Chapter 2: Ingénue

Blake awoke to the sweet sound of birds singing. She rubbed her eyes and hoisted herself out of bed. The sun shone cheerfully, as she noticed the two tiny azure swallows perched on the oak outside of her window, serenading one another. Their plumage glimmering in the beams of sunlight, making them appear as two brilliant, beautiful sapphires. Blake tilted her head thoughtfully at them and smiled. What a pleasantry to be awakened by.

She went about her morning as she normally did. She chose to dress in more casual attire. A black tank top, white cotton pants with black striping down the sides and a light, airy black hooded jacket. Ozpin, or Oscar, (she still wasn't sure) had stated to her the night before, that they would be required to spend the day planning their trip to Atlas. A relaxed day. The calm before the storm, if you will.

Blake felt a twang of nerves as she laced up her shoes. Her conversation with Yang had gone well, but she feared things would be uncomfortable still. She felt the heavy guilt every time she looked at her blonde companion. She knew how hurt Yang had been and still was.

She shook her head, as if shaking the thoughts away and made her way down to breakfast.

The main room of the inn had several small tables, each with four seats. A narrow bar stood at the far end of the room, dusty, old bottles and exotic trinkets laden the shelves behind it. A muscular, rugged, bearded man appeared to be cleaning the shelves with a pink duster. Many of the tables had been dressed with off-white linen cloth and an assortment of flowers stood in muddy coloured vases in the centre of them. Though the flowers were odd colours that didn't quite coordinate with one another. Dust particles danced like enchanted fairies about the room, glowing ominously in the light from the canopy window. The scent of freshly baked bread found her nose and the clutter of cutlery and quiet chatter filled the air.

Blake glanced at the company in the room from the middle of the stairway. One table seated two young men, one with black hair embellished with streaks of pink, who was sipping from a chipped porcelain mug. The other had golden-blonde hair, his face sunken and solemn. Their third member was not present, though Blake assumed the boisterous red-haired girl, Nora, was sleeping in. The table next to them seated the young Ozpin, or was he Oscar now, she couldn't tell. He was conversing with the old, grey-haired uncle of Yang and the petite, silver crowned heiress, Weiss Schnee.

The other tables occupants were strangers to her. An elderly couple sat at a table in the corner of the room and a group of silent huntsmen at another. Her parents had informed her that they would be helping to repair the school before leaving for menagerie in the evening, Ilia had said she would join them. She assumed that was where they were. Blake quickly scoured the room again for her monkey Faunus friend but there was no sign of him.

She reached the bottom of the staircase as Weiss waved over to her.

"Blake." She waved and smiled. Blake smiled back and approached, taking the final free chair at the table. "How are you this morning?" Weiss sounded eerily chipper. It was strange for her to see such buoyancy ooze from her normally impassive friend.

"I'm well, thank you. Where are Yang and Ruby?" Qrow laughed loud enough to startle Weiss into dropping the apple she was eating.

"Where do you think they are?" He directed Blake's attention with his thumb, motioning behind him. Underneath the large staircase was a long table loaded with a large variety food. The sisters each carried a mountainous plate of food and were trying to squeeze even more onto them.

"I should have anticipated that." Blake grumbled. Weiss abruptly placed a cup in her hands, filling it with a rich ember liquid.

"Here. It's a special blend, Professor Ozpin said it's lovely."

"Thank you." Blake nodded and sipped the tea. Indeed, it was a tasty mix of tea, honey, cinnamon and lemon, with a hint of something she couldn't quite place the flavour of.

Ruby and Yang had finally taken a seat at the table behind them. They were talking in hushed voices to one another.

"Would you like anything to eat Blake? Bernard has laid on this feast free of charge." The distinct voice of professor Ozpin came from the young boy directly opposite her. Blake shook her head and smiled.

"I'm fine for now thank you."

"I saw your parents and the chameleon girl leave earlier." Qrow spoke through sips of his…coffee? "And that monkey kid left out not long after, don't know if he went with them or not though." He shrugged.

Sun had gone. But where? He didn't know the area. Perhaps he had gone to explore. She made a mental note to herself, if he didn't return by nightfall, she would look for him.

Yang let out a loud, uncouth burp, followed by a chuckle from Ruby.

"Gross." Weiss mumbled into her cup, letting out an exasperated sigh.

"So, Professor, what's the plan for today?" Yang leaned back in her chair, arms resting behind her head.

"There isn't one." Ozpin spoke once more. "I you all to have a day off. Maybe help out the town rebuild the school. Anything you want. You should all be allowed to relax before we set off for Atlas tomorrow."

"That's so very kind of you Professor." Yang smirked as she stood, twisting her torso until it cracked. She stretched her arms out in front of her. "Think I'll go enjoy the sunshine." She picked up her bag, a deep brown rucksack, and slung it over one shoulder. She wore a yellow t-shirt that stopped just short of her waist, her emblem embroidered on the right side of the chest. She wore cropped black slacks and white sneakers. Her long, golden mane of hair had been pulled up into a ponytail, Blake admired the way it highlighted the contours of her face. She noticed the tiny, tan freckles speckled over her petite nose, that only appeared after several hours in the sun. Blake observed the blushed pink shade of her lips and the natural curve of her smile. Theirs eyes met. Yang flashed her a wink and a grin, causing her to quickly look away to hide the beetroot colour her face had become.

"Well, I'm going to help out the others at the school. Anyone coming?" Ruby jumped up next to Yang and smiled enthusiastically. She adjusted the red bandana tied around her head. Her dungarees and knee high socks added to her already childish appearance, though Blake had noticed she had grown a little taller and more...'top-heavy'.

"I'll join you after I've packed." Weiss said, placing her cup on the table. Ruby nodded before running over to Jaune and Ren's table to persuade them to go with her. Weiss turned to Oscar and Qrow. "I believe you would like me to help you arrange our trip and accommodation?"

"It would be much appreciated Miss Schnee." Ozpin's crisp voice said.

Blake placed her teacup down and glanced over at Yang. She had already made her way to the doors of the inn. Blake sighed and stood, jogging toward the entrance.

"Yang wait…!" She called out as quietly as she could, whilst still being loud enough for Yang to hear, catching up to her friend as she did. Blake stopped as she reached the door. "Sunbathing sounds good." She smiled.

"After you." Yang held the door ajar. Blake stepped out into the blaring sunlight. The heat immediately hitting her skin, engulfing her in its warmth. She felt content. For the first time in months, she felt free of burden, of guilt, of disappointment. She glanced over at Yang, who smiled and tilted her head.

"Nice day, huh?"

Blake nodded, smiling. The two of them began their walk to find the perfect place to bask in the sun together.


A/N

I'm aware that this story is ambitious, as it is my own telling of the current narrative. But whatever, I write for fun so who cares. Hope it's enjoyable to others too.

Also, any and all criticism is welcome.