Legal Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or any of the show's characters. They are the rightful properties of Rooster Teeth. The True Runes and any other Suikoden-related lore that pops up in this fic are the rightful properties of Konami.
Chapter Sixteen:
"It's such a shame that Maria and Father decided not to attend this evening." Penny stated thoughtfully as she pulled on the bow at her neck for what was most likely the tenth time that night, a frown coating her features at the thought of her father and his companion potentially missing out on the festivities.
Personally, Clover was of the mindset that Pietro and Maria had most likely dodged a metaphorical bullet by inventively declaring they'd business still in Mantle that couldn't wait until after the final leg of the celebration given that this party was being held at Schnee Manor and in one of the even more well-to-do neighborhoods in Atlas. No doubt they were cozying up to one another with drinks and cashews in hand over at the workshop, basking in the temporary reprieve the night would give them from entertaining Penny, Clover, or their allies. Truth be told, "stuffy and pretentious" was what the mer expected to describe the subsequent feast and dance, "uncomfortable and tense" being the other.
It made Clover want to continue standing outside in the freezing cold of the courtyard for just a bit longer before heading inside the no doubt posh atmosphere. He knew that James was already inside though, along with an exceedingly reluctant Winter and the rest of the Ace Ops given that they lived closer by than Mantle. Still, his feet wanted to stay strongly rooted to the ground as if he'd access to Elm's semblance.
Penny seemed to pick up on his discomfort easily enough, green eyes alight with worry, "Clover, is everything all right?" She asked worriedly.
"Ebi's fine, Penny." Robyn Hill's voice spoke up just then from behind the two adopted siblings, a knowing glimmer in her violet gaze, "He just doesn't want to go inside." She clasped her friend's shoulder then in an understanding fashion as she continued, "Can't say I necessarily blame him."
Clover sighed at her remark, glancing over at the large double doors where servants were waiting, "It really does seem like we're walking into the lion's den, huh?" He asked the unofficial leader of Mantle.
Penny blinked in confusion as the tan blonde nodded her head in erstwhile agreement, "There are no lions in Atlas, Clover." His sister said, perplexed by his choice of words.
His lips quirked upwards slightly, "Figure of speech, Penny." He replied to ease her confusion.
"Oh! I see!" She responded as she nodded exuberantly, green eyes lighting up in understanding.
"The girls are already mingling inside. I probably shouldn't keep them waiting any longer." Robyn declared with an obvious lack of enthusiasm behind her words, as she clapped her mer friend's shoulder once again, "You two about ready to go in?"
Penny nodded, "Affirmative!" She answered assuredly.
Clover sighed, "I suppose so." He replied with as much enthusiasm as he could muster at the moment.
"There you go! That's the spirit, Clover." Robyn said with a smirk as she headed towards the now open doors of Schnee Manor.
A blast of heat greeted them the moment they stepped inside the grand hall, and Clover couldn't help but marvel at the insulation and fireplaces that seemed to put even the palace to shame. The brightly lit space was elegantly decorated, music flitting through the manor in enchanting melodies over the din of numerous conversations as people milled about while servants carried trays of food and beverages through their midst rather gracefully. Clover looked at the fine clothing of the people assembled there, recognizing most of them as distinguished members of the nobility. He almost felt underdressed in his Ace Op uniform, no matter how pristine he managed to keep it.
Next to him, Penny was too busy excitedly buzzing to and fro on the tips of her toes to apparently seem out of place in her regular garment. The mer had to pull her back lightly by the shoulder to keep her from bouncing into a server with a tray laden with drinks. Clover noted rather enviously how Robyn Hill just strode into the hall as if she owned the place, regardless of the assessing looks they received from all corners the moment they'd entered.
"Robyn!" Fiona's voice broke into the air happily as the petite sheep Faunus waved them over to the side where she, Harriet, Joanna, and May were standing in a huddle, "You made it!"
"Wasn't sure if you'd bail on us at the last minute or not." Joanna joked with a wry smile on her face.
Robyn chuckled, hands on her hips as she surveyed the rooms, "It was rather tempting." She replied truthfully.
May chortled, "I can believe it." She stated, her own eyes scanning the room, "This place is just crawling with uptight Atlesian elites."
"Don't forget Harriet!" Fiona snickered behind her hand, shooting her friend a teasing look.
Harriet scoffed, though her expression was oddly fond as she asked, "I guess I should just be glad I still don't count as one of them fully yet, huh?" She smirked at her friend.
Fiona patted her arm, "It's definitely a good thing, Hare." She assured her.
The tan-skinned woman rolled her eyes, jerking her thumb in the direction of a passing waiter, "I'm going to track down something to eat. Want anything?" She asked the assembled group.
"Oh!" Fiona exclaimed as her eyes lit up, "I'll go with you."
An indifferent shrug was tempered with a flash of eagerness in pink eyes, "Suit yourself." Harriet said, clearly not minding the company.
As the pair walked off, Robyn turned to the remaining two Happy Huntresses, "Anything of note happen so far?" She asked, suddenly in business mode.
May shook her head, "Beyond when the king showed up earlier, things have been fairly quiet." The blue-haired woman informed them.
Joanna nodded her head in agreement, "Winter Schnee's here too," she answered, "But she doesn't seem exactly thrilled by it."
The tan blonde looked thoughtfully around the hall as if looking for the younger woman in question, "That's to be expected." She stated, frowning, "I should probably go and find her."
"You know, for people with opposing Runes, you actually seem to get along better than you'd think." Joanna remarked, a hint of a teasing tone to her voice.
Clover couldn't help but nod his head in agreement, "It's good that Winter's able to work well with you." He said honestly.
To his surprise, Robyn's face darkened slightly with the telltale signs of a blush, her fist making light contact with his shoulder not a moment later, "Like you're one to talk, golden boy." She muttered before quickly spinning on her heel and heading further into the crowds. A smirking Joanna and May were quick to leave behind a rather bewildered Clover and Penny at that point to go tour the estate.
"Penny! Clover!"
Both people spun around then at the familiar sound of Ruby's voice coming from behind them, the smiling brunette standing in the open doorway for just a moment before she rushed forwards along with Penny as if the two were going to tackle one another.
Both were stopped in their tracks by hands grabbing the back of their necks then, "Whoa there, Ruby!" The girl's older sister was quick to say with a smile on her face, "Do you want to get us all kicked out when we just got here?"
Ruby laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head, "I guess not, Yang." She mumbled under her breath.
"I know it's great to see familiar faces, Penny, but causing a scene might make trouble for King Ironwood and Winter." Clover gently reminded his sister.
Penny gasped as if just now realizing that, "Oh, you're right! My apologies!" She declared louder than necessary.
Qrow smirked from behind his nieces as the rest of the gaggle of young knights came bounding in after him, "It's going to be tricky to keep everyone in line tonight." He joked, eyes clearly amused.
Nora laughed loudly, smacking the nearby Jaune on the back in a comradely fashion, "Oh, we'll be on our best behaviors! We promise!" She assured him, grinning over at her blond friend, "Right, Jaune?"
He sputtered and coughed at the force of her exuberant blow, "R—right!" Jaune said with such little confidence Clover was about to say maybe they should leave.
"You see?" Nora asked as she turned triumphantly to Qrow, "Nothing to worry about!"
"Well that puts my mind at ease." Qrow said as he smiled wryly, his light red eyes glancing over in Clover's direction and the younger man found he couldn't help but smile back in response.
Weiss glanced around the hall, an indescribable look plastered over her features. No doubt being back here brought up some hard memories for her, as it undoubtedly did for Winter. Ilia noticed the frown on her face as she stepped closer towards her, "Weiss, are you all right?" She asked, resting an assuring hand on the youngest Schnee daughter's shoulder.
Pale blue eyes blinked at the Faunus' question, and a tinge of pink covered Weiss' face briefly as she smiled reassuringly, "I'll be fine." She replied, "Let's just get this over with, all right?" And with that, she held her head high and walked straight down the center of the hall., not stopping at the gossip that started up promptly in her wake. Ilia glanced over at Blake then, who nodded at her as if to say it was okay before the chameleon Faunus quickly followed suit.
Yang wrapped her arms around Blake and Ruby's shoulders then, "Whaddaya say we get on in there too?" She joked.
"Fine by me!" Ruby exclaimed happily, turning silver eyes onto Penny, "Wanna come with, Penny?"
The automated girl's eyes lit up brightly as she turned her head eagerly in her brother's direction, "Would it be all right if I accompanied them?" She asked him, clearly hoping he'd say yes.
Clover smiled at her enthusiasm and the suddenly hopeful look on Ruby's face, "I don't see why not." He answered genuinely. His sister deserved the chance to act like a normal girl with her friends.
Penny gave an exclamation of glee before racing forward the few steps between them to clasp Ruby's hands in her own, "Yes, let us see what is happening around here!" She cheerfully declared. And with that, the four girls were gone, leaving just a cloud of dust in their wake.
Nora scanned the crowds, grabbing onto Ren's shoulder tightly as she pointed into the next room over where the dancing seemed to be taking place, "Oh, oh! I see Marrow, Elm, and Vine!" She exclaimed, blue eyes lighting up, "Let's go and say hello!"
At the mention of Marrow, Jaune's eyes widened and he blushed slightly, staring down at the red scarf at his side, "W—well..." He trailed off sheepishly.
"Oh, c'mon! No need to be so shy now, mister!" The redhead said enthusiastically as she grinned, pulling at the blond and Ren's arms simultaneously, "Ren and I will be your wingmen!"
"Nora, is this really such a good idea?" Ren asked quietly as they made their way over towards the other room.
Oscar let out a sigh from next to Qrow, "Um, I should probably go and make sure they don't crash into anyone along the way." He stated shyly, quickly following in the trio's wake.
Clover smiled and shook his head at the remark, "He might be onto something." The brown-haired mer told Qrow, turning on his heel then, "We should go and..."
He trailed off when he felt a hand reach out just above his elbow, halting him. Curiously, Clover looked over at Qrow, who was averting his gaze for some reason, his attention on the dance floor instead. "I think we could keep an eye on them from the dance floor, if that's all right with you, lucky charm?" The dark-haired elf asked in an uncharacteristically nervous tone of voice, a bit of red splashed across his cheeks, "Probably should keep up appearances for Jimmy for a little while at least."
Clover felt his own face heat up as the meaning behind Qrow's words hit him, and he ignored the sudden thudding in his chest to shakily nod his head in agreement, "I agree, it would be best to keep up appearances." He said with confidence all the same, winking to lighten the mood. And just like that, he was being gently pulled out onto the dance floor as the next song began to play, and for a bit longer than Clover would care to admit, the rest of the world faded away.
Qrow's hand lingered on Clover's waist just a bit longer than the beat of the song, the elf rather regretting the excuse he no longer had to pull the mer's body close to his own as the musicians paused to collect themselves. He knew it was foolish of him to think in such a way, but a very large, very selfish part of him couldn't help it. No doubt both Tai and Raven would've rolled their eyes at him in exasperation if they'd been there.
"That was nice." Clover mumbled as they pulled farther apart and headed off the dance floor, fingers somehow still inexplicably linked together the feel of Clover's teal scales smooth against his skin, not that Qrow would complain or bring up that fact just then lest it suddenly change.
Qrow couldn't help but smirk slightly at the mer's remark, "I may have picked up a few moves here and there over the years." He told him, glancing over at Clover appreciatively, "You weren't bad yourself though, lucky charm."
The brown-haired young man smiled, "I may have studied dance a bit at the knight academy." He admitted.
Soul Eater's bearer laughed slightly, "You? I can see it." He replied honestly.
As Clover playfully reached over and hit him in the shoulder then, Qrow's mirth-filled eyes scanned the rooms around them. Ren and Nora looked as if they were preparing to dance themselves once the music started up again, the redhead grasping onto the young man's hand tightly and practically bouncing on the soles of her feet as they waited on the edge of the dance floor.
Marrow and Jaune had moved away from where Elm and Vine were currently engaged in a rather rambunctious conversation with the Happy Huntresses and Harriet, seemingly lost in their own world as they huddled side-by-side together over a shared plate of snacks as the dark-skinned Faunus' tail wagged eagerly at something that Jaune had just said.
In the grand hall, the elf could just make out Ruby and Penny excitedly zipping through the gathered crowds to try and get in all of the decorations around the area, oohing and aahing over everything when they deemed it appropriate enough. Oscar was right behind them trying to mitigate any potential damages or apologize to guests they nearly bowled over in their enthusiasm.
Surprisingly, a rather flustered and annoyed-looking Whitley Schnee was marching on just a few steps behind the fourteen-year-old. Qrow distinctly heard him loudly mutter, "Can't you do something to rein them in?" in exasperation before Oscar pointedly turned to him and crossed his arms over his chest defiantly, "You don't have to follow us, you know." He said matter-of-factly.
The white-haired boy scoffed, "And let you rabble make a mockery of my father's event? It's bad enough I don't know where my sister or her little Faunus friend went." He said haughtily.
Oscar rolled his eyes, nonplussed in a way that made Qrow feel rather proud, "Try to keep up then." He said as laidback as possible.
Whitley's mouth fell open, apparently too stunned that someone had called him out that he wasn't sure how to react. Qrow couldn't help but smile at the sight, glad that his niece and her friends could keep the young Schnee on his toes without really getting truly upset by his grandiose remarks. He didn't see Weiss, Ilia, Blake, or Yang anywhere in the grand hall, but he had a feeling the four girls could well and truly look after themselves.
Of further interest was the fact that Robyn Hill and Winter Schnee were standing close by one another in a darkened corner of the space, heads tilted low so that their foreheads were practically touching. Judging from her body language and the frown on her face, Winter looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but there. Not that Qrow could necessarily blame the Ice Queen. However, her lips curved upwards ever so slightly at some remark that Robyn made, and he had a feeling that she'd be fine regardless.
Qrow's eyes lit up as they spied an entryway out onto a balcony nearby, and he leaned against Clover to catch the mer's attention, "Care to get some fresh air, Cloves?" He asked, head tilted towards the waiting exit.
Teal eyes moved over to the welcoming doorway and a slight smile curled Clover's lips. Was it just Qrow's imagination, or did he actually squeeze his hand ever so slightly as he winked? "I wouldn't mind at all, Qrow." The unofficial captain of the Ace Ops said jovially.
Qrow grinned at Clover's response. He had to admit, he'd been dreading this event for the better part of the day, but if things continued in the vein they'd been going in, he might have to change his mind. The chill night air was a huge contrast to the warmth that radiated off the very walls of Schnee Manor, and Qrow watched as Clover let out a relaxed sort of sigh, finally pulling away from the elf to lean both his arms on the balcony railing. His gaze rested on the stars and shattered moon overhead, and for a brief moment Qrow allowed himself to get swept up in the view too as he joined the brown-haired knight in standing there.
"Tonight has been oddly pleasant." Clover finally said at length, turning to Qrow with a glimmer in his eyes as he jokingly added, "Just, let's do ourselves a favor and not say that anywhere around Jacques Schnee, all right?"
"Way ahead of you there, Clover." Qrow replied as he grinned back at him, "As far as he'll ever know, this was an entirely torturous experience."
Clover laughed, and it might have been one of the most joyous sounds that Qrow had ever heard. He felt his heart speed up a little with it, "That's good." The Rune of Punishment's bearer said with true mirth.
A comfortable silence settled over the pair then, and Qrow was aware that they were leaning so close together that their frosted breath mingled between them. If he leaned in further just a tad, he could brush his lips against...
"There you are, Captain Ebi!" Jacques Schnee's haughty voice rang out from the doorway then, a snide smirk on his face as he held up a wineglass in their direction, "If it isn't the man of the hour!"
Qrow and Clover both glanced at one another before turning around to fully face the head of the noble Schnee household, Clover furrowing his brows as he did so, "Lord Schnee." He greeted as cordially as he could, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Schnee's lips underneath his white mustache quirked upwards ever so slightly in a mocking fashion then as he turned his head towards the inside of the manor, "Oh, His Majesty didn't inform you?" He asked in feign surprise as the imposing figure of the man in question himself appeared at the doorway just then.
"Jacques." Ironwood began, tone low in warning as Qrow felt a keen sense of dread begin to settle in his gut.
Jacques continued on as if the king hadn't spoken, sweeping his arms out like he was encompassing the entirety of the party, "Why, this was not only to celebrate the Wintertide Festival, but you as well, my boy!" He exclaimed with a rather cruel gleam in his eyes as he turned back around to face Clover as he smugly added, "After all, the announcement of a new Royal Consort needs a certain extravagance, don't you agree?"
Clover's eyes widened at the statement, and Ironwood was resolutely looking anywhere but at him just then. Qrow clenched his hands into fists at his sides then, knowing now that things had seemed to be going far too good. It was just his fucking luck.
Author's Notes: This was a fun chapter to write right up until the bit of a cliffhanger at the end. I regret nothing! XD Happy Holidays to all who celebrate them, and I hope everyone has an excellent rest of the week. :D