Ruby shivered in the early morning, shouldering her pack and rubbing her neck. Up above the lone form of a seagull circled overhead around the mast of the Fairing Lady, the merchant ship they'd be sailing on. Beside her Weiss tried and failed to stifle a yawn, and Ruby smiled. In her foggy, morning mindset, she found that Weiss made her oddly giddy.

Qrow stood behind them both like a looming watchdog. He was quiet and tense, glancing at every shadow with suspicion. The deck of the Fairing Lady buzzed with activity as its crew finished with the preparations. A loud snap and a shout of alarm made Ruby jump. She looked around for the source, but she couldn't find it. With a shrug, she shifted her weight to the other foot.

Then a man in a white coat that brushed against the heels of his leather thigh boots came out from the captain's cabin, a wide brimmed hat of matching color held to his head with one hand. He approached them with a confident swagger and a stern face. When Ruby looked into his eyes, she found they were steely grey. They had a cold, calculating look to them, and Ruby internally shied from him when he got closer.

"Ah, Qrow. You're right on time. I like that in a man." He said. His voice was smooth and strong, to match his handsome features and stature. Ruby's eyes fell to the silver hilt at his waist. It resembled that of a cutlass. "I regret to say that we'll be a little late. How about me and you go to the tavern and have a drink before sailing?"

Ruby looked up at Qrow, who's expression was blank. She felt Weiss stiffen beside her.

"Sure thing, Jack. I could use one." He said to the merchant. Ruby looked at Weiss, who was busy scrutinizing the man. He noticed her and smiled. It was friendly, for a moment, and then it turned into curiosity.

"Say, I know it's not much of my business, but I was wondering what your business is about." His tone was polite enough, but Ruby bristled anyways.

"You're right, it's not really anyone's business but mine own. We're hunters doing hunter things. Leave it at that." Qrow was equally polite, but the warning was there. Jack looked away from Weiss and shrugged.

"Suits me. What isn't my business isn't my business."

Qrow nodded in agreement. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd have the girls load up onto the ship now."

Jack looked them both up and down, appraising. Ruby didn't feel violated, like she expected she would have. There was no lust of hunger in his eyes, only obvious concern about letting two strangers onto his ship. After a wait, he said, "Suits me. You can keep yourself to my cabin. Touch anything, and I'll know. There's some whisky, if you're interested."

Then he and Qrow walked off towards Coattails & Veils. As they entered the building, Ruby heard a chuckle from Jack.

"In my honest opinion, I think it's rude." Weiss said, undignified. Ruby nodded vehemently.

"Definitely rude. But, it's not every day you get to see the inside of a captain's cabin, is it?" She said, attempting to brighten the situation.

Weiss looked at her thoughtfully with bleary eyes. "Why, yes, I suppose you're right. I've never actually been on a ship before. I hear it's an experience."

Ruby grinned. "See? It's not so bad! Besides, Uncle Qrow and Jack won't be badgering us for a while."

Weiss nodded. "Qrow is good at that. Jack gives me an odd feeling, though. He seems more than a merchant. Did you notice the cutlass?"

Ruby agreed. "Yeah, he's... Uh, discon... Dishcen... Conerting..."

"Disconcerting."

"Thank you!" Ruby blushed, feeling foolish. Perhaps she was better with swordplay, but Weiss outmatched her when it came to vocabulary by quite a wide margin.

"Come, let's see these captain quarters." Weiss said, taking the lead.

Ruby fell in behind her. Her excitement and anticipation almost boiled over when she stepped onto the wooden plank connecting the boat to the dock. It was stable and solid beneath her feet, where the dark and grey water sloshed and frothed against the wooden poles. She remembered her first time on a boat, on her journey to Atlas from Vale. She remembered the crew telling her plenty of stories about the dark depths of the sea, and how many secrets, treasures and monsters it held. It was equally enchanting and terrifying. Ruby's thoughts sobered themselves then, to a manageable level.

None of the men looked up at them as they passed. They were all busy fixing whatever they had broken, which was apparently, from what Ruby could garner, a very important piece of machinery for the ship. She didn't know what piece it was or what functions it performed, but the men laboured heavily in their damp breeches and thin shirts.

The captain's cabin turned out to be spacious and well adorned. There was a thick, mahogany desk to one end of the room with a sea chart spread out along its surface, paper weights holding the four corners down. A single dagger with a jewelled hilt was plunged deep into the heart of the chart, as if it was some marker. Journals and stray papers were strewn around the desk without care, or so it seemed to Ruby.

A bookcase stood against another wall, nailed into the planks of wood to keep it from sliding when the waves got rough. A collection of books, some with titles in languages Ruby couldn't read, filled the spaces in between the selves. Most of them looked old and well worn, but a few were almost royal looking, with gold and silver inlays and letters so delicately engraved into the spine that they must have taken weeks to write.

On the final wall was a bed, which didn't look anywhere even close to as comfy as Weiss' own bed, but appeared to be much more pleasant than the mattress in the Coattails & Veils tavern room they shared.

A half filled bottle of whisky sat open upon a small table beside the bed.

"He must be really rich." Ruby exclaimed, tracing a careful finger along the title of a book she didn't know. Hitorium Etna Remnant. It was old. The book was thick, and sadly, Ruby didn't know the language.

"Yes, wealthy indeed. I figured such from what I saw of the ship." Weiss observed, leaning over the sea chart.

Ruby pouted, regretting that she wasn't as well versed in the world as her partner was. A thought occurred to her. "Hey, Weiss, can you read this?" She asked, pulling out a book and presenting it to Weiss.

She hissed in annoyance, snatching the book from Ruby. "We were directed not to touch anything other than the whisky." Then she looked at the book's title. The leather was old and scarred, and the pages yellowed and curled. "I have no idea what language this is written in. It resembles Vacuo, but I can't be certain." She said, thumbing through the pages.

Ruby shrugged. At least Weiss didn't know it all. Weiss put it back on the shelf for her, then knelt down and started muttering off titles to herself. Ruby let her be and tried to make sense of the sea chart, which she utterly failed to do. With a sigh she sat herself down on the soft mattress, content enough to watch Weiss and listen to the sounds of the crew members.

Weiss let out a pleased gasp and pulled a book off the shelf. "I haven't ever seen such a splendid copy of this one, ever." She muttered.

"What one?"

Weiss looked up and blinked at Ruby. She looked startled, as if she had forgotten Ruby was there, before presenting the book to Ruby. "It's a complete collection of a very esteemed poet. His pen name is Jac, One-Man Army. No one actually knows his real name, though a lot of historians and collectors of such novelties have tried." Weiss sat down beside Ruby, obviously delighted.

Ruby stared at the dyed blue leather cover, then shrugged. "Oh. I thought it was something about, like, I don't know. Atlas or something." She said, interest dimming. She wasn't too keen about poetry.

Weiss gave her a queer look. "Ruby, I'm very much proud of my nation and its accomplishments, but even I am not as infatuated by Atlas as you seem to be. Whatever is with your attraction to those cold mountains?"

"It's different. It's got a lot of cool customs and really awesome people. Reading the history about your people is like reading a really great story or something. It's crazy, some of the things you guys have done." Ruby answered easily. Weiss' eyes gleamed, and she sat straighter.

"Thank you. I understand." She said proudly. Ruby had to absorb the giggle that rose in her throat. She knew that Weiss was going to strut like a lord, now.

Dawn smote the grey-blue skies before Qrow and Jack returned, the blazing sun streaking the waters in brilliant rays of gold. All of Travesty was lit up with the shades of red, pink, orange and yellow, the colors clamouring together to make a dazzling spectacle. Ruby had her face pressed up against the porthole window of the cabin when the door opened, admitting the merry pair of Jack and Qrow.

"I've never once heard tell of such an outrageous tale, Qrow. Aye, you're a man I'm glad to have upon my deck!"

Qrow wheezed, and Ruby turned to look at him curiously. Tears brimmed his eyes, and his face held a red flush. "Y-you never know, Jack! Perhaps if you're unlucky enough, we can experience it this very trip!"

The two dissolved into an uproar of laughter and broken sentences, the humour completely lost on both Weiss and Ruby. Jack fell into his chair at the desk and laughed with Qrow until they began to get control over themselves. After they were done, Qrow seemed to return to his more reserved self. "Jack, as fun as it is here in Travesty, we really need to get going. We're late."

Both the girls turned to face the two men. Weiss, who had still been engorging herself within the pages of her poetry book, discretely set the tome down behind her.

Jack breathed a sigh and banished the rest of his chuckling. "You're right. I'll give the order, then. You three wait here." He bid them, getting up and leaving the cabin.

Ruby heard Jack shout the order to set sails, which was followed by a loud cheer and the thump of a drum being played somewhere on board. Slowly it ebbed itself up into a loud and hasty beat. Weiss and Ruby looked at one another in discomfort; neither enjoyed the drum.

A grin did seem to threaten to break out upon Weiss' face as the vessel pushed away from the pier and gained momentum. The sail was unfurled and caught the wind immediately, and the sounds of the oars splashing in the water managed to keep up with the drum.

"There you are, girls. You can stop worrying; you're safe aboard the Fairing Lady." Jack said eventually, after the drum had died away. The oars stopped soon enough as well, the momentum of the ship carrying itself forward. A burly man with hairy arms and an unwashed beard poked his head in through the cabin door, reporting on the status of the ship. It was all good, he said, and that they were on course. Jack smiled and waved him off.

"It's a shame you picked such a cold time of year to sail the seas, hunter. There are many sights to see along this route, no doubt about it. Have you ever seen Nevermore Roost? Nay, I doubt it. Tall as the tallest spires in all of Remnant. Its length reaches up into the clouds, and it would take an entire week just to circle its base." Jack lamented, grabbing Ruby's attention.

"Are you telling the truth? I've never heard of something that big, and you think that anything that huge wouldn't be hard to miss!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Aye," Jack said, nodding his head solemnly. His white hat dipped so far that it covered his entire face. "The Nevermore Roost is a sight to see. I've only seen it once, and only from a distance. You can't see them, but you can surely hear the Grimm that reside there. Best to steer away from it in most cases, but I wanted it marked on my map. Would hate to run into it on chance."

Ruby breathed in wonder, her mouth shaped like an 'O'. Weiss seemed unimpressed, likely that she'd heard of it already.

"It's just as he says, believe it or not. I've seen it a few times." Qrow admitted, and there was no trace of sarcasm on his voice. Now Weiss seemed interested. Jack nodded seriously again, then waved his hand.

"Enough with talk about landmarks! There are more important things to discuss. Such as payment for ferrying you lot across."

Ruby and Weiss looked at Qrow in confusion, who in turn looked at Jack in similar manner. "Far as I could tell, the payment was my protection."

Jack agreed by dipping his head. Then he got out of the chair, strode to the end table and retrieved the whisky, which he filled a shot glass with. "Aye, so it was. And that was how it was going to be. That is, of course, until I realized who it was I was giving a ride to. The princess of Atlas, Weiss Schnee." As he said this, he leaned forward and put his elbows on the desk, resting his chin in both hands.

The cabin fell deathly silent as everyone but Qrow looked at Jack in open shock. "Surely you're mistaken, I am not who you say I am!" Weiss proclaimed, standing up on her feet.

"So you say, but your brooch betrays you." He said, looking directly at the aforementioned jewelry.

Weiss paled, looking down at the piece of royal jewellery that Qrow had given her shortly before they arrived at Travesty. She hadn't worn it in the city for this reason. Now it hung in full display against her white leather breast, bare for all to see and guess her identity. With a red face she stuffed it on the inside of her coat.

"Now that we're all done keeping secrets, I'd appreciate some open words. Originally I was only transporting three hunters. Now I'm transporting two hunters and the Atlesian Princess herself?" Jack took off his hat to reveal a head of stark white hair. He set the brimmed hat on the edge of his desk before taking a seat on the mahogany surface himself. "Things have changed, and I'd like my payment in the form of information. From what I knew, the princess wasn't due to leave for another year or two to come. I'd hate to have to bring you in for kidnapping the heiress." He turned a scrutinizing eye to Weiss, then. "But you don't seem like you're being stolen."

Qrow scowled at Weiss, who tried to sternly hold his gaze before looking away, disquieted. Then Qrow sighed and leaned against the door. "Alright, alright. We didn't steal any princesses; both the king and the Huntsman Guild are in agreement that we needed to speed this along. We're running out of time to counter the Grimm threats, so we're taking Weiss back to Vale in order to train her faster. It's incredibly important that this doesn't reach the public. The king himself vehemently requests as such."

Jack nodded wisely at the end, as if he has suspected all this. "So, the Grimm are really that big of a problem now. Well, as a merchant of trade, I make my fortune off of both goods and gossip. However, if the king wishes it so, your secret is safe with me." He declared, giving Weiss a wink. She didn't see it, though, occupied as she was with the hem of her sleeves.

"You have my appreciation. Now, if you'll kindly excuse, we'll be retiring to our own quarters now." Qrow said.

Jack nodded, sitting himself behind his desk, turning to compass, and sea chart. "Suits me. I'll come calling for you later, good Qrow. Don't you doubt it."

Qrow grunted in recognition and pushed the door open, perhaps a little too hard. Ruby and Weiss both got up and followed him out onto the deck. They winced a little when Qrow closed the door in a similar manner. He muttered curses on his way down below deck, where they found the first mate's quarters, which Qrow had paid for.

Inside, Qrow let out a frustrated growl and sat himself down on a red cushioned chair. "That," He said, directing a glare at Weiss, "Was a heavy mistake."

Weiss scowled darkly but offered no retort. Ruby, however, was confused. "How so? Jack said he'd keep it a secret, right?"

Qrow looked at her with exasperation. His expression changed to one of reassignment after a moment, obviously realizing who it was he was addressing. "It is deadly, Ruby, because of where, and who, learnt of it. Any one of the crew could have been eavesdropping. A hunter on board a merchant's ship is abnormal in itself. Today, there are three."

Ruby looked at him quizzically. "Why does it matter so much if the world knows that we're training early? Wouldn't that be a good thing?"

Qrow shook his head, frustration clouding his face. "Not so, pipsqueak. If the populace knew of this, they would draw to only one conclusion; we are running out of time. And right they would be."

Ruby sat down in a chair like Qrow's, a sullen look on her face. Weiss stood with her head bowed. Above them were the sounds of the crew talking loudly to each other, voices muffled through the thick planks of wood.

A frown creased Ruby's face. "Well, what if we tell them we're not running out of time? They'd believe us, we're hunters!"

Qrow was quiet, then shrugged. "It could work. But evidence puts that lie to rest. We wouldn't be able to hold up such a facade for long. We're caught in the debt of a merchant of Travesty. I'd rather chew off my own leg, stick it and roast it on a fire to eat."

The image made Ruby squirm in discomfort. Weiss sighed and sat on the edge of a single bed. "My apologies, master Qrow. Do forgive me." Her voice was quiet when she spoke.

Qrow nodded, "Don't sweat it too much. Hide the brooch; the last thing we could use now is a dull witted lout to come along and gather himself quite the rumour." He then flicked his wrist, as if waving the issue away.

Weiss obediently pulled the brilliant piece of jewellery from around her neck and placed it within one of her many coat pockets. Qrow nodded with satisfaction, took out his flask, and took a deep swig.

"But Jack seems like a good person!" Ruby protested.

Qrow shrugged again. "Maybe."

Ruby looked over to Weiss, who was looking at the floor of the cabin with such an intensity she thought the wood would break under such a gaze. Obviously Weiss was troubled, but other than her expressionless face it didn't show. Ruby wanted to console her, but she was presented with an obstacle in not knowing how. So instead she twisted her hands and kicked her feet, watching both Qrow and Weiss. When it became apparent that neither were going to discuss it anymore, Ruby excused herself and left for the deck.

Up here, the cold was harsh and the air was moist with salt-water spray. She buried her hands in her cloak and stood by the railing, watching the dark waters ripple with discontent. In the distance she could see white caps rising with the waves and crashing back down into the mighty sea bed. Looking around, she could see nothing but the endless grey expanse. It made her feel tiny and insignificant compared to the size of the world. She frowned.

She wishes there was something to be done about the situation. She couldn't think of one, however. It made her wish she was as good with people as Weiss and Qrow were.

The sound of approaching footsteps, presumably Weiss', reached Ruby from behind. She didn't turn to look as the princess came to stand next to her. "I'm afraid I've made a mess of things." She said.

Weiss' white alabaster blew rebelliously around her face. With a huff she reached up and tucked it behind her ear, leaving a few unruly strands behind. In her white and black leather, reinforced with engraved silver bands around her gloves, thighs, shoulders and boots, she cut a beautiful and powerful figure. Against the grey backdrop and coupled with her gloomy expression, she seemed haunting.

"We all make mistakes, Weiss. No one is flawless, not even you." Ruby told her with a reassuring smile.

Weiss considered her words for a moment and then nodded. "I suppose not. Yet, how can I not be, when I'm so important to the world, when the people of Remnant are relying on my added strength to their struggling armies? It's a larger burden than I thought it would be." She said, and too Ruby's surprise, leaned into her shoulder.

After the initial shock, Ruby nodded sagely, silently agreeing. "I don't know, Weiss. I think we can only do as best we can and nothing more."

When Weiss looked her in the eyes, Ruby noted something that left her confused; pity. "That makes sense. Still, a lot of trouble could have been saved if I'd remembered to hide the brooch. It's a shame."

Ruby, distracted by Weiss' odd look, simply nodded. They both turned back to the water and watched the horizon.

A sense of longing and sorrow brewed within Ruby, but so too did anticipation and excitement. She was weary of the road, and longed for Vale, her home.

I'll be home soon, dad.

Here it is, the fifth chapter! Finally heading for Vale. One can only hope they make it without any mishaps. Thanks for reading and supporting the story! You guys are awesome!

Too the Guest Reviewer; I see. Fair enough! I deeply appreciate your reviews. They're wordy, well written, and bring up a warranted concern that I hope I address for you and all other readers to present a decent story.

Much love! -Aegis