A couple centimeters of snow draped over everything like a thin blanket. The trees all lay bare. The sky above was bleached silver, hints of the sun poking through here and there. Despite the chill, the park was as populated as ever, the people gathered around the large pond. A dust-fueled ice machine had been hooked to it, keeping the water frozen solid. The younger ones wobbled a bit, keep close to the edges, while the older ones glided, doing laps.

Ruby and Ozpin left tracks through the snow as they made their own way to the pond, skates in hand. "It's been a while since I've actually done this," she said, her breath a cloud. "I don't really remember how."

"Come now Ruby, I'm sure you do. It's like riding a bike." They stopped at the edge, and Ruby sat to tug on her skates, while Ozpin balanced on his cane. Once they were on, he collapsed his cane and stuffed it in his pocket. He stepped onto the ice as easily as a duck moves from land to water. He skated a little inwards, out of the way of those skating in circles. On heel he turned back to face Ruby, ice shavings getting kicked up from the movement.

She walked with her knees bent inwards, arms stuck out and windmilling as she tried to keep her balance. She hobbled onto the pond, and no sooner attempted to move forward than slipped and skid on the ice. The people all skated around her as she attempted to collect herself and climb back to her feet. Ozpin skated over to her, and hooked his hands under her arms. He lifted her up, then held her steady as she tried to find her balance. "Thanks," she said.

"No problem," he replied. He started to remove his hands, but as soon as he did, she wobbled, her feet threatening to slip out from under her again. He gripped her shoulder, stopping her from toppling. "Hm."

"I told you, I'm just no good at this." She tossed her head with a huff, flipping her bangs out of her eyes.

"But you can learn." He took her by the hands, and lead her further out onto the ice. "First, hold your head up. Like a string is connected to it from the ceiling." He slipped a finger under her chin and had her stand up straight.

"Ceiling? We're outside."

"You know what I mean." He backed up a little from her, circling to her side. "Don't be so stiff. Bend your knees and keep your feet apart." She adjusted her stance, and stopped wobbling so much.

"Huh, this feels familiar."

"Good. Don't lean back." He let go, and she stood on her own. "You see? Now the hardest part is done."

"Right, and, moving forward..." She tried pushing off with her foot, but stumbled. She just managed to catch herself from falling, sliding a little with her arms out.

"You need to keep your feet level when you skate." He went back over to her, and tapped the front of her skate with the toe of his. "You're getting the pick caught in the ice, so it's making you trip."

"Okay, level feet, got it."

"Just slide your foot back like this." He demonstrated, gently pulling her with him by the hand. He waited until she did it herself before continuing. Slowly but surely, they started moving forward. Every so often she'd become unsteady, her grip tightening on his hand, but he kept her upright. He looked down at her hand, then furrowed his brows at it, turning it over and looking at the fingers. "Ruby, what's this paint?" It was pale and red and flaking off in some places.

"Oh, uh," she covered it with her other hand, "nothing. I mean, I was helping a friend with an art project."

He made a nonplussed sound. He wasn't sure he really believed that, with how shifty she'd suddenly become, but he decided to let it go. They continued skating, joining the ranks of the others in the main traffic.

"I think I'm starting to get the hang of it." She smiled, no longer watching her feet as she moved.

"Wonderful." He smiled as well.

"Howdy!" They looked over to a smiling couple who had started skating beside them. "Nice day today, ain't it?" the woman said.

He felt Ruby huddle a little closer to him, peeking out at the couple. "It is," he agreed.

"I'm Betty, and this is my husband Andrew." She gestured to her partner.

He gave a friendly little wave. "We've been traveling all over the kingdoms as a part of our honeymoon," he informed.

"Congratulations. My name is Clark, and this is Ruby," Ozpin said.

"Congrats," Ruby joined in.

"Thank you," Betty beamed. "It's been a little hectic at times, but it's been incredible to see the world. Our circuit will be taking us back home soon."

"You have a very pretty winter here," Andrew complimented.

"It certainly can be lovely," Ozpin agreed. "I must say, it's quite unusual to travel around like you two do."

"Oh we've always been fond of adventure," Betty said. "A couple grimm here and there don't frighten us."

"What about you two? You ever do any traveling?" Andrew asked.

"Just from Patch to here," Ruby said.

"When I was younger, not so much now," Ozpin explained. He felt Ruby start to wobble and slow down beside him, and he yanked her back forward. "Just relax dear, I told you before to not be so stiff in your stance."

"Right, right. Knees bent," she affirmed to herself. She concentrated on that, picking up speed to keep up with them.

He turned his attention back to the couple. Their courteous smiles were still there, but there was something in Betty's eyes. "Are you a skating instructor?" she asked.

He suddenly realized it, and wished he could bite his tongue off. "Ah, no. I'm not," he admitted.

"Oh. I wondered." Unspoken words hid behind those probing eyes.

"Are you father and daughter?" Andrew asked, though his eyes held nothing.

Ozpin's grip on Ruby's hand started to loosen. "No. We're simply good friends."

"Ah. How nice that the youth in this kingdom can have such good relationships with their elders."

"How did you two meet?" Betty asked. "You seem like you've known each other for a while."

Ruby's hand slipped out of his grip. "We-" Suddenly her arms started flailing as she once again lost her balance. As it seemed she would plummet, he caught her, an arm around her waist, and one resting on her shoulders. He pulled her back upright, waiting until her weight shifted back properly onto her skates before releasing her, moving to hold her hand again.

"Believe it or not, this actually isn't my first time skating," Ruby muttered to the couple.

Ozpin looked back to them. Now there was something in Andrew's eyes as well. "Actually, I knew her uncle for a long time before meeting her," he said in answer to their question.

"Ah, that explains it," Andrew said, and the suspicion in his eyes faded. Though Betty's lingered. He could practically feel her gaze rummaging around inside him, and felt like covering his tattoo, even though it was safely hidden beneath his sleeve.

She tugged on her husband's hand. "Anyway, I guess we'll see you around in town. Good bye." They skated away, leaving them behind.

His perfect posture fractured, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly as a sinking feeling grew in his chest. Though he doubted they would say anything to anyone. "Why are tourists always so chatty?" Ruby commented, scratching the back of her neck.

"They were just being nice," Ozpin said softly. He looked down to her. "Are you tired?"

She considered. "Of skating, sure."

He nodded. "Then let's head back." They stepped off the ice, exchanging the skates for their shoes where they'd stowed them, Ozpin taking his cane back out.

They walked away from the pond and the people, moving through the park, retracing their old tracks in the snow.