Snow X Dwight ~ One!

“I can't believe they're letting us go on our own!” Rose squealed just as the carriage rattled over the last of the cobblestones and settled onto a quieter dirt path. “There it is, the farthest we've ever been away from home without our parents.”

Snow turned away from the window, smiling brightly at her twin sister. “Can you think of a better birthday present than not being surrounded on all sides by people we barely know?”

“I mean, we're going to have to be back on our birthday proper.” Rose half-shrugged, though she flung her hand in the air to show how little it mattered at that moment. “Wouldn't want to waste any time getting our Advanced Class, now would we?”

It was the first time they’d been allowed to journey out to their mother's cottage on their own, as the trip had always been a family event held over the autumn equinox, which also happened to be their birthdays. ‘Alone’ may have been a bit of a stretch, as a half-dozen royal knights rode along behind the princesses' carriage. As their father always warned them: hope has soft edges; daggers do not.

Even so, their usual minders—stuffy maids obsessed with etiquette—had been left behind, giving the girls a chance for a genuine vacation. After their fourteenth birthday, they would need to resume their studies in kingdom management and focus on advancing their newly granted skills as swiftly as possible.

Whether each became the queen of their own kingdom or a neighboring one, it was essential that they were prepared to take on those responsibilities, something the maids they had left behind never allowed them to go so much as a day without hearing.

“Speaking of skills…” Rose leaned in conspiratorially. “Am I wrong in thinking you had a hand in convincing them to let us go? Not two weeks ago, father all but forbade this adventure.”

Snow's laugh was a soft, delicate thing as she shook her head. “You know I wouldn't do that, Rose! We must have just impressed them over the last few weeks, or perhaps they’re planning a surprise of some kind and need us out of the way. Besides, with the way father's been acting, I’d been under the assumption you had something to do with the trip coming together.” 

Thanks to her sister’s reminder, Snow glanced down at the details of her system-granted Basic Class and skills. Trailing her right index finger across the inseam of her left arm, she silently read the golden words that wrote themselves out on her pale skin.

Basic Class: Darling Princess

Basic Skill: Precocious Command: Level 10/10.

Having been raised as a princess, one who cares deeply about those under her care, you [Perfectly] understand the body language of others around you who are not using skills or magical effects to specifically hide these physical reactions. 

Through various means, such as pleading, showcasing diligence, or demonstrating scholarly behavior, you can [Perfectly] persuade people to fulfill your requests. This skill [Perfectly] enhances your ability to gauge moods and personalities, allowing you to tailor your approach for maximum effect. Whether it's convincing courtiers to support your initiatives or inspiring your subjects with your dedication, Precocious Command makes you [Perfectly] adept at navigating complex social dynamics.

Advanced Skill: Aura of Innocence: Level 6/10.

Aura of Innocence grants you an enchanting presence, making you exude an air of purity, kindness, and sincerity, [Considerably] amplifying your natural charm. When speaking in a heartfelt manner, your true thoughts on the issue will be [Considerably] felt by those you are speaking with. If your words and meaning are in alignment, the resistance of those around you will soften, making them [Considerably] more receptive to your words. 

Aura of Innocence also has a unique effect of attracting small animals. Birds, rabbits, and other gentle creatures find [Considerable] comfort in your presence, often gathering around you in a serene display of trust and affection.

Requirement to advance: Over the course of three consecutive meals, eat only what you gather for yourself. Two-thirds of your intake must be meat.

“As if I could get away with something like that,” Rose shot her twin and exaggerated pout. “Not after Mother started ordering customized magical items to alert them if they were being ‘affected by an outside source’. Seriously, you think keeping someone in a good mood for a couple days would be a positive thing—they acted like I had tried to melt his brain or something.”

“I kind of understood what they were getting at,” Snow carefully stated, not wanting to make her sister think she was siding with her parents too much. “Maintaining the exact same mood for so long just isn't natural. Who knows what sort of long-term effect that could have on someone?”

Rose only shrugged, dismissing the familiar argument out of hand. Snow could only return to looking out the window, though her thoughts stayed on her twin. They were as different from each other as night was from day, with Snow being soft, quiet, and helpful, while Rose was outgoing and always ready to have an adventure—or pick a fight. Even their class and skills seemed to be two halves of a whole, though the system seemed to have mixed up who should have what.

Snow was given the ability to persuade and convince others through her words and deeds, whereas Rose could directly alter and impact their mood. Given her less-exuberant nature, Snow’s skills had grown slower than her sister’s, but Rose’s rampant usage had caused… issues. People were always second guessing themselves around the younger of the two twins, wondering if how they were feeling at the moment was natural or not.

At least with Snow's power, they were able to hear her arguments and come to a decision on their own, as they were only more likely to be swayed. As her mother had always cautioned her, even when her ability to be more convincing had been Perfected, that didn’t mean she’d always get her way. In fact, even when she had good reasons, great ideas, and knew she was in the right, people would likely disagree or refuse, based on their own deeply held ideals.

The companionable silence continued until the smallish home finally came into view, nestled along a riverbank, multicolored stone walls bathed in the soft autumn light. Snow’s mind settled as she breathed in the peace that always filled her when arriving at the cottage. This wasn't just their family retreat, but a way for them to get away from the pressures of court and act like an actual family—at least once a year. “Haa… lots of good memories here, right, Rose?”

“Yeah. Hey, what do you think the chances are of getting one of the knights to practice with me? Even if we are going to be away from the training grounds for the next week, that doesn't mean I have to let the others get ahead of me.” Rose’s hand almost unconsciously reached for the sheathed sword propped up next to her in the carriage. “I think I've just about figured out how to fight someone to a standstill by making them feel like they want to give up.”

“Better than inciting them to extreme violence when they're supposed to be teaching you.” Snow ruefully chuckled as she pushed open the carriage door. “Can we take at least a couple of days and just, you know, relax? Maybe we can go to the nearby village and see what they've been working on. I bet I could convince Mother to host a fair here, if I bring back some samples of their wares.”

“Hey! It's not easy to push an emotion on someone when I'm not feeling it,” Rose protested as she popped out and stretched on the manicured lawn. “Same as you, right? If you don't believe what you're saying, it's a lot harder to make them go along with you. When I'm fighting, it's exciting. Convincing someone to be so bored with the fight they just give up in the middle of it…? I think that's going to be enough to push me into Mastery.”

“Mastery? Isn't that level nine?” Snow hadn't thought her sister was that much more advanced than her, but they had stopped discussing exact levels years ago, when she started to fall behind. “I'm only at Considerable, level six, with my Advanced Skill. That's incredible, Rose!”

Clearly uncomfortable, her strawberry-blonde-haired twin glanced away, not meeting Snow's eyes. “Yeah, thanks. It's a lot of fun to test out. Want to go fishing while they unload? Or something?”

Instead of denying her sister, as she’d clearly expected, Snow thought it over and agreed. While she wouldn't say it aloud, the raven-haired teen had truly been shocked at how far behind she’d fallen in skill level—and immediately resolved to make up the difference. “Yeah… I think I wouldn't mind fish for dinner, and… maybe breakfast and lunch tomorrow.”

“Fish for three meals in a-” Rose cut off, wincing in understanding as she realized what was happening. They tended to talk about most things, and the requirement for Snow's skill to increase a level had been the same for nearly half a year. The sweet young lady simply didn't have it in her to sing for her supper, to have the small animals that flocked to listen to her voice get slain, gutted, and plucked, only to appear on her plate later that day. “Fish, huh? Yeah. I can eat that for a day or two. Whatever you think sounds good.”

“Thanks.” Snow flushed slightly, even if she didn't quite understand why she was feeling so embarrassed. Setting up next to the slow, lazy river flowing next to the cottage, the twins spent the rest of the morning quietly fishing. As the lunch hour came around, a servant spread out a small picnic beside them before leaving them to enjoy the perfect day.

Leaves colored in vibrant hues drifted from the trees, painting the ground or floating away if they landed in the water. The sun cast a soft, warm light over everything, and soon Snow felt her eyes grow heavy as she soaked in the silence. Letting out a long, happy sigh, she started to drift away, only to sit bolt upright, sputtering furiously as she was splashed by the large fish Rose had yanked from the water. 

“I got one!” Seeing her twin succeed always put a smile on Snow's face, but also drove home that she’d once again stopped before succeeding. As Rose put the fish on a string and dropped it back in the water to keep it fresh, Snow lifted her own line and took a deep breath.

“Want to see my fish call?” Rose glanced over curiously as Snow's eyes twinkled with mischief. “Here, fishy, fishy, fishy! You know you want to take the bait!”

“Oh look.” Rose rolled her eyes dramatically. “It's the exact same as her duck, deer, and rabbit call. Let me guess, it's going to be just as effective-”

*Splash!*

Snow yanked on her pole as it bent under the weight of a fish, laughing with excitement as she reeled it in. After a brief fight, she lifted it out of the water and turned to her sister. “Works every time.”

*Ro~oar.*

Before they could banter any further, a guttural, animalistic bellow filled their ears. They pushed themselves to their feet, looking frantically for the source of the sound, even as they prepared to run. They found it at the same moment: across the river, a man was running toward them, clutching a large sack in his hand as a truly gargantuan bear closed in on him from behind. 

“Abyss!” Rose belted out. “Run, sir!”

“This way! The cottage has wards to keep out dangerous entities!” Snow shouted as she waved her arms above her head. “Swim! You only need to make it to shore!” 

Yet the man ignored them, save for flashing a cocky grin as he dropped his sack and turned back to face the beast closing in on him. A gleaming dagger appeared in his hand, and he swiped at the creature with full confidence that he’d be able to take it down. 

The bear slid to a stop just before the blade would have bit into its side, pushing itself up into a standing position and letting out another fearsome roar. Rose watched the interaction with rapt attention, even as Snow desperately shouted for the knights to come and help the man. There was no reply, and the older twin wasn't about to run off and leave the man to fend for himself. 

After searching along the ground, she grabbed a large stick and started toward the water's edge, only for her sister to grab her shoulders and pull her back. “Rose, what are you doing? He needs help!”

“Are you kidding? If anyone needs help, it's the bear!” Her twin’s words caused Snow to look at the pitched battle once more, and her jaw dropped at the amount of blood coating the bear's fur, the volume increasing every second. The man was barely shorter than the animal he was fighting and was clearly highly skilled with his blade. Even so, in terms of raw strength, he was desperately outmatched. He ducked under a swinging paw, coming up and kicking at the bear's chest in an attempt to knock it over, only to fall on his back when the bear didn’t budge.

Snow’s shriek died on her lips as he rolled to the side, avoiding the bear’s follow-up lunge. Not wasting a moment, the man grabbed his sack and threw himself off the riverbank, plunging into the water with the beast close behind. Now having a use for the long stick she had grabbed, Snow rushed into the shallows and shoved it forward, both twins yanking on it as the man gripped the other end. The bear let out a deep grunt of frustration as his prey was pulled away, going still and watching the man as he slowly drifted downriver. 

“Ha-haa!” The man got to his feet, knee-deep in the shallows, and shook off the river water like a dog before smiling brightly at the twins and striking a heroic pose. “That bear won't soon forget a brush with Gasteel! Thank you for your assistance, though it certainly wasn't necessary. Oh, fish! Fantastic, I’ve a real hankering for a victory dinner after my usual morning bear wrestling session.”

Reaching down, he grabbed the string their catches were on, cutting through it with his dagger in a single motion. Rose stepped forward and tried to grab it back, but he avoided her grasping hand simply by turning and watching the bear float away. Still, the fiery young princess wasn't about to let him do as he pleased. “Hey! That's our fish. Are you really going to steal from us right after we saved your life?”

“You did nothing of the sort,” Gasteel scoffed incredulously, finally taking his eyes off the bear and looking at the furious young woman in amusement. “Consider this payment for getting to see me in action from so close. I'll finish that creature off later. Truth be told, it's a real menace. Natural bears don't act so intelligently; would you believe it set an ambush for me?”

“Did you steal its fish, too?” Rose ground out around clenched teeth. 

Snow realized the situation was devolving, so she put a hand on her sister's arm, fully pulling her back onto shore. “Sir, I don't know where you came from, but if you’re hungry, you are welcome to share in our catch. I'll have the servants start a fire so you can dry your clothes and get on your way.”

“On my way?” Hefting his waterlogged sack, Gasteel showed a smile with too many teeth as he waded through the water, a dark glint in his eye. “But I see a perfectly acceptable house I can use as a base right there. If I'm going to be doing the locals the favor of removing this man-eating bear, the very least they could do is host Ba… they can host Gasteel, bravest and most handsome-”

*Thrummm.*

A wave of power shook the air as the man attempted to step on to shore, smacking him back into the water as though he’d been hit by a swinging battering ram. His belongings went flying, mostly landing in the water, though a blanket rolled onto the ground near the girls. The twins dropped to the ground and let out a startled, quickly cut-off scream. They covered their ears until the sound faded, only slowly looking up and around to see what had happened as knights came rushing from the house.

When they arrived and heard what the princesses had to say, each of them drew their weapons and began searching along the shore for the vanished Gasteel. Snow looked at Rose, not a hint of levity in her expression. “He activated the wards by trying to step onto our land… what does that mean? I thought it was only supposed to keep dangerous beasts away.”

“Given his manners, I'm not shocked it considered him an animal.” Rose kicked at the bundled blanket. The material unfurled as it rolled closer to the river, revealing a strange, onyx-black totem. Both of them went silent as a dark, malevolent feeling radiated outward from bear-shaped carving. “What… is that?”

“Whatever it is, we need to get rid of it.” Snow stepped forward, the sensation of wrongness increasing as she intentionally drew closer to the item. “It’s-”

*Ro~oar.” Their chins lifted, gazes traveling across the water to land on a sopping wet bear, river water still raining off of it. Strangely enough, the sound it made was… plaintive? Snow stared at the ursine creature, which sat back on its haunches and pressed its front paws together as though pleading with them.

“Did that man actually steal something from you?” Snow muttered the words, and to her surprise, the creature nodded as if it could understand her. After glancing at her twin for confirmation that she’d seen the same thing, the older of the twins pointed at the statue, “Is this yours? Do you want it?”

The bear nodded several times, letting out several soft chuffs. Rose shook her head. “This is clearly some kind of evil magical item. Should we really be handing it over to an intelligent beast? Doesn't the very fact that it can understand us mean it’s at least an Awakened Beast? What if this is what it needs in order to become a true monster?”

“I don't think that's what this is.” Snow stated slowly, picking up her long stick and using it to adjust the blanket, then push the totem onto it. “After seeing the kind of person the bear was chasing, I kind of want to give it the benefit of the doubt?”

“Really, Snow?” Rose twitched her head back and forth. “Just because one person is bad doesn't mean the other creature is good.”

“I may not know the best thing to do, so all I can do is hope I’m doing the next right thing.” Snow crouched next to one side of the blanket. “Can you grab the other side? I think we can slingshot this across the river if we work together.”

“Hope has soft edges; daggers do not,” Rose grumbled even as she complied. Grasping the other corners of the blanket, they pulled it taut and launched the totem across the river.

The bear caught the foul item between its paws in a very human-like motion, letting out a deep bellow of rage and excitement as it chomped down on the glassy-smooth surface. A thick black miasma exploded out of the shattered statue, surrounding the bear for a brief few moments before blowing away in the wind….

… leaving behind a young man covered in thin, still-bleeding cuts.