Runaway slaves have quadrupled within the past month.
Weiss sat at her desk, in her office. She kneaded her forehead in vexation. She was tempted to crumple the report in front of her and toss it across the room just to vent some frustration but she was logical enough to realize that wouldn't accomplish anything except create a need for her to walk across the room and retrieve the damned document.
Runaway slaves themselves weren't a problem. The problem was that their bodies had never been found. It was unlikely that the slaves had died and the bodies simply weren't found. State bounty hunters were extremely competent — since they were paid a ridiculous amount, most bounty hunters put in a moderate amount of effort. That left two circumstances: either the bodies disintegrated into thin air or the slaves were alive somewhere. The second event seemed more probable.
That information coupled with the information her spy had gathered. Things were not looking good. Apparently, it seemed the slave escapes were organized, planned… calculated. It was always at night, under the protection of the darkness. It was always multiple households at once, taking advantage of the panic. Someone was actively helping these slaves escape.
Weiss really did not want to think about what it meant that a cunning strategist was helping mass groups of enraged Faunus who had been oppressed for centuries escape and then vanish off the face of the earth.
But then, she didn't have to think very hard to come up with a reasonable scenario.
Best case scenario: this was a vigilante who wanted to free the Faunus. Everyone lives peacefully.
Worse case scenario: someone was building an army.
What could she do to prevent this? It was hard enough advocating ethical slave laws just to create a standard by which masters must follow when treating their Faunus. She was accused of class warfare with every suggestion. Half the council members were pigheaded assholes like Cardin. If she wasn't careful, she could lose her father's hard-earned seat as chairman. God. She wasn't trying to take away human rights, she was just trying to give some to the Faunus.
Like it'd be possible to convince them to abolish slavery completely.
A knock on the door. Once again, Neptune stepped in without waiting for consent.
"Hey, Weiss. Working hard?"
"No, not at all," was the sarcastic reply.
"Where's the kitty?" Neptune strolled in and closed the door behind him. "And I thought I told you to relax today. You have two whole days before the meeting."
Weiss narrowed her eyes. "Her name is Blake and you will address her as such," Weiss instructed. "And I sent her to Glynda to get fitted with a couple of outfits. I was going to stay and help but Glynda pushed me out of the room and told me not to come back until she said so."
"Oh wow. That's just precious. You're getting Blake custom-fit outfits?" Neptune cooed.
Weiss shrugged with a callousness she didn't feel. "Basic needs. She is never wearing those rags again."
"Okay, and after that? May I suggest that you and Blake do something fun together?"
Weiss sighed. "What's it to you anyways?"
"Hey!" Neptune pseudo-gasped. "As captain of your guard, I just want to make sure you aren't working yourself to death." Neptune paused, then added seriously, "You know I think of you as my sister, right Weiss?"
"No thank you. One reckless, boisterous sibling is enough for me." Weiss responded coolly, though she graced Neptune with a smile.
"Ouch. See, this is why people call you the ice princess."
"Yeah whatever. Now get out if there's nothing else."
Neptune laughed and left with a parting wave over his shoulder. It seemed to Weiss that he took with him her desire to continue working. Now, all Weiss could think about was how she was going to entertain Blake for the evening.
If you could have any one thing you wanted, what would you wish for? Weiss had asked between mouthfuls at breakfast. She had considered whether or not it'd be appropriate to ask how long Blake had been a slave for but ultimately decided that it probably wasn't appropriate to bring up sensitive matters that early on in their relationship.
Material or abstract? Blake had responded thoughtfully and with more words than Weiss had expected to receive.
Anything. Material or abstract.
Blake had chewed her next mouthful slowly, buying her time. I guess to be allowed to read?
Really? Weiss had gaped, astonished. Out of anything possible in the universe, you just want to be allowed to read? Can you even read? Weiss asked thoughtlessly before she had a chance to seriously consider Blake's response. Of course something like that would seem trivial to Weiss but be so precious to someone like Blake. In hindsight, Weiss wanted to punch herself.
Blake's ears had folded over sheepishly. The Faunus had been embarrassed and ashamed. I can read. She had defended. My parents taught me before… before.
Another knock on the door interrupted Weiss from her thoughts. This time, however, the door didn't automatically burst open.
"You can come in Neptune," Weiss called out.
The door slowly pushed open. In stumbled Blake wearing a white v-neck shirt with sleeves that cut off midway down her arms, black pants with a purple hip-cape and a black belt. It was simple yet sleek and just so… perfectly Blake.
"My lady," Blake curtsied.
Weiss gave a pleased smile. "You look really good Blake."
"Thank you. I hope it suits your tastes."
"I hope it suits your tastes," Weiss shot back with a warning expression. "Does it?"
"Yes, I am extremely pleased." Blake beamed, causing Weiss to swoon.
Weiss decided then that a trip to her personal library was just what the doctor ordered.
Books.
Tens of thousands of millions of books.
All just sitting on the shelves just waiting for her to read.
Blake was going to hyperventilate in excitement.
"Calm down, I'm not getting rid of any of them any time soon." Weiss teased in amusement. "Take your pick."
"Thank you," Blake responded with tears in her eyes, taking Weiss' hands and squeezing them. "Thank you so much." She couldn't even begin to express her gratitude. Food, a roof over her head, new comfortable clothing, a chance to read. This was more than she had ever hoped for. She was so happy, she forgot.
Slaves weren't allowed to initiate physical contact with humans. Such an act would be interpreted as assault.
Quickly, Blake tried to pull her hands back, erase her mistake. But Weiss reacted swiftly, holding on tightly. When Blake looked up to meet Lady Weiss' eyes, she only saw warmth and understanding.
How could Blake have ever thought that Lady Weiss was someone cold and unfeeling? Lady Weiss had the most beautiful soul Blake ever had the fortune of encountering.
"How many can I read?" Blake finally asked, looking back at the shelves upon shelves of famous literature.
"All of them, eventually," Lady Weiss responded generously. She waved a dainty hand at Blake, prodding her onward. "You choose, I'm going to take a seat over there. Take your time." With that, the princess glided away.
Blake finally settled on a fantasy novel as her first pick forty-five minutes later. She had been meticulous, reading the backs of an assorted collection of novels from all genres and seriously weighing the pros and cons of each before deciding. Satisfied, she made her way back to where Weiss said she'd be waiting. As she prodded over, Blake noted she was hearing a steady breathing and a rhythmic heartbeat.
Lady Weiss fell asleep. Blake knew before she even arrived.
The Faunus found herself standing over the tiny sleeping figure on the couch, a report just dangling in her hand.
Take care of Weiss, okay? Lady Goodwitch had spoken up abruptly midway through her sewing.
I don't understand.
The girl works too hard and sleeps too little. And she's always stressed about one thing or another. Especially recently, she has so much on her plate right now. She needs some good in her life.
Okay?
There's something about you that's special. Lady Goodwitch had said, pausing in her work to look Blake in the eyes. Please take care of her.
Blake quietly sat herself down on the couch. Gently, she maneuvered Lady Weiss' head so that it was laying on her lap. That had to be more comfortable than the sprawl Lady Weiss was in before. Carefully, Blake dislodged the report the angel had been reading and set it on the coffee table in front of her.
This may be a stupid question. Blake had asked this morning, feeling turnabout was fair play but still unsure nonetheless.
I told you I would never punish you for asking questions. Weiss had huffed, impatient.
Okay. What about you?
What about me what?
What would you wish for if you could have any one thing you wanted?
Weiss had smiled sadly. That's easy.
Okay?
I wish I had someone I could trust completely with my whole heart.
"You made my wish come true," Blake whispered softly to the sleeping body, stroking the silvery strands with free hand.
"I will do everything in my power to grant yours."