𝓒𝓱𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓮𝓻𝔂 | Red Velvet x Fem!Reader

♠ Familiar ♠

It seemed like everything had gone well. You'd been on guard duty with Madeleine since twilight, waiting for Herb and Espresso to return. The moon was just starting its descent to the west, and two familiar cookies broke out of the brush. Espresso looked exhausted. Both did, although Herb must've been decent at hiding it. The pair had taken minor notes, and it was decided after a bit of chatter with the returning scouts that a change in shift wasn't needed.

You went to bed, realizing you were just as tired as everyone else. Your fatigue had never occurred to you until your head hit the pillow.

~~♠~~♠~~♠~~♠~~

You woke up at noon the next day, and only because Madeleine wouldn't let you rest. Black Raisin and Raspberry were going out tonight, and Espresso and Herb had gotten back from the equivalent of an all-night stakeout, so they all needed a chance to sleep. It was up to you and him to stand as sentinel. Again. When you presented the fault in his logic, as you'd both pulled all-nighters and therefore deserved to sleep, he shook his head and just left. You sighed, cleaning yourself up and getting in acceptable condition before leaving the tent. It felt like there was too much space next to you, and you almost called out for Chea to follow you. The void space seemingly grew bigger each night.

Guarding camp was boring. Black Raisin woke up shortly after you, followed by Raspberry, and they took up positions as well, but it was pointless. Nothing came by; no hounds, wolves, cookies, nothing. The woods seemed dead, empty of all life except for the occasional birdsong and the scuttle of small prey in the bushes. You spent a lot of the time before nightfall tending to the domestic matters. Cleaning up the firepit, giving the horses water, picking up sticks for the next fire, whenever it should happen. It was far more interesting than whatever the others were watching as guards, that's for sure.

After what felt like a century, the sun fell beneath the trees, and Black Raisin and Raspberry left. Espresso and Herb had already assumed guard positions, and after a sleepless night and a long day, you were out. Gone as soon as you were in your tent. Content to sleep as long as possible.

~~♠~~♠~~♠~~♠~~

Someone shook you awake. You batted them away, but it was no use.

"Wake up. We're going out to scout the tower soon, and I need you to be alert. We'll fight for it soon, though - don't forget that. We're almost done." Madeleine left after he said that, and you groaned, reaching over to grab the scouting gear and take a proper look. A black hooded cloak, a black bandana, and a notepad with a pen attached. It seemed perfect for keeping undercover, so you tamed your hair and put the clothes on. Looking down at yourself, you saw a shadow; everything except your eyes was covered. You left the tent.

Madeleine was waiting for you, and as soon as you came out, he passed you a regular sword and a sheath, easily attached to a belt. You squinted at it.

"So I can't use my greatsword? You know, the thing I'm good at?"

"No, and I apologize for that. It's too heavy, and if you can't lug it around while running, we're screwed."

A frown crossed your face, but you begrudgingly attached the sheath and put the sword in it. You stretched, trying to push down your nerves, but it was a fruitless task. The pitfall of dread in your stomach had never left, and now it was getting bigger, more dangerous. Something was wrong; you knew it. Attempting to figure out what was pointless. Taking a deep breath, you waved farewell to Black Raisin and Raspberry, and left with Madeleine.