VICTORY IS IN A SIMPLE, MORE HONEST SOUL

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

“The Atlesian Military– Is never overwhelmed. In times like these, one can never have too many defenses.”

The General crosses his arms against his chest. His eyes are already in thought; he would sent a contingent here, to Haven Academy– perhaps twenty-five in total for now, and when the robotics were again operational… They would see those numbers quadrupled.

“I thank you for your cooperation. We will be in touch.”

Athena frowns and writes something down on a scrap of paper--folding it and handing it to him. “I’ve found in my many years, that it’s never bad to have an open ear in times of stress.” Unsaid-- If you need anything, no matter how little, call me.

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

A trade of information, was it… Simple, to the point. Something that was easily done. But as she bowed her head… James internally sighed. He couldn’t leave the older woman and this school, filled to the brim with children, to their own defenses.

“Very well. I will promise this to you. We of the Atlesian Military will be here when you need us. An information exchange, on both sides, Is all I ask in return.”

She wouldn’t be defenseless though. That was true enough. She has her powers, the school had its own defenses. “You’re already overwhelmed, Headmaster-General. I can hold up the fort here.” A small smile as she pushes seagreen hair out of her eyes. “I’ve been doing it for a long time. Information--of course--will be shared from Haven’s side.”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

James found it ironically humorous and frustratingly depressing. Once upon a time, Atlas was demonized, criticized, and spat upon by the different Kingdoms of Remnant for having such advanced militaristic features and a strict policy regarding it’s military and governmental regime. However, as soon as something happened, and something always happened… Who was it that the other Kingdoms cried to help? Was it Mistral and their beautiful familiar ties? Was it Vale and their precious school? Was it Vacuo and their… Er, sand? Of course not! It was Atlas and her might. Go figure.

Keeping his sudden spark of bitterness and anger away from the conversation, James replied cordially, as he was expected to. It was hard to miss, however, that heated look in blue eyes.

“Exactly what, Miss Glaukopis, Are you asking of Atlas?”

He wasn’t going to mentioned that they were stretched dangerously thin, and became thinner, every hour. He wasn’t going to mention that he had not returned home, to his apartment in Atlas, in over two weeks. He wasn’t going to mention that his Chief Councilman was losing his mind, that another had lost it far before now, and that he himself felt as though he would never recover. Why not? Because he stood for Atlas. And Atlas was strong. For now, at least.

“Of Atlas?” A sigh and she bows her head. “Nothing. I’m requesting that if any information comes in--that it gets passed on my way as well. I’ve been left scrambling in the wake of Professor Cobalt’s illness. I want to help, Headmaster-General. I want to make sure that my school doesn’t fall. That Remnant doesn’t fall. I don’t want to die because of Salem, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that I may not have a choice.”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

The air became cooler suddenly; and his eyes narrowed as he glanced around at the ice suddenly appearing. This thoughts ran like little mice in his head, processing this turn of events. He marveled at the finesse and control, before realizing that, indeed, he stood before the Winter Maiden. His head snapped up, and brilliantly-blue eyes had just a bit of wonder and astonishment in them before he quickly hid those emotions under a thick mask of calm and impassiveness. A very steeled man, indeed.

“I see.” It was a simple statement, filled with acceptance.

Athena barely managed to resist grinning at his astonishment. The blue glow completely disappears, leaving her to appear nothing more than a woman. “You understand then why I asked for a meeting.” She said. “I don’t know how much Salem knows of me--but undoubtedly she will know once she has her minions storm my school. I understand that I can’t ask any protection--for it’s being directed to Vale. I’m only looking for an alliance of sorts. Salem prefers to divide. Humanity remains stronger together.”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

“I doubt anyone who spend more than a moment in his presence, Truly believes the Headmaster of Beacon dead, either. I certainly do not.”

At her confession that she did, in fact, know a Maiden– who was, apparently, standing in the same general area that he did, here at Haven Academy– James’ eyebrows raised just a small bit. He kept himself very calm, though his heart suddenly raced. He wondered why that was; was it sudden knowledge, or sudden hope that perhaps, just maybe, not everything had been lost the moment Ozpin had fled? “Do you, now? I was under the impression they had all hidden themselves– Unless, of course, my information has led me astray.”

The smile grows and she raises a hand. Snapping her fingers, he’d immediately feel the difference. The air cooled swiftly, frost lining the windows and the hardwood. And then it is gone just as swiftly, but her silver eyes are glowing the faintest blue. “I am fifty years old, Headmaster-General.” The Winter Maiden says calmly. “I daresay that those before me rarely live so long as I have, and I’ve had these magics since I was ten years old. You don’t get to my age without having to hide.”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

“At this time– Only the Headmaster of Beacon, Ozpin, Is aware of the Relic’s location. And as I am sure you are aware, He is in no position to share.” James closed his eyes, thinking once again as she posed more rapid-fire questions. He knows this woman could be trusted now; if only because of her extensive knowledge. Whether he would share his personal information on any subjects, however, is questionable.

“I do not know of any other Maidens. And even if I did,” He added with a scowl, speaking in biting tones.

“I would hardly give you, Someone I have just met, Their location.”

“Ozpin is...resourceful. It’s a shame that the world believes him dead--I can’t say that I do myself.” She watches his expression with fascination. It’s clear he doesn’t truly trust her--a downside to having spent so long in the shadows. And then there is a faint smile--not quite a smirk. “Well then, fortunately for you--I happen to know that one of the Maidens--Winter--is currently residing in this very school.”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

The General of the Atlesian Military Forces nodded once. He had expected this woman to be informed at least; after all, the Headmaster who once stood in her place was one of Ozpin’s greatest allies… Or so he had heard. He hadn’t seen a hint of the Kingdom rise to Vale’s defenses once things had begun to go South. Then again– Perhaps that was for the best. Their Kingdom had survived.

“The Black Queen and the Fall Maiden now serving underneath Salem– Are one and the same, I’m afraid. Amber was killed the night Beacon fell, by one Cinder Fall. We were unable to transfer her powers in time.”

Mistral--through Haven--had been dealing with the rapid decline of one of their major political leaders. They’d been too scattered to help. “And the Relic?” A head tilt, and Athena looked down at her paperwork, flipping through what seemed to be extensive notes. “It’s a shame. I knew her--Amber Bailey. She was a good woman and a powerful fighter--if a bit inexperienced. Do you know the locations of any of the other Maidens at this time?”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

The General narrowed his eyes somewhat, and then glanced away– likely in thought, processing this new information. He felt his lips twitch upward in what, years ago, could have been a smile. Now, it simply looked like a pained frown. “If it’s all the same to you, I would prefer to remain standing.”

His tone gave no room for argument. Sharp, business-like, unfriendly and professional; that was the facade he had built his personality to be. He didn’t know this woman, and at the moment, he was not sure he entirely trusted her. He would have to see. “Now, explain yourself. What is this all about?”

Another nod, and she took a seat. “You’ll find that these offices are completely secure--which means I can speak frankly.” Athena says. “The Professor told me, long before his illness, of the Black Queen. It’s clear that she’s the one who ordered the attack on Beacon--most likely for what’s secured there. I can’t say myself if she managed to retrieve it--one of my questions-- but I know regardless that her next destination will be here at Haven.” Her gaze flickers upward. “Am I to also understand that Salem’s managed to gain hold of the loyalties of the current Fall Maiden?”

Desperate Measures

<> – the GENERAL – <>

Haven Academy. Although the General himself has stepped into this school before, it had been a long time; he had forgotten how smaller the school was, compared to the grandeur of Beacon and the artificiality of Atlas. But then, what it lacked in size, it made up in the atmosphere. Peaceful. Welcoming. Natrual. For now. When James entered the office of the Headmaster, he did, indeed, expect the man himself; he didn’t recognize the woman. He raised a brow, and when the doors closed behind him, he remained standing.

“I do not believe – That we’ve met before. Where is the Headmaster of Haven Academy?”

Once upon a time, he would have trusted her at face-value. He doubted he would ever be at the peace of mind to ever do so again.

Athena bowed her head in acknowledgement. It was understandable that he would be suspicious--especially in these times. “Professor Cobalt has been... indisposed since right before the beginning of the Vytal Festival.” Which frankly--she’s not entirely sure is a coincidence. The man had a sterling constitution. For him to get so ill so fast.... “I am Athena Glaukopis. I’ve been his right hand for years now, albeit from the shadows. I know what the situation is here at Haven, and of the outside world and further.” Silver and blue eyes soften. “Please. Sit.”

Desperate Measures

“–add in the fact that Cinder and her crew claim to be from Haven, and I think it’s likely the next target. So, we’re on our way to the headmaster. Haven’t heard from him in a while, even before the attack. I’m hoping he has the answers. “ Qrow Branwen @bionics-and-neuroptics Qrow wasn’t far off, the current Headmistress of Haven is very, very aware of Salem–or rather, she’s aware of her through her predecessor. It’s not just a necessity when one has to take over the school because the man himself had taken ill shortly before the Vytal Festival. It’s a necessity when his protege–the woman herself–is the current Winter Maiden, and had been for the last forty years. Not that many knew that,or much of her. He and Ozpin had gone out of their way to keep her status secret. But now Ozpin was missing, her school and its guarded relic were under target, and Athena Glaukopis didn’t really have much choice but to make allies. And fast. James Ironwood, she decides, is the nearest choice. The Fall had done damage to his reputation,certainly, but none to his position at his school or his government. She’s loathe to leave the continent, but desperate times called for desperate measures. James Ironwood gets a request for a meeting from an ambassador from Haven.

<> – the GENERAL – <>

James had been preparing for another order when the ambassador entered his office and posed his request. The General sent a command out to his soldiers to move out without him; he would join them after taking care of a sudden and unexpected visit with an ally. An ally. Was that what this person was? He was soon to find out. “Tell them I will arrive shortly; And grant me permission to land in your territory. Estimated time of arrival – Five minutes from this point.”

The permission is easily granted, and he’s lead through the maze of hallways that is Haven Academy. At first take, he’d realize that he’s seen her before. She’s always been at the back of whatever room the Headmaster of Haven is, silently watching and waiting. To be honest, at first thought, it would have been more likely that he would have been the one who called this meeting. But he’s nowhere to be seen. Just her at the Headmaster’s desk. Her second and probably most defining feature is her eyes. Silver--cracked and lined in icy blue-- almost glowing with a fierce intensity. “Headmaster-General Ironwood. Please, do come in.” She stands, silently offering him a chair. “Thank you for responding so quickly.”

#bionics-and-neuroptics

Desperate Measures

“--add in the fact that Cinder and her crew claim to be from Haven, and I think it's likely the next target. So, we're on our way to the headmaster. Haven't heard from him in a while, even before the attack. I'm hoping he has the answers. “ Qrow Branwen @bionics-and-neuroptics Qrow wasn’t far off, the current Headmistress of Haven is very, very aware of Salem--or rather, she’s aware of her through her predecessor. It’s not just a necessity when one has to take over the school because the man himself had taken ill shortly before the Vytal Festival. It’s a necessity when his protege--the woman herself--is the current Winter Maiden, and had been for the last forty years. Not that many knew that,or much of her. He and Ozpin had gone out of their way to keep her status secret. But now Ozpin was missing, her school and its guarded relic were under target, and Athena Glaukopis didn’t really have much choice but to make allies. And fast. James Ironwood, she decides, is the nearest choice. The Fall had done damage to his reputation,certainly, but none to his position at his school or his government. She’s loathe to leave the continent, but desperate times called for desperate measures. James Ironwood gets a request for a meeting from an ambassador from Haven.

#athena thread

tt – the HEADMASTER – tt

“….Will the owner of these… Wires, Please retrieve them at once?”

“Headphones, dear. They’re called headphones.”

tt – the HEADMASTER – tt “Headphones?” The silver-haired Huntsman obviously has no idea what they are, or the significance of these wires. He offers them to her in a heartbeat. They were long, colored white, and well-used. “I found these wires in the library– They were abandoned.”

“Here, I’ll show you how they work.”

Glynda pulled out her scroll, pressing a button to cause a short song to play.

“Without them –” and then she plugs it in and presses play again. He’d hear the sound channel through the tips.

“With them. It’s so you can listen to audio without everyone around you hearing it.”

tt – the HEADMASTER – tt

“…I see.”

The Headmaster is intrigued; this much is obvious. He takes out his own scroll and flips it to find the connector that she has, and real delight shines in child-like eyes when he realizes that he, too, can use headphones.

“Audio… Such as a call, Or a message?”

“Music, calls, movies, anything that requires sound. These are arguably fairly standard headphones--you can get higher quality ones at any electronics store.” He’s adorable. Such a dork.

ladyofbeacxn-archive

MARVEL AU - SILVERTONGUE

The villagers talked, as they always did, when she came into town. She’s been doing this for years, taking the trip from Vale to the small village on the edge of the kingdom, to the graveside.

Once a year, without fail. She was always alone, and she’s always wearing the same cloak as when she left. The fabric is barely worn, shimmering in green and gold.

She knelt, placing the flowers under her arm onto the gravestones with a soft murmur-

“Hela guide you both to Vahalla, and may you rest there in peace.”

38 years before in another realm made of gold and bravado, Loki son of none fell from the ruins of the Bifrost bridge.

Simultaneously, in a hidden realm haunted by creatures of Darkness, a young girl appeared in a farm field. The owners of the field took in the girl and raised her despite knowing her origins were dubious.

They died to a Grimm ambush not four years later, and the girl with the green eyes and a power too curious for telekinesis was left to her own fate.

Glynda Arduenna, formerly Loki No name nee Odinson nee Laufeyson took her own fate into her own hands, and decided to stand for what the people of this world did.

To protect it. because ultimately, it was better than Asgard ever was.

’Glynda’ pretends that her magic is telekinesis, a semblance, for convenience sake.

She’s taken the form of canon, but can shift back into her ‘Asgardian’ and ‘Jotun” forms if she must. She doesnt.

She’s a trickster, a Silvertongue. She’s not afraid to manipulate others to protect them.

Dust help anyone who messes with her.

#Glynda #verses

ladyofbeacxn-archive

Headcanons - Tired

Glynda hates the fact that Ozpin is mysterious. She hates the fact that he always seems to know more than them. That he refuses to let others help actively –instead leading them around. ‘Plausible deniability’ is her current suspicion. But that doesn’t encourage her any more.

'I have served you faithfully for years… but if you mean to tell me that your plan is to hold the defenses, and wait—! ’

James isn’t wrong. Glynda pretended to pass over his concern like she always does when she’s forced to pick a side between Ozpin and someone else. But he’s not wrong. Ozpin is cryptic as fuck and despite what the many awe-inspired masses and heavily innuendoed undertones of the media think, no. She doesnt know him any better than they do. She, like James, has put all of her trust in ozpin for years, and not only has she not gotten any closer to the riddle that is the headmaster, but she’s left all the more wary and weary for it.

Secret shades of Glynda Goodwitch. She’s tired of being in the dark. Tired of knowing nothing. And as surely as James is, tired of being lead around and not knowing if the consequences after were planned or simply a coincidence of fate.

Glynda is tired – no. She’s exhausted. She doesn’t sleep as much as she should, nor eat three solid sized meals a day. She puts all her energy into teaching and trying to defend a man that’s practically a stranger to her after all these times. And of course she says nothing. Can’t bother Ozpin because he’s too busy plotting to want to worry him. She barely speaks to Qrow anymore and James…

James isn’t wrong. They’re in the dark and Glynda is slowly pushing him away, not just because she’s chosen to stand with someone with too many secrets and not enough words, but because the more she speaks to him the more she’s forced to confront the truth of the matter, and the truth of herself.

Glynda is tired. But she carries on. She assures people that Ozpin knows what he’s doing. She keeps teaching – snaps at students, at Grimm.

To be perfectly honest, she’s not far from snapping herself. Snapping and cracking silently and when she does, she’s not sure she’ll recover.

#Glynda #headcanon

tt – the HEADMASTER – tt

“….Will the owner of these… Wires, Please retrieve them at once?”

“Headphones, dear. They’re called headphones.”

"Here, I'll show you how they work."

Glynda pulled out her scroll, pressing a button to cause a short song to play.

"Without them --" and then she plugs it in and presses play again. He'd hear the sound channel through the tips.

"With them. It's so you can listen to audio without everyone around you hearing it."

tt – the HEADMASTER – tt

“….Will the owner of these… Wires, Please retrieve them at once?”