*Shows up 15 minutes late with Starbucks* Hello, hello! I love soulmate AUs but I’ve never written one so this should be fun lmao. I went for a pretty vague soulmate concept, but I switched up the setting to give it a fresher feel. Beyond that, I think the main appeal of a soulmate AU is the journey to find them, and the payoff at the end, and I hope that I managed to hit those marks. Enjoy my soulmate AU set in medieval times! Also, big thank-you to @freezerburn-week bless y’all!
Soulmate AU
Soulmates were something vague, yet intrinsically understood among the populous of Remnant; a sensation of completeness the general agreed-upon feeling that encompassed one in that ultimate, defining moment of meeting the one who held the other half of one’s being. Some described it as a pull that only became stronger the closer you got, while others said it was something like an instinct that told you “this is the one.”
Naturally, such an intrinsic yet vague concept was widely debated and dreamed about, but even more so, it brought with it a sense of worry; a fear that one will die without ever finding their other half. Surely, there were some who met that fate, but they were few and far between, and certain factors often prevented them from ever meeting their destined one, such as an accident or a sudden illness.
Certainly, one could be confident in the assertion that they would meet their other half before they would inevitably be parted in the embrace of death. But even in death, there were whispers that spoke of those who had met in life would be bound together in death as well. Of course, there was nothing to substantiate such claims, but the people liked to dream.
One such person was Princess Weiss Schnee, current heir to the Atlesian throne since her elder sister had abdicated from her position a few years prior after finding her soulmate and joining her in her simple, satisfying life. Weiss wished she had the moxie to remove her own shackles, but without a soulmate to share her burdens and her heart, there was little reason for such.
After Winter’s stunt, her father had kept Weiss close, careful to keep her from ever approaching anyone less than a noble. Of course, Weiss understood that this was not borne out of love, but rather something with a flavor of spite and pride. She would marry someone who was not only befitting of her station, but someone who would expand her father’s influence and keep Weiss in her place.
Disgusting.
After many years of near-isolation, Weiss had begun to lose hope. She would be trapped in a marriage she didn’t want under the thumbs of her father and her future spouse until her final breath, resigned to her fate with nothing better waiting for her.
Yet, a stroke of fate brought her a bit of fortune; her father had left the kingdom to meet the other leaders of the continents and kingdoms to discuss worldly affairs, so she was free from his ever-watchful eye. Even more fortuitously (yet also not so much), the kingdom was struggling with an overflow of bandits --created in no small part by the high taxes her father imposed-- and thus knights and even sell-swords were needed to quell the storm.
The sell-swords were of particular note; she would be able to interact with those outside the castle and outside the caste of society that she was thrust into. She would be able to meet more people than ever before, and hopefully that would also bring her soulmate to her.
In order to streamline the effort to quell the bandits, she had organized a party for the participants as a way to garner good feelings towards the kingdom. She presented the idea to her father’s advisers (her de facto monitors while her father was away); a league of crusted old gentlemen, their ideals and values as antiquated as their age, and joyously, they approved. Naturally, they were more interested in the nobles that would be attending, but they did not need to know that Weiss felt differently.
She awoke that auspicious morn to a strange sensation.
She could feel it.
Her soulmate was somewhere in Atlas.
Her soulmate was here.
Her heart leapt, both in joy and with an overwhelming sense of nervousness. After all, this was her soulmate; the one who would make her feel whole, and if she was lucky, would allow her to be free of her prison.
Though freedom was indeed tantalizing, it was the idea of freedom with the person whom she loved, the person with whom she shared her heart, that made her heart flutter the most. A marriage without love had always been what lay before her, but now she had the chance to find the love that had been so precisely kept from her reach.
Love was finally something she would be able to feel.
Love.
The word alone was enough to illicit a dreamy sigh. She hoped that her soulmate was as giddy as she.
She took a few calming breaths and went about her preparations with a new sense of purpose. Those that knew her, including her faithful butler Klein, could see the shine in her eyes, a sharp determination that cut like the ice her eyes were colored in the likeness of.
She ensured that she was dressed in in clothes that both befit her station, but were more functional than much of her wardrobe; she did not want to be intimidating to her soulmate. Surely, since the feeling of her soulmate’s proximity had only just strengthened on the day of her gala, they were a sell-sword rather than a knight. If that assumption proved to be correct, then it would be better to appear more approachable, lest she frighten them off with their difference in status.
No, she thought then, she would not allow their difference in status to stand in her way. She would see this through, and she would meet them at the very least.
Yes, today would be the day that she would meet her other half, and she swore as such on the tiara that adorned her ponytail, as askew as it was.
Yes, today was the day.
The castle staff had been in a flurry around her, running through the halls to complete their preparations, quick and polite in their requests for Weiss’s presence or opinions. The day had been a blur, to be sure, but that was for the best.
As the moon rose high, knights and sell-swords began to trickle in, dressed in their nicest tunics or polished armor, and looking thoroughly intimidated at the setting. So comfortable were they being the ones to stand guard at the fringes, and yet now they took center stage in the grand hall of Atlas Castle.
And for the nobles that had attended (ones who would be offended if they were not invited to a gathering of any sort inside the castle) the sight was truly an odd one to behold. Though most muttered about the presence of “commoners” or “rabble” in their midst, they were courteous enough to thank those that would ensure their coffers were safe whilst traveling. It would be uncouth to ignore them.
Weiss had settled into the throne after the guests had all arrived, nodding genteelly to those who came to personally offer their respect. Of course, for the nobles it was all for show, but the few knights and sell-swords that boldly came to greet her were earnest in their pleasantries. Naturally, as a way of returning that honesty, they were treated with as much respect and kindness as Weiss could possibly muster. This certainly did not sit well with some of the fussier nobility, but there would be nothing awaiting them but ruin should they openly speak out against the actions of the crown princess.
Though Weiss was careful to ensure each one that spoke to her was paid due attention and interest, her mind was elsewhere. Somewhere in this room, her soulmate mingled. The pull was so powerful, Weiss almost felt liable to fall out of her seat. The tug was warm and insistent, and if she did not have obligations and an image to uphold, she would have abandoned the whole charade and wandered about the room, gawking in a most unsightly manner.
No, perhaps she had best drop that train of thought. Soon, if her hunch was correct and everything worked out, she would live a common life and would have no need for such inanities as maintaining decorum and sightliness.
Of course, that was all contingent on meeting her soulmate, who would have to be about as dense as a stone to not feel the pull. She wondered if they were looking for her in the room, brushing as close to people as possible to find their other half.
She had half a mind to simply shout out that her soulmate was to come forward at once, but of course, she would not do such a thing. Freedom was not yet in her grasp. Just a little bit longer and she would have a new life and a new love. Patience would be the key.
Finally, it seemed that those who had wished to pay her respects had subsided, so she was free to scan the crowd.
The hall was quite crowded, which made it difficult to find much distinction in anyone, and even more so, the pull of her soulmate was rather imprecise, a gut feeling or an instinct like many had described with nothing to indicate to Weiss whom it was from this far away.
Frankly, she would like to have a word or two with whomever had made such an imperfect sensation, but she lowered her hackles when she reminded herself that all human emotions and sensations were much the same; vague and imperfect, but still very much an important part of an individual.
She returned her focus back to her visual reconnaissance.
Her eyes followed groups who milled about and chatted, individuals who made several trips to the refreshment tables, those who hung about the edges, and those who seemed to be having a good time. She was pleased that the party was a lively one rather than some awkward affair with painfully obvious separation among the social classes. Perhaps, if the chance arose, she would like to have another gala with mingling social classes.
Her eye caught on a particularly vibrant group; a young girl with red-tipped black hair, a redhead with a ponytail, a girl with vibrant orange hair, a young man with a stripe of pink in his otherwise black hair, a woman with cat ears sitting atop raven locks, a tall young man with blond hair. The standout among the colorful cast of characters was a tall woman with wild blonde hair, untamed among the well-groomed masses. Weiss couldn’t see much of her, as her back was turned, but something kept her eyes on the woman dressed in armor who was laughing vibrantly and animatedly among her friends. They were all so distinct in appearance, and their weapons kept close to their sides did nothing to help them blend in, but Weiss felt that there was nothing that would be able to damper them.
Her gaze remained trained on them through the gala, and it seemed as if none of them had any intention of approaching her. She could not be sure why, but she knew that her soulmate was one of them, and it irked her that she could not approach them herself.
Her time was running short, as the bell in the grand clock tower tolled midnight, and she could do nothing to confirm her suspicions.
What to do?
Her brow furrowed as she wracked her brain, ignoring the whispers of the noble who traded ideas between themselves as to which commoner could have soured the princess’s mood so.
Finally, she had it.
She motioned for one of her attendants to call for attention, and with the sounds of the horns and a quick speech by the attendant, Weiss stood.
“Good citizens of Remnant, I would like to thank you all for attending this gala. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the knights and sell-swords in particular, who have joined us tonight for helping to quell the influx of bandits. Thanks to all of you, Atlas will be a safer place.” She clapped then, and as was veritably required, the nobles present clapped with her.
“Now, before all of you return to your accommodations, I would like to announce that I will be holding individual interviews on the morrow to give each of you your assignments.”
A shocked murmur ran through the crowd, most notably the sell-swords who turned pale at the thought of standing before royalty. Initially, the plan had simply been to hire the sell-swords and let them roam wherever they saw fit, then have the knights cover the places they had not, but Weiss had to toss that plan aside; perhaps it was a drastic measure, but she would meet her soulmate even if it killed her.
Were there perhaps better ways to meet her soulmate? Undoubtedly. Did she perhaps look a touch insane to the nobility and her father’s advisers? Likely, yes. Did any of that matter? Not in the least.
She cleared her throat once the momentary wave of confusion subsided.
“I will begin interviews when the bell chimes 8. The castle staff will direct you once you arrive. With that said, I bid all of you a good night. Rest well.”
And she made her exit, holding her head high as was expected of her.
Her sleep was light --excitement keeping her from finding truly restful relief-- and she had her ladies in waiting dress her in a simple, yet still distinctly royal attire; her favorite white dress that shimmered in the light, like freshly-fallen snowflakes. Her tiara was placed atop her ponytail once more, and with a quick breath of composure, she left her chambers for the grand hall once more.
As the bell struck 8, sell-swords and knights alike entered the grand hall one by one, looking thoroughly intimidated. Weiss greeted them cordially, asked them some basic questions such as whether they would prefer to work alone or in a group, weapon or weapons of choice, and areas that they would prefer to work, all the while the scribe would take note of their answers and compile them. Weiss then informed them that once the interviews had finished, their assignments would be announced via the town criers and posted upon notice boards.
She had to give herself credit; while the whole thing was a tad over the top, it made sense from a strategic standpoint, and it was the perfect excuse to meet her soulmate.
Or it would be if they would hurry and arrive.
Several hours had gone by, the bell striking noon had long since chimed, and still the pull of her soulmate did not get any stronger. She had to resist the urge to tap her fingers against the armrest impatiently, but such a thing would earn her the ire of her father’s people, so she kept her frustration and impatience to the inside.
Finally, after many of the other members of the vibrant group from the night before had conducted their interviews, the girl with the red-tipped hair entered the room.
“I’m sorry I’m late, Your Highness, but my sister would not wake.”
This piqued Weiss’s interest, but she kept up her indifferent facade with a wave of her hand. “It is of no consequence. Is she also a sell-sword?”
The girl nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. She is quite strong, both physically and in personality. I’m sure she will leave an impression.”
Weiss noted that the girl had not mentioned whether that impression would be a good or a bad one, but she supposed she would find out whenever her sister deigned to wake.
The rest of the girl’s --Ruby’s-- interview went as much the same as the rest of them had, albeit Weiss had taken a bit of a liking to the girl. Perhaps she would hire her on a more permanent basis if the chance arose.
Before she left, Ruby bowed low. “My sister will likely arrive soon, Your Highness. I humbly thank you for your patience and understanding.”
She left with a speed that surprised Weiss then, though perhaps she should have expected it given Ruby’s mentioning of her speed as a combat asset.
Through more interviews, Weiss’s mind remained stuck on Ruby’s mysterious slumbering sister. She could not be sure as to why, but something in her gut told her that the very same woman was her soulmate. Yet, only time would tell.
Finally, as the day went on, Weiss felt that telltale pull in her heart, and she had to resist the urge to fidget in her seat as that pull gained in strength.
Soon.
Each person that arrived made her heart leap into her throat until she realized they were not the one, where it settled back into her chest only to repeat the whole experience all over again.
Finally, finally, the doors opened once more, and the pull in Weiss’s heart became so powerful, Weiss put a hand to her chest for fear that her heart would burst from it.
The woman with the wild blonde locks entered, a stunning gold tunic adorning her powerful and --Weiss flushed at the mere thought-- voluptuous frame. She had a confident, crooked grin, and a swagger in her step that would put even the most vain of nobles to shame. Weiss could not help but smile at the sight.
“Evenin,’ Your Highness. How fare you?”
“Well enough, thank you.”
That was a lie. A bold-faced lie. At that moment, her heart was pounding a mile a minute, the tug of the soulmate bond threatening to pull her from her throne and into the woman’s arms. And what powerful-looking arms they were.
She mentally shook herself. Now was not the time to act like a love-struck maiden. She had to focus.
“What is your name?”
“Yang Xiao Long, Your Highness. I come from Patch with my sister, Ruby.”
“Ah, yes, I remember meeting her. She told me you had slept late.”
Yang blushed then, and somehow Weiss found it rather endearing.
“She told you that?” At Weiss’s nod, she looked a bit sheepish. “My apologies, Your Highness. I had a bit too much to drink at the party last night and it left me rather exhausted.”
Weiss could not help but laugh, and the action seemed to startle both Yang and the attendants and scribe that were present. “I am glad to hear you enjoyed it,” she said, her lips still pulled into a smile.
“It was the nicest party I’ve been to, so I forgot my self-control,” Yang said, looking a mix between awestruck, embarrassed, and happy.
“Well, this may sound odd coming from one such as myself, but I believe it is good to forgo self-control every so often, though that chance is regrettably scarce for me.”
Yang nodded solemnly. “You have a lot of responsibilities, Your Highness. It’s only natural.”
“Indeed. Now, we must move back toward the matter at hand. Do you prefer to work alone or with others?”
“I’m fine with either, Your Highness. I have confidence in my strength, but I can coordinate with others when the situation calls for it.”
“It has been noted. Do you have a preference for the area of Atlas where you wish to work?”
“I’ll admit I’m not entirely familiar with the land, so I’ll simply say that I’d like to work wherever the concentration of bandits is the highest. They won’t last a day once I find ‘em.”
Weiss could not help the giggle that escaped from her. Ruby had been right in that her sister had a strong personality. It was a refreshing change from all the stuffy people that constantly surrounded her.
“Your bravado is most amusing, Miss Xiao Long.”
“Is it bravado if it’s true, Your Highness? And please, call me Yang.”
“Very well, Yang,” she said with another giggle. “I suppose we will have to see if you can back up your claims. If you prove yourself, I will be more than happy to take back my words.”
“I’ll take that as a challenge, Your Highness, and I accept,” Yang said with a glint in her lilac eyes.
“Lastly, what weapons do you prefer, and will you be in need of repairs for anything?”
“I have brass knuckles, Your Highness, though I have used swords if the situation was dire. They’re all in perfect condition, along with my armor, so I won’t need any repairs.”
Weiss raised a brow. “You would use brass knuckles even if your opponent wields something far more deadly? You are either brave or a fool.”
“I like to think I’m a bit of both, Your Highness.” She grinned as Weiss laughed once more. “Still, I think you’ll be surprised once you see what I can do with ‘em. You are not the first to have underestimated my choice of weapon.”
“Very well, I look forward to it.” She truly did. She wanted very much to see Yang in action at that very moment, but the latter had yet to so much as hint at the bond that connected them, and it made Weiss incredibly anxious. Was she waiting for Weiss to say something? Or did she feel nothing?
Fine, if Weiss wanted something done, she would simply have to do so herself.
“Yang... Are you aware of the soulmate bond?”
Yang’s eyes widened, and she seemed to look at Weiss in a way she had not been courageous enough to do so before. “I am, Your Highness.”
The air in the room had become incredibly tense, as if everyone present was on the edge of their seat to see where this would go.
“Have you found your soulmate as of yet?” She swallowed.
Yang tugged at the orange scarf around her neck. “I have, Your Highness.”
“You seem tense, Yang. Why do you hesitate so?”
Again, Yang seemed anxious under her gaze. “Because my soulmate is wildly above my status, Your Highness. I'm afraid they won’t accept me, or that those around them won’t accept me.”
Exactly what Weiss had feared, but it was not something she could simply wave away as a trivial concern. Still, that was not of import at this moment.
“If you were to ignore the castes of society, would you wish to be with your soulmate, Yang?”
“Without a doubt, Your Highness. I would accept them with no hesitation.” She took a breath, looking Weiss directly in the eyes. “And Your Highness? How do you feel?”
Weiss’s breath caught, and she felt tears prick at her eyes. “I feel the same, Yang.”
She rose from her throne, and took one, two, three halting steps before descending down the stairs in a rush and nearly leapt into Yang’s arms, who caught her just as Weiss had imagined.
Their embrace was warm, comfortable, and a sense of wholeness encompassed them, filling their veins with love and completeness.
Yang put a finger under Weiss’s chin and held her gaze. “Are you sure I am what you want, Princess?”
“I have never been more sure of anything in my life.”
With a blinding smile, Yang closed the distance, and they shared a tender kiss, Yang’s wild mane shielding them from the eyes of the attendants and scribe, who were in complete and utter disarray.
But that did not matter. The world outside of Yang and Weiss had faded away, leaving only the two of them to enjoy their bond finally becoming complete, and to enjoy each other.
Truly, it was a most auspicious day.
“Yang, can you bring in the laundry? It looks like it will rain later.”
“You got it, Princess.”
“I’m not a princess anymore, Yang. I haven’t been for 3 years now.”
Yang laughed. “I know that, but it’s something of a nickname. You don’t like it?”
Weiss sighed, though it was with a smile. “I’ve been called a princess my entire life, and I finally found the one person who doesn’t have to call me one, but they insist on doing so anyway. Do you see the irony?”
Yang pressed a kiss to Weiss’s temple. “I do, but even without the official title, I thought it fit you. You’re certainly as beautiful as a princess.”
“Even in these clothes the town seamstress made?”
“Especially in the clothes the town seamstress made. You’re beautiful no matter what.”
Weiss pulled Yang close then. “I love you, Yang. I’m so glad we met that day.”
“I love you too, Weiss. We were soulmade for each other.”
Yang laughed as Weiss chased her outside.
What a wonderful bond they shared.
Hope y’all enjoyed that. I saw my little Celica amiibo next to my f!Corrin amiibo and decided I wanted a Celica and Alm bond, but gay and with the term “soulmates” attached to it. Hopefully the lack of a real gimmick was made up for by the unusual setting. Also, I tried my hand at a more old-timey writing and dialogue style, so hopefully that was alright lmao. Until next time~!
So here is an appreciation post: Firstly, I want to give @dashingicecream a mountain of love and gratitude. When I was only just getting interested in fanfiction and fanart she was the artist that got me DEEP in the monos, and has maintained that pairing as my truest otp. Plus her art is fricking fantastic! Like REALLY?! And don’t get me started on her new calico/calichrome stuff. Like… Whoa.
Moving on! Next that comes to mind is @texanredrose! An absolute God with words. I don’t think anyone has so singlehandedly inspired me to improve myself like they have. Every step of the way since I started talking to them they have encouraged me. So much so that they even got me to start my own Rwby! Star wars au. Plus, elderburn. Just…. Yes please. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how amazing their elderburn content is.
Next is @keena-kapu! So sweet, so caring, so ready to punch some jerk in the face for being a dick. Literally me only cute, and with a better accent. They do such amazing work, too! They have so many great ideas and such excellent taste. Their calichrome stuff is so good! I need mooooooore! Also fuck Adam.
Fourth would be @maburito! The cutest hedgehog to ever grace this hellsite. The kindest hug giver to ever give hugs! And an absolute doll. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who was so quick to respond to a friend in need. A wonderful supporter of all her friends.
@teriyaki-deer! Such a sweety. Never fails to make me smile with their fantastic art, everything from ocs to characters from rwby and lwa. They is such an amazing person who, like many that I’ll list in this post, will stand up for their friends no matter what. I always look forward to what they're going to show us next! Especially if it’s for their ocs!
@mamakatie possibly the most energetic and excitable people I’ll ever meet. I adore her. She’s literally ruby! She’s cute, and pocket sized, and she’s such a fantastic write. And she’s even improving her art! Like, what!? Did I mention she actually cosplays ruby!? She fits the role perfectly! And she supports my angsty ideas in my terrible aus. Hahaha.
@theneonflower! One of the newest members to join the rwby Fandom and boy was it an explosive entry! The Brave Hearts AU has got to be one of the best Pollination for me ever. I love me some angst and she delivers like no other! Her art is so unique and wonderful and I love it with all my heart. And her ocs are fabulous and she comes up with some of the best storylines for them…. Ugh… So good.
I’m cold because my workplace is freezing so I’m going to wrap this up with @makas0ul. Literally my best friend. I love her more than anyone else in the world. She’s always there when I need her, and she gives me a meaning that no one else has been able to before. She encourages me to go out and talk to people in the Fandom and make friends, and without her and Texan’s support I don’t think I would be where I am today in my creative ventures. I created a server for her, and through it we have been able to meet and make a wonderful group of such talented and caring people! All I was going to do was make it! And yet with it I was pulled into this pool of (mostly) like minded creators and a unique cast of the most adorable nerds and dorks a person could ask for. She is my rock, and I hope I can continue to be as supportive and helpful to her as she has been to me.
To top this off I want to say thank you to everyone. Those I listed and those who I wasn’t able to. You’re all great. And I love you. I want you to know that I’ll always have your backs, because while I might not be the happiest, the most out going, the most energetic, or the most outspoken I will always be the one to stand up first when someone comes after you. Whether it’s for your art, your writing, the pairing you ship, or just some douchbag who decided he wanted to pick a fight with the wrong person. I got you. And ain’t no one gonna stop me.
Texan is a soldier forged in fire with a heart of gold, though unaware of it themselves. They call themselves an asshole because they truly believe it, though they are blind to just how many people would fight a war for them. Their sense of humor is a mixture of puns and absolutely ridiculous shenanigans, and really, who would believe that an asshole could love puns so much? Despite everything that is thrown at them, they carry on bravely, a near-manic grin on their face.
*reads “near-manic grin” and immediately looks at the unseen camera* I know you can see me.
