Missed an upload last week! Sometimes, life gives you lemons. Other times it gives you lots and lots of work, then more work, and just when you think you're done... You get the picture.
Have another chapter with my love! There's also a fruit basket in the mail.
Only two things could rouse Weiss from her slumber at such an unseemly hour in the morning. The first would be nothing short of the end of the world. Barring fireballs raining from the sky, the ground opening to swallow them, or the moon crashing into the world, the end times hadn't arrived.
The alternative? Her pseudo-father figure had asked to dine with her before leaving for Atlas. Weiss would never pass up the opportunity and made a mad dash to the carriage that morning, hopping on one foot as she fixed her boot and smoothing her clothing as she raced through the buildings. In her fervent effort to join him she hadn't fixed her bedhead, embarrassed beyond measure when Ironwood pointed it out. A quick pause to purchase a brush - an obscene gesture particularly given the shop had yet to open, they'd ventured to the noble ward for their meal.
Breakfast was delicious if lavish for her tastes. No expense had been spared, and despite her insistence to help pay Ironwood refused to let her drop even a single Lien. After paying an obscene amount of money for what they were served, Weiss followed Ironwood's example and thanked the staff for their hard work while simultaneously apologizing, mentally, for making them work at such an unseemly hour.
All that remained now was the ride to the pier and seeing the Archbishop off, something she wasn't at all keen on doing. Fortunately, Ironwood saw fit to distract her with conversation along the way. It was a small gesture but helped alleviate the gnawing displeasure in her breast.
"And you're certain you want to go through with this?"
"Of course. It's only natural that I become a Warden." Weiss bowed politely to the servant holding the door open for them. Ironwood left first with herself on his heels, eyes firmly on his back as they strolled along.
"I don't imagine it will make my life any easier, but I can do so much more," she went on. "Wards will keep the towns and cities safe from Grimm. And if I learn how to create them on my own I could perhaps put new ones in place, travel to residences that haven't had one before. I'm certain people would be grateful for it."
Ironwood chuckled, wrinkles forming as he smiled back at Weiss. "Is that right? And do you intend to both establish and maintain these wards yourself? Or did you plan to call on other Wardens to lend their aid?"
She had considered such an option, actually. Now that the words were spoken aloud, it sounded rather ridiculous. Finding the other Wardens - other Magi specializing in runes, would be a nightmare unto itself. She'd assume the Church knew their whereabouts, but it was still a bureaucratic nightmare to get even one sent her way.
Four guards stamped their boots into the ground, lifting their scabbard blades high as Weiss and Ironwood passed through a cast iron gate. A cursory glance back and she caught sight of the chefs watching them, smokestack caps removed, wrung in their hands as nervously as a child caught sneaking desserts before supper. She wasn't sure why, their meal had been heavenly; cutlets of beef so fine and tender that they melted upon your lips, and vegetables braised in a manner of oils and spices, alien to Weiss yet delicious all the same. Fresh loaves of bread with rich honey - too rich for her tastes, and an offering of carved fruits completed the ensemble. Far more than any person ought to have for breakfast.
Clad in stark white without a single thread out of place Ironwood paused to greet his retinue and Weiss felt her good humor wane. Even if the man decried wealth in the Church he still led a life of opulence. One look at herself: the simple blue tunic that hung over her slender frame, slightly too large, and the woolen slacks paired with it, fastened at the waist by a belt, made them appear more as a master and servant than acquaintances enjoying a meal together.
Maybe that's why everyone kept staring at us. Weiss' lips curled at the unpleasant thought, passing by the guards without so much as a glance. Offended or not they stepped in line silently behind her, forming a loose-knit perimeter around herself and the Archbishop of Atlas. It was… Unpleasant, having guards leading her everywhere. She felt more akin to a prisoner than someone of import.
Perhaps noticing her distress or expressing his own Ironwood broke the silence with a gentle chuckle. "They're here for our benefit, you know. Don't treat them like they're a nuisance."
"I… I wasn't, sir!" Weiss glanced up at the man by her left and cringed. Had she been glaring at them? Had her displeasure been that obvious? "I apologize, sirs. Thank you for escorting us."
"Doing our job, ma'am," a man far older than herself answered.
Nobles dragged her through the mud, guards called her 'ma'am' and treated her like a lady of the court. Between politics and civil unrest can't I just enjoy one afternoon without being harassed?
The one boon of the noble ward, and indeed the only one, was the almost forced serenity that its residents upheld. Oh, Weiss was aware of the looks she received from women chittering behind sleeves or fans, or the haughty looks many residents gave her when they thought Ironwood wasn't looking. It was as though her mere presence unsettled the peace here, her existence a stain on the spotless fabrics of their luxurious clothes.
Scrutiny proved short lived as they reached the Commons. Everything the aristocracy did was bombastic and exuded their wealth and the Commons were no exception. Lattice-work enclosed the grass-carpeted gardens, roses, lilacs, lilies and hanging from the wooden braces or forming a perimeter around the enclosure, red giving way to yellow, orange, purple and blue, an orderly cavalcade of hues.
Central to the Commons loomed a statue of polished marble, a head taller than the tallest tree in the ward and guarded by three men in armor. A statue dedicated to Vale's first king, a man who, according to myth anyways, commanded every element, every field of magic, and single-handedly could fell even a Leviathan Grimm.
Runes would account for his extensive prowess, though even those have their limits. Weiss paused to stare dubiously at the figure, tilting her head and scrutinizing his features. He was handsome, she supposed, with strong features, a powerful build, and wearing elegant armor and robes that, even when cut from stone, one could tell were of high quality and make.
Given how nobles tended to be nowadays, portly, unathletic and often incapable of much besides chatting and eating, she was inclined to believe the First King's persona might be a little exaggerated.
Hooves struck cobble and a carriage drew itself forward, coming to a shuddering halt with the whinny of the horses at its helm. A young driver nodded politely to Ironwood, tipping his cap to Weiss. Besides the guards he was the first one who didn't look down on her since arriving, which was refreshing. If anything, he looked bored out of his mind.
"Seems our carriage has arrived." Well duh, that was obvious. Weiss followed Ironwood and moved to open the door for herself, drawing her hand back when a guard did it for her. Right. Forcing an awkward smile, she climbed in, rejecting the guard's offer to take her hand. That was just a bit too much.
While the carriage scarcely budged when she climbed in the entire structure creaked under the Archbishop's weight. Weiss hid a barely suppressed laugh behind her hand, looking out the slatted window, slivers of green and brick peering through. Settled on cushioned seats, the guards made certain the carriage was prepared before shutting the door and sealing them inside.
"Thank you for bearing with these formalities, Weiss." Ironwood rasped his knuckles on the carriage and with a whip of the reins the horses spurred into action. The carriage pulled ahead with a sudden start before easing into a comfortable pace, wheels churning beneath them. "I thought you might enjoy a taste of the highborn life, if only for a day."
"You are sorely mistaken," Weiss grumbled.
"Oh?"
"It's absurd! First, they offer to cut my food for me, then one of them even had the gall to feed me! Then there was the woman who wanted to give me that dress. Not sell it to me but give it! That dress must have cost a hundred Lien!"
"Seven hundred and thirty, actually," Ironwood said, laughing when Weiss' face fell. "That's how nobility operates, I'm afraid. Flamboyant shows of wealth and gifts are no different to them as exchanging a simple greeting. You get used to it."
"As if! How do you put up with it? It feels like every person we met this morning..." And there hadn't been that many, Weiss recollected. The head chef at the restaurant, the seamstress, the young noble couple who sought to earn her favor with a beautifully crafted sapphire brooch. "Every. Single. Person. Has tried to buy me in one way or another. I thought that was illegal?"
"Paying for a Hunter's personal services is illegal. Offering Lien or other gifts for their favor, however, is allowed." Ironwood smiled knowingly and crossed one leg over another, drumming his fingers on the knee. "Particularly monetary gifts from well-to-do nobles, or in some cases, gifts of invaluable ingots."
Weiss felt an immediate heat creep up her neck, warmer than the air outside the carriage. Her eyes darted nervously around the dim space before settling on the bare floor between their feet. "I haven't a clue what you're referring to," she stammered, face growing redder when Ironwood laughed.
"I should think not. I'm speaking in hypotheticals, of course." The Archbishop smiled. "While there's nothing inherently wrong with accepting a gift from a gracious lord or lady, do be careful to note the difference in intent. As you grow in influence there will be many people who wish to be held in esteem by you."
Wringing her ponytail, Weiss' eyes drifted back to the older man's bemused expression. "As I no doubt assume you've had plenty of suitors." Emboldened by the lighthearted banter it was her turn to smile playfully. "Perhaps plenty of young ladies who wished to be in your good graces."
Ironwood coughed loudly into his fist, hand nervously pulling at the collar of his white overcoat. "I haven't the slightest idea what you mean, Weiss."
"Oh, and here I was mistaken their wistful glances as longing." Cupping one cheek in her hand she looked out the window, enjoying the silence between them for a moment. "I should think an Archbishop wouldn't be so easily swayed, after all. Besides," she mused, smiling as she glanced over from the corner of her eye. "I think that Miss Goodwitch as stolen your heart already."
There was no helping her gleeful laughter as the normally stoic Ironwood sputtered and blushed. Oh, how obvious it must be if even she was able to see it. His wayward stares, the way his posture seemed to loosen in her presence, and the tinge of excitement to his voice whenever they spoke. And that was in public, gods only knew how they got on in private.
Weiss pulled a face and dispelled unsavory thoughts from her mind in an instant. Those were not images she ever wanted to entertain.
"As I was saying…" Ironwood cleared his throat, posture decidedly more rigid. "Just be mindful of what you accept in the future. Dropping all pretenses, I'm aware of what Lord Bisset gave you, and while you weren't inherently wrong to accept it, do bear in mind that he may be seeking more from you before long."
That went without saying. One didn't need to be part of the court to understand the games the high-born played. Thanks to Ironwood's interventions Weiss felt better prepared for it than any of her friends. "I'll bear that in mind, though I do have to ask… How exactly did you find out?"
A mysterious smile was her reply and she rolled her eyes. "I'm an Archbishop, Weiss. We have ways of uncovering details."
"You paid Roderick a visit, didn't you?" she accused.
"Let a man have his fun, won't you? Yes, I visited the blacksmith, after no small amount of searching for your usual place of business, mind. When I asked to commission a weapon for you he assured me one was already in the works and paid for no less." Ironwood smiled as Weiss fidgeted. "So, while it's hardly a weapon, I should hope a nice morning would make up for the lack of a gift. Unless there is anything more you actually need…?"
It would be easy to list any number of things and let Ironwood buy them for her in an instant. Instead Weiss shook her head, giving the older man a reassuring smile. "I'm grateful for your company, sir, as trite as that might sound. It means more to me than any trinket might."
"I don't think it's trite at all, and goodness knows my coffers are grateful for it." Ironwood folded his hands in his lap and leaned forward. "Though should I take that to understand you don't want the new weapon? I'm certain your smith -"
"No! I'd still very much like my new weapon!" Weiss protested, sinking back into plush fabric as the Archbishop broke into a loud laughter. Her ears twitched at the piercing sound and she lowered her head, cringing and covering them with her hands. Enclosed spaces and boisterous merriment did not mix any better than alcohol and swordplay.
"Good, good. It will be a fine weapon, I think. One suited for an up and coming Hunter, one who all of Remnant will soon know, no less."
"You flatter me…" Weiss wished she could blame the heat for her flushed face, yet the carriage, while small, was well ventilated and pleasant.
"You have all the tools to succeed, Weiss. I'm not trying to ingratiate myself by praising you."
Weiss rolled her eyes. "I know. You're the last person I expect that from." She huffed, glaring out through the slim wooden slats. "It's the sycophants that seem to grovel whenever I'm in your presence that I can't stand. Once you're gone they'll be right back to treating me like the plague."
"They can't stand that you've excelled despite their efforts. Let them wallow and sulk." Ironwood scoffed, batting a hand irritably before smiling her way. "And should they try to inhibit you again just remember that I, Ozpin, and the Church are forever on your side. No noble is going to go so far as to earn our ire. Once they see you'll continue to succeed despite their best efforts they'll move on to another game."
Weiss hoped he was right, she really did. In the larger parts of the capital people didn't mind her, either oblivious to who she was, uncaring as to her heritage, or in no position to be decrying a Hunter. Nobles had nothing but time and the means to slander her, it seemed. All because of one infidelity. One mistake that, while not of her own making, seemed ubiquitous with who she was.
With luck they would find another person to latch onto, someone else to harass. Or perhaps she could reverse her own fortunes sooner than she'd ever hoped. Fingering her satchel on her hip she felt along the spine of a sealed letter, a wistful smile growing into an earnest, hopeful expression. One letter could well change her fortunes yet.
/+/+/+/+/+/+/
Weiss wished Ironwood could have stayed longer. Another day, another hour, any time spent with him would have been cherished. His stay in Vale had come to an end and Atlas had need of its Archbishop back. No amount of pleading from a wistful young woman would prevent his departure, nor was Weiss selfish enough to try. She was proud of herself for maintaining composure as they stood upon the gangplank, embracing the man that might as well be her parent one last time before watching him disappear onto the ship. Stacks billowed white smoke and the anchor rose from the water with a resounding creak, water splashing onto the onlookers who strayed too close to the edge.
With little more to do that day she watched and waited, watched as the mighty Atlesian vessel, metal hull slicing through the surf with the ease of a heated blade, ferried its occupants offshore and into the endless ocean. Feeling a part of herself go with it Weiss sighed when the vessel became little more than a speck on the horizon, far, far out of reach.
The crowd that had amassed had begun to disperse moments earlier and now she found herself among dockworkers and little else. Scores of Varuna scurried about, their webbed feet slapping wetly on the ground, blue and green skins sparkling and water dripping from their drenched hides. Foremen shouted orders and warehouses became alive once more, machinery groaning and furnaces roaring with the fury of a dragon as ore and Dust were thrown into its belly.
Ironwood's carriage, provided to him by an enterprising nobleman, had long since departed. Left to her own devices Weiss turned and began making her way from the piers, back towards the city proper. Carts rushed along the narrow streets and pushed her to walk along the edge, watching as goods were hurried along. Horses hooves stomped loudly on the packed dirt and Weiss watched, mildly amused, as an irate merchant yelling at his employees stepped into a fresh horse pie.
In a turn of events Weiss found herself with a unique dilemma: what was she to do? The Week of Veneration meant most Hunters were given a leave from duty. A wonderful thing to be sure for those overworked, though torturously droll for a newly minted graduate. Unable to take jobs she was stuck in the city to do… What exactly?
Her weapon was still being finished by Roderick, which meant training wasn't an option. Ren and Nora had left to visit a neighboring settlement and see some friends. Jaune and Pyrrha were off to Anima to visit his family. Ruby was with her uncle getting up to god knows what trouble.
Feeling Ironwood's absence more intensely than ever Weiss drew her hood up, frowning down at the cobbled streets. The instructors at the Cathedral would be too busy to spend time with her, and Ozpin certainly would be too preoccupied with his regular duties to even give her the time of day. There was the possibility of starting her studies as a Warden, although she'd yet to receive the materials to do so.
For a city as large as Vale was it felt remarkably empty. Listening to the gentle jostling of Lien in her pouch she changed her course, taking a road that ran alongside one of Vale's many canals. With the residential district on her left she followed the river, passing beneath banners of green with crossed axes, Vale's insignia. The scent of salt in the air vanished the further inland she went and was soon replaced with a myriad of others. Foodstuffs, livestock, and the general, off-putting scent of too many people crammed into a small space. The marketplace, abuzz with activity as ever, was hardly her usual stop, but then she'd nowhere else to be.
Might as well browse. Maybe I'll find something nice. Weiss paused at a crossing to allow a family to rush past, slipping into the crowds and rising onto her toes in an effort to see. Of course, I can't shop if I can't even see the stalls! Confound it all!
Vale's marketplace, despite being a central point of commerce, was nowhere near the commercial district. On the cusp of the residential and agricultural zones, in the shadow of the city's great walls, a large circular plaza stood as a place where merchants local and foreign could gather to peddle their wares. Many erected stalls to do so, canopies of red, blue, yellow, and any color one could imagine vied for attention, droplets of color amidst a sprawling, overcrowded site.
Commoners milled with nobility and the wealthy, discernible both by their finery and the guards which accompanied them. Peasants and laborers alike were pushed aside or barked at, scolded like animals to make way. Lien evidently excused someone from having manners and the aristocracy, as they were so good at doing, turned up their noses and sneered at their lessers.
"Pissants…" Weiss cursed under her breath. Excusing herself as she brushed through the crowds she finally made her way to her stall of choice, a rickety, wide structure with tapestry mirroring the ocean hanging from its roof, cloth flapping listlessly with each breeze.
Clothing and strips of material laid out before her. Tunics, doublets, long-coats and linens hung from wooden posts, dyed in soft grays, deep blues, bright greens and warm reds. Her eyes were drawn to a luxurious white bliaud with blue cuffs, ruffled and fanning out from the wrist. A matching skirt, blue as the cloudless sky, hung in place beside it. Weiss ran her fingers along the cloth and smiled, picturing herself in the outfit. She had a new weapon as a Hunter graduate so why not a new outfit as well?
"Fifteen-hundred Lien."
Weiss guffawed before she realized the owner of the stall had addressed her. A frumpy woman in a bright yellow gown stared at her, graying hair poking out beneath an equally garrish cap. Looking between the pieces on display and the abhorrent attire the woman wore she furrowed her brow, mouth moving before she could think better of it.
"Are you the owner…?"
"No, I'm trying to sell someone else's work as my own!" Weiss yelped, a ruler thwacking the top of her head. "Of course I am! What kind of question is that?"
Blinking back tears and suppressing the newfound urge to snap at the woman Weiss forced a smile. "P-Pardon me, I was just… Taken aback by your wonderful outfit, is all."
"Shouldn't be! My usual gown is being washed. This ratty old thing is a disgrace to clothing everywhere!"
"So why wear it…?" Weiss stepped back and dodged another vengeful swipe of the ruler. "Hey!"
"Daft girl, I said why! Darn youth don't know how to listen anymore…"
That or your hearing along with your manners are leaving you in haste. Thinking better of insulting the woman further Weiss gestured towards the bliaud. "This is worth fifteen hundred Lien, correct? Might I purchase it?"
Taking stock of her the woman looked Weiss over, wrinkled brow wrinkling further, beady green eyes narrowing. Doing her best not to fidget uncomfortably she waited in silence, acutely aware of the snickering of nearby shoppers.
"Won't fit." The woman shook her head and pointed at Weiss, or more precisely, her chest. "Too small."
"I beg your pardon? I am not! My tunic is simply tight!"
"Too small," the tailor repeated stubbornly. "Try Arianne's stall a way down, she sells children's clothing. Fit your sort a lot better."
Cheeks turned crimson Weiss scoffed, turning away as if to leave before whirling back and pointing at the woman. "It's a small wonder anyone shops here! You're terribly rude!"
"And you're flat. Unless you want to purchase some cloth then be on your way!"
Weiss' eyebrow twitched, and she ground her teeth, fingers twitching at her sides. Would she get into trouble if she were to 'accidentally' let a gale of wind knock over the stall? Most certainly. The cathartacism that would come from the deed almost outweighed Goodwitch's inevitable ire. On the cusp of committing assault, with magic no less, Weiss' common sense kicked in and she stepped back, shaking her head. Not worth the charges, tempting as it might be.
"Have a good day, ma'am," Weiss said pointedly, smiling. "I hope you find clothing nice enough to hide what a horrible woman you are."
Ignoring whatever the woman barked at her she pushed her way through the crowd, grumbling to herself. Honestly, what self-respecting merchant insulted their potential customer? And she wasn't flat, darn it! It was beginning to feel like a running gag at this point and a bad one at that. If this was the gods getting kicks at her expense, then they could well go and stuff themselves.
A new outfit wasn't going to happen, not unless she checked every stall the market had to offer. Deciding it would be more prudent not to go on a shopping spree - one never could have enough Lien in case of emergencies, Weiss busied herself by simply browsing. When she could get herself through throngs of people she was able to get a glimpse of what Vale's sprawling markets had to offer.
The most common items on sale were foodstuff. Unsurprising given the city's vast farms beyond and within the walls. Coupled with its abundant hunter population - and yes, the distinction between 'hunter' and 'Hunter' still confused people, she irritably noted, hides, meats and various animal products were on display in various stalls and carts. She passed a jeweler claiming to sell imported goods from Vacuo, a fisherman whose sense of smell must have failed since his catch had long since passed its expiration date.
An older gentleman sat beneath an awning and whittled at a small log with his knife. Sculptures carved of dyed timbers lined a shelf, some representing influential people, others random characters. She recognized Ozpin among the selection and smiled, almost considering buying it as a joke. No doubt Ruby would play one of her many immature games with such a toy.
Somewhere nearby she could just make out the beleaguered melody of a bard and their harp. Over the swirling voices of the crowds it was almost imperceptible, and for a moment Weiss thought she had imagined it. Picking her way through she followed and, much to her relief, confirmed she wasn't mad. Sat by the central commons of the marketplace, resting in the shadow of a white birch, sat a young Kanin, fingers plucking relentlessly at her lute. Not a harp, not that Weiss had any real musical inclination to recognize the difference without seeing the tool itself.
When she described the Kanin as 'young' it was inaccurate for they nearly had to be the same age. Long brown hair flowed down the girl's back, straight save for a few bent, twisted strands that stuck up stubbornly against gravity. Weiss inched forward, finding moving easier as the crowd thinned out. Fewer people seemed interested in the lone Kanin musician than the bustling stalls around her.
Weiss noticed the scratched, tattered body of the lute, bearing scars from years of use and in ill-repair. Despite the sorry state of the instrument it still sang a lovely tune. Muted by the rabble, to be sure, but harmonious, hanging in the air and sweet as honey. The girl had talent, that much was plain. It was more a shame then that her ragged clothing clearly showed no one cared for such talent. A brown tunic, frayed and split at the neck, clung to her slender frame, held in place by threads of string. Gray trousers with tears aplenty, bound to her waist by a rope, outlined her slender legs. The girl wore no shoes.
Frivolous shopping no longer interested her, and Weiss contented herself to listen. The girl played listlessly, ignorant of the few stares she received, or too lost in her own playing to care. Beside her a small basket sat and Weiss inched forward, rising to her toes to peer inside. A few Lien, hardly enough to afford a chunk of stale bread, lined the container.
Suddenly the three-thousand Lien burning a hole in her satchel seemed excessive. She had food, clothing - even if her attire needed replacing. She had a roof over her head and friends. Could this girl say the same? What was a hundred Lien to her? Or two hundred even? That sum might allow the girl to eat for a week or more.
Weiss had begun to approach when a haughty, ignorant, barking laughter cut off the girl's melody. She cursed the moment she saw a tall man strode into the small clearing around the Kanin, a sneer plastered on his face. His clothing, a deep blue jacket with white trim, shined shoes, and a walking cane with a sapphire encrusted in its grip, made her pitiful appearance all the more glaring by comparison.
"What do you think you're doing, street rat?"
The Kanin flinched back, clutching her weathered instrument to her chest. "P-Playing music, milord…"
O'Rourke scoffed, then broke into a fight of derisive laughter. "That? You call that music? I've heard better melodies from a wailing pup! I'd thought an animal dying and came to see the sorry thing." He scowled. "Instead I find a dredger masquerading as a minstrel."
Guards jointed in with the nobleman's searing laughter, members of the commonfolk quickly joining in. Withering under their combined ridicule the Kanin whimpered, lowering her head and clutching the lute tighter still. Her thin figure trembled, drawing back when O'Rourke came closer.
"Tell me, animal. Do you know the punishment for impersonating a man of music?" The girl whined as O'Rourke's cane lifted her by the chin, too nervous to draw away, too afraid to try for fear of being struck. Wide brown eyes stared up at him warily.
"I d-don't, m-my lord."
"I should think not. Leave it to a rat to be ignorant to the laws!" A flash of pity crossed the man's features and O'Rourke lowered himself to her level. "It's maudlin, isn't it? A poor girl trying to survive in the world, perhaps trying to provide for her siblings? Or is it a sick loved one? A parent?"
Between the cane still at her chin and the Muran's face inches from her own the Kanin tried desperately to avoid his gaze. When he raised her head further she whimpered. "N-No one, my lord… I'm by myself."
"Oh. Piteous thing. Alone you say?" The girl nodded. O'Rourke stepped away, standing and shaking his head. "How sad. It tugs on my heart to hear such a somber tale." He clicked his tongue, lifting his cane and thwacking it against his open palm, each strike making the girl flinch. "But… It's not so bad, is it?"
"S-Sir…?" the girl questioned.
"Indeed! For there is no one who will miss a single rat! No one will miss you when you die!" Cruel laughter erupted and the noble, galvanized by the laughter, grinned and stepped closer again. "For who misses a lone rodent when there are droves upon droves? Nay, perhaps I should do the city a service and do away with you now! Consider it a mercy!"
The Kanin screamed and curled up as O'Rourke's cane raised overhead. It fell short of striking however and he stumbled from a sudden weight, nearly toppling over. Baffled, he stared down at his makeshift weapon and tried to figure out where the slab of ice encasing half its length had come from.
"That is quite enough!" Weiss pushed aside a stunned few and moved herself into the scene. The Kanin, shaking and looking ill enough to toss her lunch, if she'd ever had it, stared at her. Offering what little condolence, she could with a fleeting smile Weiss focused her attention back on O'Rourke.
"You!" The noble growled and slammed his cane on the ground, clicking his tongue when the ice fractured but held firm. "I knew I smelled more filth. Is this your idea of a joke, halfling? Come to protect a peasant now, have you?"
Another rune glowed on Weiss' palm, a jagged teardrop-shaped mark with a line struck vertically through the center, top open. The noble and others took a step back, the former's face losing color.
"Are you threatening me, Schnee?!" he roared, regaining his fleeting, boastful confidence from before. O'Rourke stomped forward and slammed his cane down again, growling at the stubborn casing. "I'll have you arrested for this!"
"And I'll have you arrested for assault," Weiss retorted. His personal guard bearing his house's insignia would be of no use. Thankfully a handful of the city's own were nearby, their green and gold tabards designating them as a neutral party.
If the nobleman showed any concern, then it was fleeting. Weiss narrowed her eyes as he snorted, waving his hand and gesturing to whatever few guards were nearby. "Is that so? Hunters cannot enforce common law, lest you forget! You have no authority here."
"No, but anyone with half a mind can see what you were about to do. If nothing else," she argued as she moved towards the girl protectively. The Kanin watched Weiss nervously, not as nervous as before, although worried for whatever might come next. "If nothing else I could have you taken away for causing a disturbance. In fact, why are none of you arresting him?" Weiss looked to the few guards she could find in the crowd. "He's clearly disturbing the peace!"
Weiss knew it was a stretch. Hunters couldn't make arrests, nor could they force the local guards to do so. It had been plain as day what O'Rourke intended to do however and that in of itself should be enough grounds to place him in manacles right? … Right?
None of the guards made a move on O'Rourke. He smiled while Weiss balked, tapping his weighted cane on the cobblestone. A few men-in-arms looked away, shamefaced, while others glared at her, as though her gall at demanding they intervene was graver than the noble's affront.
"The guards remember who truly runs this city! It's a shame that you and the Church seem to forget that." Weiss glared at the loathsome man's smile. How was someone so belligerent and abhorrently offensive? If the noble put his energy to something worthwhile maybe the city would be a better place. "You Hunters think you're so special, don't you? That, because you have magic, you're so much better than the rest of us."
Weiss smiled bitterly. "It isn't my magic that makes me think I'm better, O'Rourke," she retorted. "It's that I'm not a horrible person. I don't exaggerate when I say Grimm make for better company than you."
The noble's forehead throbbed as a vein pulsed, eyes narrowed. "Is that right? Strange to hear coming from a bastard whose own family disowned her!"
"The Church accepts me, as do my friends." Weiss moved herself between the Kanin and O'Rourke. "I wonder… Where would you be without your wealth? I've done just fine without it, but can you say the same?"
Ice shattered as O'Rourke struck the ground, splintering his cane in the process. Face red and hands trembling he pointed his cane at Weiss. "Arrest her! Chain her up and throw her in a dungeon!" he barked. When no guards moved, not even his own, he turned on them and grabbed the nearest by his tabard. "That's an order, damn you! I said arrest her!"
The guard moved to break the hold, thinking better of grabbing an agitated nobleman and dropping his hands. "She's done nothing wrong though, sir. We can't…" He trailed off as he fell to the ground, chain rattling.
"Fah! She threatened me with magic! She insulted me!" O'Rourke turned on her again. "Fine, I'll teach the halfling manners myself!"
The noble stormed ahead and visibly shook with anger. He held the cane aloft, eyes bulging, and jaw clenched. Beside her the Kanin whimpered and scooted herself back in the dirt, begging for it to stop. O'Rourke came close enough to strike and shouted as he brought his cane down at Weiss' head, sapphire flashing as it caught the sun. What a travesty, a member of the aristocracy attacking a young woman and a Hunter. Weiss almost pitied the man…
Call it a trick of the sun. Weiss watched O'Rourke's cane transform before her eyes, elongating and narrowing into a red, wicked blade. Black horns sprouted from his forehead and his hair burned bright, unkempt and wild. The blade caught the sun and she felt not cobblestone beneath her but scorched earth, the sound of raging flames replacing the white noise of the crowd.
Crystals erupted at O'Rourke's feet and raced up his legs, engulfing his torso and stopping just short of his neck. His arm, having been mid-swing, was locked in place and his cane hovered a foot above Weiss' head, trembling. Weiss stepped back, light fading from her outstretched fingers, eyes locked with O'Rourke's.
"Y-You… You…" Breaths coming in frigid gasps, clouds rising from his lips, the noble looked down at himself. His nose brushed roughly against a shard of ice and he gasped, then whimpered and began to struggle. "Undo this at once! How dare you use magic on me! Do you know who I am?!"
Unfortunately, yes. Weiss looked down at her hand and paled, then looked away hearing the frantic slap of feet on stone. The Kanin girl had gathered her meager possessions and fled, disappearing into the crowd. Not that anyone seemed to mind her; shocked murmurs rippled through rabble, pointed stares and frightened gestures all aimed at her.
"A Hunter assaulted me! She used spellcraft on me!" O'Rourke shrieked. While terrified he smiled almost manically, laughing as he pulled against his bindings. "You'll rot for this, Schnee! You're finished!"
O'Rourke's men began to try and chip away at the ice with sheathed blades while the city guard, finally deciding to earn their pay, began to move. Weiss took a half-step back before raising her hands as they approached, swallowing and biting her tongue. An older man with a scraggly blonde beard approached her cautiously, hand on his sword.
"Miss, please stand down. Don't m-make this harder than it has to be."
Weiss paled, having half a mind to run as the Kanin had. Where would she go? She lived in the city, she was obviously a Hunter. There was no escaping unless she fled from the city itself and then her crime would only become direr. Submitting, she lowered her hands and bit her lip as she watched the guard take out heavy rope in place of proper shackles.
"Just a moment! I say wait just a moment!"
A mess of wild green hair bobbed and a disheveled, Weiss was certain on purpose, lanky man rushed out of the throngs of bystanders. He fixed the spectacles threatening to slip off his nose and waved his hands frantically to the guard.
"Oobleck?" she asked, baffled.
"Just a moment, good sir! Please, allow the Church to handle this." Oobleck approached Weiss and frowned, looking between O'Rourke and her. "Matters of magic are our specialty after all, I think it best that we see to her discipline."
While technically true that didn't satisfy all parties involved. Namely a certain noble-turned-ice statue. O'Rourke sputtered, taking a brief moment to snap at his guards before scowling at Oobleck. "She's assaulted a member of the nobility! I think the city guard is more than suited to make an arrest!"
"Oh? And what if she decides to try and flee? Or use magic? Can you men fight against a Magi?" The city guards blanched and looked away. The older man, rope still in hand, pursed his lips and drew back. "The Church specializes in containing and handling Magi. I assure you that she'll be punished for her transgression, Sir O'Rourke, but I cannot assure you her cooperation if you leave this in the hands of the city's sentries."
Would she attack the city guard? Of course not! She wasn't some belligerent, violent criminal who flung spells on a whim. Then again Weiss never considered herself, for all O'Rourke's jibing and taunts, the kind of person who might unleash magic on a civilian. He was pompous, insufferable, ignorant and dreadful in every manner possible, but O'Rourke was still a civilian.
Oobleck's proposal sat well with the guard, none of whom were over keen to try and subdue an agitated Magi. O'Rourke wanted to protest and nearly did, finally accepting the senior Hunter's proposal with a firm nod.
"Very well, but I expect it to be harsh! She assaulted me, after all! I may have injuries after this!"
"Of course, sir. You can expect that the Church will see Weiss Schnee is properly dealt with, you have my word."
Cringing hearing her full name used, like a child called by their irate parents after finding sweets missing, Weiss bit the inside of her cheek. Her nails dug into her palms and she shuffled her feet helplessly, fully at the mercy of whatever Oobleck had in mind. Running was still an option but she wasn't going to dig the hole any deeper than it already was. She might still retain her status as a Hunter after this debacle. Might.
Oobleck gestured for her to follow and she did so without a moment's hesitation. Guards and common folk alike moved aside, giving wide berth to the dangerous young woman. Heat crept up her ears and Weiss refused to look back as O'Rourke shouted after her, laughing even as he remained trapped in ice.
She'd helped the Kanin, sure, but at what cost? A hand went up to the Hunter's Mark on her neck and she winced, dropping her hand to her side and closing her eyes. It was her own doing, this mess, and now it was time to pay the price.
/+/+/+/+/+/
Weiss wished the city guard had taken her away instead.
Oobleck had marched her directly to the Cathedral with not a single word passing between the two of them. She passed by a handful of familiar faces, member of the clergy and other Hunters coming from business elsewhere. Looks of pity, curiosity, and amusement were among the many expressions she was given as she was herded along, bound by nothing besides her guilty and sense of duty.
The ride in the lift had been stifling and Weiss desperately wanted to ask what punishment awaited her. They had paused for a brief time at the main entrance for Oobleck to send word to Ozpin. No doubt by now he and Goodwitch would be waiting for her. The mere thought of Goodwitch's ire was enough to make her shiver, chasing goosebumps away by rubbing her arm.
Doors parted, and the lift jolted to a gentle halt. As expected they were greeted by an empty corridor, the desk along the left wall devoid of its occupant. Oobleck placed a hand on her back and gently urged her ahead, falling in line behind her. Weiss folded her hands behind her and gripped her wrist to try and stop the shaking, lips twitching as words formed and died instantly upon them.
"Ozpin?" Oobleck knocked on the heavy doors, the sound like thunder to Weiss' strained ears. "I've brought Miss Schnee. May we come in?"
A muffled reply came and Oobleck threw wide the doors, stepping around Weiss and moving to the desk where the Archbishop sat. Goodwitch already stood at Ozpin's side, the austere woman glowering behind her thin-rimmed spectacles, a look that could set Weiss alight in an instant. Port, a stout man with a mustache that resembled more a squirrel's tail than facial hair, stood on the opposite end, arms laid across his barrel chest.
"Weiss, please, come in. Take a seat if you would."
A lone chair stood before the gathered instructors, and with little choice otherwise Weiss took it. Planting her feet square and laying her hands in her lap she tried to look up and meet their gazes only to hastily avert her eyes. Goodwitch was angry, the others, concerned. Ozpin seemed caught somewhere between disappointment and disbelief. She'd rather they all be angry, that would be easier.
"I trust you understand why you're here?" Ozpin asked. Weiss nodded. This tribunal, this executioner's panel, it was the end of her career as a Hunter? Not even a week old and already she felt like her future was being taken from her.
"Could you explain yourself?" The Archbishop kept his tone neutral, even smiling gently when she managed the nerve to look at him. "I'd like to hear your side of the story, if you would."
Nodding again and rubbing her thighs nervously Weiss took a deep breath and began to rub the sole of her boot against the floor. "O'Rourke harassed a performer, sir. He threatened to attack her and insulted her. I… I stepped in to prevent him from assaulting her."
"Which is not the job of a Hunter, young lady," Goodwitch reprimanded. "The local guard is responsible for -"
"Glynda, please." The stern-faced woman went silent, sighing and adjusting her spectacles. Ozpin, lowering his hand onto the desk once more, smiled again. "Continue, if you would."
Weiss fidgeted in place and glanced at the instructor's expectant faces. As if she had any way of avoiding this. "We argued for a brief few moments and I… May have said something to incense him." A few 'somethings', but they didn't need to know that. "He approached and looked poised to attack us, so I reacted."
"I see." Ozpin let silence settle, each passing second adding to Weiss' growing anxiety. Just when she thought she might speak out and ask for an elaboration the Archbishop spoke again.
"And why, pray tell, did you see fit to use magic against him? From what I understand, Sir O'Rourke is neither a swordsman nor a Magi. At best he'd have had a cane with him."
Her immediate answer clogged her throat and was replaced by a useless shrug. Why? Because she'd seen something that wasn't there, something she'd thought hadn't stayed with her, and she'd panicked. Things were already bad enough without admitting she'd had a moment of weakness and attacked out of fear. Not of O'Rourke. Weiss couldn't fear something less if she tried. No, she'd feared what she thought he was in that fleeting moment. What she thought she'd seen.
"I didn't have a weapon on me, sir." Weiss swallowed, her voice thick and wavering. Her hands balled into fists in her lap and she took a deep breath. "If I'd had my weapon then I'd have blocked him or parried and taken the cane. Left with no other recourse…"
"You sought to prevent his attack without causing undue harm? Is that it?"
"Yes sir."
Aside from mild discomfort, and no small amount of damage to his pride, O'Rourke wouldn't be injured by the ice. Her spell had wrapped around his body, coiling itself as a snake might its prey, and stopped his attack mid-swing. Considering the other spells at her disposal it was the best option and, Weiss liked to think, showed that even in her lapse in judgement she had enough sense not to kill the man.
Ozpin removed his spectacles and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Weiss noticed bags under his eyes, frowning as she wondered why he'd suffered a lack of sleep. They hadn't been there before, she was certain of it.
"Weiss," the Archbishop began, settling down his eyewear and folding his hands on the desk. "Humor me for a moment, won't you? I know you know the answer to this question but please, if you would. Why is it that Hunters are restricted from enforcing common law?"
"B-Because… Sir, because our magic and martial prowess makes us dangerous." Weiss' lips trembled, and she took a deep, uneven breath. "And because the crown forbids it."
Ozpin shifted in his chair and nodded. "Precisely. A Magi on their own is dangerous. Anyone with magic can easily kill even the most seasoned guard or soldier with a single spell. As such, restrictions must be put in place. Magic cannot be used to enforce common law, nor can a Magi or Hunter act in place of local authority. We are primarily slayers of Grimm, and in rare cases, of rogue Magi."
"Such violations often lead to imprisonment, or revoking one's status as a Hunter completely," Goodwitch added. The woman stepped from behind the desk and slammed her palm on top of it, making Weiss jump. "Some have even been branded as rogues for attacking nobility before, Miss Schnee."
Weiss whimpered, eyes wide as she trembled in her seat. Ozpin sighed and waved Glynda down again before standing himself. "Weiss, we are not saying you shall be branded as a rogue, or even that you'll no longer continue to be a Hunter."
"I'm simply making sure she recognizes the severity of the crime she's committed," Goodwitch responded.
"By scaring the poor girl? She's terrified, Glynda!" Port bellowed. "You're acting as though we're about to lead her to the gallows!"
"She assaulted a nobleman, Peter! And you're protecting her? If she doesn't learn from this then she might do it again!"
"I sincerely doubt Miss Schnee will repeat the same mistake twice," Ozpin interjected. Port and Glynda both went silent while Oobleck adjusted his tie nervously. "From what I understand O'Rourke rather deserves a bit of humility, but that is neither our duty nor our place to administer such."
Weiss, having found her voice again, lifted her head before shaking it. "He a-assaulted a young woman, sir. What was I supposed to do? The guards weren't going to stop him!"
Ozpin held a hand up. "I am not defending his actions, nor am I excusing his behavior. However, there are rules, Weiss, and like it or not we are bound by them. Without our tenants we are little more than tyrants lording their power over the masses. I cannot say that any of us might have acted any differently in your position." He smiled. "Indeed, as I understand it our esteemed friend here nearly intervened himself."
Oobleck flushed slightly, adjusting his glasses and clearing his throat. "I merely had the mind of shouting at the man to scare him off. I often find people like him flee once confronted with authority."
Authority, or a group of like-minded Hunters. Weiss smiled tentatively at her memory of her friends, savoring O'Rourke's utter indignation. Her smile vanished as soon as Ozpin began to speak again.
"What we would like to do and what we can do are often two very different things, my friends. As difficult as it may be to be a bystander at times, intervening and flaunting magic can be just as harmful. What does the populace think if a Hunter begins to use spells to subdue anyone who remotely disagrees with them? Anyone who speaks ill of the Church?"
"No one does such a thing," Weiss protested.
"Hypotheticals, my dear," Port said patiently. "What the Archbishop means to say is it can only take a single display to disrupt the people's faith in the Church. If they come to fear the people meant to protect them then we've caused irreparable damage."
"Not to mention the harm that might come to our funding," Goodwitch added with a sour grimace. She groaned and rubbed at her forehead. "I shudder to think what the fallout of this might be. If nobles begin pulling their support…"
She hadn't even considered that. In the moment all Weiss thought about was stopping O'Rourke, and shamefully, humiliating him in the process. If she'd stopped to think about what might come of it perhaps she wouldn't have acted as she did. Then again, given her… What would she call it? Flash? Panic? Hallucination? Whatever it was she'd acted more on that than out of any actual need.
If the Church lost funding or support of even a sliver of the population then that would be on her shoulders. Any angry nobility who wanted to get to her would go through Ozpin, which in turn would likely mean all their fury and disdain would be levied on him instead. Or her, if they were given the chance.
"Weiss, I would like to make something abundantly clear before we proceed." Weiss looked up and blinked in surprise finding Ozpin standing before her. When had he come around? Realizing he was waiting for an answer she nodded dumbly, folding her hands tight as he sat on his desk.
"Whatever might come of this we do not blame you. What you did, morally speaking, is sound. None of us fault for you that." The Archbishop released a long sigh. "However, rules are rules, and some discipline must be administered as a result. Fortunately, as it so happens, I have just the thing for you. Though I'm afraid your day is about to get markedly worse for it." What did he mean? Weiss' furrowed her brow, lips tugging downward. "Qrow? If you'd please."
Qrow sighed and pushed himself off the wall by the door. Weiss watched the man haggardly move across the room, his gait slow and unhurried. An open flask in his hand sloshed about and he stopped by one of Ozpin's bookcases, propping himself against it and taking a long drink. Had he been there this whole time? Weiss' eyes skimmed over his dirtied clothing, his untucked tunic, stained with dirt and sweat, and the torn, battered red cloak hanging off his shoulders. He looked like he'd just been through hell, as the fresh cuts on his face and arms might attest.
"Qrow, would you like me to explain?" Ozpin asked gently, though with urgency.
"Nah, I got it, I got it. Just gimme a sec."
Weiss watched as Qrow finished his flask, shaking it upside down and scowling. He nearly threw the container away before thinking better of it and stuffing the empty metal away in his shirt. "Do you know where Ruby is, kid? Seen her at all lately?"
The question made her pause and consider for a moment. "No…?" Weiss drummed her fingers on her thigh as she thought. "I saw her last night when we all went out to eat, but I haven't seen her today."
"Yeah, well no one has. Not me, not any of the instructors, and all your little friends are gone too, so can't ask any of them either." Qrow huffed and scratched at the stubble along his chin. "Guards haven't seen her, neither has that Monty guy you all usually go to. None of her usual stops have seen a trace of her since yesterday."
"What…?" She'd heard Qrow loud and clear but asked more out of disbelief. "She's probably just, I don't know… Exploring the city?" Weiss offered hopefully.
"None of the gates have noticed a girl matching her description, and Qrow has searched the city since early this morning for any trace of her," Glynda explained.
"The woods outside the walls too, and the nearby farms, and even the slums." Qrow growled and slammed his fist against the bookshelf, rattling it and causing a few books to tumble loose. "I swear if she went off looking when Tai and I told her not to…"
Ozpin picked up on Weiss' confusion and offered an explanation. "Miss Rose believes she may have seen someone she knows. Or to be more accurate, knew," he amended. "Despite assurances from her father and uncle both we believe that she may have left the city in her efforts to track down this person."
"She's chasin' ghosts is what she's doing!" Qrow barked angrily. "We told her she's gone a hundred times now and she won't listen!"
"Many of us have trouble dealing with loss, Qrow," Ozpin said calmly. "In moments of stress or desperation we might see things which do not exist. Our minds are wont to play tricks on us at the most inopportune times." His eyes met Weiss' and for a fleeting moment she dared wonder if he somehow knew what she'd seen earlier.
"Musings aside, we have an idea of where she might be heading. Which brings us back to yourself, Weiss." Ozpin leaned forward, hands folded and elbows on his knees. "Now, I understand that this time is generally meant for Hunters such as yourself to rest and relax. Given the circumstances however, and the outcry that is doubtless to come, I believe it would be prudent that you be excused from your leave and sent elsewhere for the time being."
Weiss connected the dots easily enough and raised her eyebrows. "You want me to go and find Ruby? Is that it?" She'd go without any explicit instructions even if it meant leaving the city without permission. It was convenient then that she might have a formal excuse, if only to avoid further disciplinary action.
"Precisely. While Qrow could search further I'm afraid his talents are needed elsewhere. And, as miss Rose's partner, I believe it appropriate that you seek her out regardless." Weiss nodded firmly, already set on whatever was needed of her. "As I said before, we believe we know where she is going. Given that she has at least half a day's lead on you, and her magic, it's likely you won't beat her there. However, we can offer you some assistance in your travels."
"The nobility will see the mission as punishment, being forced to travel and fight, potentially," Glynda added seeing Weiss' surprise. "It's a remarkably light and forgiving sentence given the severity of your actions."
"One which Glynda herself was the first to voice support for," Port pointed out with a snorting laugh. The blonde instructor flushed and narrowed her eyes at the white-haired bush of a man.
"Getting back to task, we would have you leave immediately. As I'm well aware that you are without a weapon still you shall be provided one from the armory, as well as a small amount of Lien to help with whatever supplies you might need."
"Consider it done, sir. I'll leave right now if that's all." Weiss was already halfway out of her chair before Ozpin motioned for her to sit.
"A moment longer, then you're dismissed." Weiss sat again and Ozpin looked past her towards the doors. "I've taken the liberty of granting you a temporary partner for this task. While we don't anticipate any hostility one can never be too sure."
"Understood, sir. And where might I be heading?"
"Holbrook. We have reason to believe that either in that town or one adjacent miss Rose encountered someone she thought she knew and has since sought to return to confirm her suspicions. As such we'll be sending you back to attempt and track her down."
Weiss felt a twinge of fear and stifled it, nodding emphatically. "Understood! Though… Who is my partner?" All of her friends were away with other business and other Hunters, while present, likely had their own missions. Could it be an initiate? Possible, though she loathed to think of having to babysit someone during her search.
"Please, come in," Ozpin called, and for a moment Weiss wasn't sure to whom he spoke. The doors to his office swung open and Weiss turned, eyes widening seeing the newcomer.
The outfit was jarringly familiar, black upon black and seemingly much too heavy for Vale's impending summer months. A black scarf, though it covered most of the woman's neck, allowed just a bit of a red mark on her neck to show through. Weiss strained her vision and gasped audibly recognizing it as the Hunter's Mark, standing and nearly knocking her chair over.
"You!"
Blake's thin eyebrows rose imperceptibly, arms dropping from her chest to her sides. She met Weiss' shocked gaze with a frown, amber eyes narrowing. "You…"
Behind her Ozpin chuckled, clapping his hands together and breaking their stare down. "As I understand you two are acquainted. That's good. I know that you have a tumultuous history together..." That was a nice way of saying they had tried to kill one another. "But you are both Hunters now, and as such I expect you to cooperate in this endeavor."
Weiss sputtered, then pointed at Blake while staring in disbelief at Ozpin. "She's a Hunter? She's a criminal!"
"So are you, technically," Qrow pointed out.
"You are both absolved of any misdeeds, provided you cooperate and see to your assigned task," Ozpin interjected. "Do I trust that you two can at least pretend to get along? I'm well aware of how uncomfortable this must be but given the suddenness of everything there wasn't any time to look elsewhere."
Weiss and Blake went back to glaring at one another. Work with a member of the White Fang? The Conglomerate, obnoxious as they might be for interrupting the most important day of her life, she had no issue with. A group of murderers and thieves was another thing. True to Ozpin's word however Blake did bear the mark, and her presence in of itself was proof enough of her changed allegiance. It was asinine to expect her to work with such a person, but then perhaps it was asinine to get away with assault without any real punishment too.
Both women turned to Ozpin and nodded, then promptly returned to staring at one another. The Archbishop smiled, a single bead of sweat rolling down his temple.
"This is going to go swimmingly…"
Just to reiterate something said in this chapter: Hunters aren't allowed to act as guards. Are there some guards who have magic? Sure, but they're not supposed to use it. Made an effort in this chapter, more so than others, to illustrate how other people in the world view magic. It's a wonderful tool against Grimm, sure, but it's also something that could be seriously dangerous if not regulated. Obviously.
Where oh where has Ruby gone, where oh where can she be?
She's 100% at a bakery getting cookies. They'll scour all of Remnant for her and find she hadn't left the city after all. Nope, just eaten herself into a cookie-induced coma!
Thanks for reading, friends! Feedback is appreciate, but not required. Though there may or may not be a sticker in it for you if you do leave some ;)