Weiss
Weiss spoke of the Seven for hours, using what she remembered from her lessons with Septa Loria, and her own personal studies. Even if she wasn't a believer, using the Seven as an excuse to use her powers in public meant that Weiss had to keep up the appearance of being a pious girl. That meant she had to be knowledgeable regarding all things that were related to the Faith, just in case someone decided to question the origins of Weiss' Aura and Semblance. And that meant hour after hour pouring over old 'holy' books, and talking with Septas and Septons on theology. Annoying, but far from a complete waste of time. At the very least, it would reinforce her position, and to be fair, some of the stories were interesting, in part.
Eventually, they'd parted ways from the Royal party, and drifted upstairs, to Alysanne's quarters. The Lefford heiress had shyly invited her up to see her room, which Weiss had accepted. Alysanne was still deep asleep as Weiss untangled herself from the Lefford girl's limbs, which had drifted around her in a tight embrace. The Lannisport Heiress had hoped to get a good night's rest in her own quarters that had been set aside whenever she decided to visit the Golden Tooth, yet her dear old friend wished to catch up and hear stories about Weiss' detour. There wasn't much of any note, but she did her best to describe Riverrun and the rest of the Riverlands without it being too boring. Weiss wasn't sure she was successful, judging by how fast the two had fallen asleep.
It felt…. Nice hanging out with Alysanne, just the two of them, in her room, at night, in what passed for pajamas, talking about her experiences. Was this a sleepover? Weiss wasn't sure, considering that she was used to sharing beds with the Lefford girl and Alis Peckledon since they were children. Every day had been a sleepover, until Weiss departed for King's Landing not too long ago.
Weiss ran her hands through her snow-white hair with a soft sigh. Either way, she missed sleeping in an actual bed. Sure, her wheelhouse bed was stuffed with downy feathers and covered in nice quilts, but it didn't hold a candle to the bed in her quarters, nor Alysanne's.
"Weiss?" Alysanne murmured softly, her voice low and groggy, as she shifted in her spot. Her green eyes slowly flickered open as she sat up, with her reddish-brown hair appearing more like a wild mane. It would take Alysanne's servants at least half an hour to tame that monster, but they likely had experience with it. Alis, who was likely still in Lannisport assisting her Mother, would have a short reprieve before they returned.
"Yes, my dearest Alys?" Weiss said lightly, resting her head upon her knees, which were covered by her ankle length nightgown that was dyed blue. It was a gift from her mother, and she liked it simply for not being red and gold like most of her wardrobe in some form or another. The day the Lefford girl moved permanently to rule the Golden Tooth would be a sad one, she was truly one of Weiss' closest friends.
Robert Brax would also accompany her, likely after their marriage, which would take place in the next year or so. As rich and powerful as House Brax was, the dowry for the Heiress to the Golden Tooth was expensive, especially as Alysanne was Lord Lefford's only child. And yet, people still clamored for her hand, at least, before House Brax had won them over. Perhaps one day, their own children would marry, bringing their families together.
That nearly made Weiss laugh, if she had been alone. She had no plans to get married, and with the death of three previous suitors, her new reputation would ensure that Father, Mother, and even Lord Tywin would hesitate to arrange a match. Even the most callous man wouldn't take any offer made, simply because none of them had lasted long enough to even kiss her hand.
"Has Her Grace departed yet?" Her voice was filled with sleep, and Alysanne's eyes still hadn't seemed to focus yet. She was likely half asleep still. Weiss smiled at her, reminded of when she woke up before Ruby and the rest. A rare experience, given Ruby rose with the dawn more often than not, but Blake and Yang could've slept through an Apathy attack.
"In a few hours perhaps?" Weiss scooted to her side, allowing her shoulder to touch Alysanne. "I doubt her Grace would let her children depart for the Riverlands without a Seventy-Seven course meal to break their fast." Of course, at the same time, the Queen might not have had a choice, her husband commanded her, so she had to meet up with him wherever he commanded.
Alysanne leaned against her, resting her head and the wild mane on Weiss' shoulder with a soft giggle. "I fear her children will starve if they have to eat suckling pig and blackened bread once more."
Based on their conversation the night before, Alysanne had already grown tired of having to host the Royal Family, who were on their way to meet up with King Robert on his journey North. Queen Cersei was a Lannister of the Rock, and if her personality was anything like Lord Tywin's, then Weiss understood. Too bad for her, she was an even bigger idiot than Cardin had been, not being able to hide her disgust as Weiss gave a sermon about the Seven. Queen Cersei was used to having people bow at her feet and follow her every word as if she was a god, yet all Weiss saw was a spoiled child grown into an adult. She was no better than the Atlesian upper-class, which Weiss was well-prepared to deal with.
"I will pray to the Seven that Lord Tully feeds them fish the color of gold." Weiss giggled in return. Even if they were her kin, Queen Cersei and Prince Joffrey were some of the most annoying people she had the pleasure of meeting. And that was saying quite a lot, given she'd had to endure Atlasian high society in her past life.
Such a shame, considering how sweet Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella were. The Princess in particular paid close attention to each and every from Weiss' sermon. Apparently she'd fostered all her attention on her precious Prince Joffrey, which meant her other children hadn't turned out too bad. They made a promise to visit the Grand Sept of Baelor together should Weiss ever return to King's Landing, much to the Queen's displeasure.
"I shall pray that they enjoy a fish bone." Alysanne yawned, keeping that statement low enough that only Weiss was able to catch it, just in case someone was listening in. The Golden Tooth was Alysanne's home, but its halls were currently filled with the Queen's men and servants. Plus, she couldn't truly be certain of her servant's loyalties, given the Queen was here. All it would take is one gossipy servant in the wrong place, and it would not be pleasant.
"Shhh." Weiss pressed her index finger against her own lips. "To a passing ear, that may sound treasonous, Lady of the Golden Hills." Weiss' voice was little more than a whisper. "After all, we are all loyal supporters of the Crown."
Even if the Crown Prince was a little shit.
Breaking their fast had been a rather dull affair, if Weiss was being honest. Lord Lefford sat at the head of the table, as his right as Lord of the Golden Tooth, flanked by Alysanne and Queen Cersei in the positions of honor. The meal was slow paced, course after course of meat and fish, served with white bread. It had to be a grand meal, as was the custom when a guest was to depart, especially since this was royalty departing, no less. Weiss sat beside Alysanne, across from Prince Joffrey, who was beside his Mother. He took advantage of this to ask more theological questions, which Weiss would prefer not to speak about, as she sliced into a piece of blackened sausage.
"How many times must I pray to the Warrior to gain such strength?" Prince Joffrey asked politely as he drank a light cider. Apparently, Weiss sermon the night before made him interested in religion. She was curious if he'd actually keep it up once he left, or if he was just making small talk.
"Not just the Warrior, your Grace, but also the Father, the Mother, the Maiden, the Smith, the Crone, and the Stranger, for they are one with seven faces." Weiss answered, doing her best to keep her left eye from twitching. The fact she was having to explain some basics of the religion he should know, was a bit concerning, to say the least.
"Even the Stranger?" Prince Joffrey questioned as he ignored the gaze Queen Cersei gave him. Lord Lefford and Alysanne remained silent, only eating their meal and commenting about the skills of their cooks. It was likely they had learned from past meals, or at least were trying to avoid being drawn into a theological debate over their meal.
"Especially the Stranger." Weiss sliced the blackened sausage, the liquid fat spilling its intestine casing, and spreading the meat onto a piece of fresh bread. "To bring about the death of our enemies." And left unsaid was that in the end, everyone met the Stranger sooner or later, regardless of social status.
"Such morbid talk is making me lose my appetite." Queen Cersei added as Prince Joffrey nodded along. Weiss wasn't sure if he truly understood, or if he was feigning interest. "Don't you agree, Lord Leo?" She turned to Alysanne's Father, who looked as if he'd rather not step into this mess.
He nodded slowly. "Death is natural and common, yet it has no place at this table as we break our fast." Weiss was neutral regarding Alysanne's Father. Even if he had known her since they had been children, they weren't exactly close or friends. After all, Weiss was simply the daughter of the Lord of Lannisport, who just happened to be friends with his own daughter. Still, she could be polite, and he was her host, so he was worthy of some respect.
"My apologies, Lord Lefford." Weiss bowed her head slightly and, in the most lady-like way she could manage, stuffed the bread covered in sausage meat into her mouth. Alysanne's leg briefly touched Weiss', but the white haired girl ignored the comfort, for now. Her sapphire eyes drifted towards the Queen.
Did she notice Weiss' slight against her?
Judging by the emerald glare that was disguised with a smirk, she had. Weiss simply smiled as she chewed and swallowed before taking another bite. Ah well, she had to step up her game in that case. One point alone did not win a match, after all.
"I wish to continue this talk." Prince Joffrey ignored the two adults. "Will you join us on our journey North?" The Queen whipped her head around with a tight jaw, while Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen's eyes seemed to light up. She felt wrong knowing she would have to crush those hopes, alas.
Weiss hummed to herself as she reached for her goblet of mulled wine. "I would be honored, my Prince, but I have been away from Lannisport for far too long, and I dearly miss my family."
The Queen seemed satisfied with Weiss' answer, yet Prince Joffrey narrowed his eyes as his grip on his goblet tightened. "Even if it is a command from your future king?"
Weiss kept her political smile on her lips, her Heiress face, as the rest of Team RWBY called it, in full bloom here. She shouldn't be surprised that the Heir to the Seven Kingdoms was spoiled and didn't know the meaning of no. Not exactly helping matters was that the Queen seemed to dote on him, and she seemed to be a very bad parent. She would know, she'd been raised by a pair in her past life.
"I will do as commanded, of course." Weiss said with a faux giggle that sounded unconvincing to her ears. "I merely ask for your understanding and mercy, Prince Joffrey. I haven't seen my family in several moons."
The spoiled Crown Prince was about to respond, when the Queen interrupted him.
"Grant Lady Weiss her wish, Joffrey." Queen Cersei's smile looked like a portrait upon her smooth skin. "I do not wish to hear her cries of missing Lannisport during our travels."
Weiss remained silent and bowed her head, allowing the Queen's slight to pass. If she attempted to defend against it, then the Prince could come with another excuse to make her come along. Despite her wish to travel to Winterfell and find out if Ruby had been reborn as a Stark, Weiss did not wish to travel with the Royal Family, and the logistics simply wouldn't allow it.
A wardrobe suited for cold weather, for her entire escort, as well as other supplies would take time to prepare. And her servants needed to rest or be swapped out, as well as being equipped as well for the bitter cold. Weiss wasn't going to be like the other Lords and Ladies, overworking them just because of a few vows. Especially since she would be taking them far outside their usual territory.
Prince Joffrey furrowed his brow, his lips drawn in a nasty snarl. It disappeared as soon as it came, replaced by a charming smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Very well, Lady Weiss. You may return to Lannisport, and I will have you summoned to King's Landing upon my return."
Weiss bowed her head once more, this time in genuine gratitude. "You are very kind and merciful, your Grace."
Likely said no one ever.
Departing the Golden Tooth was easy, as Weiss gained a promise from Alysanne that the Lefford would soon return to Lannisport after she concluded some business. Weiss left soon after the Royal Party, heading in the opposite direction, much to her relief. Ravens had already been sent for Lannisport by the time the first of Weiss' horses left the Golden Tooth, and would arrive long before they did. At least her parents would be reassured she was on her way home properly.
Which would be any day now at this pace. Weiss took a deep breath as she rode on Ruby, her Dornish mare which had been a nameday gift from her Father. Ruby was a sweet mare, with a reddish brown coat of hair, and oddly enough, had a habit of beelining towards strawberry bushes dating to when she was a foal. The rolling hills of the Westerlands felt comfortable to be passing through, after all, this was where she was raised. Green hills, fertile plains and rich mines dotted the landscape. Within a day or two, Lannisport would be in view.
The city that would be her inheritance, the one that would be remade in her image, slowly, but surely. Change was already starting to happen, with the City Watch gradually coming under her control with loyal knight captains, and the White Tax that would help prevent any fires or accidents that threaten her great city. A small smile crept onto Weiss' lips, earning her a strange side glance from Cedric, who rode at her side at the head of the caravan.
And soon, Weiss would be able to see Rosamund once more, her beloved sister. How much taller had she grown? Did she find any new sweets that she loved? Did Rosamund enjoy any flowers that may have bloomed in Weiss' absence? She was overjoyed to be a proper older sibling, and have it being reciprocated.
If only she could go back in time and make things right with Whitley.
"It is strange, seeing my Lady grace us with such a genuine smile." Cedric snarked. He seemed happy that their journey was now over. Guess she wasn't the only one who was homesick.
Weiss rolled her eyes and didn't allow him to spoil her mood. "Oh, hush."
She was finally home.
A/N
And with that, A Song of Weiss and Fire has been completed, its mysteries to never be revealed unless Night and I provide spoilers somewhere. I shall see you all in my next Weissikai, Transformers: More than meets the Weiss.
Just kidding. It's time to start a new arc!