Edited this chapter to ask for reviews. Spiel down below!

Onto the vineyard! Despite growing up quite close to one, I had to do a bit of reading to understand the intricacies of one. And after all that research, I scrapped most of the details, deciding it was a bit too dry to go into. Ah well, the more you know!

Also, long chapter is long. And I'm not even going to get into how late I was up finalizing it. Though I did have to do plenty of edits after the fact, if that's any indication.

Going to ask, because I'm hoping, as always, to improve each time I write. If you feel so obliged, a review is much appreciated! Critique, praise, observations, whatever you think might be helpful, I'm happy to read it. Thanks, and enjoy the chapter!

It was always easy to figure out where nobility lived. Simply look for the house larger than any one person might need and you had your man. Between the estate itself and the vineyard, Weiss ventured a guess that several acres lay before them. Large, though as she was reluctant to admit, smaller still than what her family owned.

A massive wrought iron fence enclosed the entire property, likely meant to keep the 'common rabble', as her father would call them, out. Stationed at the gates were a pair of guards, strikingly donning the town's colors and crest, a wine red - who would have guessed, with golden trim and a chalice as its symbol. It was only natural when the Vindemia family all but created the town.

Vindemia, the family, the town, and the winery. It was beyond ostentatious how this family slapped their name on everything they touched. Had everyone in town changed their name to fit?

The guards were off-put when they approached, and that had much to do with Nora's excitable bouncing. Ren caught the back of her shirt when she tried to make for the gates, dragging her back to his side carefully.

"Er… She alright?" one of the guards questioned, scratching at his salt-and-pepper beard. "Lass looks a bit... Mad."

"She loves Vindemia wine," Ren deflected with a smile. Or rather, Nora simply loved to drink. One of the many things on her list of overindulgences.

"Does she now? Well, we're flattered, but we can't just let anyone inside, I'm afraid. This isn't some tourist spot."

Pyrrha smiled carefully as she stepped to the front of the group. Rather, Jaune urged her to the front, as only they had been here before. "If… It's not imposing too much, we'd like to speak to Mister Vindemia. We're Hunters from Vale City, and there are matters which might demand his attention."

The guards regarded Pyrrha and Jaune thoughtfully. "We haven't heard anything about Hunters coming," the younger of the pair spoke, "Though… Don't I recognize you kids? You helped clear out some bandits, didn't ya?"

"Yes sir, that was us! Me and Pyrrha," Jaune answered quickly. He stepped forward and offered his hand in greeting. "Jaune Arc. Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue. Ladies love it."

Towards the back of the group Weiss smacked her forehead, and Yang snorted in amusement. The guards exchanged a look and did their best to hide smiles. "Do they now…?"

"Th-they will!"

"I'm Pyrrha Nikos," his partner chimed in, stepping forward and smiling. The guards answered her with much more rapt attention than they had Jaune. "Mister Vindemia may know our names from before. If you would be kind enough to send word, tell him we only seek to speak with him."

"And get a place to sleep!" Nora shouted.

Pyrrha smiled nervously and shifted her weight. "And… If you know of anywhere we could spend the evening, that would be lovely too."

"For all six of you?" The group nodded in unison and the older guard shrugged. "I'll talk to him, see what I can do. No promises though. Not exactly a small group you've shown up with."

Weiss scoffed quietly, folding her arms and watching as the guard made his way up the long path. As if our generous benefactor wants for space. He could house half this town in that home. She shook her head and took a careful breath; it wouldn't help matters if she spoke to the man like that.

The guard returned a few minutes later, his smile boding well. "Sir Vindemia has agreed to see you kids. He's in the middle of a meeting, however, so you may need to wait. If you'll just follow her inside."

Her? Weiss hadn't even noticed the pair of ears sticking out from behind the guard. When he stepped aside she smiled carefully at the young woman behind him. Ears like a rabbit and brown, flowing hair that extended well past her shoulders. Timid as the animal she resembled, it was saddening to see her so meek.

"Velvet here will show you around, and keep you occupied until our master is ready for you," the elder guard continued, "Won't you, girl?"

Velvet nodded in silence, refusing to meet the gaze of anyone else. She turned and gestured along the path, signaling for the rest to follow. As the gates were drawn back, Velvet stepped off the path to make room for the group.

"Velvet, you make sure they're taken care of now, you hear?" The younger guard looked much sterner suddenly, an expression more befitting his partner. "No more screwing up."

Again, Velvet only answered in a nod, nervously gesturing before leading the way. The walk to the residence itself was long, and with no efforts to speak from their guide, the group was left to chat among themselves.

Weiss took no part in any of the conversations. She was too busy silently fuming over what she saw in the vineyards. Murans were present to be sure, but not laboring like the rest. Those tending to the vines, picking grapes, carrying barrels, each and every one of them were another race. A 'second class' race. If a market could tank as swiftly as her opinion of the Vindemias did, there would be panic.

"Never seen anyone like her before," Jaune observed, his eyes on Velvet's ears. "What is she…?"

"A person." Weiss bit back, drawing an apologetic look from the blonde. "Sorry… She's a Kanin."

"Kanin are pretty isolated, and there isn't many of 'em," Yang added on, "Pretty private people. Kinda surprised there's one so far out here."

"Perhaps she needs the work?" Ren suggested. "Depending on where she's from, this might be her only option."

Options would be limited then, if it meant traveling so far. Weiss only knew of a single Kanin tribe, and they lived far, far to the south, nearly on the border with Vacuo. It would be quite the ways to travel just for work.

"I can hear you, you know…"

It was almost impossible to hear Violet's voice, soft as it was. She glanced back at the group briefly, more embarrassed than anything, before looking ahead once again.

"Oh, we're sorry! We were just… Why do you work here?" Pyrrha asked, smiling good naturedly as she tried to salvage things. "We understand if its private, we're just curious, that's all."

Velvet shook her head and nervously pulled at a lock of hair. "My family needs the money…" They strained to hear her speak, and just like that she had gone silent once more.

Pyrrha smiled warmly, and Weiss had to give her credit for making Velvet relax, if only slightly. "Oh… Well, it's very admirable that you're here, working for them. I'm certain that they appreciate all you're doing."

"Uh… Y-Yeah. You must be a long way from home." Jaune cringed when Velvet seemed saddened, redoubling his efforts and stammering. "B-But maybe you can go back and see them soon! I bet they'd love to!"

Velvet shook her head somberly, a sad smile played upon her lips. "Not during growing season. Mister Vindemia wants everyone present, it's our busiest time of year."

That was just disappointing. Obviously, it wouldn't be practical for some of these workers to return home in the evening, not if they lived far off and away. Did Vindemia at least take care of his staff? Looking around, Weiss noticed many them all wearing the same outfit. Simple gray tunics and slacks; at least their employer had the decency to supply hats to keep the sun's rays from bearing down on them.

Velvet's outfit was nicer, if only marginally so. Her top was red and gold, matching the Vindemia's color scheme, and sporting the crest on either shoulder. Her top was made of some light material, silk, Weiss guessed, and the sleeves hung loosely off her arms. It was nice for a servant, though it was clear that not every one of the staff was treated the same.

Even the wealthiest needed to curb costs somewhere, and evidently Vindemia had found that providing the bare basics in clothing was fitting.

Velvet stopped as a group carrying barrels crossed their paths, and Nora nearly ran into her back, not paying attention. She waited patiently, glancing up only when one of the men stopped. He was large, bigger than any of them, and a pair of horns sprouted from his forehead.

"What's this then? Vin entertainin' more guests, is he?"

"C-Cornell, you know he doesn't l-like us calling him that," Velvet stammered, uneasy.

The man, Cornell, snorted and shifted the barrel on his shoulder. It sloshed about heavily. "What, he gonna hear me? It's a slight nicer than 'fat bastard', don't you think?"

Yang chortled with laughter, covering her mouth when Weiss glared. Velvet looked deathly pale and frantically gestured. "Cornell! If he hears you, he'll fire you!"

"Best thing to happen to me yet…" His eyes flickered to the group, ignoring another nervous warning from Velvet. He raised an eyebrow at one of them before smirking. "Well, I'd best be goin' before Kemp reams me for lollygagging. Try not screwing up again," he laughed, patting the girl's head before continuing along, "Otherwise your head might be on the chopping block!"

Weiss watched the man wander off before glancing at Velvet curiously. "He's the second one to say that… Are you…" What was a tactful way of asking this? A klutz? Incompetent? "New to this?"

"N-No, I'm not! I've been here three summers, miss!" Velvet stammered quickly. Reminiscent of a certain hyperactive girl, the Kanin pressed her fingers together nervously and shifted her weight between her feet.

"There's no reason to be nervous, Velvet, we won't bite." Pyrrha tried to assuage the girl's concerns, and Velvet did manage a small smile.

"It's n-not you I'm worried about, miss…"

/+/+/+/+/+/

What did you do when you had nothing but time and money? But anything and everything, apparently. The Vindemia residence was the picture of extravagance. The citizens could refer to this place as a manor all they wanted, though it did it injustice. A mansion was far more apt, or even a renovated castle.

Just into the entryway, and Weiss could already surmise just how wealthy the Vindemia family was. Paintings and lavish goods lined the walls, likely for no purpose other than to show off their affluence.

The staff within was invariably taken better care off than those working the vineyard. Others matched Velvet in clothing, and in demeanor. Either everyone this place employed was shy, or they refused to meet the gaze of their guests. Was that out of deference, or something else? A sour taste filled Weiss' mouth as she watched a pair of woman glance their way, only to immediately turn and leave.

They were nervous. About what she couldn't say, but they were most certainly nervous. "Mister Vindemia won't be able to see you for another hour," their meek escort explained. "U-Until then, could we get you some refreshments?"

"That would be wonderful," Pyrrha answered with a smile, "Thank you, Velvet."

"O-Oh, um… Yeah. Right this way, please."

The rooms were as many as they were varied. Walking through the halls reminded Weiss of her own home, and how she detested it so. Her eyes flickered to a single room, a showroom for art, and she shook her head in disgust.

"Something wrong…?" Jaune asked.

Weiss sighed. "All this space, all these rooms… They're used for nothing but holding pointless goods. I never understood the reason for it all."

"Isn't your home like this though? I thought the Schnee family was super rich too."

"We are. We've made a fortune with our services as Hunters, and my father is something of an entrepreneur. Our endeavors have earned us quite a lot of fortune," Weiss explained, but then Jaune knew that. Everyone who knew the 'Schnee' name knew what they were famous for. Or in some circles, infamous for.

"It's part of why I left," she added with finality, making it evident she had no desire to discuss things further. Home was unpleasant, and a constant reminder of the problems that existed within her family.

A tea room would double as a waiting room, and Velvet bid them farewell once they had sat, promising someone else would be along shortly. The decor was unusual, and Pyrrha was quick to point out it was Mistralian in nature. In place of chairs were embroidered cushions surrounding a low table.

For fun, Pyrrha explained the correct method of sitting. The women of the group sat with their legs tucked at their sides, and the men, legs crossed. Jaune and Ren settled in easily enough. Nora found herself shifting constantly, and Yang gave up quickly, opting instead to sit like the men.

The door opened, and a Meera walked in. A butler if Weiss had ever seen one, dressed in the atypical black suit that befit one of their station. He placed a hand upon his chest and bowed, greeting them with formality. "Apologies for the wait. My name is Cassius, and I will be at your beck and call for your time here. If there is anything you require, you need only ask."

"How's about some drinks then, Cass?" Yang grinned, "I'll take a strawberry sunrise, with a little umbrella, if you've got it! And make it a big one, I want to sleep good tonight!"

"Tea would be wonderful, sir." Pyrrha voiced politely, and Ren and Jaune mirrored her request.

Nora leaned towards the butler, finally tearing her eyes from the feline ears atop his head. "Can I try some of the wine?" she asked, eyes shining.

"Apologies, but the wine isn't generally served on request. Sir Vindemia is quite insistent it be reserved for certain occasions."

Nora sulked, muttering that she'd just take tea as well then. "I don't suppose you have coffee here, do you?" Weiss smiled hopefully.

"Preference in blend, miss? We import from each of the kingdoms, and have a variety at our disposal. If you could tell me what you prefer, I can fetch it for you."

"No preference, thank you. I will leave it up to your discretion, sir."

"Very good. I will return shortly with beverages and hors d'oeuvre." Cassius bowed again before leaving the room, and a very confused looking Nora and Yang.

"Hoarders? What's he bringing hoarders for?" Nora asked.

Weiss cracked a smile while Pyrrha politely stifled a laugh beside her. "Not 'hoarders', Nora. Hors d'oeuvre is just another way of saying appetizer. It's more…" she paused for the word, "Upper-class, I suppose."

"Usually served before a meal, though. Does this mean we're getting dinner as well?" Pyrrha questioned through a laugh.

"I hope so! Gonna need something to wash down my drink, after all," Yang beamed.

"Is drinking wise? We do have a mission to do still." Ren raised a fair point. They did still need to question Vindemia about any potential leads. The man had to know what happened in his town, or even if he personally did not, he could send them to someone privier.

"I won't tell you to get rid of that silly pink streak in your hair," Yang retorted with a smirk, "And you don't lecture me on having a drink. Cool? Cool."

Ren conceded with a simple shrug, though Nora took more offense than he did. "Hey, I like the streak!" she shot back, throwing an arm around Ren's shoulder and pulling him into a one-armed hug. He sputtered, patting her hand, his neck finding itself in the vice like grip. Nora realized and let go, smiling apologetically. "Woops, sorry Ren!"

Cassius returned with a tray of drinks, and a small group of servants with him. He set out the drinks and trays were laid out as well, sporting all manner of foodstuffs. Nora and Yang dug in immediately, equal parts famished, and the rest swiftly followed suit.

"I wish to extend our master's apologies. He is finishing his business post haste, though he will still be some time." Cassius spoke to the group, the ghost of a smile registering as he watched everyone indulge themselves. "Though… I suspect you do not mind waiting."

Weiss' cheeks flushed and she wiped her mouth carefully. "Thank you for the hospitality, though this wasn't necessary. It feels… Well honestly, a bit much."

"The master is no stranger to indulging," the butler said with a sigh, "And he wishes to present this as thanks, to one… Miss Nikos and Mister Arc, I believe. For your service to our humble town before."

Humble wasn't the word for it, not when your income meant you could buy an entire smaller settlement on a whim if you so wished. "Heh, uh… You know, just doing our jobs!" Jaune did his best not to get food everywhere, speaking with a mouthful.

"Quite. At any rate, our master will be with you as soon as time permits. Enjoy your food, and please, should anything else arise, you only need to call. I will be just down the corridor." Cassius turned and clapped, and like clockwork, the maids gathered the trays and what few dishes had already been cleared, hurrying out of the room.

The butler followed them out, and once again they were left to their own devices. Just as well, because everyone, Weiss included, had filled themselves with as much food as they could fit. They numbered only six, yet the food prepared could have fed twice as many. With Nora and Yang's appetites, however, you'd almost assume they had more people.

Everyone was borderline comatose, stuffed with food, when there was a knock at the door. Cassius presented himself, as did Velvet, both entering and stepping to the side of the door. They took a deep bow, and Cassius spoke. "Presenting the honorable Sir Lionel Vindemia."

"Now now, Cassius, simply Lionel will do just fine!" A large voice boomed, accompanied by an equally large man. His face, rosy and full, was split by a wide smile as he entered the room. "Apologies, children, but I am a busy man! I trust the food helped tide you over, hm?"

Nora groaned in approval, a hand on her stomach as she gave a thumbs up. Weiss hissed and kicked her friend's leg under the table, confused when Lionel laughed. "Splendid! Splendid! Nothing but the best for our nations fair Hunters! You children are wondrous, truly!"

"Heh, just uh… Trying to help." Jaune laughed awkwardly as the bear of a man did, and the rest joined in.

Lionel spread his trunk-like arms wide, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Come, come, let us dine! That was but a preview of the fine foods we have here!" There was a unanimous groan, this time of reluctance. Clearly the head of the winery had little issue putting away food, given his girth, but they couldn't say the same of themselves.

"What is it? Do you not wish to join me for supper? I'm having my chefs prepare a veritable feast! Lamb, shellfish, vegetables fresh from our gardens, and all manner of baked goods! Come, come, let us dine together and talk. I understand we have matters of import to discuss?"

"We do, and we would be most happy to join you," Weiss answered diplomatically. That was a lie. If she even saw another plate of food she just might lose it, though they shouldn't be rude and refuse. Besides, it sounded like the food was already being prepared.

"Fantastic! Superb! Marvelous! Cassius, go and inform the kitchen that we'll be by shortly, won't you?" The butler bowed, leaving the room swiftly thereafter. Why couldn't they follow him? Weiss was already over everything that Lionel was about. The man's purple shirt threatened to burst, the buttons pressed hard against his distended stomach. His beard, long yet trimmed, hung to his chest, speckled with hints of gray.

"And you, my dear," the portly man reached out and placed his hand on Velvet's back. "See to it that they have rooms prepared. One for each, I believe we have the space, don't we?"

"W-We do sir…" Velvet stammered. Her face went bright red as his hand moved south, stiffening and shaking. "I'll get that r-ready now…"

Weiss regarded the noble with barely concealed contempt, watching as Velvet hurried out of the room. That the man laughed unabashedly at his deplorable actions was even worse. Do not berate him. You can't afford to be upsetting nobility. No matter how disgusting they may be.

"Had I known we'd have such beauties joining us tonight, I'd have worn my good shirt!" Lionel guffawed. Either he was drunk, or his face was red purely from exertion. Considering his size, Weiss wagered it was the latter. "I wish my help were half as fetching as you girls!"

Pyrrha smiled uncomfortably at Weiss before rubbing her arm. "Er… Thank you, sir. Though your staff are beautiful as well. Miss Velvet is quite pretty, I think."

"Bah. For an animal, I suppose she is. At the very least she has an ass like any other!" This time no one made any efforts at laughing politely, even as their host bellowed. Looks of disgust all around, and Weiss found herself wanting to just leave and find themselves an inn instead.

She wanted to, but the noble could have some information for them. What little they've seen of the man thus far hardly inspired confidence, but looks could be deceiving.

Lionel may be their host, and as such should be treated with respect. As they sat around the dining table however Weiss found it increasingly difficult to remain silent. It did not go unnoticed that Yang was given the seat to his left, and Pyrrha, his right. Weiss might almost be insulted if the man wasn't so repulsive.

Food was served, and it might have been appetizing had they not just filled their stomachs mere moments ago. The food was laid out carefully, with a large roast acting as a centerpiece. Draped across the tabletop was a red cloth, and to no one's surprise, it too bore the familiar Vindemia insignia. The silverware was polished to perfection, and Weiss could see her reflection in the spoon as she inspected it.

With such a variety of foods on display it was honestly disappointing they couldn't partake. Trying to be polite they filled their plates, even if they weren't certain what everything was. "Please, take all you want! Johannes has prepared a feast for us, and a feast we shall have!" The gregarious nature of his voice was almost disarming. Almost. He was still a lecherous pig.

One of the chefs stepped forward, the lone cook present whose top was white. The head of the kitchen then. "We have prepared a range of dishes, to best serve your palates," Johannes explained, his smile reaching his eyes as he gestured to the many dishes, "Fish fresh from the seas, cattle, tempered and tenderized to perfection, vegetables sauteed in the finest oil, and much more. Please, eat to your fill."

At least someone here had the decency to greet them like a normal person. With half the eagerness, and much less still the speed, they joined Lionel in dining. The food was good, Weiss would credit them, though it was painfully obvious mere minutes in that none of them had the room for it.

"Is something to your disliking, miss? Perhaps another dish?"

Weiss glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see Johannes looming over her. She smiled politely and shook her head. "It's wonderful, honest. We were just given food prior to dinner, and I'm afraid we filled ourselves on that. Everything was divine, we simply don't have room for it."

"Ah… I was wondering where all of that food might be going," Johannes mused. He chuckled and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I apologize for Sir Vindemia. I know he can seem a bit much, but he truly does take excellent care of us and the town. The residents here love him for a reason."

A comment about being a perverted sleeze threatened to escape, but Weiss wisely bit her tongue. Beside her, she caught Ren's gaze, and he must have noticed the comment, for he shook his head slowly and resumed eating.

"The town is certainly a sight to behold. It seems like it's done quite well," Weiss observed, totally foregoing her meal now.

Johannes nodded and glanced at Lionel, and Weiss' eyes followed suit. He was at it again, his hand on Velvet's hip, pulling the poor girl to his side and laughing boisterously. She heard the chef sigh beside her. "Despite our lord's… Tendencies, yes, the town is quite well off thanks to him and his family."

"He isn't a bad man," the chef continued. Seeing Weiss' look of skepticism he smiled exasperatedly, sighing to himself. "He has habits that many of us don't particularly condone, and… His views are antiquated in many respects. But he takes care of all those who work here, and even families, should they need it. Many nobles are content to sit on their wealth, but Sir Vindemia shares it. True wealth is sharing one's prosperity with those around you."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, thoroughly impressed by the chef. "Thellaros Malion. You don't seem the sort to partake in history." Realizing the insulting insinuation, she hastily added. "Not that I doubt you read, that's just a very particular piece."

Johannes chuckled good naturedly. "When one has an extensive a library as Sir Vindemia does, you would be a fool not to at least browse his collection. Sadly, he rarely visits himself, but it's a favorite for many of us… In part because of that reason."

Was that so? Perhaps she would have to visit the library later, time permitting. "If you'll excuse me, miss, I must get back to my labors. Have a pleasant evening."

"You as well, Johannes." Go figure, the most pleasant conversation she'd had with one of the residents since arriving was with a chef. Then again, she did rather like her own kitchen staff back home, and not simply because they could bake the sweets she so adored.

Lionel removed his hold on Velvet, oblivious as she skirt away to the walls in retreat. "So! I am told you have questions for me. Well then, out with it! Lest we partake in too much drink and forget ourselves, ah ha!"

Finally. Most eyes were on Weiss, and Ren cleared his throat, indicating she was to speak for them. "We do sir. We wanted to know if there has been anything unusual as of late. Heightened Grimm spawns, or potential White Fang incursions."

"White Fang? Fah! Bunch of cowards and beasts, hiding behind their claims of piece with a dagger at their backs! No, I haven't seen hide nor hair of them, I'm afraid. We did have reports of suspicious people in the area a few weeks back, though the town guard could find nothing when they searched."

The White Fang wasn't their concern, though it was worth asking. If they had traveled to Ludlow then there was a chance they had passed by Vindemia as well. "I see, that's fortunate then," Weiss noted, "And the Grimm? Anything unusual?"

Lionel nodded, or perhaps his head simply lolled, a half empty flagon in his sausage like fingers. "Aye, there's been a bit more than usual. Nothing my lads can't handle, ho ho! Hunters are fine and well, but we train ours to be the best of the best! No harm shall befall our beloved town while I am here!"

Aside from being the financial center, Weiss suspected Lionel never actually did much of anything. Just looking at how the man had struggled walking here told her the mere act of getting up in the morning must make him labor for breath.

"Has there been anything coinciding with the Grimm? Any attacks? Any particularly negative events? Any…" Weiss paused, wondering if it was wise to ask about Merlot by name. Glancing at the few staff still within the room, she decided against it. "Any unsavory characters?"

"Weiss, was it? Vindemia welcomes all kinds! One man's coin is just as good as another's!" Lionel guffawed, slamming his flagon down on the table and spilling mead onto the cloth. "Sometimes a rough looking fellow might get in, but the guard handles ruffians and thugs swiftly. If anyone was unsavory as you say, they'd have been dealt with. And certainly nothing to cause such a stir that Grimm might appear."

Along the wall, Velvet shifted nervously, and appeared to wish to speak. Pyrrha smiled at her patiently and raised a hand, hailing her attention. "Have you noticed anything, Velvet?"

The Kanin shook her head uneasily, eyes flickering between their group and the floor. "N-No… But I heard news recently. Ludlow was attacked by bandits, and Grimm appeared. I don't know if that has anything to do with it, but… Talk around town is it might."

Just bandits? Was that what Velvet had heard, or was that the official story that the Church had put forth? There was a possibility for that to be the cause, though with so many miles between them and the fort, it was highly unlikely.

"Fah, what have I told you about spreading rumors, girl!" Lionel spat, wiping away the spittle that flecked his beard. "Rumors incite panic, and panic draws Grimm. If you don't know what you're talking about, don't talk at all."

Velvet uttered a faint apology and pressed back against the wall, hands pulled to her chest. Weiss clenched her jaw and closed her eyes. It wasn't worth berating the man. Besides, he was likely too drunk to remember any of this anyways.

"Anyway, what's this about? You kids think Vindemia may be at risk?" The boisterous man was deathly serious now, though the hiccup that escaped shattered his attempt at appearing stern.

"Not Vindemia exactly, no. We're simply following leads that Grimm have been appearing in greater numbers," Ren explained carefully, "And we're investigating the cause. Thus far, we've not found anything, unfortunately."

"That right…? That why there's so many of you? Never heard of hunters working in groups of three, never mind six."

"Since we don't know the nature of the Grimm's spawning," Pyrrha said, "The Church saw fit to assemble a team. Depending on how many there are, it may be too much for just a pair to handle."

"Pfff, yeah, even if I could take a hundred Grimm, easy," Nora scoffed.

Yang grinned and leaned towards the redhead, and coincidentally, away from Lionel. "That right? Maybe if we find some we'll have to see who can kill more."

"You're on, sister!"

The conversation had amounted to about as much as Weiss had expected, which was to say nothing. Even with the knowledge that Grimm had appeared more frequently, none of them had expected anyone here to know the reason why. Still, it would have been a mistake not to at least check, and now they had a proper place to lay their heads for the evening.

The meal wound to a close, and the room was now lit purely by candles and the chandelier, the sun having long since set. More food was left than Weiss liked to see, but she was pleased to hear that the staff could dine on what remained, meaning it wouldn't go to waste.

"Well, I think that concludes an absolutely scrumptious supper! I will have rooms prepared for you all immediately, and you'll be shown to your quarters post haste. Please, while you're here for the evening, enjoy whatever pleasures my estate has to offer, I insist!"

It was a generous offer to be sure, though everyone was well aware of the hidden meaning behind Lionel's words. That he summoned Velvet back to his side only further alluded to it. "Ah… If you'll excuse me, bed awaits. There is much to do tomorrow, and nothing prepares a man for bed like a good meal. Have a wonderful evening, everyone!"

The chair groaned in protest as Lionel lifted himself up, and with a toothy grin he ushered Velvet along, following her out of the dining hall. His eyes never left her back as they walked, and the remaining servants, all looking as shameful as their master should, began to hastily clear the table.

Weiss and her friends moved into the hallway to make way for the staff. Their rooms would be ready soon, she hoped, and a good night's rest would make tomorrow's leg of the journey that much easier.

"Man… I thought that dinner was never gonna end," Yang grumbled, waving the air in front of her. "His breath reeked like wine, and I couldn't tell what I was smelling more of: the wine, or his sweaty ass."

Weiss tried not to gag, and Jaune did, turning slightly green in the face. "W-Well… Let's just be fortunate that our host is so… Hospitable," Pyrrha said weakly, clearly straining to keep things positive, "We have a roof over our heads tonight, which is more than we may be able to say tomorrow."

Nora raised her arms over her head in a stretch, popping her joints audibly. "I'm ready to hit the hay! Come on Renny, let's go!"

"But Nora, we don't even know where…" Ren stumbled as his hand was pulled, following after his partner haplessly. He threw a glance back over his shoulder and waved, disappearing down the corridor shortly thereafter.

"Bed sounds pretty awesome right now actually. Riding that horse all day killed my back." Yang leaned and rubbed at her back, groaning as a knot undid itself. "I'll catch you guys later, 'kay? I'm gonna go crash."

They still didn't know where they were sleeping, but that didn't appear to be stopping anyone. "I assume you two are off to bed as well?" Weiss asked.

Jaune responded with a shake of his head. "No, actually. One of the rooms we passed by earlier had an armor display. I… Kind of want to go check it out, maybe get some ideas for a new piece when we get back to the city."

Pyrrha perked up hearing this, smiling as she moved just a step closer. "That sounds interesting, would you mind if I joined you?" Jaune, oblivious as always, simply shrugged and nodded in approval, smiling as they headed off. Pyrrha turned and threw Weiss a hopeful look, and the Schnee mouthed 'good luck' in reply.

Tempting though sleep may be, Weiss couldn't pass up a chance in the library. She loved to read, and more knowledge was never a bad thing. Left on her own, she found a servant and asked for directions, then promptly set off.

"I've got a date with books tonight!" Weiss mumbled enthusiastically, following it quickly with a sigh. It sounded much more pathetic when she said it aloud.

/+/+/+/+/+/

The Vindemia Library - named so for the unnecessary plaque above the doorway, was honestly an impressive display. While nowhere near the scope of something like the Vale Cathedral's, it still boasted a plentiful collection. Weiss could spend a week here and only purview a single shelf, and there were dozens of bookcases.

Thankfully, she wouldn't have to search every single case for something to read. An elderly woman sat behind a desk, the most stereotypical librarian one could have, and greeted Weiss with a kindly smile. She did everything sort of offering a hard candy, and after a brief conversation, she was heading for one of the chairs with three books in hand.

The topmost was titled "A Study of Grimm: The Complete Catalogue", and was a stripped-down version of the records one might find within the Church's collection. Weiss had thought about the peculiar Grimm with which Merlot commanded and fought with, and decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and learn more about them. That could wait though, and would be perfect reading for bed later. Instead, she set the book aside, focusing on the middle of her selection.

"Thellaros Malion: Rise and Fall from Grace," Weiss read aloud. It was a subject that had been hammered home countless times during their training. Traitor or not, the man had effectively formed the Hunters and helped bring the Church to power. None could discredit his contributions, even if nowadays, his indiscretions were what he was known for.

Weiss flipped through the pages, and the man's story played out before her eyes, a story she was well acquainted with by now. A Ydran soldier borne into a nondescript family. With nothing but his raw, natural talent for combat, he rose through the ranks swiftly, eventually earning himself title of 'general'. This man who had seemingly came out of nowhere had earned the highest rank within the military, and done so in record time. Few had equaled him since. A soldier first, a Hunter second.

It was a distinction that not many people seemed to fully understand. Just as Hunters could not enforce common law, nor were they soldiers. A Hunter's job was to kill Grimm, assist in daily matters outside of law enforcement, and as Weiss had learned, dispatch rogue Magi. Much of the confusion stemmed from Malion's rise to power, from general of the military to head of the Hunter organization.

Weiss' eyes skimmed further along the book, the information either too familiar to even register, or so mundane that she didn't care to memorize it. She'd wondered in her more whimsical moments, would this be her, decades from now? If she did make a name for herself - and her own name, not her family's, then people could well be reading about her life someday. It was an uncanny thought.

Scanning over passage after passage, she paused when something caught her attention. Carefully drawing a finger along the page, she read the words slowly, blinking and reading them over again.

Malion was a highly capable Magi, indeed, one of the greatest of his generation. It is astonishing then that in his final battle he never used magic. This is attributed to Hunters suppressing his magic, and thus, rendering the general of his most potent tools. Even still, Thellaros Malion possessed the strength of a hundred men, and felling him was no easy task…

'He never used magic.'

It couldn't be… Could it? Why had she never seen that passage before? Weiss wracked her mind, digging through her memory carefully, and she could vaguely recall it. Why hadn't it stood out before? Checking the cover of the book again, she frowned; it was authentic and written by a renowned author, the same book she had been given before.

Why would the general not use magic? Could they really suppress him? It existed, suppression magic, though it was not an easy task. Suppressing one's magic meant equaling their strength, and Thellaros Malion had been immensely powerful. It wasn't that Magi of his level hadn't existed when he did - Weiss could name several now, but she wasn't aware of any of them having such magic.

Uneasy, she set aside the biography and turned to her last selection, a book on runes. All rune magic was based in literature, the characters from a language of a bygone age. Weiss knew many, more than she typically used, but then she could hardly use every rune that existed. Time dilation, sealing, and summoning - her sister could perform the latter, were all feats outside of her ability.

Her affinity was with the elements, though that did not mean she couldn't learn a new rune. Spellcraft in general required a grasp of the magical energies and the knowledge of how to bend them to your will. Runic magic took this a step further and involved knowing how to combine runes to perform spells. It was slower than casting without, but runes had more than enough utility to make up for it. Besides, Weiss had become quite adept at weaving them on the move.

She skimmed through the pages, idly searching for something of use. There were plenty of interest, from healing runes to ones that could stifle opponents, muting or deafening them, and others still that could purportedly shift gravity itself. All intriguing, though none within her grasp.

There was one, however, that Weiss could most certainly make use of. It was a binding rune, one which made use of natural energies - earth and wood in this case, to hold a foe in place. She typically used ice for that, but having a second option couldn't hurt.

Weiss borrowed a sheet of paper and an inkwell from the librarian. Transcribing the rune identically, she returned all three books and thanked the woman before departing. By now it had to be close to midnight, if not past, and her eyelids hung heavily. Fortunately, a servant approached her then, offering to lead her to her quarters.

The room offered to her was nice, much more than Weiss anticipated to be given. A king-sized bed awaited her in the center of the room, with spotless sheets and a collection of pillows laid across the headboard. Weiss immediately moved for the bed, removing her pouch and Myrtenaster, setting both at her bedside and laying down.

This must be what laying on a cloud was like. After sleeping in Ludlow, and the hard beds of the infirmary, this bed was absolute heaven. The soft mattress gave way even under her meager weight and she sank down, a blissful sigh escaping her lips. She lazily looked around the room, taking in the scene.

A fireplace, unlit and just as spotless as the bed, stood on the far wall, a window just to its left, curtains rustling with a gentle breeze. The floor had felt lush when she'd entered, and peering over the bed she realized a woven rug adorned the entire floor. Wine red, she noted dully, though the walls were a bleached white. The only other pieces in the room were a table and chair, both so clean that they'd likely never been used, and the nightstand which she'd set her belongings atop of.

The room was immaculately clean. If Weiss wasn't so exhausted she might have appreciated that more, but tired as she was, she'd have slept even in Ludlow's sorry conditions. Carefully undoing the brooch at her breast, Weiss sat up long enough to remove her cloak, folding it and setting it aside with the rest of her belongings. She slid off her boots and laid them at the bedside, relieved to at last be able to sleep.

Vindemia had largely been a bust regarding their hunt for Merlot. It wasn't without benefits, however, as the sheet of paper in her cloak's pocket could attest. Plus, they would be well rested come tomorrow, and more than ready for the journey. A massive weight off all their shoulders.

Despite her weariness, sleep hadn't come easily. The passage from the general's story was burned in her mind's eye, and like a windmill in a storm, it spun without end, constantly flashing through her mind.

/+/+/+/+/+/

Weiss was stirred from her slumber by a loud knocking on the door. Or, what she had thought was knocking, for soon the door to her room was kicked in. Barely awake from the noise, she sat up in bed and stared at the figures at the doorway. In her delirious state it took her a moment to register who they were.

Tabards over their chests, and chainmail armor beneath. Alarmingly, each of the figures bore weapons, all drawn, and all eyes, on her. They seemed furious.

"Out of bed. Now."

Weiss frowned and slowly slid off the mattress, holding her hands up. "What is this? Have we done something wrong?" Why was the guard storming into her quarters? One of the men approached and reached for her arm, though she drew back before he could grab her.

"Don't make us ask again, you bitch! Come with us, or we'll put you to the sword here and now!"

"What is going on?! Would you tell me what I have done?" Weiss' eyes moved towards Myrtenaster carefully. She didn't move for it - she wouldn't be that stupid, even if she could most certainly handle a few guards.

Whatever this was, they were confused. She had been asleep, and before that, in the library. Dinner had been spent with everyone, and she'd had a servant lead her directly to her room. If they thought she had done something…

Cassius emerged from between the guards. The butler's attire was wrinkled and messy, hastily put on, and his eyes were red from crying. "We invited you into our home, treated you, and this is how you repay us…" The man's voice was hoarse and he steeled his quivering lip.

"What…?" What in the world was happening? Weiss stared at Cassius dumbfounded, not making any move to resist as two guards approached, grabbing her arms and restraining her.

"Weiss Schnee, you are hereby placed under arrest for the murder of Sir Lionel Vindemia."

Hands firmly on her wrists, she was pushed forward, stumbling dumbly along. Behind her, her things were gathered. It was going to be a long night. Assuming she wasn't to be executed, that is.

There we go, another wall o' text slain! I commend thee, brave reader, for facing such a nefarious beast!

Poor Weiss. Girl just wants to sleep, but it's always something, isn't it? Maybe one day she'll get a restful night's sleep, one that doesn't involve being in the infirmary.

Wonder what's going on? Cool, so does Weiss. Find out next chapter! I feel like I need the announcer from Dragon Ball Z for this one.