Disclaimer: This story has been previously published as The Hunters of the Maidens on RWBY Amino. The cover art was done by I3blacksun, who has given me permission to post it here and can be found on RWBY Amino. I do not own anything borrowed from RWBY, such as the Winter Maiden or the concept of semblances. If I did, this wouldn't be 'fanfiction' but a real sideplot.
The Maiden Hunters: Everfrost
The group continued as normal for three days. As they trekked further north, the girl began to miss the wildlife of the woods: the pitter-patter of small animals running in the trees above, the sight of birds circling their fallen prey. For some reason, everything now seemed to be asleep. Their footsteps echoed in her ears, and a feeling of foreboding fell upon her. She felt as if they might wake a sleeping beast beneath the snow drifts, and the stillness would be broken.
But the stillness endured, along with the silence. On the third day, the woods seemed to change. "This must be the Forest of Everfrost," Album whispered to himself as they walked among the evergreens. The forest seemed to be a single sheet of frosted glass, cracked by green branches drooping under the weight of the ice.
The girl winced as the wind picked up. Snowflakes stuck to her eyelashes and her boots crunched loudly in the snow. The journey through Everfrost was slow going and the girl felt they would never escape the icy woods.
Her nerves were further tested by Album's muttering. He went on endlessly about the climate, season changes, and how impossible it was for it to be winter all year.
"Kid, you have got to shut it," Gin muttered, frowning at his frozen flask. His utter look of despair unlocked something within the girl, and she began to laugh. The three men jumped at the sudden outburst. Album and Vio exchanged confused glances, while Gin smiled and threw the useless ale into the trees. The laughter eased her frustrations. They all continued through Everfrost feeling lighter.
After a few hours of walking, Vio stopped and looked around. "We'll camp here," he stated.
Album glanced up at the sky and adjusted his glasses, "It's hardly dusk."
"What are you planning, Vio?" Gin muttered as he caught up to them.
"There should be a cabin up ahead. According to the pretty server at the inn, a young lady lives there alone, in the middle of Everfrost, with strange powers and ice cold eyes." Vio explained matter-of-factly. Gin's eyes lit up with this information. "Al will go ahead and learn what he can, give her a little case of amnesia, and return to us with the details."
Vio, Album, and Gin discussed the details of their plans, and then Album went on his way. The girl ignored the eager men and began to set up camp. She wanted to leave, explore the strange forest and hunt for some dinner. But every time she thought of leaving, her feet betrayed her and she found herself back at the camp.
Night fell without Album's return. A fire was started and Vio cooked a hot dinner. The girl dreamed of fireflies dancing in the sparks, while Gin and Vio whispered by the fire.
A/N: Thank you Bomberguy789 for the awesome review. I think most of your questions will be answered in the following chapters (maybe not all, but we can talk about that another time if you want). Please keep the reviews coming, it's really nice to get some solid feedback!
Best, RC