The Grimm Story of Jack Marston's Redemption
Chapter. 10
The sun, well past its meridian, poured through the windows of Ozpin's office like liquid gold, casting long shadows that stretched across the room like the hands of a clock. The light danced on the surface of Ozpin's desk, where a mountain of reports, requests, and paperwork lay scattered. Steam spiraled gently from a mug of freshly poured coffee, its rich aroma mingling with the musty scent of old books that permeated the room.
Ozpin's usually calm mind was now clouded with worry. While he was relieved that his professors and students had mostly returned unharmed, the sudden surge in Grimm activity in the Forever Fall forest was alarming. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Bullheads carrying the students and professors Goodwitch and Port. As the students streamed out of the flying crafts, Professor Peach, the school's nurse, hurried to assist those with minor injuries.
The elevator chimed, and its doors slid open to reveal the two aforementioned Professors.
"Ah, Miss Goodwitch, Professor Port, I'm glad to see you're both safe. How are the students faring?" Ozpin inquired.
"Mostly fine, just a few scrapes and cuts," the combat teacher replied.
"Indeed, one can't help but marvel at the resilience of youth," Port added with a hearty chuckle.
"Hmm, yes. Despite your and the students' valiant efforts, the increase in Grimm's presence in Forever Fall is deeply troubling," Ozpin remarked solemnly.
"Agreed," Goodwitch nodded in assent.
"Please, provide me with a detailed account of the events leading up to the Grimm's appearance," Ozpin requested.
Goodwitch opened her mouth to speak, but Professor Port interjected.
"We'll Headmaster, the survival exercise was going as planned some teams went out further than others but the majority stayed relatively near the landing site. I can't say I blame them considering I was there vigilantly standing guard against the Grimm menace."
"Peter."
"In the wee hours of the morning the Grimm attacked but I quickly sprang into the fray to defend my pupils" Port bolstered.
A short eternity later...
"Well Peter certainly knows how to spin a good yarn, doesn't he?" The headmaster asked rhetorically as he took a sip from his mug.
Professor Goodwitch Blew out an aggravated breath "He certainly does".
A single black Crow perched itself on a window seal and pecked at the glass.
"Ms. Goodwitch it's a bit stuffy in here, please open the window.
The deputy Headmistress glared at the bird before striding over to a small window in the corner of the room, The only one that could open, and stepped back to her usual place beside Ozpin.
The Crow hopped up and flew through the window behind a long, convenient curtain. The curtain parted and out staggered a haggard, surly, and alcohol-reeking Qrow Brawen.
"Drunk again," the disciplinarian said.
The surly bird gave a roguish grin "Me too".
The disciplinarian snarled at the drunk, baring her teeth in the most unladylike fashion. "After all these years someone still hasn't taught you any manners," she said as her grip landed on her riding crop.
Professor Ozpin set down his mug with a hint of force "Glynda, Qrow, that's enough" the old headmaster said forcefully. His subordinates straightened, they looked at each other before looking back at Ozpin both shame-faced.
"Apologies, sir"
"Sorry Oz"
The old Headmaster picked his mug off of his desk and stared into it, he looked dreadfully old. Tired. "We have enough enemies as it is, we don't need to turn on each other as well."
"Tell that to Jimmy" Qrow muttered. Goodwitch cut a killing glance toward the surly bird. Ozpin peered sternly at his former pupil over his glasses. "Qrow" he chastised.
Ozpin pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled deeply. "So, what did you uncover about the incident in Forever Fall forest and our, unexpected guest?"
"Oh, I saw what happened alright. Our 'unexpected guest' was kneeling over Ruby in her sleep! He was practically in her sleeping bag" Qrow seethed.
The two administrators stiffened at such a disturbing implication. Qrow paused to stew in his righteous indignation before continuing.
"That cowboy-looking kid you stuck on Ruby's team woke up before I had the pleasure of dealing with this 'funny man' and scared him off, and then cowpoke shot him in the back at nearly forty yards, at night, and with iron sights. I found the odd guy's corpse a few yards into the treeline". As he finished Qrow stepped up to Ozpin's desk and placed a blood-stained Huntsman Academy I.D. and the dead man's scroll on the desk.
Ozpin picked up the I.D. and studied the name and face. The I.D. was from Atlas Academy and it was old and weathered, the name was James Saint. The moniker pricked something deep within the old Headmaster's memory. He slid the I.D. card over to his deputy headmistress for her to examine and begin searching for the deceased's background.
"Frankly I'm not sure if I want to go throttle the kid or buy him a drink," Qrow remarked.
Ozpin cringed slightly. Ozpin steepled his hands and took a breath "Ah, Mr. Marston he is something of a...Unique case."
"How unique?" Qrow asked.
"Otherworldly", Ozpin responded a corner of his mouth twitched upward.
A bewildered look crossed Qrow's face, and he turned to Glynda who was standing beside Ozpin her silence was telling. "You're kidding", Qrow said in disbelief.
Ozpin watched his former student with a hint of mirth "I'm not. Mr. Marston appeared in the Emerald Forest one night. When we met him he had no knowledge of Grimm or Dust, and he is all but completely befuddled by Remnat's technology" Ozpin explained.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean Oz?" Qrow asked incredulously.
"It means it's unimportant for the moment. Qrow I admit I do not know the young man's background but what I do know is that on the first day of school, he comforted Ruby when she was overwhelmed on her first day at Beacon, a few days ago he defended a Faunus student from being bullied in the cafeteria, and by your word defended Ruby from danger" Ozpin finished.
Qrow's mouth hung slightly ajar as he considered Ozpin's words. Ozpin took another sip of coffee before he continued.
"Mr. Marston has shown no hostility to other students except for a brief spat with Miss Schnee and Cardin Winchester. And he seems to have befriended your nieces rather quickly".
"Ice queen's little sister and the son of the shipping mogul from Vacuo? I'm starting to like this kid more already," Qrow said.
"Qrow did anyone else witness what happened in Forever Fall Forest?" Ozpin asked.
"Hmm, the black-haired girl on Ruby's team, I don't know her name, she saw the whole thing" he responded.
Ozpin steepled his hands again "Good".
"What are you planning Ozpin" Qrow asked.
"I'm going call Mr. Marston up here shortly and get his side of the story as well it's about time we learn about where he comes from before we decide what to do next If need be we can collaborate his story with Miss Belladonna," Ozpin said before he downed the last of his cup of coffee Before continuing "Miss Goodwitch have you found anything?".
"Yes, it seems he was a student of Atlas Academy a few years before General Ironwood became the headmaster. Strangely, his semblance was eerily similar to yours, Qrow. Though, unfortunately, his semblance seems to be even more intense. Several incidents suggest that his semblance has attracted large packs of Grimm on occasion." The combat instructor explained
"Damn," Qrow said.
"Ah, yes I remember now, because of his particularly dangerous semblance the Atlas military tried to take him into 'protective custody' against my consultation, and Mr. Saint reasonably objected and left the kingdom. Is there anything else?"
"There appears to be several notes from various law enforcement agencies for ties with criminal organizations but nothing concrete," she said.
"Interesting, but what is he doing in Vale?" The old Headmaster asked.
As if on cue two frantic messages dinged in Ozpin's email one was from the Mayor of Amarillo a small cattle-raising community on Vale's peninsula... That borders the Forest of Forever Fall. The message read Dear headmaster I am requesting urgent huntsman support as large groups of Grimm have been spotted around the town and it's making the people uneasy I feel the negative emotions will bring an imminent attack
yours Mayor Autumn Goldleaf.
The other was from a district manager of the S.D.C. It reads
Dear Headmaster Ozpin,
It has come to my attention that the esteemed institution of Beacon Academy has, in its capacity, the vital responsibility of nurturing and deploying capable individuals in the defense against the ever-encroaching Grimm threat. As the District Manager of the Schnee Dust Company, it is imperative that I address a matter of utmost urgency that directly concerns the interests of our esteemed organization.
Recent observations have indicated a disturbing surge in Grimm activity within the vicinity of our newly discovered Dust deposits in the Amarillo region. These deposits, as you are aware, hold immense potential for the augmentation of our company's resources and stand as a beacon of prosperity for the entirety of Vale. However, the presence of these vile creatures poses a significant impediment to our operations and, by extension, to the economic stability of the region.
Despite the protestations of the local populace, who seem to lack the foresight to recognize the economic boon that our endeavors promise, the Schnee Dust Company remains resolute in its commitment to harnessing these resources for the betterment of society. However, such endeavors require the assurance of security, a responsibility that falls squarely upon the shoulders of Beacon Academy and its cadre of skilled Huntsmen and Huntresses.
I demand, in no uncertain terms, that you expedite the deployment of Huntsman forces, whether seasoned professionals or promising students under your tutelage, to safeguard SDC interests in the Amarillo region. Our operations cannot afford the slightest delay, and any negligence in this matter will be met with severe consequences.
Yours imperiously,
Sterling Ivorycrest
District Manager
Schnee Dust Company
"Don't he seem like a ray of sunshine?" Qrow remarked snarkily.
"Sadly I agree' Goodwitch said.
"How much of your soul did you lose admitting that?" Qrow asked a teasing grin spread across his face.
The combat instructor glared in response. Ozpin sat in silence, hands steepled in front of his face as information pieced itself together in his mind. A rouge huntsman whose semblance brings misfortune, misfortune brings negativity, and negativity brings Grimm, combine that with an ambitious SDC manager whose life would be easier if a key food producer in Vale didn't exist. On the other hand, a better Dust supply means better Dust prices.
"Troublesome" the headmaster grumbled.
"What do you want to do Oz?" Qrow asked.
"Unfortunately most of our huntsman are away on other matters as well as most of our upperclassmen teams are away on missions," Ozpin said in an almost forlorn tone.
"You're not considering sending a first-year team are you?" Professor Goodwitch said with a near-unnoticeable look of concern. Qrow turned to look at Ozpin with wide eyes.
"We may have no other choice I'm Afraid, but not to worry I won't send them alone. Our two most promising teams RWBY, and JNPR together should be able to handle this issue but we will ensure Qrow is nearby to thin down the amount of Grimm they will be facing and will give them invaluable experience" The Headmaster explained.
Goodwitch and Qrow looked at each other, no matter how much they didn't like it Ozpin had a point. They both nodded albeit reluctantly in approval of Ozpin's plan.
Ozpin surveyed his peers before continuing "We're all in agreement then? Good, now to the next most pressing matter Miss Goodwitch please fetch Mr. Marston".
"Of course sir, right away" She replied before a sharp about-face and she left to collect her charge.
"As for you Qrow, I'd like you to be a fly on the wall...Or more correctly a bird on the windowsill." Ozpin turned his attention to the younger Brawen " I'd like you to hear Mr. Marston out".
"Okay Oz" as he stepped toward the window to 'disguise himself' "not sure why though" he grumbled before he disappeared behind the curtain and a black crow hopped on the windowsill.
"Let's just say I have a feeling it will be beneficial," Ozpin said. Ozpin looked at his now empty coffee mug and stood to fill it, he'd certainly need it for the next conversation.
A few moments went by before the elevator dinged and its doors opened. Out walked Professor Goodwitch and Jack Marston, his face and clothing were marred by grime and sweat. His eyes were sunk in and distant and held a tiredness that Ozpin had seen before.
"Thank you, Ms. Goodwitch, But one last thing could you please send a message to teams RWBY and JNP, about the previous matter? Mr. Marston, please, take a seat. I'll try to keep this brief, I know you are eager to clean up and rest, but we have some important matters to discuss." Ozpin addressed the approaching duo. Goodwitch walked to her usual position at Ozpin's side.
Jack, stiffened slightly, approached Ozpin's desk, and sat in the chair in front of him. "Okay, sir, what about?" he asked. Jack noticed a lone black crow outside on the window sill behind Ozpin, it seemed to be watching them.
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, his features sharp. "First, I would like to hear your account of the events in Forever Fall Forest, particularly involving a 'funny man'."
Jack's eyes widened, and his body tensed. "How did you-?"
"I have my ways, Mr. Marston. Now, I would like your side of things."
Jack bit his cheek as he thought. "Earlier that night, we saw a campfire in the distance, so we checked it out. We found him alone out there. He talked about humanity's capacity for evil. As it turns out He was pretty evil himself. I woke up to him kneeling over Ruby while she slept. I drew down on him and he ran off. I figured he'd either return or just do the same thing to somebody else later so I fired a shot at him. I ain't sure if I hit him though."
Ozpin sat silently, calmly holding up the bloody I.D. card. "You did. Why do you think he was there that night? Why in Vale at all?". Ozpin asked.
Jack thought for a moment. "Some men are just plain evil, I'd wager. I've seen that kind of evil in men before. There's no cure for it, but a bullet," he said, leaning in closer to Ozpin's desk.
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, his expression unchanged, as he nodded. "Indeed," he agreed softly, his tone carrying a quiet undercurrent of emotion, sympathetic to the harsh realities that Jack had witnessed. His sigh was heavy with concern, his brow furrowing as he addressed Mr. Marston directly. "While we acknowledge the necessity of your actions," he began, "it is not without its repercussions. Taking a life, regardless of the circumstances, is a burden that weighs heavily on the soul."
Glynda's expression mirrored Ozpin's apprehension as she spoke, her voice tinged with solemnity. "Indeed," she echoed, her gaze steady. "It is a path that no Huntsman should tread lightly."
"That brings me to the second thing I wanted to discuss. Tell me about the world you come from and about yourself, I feel this conversation is long overdue," Ozpin declared, peering intensely at Jack.
Jack shifted in his seat, a hint of defiance in his eyes. "Why?" he questioned, his voice filled with skepticism.
Ozpin leaned back, resting his chin on his fist, observing Jack thoughtfully. "Because it would help me understand the young man sitting in front of me," he replied with a quiet intensity.
The leather of Jack's chair creaked as he leaned back, his gaze meeting Ozpin's unwaveringly. After a moment of contemplation, he finally relented. Taking in a deep breath, he began, "Alright, well there's only so much I can tell you about the world, on account, there's only so much I know. The world at large is called Earth—it's home to hundreds, maybe a few thousand different nations, cultures, beliefs, and God only knows how many people. Also, our technology is nowhere close to Remnants. Cars, Planes, and automatic weapons are fairly new inventions, if that paints a picture" Jack explained.
Ozpin hummed in contemplation "Nations? I assume they are similar to kingdoms," Ozpin inquired, his interest piqued.
"I'd say so," Jack replied, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"And what about the one you come from?" Ozpin pressed further.
"The nation I'm from is called The United States of America, or just America for short," Jack responded, memories of his homeland stirring within him, a mixture of pride and unease.
"How does America compare to Vale?" Ozpin probed, keen to understand more.
"Language and people seem similar enough, but Vale seems... cleaner, kinder. America... that country is hard on people," Jack confessed, his expression reflective and troubled. "No matter how 'civilized' it is," he added with a hint of bitterness.
Ozpin nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on Jack. "Live in the wilds and be ravaged by beasts, or live in the city and be ravaged by man," he mused. "Sad to say Remnant is not void of such places".
"Something like that, but in my world, man is the only monster" Jack acknowledged with a grim nod.
"And what about you, Mr. Marston? Where do you come from?" Ozpin inquired, delving deeper into Jack's past.
Jack sat silent for a moment as memories of the past flooded over him like a dam breaking. A rueful chuckle escaped Jack's lips. "Well, when I finish I'm certain you won't think I'm Beacon Academy material."
Ozpin smirked slightly. "Try me."
Jack hunched over, elbows digging into his knees, his eyes fixed on the cold floor. After a pregnant pause, he lifted his gaze to meet the Headmaster's unwavering stare. A faint nod preceded the revelation that cut through the air like a bolt of lightning. "Alright,... My Father was a killer and my Mother a whore," Jack's voice was a steady murmur, laced with a chilling matter-of-factness.
Ozpin's brows shot up in disbelief, a flicker of shock betraying his cool facade. "I see," he murmured, his tone measured yet tinged with surprise. The bird that was perched on the window let out a sharp squawk as if eavesdropping on the grim confession.
Glynda, visibly shaken, couldn't contain her incredulity. "How can you speak of your own parents in such a manner?" she blurted out, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Jack leveled a steely gaze at the blonde disciplinarian. "If they were standing here now, they'd validate every word," he retorted. "Both of 'em were part of a gang, constantly on the run from the law. I can't rightly place where I was born in America, but I reckon it was somewhere out west, resembling Vacuo."
"The gang had a crew of women who'd swindle unsuspecting men in towns, seeking any chance to line the gang's pockets. After I came along, my mother stepped back from that life, focusing on tending to our camp," Jack recounted.
"My Father and the other gang members specialized in hitting banks, trains, stagecoaches – no target was off limits. They killed people they didn't like, paid guards, bounty hunters, and lawmen too. But Dutch Vanderlinde, the gang's leader, had a streak of righteousness when he first started the gang he'd pass out their 'winnings' to the less fortunate; he'd pluck folks from the brink and offer 'em a spot in the gang, a part of a family. He taught my folks and me to read. He was a good man in a way till he went plum crazy and started killing people unfairly." Jack said.
Jack continued "My father got shot in botched train robbery and was left for dead by Dutch and the gang. So with help from my Uncle Arthur and Aunt Sadie, we left the gang, Arthur died trying to give my father the chance to escape. After that, we moved from place to place trying to settle down and start over but the adjustment was hard, especially for my father. Finally, he got his act together and bought a ranch, even had a baby sister for a short while but she died. We tried to make a go at making an honest living but a Government agent named Edgar Ross" Jack spat the name. "kidnapped my mother and me and used us as leverage to force my father into capturing the other members of the gang".
"A few months later my Father succeeded in killing or capturing the last remaining members of our old gang and we thought for a short time things could be normal, we could be normal. But weren't to be, Edgar Ross had promised my father his freedom and a pardon, but he lied and showed up with a posse of Marshals, Federal Agents, and even the Army to kill my Father. They even killed my other Uncle course we just called him Uncle I don't know what his actual name was."
Ozpin listened intently as Jack's narrative unfolded, his expression unreadable as the young man recounted the tragedies of his past. Glynda's eyes softened with empathy as she absorbed Jack's harrowing tale.
Jack ran his hand over his face to compose himself before pressing on. "My Father brought us out the barn, he put my mother and me on a horse and sent us out back. He stayed behind to buy us time." Jack paused to take a deep breath "We came back a few hours later, I'm not sure why we knew what had happened but we just had to see for ourselves. Pa he was out front of the barn, they'd riddled him with bullets."
"Gods" Goodwitch whispered under her breath.
Ozpin held up his hand to stop him from continuing. it was beyond evident the young man had suffered far more than most, and recounting these events was only creating negativity, "That's enough Mr. Marston you don't have to say anymore." Ozpin said though his expression was empathetic.
Jack looked at the headmaster "Was I right about not being Beacon Academy material?" Jack asked a small rueful grin on his face but his eyes held sadness and pain.
Ozpin Ozpin steepled his hands in front of him and thought for a moment. Jack Marston was a young man who had been through nye indescribable hardship, he doubted any of the other students could survive such tribulation, and no doubt there was more truama than what he had told him. But he was not evil and had proven an ability to help and protect others albeit being a little more direct than he'd prefer. What he needed was purpose and direction, something Beacon could easily provide.
Ozpin stayed silent but a moment longer before speaking "We here at Beacon have done more with less" The headmaster said with a modicum of mirth figuring the young man would appreciate a little gallows humor.
Jack gave a brief snort in response.
Ozpin smirked at his vindication though he could feel Glynda's glare on him, she'd always hated dark humor. Ozpin grabbed his cane stood from his seat and walked to the front of his desk to stand in front of Jack.
"Well, Mr. Marston I'd say we've certainly gotten to know you better. I can only think of a handful of students who've gone through similar hardships" Ozpin said as he glanced at a certain bird still perched on the window sill. "And most of those students have become proper huntsman. However, I believe Beacon Academy can offer you something much more valuable."
Jack quirked an eyebrow "What's that Sir?"
"A fresh start. A chance to put the past, the pain, and the mistakes behind us. And do better" Ozpin gripped his cane much more tightly at the last part. "There is no doubt in my mind that all of us here at Beacon have come for these exact reasons, including myself" Ozpin finished.
Jack gave a brief rueful chuckle "Well, it ain't mango farming in Tahiti but, I think it'll do if you'll have me."
"Good, I believe a reintroduction is an order" Ozpin tossed the head of his cane with the practiced grace of a man who did not need a cane and held out his hand "Welcome to Beacon Mr. Marston."
Jack stood from his chair and firmly shook the headmaster's hand "Thank you, sir".
"You're welcome, though I hate to spoil the mood, but there's another pressing matter at hand. The rest of your team and Team JNPR should be arriving shortly," Ozpin said, the weight of his words hanging in the air as they concluded their handshake.
As the elevator doors slid open with a soft *ding*, the remaining members of Team RWBY emerged. Ruby was the first to step out, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Jack. "Oh, hey Jack!" she greeted with an enthusiastic wave.
Weiss, in her usual composed manner, was quick to inquire, "And what are you doing up here?" Her arms were crossed as she stood by Ruby's side. Yang and Blake trailed behind, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding interaction. The elevator doors silently sealed shut as it descended back to the ground floor.
"Mr. Marston and I were just discussing matters related to his admission and his future team," Ozpin smoothly interjected, steering the conversation away from potentially awkward territory.
Weiss visibly straightened, a flicker of recognition crossing her features as the Headmaster addressed her directly. "Oh."
Another *ding* signaled the arrival of Team JNPR, Jaune led his team beside the others. Jaune, ever the dutiful leader, stepped forward, his blue eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "Professor Ozpin, why have you called us here?" he inquired.
Ozpin regarded the assembled students with his usual calm demeanor before speaking. "I have summoned you all because of a pressing matter that requires your immediate attention. Due to a surge in Grimm activity, all the upperclassmen teams are currently engaged in other missions, and there are no available huntsmen to spare."
The gravity of the situation settled over the group, and Ruby's eyes widened with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Where are we going, Professor?" she asked, eager to embark on a new adventure.
Ozpin's gaze swept over the students before he revealed the mission details. "You will be dispatched to the town of Amarillo, a livestock and farming community in the agricultural district of Vale on the coast. Reports suggest that the Grimm incursion has been particularly severe there, and you must bring all of your skills to bear in protecting the town and its inhabitants."
Weiss exchanged a glance with Blake, their expressions reflecting a shared sense of determination. Yang cracked her knuckles, a confident grin spreading across her face. A mischievous grin spread across Nora's face, Ren and Pyrrha remained stoic and confident.
A smile crossed Ozpins face "You'll also be paid for your efforts, this is an official mission as well as extra credit."
The students all perked up at that. Particularly Jack and Weiss.
"When do we leave sir?" Jack asked.
"We still need to gather more information and set up transportation, also you'll all have to resupply, so most likely in a couple of days" The headmaster explained. "You are all dismissed for now I know you are all eager to clean up and rest and you'll need it," He said ominously.
As the elevator descended back to the ground floor, Team JNPR exited first, their murmurs of concern and determination fading as they walked down the hall. Ruby turned to Jack and the rest of Team RWBY, a glint of excitement in her silver eyes.
"So, what do you guys think about this mission? I mean, getting paid is pretty cool, right?" Ruby chirped, her enthusiasm infectious.
Weiss nodded, a spark of defiance in her eyes. "Indeed, the prospect of earning money that my father can't meddle with is quite appealing. It's a chance to show him I can handle myself and my own finances."
Yang punched her palm with a grin. "I'm all in for some Grimm-bashing and earning some lien! Plus, it'll be a good warm-up before the Vytal Festival Tournament."
Blake offered a thoughtful nod. "It's an opportunity to prove ourselves and protect those who can't defend themselves. That's what being a Huntress is all about."
As they stepped out of the elevator, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the majestic mountains surrounding Vale, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of oranges and pinks—a serene backdrop to the high-stakes mission looming ahead.
From his office window, Ozpin observed the students departing. A crow perched on the sill suddenly flew inside, stirring the air with a flurry of movement before revealing Qrow once more.
"Damn, I thought Raven and I had it tough growing up," Qrow murmured, his voice laden with empathy. "That Marston kids have been through the wringer, no doubt about it."
Sipping his coffee, Ozpin nodded knowingly. "Certainly, there must have been more trials than he let on. Fortunately, one of Beacon's most exceptional graduates has an eerily familiar past." He watched through the window as Jack walked alone towards his makeshift sleeping quarters in the stables.
As Jack returned to Beacon's stables, the weariness of the day weighed heavily on him. The comforting routine of grooming Fitz allowed his thoughts to drift, his exhaustion evident as he climbed up to the loft. Without a second thought, he dropped onto his bedroll, letting out a tired sigh that echoed in the quiet space. Shunning the usual nightly ablutions, he decided to forgo cleaning up until morning. Rest was a coveted luxury he craved, knowing that the upcoming days would demand his full strength once more in to the fray.