章 71: Fragments 2: Winter Contingency
"The first understands his reclusive nature and urges him to use his time in solitude to reflect and meditate." – Ozpin, from Episode 'Fall'
This couldn't be avoided. The situation was getting too intense, and her body wasn't getting any better, and thus the frail woman that was Fria knew that her time was coming. And she had to make a decision which could easily shape things for the better or the worse.
Closing her eyes as she rested on her reinforced room's bed, the one she had been staying in for years now, the white-haired woman felt her consciousness slip into that state of quiet and motionlessness which was dominated by that aspect of her mind that wasn't hers to control. The silence was horrible at first, but soon she learned to love this place as it was one that granted her freedom she long lost due to her importance in the world and also appreciate where she could feel as safe as possible, without worrying of dangerous threats hurting her in here. But as she took just two steps in that beautiful snowy forest, where the warm sun normalized the cold nature of the overall scenery, her gaze moved to the lone individual pacing in front of her.
The first Winter Maiden, the one that had met the wizard many centuries earlier. She took the appearance of a young girl with long white hair tied up in a bun through two sticks and light blue eyes that were marked by the many analytical thoughts within her mind. She wore a blue coat with a white trim, hoodie and sash, styled after traditional Mantle's style with accents that Fria was sure were originally conceived in Mistral.
"It's happening. She is going to be here," Winter announced with a clearly upset tone. "Mother… I never imagined to face her in this instance. Fria-"
"I'm aware that my body isn't up to the task. Not anymore, at least," The elderly woman admitted tiredly. "And I understand you don't plan to bring me into the battlefield or to let others act about it. You and your sisters have to be together for this."
The usually calm and collected woman allowed more emotions on her face, knowing that her host was planning something rather unpleasant and yet so noble. She walked up to the older woman with a sad smile.
"You're planning something that I can't exactly accept. You are one of my best hosts I had, Fria."
It was a heart-warming compliment coming from the usually 'praise-dry' maiden, but there wasn't much to do at this point. Her body might allow her to use the Winter powers to a degree, but it was too limited and too draining on her. Her mind was losing pieces too with her senility catching up to her way faster than any doctor could have predicted. She had to pick up a successor. She had to make way for the next generation for the sake of giving the edge needed to save her home and the people in it.
A soft smile appeared on the old woman. "And I will miss you a lot too, Winter. But I have to depart if we want to stop her. And I know there are those worthy of this power- those that will use it for its intended purpose."
Winter frowned, curiosity appearing on her face. "Are you sure? Do you have a clear grasp of who should become the next maiden?"
"I had the opportunity to consider the possible candidates for this burden. But as much as it might sound wrong and odd as a choice, I know she will fit in right," Fria replied slowly, smiling at the end. "The only thing I might ask from you, Winter, is patience."
"That generally isn't a good way to sell your point, Fria. But why aren't you just giving me her name?"
"Not yet," The elderly woman declined, her smile growing sad. "You're going to be angry at me, of that I'm sure. So I wish for you to just prepare for my departure and remember me for my hard work rather than my wrong decisions."
…
"You're trying to drive a difficult bargain, Fria," Winter countered with a serious tone. "You know I respect you, but I can't just go for whatever whims you seek to impose on me. Just give me a name."
There was some hesitation in the old woman's face, but she considered that point. Perhaps it would actually be for the best if the maiden knew of the individual she was going to end up with. It was common for her and her sisters to be shifted into individuals they weren't aware of, mostly because it was rare for hosts to establish contact with them. So it was usually a gamble, to either be taken in by good people or those that seek to use their powers for horrible reasons. But right now that Winter had her, Freya admitted that it was surely a good decision to warn her beforehand. So, she decided to let out the truth and hope she chose wisely.
Winter listened silently and yet raptly as she was invested in the whole topic due to how relevant it was going to be in the near future. And while she looked incredibly unsure at first at the early depiction of Fria's successor, she raised an intrigued brow as the merits and flaws were brought up. As much as she wasn't exactly someone that would normally see that kind of host as a feasible option, Winter had to admit that it wasn't a bad pick. Especially with the untapped potential that Fria had caught while looking at her 'progress' through Ironwood's own reports.
"I can see why you would think I wouldn't accept this one, but it's clear this girl is… a good candidate. She sounds like someone I will struggle to come to terms with, yet I will give it a try."
"I'm sorry for putting you through this kind of challenge, Winter," The elder apologized awkwardly but the first Winter Maiden smiled.
"It's alright, I will manage through that issue and set up a cooperation with her. I will try my best for that to happen."
Fria smiled at that success, but she had to accept Winter's request to hold back from going just yet. There was still time, and going too quick might actually compromise their attempts since Ironwood was keeping a close watch on them. If he learned what they were planning… Well, things were going to get incredibly frustrating.
Still, not as frustrating if they failed to handle the timing of the succession during the attack. It was crucial for them to do it the right time… right as the individual picked for the task was ready to take on Winter and use her powers wisely.
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