Who: Nikita and Ruby What: Mother/Daughter meeting. When: Some point during the Medieval Plot. [Backdated!] Where: In town. Rating: We'll say medium for a weapon and dagger to the throat for a moment.
Nikita had decided to go on land to check things out, and maybe see about some trouble. If anything looked like fun or she caught wind of anything, then she’d report back to Yelena and her crew. But that hadn’t been the reason for her little visit to land, wanting to explore. There was also the small hope of running into Qrow or his family who she could piss off. They felt he could do better and didn’t approve of her, then why not really give them a reason to dislike her.
Maybe steal a little something to really cause a stir. Already having picked up a few items, Nikita had been checking out a possible item that she might grab when she ran into someone. Turning and being ready to give the individual a scare to make them watch themselves in the future, the plan changed rather quickly when she saw who the person was. A few times over the years, Nikita had looked in on Ruby to see how the girl was doing without anyone knowing. This was the first time since she was born that Nikita was close to her daughter. “Better be careful where you’re walking,” her tone less scary than what she had been planning.
Finally, Ruby had managed to ditch her beloved knight Ron for a chance to explore the town on her own. No, it wasn’t safe, but Ruby was curious and felt as if she could handle herself. She’d always been tough though that kind of tough didn’t exactly come with any defenses. It mostly revolved around being stubborn and fiercely determined, which usually led to Ruby doing something foolish. Like right now.
But there was also a far deeper meaning to the gesture. By venturing into town, she hoped to maybe, just maybe find her birth mother. The woman had disappeared after Ruby was born and as much as Ruby was upset about it, she was also very curious as to who her mother was. This little venture was fueled by that curiosity.
Deep in thought, Ruby almost ended up bumping into someone. Lucky for her, the woman stopped just in time. Her eyes flickered to the woman’s face and oddly there was something that felt familiar about it. How? Ruby was certain she’d never met that woman in her entire life. The woman, for her part, looked as if she was going to attack Ruby until she actually saw who she was. Well, that wasn’t too surprising seeing as Ruby was a princess.
“Perhaps it is you who should be careful where you are walking. I am a princess after all,” Ruby replied defiantly.
Had it been anyone else, even another princess, Nikita wouldn’t have thought twice. The fact this was her daughter changed the game, and made it where anyone who even thought about hurting the young girl would have her to answer to, and that was something many wouldn’t want to do. Nikita may not have a royal title, but she was a pirate and one that didn’t play well with others, especially ones not in her crew.
A smirk and a tiny bit of respect showed up on her face at the reply to the young girl. But at the same time, Nikita knew that attitude could get her killed and chances were, Ruby had no idea how to defend herself. She doubt the royals would feel any need, and that was a huge joke, especially since as her daughter proved, they didn’t always stick with the person meant to be watching out for them.
“And you really think that title will get you far? There are plenty of people who wouldn’t give a damn and find it fun to add the kill of a princess to their long list of murders.” Was it a bit harsh? Yes, but Nikita wasn’t about to sugarcoat what could come from the stupid mistake this girl made. Even if it was very much something Nikita would’ve done, and considering the sneaking around her and Qrow had done, it wasn’t at all a surprise. “Do you even know how to defend yourself from someone who was thinking of harming you? Other than trying to scare them with your princess title.” Nikita wasn’t good with kids, and another reason why it was probably best that Ruby hadn’t been raised by her.
Ruby looked away, clearly annoyed at the woman’s words. However, she knew them to be true. Ruby didn’t know how to defend herself which was why Ron was always around her. He was meant to protect her because she couldn’t fight for herself. The thought of this woman being right irked her, but the truth was the truth, wasn’t it? Still, Ruby was determined to be defiant even if it did end up getting her killed.
“I know enough,” Ruby replied coldly. “Besides, who are you to question me? To talk to me as if you are my parent? My mother? You are no one aside from a pirate and I am not scared of you no matter what you say to me or how you threaten me.” It was clear bravado and nothing more, but Ruby refused to appear weak to someone who was below her rank, especially someone who thought they could boss her around like her father.
Even though she knew nothing about her daughter, Nikita could read her like a book with her body language and could see she had hit the nail on the head and had annoyed the girl in the process. Good! There was no way in hell she was going to have someone related to her wandering around on her own and being a complete fool about it when she was more likely to be a target than some of the others in this place. Nikita would have to send a letter to Qrow about this and inform him how he'd better make sure their daughter had some training or else she’d appear and make a whole lot of people very uncomfortable.
The disrespectful cold tone caused Nikita to show Ruby who exactly she was talking to with that tone, and it wasn’t the mother part that she was showing. Without even much movement and knowing that it would be missed if someone blinked, Nikita had grabbed the dagger that she had on her and held it right near Ruby’s throat for only a moment before making it vanish as quickly as it had appeared. "A person who could kill you without much effort. If you were my daughter, I’d have made sure you knew how to care for yourself," she couldn’t give any hints towards this girl being her actual daughter, especially when no one would ever be able to talk to her this way without some kind of harm coming to them. "Consider yourself lucky that I’m in a good enough mood to spare your life, and offer up some helpful advice. Unless you plan to use this princess attitude as your weapon of choice? I can tell you it won’t get you as far as you might think." Nikita could already tell the letter or meeting she’d be having with Qrow considering they both would be having words that needed to be said to one another, especially now that she had interacted with her daughter.
Suddenly, the woman had a dagger pressed to her throat. Fear flashed in Ruby’s eyes, but before she could do anything, the dagger was gone. Ruby lifted a hand to her neck, but the fingers found no marks or blood. It was a threat just like the woman’s next words. If she were her daughter, but Ruby was not her daughter. If anything, her mother was a coward for running away from being a mother.
“But I’m not your daughter. However, perhaps if I was, you would have possessed the courage to stay around and raise me. If you were my mother,” Ruby retorted. Her voice was far less confident despite her bold remarks. The dagger to her throat scared her and as much as she hated to admit it, the woman was correct. Her ‘princess attitude’ could not protect her from daggers at her throat. If anything, it would land an even bigger target on her back.
Ruby looked away. “Still, consider your advice taken under advisement.” Ruby knew she should return home. This little adventure had proved treacherous enough, but something still nagged at the young woman and she glanced at the pirate once more curiously.
“What is your name? You clearly know who I am given my status. I should at least know who dared hold a dagger to my throat.”
Nikita saw the fear, and while a very small part of her hated how she had made her own daughter look like that, she also knew the girl had to learn one way or another. Better from someone who wouldn’t actually hurt her than from someone who wouldn’t think twice about it because of no ties to the girl.
The words that left Ruby’s mouth next hurt more than anything anyone had ever said to Nikita before. It only showed for a very quick moment before the expression vanished. Even being told she wasn’t good enough for Qrow hadn’t hurt as much as what was being said about her by Ruby. They hadn’t been wrong about her not being good enough for Qrow, but Nikita knew she was no coward. However, there was no way to explain the reason for her leaving without having to explain who she was, and that was out of the question. "I know nothing about your mother, but who knows, maybe she had some reason for leaving. I can’t say what I’d be like if I was ever to have a child."
A small sigh left her lips, hating how guilty she now felt for scaring the poor girl, even if it was well earned and needed to get Ruby to see how her actions could have consequences. "One more piece of unwanted advice for you to think over. While you have a lot of courage, if you do find yourself in a situation, you give it your all. Slam your foot down on theirs or bite them. You fight to survive." Nikita would never fight that way; however, if it meant keeping Ruby alive, then she would encourage the girl to fight however she needed to if it meant surviving. Her name? Would Qrow have ever told Ruby her name? It wasn’t like her name was all that common, causing her to pause for a moment. For once, she prayed to a God she didn't even believe in, hoping her name meant nothing to her. "It’s Nikita."
Ruby caught the brief expression of hurt on the woman’s face. It was strange that it would bother her so much given that she wasn’t her mother. Perhaps her mother left her as well. Maybe that was why she offered such harsh advice to Ruby. She felt as if they could relate to one another.
“What reason could be more important than raising your own child?” Ruby countered boldly. Of course Qrow had made excuses for her mother’s absence over the years, but as Ruby aged she grew more resentful towards the woman who gave her life. Where was she when Ruby had questions about being a woman? When she was lost over romance? Qrow tried, but it was not the same thing.
The woman’s next words surprised her and Ruby found them oddly touching. They were essentially strangers and the woman had threatened her. Yet, she was telling her to fight dirty if the situation ever called for it. The young woman didn’t know how to respond to the words, but she managed a nod. Even without the woman’s advice, Ruby would fight like hell in any situation that called for it.
The princess didn’t expect the woman to give her a name, but she surprised Ruby yet again when she did. And it was a name Ruby had heard before. Because it was her mother’s name.
Startled, Ruby frowned and stepped back. It was impossible. “That can’t be. That’s-That’s my mother’s name.”
“You’d be surprised at the reasons people sometimes have for doing something. You may not agree with the reason, but you might find she had what she felt was a good one,” Nikita offered up with a shrug as if she hadn’t given it much thought. When in reality, she thought about it more than she’d like to admit, especially when near land. But Nikita knew in the long run, she made the right choice, knowing she was not mom material and that Ruby deserved better than a pirate for a mother.
Anyone who knew Nikita would be surprised by the way she was acting, but with Nikita knowing she’d never be in Ruby’s life the way a mother should this was the best thing she could do. Offering her up advice on something that Nikita knew well, and it was needed when Ruby seemed to not be big on listening or acting tougher than she was. If she could teach her daughter one thing, then this was it and a very important thing to know for a young woman, especially with the title of Princess by her name.
The reaction from Ruby now had Nikita wishing she had gone with the original thought of lying. Of course, Qrow had to say her name. He couldn’t have lied or made one up. This was on her since she should’ve known better and gone with lying like she did with pretty much everything. “I’m sure others have that name. I should be heading back to the ship,” she commented very quickly. A quick exit was her go to move though she doubted Ruby would let her escape that easily.
Nikita was correct. There was absolutely no way Ruby was going to let this woman who shared her mother’s name to just walk away. The young woman hastily stepped forward and grabbed Nikita’s arm. Even knowing that Nikita was armed, Ruby still chanced the physical contact. Because she so very much wanted answers. Answers her father had kept from her all these years and answers this woman might be able to provide.
“Please, don’t go. You have to tell me. I’ve been waiting years for answers about my mother. My father never shared too much and it was only during one of his less lucid moments that I managed to even get her name.” Ruby knew she was begging, but she was desperate. She’d never known her mother, never even seen a portrait, and now this woman appeared before her, sharing her name. Ruby knew it was a chance she might never have again and she would be damned if she would let it slip away from her.
“Please.” Despite her best efforts, Ruby felt a lump forming in the back of her throat and when she looked at Nikita, tears shined in her eyes. “I just need to know why. Then you can leave, but I have to know why. Was it because I wasn’t what you wanted? Did you not love me? I must know why you chose the sea over me.”
Nikita wasn’t at all surprised by Qrow not sharing many details about her, but he had to share her damn name. Of all the things he could’ve shared, she wished it had been anything cause then she wouldn’t be dealing with the fallout of deciding to interact with her daughter for more than five minutes. Part of her thought about making up a story about how she killed her mother, and took her name, but the look on her face left Nikita unable to go through with that plan. “I don’t have to tell you anything,” Nikita told her without a single ounce of emotion on her face. Between her life as a pirate and her enjoyment of playing some cards while having drinks when on land, she knew how to keep her emotions in check. While on the inside, she felt like she was breaking slowly the more she heard what Ruby had to say.
“Maybe ask yourself why your father never told you anything about me. Then think about how I held a weapon to you even for a moment,” Nikita challenged the girl. It wouldn’t be hard to get away from Ruby if she really wanted, but Nikita wasn’t about to hurt the girl. Not physically, but emotionally, that might happen without even meaning for it to happen. Maybe if she had stayed around and actually put up a fight about her not being good enough, then the story would be different. But it wasn’t, and Nikita felt like she had no motherly bone in her body.
The smart move would’ve been to walk away than dig into a past that didn’t need poking at. Leave it where it belonged in the past, but Nikita could see this girl really needed some answers. The questions asked by Ruby weren’t surprising considering Nikita had grown up with no parents, and she knew those were valid questions. Didn’t mean she wanted them directed at her or to have to answer them. A sigh left her lips at the look on Ruby’s face, thinking for a moment before speaking. “I didn’t want kids, but that had nothing to do with me leaving. My reason for leaving had nothing to do with you. Your father’s family did not approve of me and did not want me around. Between that and the sea, it was better to stay out of the way.” Nikita didn’t want Ruby mad at Qrow cause none of it was on him. Ruby could blame her all she wanted since she made the choice, but Nikita would also put some where it belonged on Qrow’s family.
It made sense why her father had told her very little about her mother. Her father’s family did not approve of Nikita. They didn’t want her around to raise Ruby. Between that and the sea, Nikita had more than enough incentive to stay away from her daughter. The thought saddened Ruby even if she knew that what Nikita spoke of was true. Her grandmother never had a single kind word to say about Ruby’s mother if she ever said anything at all. No, as much as it broke Ruby’s heart to hear it, she believed every single word. One could not deny the proof in front of their eyes for years.
Ruby released Nikita’s arm and stepped back. Using the back of her sleeve, she blotted at the tears in her eyes and bravely swallowed the lump in her throat before meeting her mother’s eyes.
“You’re right. I know they didn’t. Dad should have fought harder for you,” Ruby replied quietly. “But I get why you left. Even if he fought for you, it would have meant he lost everything too. You didn’t want that for him or me.”
Ruby looked away. Today had come with unexpected chances, but also long awaited answers. As much as the experience had opened old wounds in Ruby’s heart, it also brought clarity and she could never regret that. After another deep breath, the dark haired woman stepped forward and briefly wrapped her arms around Nikita in a hug. She knew she would probably never see her mother again and she wanted to savor the seconds she had while they lasted.
Blinking back fresh tears, Ruby pulled away and offered a small smile to Nikita. “I’m glad I met you. Thank you, for being honest with me.”
Nikita felt awkward and uncomfortable on seeing the tears in Ruby’s eyes, and wishing she had a single motherly bone in her body. Part of her knew she should hug the girl and comfort her, but that wasn’t something Nikita had ever been good at. She wasn’t around a whole lot of crying, and the girl only finding out about her made Nikita not even sure how to comfort her. Instead, standing near her and letting her have a moment as Nikita kept her eyes on their surroundings. She wanted to make sure no one tried anything or was using this scene as a way to gather information that might be useful against a pirate.
Her eyes returned back to Ruby when Nikita noticed the girl trying to look into her eyes. On her comment, Nikita shook her head. “If I had wanted him, I’m sure your father would’ve fought harder. I did not want to cause problems since his family was right, I am not good enough for him or you.” Nikita hadn’t planned to point out about how he would’ve lost everything, feeling that would not be fair to the girl. Only she was smart, which was no surprise and knew that already.
“I loved your father,” she wanted Ruby to know that no matter what the feelings for Qrow had been real when they had been together. “And I love you, but me leaving was the best option for everyone. Cause yes, he would’ve lost everything and I didn’t want that for you both.” It would have been unfair to ask him to leave that life, and she knew Ruby was given the best life by her walking away.
Last thing she had expected was Ruby moving forward to hug her. For a moment, she patted her on the back in a very awkward way, not fully sure what to make of this. But then she hugged the young girl back. The chances of the two having another interaction was slim to none, and if this might be the last time, then she might as well make the most of it. “I’m glad to have had the chance to talk with you, Ruby. Before I send you back to where it’s safe for you, do you think I can ask for a favor or more like a request and you might follow through with it?” Nikita could see so much of herself in the young girl so she knew this could go either way.
When Nikita actually returned the hug, Ruby was surprised, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she merely savored the moment in her mother’s arms because, like Nikita, she knew the chances of having such a chance again were slim to none. She took note of everything from the strength of her mother’s embrace to her scent. Ruby wanted to remember it all.
Stepping back, the brunette was again surprised. A request? Part of Ruby was tempted to say ‘no’ given how little they actually knew about each other…regardless of Nikita being her mom. However, the other half of her wanted to please her mother if she could. Even after feeling abandoned for years, Ruby still longed for that acceptance and approval even now.
Meeting Nikta’s eyes, Ruby nodded. “What is your request, mother?”
Nikita knew it would be best for her to avoid Ruby for a while, knowing this was unfair to her and probably hard on the young girl. There was also the possibility of drawing attention from her enemies to where they might try to use Ruby against her. That was the last thing she needed or wanted to worry or deal with. Not that she wouldn’t come if Ruby had been in trouble, but she’d rather not have to deal with that. While part of her was wanting to finish the hug and get Ruby off of her, she could see the girl needed this and let it go for as long as Ruby wanted.
Whether Ruby went through with the request or not was a whole different matter. Nikita could hope, but she wasn’t about to force the young girl into doing it. If she ignored, then Nikita could only blame the young girl and whoever came after her for not listening to what she had said. “You stay with your guard no matter what. Or you ask your father to have someone train you. But no more wandering off unless you know how to protect yourself.” It was all she asked, knowing the chances of her stay with the guard were slim since it would be if it was Nikita. But if the girl could protect herself, then she knew Ruby would be safe or better prepared.
“Do you think you can do that or no?” Nikita wasn’t even sure if the girl would tell her the truth if the answer was no; however, she tried.
Ruby was naturally rebellious, but she also knew Nikita was asking her from a place of love too. Even if she technically had no right to as that of Ruby. The brunette looked away, taking a moment to consider her answer, before she turned back to Nikita. Meeting the other woman’s gaze, the brunette nodded.
“I don’t know if my father will train me, but I will do my best to stay with my guard. That is the best I can offer you.” Because completely obeying rules was not something Ruby could do, especially given that her mother was a pirate. “I’m not good at obeying rules completely. You of all people should know what that is like.” Ruby could not help the smirk that tugged at her lips, but it was short lived. She knew that her mother had to leave soon. It hung over both their heads like a storm cloud.
“I know you need to leave soon. Especially before anyone catches you.”
“If your father tries to say no, then tell him a woman by the name of Nikita told him he should. Your choice on whether you tell him that you put the pieces together on who I was,” she told Ruby. No matter what Qrow would know her name, and she was hoping maybe that would get him to realize he had to do something. It bugged her already how her daughter didn’t have some skills to defend herself, especially since Qrow should know better how there was a chance of Ruby turning out a bit like her. How many times had Nikita gone against what was said? That she did blame Qrow for unlike the whole ordeal with Nikita not being in Ruby’s life.
Nikita couldn’t help the small laugh on Ruby admitting she wasn’t the best at obeying rules and how she should know what that was like. “I do, and trust me, I’m not at all surprised to hear you’re not that great at obeying rules. Definitely something you get from me,” she added with a shake of a head but the look on her face was amusement. “And no one wants to have someone following them around all the time, which is why I say you talk to your father about some training. If you’re like me, you can put on an act to convince him.” Nikita believed the girl could if she wanted to convince Qrow. Hopefully, the girl didn’t have Nikita’s same moves since Qrow knew those and would probably not fall for it.
“Yes, I should be going,” she sighed, knowing this was probably a risky move but the look on Ruby’s face told Nikita everything she needed to know. “If you want, the next time I’m back on land, I’ll come find you. I’m quite good at tracking people down when I need to find them. Would you like that?” Nikita had no idea when she’d be back, but she could offer up that promise to her daughter of finding her when she did.
Before Nikita mentioned bringing her up to her father, Ruby’s mind was made up. She was going to speak to her father about Nikita and tell him everything that transpired today. As part of that conversation, she would mention the training. Because Ruby agreed with Nikita. She didn’t like having someone follow her around constantly even if she did like Ron. No, she would rather have the training and she knew her father could provide it. Mentioning her mother would guarantee it.
“I’m going to mention everything that happened today, including the training,” Ruby replied honestly. “And you’re right. I don’t want to be followed around all the time, even if I like the guy who is doing the following.”
When Nikita mentioned finding her the next time she was on land, Ruby was surprised. She guessed her mother would want nothing more to do with her. Hearing she would find her next time she was on land was unexpected, but hardly unwelcomed. The young woman couldn’t help the smile that formed on her lips and she nodded.
“I would like that.”
Nikita could only imagine how that was going to go when Qrow heard about this, but she hid the reaction upon her face of what she was thinking. If she didn’t hear from Qrow, then she’d be surprised. He’d probably have some things he was going to want to say to her once he learned about this, but Nikita could deal with him. If it came to her daughter being safe, especially when she enjoyed wandering off, then she’d deal with a conversation or letter from Qrow.
“I figured because I know I wouldn’t want anyone following me around,” and it was one of the good parts on how she hadn’t been welcomed into the family. The idea of being watched did not sit well with her even if it was to protect her. But she had to admit, she was proud of her daughter for having the courage to stand up and try to get the training that she deserved. Nikita didn’t see why Qrow would deny it, but she figured the rest of the family might have thoughts on it.
Nikita wasn’t sure if it was wise or not about the possibility of meeting next time she came to shore, but it was too late to take it back now. There was always the chance of her never returning or it being a while; however, her daughter could feel like Nikita hadn’t just left her again. Maybe? The question of whether this was a smart move or not was up in the air and she wasn’t about to dwell on it. “Then we’ll do that, but I need to go now. And you need to go find your guard, alright?”
Yes, she had to go before Ron came looking for Ruby. He would not take too kindly to her associating with pirates, even if the pirate was her mother. “Yes, you need to go. Ron is probably already out looking for me and will probably be here any minute.”
“Or I’ll go.” Ruby turned and started back down the road, but paused, unable to help, but glanced over her shoulder one last time.
“It was good to meet you, mom. Safe travels.” Ruby gave her a final wave and turned once more, heading away as fast as she could.