Weiss Schnee
"You're sure this is it?"
"Of course." Weiss felt her eyebrow twitch in response.
"Positive?"
"Ms Schnee, please believe that I have done more then my fair share of research on the matter."
"The irony in researching a researcher..." Weiss sighed and flipped the document over again. That was perhaps the strangest part. There was only one document, usually a person would have a full binder of information. "Ruby really does have a one track mind."
"In our last discussion you seemed to imply that we wouldn't be having a meeting about this."
"That was before you came to me for 'tea'." Ozpin looked offended at that.
"There's nothing wrong with tea. Though I do prefer coffee." He chuckled to himself lightly and took another sip.
Weiss sighed and looked down at the paper again, she had to concentrate on it... surely she was missing something? And what better a place then this to read the same paper over and over again. They sat in under a gazebo located in the centre of the garden, Weiss had to wonder if Ozpin was annoyed about having to be invited to what used to be his castle.
The gardens were quite beautiful, every kind of flower that could be imagined was here, they were only a short distance away from a fountain, and on the opposite side an equal distance away was a statue of a man slaying a Beowolf.
"No doubt a monument to the hero..."
She scolded herself mentally and focused on the document.
"Ruby Rose... age eighteen... human... father Taiyang Xiao Long... mother Summer Rose... father hell hound... mother human..." She sighed again. The rest of it was personal details that got more embarrassing to read the more she did. The princess was sure that whatever made Ruby special wasn't hidden in her grades at school.
"She didn't pursue any further education or training... the only thing she has been doing these past five years... has been researching the Dragon Formula..."
"Her family are all Hunters. There actually quite well off." Ozpin noted before looking into the garden, smiling at a pair of birds.
"I've been meaning to ask... can you tell me more about these 'Hunters'?" That caught the older man's attention.
"If I answer that, will you answer a question for me?" Weiss rolled her eyes.
"If I must."
"The Hunters are an elite organisation of knights. Well, that's what there meant to be. In truth there more like mercenaries that happen to listen to the council as we have the biggest pockets." He took a sip of his coffee. "They are all far stronger then your average soldier or knight, most of them arent human, some faunas, some creatures. But they all excel at one thing." He smiled at that.
"And that is?"
"Killing whatever you pay them to kill." He held his smile and it was oddly unnerving. "Though most of the time thats Grimm."
"You said her familes are Hunters... anyone important?"
"Yang Xiao Long and her wife are both high grade Hunters. Between them they have amassed quite the fortune, though they have somewhat settled down as of late. Looking at them you wouldnt expect it, but there both well into there forties in human years." He sighed almost blissfully. "I miss when other Hunters would complain about them taking all of the contracts. Then of course there's Ruby and Yangs uncle. One Qrow Branwen."
"Branwen?? As in-"
"Raven Branwen. Qrows sister, and Yangs mother."
"And this Qrow is... a Hunter?" Ozpin nodded.
"He reports directly to me and is by far the most powerful Hunter at my disposal. Though if Glynda were to rejoin she would likely give him a run for his money." He chuckled a little.
Weiss re-examined this information. Ruby may not be special... but she was surrounded by people who were very special. Her father may not seem like much at first, but any man that could catch Raven Branwen's attention was worth looking into. That criminal was almost as bad as some of the White Fang leaders.
"My personal theory Ms Schnee?" He paused to have a drink, he really loved to do that. "Ruby seeks to be special because she is surrounded by those that already are." Weiss looked at the paper again, and frowned.
If she was holding the personal documents of Yang Xiao Long... or Qrow Branwen... she knew they would be folders of information and documents... all Ruby had was a singular piece of paper.
"Now. As for my question." Ozpin smiled and Weiss had to repress a groan.
"On with it..."
"You're soon approaching twenty-one years of age princess... May I ask why is it you have yet to marry?" Weiss felt her face grow a tinge of pink and she struggled with words for a moment before sighing... it was only fair.
"In truth... my Father has simply not had time yet... with the war with Mantel... dealing with the White Fang... and now taking over Vale... since I reached the age to be wed my father has been too distracted to notice my hand is still my own... to be honest..." She looked away. "I fear he might notice now that things are calming down..." Ozpin nodded at this.
"And is it that you believe Ruby's research holds the key to your deciding how your life will be here on out?" Weiss looked away a little.
"In truth? Yes. My father is many things... Greedy being near the top of that list. But..." She smiled confidently. "If I held in my hand a way to become a Dragon? He'd let me do whatever i want in order to try and get a taste himself."
"Hmm... this is harder then I thought." Weiss jumped a little as the carriage went over another rock and she nearly screamed in annoyance. It was quite difficult to read or write on such a bumpy road, and her own lack of skill in this area wasn't helping.
She wished she could have simply delegated someone to drawing up Ruby's contract... but it wasn't that simple. Anyone she hired or ordered to do it would likely report what Ruby was doing to her father. She needed Ruby to sign the contract first... then she could look for help. Probably starting with Winter.
The carriage came to a stop and the princess stepped out quickly, returning the carriage to her Scroll with a flash of light then approaching the familiar building. It hadn't technically been a week yet, but she had finished sooner then expected. The sooner she securely had Ruby on her side, the better, so she needed to do this for them both.
"And to look into those silver eyes again..."
She paused and her brow furrowed as she thought about that. Where had that come from?
Shaking her head, she took the last step to the door and-
"Still don't know how to open it?" She didn't jump this time. She definitely did not jump.
"Why aren't you in there??" Weiss yelled in frustration. "And I was about to open it!"
"Oh well i was going to buy snacks." Ruby smiled as she held up her... food.
"Please tell me you have actual meals at your home..." Weiss looked at Ruby with a mix of disappointment and worry.
"Well... not to sure honestly. Let's go up and check!" Ruby smiled and walked over to the door, but Weiss grabbed her arm and gently turned her to look into her eyes.
"Ruby... do you live in your workshop?"
"Uhh... Yeah...?" Ruby glanced down at where Weiss was holding her.
"That space isn't big enough Ruby..." The disappointment had fallen and only worry was present. Ruby looked away, her eyes showing her mental war she was having with herself.
"Weiss...? Your human right...? How do you deal with... n-nevermind." She opened the door and practically shot inside. Weiss shook her head with a sigh.
"I'll wait till she brings that up again to ask..."
"Well?"
"Umm..."
"Come now Ruby, if you need some time to consider it just tell me."
"N-no it's not that... just... this budget..."
"Oh? I was sure that would be enough." Ruby groaned as she looked at the number again, she was intimidated just thinking about it.
"I couldnt spend all of this if I tried Weiss..."
"Clearly you don't know where to take your Lien then... So it is enough?" Weiss raised an eyebrow.
"Weiss... it's too much." Ruby sat crossed legged on the floor surrounded by different papers and rolls of parchment. The main magic circle was only a foot away from her, and she was looking between the paper in front of her and Weiss who was sitting on the edge of her bed.
"I don't actually expect you to spend that much Ruby. All of your purchases will have to be approved first." The princess held a light smile on her face as she spoke.
"I don't imagine I would ever have to spend half of this in a month..."
"It's better that it's set higher then you'll ever expect you need. A contract can't be changed very easily afterall." She crossed her arms and held more of a smirk now.
"I mean... i guess...? Whats this part about a witness...?" Ruby looked a little worried.
"A witness is simply there to strengthen the contract. Only one needs to be present, but theres nobody i trust enough to bring in... i was hoping you would have an idea?" Normally she wouldve contacted Winter, but the older Schnee held loyalty to Ironwood now, and Weiss didnt want to test that.
Weiss stood and stretched her arms a bit, she caught Ruby averting her eyes and smiled. She had worn a more simple outfit then in there first meeting, though most clothing could be called simple next to a royal dress. Her top was a bright blue that exposed most of her neck, with a white jacket covering her arms, her skirt matched the colouring of her top, and her boots which reached just below her knees matched her jacket. An outfit usually not fit for a princess that should be seen in all times in a dress, but Winter had given her a few outfits that she was a fan of.
"I have two ideas... but..." Ruby looked down and sighed which caused Weiss to tilt her head.
"Can you call either over?"
"You want to do this now??" Her exasperation was actually stronger on her face then in her voice.
"The sooner I can get you out of this workshop the better in my opinion." The red-headed girl let out a sigh and after a few seconds of silence a nod. She rose and opened a drawer on her desk, pulling out a small clear orb that fit in her palm. She rested it on a small stand that charged with mana and rested her hand on top of it.
"Blake Xiao Long." She whispered it out and Weiss's tilted her head, she had seen hand held Scrying Orbs before, but never one with a stand. Perhaps it was custom made.
The orb went opaque before changing to show an ebony haired woman with cat ears wearing a small smile.
"Ruby? Its been ages since you've called. Anything wrong?" The faunas had worry in her voice.
"N-no. Everything's great..!" Weiss's eyes went wide at the sudden switch it Ruby's demeanour.
"Ok. Did you need anything then? If you just wanted to talk I'm here for you."
"Well umm.. W-weiss is here and-"
"What!?" The sudden yell had Ruby repressing a whimper. "I'm on my way."
"B-blake??"
"Whatever we need to discuss, we can talk about in person." The orb grew opaque again before returning clear. Ruby seemed at a loss for words and slowly turned to Weiss.
"Well, she's coming over. That's what we wanted-"
"I have to clean!!" Ruby suddenly yelled before racing around the room. Weiss was a bit suprised at how fast the girl moved... and a little offended that Ruby hadn't cleaned for her.
"Hello, I am Weiss Schnee. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Weiss held a welcoming smile at the faunas... which was more difficult then she'd like to admit. Blake was surprisingly beautiful, Weiss was always thrown through a loop whenever she was introduced to a non-human. Being told that someone who looked the same age as her or younger was actually forty or three hundred was something she would never get used to.
"Schnee." Blake's aggression wasn't exaclty subtle, hell she was standing between Weiss and Ruby. "Ruby what is she doing here?"
"Weiss is here for the contract and-"
"You're signing...?" Blake looked at Ruby with a sullen expression.
"I... Y-yes..." Ruby looked away from her and tugged gently at her cloak.
Weiss looked between the two and knew this was just going to get more awkward.
"The contract is ready, all that we need is a witness, which is why Ruby called you." Blake's eyes snapped back to the princess and Weiss had to stop herself from gulping.
"Let me read it." Blake wasn't asking, and it wasn't like Ruby could stop her so...
The tension was powerful as Weiss waited, the faunas must have reread the thing five times, by the time she spoke Weiss cursed herself for not sitting.
"The funding is... generous.." Blake glanced at Weiss. "Where would her new workshop be?" Ruby's shoulders sunk.
"Closer to the castle then here." Weiss brushed off the question but Blake doubled down.
"Where." Weiss didn't waste much time telling her where after that. Blake carefully considered it, then looked back at Ruby. "I want a key." Ruby winced a little and Weiss tilted her head.
"That isn't an issue for me. Though is that all the questions you have?" Blake looked back at Weiss now and crossed her arms.
"What does that mean?"
"You're quite protective of Ruby... I expected some questions about what I'll be having her do once she's cracked the Formula."
"Why would that matter-" Blake caught herself too late and clasped her hands over her mouth. With wide eyes she slowly turned back to Ruby, but the girl already had her hood over her head, trying to be cut off from the world. "Ruby I...-"
"...Can we just sign this thing...?" Ruby's voice lacked emotion, and Weiss hated it. She wanted to slap Blake for having so little confidence in Ruby... but that would do more damage to Weiss then the faunas.
The contract itself wasn't difficult. Ruby's magic circle already doubled as a general ritual circle so they simply had to start.
"Alight. Are you ready?" Ruby simply nodded in reply. Weiss sighed and rolled the contract up before placing it in the middle of the circle. "Then... I, Weiss Schnee offer this contract."
"I, Ruby Rose... accept this contract." Ruby's voice was still empty.
"I, Blake Xiao Long... witness this contract." Blake was standing just outside the circle, she looked so guilty, Weiss nearly felt bad for her.
The circle glowed with a deep blue before the paper in the middle burned away with a deep blue flame that seemed to produce no heat. Weiss felt a pulse as the contract was branded onto her soul and she watched Ruby wince as she felt the same.
"I'll have your things moved to your new workshop. It should only take a couple of days." Weiss was holding Ruby's hands, her carriage was behind her ready to go, but she needed to ask first...
"Ruby? Why not stay with Yang and I until then?" Blake offered hopefully, and Weiss nearly growled at the Faunas for beating her to it.
Ruby's head was still hanging, and she looked away slightly from Blake, Weiss grip tighted on the girls hands and she smiled.
"Ruby," She whispered. "Do you want to stay with me until then? I don't mind if you stay with Blake but, I just don't want you going back in that workshop." Weiss reached up and brushed some of Rubys hair from her face. Blake wanted to speak, it was obvious without even looking at her, but Ruby's head slowly nodding made her keep her mouth shut, her ears went flush with her head as she averted her eyes.
The princess's smile grew and she turned to pull Ruby into the carriage. "Come on, ill show you around the castle." Ruby's planted feet slowly moved forward as Weiss gestured her into the carriage, but the princess paused before she entered.
"I'll make sure Ruby calls tomorrow." She said it offhandedly to Blake, but it was enough for the womans eyes to light up with hope.
Weiss didn't have a reason not to get on Ruby's familys good side afterall.
"You'll be staying in a guest room not far from mine. Though I've never been there myself, I can assure you that it will be of the utmost quality."
"...mhm..."
"We tend to have our meals on our own time, dinner is the only one usually shared but Father is away tonight so we'll be fine to eat in my room if you'd like?"
"...sure..." Weiss sighed, the one sided conversation could only go on for so long and she was running out of material. Ruby was leaning against the side of the carriage, her hood was still up and her cloak was covering her arms, it was like it was trying to protect her from the world.
One look at her eyes showed that it wasn't doing a great job.
"Ruby," Weiss needed the girl to speak if she wanted to help. "Can I ask where you got your cloak?" Weiss leaned in from her side of the seat, getting as close as she could without actually moving where she sat.
Ruby's eyes widened for a moment before she grabbed at her arms, holding them through to cloak. "... my mum..." Weiss didn't say anything, inviting the girl to continue.
"...she... she was really good at making enchanted clothing... she used to read me stories about the Hero's and Demons... Angels and... Dragons... even that young I saw how much she liked talking about Dragons in particular... one day I told her I'd be the "biggest and strongest dragon of them all"... she gave me this for my next birthday... it's shifter clothing... it melds with your body when you transform..." By the end, Ruby had a small smile on her face. As well as a single tear. "Thats the most anyone's ever believed in me..."
Weiss moved over faster then she thought she could, she wrapped the taller girl in a hug so tight she started to worry if she'd break her. "I dont know if it means much... but I believe in you Ruby." She whispered it into her ear, her chin rested on the girls shoulder.
She felt Ruby start to tremble in her arms and worried she had done more harm then good. But, ever so slowly, Rubys arms encircled her waist and held her tight as well.
They didn't talk for the rest of the carriage ride, but by the time they both stepped out and were welcomed into the castle, Rubys hood was down.