⊱ 𝑭 𝑹 𝑬 𝑬 𝒁 𝑬 ⊰

Any kind of solid confirmation, he was looking for. Her initial approach had been cautious as ever, and they were both clearly walking circles around this conversation. Sparring with words, neither willing to compromise on their ambivalent stance on the matter, waiting for the other to slip up.

There was camaraderie and trust, enough that even the maintenance of their positions and the increase in the tension around them was not enough to deter her from asking about his position here. Nor with her agreeing that they had to continue their duties. That, at the very least, he could answer.

“Wasn’t entirely sure who was running the local law enforcement, although even in my short time here I’ve helped out.”

“Old habits die hard, as you probably can relate to. Lots of late nights investigating dark allies.” A shrug. “Can I guess that the curiosity is because you’re involved in local law enforcement?”

It was in their nature to be cautious: to analyze actions and words, regardless if they were friend or foe. Obviously, the most natural course of action in this situation was to gather information. In which case, they were both outside of their home territory now, more than ever.  ❝ I’m glad to hear that you’re contributing to the local authorities. And you’re right; helping local enforcement really did help me settle down here.❞

          DUTY, SHE SAYS, AS IF DOING so was something to be proud of with the connotations it held back home. another bitter taste is left in her mouth at the thought, that this woman thinks what she is doing is genuinely right for the people, if not attesting to any sort of peace. ❝ Now what’s fun in that? ❞ one hand places itself upon her hip upon saying so, eyes unrelenting as ever. ❝ But, if talking to cops is considered disturbing the peace, it seems your priorities are a little out of whack, ❞ she chimes back without missing a beat, already preparing for whatever remarks she might try to make.

          ❝ Oh, don’t tell me you aren’t privy to those inhumane orders your general so gladly handed out. Abandoning Mantle in the middle of their evacuation? Leaving others to die so only a select privileged few can live? As if I’d buy that load of crap. ❞ at the accusation, she can only hep but feel her ire begin to boil over. ❝ It’s illogical to be angry that the man who said he was going to help everybody suddenly turns heel to leave them behind?! Maybe I didn’t know what was going on until recently, and maybe my actions might cause more conflict than is needed right now, but at least I can say I haven’t lost sight of my humanity. ❞

She absolutely despised how their conversation was escalating. Previously, they were on the same side of the conflict, working together to protect their kingdom. And now, look how things have become.. They were divided once more. ❝ Ms. Hill, I’ll give you one more chance. You’re disturbing the peace because you’re preventing me from doing my job.❞

@vereisten​

Neopolitan had learned early on that it was not best to stick around long at the scene of a crime– especially when she had committed that crime. Yet, in this particular case, Neopolitan had truly only been a bystander. A man tried to rob a store, and did so in such an unattractive and foolish fashion that she could not help but stare at the scene with morbid interest. It was like watching the aftermath of a car crash; it was an ugly sight, but she wanted to watch anyway. A small crowd had already appeared to do the same, and it was easy for the petite woman to blend in.

The unskilled thief had soon drawn the ire of local police, and Neopolitan was surprised to see the annoyingly familiar face of Winter Schnee. Seeing the woman dealing with criminals wasn’t exactly surprising, but Neopolitan was curious at the notion that several people of Remnant were also in this city.

So, Neopolitan decides it’s time to relax and observe. She’d seen the woman in her former home, but not yet in action. She even made her way to the front of the growing crowd, doubtful that she would be recognized– of course, the risk was what made things interesting.

As bureau chief, Winter became more involved in day to day happenings than when she was a specialist in Atlas. Despite having been to many crime scenes, she could never understand the curiosity of civilians as they crowded around, peering in for longer than necessary.

It's always given her unintentional anxiety; always wondering if the culprit was among them. But on the other hand, her optimism urged that perhaps there was an eyewitness to the incident. A sloppy robbery in broad daylight. The culprit was reckless, but brazen. Surely someone had to have seen something. Approaching the onlookers, who seemed surprised by her sudden attention, Winter addressed them.

“It went fine. Last I remember, I was on my way back to Atlas.” She didn’t know, and he was going to keep it that way. It was a good decision, given her response to his inquiry on the status of their respective loyalties. Better to play his cards close to the chest. Particularly considering their presence in public, and that less than a handful were actually aware.

Not that he liked outright lying. But since she’d asked, it would have been more strange for him not to answer.

“Depends on me, huh? Not really the answer I was looking for.”

“Unless you’re testing my loyalties. Which I can reassure you aren’t in question.” She was asking if he was loyal to James, or had he turned after Ruby’s message. It hadn’t given any inclination on what side she was on.

“Not that I’m looking to continue any hostilities here. Just doing my duty.”

❝ I wonder then, what was the answer you were looking for..? ❞ 

That day was utter chaos. All their hard work, all that they hoped to accomplish together — was radically changed in an instant. They could both sense what remained of the anxiety in the air that hung between them.

Although she didn't wish to increase tensions further, her cautiousness was persistent. Clover was hiding something, and Winter was too. The question remained if either secret was significant enough to impact their prior trust.

      “…..Winter.”

 there is an uncertainty in how to approach the elder Schnee sibling. not too long ago were they working together, trying to help protect the world and Mantle and now….now it was like walking a muddied minefield in a torrential downpour. last time she saw her was when she was injured, calling for back-up after giving them a head start to FLEE. to get away from the very people who Yang had suddenly found to be her enemy. it wasn’t wanted in the slightest, nor was it pleasant to have to view once trusted allies through lens of caution.

    even if she is tense, lilac eyes narrowed and expression set in stone, she doesn’t make any move to attack. after all, her anger is mostly directed at one person. Winter worked for Ironwood. Ironwood set an order for their arrest and sent the Ace-Ops after them so they wouldn’t get in his way. Ironwood wanted to shoot Atlas into space with both Relics and a Maiden but that plan turned to shambles and so much was lost and Salem– Salem was on their doorstep. 

                   but none of that mattered here, did it?

   she looked okay– much better than how she last saw her. that was good. Yang wasn’t so heartless as to not give a damn about her well-being; she liked Winter and she doesn’t want to be on opposing sides, but the memories still ring fresh from the General’s orders and plans and Yang held on to things a bit longer than most would.

@vereisten​ – starter call

In a situation where doubt had been seeded even in the most loyal of hearts, Winter doesn't fault Yang for her cautiousness. Her once steadfast beliefs in her kingdom began to crumble the moment that she laid eyes on her sister's face under the WANTED interface. She knew there had to be something more, but oddly enough, her obedience tormented her for her skepticism. 

She remembered the last time she saw those violet eyes. The warmth of her wounds had oozed all over her uniform. Her vision blurry, skin purple with bruises, hair disheveled. And those same eyes darted between her and her teammates in frantic fear. The last thing which Winter saw were their silhouettes dashing into the airship before they disappeared. Leaving her behind. 

It felt crushing to realize that her previous wish of becoming closer with Weiss' teammates, introducing herself properly, was essentially ruined. Her world had been flipped upside down in one day: her sister and her friends were wanted fugitives, Penny was the maiden instead of her — the list went on. 

❝ Yang, I know what you are thinking, but please do not think you are in danger here. You, and the rest of team RWBY, will not be pursued any longer under my command. ❞

        SHE’S   never been the most graceful when it came to accepting sincere gratitude. It warmed her heart, of course, and generally that cheerful contentment shone through — moreso at knowing she made a difference than receiving some sort of praise or reward. But even throughout their trek of Anima, Ruby had a habit of replying with some form of ‘not a problem’ or ‘don’t mention it,’ waving off an attempt at reward by saying they’d done enough with one service or another. But Winter Schnee, of all people…

        Ruby still doesn’t know how she did it. In that one moment, seeing Cinder between one of the most important people in her life and the most important person in Weiss’… She felt a sort of calm she’d never been able to use before — not whenever she needed it most. Just as soon as she’d felt that wave of tranquility, it was gone and so was Cinder. Part of her wonders if it was some sort of otherworldly presence… Part of her likes to think it was a mother’s attempt at advice and guidance, even if she knows it isn’t true. But it didn’t matter how or why — what mattered is that it worked, and Winter was still standing here today. So she squares her shoulders, and with the warmest and most assuring smile she can manage, she inhales deeply.

              ❛   … You’re welcome. I’m just… I’m just glad it worked out. … I know it wasn’t easy, so… Thank you for letting us go——– Uh… Get a head start.   ❜

The young huntress' echo of her previous words brings a slight frown to her face and a stinging in her eyes. Winter had always been careful with her words, and to hear them again now reminded her how much pain there was. Not only did the phantom pains from her injuries return to haunt, but the raw anguish and nagging guilt flood back — begging their host to sort them out, but instead she's only buried it all since. 

With a click of her tongue, Winter responds to Ruby's gratitude, although hesitant. ❝  While I am appreciative that you understood the difficulty I experienced.. I'm not entirely sure you need to thank me for that.❞

The military woman had always prided herself in being resolute and capable of making tough calls. Never had she buckled so dreadfully in the face of duty and family, and also urgency. What she did, it doesn't feel like she did enough (for her kingdom, or for her sister). Biting her lower lip in thought, she ought to admonish herself for being so ambivalent. And yet, deep down, her previous words once again whisper, "It's what makes us human." 

Was it possible for her to follow her own advice?

❝ Regardless of my actions, and my own failures — Ruby, you single-handedly protected everyone from the worst case scenario that day. And for that, we ought to be grateful to no end.❞   She pauses, her soft expression becoming stern once more.

@vereisten​

  Penny’s almost proud of her lack of hesitation if the words that fall from her mouth aren’t immediately distressed. She refuses to look at the other woman even as her hands hold one of Winter’s in a hard grip, head bowed and unable to make eye contact.

  “ Winter, I…! ” she begins, all of her thoughts trying to push themselves at once. “ … Thank you for giving us the head start. You… You kept Cinder Fall at bay long enough for… for… ”

  This is hard. Penny clutches Winter’s hand harder.

  “ I’m… I’m sorry. ”

  Penny forces herself to quiet because, in the moments after her apology, she can’t find the reason why she’s doing so.

A familiar tenderness is wrapped around her gloved hand, making it feel like she was back home in Atlas again. Penny was by her side all that time. She had seen firsthand how hard the specialist had trained to inherit Fria's powers, and she also knew how much of a emotional toll it took out of her. How heavy the burden was... 

To see that all go to waste, it must've been hard for Penny to accept as well.  

But no matter what happens, no matter what power the girl was capable of now; the fact that she was still gently holding onto Winter like this (like she always did before) made her realize — Penny was still Penny, and she'll always be. 

❝ Penny... Don't be sorry. ❞ Her free hand reaches to rest gingerly atop her orange curls. ❝ You did what you had to do. And I... ❞

     THE EXORCIST SENTENCE PROMPTS          ▸          ACCEPTING.

     @vereisten​ SENT:  “  Which begs the question. How far are you willing to take this?  ”

     ONCE UPON A TIME, he might’ve scorned her dire tone in favour of cracking a joke or two, parrying her words with wit and relishing in her displeasure. she never did take him seriously, brushing him off as just some misfit with a smart mouth and a drinking problem. an important piece in the game, but free of the constraints she seemed happily loyal to; a necessary evil, in her eyes. luckily for her, her boss had burned some bridges of late, so she was free to come at him however she liked. 

     so why didn’t she? isn’t that the atlas military’s specialty? get down to business, ask questions later? he’d prefer a fight over chit-chat any day so this was starting to piss him off. his slackened grip tightened on harbinger, the binding worrying his calloused palms. she was pretty quick to rise to his barbs that day back in beacon— where was all that bravado now?

          “ …—as far as necessary. ” besides— they had a score to settle, and this time, he’d hold nothing back, “ … nothing personal, your majesty. ”

                                       it was nothing to do with her— just everything she stood for.

She’s nothing but a toy soldier in his eyes. That much she knew. If it weren’t for her quick quips back at his words, would he see her as one of the lifeless Atlesian paladins he had destroyed not too long ago? Undoubtedly, her presence was just another representation of the authority he had so despised. A doll to entertain himself with and to direct his ire, with all his name-calling and attacks to her character. Her sacrifices, her own motivations, meaningless because of the loyalty she had sworn?

Her icy gaze wanders to the sword within his grip, prompting her to brandish her own saber in response. She sighs, tired of the needless conflict when in reality, cooperation would serve them better. Her actions may speak louder than words for the huntsman in question, and she wasn’t afraid to oblige. Winter only hoped that she could get through to him one day.

Perhaps today was not that day.

beep beep how’s my portrayal ? | no longer accepting.

send me a ✧ and i’ll bold all that apply to your muse. | no longer accepting.

send me a ✧ and i’ll bold all that apply to your muse. | no longer accepting.

send me a ✧ and i’ll bold all that apply to your muse. | no longer accepting.

@vereisten​

“Winter.” This one was more complicated. Her dedication to Atlas was commendable, but the ones who were wanted included her younger sister. Although the two hadn’t been particularly close the past few years, Weiss Schnee’s recent time in Atlas had proven to be…

Good for the sisters. At least as far as he had observed. Winter taking Weiss under her wing for personal training had been gearing up for the two of them to be a force to be reckoned with in the Atlas military.

“Good to see you, at least, as far as I know. And as far as I’d assume.” Her own mission, her own secrets - he hadn’t even really known much about her location toward the end of everything.

And she didn’t know about him. He’d keep it that way for now.

“A lot of familiar faces here. I can probably assume you’re still a friendly one?”

A familiar face, one she had not seen for what feels like a strangely long time. There’s a different air about the usually lively Ace Operative, but she couldn’t identify any possible reasons behind it. The man had rapidly become one of the General’s trusted few, and Winter had come to similarly respect his dedication to the military. She couldn’t exactly say that she knew him well outside of their work, however.

❝ Likewise, I am glad to see you too, Clover. I trust that your assignment went well?❞ 

Now the latter of his words give her cause for concern. She knew that both of them received the General’s order, and she knew that both of them had heard Ruby’s desperate message. What she didn’t know was — what exactly did Clover do with that information?

          THERE WAS NO MISTAKING THOSE strands of white, always pulled into the prim and proper bun, pristine in every way as how the atlas elites presented themselves. even down to those clear, blue eyes—someone from the schnee household was hard to miss, especially when it came to one she knew far too well across the screens and brief meetings throughout. yet it was not the sight of her alone that seems to boil her blood over, rather it was the actions, a sense of almost observing the area for crime and danger. were the blonde anyone else, perhaps she might be impressed, much like she was back at that dining table.

                                   but now all she could feel was a bubbling ire—

          ❝ Winter Schnee. Out on patrol? How thoughtful. ❞ there’s a sharpness in her tone, one as if it were a knife ready to cut, while arms cross over her chest. ❝ It’s almost like you actually care for the safety of the citizens here. I wonder where all that gusto was back when it was decided Mantle would be left to die. ❞

                                                        「 @vereisten 」

❝ Well well, if it isn’t Ms. Robyn Hill...❞

Reluctant, the snow-haired woman turns around to meet a piercing gaze that she’s known all too well. It had been awhile since she was last met with an indignant, critical tone. She’s come to categorize these call-outs. Only those who’ve aligned themselves with two particular factions would use that kind of language towards Winter. One: those who resented the military, and two: those who resented the Schnee family. She knew the aspiring councilwoman indeed held one, if not both, of those very mindsets.