Weiss Schnee

Strange how even though she had spent not even a month at this castle, it retained the cold feeling of strength from her childhood home just by knowing her father was in it. Even if he was only human, his aura was enough to turn any building, kingdom, even country to a cold shell. Strange again then... how Ruby seemed to have the opposite effect in that small workshop of hers.

She had to mentally prepare herself once the carriage came to a stop. People ready to greet her already standing just outside, would they be nobles this time? Knights? Perhaps her mother here to invite her for a chat... Weiss couldn't stand those anymore. Not after her mother brought wine to a tea party.

Instead it was a pleasent suprise. She stepped out onto the paved stone, looking up at the castle. The structure felt old, its construction was more recent then Atlas's own castle, yet Ozpin had somehow managed to make the structure feel older then it was. It's feeling of strength was more subtle, she knew it could take quite a beating as any castle could, yet the specialised knights guarding its halls made it feel safer then even the Schnee palace.

Looking down towards the doors however, she was greeted with the one ready to welcome her. The woman was stiff, she radiated with military might and control, her eyes hinting with steel like strength. Most people would feel intimidated, how could you not?

"Winter!" Weiss nearly ran forward with excitement, she managed to contain herself once she had reached her sister and greeted her with a courtly bow.

"Weiss. I expected you here, you could imagine my suprise when all that greeted me was fathers locked door." Skipping the 'hello' as always, Winter leaned in and wrapped Weiss in an awkward hug. It looked stiff and uncomfortable for the older girl, but Weiss had to repress a noise of content. So rare did Winter show signs of affection that she welcomed each and every one, even with the older Schnee's icy cold skin.

"I apologise for my tardiness... Father sent me to check on a... 'financial' matter..." Weiss wasn't sure if she should tell Winter about Ruby yet, she trusted her sister, but she knew that having Ruby under contract before she told anyone of her would be the smart decision.

"On your own? I didn't see any guards when you returned." Winter broke the hug and held Weiss by the shoulders outstretched, seemingly to check her for injuries.

Weiss knew it was really because the older Schnee had hit her limit with the length of the hug.

"I had guards... well... guard singular." Weiss held up her Scroll with a smile and Winter's expression dropped for a moment.

"You trust that thing too much..." Winter sighed out, which Weiss one scoffed at.

"The Arma Gigas is a-!"

" -"Top of the line golem that can bring down an alpha Grimm." I know Weiss. Just because you have that with you at all times doesn't mean you'll be safe if someone were to sneak up on you." Winter put on her best expression of worry, the emotion didn't sit right on her face.

"It's not like father cared..." Weiss looked away as she muttered. Winter pulled the girl in for another hug, much tighter this time. The words Winter wanted to say, left unsaid.

"Because he dosent care about you."

"-They are a travesty!!" His voice echoed down the hall. Weiss had often wondered if her father had some kind of magic item that amplified his voice, and this wasn't helping.

"He's been like this since I arrived."

"Is it still just him and Ozpin in there...?"

"As far as I'm aware."

"Then it's been like this since I left." Weiss and Winter both sighed at the same time. With one more turn of a corner they could finally see the door that hid there father.

Stationed outside were three people, all of which practically dripped with magic. Weiss could taste it in the air, the three of them standing so close was more intense then Ozpin. Perhaps that said more about that man then them however.

"Ah. Winter, you've returned."

"With company I see!" The blonde woman's eye twitched at his shouting, Weiss nearly found it funny... but given the situation.

"I don't care how strong they are!!" Her fathers voice rung through the door to the council chamber again.

The third man sighed, General Ironwood. As Weiss recalled.

"I could be doing so much more useful things with today." He nearly groaned out.

"Come now James! Its been so long since we've spent some time together!" This man was... Weiss tried not to judge based on appearances but... His facial hair took up most of his face and where she would expect defined muscles on a Guard she found... not that.

"GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!!" The door calmly opened with that final scream from her father. A man with grey hair that looked a little too young for it, carrying nothing but a cane and a mug that still had steam coming from it somehow, calmly walked out.

"Port, Glynda. I believe that is enough for today." His voice was calm, and Weiss was somehow more intimidated by his lack of fear towards her father then her father himself. As he stepped forward to move down the hall with the blonde woman and the moustached man, he paused at Weiss.

"Ah. Princess." He bowed his head. "I trust your meeting with my researcher went well?" Weiss could nearly see him setting the cards down as they begun to play, readying herself, she begun.

"Yes. I have decided that the crown will no longer be funding said researcher."

"Can I trust that this situation needs no further action then?"

"I may speak about it to you in private if it comes to that. I trust however, that I already have all I need?" Ozpin smiled at that.

"Yes. Good day Princess." He bowed his head once more and the three continued down the hall. "How did you make sure Qrow didn't show?" She heard Ozpin ask Glynda.

"I told him he'd have to keep his mouth shut and that was enough." The blonde responded as they continued out of earshot.

Ironwood approached and Winter somehow managed to straighten her posture even more.

"General Ironwood." Somehow that counted as a greeting.

"Schnee. You'll accompany me, I have business to take care of and you need to get your bearings of this place." He held his arms behind his back, seemingly being forced to act professional thanks to Winters own professional attitude.

"Understood Sir."

"My apologies Princess, but I believe the King is in a bad mood." Ironwood bowed his head.

"When isn't he?" Weiss put her hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow. Winter nearly squirmed.

Ironwood laughed in response. "Ill save my thoughts on that to myself and keep my head." He bowed once more and he and Winter set off. Weiss only treated him so casually to mess with her sister, and she was glad the General seemed to enjoy it as well.

Still, that was enough joy for one day. She stepped into the council room and put on a face of calm and control. Her father was was waiting afterall...

Best not keep the devil waiting.