Apologies in advanced but this is a short chapter, relatively. Between Christmas, New Years, and getting ready to start a new position at work in January I've got very little free time. Went through a lot of edits/revisions on this chapter before deciding to take the tail end of it and open next chapter with that bit instead. With any luck I'll have time to get the next, and the chapter immediately following it, out within the next week, week and a half.
Anyways, I'm rambling. Hope you've all had a wonderful holiday season! Now, let's get to the story!
"Well? I'm listening?"
"As are the trees, walls, and every pebble beneath our feet." Lord Bisset continued to twirl his cane as he walked, either ignorant or uncaring of the daggers Weiss glared at his back. "I wanted to talk. I never said we'd do so then and there."
The nobleman turned to face her and smiled when she bristled at him. Uncaring then.
Weiss might have felt threatened by the situation if she wasn't the stronger of the pair. Yes, she was unarmed, and yes, assaulting a nobleman was technically illegal - she'd gotten into trouble for it once already, but what about self-defense? A single rune would be enough to send Bisset flying with a gale or entrap him in ice until the guard could arrive. That was to say nothing of fire, lightning, or splitting the ground beneath his feet.
That the man had to know her capabilities and still toyed with her made it all the more frustrating.
With the silhouette of the Grand Cathedral behind them they carved a path through the commercial district. Streets, from a lack of a torch, were pitch black save for the occasional lantern guiding their path. In the still of night Weiss had no issue hearing Bisset's footfalls and that made following him easy even if the dark hid him from her sight.
"Where are we going, precisely?" No answer. Weiss exhaled, gazing around at the dark buildings flanking her. If someone was lying in wait, then she'd never see them. Hear, yes. It wouldn't be much time to react.
"Just one of my shops! I asked the owner to keep the floor open for us and she was kind enough to oblige. I suppose a few Lien is a good motivator as any."
"What could we possibly have to discuss in private?"
"If I told you now then it would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it?" Lord Bisset smiled back at her, or at least looked in her direction. "Patience. It's not like you're busy."
"I was asleep," she said curtly.
"No, you weren't, otherwise a little pebble wouldn't have woken you."
Weiss huffed, taking a page from Ruby's playbook and stuck her tongue out. Immature? Yes. Gratifying? Shamefully so.
Another wind blew and she shivered at the unwelcome chill, drawing her cloak tighter and clenching her teeth to prevent them from chattering. Leaves rolled across the road, crinkling loudly, like glass shattering against the cobblestone. Her breath materialized into a cloud in front of her face and she scowled again at being dragged out as she had been.
Technically she could have said no, yet her curiosity had gotten the better of her. Under the pale glow of a nearby lantern Weiss eyed the slender crate beneath Bisset's arm. Seeing Roderick's brand burned into the side made her fingers twitch and exacerbated the absence of weight against her hip.
The conniving man had opted to bring along her weapon as a bargaining chip, although she'd argue it was more like holding a hostage.
Lord Bisset held his cane out and stopped Weiss in her tracks. "We're here! Let's get you out of the cold, hm?"
A small bell chimed upon opening the door and despite a lack of fire Weiss felt an immediate surge of warm air from inside. Disregarding the obvious inherent risk of the situation she strolled in after the nobleman, keeping her cloak up even as the door creaked closed behind them. Wind battered the shutters outside, but the building kept them at bay, staving off biting the biting cold of early autumn.
Until she had to walk back anyways.
Still incapable of seeing beyond the tip of her nose Weiss shielded her eyes when a lamp was set alight. The small flame was enough to bask half the room in a gentle glow and she stood by the door to let her eyes adjust. Well, Bisset hadn't lied about where they were going; no one besides a tailor would own two looms, spools and sheets of thread and cloth, or what she assumed were vials of dyes. Tidy, if cluttered, she could imagine the tools here saw plenty of use.
"Shame about this shop. The seamstress here doesn't do much business anymore. Getting a bit too old for it."
Or not. Weiss idly walked to one of the looms and turned the wheel, numb fingertips dragging across the smooth wood. To her untrained eye they looked new, free from scratches or signs of wear and tear. Then again, she was hardly a seamstress so she could be completely ignorant, too.
With her cheeks slowly regaining their color, or lack thereof, Weiss lowered her hood and shook out her hair. Her eyes drifted to the container the man carried before finding his face and an expectant, almost amused smile as he watched her.
"Well? We're here, aren't we? You may talk now."
"May I? Thank you, I was waiting for permission," Bisset chuckled, adjusting the container before, to her surprise, holding it out for her to take. When Weiss made no move to do so he rolled his eyes and placed it on one of the tables instead. "Honestly, what am I going to do?" His green eyes sparkled, and he tiled his head, orange hair falling to the side. "Attack you with my cane?"
"You could have a hidden blade…" The cold wasn't what turned her cheeks pink and she looked away as Bisset laughed. "How am I supposed to know? Your kind aren't exactly trustworthy."
"Oh? And where would I hide it?" He was wearing a large white coat with numerous pockets, so feasibly anywhere. The man's laughter died down and he smiled, taking a step back and resting his hands on his cane. "And what do you mean by 'my kind' exactly?"
As if you don't know. Unable to help herself Weiss stepped towards the container, running a hand over the lid and subtly trying to pick out traces of magic. When her palm didn't itch and her skin failed to prickle, she deemed it safe, or at least not booby-trapped with a spell.
"You know precisely what I mean." Her fingertips ran along the edges of the lid, corners, and she took a moment to lift the container up and check the underside for good measure.
"I suppose I do, which is what we're here to discuss."
Dubious, and not the least bit skeptical, Weiss set down the container and crossed her arms. A nobleman trying to tell her he could be trusted? That was rich. And how did he intend to go about that? Honeyed words? Empty promises or a sob story? Weiss' eyes drifted again to the container and she cringed. Maybe an offering…?
"You aren't wrong, for the record. As far as I'm concerned, my fellow men and women of the court are snakes. They'll just as soon stick you in the ribs as shake your hand if it means getting a leg up on the competition."
"Including you?" Weiss couldn't help but sound standoffish.
"Including me," Bisset laughed, his casual admission taking her by surprise. "The court isn't an easy life, young lady. Think of it as chess: everyone has their pawns and they're always trying to find a way to beat each other. It can't be blatant, or your opponent will catch on and block you. No…" He tapped his can on the floor before spreading his arms. "It's much more like a play. A game of subterfuge!"
"Is there a point to this or do you plan on talking all night?"
"I will if you let me!"
Weiss grabbed for the container and hefted it in her arms, taking a step back and pausing when Bisset made no move to stop her. He wouldn't seriously let her walk, out would he? Not after all of this. She looked at the container again and blinked, brow furrowing at finally noticing how light it felt. Hesitant, she slid the lid back and let the lamp's light seep in, growling as she slid it off entirely.
"It's empty!"
Her eyes shot up and she frowned when Lord Bisset slid open a drawer and drew a rapier. Her rapier. The way the faint illumination danced along the pale, slender blade, catching the gemstones imbued in the handguard. Everything about it looked immaculate, precise. Weiss' fingers twitched and she had half a mind to lunge for the weapon, shamefully whimpering when Bisset held it aloft in two fingers. "Don't drop it!"
"Do I have your ear now, or do you need more incentive?"
Damn him. Weiss yearned to hold that weapon! Bisset couldn't use it, he'd said so himself. Setting the box down with a thud she put her hands to her hips, drumming her foot on the floor. "You have five minutes, then I'm taking what's mine and leaving."
"My, so testy! And here I thought you and I had something of a rapport."
"You tried to bribe me when we first met," she pointed out. "In fact, I suspect you're doing the very same now! I could have you arrested!"
"Hm… You certainly could." She yelped when the rapier was thrown across the room, eyes wide as her hands shot out. Barely catching it in her outstretched hands she clutched it to her chest, growling as Bisset laughed at her again. "But I'm not lording anything over you now am I? It's a transaction, my dear. Your gift in exchange for a moment of your time."
It would have been so easy to take her weapon and leave then and there. She was close enough to the door to have it open and be gone before Bisset could clear the room. Hells, she could use a wind spell and propel herself - haphazardly she'd admit, down the road and be gone in an instant. The temptation to take the weapon and flee was great; Bisset clearly stated it was a gift. There was no need to reciprocate or give anything in return.
Weiss took a deep breath and leveled her gaze on the man. "Enough talking in circles then, speak plainly."
"You are so much fun! I could see you having a field day in the courts."
"Lord Bisset…"
"Which is exactly what I'm here to discuss." The man rounded the table and sauntered towards her, holding his hand up when Weiss gripped her weapon. "My, we're certainly jumpy tonight, aren't we? How many times have you considered attacking me? Or leaving?"
"What…? I… I…"
"It's only natural. A peculiar gentleman, well-spoken and dashing, yet enigmatic," he mused with a smile. "Invites you out for an evening stroll. Drags you off to the middle of nowhere to chat. I don't know what's more concerning: how willingly you came along or that I've given a woman known to attack nobility a weapon."
"O'Rourke deserved it," Weiss grumbled. "He attacked a defenseless woman. If he did it again then I'd do the same thing in a heartbeat."
"Even if Hunters aren't meant to enforce common law?"
Whatever comeback came to mind died on her tongue and Weiss looked away. She knew that was true, obviously, she'd memorized the tenants a thousand times over. Would she do it again? Most certainly, but that meant inviting the punishment as well. This time there would be no saving grace for her crime either.
"If I thought myself in danger, I'd never have armed you, Miss Schnee, and -"
"Weiss."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Weiss," she repeated. "Miss Schnee is my mother or my sister. If you're insistent on speaking to me then 'Weiss' will do."
"First name basis? Well, typically women insist I treat them to dinner before we get to that point." She tried not to retch at the implication and succeeded. Barely. "But if you insist! Then you may address me as Alexandre."
"Lord Bisset works just fine."
First name basis was reserved for friends or close acquaintances like Roderick. Lord Bisset was neither.
"Ack, you wound me." The overdramatic man clutched his chest and sighed. "Alas, I should know that a Hunter and nobleman were never meant to be."
"I'm leaving now…"
"Wait, wait!" Bisset hurried closer and waved his cane. "I'll stop. Goodness," he shook his head and sighed, adjusting his cap with a smile. "I'm trying to provide some levity and you're threatening to walk out on me."
"You asked me to speak with you, not listen to your senseless chatter." Sleep tugged at her eyelids and Weiss felt a burning desire to be anywhere besides where she was now growing by the second. "If you're not going to get to the point…" She turned and grabbed the doorknob, opening the door and blinking as cold air kissed her face.
"The royal family invites you to dinner!"
Weiss froze where she was, eyes staring through the dark outside. Besides the swaying of the sign outside the shop there was no other noise. She knew she hadn't misheard Bisset, but she still turned on him, letting the door swing closed as she gawked.
"I… What?"
"For your honorable service in defending the kingdom from an existential crisis, and for your bravery and courage, His Majesty invites Weiss Schnee and company to dine with them." Bisset bobbed his head as he spoke, twirling his wrist before giving her a sly grin. "Or something along those lines. I'm afraid the particulars of your invitation are eluding me right now."
The King wanted to dine with her? Why? Weiss stared at the man's face and tried to determine if it was all a farce. Either Lord Bisset was Remnant's best bluffer or he was speaking the gods honest truth. She'd sooner believe the former.
That made no sense! She'd had a hand in stopping Merlot, yes, but so too had Coco and her friends, or however many other Hunters had been involved. Wouldn't it be easier to recognize the Church for its efforts? Make a public announcement acknowledging them if it felt that some recognition was necessary. Dinner though? That Ruby, Yang, and Blake were evidently included in that was more troubling than comforting.
"You seem confused."
"Why would the crown want to dine with me? According to them I'm nothing but a thorn in their side." Her eyes grew hard and she clenched her weapon tighter. "As far as many are concerned, I shouldn't even exist."
"Don't conflate the opinions of a few bad apples with that of His Majesty," Bisset warned, wagging his finger with a smile. "The only thing the crown is concerned with is the well-being of the kingdom and her people. And I'll admit he might not be the biggest fan of your organization but he's willing to look past your affiliations and meet you on a personal level. Not many are given that honor."
"It still makes no sense. Others were involved, some far more deserving than me."
"Others were involved, yes, but it was you and your group who bested Jacobis Merlot."
Weiss' eyes widened. "How did you know that…?"
"I didn't, it was a guess." That sneaky… Damn it, she'd walked right into that one. "But I'm sure His Majesty is aware of the details. He has eyes and ears all over, after all. It wouldn't do to be a man in his position and be unaware of the daily happenings of his domain."
Raven. It had to have been her. Why tell them though? Had she known about this before they departed? If so then she'd sent them into a trap.
"I don't suppose I can decline this, can I?"
"I'd imagine you can, although I don't imagine many would take that kindly. You're well aware of what a noble with a grudge can do I'm certain. And while His Majesty is still a fair and just man it would be an insult to reject his offer. As a citizen of Vale -"
"There would be no higher honor…" Bisset nodded and Weiss leaned against the door, dragging a hand over her face with a groan. "Why have I not heard about this before? This hardly seems like something that would be kept secret."
"You and your friends are to receive formal invitations tomorrow. I happened to hear whisperings earlier and thought it would be prudent to let you know ahead of time."
"... Thank you?"
"There are stipulations with the invitation. Precautions, I suppose you could say."
"Naturally," Weiss bemoaned, rolling her eyes. "And those might be…?"
"First and foremost, you're not allowed to bring guests. That means the four of you and no one else. I'm afraid they were quite clear on that front."
"You seem to know more than just a few whispers…" she said.
"I'm a very good listener." Or liar. Weiss drummed her fingers against the rapier's grip and a smile worked its way to her lips.
The metal was cool, yet not cold, and positively hummed with an energy she couldn't describe, something beyond her budding excitement. She could feel the metal in the weapon resonate with her body's energies, practically begging to be used as a conduit for spellcraft. Her eyes scanned the elegant craftsmanship and she wished she could see better in low lighting. Maybe back in her room she'd take time to look it over in full. I'll need to thank Roderick for this too. It's incredible…
"There's only one rule beyond that, and it's the reason that I've asked you out to speak tonight." Lord Bisset paused, then smirked and leaned on his cane. "Well, besides giving you a new toy to drool over."
"I'm not drooling!" She wasn't drooling right? Weiss resisted the impulse to check her mouth and instead scowled. "G-Get to your point!"
"So hostile! But fair. It's late and we're both tired." Lord Bisset reached across and offered a hand, chuckling when Weiss rejected it. "Awfully cold considering we'll be working together."
"We'll be what?"
"Naturally there are particular… Behaviors not welcome at the court. You're expected to be polite, composed, well-spoken, and to carry yourself with a sense of dignity. Hunters don't always have such proclivities, and I dare say you're lacking a few of those yourself." The man smiled when she glowered at him. "See? Precisely my point! While you might consider yourself refined it's, to put it bluntly, child's play compared to the court. When I spoke of chess earlier, I wasn't exaggerating: every word, every subtle movement, every gesture is examined like a jeweler inspecting a gemstone. Everything and anything will be put to scrutiny."
"Which is why, in his infinite wisdom, and just a slight bit of insistence from a few of us," he added under his breath. "His Majesty has requested that each of you be given an… Escort of sorts. A mentor, if that term is more appealing."
"Someone's to teach us how to conduct ourselves in court?"
"Someone is to accompany you while there. We're to speak on your behalf so you do not provoke any of the others, and act as both guides and keepers during your stay. You are Hunters, after all. No one expects any of you to have the slightest inkling of how to behave among nobility."
"Act like a pompous dolt, be ignorant of the world around you, and presume you're better than everyone," Weiss listed off on her fingers before raising an eyebrow. "I think I have your behaviors memorized well."
"And that," Bisset tapped her leg with his cane. "Is precisely why this is necessary. I won't deny some of us are more… Shall we say oblivious than others." If she were as crass as Yang she might have suggested their heads were up their asses. Instead Weiss scoffed and shook her head.
"That's an understatement."
"But most do mean well. We can be removed if the citizens are displeased enough, it's not as if we can act without consequence either. While I'll admit we're not the most altruistic lot, myself included, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what we have to offer."
Weiss sincerely doubted that. She expected plenty of false smiles and kind words, sure, but beyond that it would only be that: fake. A facade put on to try and earn her favor. Not unlike what she'd expected Lord Bisset to have done.
"So, we're expected to accompany a noble to this dinner. Fine. I don't imagine I can turn down the invitation." Weiss moved to hook her rapier to her belt only to realize she hadn't put on the holster. With a sigh, she let it hang from her hand instead, mindful not to let the blade touch the floor. "I don't suppose you know who will be joining us?"
"I'm not sure who your friends will be accompanying, sorry to say. However, I do know who your escort will be." Lord Bisset smiled and tipped his cap, then swept one leg back and lowered his head. Weiss felt her heart drop, groaning as the man smiled at her. "Miss Schnee, it would be my pleasure to accompany you to dinner. May we have a night to remember."
Weiss blanched, grabbing the doorknob and throwing the door open. She made it one step outside before turning back and pointing her rapier at Bisset. The man, nonplussed, continued to smile at her.
"This is not a date, and we are not a… An item. You are to serve as my guide and nothing more."
"I've already explained why I don't have any interest in you haven't I?"
Weiss' face burned bright and she stomped a foot on the stone steps. He was infuriating! Immature! Rude!
"I'm finished with this. I'm going to bed."
"Not there on the step I hope?" Laughing at his own joke while Weiss turned and stormed out he followed suit. "Ah, I suppose I should extinguish that lamp. Wouldn't do to have the shop burn down." Weiss kept walking, drawing her hood up with her free hand and staring straight ahead. "You'll receive your formal invitation tomorrow, I'm sure! I look forward to dining with you!"
Weiss wished she could say it was mutual. Actually no, she didn't. She wished she could tell the man to shove his invitation and tell the crown she wasn't interested. Yet somehow, she suspected slighting the King wasn't the best idea. Call it intuition.
A cold wind ripped through her clothing and Weiss folded her arms, awkward from clutching her rapier. The moonlight caught the weapon just right and it seemed to glow, streaks of icy blue coming across in the pale steel, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds in the basket guard sparkling. For the life of her she couldn't imagine why such valuable gems had been embedded in her weapon. If it were a noble's plaything then she'd understand: form over function. Yet for a Hunter it served no purpose.
Even so, Weiss couldn't help but beam and admire her new blade. It wasn't the Myrtenaster - that one was in Atlas, but it was as close as she'd get to the genuine article. And it was hers and hers alone.
As annoying as the night had been, she found a skip to her step on the way back, and when she arrived in her room and shut the door she laid back in bed, wide awake as she marveled at the new sword in her hands, turning it over and admiring it from every angle.
/+/+/+/+/+/
Ruby chatted away to Yang under her breath, gesturing in an animated, exaggerated manner that begat her excitement. Something about going home to visit their father soon. Weiss admired how jubilant her partner could be so early in the morning, even with the news they'd received. In fact Ruby was the only one present who seemed perky and alert.
Weiss rubbed at her face and yawned, taking another sip of her murky beverage, grimacing and shuddering. Bitter, it went down her throat and heated her chilled frame but did little to chase away her fatigue. Deciding against another drink she set her mug down on the table, lowering her head onto her arms and shutting her eyes.
"Weiss, wake up!" Ruby shook her arm and bounced in her chair. "Our food's almost here!"
"Dun care…" she mumbled.
"Food will help ya wake up, princess," Yang teased. "Can't have you sleeping until we're done here, so perk up!"
"Why are you tired anyway?" Weiss lifted her head, reluctantly, and met Blake's expectant stare.
"Late night…"
"Oh, were you studying the notes?" Ruby whispered while leaning across the table. Weiss shook her head and the brunette pouted, disappointed.
"I bet she was out with a guy."
Weiss scoffed. "As if…"
"A girl then?" Yang grinned and waggled her eyebrows suggestively. She laughed and ducked under a thrown fork, apologizing to the barmaid who was nearly struck. "Not a guy, not a girl… Sounds boring then!"
Not about to admit she'd spent hours admiring her weapon, practicing channeling magic, and admiring it again, Weiss groaned and laid her head down once more. She only had herself to blame really; the rapier would be there in the morning and was in her possession now. Excitement had won out over common sense and instead of sleeping she'd fawned over her new blade like a dolt.
It's a fantastic piece… She turned her head, cheek rubbing against the finished wooden table as her fingertips grazed her rapier's blade, mindful of the sharper edges around the tip. Impressively made… she mused, drumming a finger against one of the gemstones before sighing. But not worth depriving myself of sleep.
"Well well, asleep already, Weiss?"
Eileen, the sister of Mrs. Oum, smiled as she approached with four trays expertly balanced on her arms. Flushing, she sat upright in her chair and tidied her appearance, brushing a stubborn bang back. "Thank you…" she muttered, eyeing her dish greedily. Her face bloomed into a darker red when a fork was offered over, repeating her gratitude again.
"You girls are here awfully early. Any special occasion?"
"Just decided to come out and have breakfast with some friends!" Ruby grinned. Her eyes widened and she gasped, grabbing Yang's arm. "Oh, I didn't introduce you two! Eileen, this is…" she glanced at her sister then beamed when given a nod. "This is my sister, Yang! Yang, Eileen!"
"Nice to meetcha!" Yang smiled, extending her hand.
"Oh, I wasn't aware Ruby had a sister," the barmaid mused, shaking Yang's hand before clasping both of her own. "Wonderful! When Monty comes back from the markets, you'll have to let him meet you!"
"Sounds good!"
"Wait, before you go!" Eileen hadn't gone anywhere but Ruby sounded like the woman was about to vanish into thin air. "You haven't met Blake either, right?" She leaned over and tugged on her friend's sleeve. "Blake, say hello!"
"Hello."
"She's not much of a talker," Yang laughed. "She's always grumpy this early in the morning." Their table shifted and Yang recoiled, lips twitching in a tight smile. "See? Sourpuss!"
"You talk too much." Picking up her knife and fork Blake started to cut into her eggs, pausing to look up and offer a faint smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Eileen. Thank you for the meal."
"It's our pleasure! Weiss, Ruby, and their friends are practically family at this point. Any friends of theirs are friends of ours!"
Weiss lowered her head and smiled. "You flatter us."
"There are dozens of shops like ours in the city, yet they come to ours almost every day," Eileen continued. "Not always in a group, sometimes it's just one or two of you." She wiped away a single tear from the crow's feet around her eyes, smoothing her bunned hair before patting her apron. "But it's always a pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got other tables to visit. You girls have everything you need?"
When all four shook their heads, Eileen excused herself and let them be. As important as their discussion was no one spoke for a while. Utensils scraped against plates and Weiss savored her meal; the eggs were fluffy and flavored with a dash of pepper, ham cooked to a light crisp, and the bread, freshly baked, had a distinct honey aftertaste that made her taste buds dance. The others had ordered much the same although she noticed Yang had not only doubled-down, but tripled her order of ham, while Ruby slipped half of her own portions and took toast from her sister.
Listening to the muted conversations around them Weiss eased back into her seat, pausing her meal to glance out the window. People strolled by, clothed in light scarves, coats, and caps. With autumn fast approaching it was only a matter of time until those turned into heavier garments. The cool wind outside carrying leaves on its boughs would soon be replaced by a biting gale with swirling tufts of white.
Atlas was perpetually experiencing winter, or something close enough to it. Considering how she loathed the cold Weiss couldn't say she felt like she was missing out there.
Once their plates were polished clean and Weiss chased the last of her water down, she slid her dishes to Yang, shooting the blonde a warning glare when she attempted to juggle dishes. Thankfully Eileen returned before a mess was made and she hauled them off with a laugh, much to Yang's chagrin.
"Now that we're through with our meals…" She trailed off and raised an eyebrow. Taking the wordless suggestion for what it was Ruby, Yang, and Blake each produced their letters, seals broken. Weiss placed her own on the table, the wax seal - a lion at the forefront, with twin axes crossed behind it and a wreath forming a frame, remained intact. She had no need to read it thanks to Bisset's message last night.
"Unless this is all some ridiculously elaborate hoax by Lord Bisset it appears we've been summoned by the King himself." Weiss pursed her lips, drumming her fingertips on the table. "I don't need to point out why this is a problem, do I?"
Yang leaned back in her chair, draping her unbandaged arm over the back and crossing her legs. "Besides not wanting anything to do with the guy? I can think of another dozen or so reasons."
"I think she was being rhetorical, Yang," Blake said.
"Is that like sarcasm?"
"No, it means she didn't really want an answer." Ruby lowered her head and swat at Yang's hand while her hair was ruffled. "Yaaaang!"
"I know what it means, Rubes. Just messing with Blake."
Weiss snapped her fingers once to get everyone's attention. "Besides it being highly suspect, it's a conflict of interest. Hunters are separated from the royal families precisely to prevent us becoming personal weapons. I can already see Ozpin having problems with us going."
"Would you even have to tell him?" Yang asked.
"And what's the alternative? Go without informing him and risk the repercussions? If the Archbishops says no then we can defer to his decision and he can deal with the King's ire. If we go without telling him then that's squarely on our shoulders."
"I don't see why it's such a big deal. They just want to reward us for helping." Ruby shrugged, then placed her hands on the table and smiled. "I think Ozpin would be fine with that, don't you?"
"There's also the fact it's obviously just to make them look good," Blake pointed out, glancing at Ruby when she went ignored. "Sorry, but I doubt your leader is going to be too thrilled about us being used as…"
"Trophies?" Yang suggested.
"Something like that. If they wanted to thank us, they could have done so in these letters," she lifted hers and waved it. "And left it at that. Instead they're trying to parade us around. Sure, what we did might warrant a reward, but we're also just doing our jobs, just like the other Hunters who helped. I don't believe Coco and the others were given the same invitation."
"They weren't," Weiss confirmed. "I spoke with Yatsuhashi before leaving this morning, he knew nothing about it. It's only us."
Which further supported Blake's belief they were just being brought in for show. To build morale after a scare by the Grimm and Merlot. But then that still doesn't make sense. If they wanted to build morale, they'd try to take credit, not bolster the Church's standing. If Raven was to be believed, then the two groups were still fighting between themselves. That stood to reason then that whatever this farce was would serve to harm the Church, not help it.
"They have something to gain by doing this. Whether that's trying to enforce the idea they're superior to the Church, or by showing that the Church is cooperating with them," Weiss trailed off and shrugged. "Either way it's not something we should do lightly."
"I'd rather not do it at all," Yang grumbled. "Hells, I don't want to be in the city at all."
"Yang, you're safe! They pardoned you!" Ruby smiled reassuringly at her sister. "You and Blake both!"
"Sure, the crown did, but Ozpin hasn't said a word to either of us. You really think after they fucked up so badly with me he's just going to pretend nothing happened?" Yang glanced around the room and Weiss noticed her foot bouncing and her bandaged hand gripping the edge of the table. "I don't like being in the city, not this close to Ozpin"
"I'm skeptical as well," Blake agreed. "Pardoned or not there will still be those who harbor ill will towards me. Who's to say one of them won't have an assassin lying in wait? Or try to poison my food?"
"I think you're being a bit ridiculous," Weiss said, then immediately regretted it when Blake glared at her.
"Am I? I killed people, Weiss. I attempted to kill even more. They have every reason to want me dead, I'm not an idiot. No matter how much I try to act differently that won't change what I did." The ravenette leaned forward and put her face in her hands, going silent before shaking her head. "The fact that I'm a Hunter now hasn't made my standing with them any better either."
They went silent as the front door of the shop swung open. Yang jumped in her seat, staring at the older couple that shuffled in before exhaling and slouching in her seat.
"They'll have Magi there, you know they will. And it's not like we'll be able to tell who they are either." Yang tapped the side of her neck and frowned. "No marks. At best they'll have an emblem somewhere on their clothes, but even then, that's not required."
Knowing a Hunter when they saw one was of some cold comfort. If a Hunter came after them, they could pick them out in a crowd thanks to their Mark. As far as Weiss knew a Magi in service of the crown wasn't required to sport anything like that. There was probably no uniform either, and for all they knew only the noble employing the Magi would know their identity.
In a large gathering of people, not knowing who could draw a blade or cast a spell, and stuck around dozens of people who had openly loathed her in the past? Weiss couldn't say she felt thrilled about their prospects either.
"If we decline then it's possible nothing would happen. At worst it's an insult to the King, which they can't really punish beyond, well, making us miserable." Weiss was used to that by now. She couldn't say Ruby was, nor did she want her partner having to experience what she did.
"I could just leave. Go and find Ilia and the others," Blake mused.
"You'd risk being labeled Rogue. You'd be back where you were before only with less support." Weiss smiled apologetically. "I know you want to help them, Blake, but walking away isn't the answer."
"And putting ourselves in the wolves' den is? Look, Weiss, I get you wanna try and make this work."
"I have as little desire to go as -"
"But this isn't a good idea no matter how you cut it," Yang interrupted. "If we go then we're basically setting ourselves up to get either killed or captured. Think they won't?" The Dimuran gestured to herself, smiling grimly. "How much you wanna bet someone there's dying to study me, huh?"
Weiss would like to say no one was. She'd like to but that would be a bold-faced lie. The nobles or royal family would take every chance they could get to get information on the Church, particularly if it could be harmful. Yang's 'condition', whether condoned by the Church or not, was a blight on their record. One which could be exploited.
"I still think we should go," Ruby said softly, lowering her head and pressing her fingers together. "I mean… When else will we get a chance to try and learn more about them? We could try to verify some of the stuff Raven told us, or at least get a chance to see how they view people like us."
"Hunters, or Faunus?" Blake scoffed and crossed her arms. "Because trust me, I know exactly how nobles feel about the latter. You only need to go down to the canals to see how Faunus in the city are treated."
"Not all nobles might be that bad! Lord Bisset seems nice, right?" Ruby asked Weiss.
"Anyone is nice when they want something, Ruby." Yang answered instead, leaning forward and planting a hand on the table with a sneer. "That bastard bought Weiss a sword too, you seriously think he did that out of the goodness of his heart? The guy is clearly after something."
"Even so I doubt that has any relation to our current predicament. Barring the obvious violation of… Well, accepting the weapon like I did," Weiss admitted, glancing aside and clearing her throat. "And it pains me to say this, but I think Ruby is right. We should take the opportunity afforded to us."
"You've gotta be shitting me…" Yang groaned.
Ruby huffed. "Yang, you really need to stop swearing!"
"I have to agree with Yang here. This is a ridiculous idea."
Weiss turned to Blake and gave her a measured smile. "Is it? The King himself invited us, which by extension means we're likely under his protection. Furthermore, attacking us is an attack on the Church. Even if a noble wanted to harm us they'd do so risking Ozpin's ire, and the entire organization at that. It would be tantamount to suicide. No one there is going to be daft enough to try anything."
"I figured no one was dumb enough to follow Raven either, but then how do you explain Plockton, Weissy?"
"Desperation. We're not desperate here but we do have a chance to learn more. About the feud between the crown and the Church, and perhaps gain some insight into what might be happening out of public view."
It would be a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the kingdom. Weiss knew, or liked to think she knew, how the Church operated. Missions given to Hunters, religious services, offering aid to those in need. It was the nobility and the royal family that remained an enigma to her. To all of them. And they wouldn't get a better chance to learn more than this.
"We likely won't have to do much," Weiss added. "Show up, perhaps speak to the king, probably have dinner and then leave. It's all going to be droll formalities, but I sincerely doubt they'll try anything. There's too much at risk for them."
"Workin' on a lot of assumptions there, princess," Yang warned.
"And you're not? You're assuming they'll try something, and you're assuming that they're plotting some kind of revenge." Weiss glanced between Yang and Blake before sighing. "I'm not saying your concerns aren't unfounded. I'm wary about being around these people too. But consider this rationally: attacking us is putting a target on the back of whoever is responsible. They aren't going to risk that just for some petty revenge."
"You really don't know nobles as well as you think then," Yang chuckled.
Perhaps not. O'Rourke had openly assaulted a woman for what she was and had berated her publicly countless times. He'd assumed he could get away with it, and for the most part he had.
Weiss' lips pulled into a wry smile, relishing perhaps unjustly the terrified expression on O'Rourke's face when she froze him. She didn't savor harming the man but gods if it wasn't satisfying somewhat to have him silenced, even temporarily. She'd hardly make a habit of freezing nobles though.
"I want to go." Maybe not want, but Weiss would attend and try to learn what she could. "I'll see what I can find out while there, and I'll go alone if I have to."
"I'm going to!" Ruby exclaimed, cringing when Yang shushed her. "I'm not letting you go alone," she almost whispered, offering a smile. "We're partners, right? We do this together!"
"I don't want you going, Ruby. It's too dangerous."
"Well I'm going!" Ruby huffed. "I'm old enough to decide what I do, Yang, and… And this won't be as dangerous as what we just did! Besides, I can't let Weiss go alone! What if something does happen?"
Yang opened her mouth to argue before tossing her head back and groaning. "Fuck, fine…" She slammed her fist on the table. "But if you're going then so am I. I'll just… I dunno, be a wallflower or something. I'm not risking sticking my neck out there. If they've got a bunch of Magi hanging around it'll be dangerous. No way am I letting you go alone."
Ruby wouldn't be going alone though. Does she think I'm incapable of protecting her? Weiss wondered, bristling at the suggestion.
"You won't be alone, and like I said, I sincerely doubt they'll try anything." Weiss turned in her chair and smiled at the lone remaining member of their group. "Blake? Can we count you in…?"
The Meera's ears folded back and she toyed with her scarf, running her fingers along the thin cloth. Amber eyes stared at Weiss, likely through her, before closing. "Just… Give me some time to think about it, okay? I'll tell you by tomorrow, I promise."
"We only have three days to decide, so I certainly hope so."
Well, that had hardly been the worst conversation she'd ever had. Yang and Ruby were along, albeit reluctantly, and Weiss was hesitantly optimistic Blake would come around too. Gods knew that she'd appreciate having some friends there, surrounded as she would be. They'd be there for each other.
A few tables had begun to turn over and the shop was beginning to fill in earnest. With Eileen running around to serve everyone and no Monty in sight Weiss pushed herself from the table, set her share of the bill in the middle and rolled her neck. Fatigue gone for now thanks to her meal she smiled at Ruby and Yang. "Would you two like to join me in the markets? There's a few things I need to get."
"Uh… Sorry, but Yang and I actually have plans today." Ruby rocked on her heels before smiling apologetically. "We were going to head out of the city and riding horses! Dad has a friend who owns a few mares, and they said we can give it a try!"
"And I'll take any excuse to head outside," the older girl said with a smirk. "It's stuffy in the city. Too many people."
That was fair. Weiss turned to the ravenette and raised an eyebrow. "Blake? Care to join me?"
"Sure."
"Not a problem, I'll -" Weiss went silent, then her jaw dropped. "Wait, what did you say?"
"I said sure." Weiss looked at Yang, then Ruby, then back at Blake in awe. "What? Was I not allowed to say yes?"
"Uh… N-No, I mean yes, I mean…" Weiss took a deep breath. "I'm just surprised, that's all. This isn't because of pity, is it? I don't mind going alone."
"It's not pity. I have nothing better to do today." Gee, thanks for that. "And my uncle needs a few things too, come to think of it."
"Well, sounds like you girls have a date ahead of you!" Yang grinned, dumping Lien on the table before grabbing Ruby's arm. "Have fun! Don't do anything I wouldn't!"
"I feel like that doesn't exclude much," Blake mumbled. Weiss giggled and Yang stuck out her tongue, giving Ruby a look of betrayal when she laughed too. The sisters wandered off while bickering, pushing at each other until they vanished from sight. "They're a handful…"
"Oh let them be," Weiss giggled, following Blake to the door. "They're not hurting anyone."
"I know your hearing isn't as good as mine, Weiss, but you try sitting next to them when they're loud." Blake pushed the door open and held it, wiggling her ears.
"Point taken."
Stepping aside to let a small group inside Weiss drew up her cloak's hood, fixing her hair before looking around. Stalls in the plaza were beginning to gather business and a carriage meandered beneath the tree, its driver swatting the horse as it kept trying to make a snack of the leaves. If the small commons here was beginning to bustle she could only imagine what the markets must be like by now.
"Well, shall we?" She turned to depart and felt Blake grip her arm, glancing back curiously. "Blake?"
"Actually, there's somewhere I need to go first. I need to stop by my uncle's home."
"Oh, alright. I'll meet you at the markets then?"
"Er…" Blake shifted her weight between her feet and coughed. "Could you come with me, actually? It's on the way," she added. "We'll be quick, I promise."
If it was on the way then she had no reason to say no. She'd met the man once, kind of, and he'd seemed nice enough. As nice as someone could during a racially charged disruption of an awards ceremony. Weiss shrugged, giving Blake a smile and gesturing for her to take the lead. Nearby the horse drawing the carriage snorted, stomping its hooves as the door to the carriage closed. The driver glanced at her before giving the reins a shake and she watched as the carriage rolled away.
"Weiss?" Blake called from down the street, raising a hand over the crowd. "Everything okay?"
"Um… Yes! I'm on my way!" She jogged after Blake and slowed once she caught up, glancing back again and frowning.
Has anyone seen Chekhov's gun? Anyone at all? He says he's missing it. Probably not loaded. Hopefully not.
I'd like to thank some generous folks recently for their feedback, feedback which I'll do my best to take into consideration moving forward.
To clarify something, since I noticed it raised confusion: my races AND the overarching term "Faunus" both exist. Why, I'll get into next chapter, but for clarity's sake moving forward I'll attempt to use "Faunus" over the individual races, and use the races only when its pertinent to the story.
As always, if you have any feedback - liked something, disliked something, have random thoughts, do feel free to leave them! I'm always happy to hear what people think!