The sun was high and the snow sparkling, it was a clear lovely day with not even a wind to disturb the fluffy snow. Unfortunately for said snow it would not be left in peace. A black blurr ploughed into it creating a large trench.
Qrow rolled over with a groan and pushed himself back up to his feet. He shook violently dislodging the snow and fluffing up his feathers.
Ruby was standing on the top of a walk way. "That was better, come on you can do it! Be thankful there is so much snow! What better time to learn?!"
The gryphon man shook again and stretched his wings out to the maximum stretching out as best he could. He was already growing tired, his frequent gliding had kept the muscles strong but leaping off a tower was one thing. Trying to get off the ground on just his own power was quite another. He had discovered after the first few tries that trying a running start just made him look like an idiot. Ruby's giggles and advice, was that ravens didn't need to run made him blush.
So now he jumped and was getting quite good at it, he had managed all of thirty seconds before tumbling into the snow. Ruby shouted out. "You're tail was everywhere last time, maybe that's the problem."
Qrow had a feeling that was the problem, he was using his wings more he could feel the overcompensating with his tail. He crouched down drawing his wings half in, bunching up all his muscles then LEAPT!
The snow swirled around as he climbed into the air, this time he tried to be more aware of his tail and just focused on going up for a several swift wing beats. He needed to get clear of the ground, twice now he'd hit something with a wing and that DID hurt.
Ruby watched with her hands clasped tight together as he rose higher and higher. His tail was much steadier this time, she quickly had to cover her eyes as he went up and up.
Excitement was starting to build in his chest, this was better than his other attempts. He decided to try banking to level out this time. With the tiniest twitch of his tail and leaning forward he banked to the right slowly leveling out. This he was more familiar with, instinct told him when to flap and while it wasn't smooth he flew over Ruby and then banked to the left with a few more beats of his wings to gain more altitude.
"They are good for each other." Lumière said watching Qrow climb into the sky, years of trying to get him to fly and all it took was a pretty girl.
"He even gave the order to have the armory cleaned." Cogsworth said. "It seems that she will be getting her wish as well."
"This is simply wonderful!" Miss Potts clapped her hands together. "And so quickly too. I saw them cuddling yesterday, cuddling! I don't think I've ever seen the Master so relaxed, maybe all he ever needed was someone to protect and love."
"Then there was Grimm studies in the Library, my I was surprised when the girl took so well to it. Not even a trace of fear and the Master came alive! I've never seen him so enthusiastic about his work and the girl was just the same, they practically feed of each other's energy!" Lumière said with no small amount of glee. "It was a sight to beyond! She will make a fine Huntress! I can tell."
"Then there was dinner." Cogsworth said with a smile that they could hear. "The conversation never ceased! And she sat so close to him, rather than across the table. Truly a remarkable young woman to be so at ease with him. I was worried when I heard she had invaded his room but it only seems to have sped things along."
Miss Potts picked up her needle work. "Well gentlemen I propose we leave them too it."
"An excellent idea Miss Potts." Cogsworth said.
Ruby watched Qrow fly, he banked around and flew down to her landing before her with a bit of a lurch. "Is that fun?" She asked cocking her head to the side.
Qrow wrapped his wings around him and thought on that little remark. Was it fun? To fly? Qrow slowly nodded. "It is hard but yes I think it is fun."
"Good." Ruby said looking up to him with big pleading eyes. "Will you show me the armory now?"
Qrow sighed in a great heave of feathers. "As you wish."
They walked together at a respectable distance, Qrow still had to remember to shorten his steps. He looked over the frozen garden and then to Ruby again, her hair pooled around her neck and tumbled out from the front of her red hood. She was colour in this winter white. He missed colour in the world, he didn't dislike winter though. It was peaceful, he enjoyed peace. However spring was his favorite season, it brought new life and colour and yes noise but it was a good symphony of sound that foretold the future.
They walked into the outer walls of the castle the armory had been revived. The large grey building was the oldest part of the castle. He pushed open a heavy iron branded door and let Ruby go first.
The room was large and full, it's floor pounded red clay the forge dominated the room with large bellows at the side. Tables and chairs lined the walls with a mix of tools. Braziers were being lit as they walked in orange light blooming through the room mixing with the white of the sunlight filtering through the open windows. Ruby picked her way forward with wide eyes, her gaze drawn to the books, plans some so old that they were made of papyrus.
"Wow." She breathed out softly.
Qrow smiled watching her advance. Her fingers drew with reverence over the plans of his sword, those silver eyes wide. He took a few steps and stood beside her. Ruby looked up at him and asked. "Is this your sword… scythe?"
"A claymore that could become a scythe, I have not used it since I was cursed. I doubt such a weapon would suit you." Qrow said.
Ruby studied the old designs. "These are very old, out of date. What I wouldn't give to get some papers and books from town. I am sure this could be updated maybe some sort of gun put into it."
The cursed man's heart gave a flutter, he too would love to read new material. Ruby called his name drawing his attention back to her.
"Would you be alright if I went to town and got new books? These are all amazing but they are old, we can do so much better now. I know you can not, but I can go to town get books and order the new metals from Atlas… though I don't have any money." Ruby said her enthusiasm fading as she thought of the coin that would be needed.
Qrow watched Ruby's face fall. "Do you wish to leave so badly already?" He watched her expression change to one of shock.
"No! I do not want to leave! I like it here. I like you! I just think we would both enjoy going over the new materials, you could see more of the outside world. And I finally get to learn to be a Hunter, I just want to make something like the new weapons and you have no plans for those." Ruby reached out and took one huge furred hand in both of hers. "I promise Qrow, I don't want to leave."
Their gazes held for a long moment, then Qrow reached up and brushed her cheek with the back of a finger. Smooth soft fur to soft porcelain skin. "You would not be safe." He said at last.
"Then follow me upon the wing. It would be good practice for you and you can make sure that I am safe. I won't leave you Qrow, not of my own free will. We could even visit my father, I am sure he would be happy to see you aren't keeping me prisoner here." She giggled blush rose to her cheeks. "It would be like you are courting me properly."
That made the poor half cat man blink a few times, he hadn't thought of that. It would be nice to leave the castle and he could fly, he just had to be careful not to get caught. "Alright~." He said drawn out with hesitance.
Ruby beamed and stepped up to him hugging him, slipping her arms under his and his wings. "Thank you for understanding."
Qrow returned the hug. "Well you've given me no reason to suspect you of being a liar. You've been beyond understanding thus far and I have had ample time to see what trying to hold onto people can do."
"Let's get ready to go then."
Qrow flew low over the trees, often landing in them as Ruby rode Philippe at a good trout on the road below. While Qrow would never say it to her, he loved watching her ride. She rode like a man thus her skirts ended up rucked up around her thighs. She was so strong, he couldn't wait to see how she would handle a weapon. He thought of her trying to hold a weapon bigger then herself and chuckled. Qrow jumped from one tree to another flapping between. The small town came into view and he climbed up a thick pine tree hiding as close to the trunk as he could. The sun was steadily sinking but it was not dark yet. He would have to wait.
Ruby rode straight for the bookseller. While it was late enough that most of the townsfolk had retired to their homes a few still saw her eyes wide in shear shock. Ruby dropped down from the saddle and pulled out the heavy pouch of gold coins Qrow had given her. She thought it was excessive but she had an order for metal to put in as well.
The doorbell tinkled as she stepped through and the booksellers eyes lit up at the sight of her. "Ruby! You've been gone for days! We've all been worried." He rushed out from behind the counter to grasp her hands in his.
"I'm fine. I've just found a suitor who lives beyond the town. He's a Huntsman who is a bit ehhh antisocial and in need of new books. I'd like everything you have on the developing technology of Atlas and all the latest papers on weapon designs." Ruby opened the gold pouch letting the shopkeeper see the gleaming gold.
His eyes widened then he grinned. "Right away!" He bounded about his store grabbing books off the selves, news papers from behind the counter.
"I'll need a bag for it all… Or two." Ruby said and started browsing the other novels. She had read them all.
Shouts came from outside and she sighed deeply. She recognized the voices of Gaston and Le Fou, well neither were so much of a threat now. Confidence bloomed in her chest, she had Aura now and the sun was almost gone. Qrow would make his way into town as soon as he could hide within its shadows. Ruby closed her eyes for a moment and concentrated, bringing her Aura up with a red crackle. She looked to the bookseller but he hadn't noticed her action. "I'll be outside, I don't want Gaston to disrupt you."
"Thank you dear."
Ruby strode out of the store and walked to Philippe reaching out she began to pet over his cheek. "This is so tiresome Philippe, I wish he'd just give up."
"Ruby my dear!" Gaston bellowed, windows opened as more then a few wives made ready to gobble up new gossip.
"Be gone Gaston. I will tell you no till I'm an old spinster if I have too." Ruby said clearly though she did not look at him.
Gaston scowled at her. "Come now my dear, you've been gone for days. Surely you've missed me, I know I've missed you." He adjusted his belt making his meaning clear.
Ruby rolled her eyes and couldn't completely veil her disgust. "Never Gaston. Now leave me be. I am only collecting books and visiting father. I have a proper suitor to return to."
That had rage sparking in Gaston's eyes. "Who! Who would dare court you!" Everyone in town knew he had set his eyes on Ruby, who would court danger so closely? He would have their heads!
Ruby finally looked over to him and smiled coyly. "A man many times your superior. A Huntsman of the highest caliber that would laugh in your face at your boastful blundering."
The bookseller came out with two burlap sacks filled to the brim and tried together with a length of heavy rope. "Everything you requested my dear. That will be seven gold pieces." He set them behind her horses saddle.
Ruby opened her pouch trying to shield it's contents from Gaston's eyes and pulled out seven gold pieces. The pouch was still bulging and heavy. "Thank you. Please save me any magazines about Huntsmen, I will be visiting regularly." She tucked her coin purse away against her bosom.
"Where did you get coin like that?" Le Fou's eyes were comically wide, Gaston didn't make coin near that even of a Huntsman.
"My suitor. He gave me a few tasks to do." Ruby took Philippe's reins in hand. "Please excuse me I have another stop to make." She moved Philippe so the large horse was between her and Gaston.
"Come now Ruby, surely there is no Huntsman as strong as I!" Gaston walked up beside her reaching out to touch her. "Just one night, I'll even unlock your Aura. I know you've always wanted that, your strange notion you can become a Hunter."
"My suitor already has. He has agreed to teach me to fight. You have nothing to offer me Gaston." Ruby said walking to the grocer he would be the one most likely to get metal in. She raised a hand and knocked on the door. "Hello? I'd like to place an order."
Anger boiled in Gaston, just who was this upstart? He reached out and grabbed her arm yanking her around. She yelled and pulled away her red Aura flaring. Gaston's eyes widened so she had not lied this upstart had activated her Aura. "WHO?!"
"None of your concern!" Ruby pulled her arm away and suddenly felt weightless. She came to an instant later several meters away, red rose petals fell lightly to the ground in a path from the door to her. Her eyes widened, had she just activated her Semblance? So easily? It sure was handy.
Gaston scowled but her Aura and sudden clear use of a Semblance was food for thought. He dusted his jerkin down and said. "Fine do your womanly shopping, we'll talk again later."
As he walked off to the inn Ruby let out a long breath and returned to the door. This time it opened right away. Ruby fished a note out of her pocket, she and Qrow had compiled a list of supplies based on both of their memories. Coins exchanged hands and Ruby led Philippe to her house only to find it dark. "Oh right father went to Vale."
Qrow dropped down from a rooftop. "It's late, you should stay in town for the night."
"You could as well. So long as you head out before dawn, I doubt anyone will see you." Ruby said looking up to him, she could see the conflict on his face.
"I don't think that is a good idea." Qrow said already stepping away from the door.
"I've seen your house, I think it is only fair you see mine. Head on in while I stable Philippe." Ruby said reaching into her pocket and handing him a key, then she led her horse around the back of the house.
Qrow watched her go for a moment and found he couldn't be upset with the fact that she had given him a command. He shook his head, what was the world coming too? He strode up the steps taking them two at a time. The key was so tiny he struggled to fit it into the lock for a second. Then he stepped into the small house stooping over to avoid hitting his head on the ceiling.
Even in the dark he could see the clutter that dotted the kitchen and main room. For the house as too small for the rooms to be separate. A wood burning range was set into the wall cold and empty. The table was a heavy wood that looked like it was not moved often. It was not an overly tidy place, perhaps Taiyang did not like to clean? Qrow mused as he took several careful steps in. It was a nice little home, he reached out to a window and drew the curtains down so no one would be able to eavesdrop on them.
Ruby came into the room a moment later. "Oh goodness it's cold." She zipped over to the range and knelt before it grabbing kindling and several small pieces of wood.
"I hadn't noticed." Qrow said watching her, he had some difficulty moving around the place was not made or arranged to accommodate one of his size.
Ruby giggled as she got a fire going in the range, adding larger pieces of wood. "Well not all of us have fur and feathers to keep as warm. If we did, well we'd save a small fortune on wood." She shivered and held her hands up to the warming metal.
Qrow moved to stand behind her and knelt he reached out and wrapped his arms comfortably around her middle and moved his wings forward to cloak her as well. Ruby blushed as her body almost instantly warmed, protected by him. "Thank you." She said softly as the heat rose in her cheeks.
The man could see it even in the dark. "Think nothing of it." He couldn't help but dip his head and breathe her soft rose scent, it really was lovely.
As the minutes ticked by Ruby added more wood to the fire and steadily relaxed into the shield that was Qrow. She let her body rest against his, laid a hand on his arm to trace through the thick black fur soft like a housecat. She found his presence to be a calming one, he breathed slowly and deeply. His warmth seeped into her bones even more so then the fire before her did. Then there was his scent, masculine yet with hints of the forest. Like someone who spent a great deal of time leaning or dozing against trees. She turned her head and let it rest against his chest. His feathers tickled her cheek but then he held her a little tighter and she found she liked it.
Eventually and reluctantly Ruby had to leave the comfort of Qrow's embrace. "Let's see if papa left us anything to eat." She grabbed a candle and holder lit it in the range then headed to the pantry.
Sure enough she found a smoked side of pork hanging, several potatoes and some pickled carrots. It wouldn't be what Qrow was used too but it would fill their bellies. She grabbed a handful of potatoes and a jar of carrots then returned to Qrow setting them on the table and grabbing a knife from a drawer. She could feel him watch her but didn't find the silence unnerving. She had already learned that Qrow was not a man of many words. She carved a piece of pork as thick as her hand and about over the same in length off the hanging side. Then armed with several more additional potatoes returned to Qrow.
"Sorry it won't be like the castle but we are down to preserves. I can only assume papa took anything perishable with him." Ruby said grabbing a large pot, a quick glance around and found a pitcher of clean water. She poured it liberally into the pot then cut the pork up into bite sized pieces so it would soak faster.
Qrow shifted so he was out of her way and sat on the clean floor. "I do not mind." He cocked his head to the side as she rapidly worked. "When I met you, I could not see you cooking for some reason. It's strange to see."
Ruby laughed as she chopped up potatoes and tossed them in. "Well I have no gift for it, but I have tried to learn in the past. I've read many books on cooking but a…" She trailed off the light fading from her eyes. "My papa's work has never been the most profitable one. Just a side of smoked pork is a treat, nevermind anything fresh or herbs. And I'm a terrible gardener."
"Well with my Semblance I used to burn, undercook or otherwise destroy any food item I tried to work with. Though I have learned through constant vigilance how to feed myself on the road." Qrow said, then added with a flick of his fingers. "Worry not my fair rose. I will never ask to tend to a garden. Miss Potts I imagine will be happy to keep that job."
The young woman fished a few carrots out of the water and salt mix. "Well I have no issue with learning, we've just never manage to get anything to grow in our little lot. I think the soil is tired, I have no idea when it was last given time to rest."
"That can harm a crop, fields need time to rest between uses. Years sometimes." Qrow said.
"You're very knowledgeable about this." Ruby picked up her now full pot and set it on the stove, setting a lid on it as well.
"I am a lord, I have to know how to tend to fields. There are also many books in my library on the topic, it is good knowledge to have." The red eyed man said.
Ruby pulled a chair back from the table and sat down brushing her dress down as well. "You could tell me more while we wait for supper. It won't be quick to cook."
Qrow told her about how to tell when a field needs to rest, irrigation and many other aspects of farming. Even ways to make guesses at the weather, well at least on his estate as their dinner cooked. Ruby soaked up the information like a sponge, she did remember Miss Potts words about Qrow's past as a very unkind man. However the more she listened the more she noticed that this was all knowledge that a lord would indeed need to know. Furthermore that Qrow spoke with such enthusiasm as if he dreamed of tenants being on his land again.
When their dinner was done Ruby ladled it out into bowls and then giggled when Qrow looked perplexed at the little spoon. She took a bite of her own stew watching Qrow struggle, it was very funny watching him try and sip from the very comparatively small utensil. He dripped stew down his front and Ruby wouldn't help but laugh. "Oh goodness grief stop before you hurt yourself."
"Sorry, your spoon is just..." He held it up with two fingers like it was some poisonous snake.
"Why don't you just sip it from the bowl?" Ruby asked.
"That would be terribly rude, I am not going to eat your food like some animal." Qrow hunched over and pouted.
Ruby giggled again before making an effort to stop. She picked up her bowl and quietly sipped from the edge. "There, I will do it too and then it will not be rude."
Finding it to good a argument, Qrow followed suit eventually using a claw to help tip the more whole pieces of food into his mouth. It was a very bland meal compared to what he was used to, but he respect that Ruby came from a peasant's life. To have higher expectations of her would be unfair to her.
Ruby stood and said. "I'll do the dishes tomorrow when there is light. Uhh I've no idea where to give you a bed. I don't even think I have a bed big enough for you."
Qrow pat the ground he was sitting on. "It's fine, it is warm here and I have definitely slept in worse places."
"You can't sleep on the ground that just-." Ruby threw her hands up. "I am a terrible host."
"Ruby," Qrow's voice was so warm it made her blush. "I am a Huntsman, I've spent nights in trees. A nice warm hearth is nothing to complain about. Especially considering it is the hearth of a pretty young woman."
The silver eyed maiden blushed yet again. "Okay fine you win. Let me a least find some blankets for you so have padding."
"As you wish." Qrow said again.
Ruby raced up the stairs to search out spare bedding before she could turn any brighter. Qrow added a log to the range and stood quietly lifting the table and moving it towards the door so he'd have more space in the night. Ruby returned shortly with arms full of blankets, he helped her lay them down and make a nice nest for himself. She wrung her hands nervously. "Well uh goodnight. I guess we will need to get an early start in the morning."
"That would be wise." Qrow said carefully moving his bulk to rest upon the sheets, he could still feel the hard ground but he wasn't going to let Ruby see his discomfort. "Rest well."
"You as well." Ruby fled up the stairs her heart beating like a hummingbird's wings. This was so embarrassing to not be able to give Qrow better. She zipped into bed and wondered what he thought of her and her humble home. These thoughts however could not keep her up, it had been a long day and sleep too easily claimed her.