Another lengthy chapter, and it's a Weiss one, again!
This WAS going to be shorter, by nearly 4000 words, but the Ice Queen demands more screen time. As the actual "main character" I couldn't refuse her.
The Queen gets what she wants!
Weiss' fingers flourished over Myrtenaster's blade with all the care of a mother stroking her child's scalp. Free of blemishes, her rapier looked every bit as new as the day she'd commissioned it. Sleek and pristine; it was a farce and she knew it to be little more than window dressing. Roderick had mentioned Myrtenaster would need replacing. For now though window dressing would do.
Weiss knew the quality of Roderick's work to be good. The Church commissioned the man to maintain initiates' weapons, after all. He was but one of many, but to be among the few spoke of his craftsmanship. Or, a cynical voice mused, his affordability.
Nonetheless, Weiss stepped away from the counter and swung her weapon to test it. Myrtenaster sliced through the air, a pleasant, high-pitched whipping noise following its sweeping arcs. Sunlight pouring in from the windows caught the blade and danced along its edge, casting a slender shadow along the creaky floorboards and making her blade shine like silver.
"Just a shell, lass. I wouldn't go striking rocks if I were you," Roderick jabbed playfully.
Weiss scoffed, swishing her rapier once more before sliding it into the clasp on her hip. She didn't make a habit of attacking stone or brick, but she'd keep the warning in mind.
"Thank you again, Roderick. I know it was short notice, but I was certain you could have it done in time."
"Bah, it was an easy job anyways!" Roderick laughed, leaning himself down onto the counter, causing boards to creak under his weight. Despite the earliness of the hour he was already wearing a thin film of soot, a black cloud coming off as he coughed and bat his broad chest with a calloused hand. "You won't be the first or the last to give me a rush job, and I welcome the challenge."
"And I'm sure the Lien even more." The blacksmith smiled cheekily and said nothing. Weiss giggled, patting Myrtenaster once before bowing her head. "I appreciate the work all the same, even if it's a temporary fix. I'm eager to get the new model when I return."
It felt good to have her weapon back. It had only been a day and yet she'd felt naked without it. Myrtenaster's light weight made Weiss feel balanced again, her fingers gripping the cool, worn metal of the grip. Brushing her thumb over a familiar dent she smiled and relished having everything she would need for her coming mission. Preparation was key, after all, and the final thing on her list was now taken care of.
Pyrrha often claimed a weapon's maintenance was every bit as necessary as self-care. Weiss had to agree. Having a blade with a dulled edge when combating Grimm could spell the difference between life and death, after all. Weiss pat the clasp on her hip and turned on her heel, not quite making it to the door before she frowned. Know what else could lead to an untimely demise? Distractibility, something Ruby had in droves.
Ruby muttered under her breath as she leaned over a weapons display. Halberds, a spear, a glaive and even a trident stood proudly on end, and any enthusiasm Ruby held for the pieces died out when she saw the price tags and paled.
Nearby, an oak barrel in the corner held a bouquet of iron and steel. Swords, knives and all manner of short-ranged weapons stuck out. Curious, Ruby reached in and grabbed the hilt of a broadsword caught in the container, its handguard stuck under the lip of the barrel. With a huff and heave Ruby attempted to wrench it free, yelping as she nearly toppled over, the barrel along with it.
"You… Absolute… Dolt!" The barrel wobbled, and Weiss strained to keep it upright. Between the two of them they slid the barrel upright. Then she flicked Ruby's head, narrowing her eyes. "Do you always have to do that? Every time we come here…"
Ruby huffed and folded her arms petulantly. "There's nothing wrong with looking at the weapons!"
"No, but there's something wrong with breaking displays," Weiss reprimanded, raising a hand and watching Ruby jump back, hands raised preemptively. Letting out a sigh she rubbed her forehead before pinching the bridge of her nose. "You've broken something nearly every time we come here."
"Have not!"
"Last week you snapped a shelf by leaning on it, and the week before you knocked over a box and scattered pieces all over the shop floor," Roderick said, smiling apologetically as Ruby withered like her namesake. "Sorry, lass, but you've got a penchant for it."
"I'm just clumsy, that's all! It's not my fault!" It absolutely was. Weiss rolled her eyes and grabbed Ruby by the cloak, all but dragging her friend outside. The bell over the door rang and Weiss turned to wave to the smithy one last time. Once outside she released her grip on Ruby and crossed her arms, eyebrow raised expectantly.
"Well it isn't! And besides, I just like looking at the weapons…" Ruby continued with a pout.
"Yet you never buy anything?"
Aghast, Ruby pulled her weapon from her back, making Weiss step back as the curved blade swung overhead. "And replace Crescent Rose?! Never! Not in a hundred, million, bagillion years!"
This girl was going to become a Hunter. A bastion of humanity, the savior of mankind. Looking at Ruby now, nuzzling her scythe like it was a kitten, swaying and wiggling in place, Weiss swore Ruby was half her age, not two years her junior. "You need to grow up…"
"Do not! I'm basically the same age as you!" Ruby stamped her foot and slammed Crescent Rose against the ground, putting a hand on her hip and puffing proudly. "Besides, I don't need to grow! I drink milk!"
As if that was the secret to growth. Weiss exhaled, letting her annoyance flee with her breath and walked past Ruby, acutely aware of how a girl two years her junior somehow had almost two inches on her. She blamed the boots. Ruby wore unseemly, clunky boots that had to give her extra height. There was no other way this was possible.
Weiss held the gate open and let Ruby skip ahead of her. They were nearly swallowed up in the sea of workers filling the streets, but for some reason they steered clear of the young girl with a war scythe. Seeing initiates with weapons wasn't uncommon in Vale and most didn't bat an eye when someone armed walked by. Then again, most people - and by most Weiss meant literally everyone else on the face of Remnant, didn't use a scythe. Somehow among a profession where thousands of people regularly carried weapons Ruby managed to stand out.
Ruby was blissfully unaware - or ignorant, as crowds parted to make way for them; Crescent Rose demanded a wide berth, lest someone lose their head. Any time something caught her eye she'd whip around, the vicious curved blade slicing through the air. Weiss thought Ruby couldn't possibly be that negligent, that surely, she knew how dangerous she was being.
Ruby uttered a hasty apology as a man plucked his cap from the tip of her scythe. A large hole bore into the side, torn from Crescent Rose's edge. Bowing only made her weapon swing dangerously and the man jumped back with his friends, making a hasty retreat before he might lose a limb. Was it just Weiss' imagination or did the bubble around them grow bigger?
Weiss gazed aimlessly at the buildings to either side. Buildings of stone and brick with placards swaying gently in the wind, hinges creaking. Many shops were only just opening, the owners, despite living above their place of work, always waiting for the morning crowds. Most of the flock of workers converged on shops selling food and Weiss became acutely aware of the myriad of scents filling the crisp morning air. Freshly baked bread caused trails of steam to distort the air, their golden, crunchy skins a shell for the gooey warmth inside.
Contemptuous at how alluring the baked goods were Weiss turned her nose up, convincing herself they were disgusting. Things covered in sugar and sweet enough to rot your jaw were not ideal breakfast foods. Ruby hadn't been told that and loomed over the stall, silver eyes shining as she rocked on the balls of her feet with unbridled delight. Weiss wasn't going to be eating any of that. She'd wait for some real food.
Cherry filling squirted out the end of the pastry and made Ruby squeak, slurping it up before it could fall. Powdered sugar lined her mouth and a dollop of cherry smeared across her left cheek. Weiss shook her head. Sweets were not her thing, they never had been. In that regard she and Ruby were polar opposites; Ruby could eat nothing but sweets without a care in the world. What was the greatest magic on Remnant? Ingesting so many unhealthy foods without falling ill. Or having your jaw rot from the excess of sugar.
Weiss peeled back wax paper and stared down longingly at her own meal. An omelet bursting at the seams with vegetables and sausage. Steam rose from the golden-brown meal and filled her nostrils causing her to salivate long before she ever took a bite of it. She'd desperately wanted to dig in the moment she bought it but walking while eating something messy would be disastrous.
Instead they found themselves a place to rest. Along one of the canals, separated from the water below by a wrought iron fence, were a row of benches begging to be sat on. Narrow planks painted white curved to form a comfortable seat, with iron armrests painted black to contrast. Weiss comfortable fell into the seam took a moment to stretch and chase away lingering fatigue. Though the early morning sun wasn't punishing she was grateful for the shade of the oak tree nearby. Flowers surrounded the base of the tree, a planter with chiseled brick encircling a small patch of grass within.
Bench, planter, bench, planter, the pattern continued along the stretch of the road along the canal, filling the space between the two bridges that spanned the water's width.
"Finally…" Weiss felt the bench flex as she sat on it. The wood creaked a bit louder when Ruby plopped beside her, swinging her legs and licking the remains of her confectionary treat from her fingertips. "You should have waited," she chastised Ruby. "Now you have nothing to eat."
"Well… You could always share your omelet!" Ruby smiled sheepishly when Weiss glowered in silence. Giggling, she rubbed the back of her head and turned away, whistling. "Or… I could go get something else!"
"Some real food, I hope?"
"That was real food!" Ruby leaned in and puffed her cheeks, hands clenched into fists at her chest. Weiss leaned back, eyebrows raising as her friend shook her head. "Fruit is good for you, it's healthy! A-And… And there's egg in the pastry, which is good for you too!"
"And the copious amounts of sugar…?"
"It's good for the soul!"
It was good for cavities too. And fat. Weiss' eyes flickered down to Ruby's midsection and her irritation grew seeing her slim figure. Not quite as slim as Weiss' own, but slim enough that, given all that she ate, seemed undeserved.
Pulling a few Lien from her pouch she shoved it into Ruby's chest, pointing to a nearby stall. "Whatever they're selling, go get some. You should eat more anyways, we've got a full day ahead of us." Ruby didn't linger, nodding before skipping off. A small crowd gathered, and Ruby stood at the back of it, turning around and waving to Weiss.
Yes, I see you, dolt.
Peeling back the wrapping further Weiss sniffed at her omelet, then took a cautious bite. Still hot and fresh she gasped and fanned her mouth. With a cough and a bit of careful work she rolled the food over and managed to eat without burning her tongue. The egg was soft, just a hint of pepper mixed into the puffy goodness. Green pepper and onion melded together wonderfully, and Weiss wrinkled her nose as the sausage, with a surprising bite to it, mixed in with the flavors. Squeezing the omelet made a bit of yolk leak, the fillings pushing out from the pillowy shell.
From across the river came a rise of voices and indistinct shouting. Weiss turned when the whinnying of a horse followed, and the shouting of guards drowned it out. A carriage led by a small detachment made its way along the bank, forcing the early morning crowds to make way. From where she sat it was impossible to make out who was inside. Blinds were up in the windows of the carriage anyways, heavy burgundy cloth concealing the passenger. The driver of the carriage, an old man with a simple black suit and wide brimmed hat, leaned over and spoke with one of the guards. Word came from the passengers, a simple order. The guards then resumed shouting and waved their arms to make way.
"What's that all about…?" Ruby asked, leaning over the fencing. A bowl of stew rested precariously in her hand, a thick brown broth spilling out as she tilted it absently.
"I'm not sure." Weiss shrugged and glanced down at her omelet, plucking out a burned piece of sausage. "That's hardly the first carriage I've seen though," she added as she flicked the gristle into the river.
"You mean there's more?"
"I saw a procession yesterday while I was shopping. Quite a few carriages, and plenty of guards besides." Ruby nodded, fishing around in her bowl with a wooden spoon. Her nose wrinkled and Weiss watched her drop a piece of carrot and potato into the canal, settling for a chunk of beef instead. "Ruby, you need to eat those! They're good for you!"
"But they taste so icky!" Ruby protested.
"Think of it this way… Do you imagine Goodwitch would like to hear you've been neglecting your nutrition?"
Weiss might not be able to force Ruby to do much, but the mere mention of their stringent proctor could. Ruby's cheeks swelled as she shoveled vegetables aplenty into her mouth, face crumpling. Making it out to be the most painful experience of her life she chewed slowly, blanching and sticking her tongue out once finished.
"So… About those carriages?"
"What about them?" Weiss asked absently, biting into her meal. Still a bit too hot to savor, but the grumbling in her stomach demanded satiating.
Rather than sit on a bench like a normal person Ruby perched on the fence, finding a gap between the posts. With her legs dangling over the canal she hummed, stirring her stew. "Why so many? Were they fancy like that one?"
"Yes, though it's hardly unusual to see carriages in Vale, even ornate ones," Weiss pointed out. "It is the capital of the kingdom after all."
"Yeah but usually not so many at once. Wonder if something important is going on…?"
Weiss shrugged noncommittally. If something was happening, then it was well above their pay grade to both know and care. Whatever games nobles played in their time was outside of their realm of knowledge. Common sense said she should care, because their decisions would likely affect them, but it wasn't as if they could simply ask.
A mouthful of pepper made Weiss cough and nearly spit out her food. Tears welled, and she chewed hastily, sticking out her tongue and grimacing. "Far too much pepper…!"
"Maybe we should go see? Maybe we can follow the carriage!"
Deadpanning, Weiss stared at Ruby. "We have a mission tomorrow; do you honestly believe the best use of our time is stalking someone?"
"It's not stalking! It's… Reconnaissance!"
"Do not argue semantics with me, Rose," Weiss warned.
Undeterred, Ruby hopped off the fence and tossed her bowl and spoon into a waste bin. Stood before Weiss she grabbed her slender shoulders, beaming excitedly. "Aw, come on, you know you want to find out!" She winked, which confused Weiss, as did her follow-up. "I bet it's someone special!"
"Absolutely not," deflected Weiss, trying to return to her meal. Ruby squeezed her shoulders and she narrowed her eyes at the brunette. "Ruby, I said no. We have enough to do as it is."
"Do we though…?" Ruby tilted her head and grinned impishly. "Like what…?"
"Like…" Weiss trailed off. What did they have to do? They bought supplies yesterday, she'd gotten Myrtenaster back earlier that morning. Aside from receiving the orders themselves everything was ready. Weiss realized that, as did Ruby, and try as she might she couldn't come up with an excuse. "It's… I don't know, it's illegal! We have no business -"
"It's not like I'm saying we should eavesdrop!" Ruby huffed, placing her hands on her hips. A few passersby stared curiously as she struck a pose, puffing out her chest and holding her head high. "I like to think of it as… Being informed!"
"About something that is none of our business," Weiss said, sighing and shaking her head. "That's eavesdropping."
Ruby didn't back down, oddly determined for such a spur-of-the-moment idea. Weiss stared for a time before taking another silent bite of her food, quirking her lips to indicate she was mulling it over.
Gods, her friends were awful influences. How she'd love for Ren or Pyrrha to be a voice of reason. Nora would agree with Ruby in an instant, and Jaune… Well Jaune would just do as he was told. Was she actually missing Jaune now? Wax paper crumpled loudly as Weiss rolled it up, using a strip to wipe her mouth in lieu of a napkin.
"We can follow them, but no closer than is necessary. And if they tell us to leave, we leave, no questions asked." Weiss tossed her trash away and put a finger in Ruby's face, prodding her small nose. "I am not going to risk punishment because of this ridiculous idea of yours."
"We'll be fine! What's the worst that can happen…?"
Besides Goodwitch justifiably stringing them up in the rafters by their ankles? A lot. Weiss rolled her eyes and gestured for Ruby to take the lead. She had barely risen to her feet before Ruby took off. "H-Hey! Don't run, you dolt!" Weiss shouted, excusing herself as they dashed along.
Ruby was like an excited pup, darting ahead and bounding between people. Annoying as it was to have to give chase Weiss could at least count her lucky stars Ruby hadn't used her magic. If Ruby had been impatient enough to cast a spell she'd be gone in a blink, leaving Weiss hapless in trying to follow. But she didn't, though the cloaked girl appeared to be making every effort to lose Weiss in the crowds.
Along the opposite bank of the river the carriage continued to move. Occasionally it slowed to a halt as the crowds thickened, the bellowing of guards forcing them to disperse. In these brief moments Ruby had to stop, bouncing on her feet and eyeing the transport. She wore a smile, one wide enough that to an onlooker she might almost appear mad. When Weiss shot her a questioning glance Ruby only shook her head. Why was she so keen about this?
"Rose, you need to slow down…" Weiss grumbled after a time. When Ruby didn't she lunged forward and caught the brunette's wrist, dragging her back and rolling her eyes as Ruby huffed. "Where are we going, and why in the world are we following the carriage? What's going on?"
Ruby opened her mouth to answer before grinning again, shaking her head and causing her bangs to whip before her eyes. "Nope! You'll have to wait and see!"
"I don't appreciate games, Ruby. If you're keeping a secret…"
"Not a secret! It's… It's a surprise!" Ruby squeaked.
"That's the same thing," Weiss muttered, thoroughly unimpressed as she folded her arms.
Not deterred by the scrutiny Ruby smiled and shook her head again, zipping her lips and throwing away the key, only to speak a second later. "You kept my cake from me, so… Fair is fair! It's my turn for a surprise!"
Obnoxious, juvenile even, but annoyingly logical. One good turn deserves another, she supposed. So long as this wasn't some awful prank.
Twin towers rose before a large bridge. Stone structures with steel braces to reinforce them the towers cut into the flawless blue sky and stood in stark contrast, their peaked roofs as knives, slicing sharply into the heavens. The bridge itself was wider than most, wide enough to allow a multitude of carriages and pedestrians both to walk side by side and still have room to spare. Weiss and Ruby gave the masses a wide berth, as wide as they could manage, keeping close to the chest-high wall along the edge. Carved granite capped the stone walls, and the occasional black lamp post jutted out, a break in the grey of the bridge.
The residential district was well behind them now, the commercial district but a distant memory. Large, spacious buildings lined the wider roads, their hulking masses larger than all but the most exquisite of homes in Vale. With doors impossibly tall and heavy, the warehouses took up majority residence in the industrial district. Buildings comprised of brick and mortar, with tin roofs and each boasting at least a single pair of guards, funneled people along the bustling streets.
Weiss watched as a group of men worked at unloading a cart. Two Dimuran men in little more than simple tunics and trousers did most of the lifting, their sun-kissed skin rippling beneath their ragged clothing. One had scales of a brilliant red, rivaling Ruby's cloak in its radiance. It contrasted with his tanned skin, and the rust-red hair that matted his head seemed equally unusual. His partner, an equally large man with purple scales and a lighter skin, carried one box under each arm. Hearing the heavy thud as they dropped in a stack made Weiss marvel at how easily they moved the containers.
Warehouses weren't the only structures in the industrial districts. Weiss could hear the factory long before it ever came into view, even over the sounds of the crowds. Blast furnaces roared with the ferocity of a dragon, their open doors spewing forth flames. The interior of the building was set aglow in a beautiful, and unusual rainbow of colors.
When Weiss and Ruby passed by the front she saw crates of Dust crystals piled before the furnaces. Sorted by type, piles of red, green, blue and purple sat ready for use. For fuel, it seemed, as a worker went about shoveling a load of the red variant into the furnace. Sparks flew, and flame spewed out angrily before being snuffed by a heavy iron door slamming shut. Billows pumped and a system of pulleys leading… Weiss wasn't sure where, turned and pulled.
"How the heck do they keep all this going…?" Ruby muttered.
Weiss offered a shrug. She wouldn't pretend to understand how to run an operation on this scale, nor the logistics of maintaining it. Most days it was difficult enough to manage her friends, and that was with help. A factory had dozens of employees and constant activity? Just pondering the matter made her head spin.
Somehow, despite all the factories and the sweaty scores of men hard at work, the air was cleaner here, crisp even. Fresh air thick with brine and salt carried inland from the nearby ocean. Seagulls squawked as they came in to dry land, dozens perched along the rooftops. Weiss scowled and kicked her foot out at an obstinate one sat on the road, sticking her tongue out as the animal continued to pick at discarded food, more concerned with its meal than her. Ruby giggled and moved to pet the animal only to be yanked back, stumbling and smiling sheepishly when Weiss pointed down the road.
Crowds thinned, replaced by workers and merchants. Shops sat between warehouses, dwarfed by the larger buildings but still managing to draw people. Many were taverns, Weiss noted, no doubt taking advantage of weary sailors and merchants after a long journey. A few were bait and tackle shops and Weiss wondered where in the world one might fish in such a bustling port.
"Ruby, do you even know where the carriage is anymore?" Weiss grabbed Ruby's sleeve to stop her, looking around as she spoke. There were carriages and carts aplenty but not even one was theirs. Simple things with no decoration, no air of opulence. They hadn't come all the way here for nothing?
"I don't see it," Ruby admitted. Admonished by a glare she smiled and held her hands up in defense. "But I know where it's going! Don't worry, we're not lost!"
Weiss arched a delicate eyebrow and folded her arms testily. "Oh, and how, pray tell, do you know where it's heading? Did you slip away and ask them?"
Ruby smiled through snorts and giggles. "Nope! I overheard some people at that stall earlier talking about it. At first, I didn't think it was important, but then they mentioned something…"
"And that something was…?" Weiss prodded, tapping her foot impatiently.
"I'm getting to that! There's a bunch of nobles in the city for some… Conference thingie. A-Anyway, there's people coming from all over! And not just Vale, either." Ruby listed off on her fingers. "There's some people coming from Mistral, and a few from Vacuo, and even a few from Atlas!"
Dropping her arms and blinking, Weiss pressed her lips into a thin line. Atlas? Just as it wasn't uncommon to see nobles in the city neither were visitors from other kingdoms unusual. Most were merchants, though, and hardly required a welcoming committee of nobles. Which begged the question of who exactly had come to Vale.
"You wanted to see who was coming…?" It was the only conclusion Weiss could think of. Most if not all were likely here by now though, but if the carriage from before was a noble's, and it had come here, then they were welcoming someone.
"It sounded like the ship from Atlas arrived this morning, and they might still be in port," Ruby continued, fumbling with the sleeve of her white tunic, adjusting the black cuff around her wrist. "I was thinking… What if it's someone you knew? That might be nice, right?"
Weiss chewed the inside of her cheek as she looked out towards the water. It could be nice, or it could be a disaster, depending on who had come. Even with furnaces nearby cooking the air Weiss shivered. That was not an encounter she looked forward to.
Part of her wanted to turn around and leave. It might be her father, but it also might not be. For all she knew it could be someone she wouldn't recognize entirely. It had been years since she'd last set foot in Atlas and even when home she'd been young, too young to really know those in power. Nameless faces would come to their homes and be kept out of view. A mark of shame, a stain on the Schnee family.
Weiss wanted to leave but she knew Ruby had dragged her this far for a reason. She'd hoped it might be someone Weiss would want to see. Was it her way of paying back for the surprise yesterday? A soft sigh passed her lips and Weiss shook her head, resigning herself and marching forward. If it was someone she wanted no business with they could just as easily turn around and leave, but she'd at least go and look.
If Vale was a hand, the districts, the palm, then the docks were its fingers jutting out to grasp the ocean. Large things of stone, concrete and brick, they fanned out along the length of the waterfront, with large spaces between allowing for two cargo ships to fit between. Large cranes and heavy carts and pulleys stood by each, ready to unload and help ferry away whatever was being brought in or sent out. Small jetties sprouted out like tufts of weed and allowed for smaller seafaring vessels, often fisherman's crafts, to land.
Guards formed a perimeter around one of the larger docks. Their chainmail glittered in the bold sun and must be cooking the guards alive, but they were too busy trying to hold back people to worry. Weiss and Ruby found a way through the throngs by keeping near the water's edge, using the posts and heavy chains that formed railings to keep from slipping over the edge.
In the water below Weiss heard a splash and looked down to watch a Varuna busy at work. Barnacles of all shapes and sizes clung to the hull of a merchant vessel. The Varuna, with blue, oily skin shining and soaked, scraped away at them with a chisel and knife, occasionally breaking open a shell to eat its contents. There was a dozen of them at least all around the large craft, busy at work and seemingly oblivious to the crowds around them. One turned though and met Weiss' gaze, large black eyes staring back curiously before they returned to work, webbed digits clutching their tools tightly.
What was saw next was infinitely more interesting. Clashing with the natural beauty of the surf was a hull of pure steel, metal wrought by expert craftsmen and assembled in a factory larger than even those in Vale. Taller than any merchant vessel, the gray hull turned blue just above the water's surface, free of barnacles unlike the other ships around it. Weiss glanced at the peculiar wheels on the sides of the ship, large enough to dip below the water and nearly reach the top of the deck. With panels steeped, wide and flat, the wheels resembled the water wheel of a mill.
Weiss glanced up at the deck and saw crew scurrying about, some securing the vessel with heavy chains while others took upon other tasks. There were no sails, she realized, and in their place heavy stacks like those of a factory rose from the deck. Every so often tufts of smoke billowed from them, petering off into tiny wisps as they vanished into the cloudless sky.
"Come on!" Ruby grinned and grabbed Weiss by the hand, pulling her along before they could protest. The guards didn't notice them, but they halted at the perimeter just to be safe, with Ruby jumping onto one of the stout pillars that comprised the railing for a better view. Weiss placed her face in her hands and wondered how long until a guard noticed them.
A long metal ramp stretched from the ship's deck to the dock below, a line of Atlesian soldiers flanking either side. Weiss recognized the gray dress clothes despite her time away, their broad caps shielding their eyes from the harsh sun's rays, and conveniently from view. Each wore a saber on their hip that could just as likely be for practical use as it was for show.
The carriage they had been following was here, it's dark cedar body stark against the gray, wet ground. Black panels outfitted with black, quilted cloth covered the doors, rear and front, and Weiss caught a glimpse of a hidden blade beneath the driver's door; the elderly driver seemed to zone off, but every so often his eyes flickered to the crowd, his left hand never far from the weapon.
An excited murmur rippled through the crowd and Weiss pushed aside a man to break to the front of the crowd. Being short sucked. Two men moved down the ramp first, each with similar gray dress uniforms to those waiting. Their clothing was obviously pressed and only worn for show, with nary a wrinkle or thread out of place. Medals adorned their jackets and sashes draped across their chest, a subdued blue that matched the open ocean's waters.
Weiss hardly paid them any mind. Her eyes fixed on the man following behind them. Her heart rose to her throat and a smile worked itself to her lips. She took a step forward, unaware, and this time Ruby reined her in, tugging on her arm gently to ease her back. She made a sound of protest but nodded and remained put.
James Ironwood strode down the gangplank, arms folded neatly behind his back. His uniform was white as the snow that blanketed much of Atlas, the black lapels of his jacket striking against rest of the cloth. A few medals hung from his breast, more for show than actual militaristic achievement: he was not a man of the military. James Ironwood wasn't anything quite so mundane. Weiss felt her smile widen as he stood at the base of the ramp and exchanged words with the two men with him.
The head of Atlas' division of the Church, the Atlesian Archbishop, had arrived.
With a face that looked chiseled from stone and a hard jawline it was no small wonder that many women around Weiss, infuriatingly, commented on his looks. As if any of the common mistresses could hope to lay claim to a man of such standing. Nearby, one jealous man grumbled about him being 'stiffer than a dick', a comment that earned him a slap from his partner.
Steely blue eyes drifted over the crowd, set under a black brow. Equally dark hair covered his head, neatly trimmed and slicked back, with streaks of gray stretching from his temples, back behind his ears and to the nape of his neck. It gave him a refined look, Weiss decided, while also showing he was a man of age, more than his wrinkle-free face might suggest. The two men, generals, Weiss assumed, bowed their heads and barked orders up at the ship. Several men saluted, and half of those stood by the gangplank flanked the pair as they marched into the crowd. The generals saluted Ironwood before following suit, leaving the carriage for him to take.
Weiss kept her eyes on Ironwood, a nervous excitement bubbling in her stomach. When his eyes passed over her they seemed not to notice, then drifted back and settled on her. His eyebrows raised, and her smile threatened to split her face, giddiness making her wave with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. Behind her Ruby snickered but she paid her friend no mind. Gestured to come forward, Weiss pointed to herself before hurrying out into the clearing and right into Ironwood's outstretched arms.
"Weiss, I didn't expect to see you here," Ironwood said with a laugh. His voice was warm. Weiss caught the familiar scent of pine aftershave, the same kind he'd always used.
Large hands clasped her shoulders as she moved back, and Weiss smiled up at Ironwood, immediately happier for his presence. "I didn't expect to be here," she admitted, throwing a look over her shoulder before smiling again. "I had an unexpected detour."
"Is that so…?" Seeing Ruby trying to hide among the crowd now Ironwood waved her forward as well, nodding when she hesitantly pointed to herself. The brunette was much slower to emerge and kept her distance, having pulled her hood up. The murmuring that broke out made her draw her hood tighter.
"Oh! I have my partner with me, let me introduce you." Gesturing for Ruby to come closer Weiss frowned and stomped her foot, pointing to the spot beside her. Satisfied once Ruby moved up she prodded her friend in the side, earning a startled squeak. "Come say hello! Don't you know who this is?!"
Silver eyes drifted up and Ruby shifted nervously, somehow managing a smile as she wrung her hands. "Um… Your dad…?"
Ironwood laughed while Weiss groaned and slapped a hand to her forehead. Thankfully the archbishop had the grace not to tease Ruby, because she was already on the verge of a nervous fit.
"A family friend, and one with a vested interest in Weiss' well-being," Ironwood answered. Ruby's mouth formed a small 'o' before she hung her head, face alight with embarrassment. "Archbishop James Ironwood, at your service, young lady. And who do I have the honor of addressing…?"
Weiss jabbed Ruby in the side with her elbow when her friend didn't answer immediately. Jumping, Ruby rubbed her side and smiled awkwardly. "Oh, uh… R-Ruby Rose, sir! It's a… Uh… Pleasure to… Make your acquaintance…?"
Gods help them. Weiss tried not to glare at Ruby and instead smiled at the man before her, corner of her mouth twitching. She was more perturbed by Ruby's greeting than Ironwood, who smiled and nodded politely.
"I don't suppose you're here just to see me…?" Weiss asked. She couldn't help the hopefulness that crept into her voice, nor the smile that again spread across her face.
"Had I the pleasure to do so. But no, I'm afraid I'm here to meet with Ozpin on important business." Ironwood paused as a man rushed up to him, having to raise up to whisper into the man's ear. He had always dwarfed her in height, but then many people did. Weiss sometimes forgot just how tall he was until someone else stood beside him. "And it seems they might be waiting for me. I'm afraid we may have to cut our reunion short, for now."
Weiss almost let herself pout, but the archbishop's inflection made her perk up and smile. "For now…?"
"I'll be in Vale for a few days on business, perhaps even a week. I can't imagine that I'll be spending the entire time working. And…" Ironwood trailed off and chuckled to himself. "I know little in the way of Vale, if I'm honest, with how rarely I come here. If only someone could help show me around…"
"I'll do it!" Weiss volunteered, jumping at the opportunity. Her face went red as Ironwood laughed, and redder still when Ruby joined in. That dolt had no right to laugh at her. She was a bumbling mess!
"Weiss…" Ruby tugged on her tunic. "We have our mission tomorrow, won't we be leaving early."
"Not early enough that I can't at least have breakfast with him," Weiss rebuked, puffing indignantly as she pulled her clothes from Ruby's fingers. "At least… I hope not."
"As it just so happens I know the man in charge here, perhaps we could delay your departure? An hour or two at most." Ironwood smiled playfully, and Weiss felt herself grin ear to ear. "I'll speak to Ozpin about it then. Assuming you have no issues with it…" Ruby shook her head quickly to answer. "Then it's settled. I look forward to dining with you tomorrow."
"And I, you, sir."
Weiss exchanged another hug and stepped back, her face hurting from smiling so much. Ironwood excused himself then, nodding and smiling politely to Ruby before climbing into the carriage. The remaining soldiers ashore fell in line around the carriage, and the city guard again parted the crowds to make way.
After watching the display between her and a man of such importance many onlookers took to speculation, and Weiss was acutely aware of the dozens of eyes on them now. As was Ruby whose social skills failed when in a small tavern surrounded by friends. When faced with a crowd?
"Uh… W-W-Weiss, we should uh… W-We should…" Ruby stammered thoughtlessly, tongue tied and tripping over her own words.
It was enough to convey her nerves and Weiss grabbed her friend by the hand, dragging her along. Plenty of people watched, some questioning her vocally, others with their glances. No voices calling her names or shouting derogatory terms. It paid to have such a powerful friend, Weiss smiled bitterly. With surprising ease, they managed to get away from the onlookers and before long found a semblance of privacy.
They didn't go far, just enough that the gatherings thinned, and people stopped openly gawking at them. Finding refuge in a small noodle shop along the pier Weiss pulled herself up onto a stool beside Ruby, grateful for the hanging cloth that flanked them, blocking the view of anyone looking in.
Vale's ports were some of the largest in all of Remnant, and as such serviced much of the world. With so many cultures converging in one singular place it wasn't uncommon to see vestiges of other kingdoms. Shops, much like the noodle shop they now sat in, originated from Mistral. Ren and Nora had mentioned once how places like this were plentiful back home, and how competition between them was fierce. Here, being the lone noodle shop, it was the sole claim to the market, which made the fact it was barely inhabited all the more surprising. Perhaps most people didn't have a taste for exotic foods, preferring Vale's staples of vegetables, bread and beef.
Weiss smiled politely at the owner of the small shop, an elderly man with sparse hair, completely bald on the top and tufts clung to the sides, obstinately hanging on in his old age. He was of Vale descent, his features harder than the usual gentle looks seen in Mistralian people. Then again, Weiss mused as she surveyed a hand-scrawled menu, Ren was the only person she'd ever met from the faraway kingdom and only had Nora's vague "It's like a kingdom full of Rens!" to work with. Isn't Nora from there too…? She contradicted herself, the boob...
Ruby made a sound of delight, something between a squeal and giggle, as she pointed to some monstrosity labeled "Seafarer's feast". Weiss glanced at the contents and nearly gagged, more at the price than the contents. They had the Lien for it, sure, but that didn't mean she wanted to spend it. Fortunately for Ruby however, and unfortunately for their coin purse, Weiss was in a good mood and allowed it. For herself she ordered a simple bowl of noodles and vegetables, graciously accepting the complimentary hot tea that came with their meals, even if she might not care for it.
"So…?" Ruby giggled, hands in her lap as she swung her legs off the stool.
"So?" Weiss echoed.
"What did you think? Good surprise, huh?"
Weiss rolled her eyes and smiled despite herself. "You had no clue he was going to be here," she muttered, blowing on her tea before taking a sip. Bitter with just a hint of lemon. Her nose wrinkled, and she put the cup down.
"Maybe I did!" Ruby protested, puffing herself up and crossing her arms. Weiss raised an eyebrow and the brunette folded, giggling. "Okay, so I didn't, but it turned out awesome, right? You seemed super happy to see him!"
"I was… Pleasantly surprised, yes," Weiss admitted as her cheeks flushed. "I haven't seen him in years, so seeing him here now was a little bit of a shock. And I get to have breakfast with him tomorrow!"
"And… He's not your dad?" Ruby yelped and nursed the back of her head, sticking her tongue out childishly at Weiss.
"No, he is not my father, Ruby. We've been over this." Not ten minutes ago even! Weiss sighed, setting her spoon back down before shaking her head. "No, he's just a family friend, though… He did a remarkable job in helping me get here, and ensuring I settled in well. I owe him a great deal."
"Oh… Well, I'm glad my totally not-gamble paid off! He seems nice!" Ruby giggled, handing her menu back and placing her order. After swirling her drink for a moment, she reached over and prodded Weiss' shoulder. "Hey… Are you… How are you feeling about tomorrow…?"
Weiss figured the question was innocuous until she noticed Ruby's nervous shift and wringing hands. "Are you worried about our mission? I doubt they'll give us anything to intensive, Ruby. We're still initiates." Her friend didn't answer and chewed her lower lip, silver eyes trained on the counter. "Are you worried about them…?"
Weiss wanted to say there was nothing to worry about. Actually, there was a lot to worry about. What amounted to their final test as initiates - their "real" first mission, would serve as a proving ground. Just because they had made it into the Church didn't mean they deserved to be here. If they couldn't put their training to practice and successfully complete their assignment then they would be sent through remedial training, or worse, dropped altogether.
"You know better than to worry. Nora is unruly but she's strong and more than capable, as is Ren, and he's levelheaded enough to keep her out of trouble," Weiss began, tapping a finger on the wooden counter. "Then there's Pyrrha who is the top of our combat class." Better than only me, she added to herself, feeling a shameful twinge of jealousy. "And Jaune is… Well, Pyrrha will be there! We'll all be fine, Ruby. And the proctors are watching us just in case something does go awry. There's nothing to worry about."
Weiss felt every bit as concerned as Ruby but tried not to let it show. Instead she smiled and pointed to the cup of tea, then to a nearby plaque on the counter space, again handwritten. "The tea here is meant to help us relax, so why not try it?" Even as she suggested that Weiss sampled the drink and nearly spit it out, surprised by the bitterness.
When their food came at long last Weiss gawked, appalled by the aberration in Ruby's dish. It was probably healthier than her usual meals, but the colossal amount of yellowfin tuna, crab meat and another fish piled over a bed of noodles was beyond excessive. Glancing down at her own bowl, with noodles and helpings of vegetables, Weiss wondered where in the world her friend would even store all of it.
"Ruby, what do you…" Weiss began trailing off. Silver eyes blinked in silent question as Ruby stared back, noodles and fish hanging from her mouth. Her question could wait. "Nevermind, keep eating."
Weiss turned the wooden spoon over in her hand and looked for a fork, finding none. Shrugging, she twirled the noodles, twisting before scooping up vegetables. Broth spilled over the edge and she leaned over to keep from spilling on her clothes, cupping her free hand under her chin as she ate. It was hot, though not unbearably so, with a hint of salt and an earthen bite that reminded her of ginger. Overall not unpleasant, and with her stomach still somehow not full, a welcome treat.
Ruby slurped her noodles loudly. The shopkeeper didn't seem to mind and smiled as the excitable girl enjoyed his cooking. Weiss enjoyed too, though took to it with less gusto. Somehow that offended the man?
Whenever Ruby tried to speak Weiss cut her off and gestured to simply enjoy the meal. The voices of passersby outside more than filled the silence, and after a minute or two of eating a pair of sailors came in and joined them, sitting at the end of the counter. She ignored their banter and their stench, and gods did they smell, instead favoring her meal more than before.
"Ruby, I want to ask while it's on my mind…" Weiss paused, catching her breath and chasing food down with the tea. It had cooled, and she was pleasantly surprised her meal helped but down the bitterness. "What do you imagine will happen on our first mission? Anything exciting?" She smirked when Ruby's eyes lit up.
"Maybe we'll get to go and fight a horde of Grimm! Oh, or maybe we get to go and fight with some veteran Hunters!" Ruby gasped and swiveled in her seat, eyes wide and mouth flashing a set of teeth in a delighted grin. "Maybe we'll get to ride a Nevermore! I've always wanted to try!"
That was a horrible idea in more ways than one. Ruby practically bounced in her seat at the notion, and without further prompting began to list off more fantasies, each more outlandish than the last. With her earlier trepidation forgotten Weiss took to eating again, nodding and making a remark occasionally to show she wasn't entirely ignoring her friend.
Nerves would be back tomorrow, but right now they needed to relax and have fun.
/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/
Weiss felt horribly underdressed. Her usual attire of a simple tunic, trousers and her boots felt, well, out of place. Monty's Corner would be the perfect fit for her - not that the man's tavern was grubby, but far more appropriate for casual wear. When Ironwood had insisted they do breakfast together she had assumed she would be the one picking the venue. After all, he'd asked her to show him around.
"Are you alright, Weiss? You seem on edge."
Her? Why, because she so obviously didn't belong in a place like this? Perish the thought. Weiss smiled awkwardly and busied herself with the impeccably clean cutlery on the table. Gods, she could see her reflection in it!
"On edge?" She repeated, setting down her fork. "No, just… Still waking I suppose. Not exactly an early morning person," she said, laughing and thanking whatever gods were watching that Ironwood laughed with her.
"They do have coffee here, if you'd like." Weiss must have perked up the instant he mentioned coffee because Ironwood laughed again. After motioning over a server, he made the young man rush over two steeping cups of brew, sliding one before Weiss, which she readily accepted.
"Thank you," Weiss mumbled, blowing steam before taking a sip. Heaven in a cup.
Through the tinted glass Weiss glanced out at the smooth paved roads of the noble district. Far and away nicer than anything in the districts below, the smoothly cut stones that made up the road were free from litter of any kind. Paths of chiseled granite lined the streets, ample room for carriages and pedestrians alike.
Her reflection stared back at her through the glass and Weiss' lips curled into a rueful smile. Paler than someone who spent so much time outside, with snow white hair to match. At least she was beautiful, according to her friends and… Herself. And Ironwood, though the latter was the equivalent of a parent telling their child was 'handsome' or 'beautiful'; bias had something to do with that.
Weiss' eyes drifted from her slender face to her ears, the angled tips pointing towards the ceiling. Despite her best efforts she had failed to conceal them with her hair, the silken strands always falling away the moment she released them. It was rare to see a Ydran in the noble ward unless they were a servant's garb, and rarer still for a girl her age to be here. If not for the archbishop's company she'd never have made it past the bridge.
So much for getting by on my name alone, Weiss grumbled bitterly, her mind kicking itself immediately afterwards. The coffee was bitter enough without her thoughts adding to it, so instead she adjusted herself in her seat and smiled at her companion. "There are so many places I'd like to take you today, if you have the time, of course."
Ironwood rubbed his chin as he set down his mug, eyes set on Weiss thoughtfully. "I do have another meeting with Ozpin and Glynda, but… I suppose I could free up an hour or two."
Weiss hid her beaming smile behind her cup, toes barely scraping the tiled floor as her leg dangled off the edge of the chair. Truth be told she barely had an idea where she might bring the man. Most of her time was spent at the Cathedral and its grounds, a place that Ironwood needed no introduction to. There was Monty's Corner, but she could imagine the owners, and everyone inside having a stroke at an archbishop in their midst. Save for Roderick's smithy and a handful of shops there was little else Weiss frequented, which was remarkable given the size of Vale. Or perhaps a product of it.
Considerations would wait. Food arrived on a platter and placed before them. Bowls steeped with some kind of soup that, no matter how she stared at its contents, Weiss couldn't figure out what it was. Dragging a spoon through it revealed it to be heavy and creamy, and a cautionary sniff both told her there was pepper in it, and made Ironwood laugh and the server look away politely.
"Frightened it's poisoned?" the old Magi teased.
Weiss' face flushed, and she set her spoon aside, trying to remain poised rather than throw a fit. "I've never had it before, I was simply curious what it smells like," she deflected, opting to sip from her coffee again.
"It's a simple mushroom soup, milady. A combination of cremini, morel, and chanterelle mixed with a touch of fresh yellow onion and carrot taken directly from the local farms." A really obnoxious way to say, 'mushroom soup.' Weiss glanced at the parsley decorating the top. Not exactly an expensive topping, not if she knew what it was. "The butter and cream used are exceptionally creamy and rich, imported from farms in the eastern regions of the kingdom, from only the highest pedigree of -"
"That will do, I believe she gets the point," Ironwood smiled, hand raised to cut off the server. The man bowed his head and excused himself, leaving an amused archbishop with his baffled ward.
"That much money… For mushrooms…?" Weiss was beside herself as she stared down at her paltry serving.
"All three are difficult to harvest, and even more so to prepare properly." Ironwood smiled and reached into his jacket, removing a small container and shaking it onto his bowl before offering it over. "Fresh pepper," he explained, chuckling as Weiss' hesitation fled at once. "I borrowed it from a cook back at the Cathedral. I think what they have here is a bit too bland."
Weiss coughed as she sampled her meal, handing back the shaker and chasing her food with coffee. Taking extra measures to mix her soup she blew on the second helping, delighted to find it didn't choke her up or burn her throat. They barely made it a minute into their meals when Weiss set her spoon down again and slid her bowl off to the side.
"Something wrong?" Ironwood asked.
"No, nothing's wrong, the meal is quite delicious actually." A bit too rich for her tastes, but not bad. "I was actually hoping to ask what brings you to Vale. I understand that the subject is probably classified and only for Ozpin to know, but…" Weiss smiled innocently and shrugged. "I can't help but be curious. What could bring the esteemed James Ironwood across the ocean, I wonder?"
"Other than to see you?"
Weiss scoffed playfully and shook her head. "You already made it obvious that wasn't the case, you looked surprised to see me at the docks, after all." Smiling, she reached up and relieved an itch behind her ear. "Not that I'm unhappy you're here, don't misunderstand."
"You're just curious?" Indescribably so. Weiss had struggled to find peaceful slumber that night and Ruby had as well. Her friends and herself had tried to tease out the reason for another archbishop's visit, and that of all the nobles who had come to preside over it. Theories ranged from the obscene to the mundane, and everything in between.
"Well, I can't tell you the particulars, but I suppose a little information won't hurt. But this doesn't leave the table, understand?" Weiss nodded emphatically. Ironwood smiled and wiped his mouth before folding his hands on the table. Leaning forward prompted Weiss to copy him, and when he spoke his voice was barely above a whisper. "I trust you're aware of the White Fang? What it is they do?"
Weiss nodded readily, puzzled. "What could they be doing that warrants your presence…? Surely this is below an archbishop's attention."
"Normally, yes, but they've grown bold these past few weeks. It started simple enough," Ironwood began to list things off. "Attacks on trade caravans, looting towns, and occasional skirmishes with soldiers and Hunters. Nothing that we don't see with an atypical bandit, and so it hardly required our attention. Recently though, they've gotten bolder."
Conversation paused when their server returned to check on them, excusing himself once more when Ironwood turned him away. "Recently, they've made attempts on nobles. Most have been unsuccessful, some, however, have worked. Atlas has lost two of its aristocracy in the past month alone, and more are liable to follow."
Weiss' eyebrows rose, and her mouth hung agape. Assassinating nobles? She knew the White Fang could be ruffians and were certainly an issue, but at worst they were zealots. Potentially violent, yes, but as Ironwood himself had said little more than bandits ultimately. "What changed…? Do you know?"
For a moment Ironwood didn't answer, quirking the corner of his mouth and drawing his lines thin. "A new leader. It seems that the man who led them has stepped down, or been killed, we're not entirely sure. But the new head of the movement, Sienna Khan, she's taking more drastic measures. And she has plenty of commanders willing and able to carry them out." His face drew into a scowl and he shook his head disdainfully. "Just recently there was an attempt at the mayor of Galloway, from what I understand," he added, then blinked and frowned. "You didn't hear that."
Weiss resisted the urge to laugh and giggled in silence, making a show of covering her ears and nodding. That was troubling for several reasons. Nobles weren't her favorite people, but they were necessary. Hierarchies were a necessary evil. Weiss would argue many of Remnant's issues were because of nobility, not despite them, but they still served their purpose.
To kill a noble not only threatened to create power gaps and disrupt the status quo, but it also meant that no one was safe or off limits. It instilled a certain fear knowing the White Fang could go after anyone, potentially even those higher in the Church if they so choose. It was an unsettling notion, but then that was probably the point.
"And that's what you're here to discuss, I take it? Protecting the nobility…?" Weiss asked, leaning out of her chair and well across the table. "Hardly needs to be a secret."
"Well, we don't know where their members are, or even who they all are. For obvious reasons, having knowledge of our movements makes our efforts all the more difficult. But… I don't imagine you'll be informing those terrorists of our plans?" Of course not! As if reading Weiss' indignant thoughts, Ironwood sipped at his coffee, a barely concealed smile behind it. "I trust you won't mention any of that to your friends?" he asked, folding his arms and arching a brow expectantly. Weiss nodded. "Excellent. Though… I imagine Ozpin will mention it to some degree later anyways, but until he brings it up I'd rather not make it common knowledge."
Ironwood paused for a moment and sampled his soup, smirking as he set his spoon back down. "Besides, I have enough nobles complaining to me. When they find out we'll be forcing them to house Hunters, even if it's for their own good, they'll throw a fit."
"What a shame. I'd hate to think they lose a moment of sleep on their oversized beds," Weiss drawled, rolling her eyes. Ironwood laughed again and shook his head.
"You're terrible, but then I suppose I'm partly to blame, aren't I?"
"You helped raise me well," Weiss answered with an earnest smile. She meant every word of it. The pair shared a moment of simply smiling at one another before she folded her hands in her lap, smile waning. Brushing her thumb over the back of her hand she chewed on the inside of her cheek, hesitating before looking up again. "How… How is my family?"
She'd asked with a guarded enthusiasm, almost hoping Ironwood might not answer. The mere act of referring to the Schnees as 'her family' would cause some to become furious or incensed, even if by blood, she was one of them. Even if she was a bastard child.
"Whitley is well, from what I understand. He's still yet to manifest any magic but he's diligent in his studies and works tirelessly on his swordplay." Ironwood paused to take another bite of his meal, adding another spritz of pepper to it. "I believe Jacques is tailoring him to be an ambassador for the kingdom, and he has the royal family's backing in that regard, so he's quite busy as of late."
"And Winter?"
"Busy as well. I recently sent her off to Mistral to oversee a joint exercise between their branch and our own. I can't say much more, but she's doing exceptionally well for herself," Ironwood commented, then smiled at Weiss. "Though I'm certain you'll do no less."
Weiss' cheeks flushed, and she bowed her head in thanks, too sheepish to reply otherwise. Passing another spoonful through her lips she let the creamy food sit on her tongue, swishing it about and finalizing her opinion on it. Too rich, and she wasn't overly fond of the mushrooms either. If she was able to afford it then it'd be a dish she still ordered rarely, if ever.
Considering asking about Jacques came and went in the blink of an eye. The man disowned her and likely wouldn't even give her the time of day. The blatant rejection from her own father stung, but if he wasn't going to give her any part of his life, she refused to let him inhabit her thoughts. So, she moved onto a dearer, though just as difficult relative. "And mother? How… How is she faring…?"
The question hung in the air for a moment, one much too long for Weiss' liking. Ironwood's face was unreadable save for a slight downward turn of his lips. "She's… Unchanged, I'm afraid. No better, no worse," he answered after the lingering silence.
"The healers haven't been able to help her? Have they at least discerned what caused it…?"
"Unfortunately not. Had they done so I would have sent a letter to you immediately or come sooner to tell you the news." The smile was genuine and yet Weiss felt cold despite the gesture. Her gaze fell, and her hands gripped the bottom of her tunic, tightening and digging her nails into the soft flesh of her palms. "Weiss, we have not only Atlas' best healers, but the Church's as well working day and night to find a cure. Rest assured she will recover."
"Will she though…? Weiss whispered. Moisture hit the back of her hand and she blinked, rubbing at her eye stubbornly. A chair scraped beside her and she felt a strong arm pull her in, sniffling as Ironwood embraced her. "I don't understand, how doesn't anyone know what's wrong?"
"It's an illness we've never seen before, and one with no obvious causes," Ironwood explained somberly. "I've gone through all my tomes and my assistants have done the same, yet none of us, nor anyone else, has found an answer. But that doesn't mean one doesn't exist, and we've managed to keep her illness from progressing. We will find a cure, I promise."
It was a small condolence, but Weiss would take what she could get, even if it equated to grasping at straws. Rubbing at her eyes again she nodded and hugged the large man back before leaning away and clearing her throat. "Good. Thank you, I… I really wish I could visit. Even if she can't see me…"
"Knowing you're thinking of her is enough for Willow, as is knowing you're safe and sound in Vale." Ironwood's nose wrinkled, and he opened his mouth before closing it again and shaking his head. "Just trust that we're doing all we can, and when she does recover - because she will, I'll be sure to send word wherever you might be."
That was all she could ask for. As far as her fath - as far as Jacques thought, it was more than she deserved. Oh well. What was he going to do if she asked, disown her?
"Are you going to be alright? We can leave if you'd like…"
"No, no I'm fine. I didn't really expect to hear anything different," Weiss lied. Fixing herself, she wiped at the corners of her eyes and straightened her tunic before smiling. "Let's finish our meals at the very least. Gods know it's too expensive to go to waste."
"I don't know, I almost would prefer a simple steak to this. Though a steak is hardly fit for breakfast, now is it?"
Weiss shrugged, lips curling into a faint smile as she sampled her meal again. "Better than what my friends eat."
"Oh, and what do they eat, exactly?"
Ironwood's eyes grew large as Weiss described the insatiable Nora who could inhale enough pancakes to feed a family of five, and Ruby Rose, the girl whose bled sugar. Without realizing it Weiss began to describe her friends to the archbishop, losing herself in recounting stories and describing their quirks that made them so endearing. She hardly noticed her mood improve but Ironwood did, and he smiled the entire time.
Her family might be an ocean and a kingdom away, but she had plenty to be happy about in Vale too.
If you're so inclined please do leave a review! Let me know what does and doesn't work for you. I'll continue to write regardless, but knowing how folks feel about certain things would help me continue to improve, and I'd appreciate it!
For anyone who has ironically/jokingly ever referred to Ironwood as "Iron Daddy", well, you're kind of right now? He's not REALLY her father. It's complicated. Kind of.
As always thank you for reading, and while I know it was a lot this chapter, hopefully you enjoyed it!