluctantly, and fighting the pain in her shoulder and head, she got to work covering up her kills.