#schnee family values

[superiorsturgeon]

Hallmark Movie

Blonde boy: *wearing business attire* Wow, this small town certainly is quaint and different from the fast-paced world of the big city! I sure am out of my element here!

Blonde boy: After I complete the business for my family’s company that brought me out here, I’ll probably have to hurry back and try to get that promotion/new job that takes up all my time… 😞

Redhead woman: *steps out of pickup truck wearing jeans and flannel* Excuse me, but due to a snowstorm/landslide it looks like you’re stuck in town for a month! How about I show you around this improbably close-knit community and teach you the value of taking time to appreciate the little things instead of working all the time?

Blonde boy: *taking off his sensible tie* Okay! After some initial culture shock, I’m sure I can help pull off some big holiday festival/save the farm and find happiness as your house-husband in the countryside! 😃

Blonde boy: *jumps into Redhead Woman’s arms and kisses her as she carries him over the threshold into a nearby cabin* 🥰

Credits roll

———————————————————————

Pyrrha: …so what do you think…? 😃

Weiss: *reading Pyrrha’s screenplay before pitching it to Schnee Studios* …well…it’s uh…

Ren: Maybe you could flesh out the plot a bit more. Perhaps some kind of antagonist to create conflict…?

Nora: Put more tension early on between the male and female leads!

Jaune: It’s adorable! 🥰

[aspoonofsugar]

Merry Schnees-Mas!

It's Christmas, so here comes a short meta on the Schnees' secondary allusion, which is rooted in the founder of the SDC: Nicholas Schnee.

NICHOLAS AS SANTA CLAUS

Nicholas alludes to Santa Claus:

He is called "Old Nick"

He has a white beard and wears a red cape with white fur

He lives in the Kingdom of Winter and is the Head of the Schnee (snow) family

He is famous for being fair and generous

He is the founder of a company who produces the equivalent of magic (Dust) and is known all around the world

Under his leadership the SDC is small, but famous for its quality, fairness and genuine values.

JACQUES AS A GOBLIN-JACK FROST

Jacques alludes to Jack Frost:

His name Jacques is similar to Jack and his surname Gelè means frost in French

He is associated with cold, as he makes his family's life cold and lonely through his abuse

Jack Frost is often depicted positively and is even considered Santa Claus's helper. For example, he makes snow fall, so that Santa can camouflage himself in the sky. Obviously, Jacques is an inversion, as he tricks Willow and Nicholas in trusting him with the SDC. In short, he is a false friend to them: he acts as the embodyment of winter, only to reveal himself as a cruel goblin. Like the one who builds the evil mirror in The Snow Queen. Or like Santa Claus's most famous enemies.

Under him, the Company grows and starts exporting in the whole world. Still, the workers are exploited and more and more unethical methods are used. The SDC and the Schnee Family both lose their identity.

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Let's review:

Nicholas founds a company built on mutual help, fairness and quality

Jacques comes and makes it bigger and more successful, but sacrifices its people for it

Doesn't it sound similar to what capitalism does to Santa Claus and Christmas itself?

Then the point may very well be that the Schnee Family needs to rediscover the "true meaning of Christmas" and Nicholas's original ideals.

Luckily, a certain snowflake is on it:

Weiss: I don’t know who you think you are, but let me tell you who I am: I am the granddaughter of a hero and a child of a villain. I am a citizen of a fallen Kingdom and an heir to nothing. I will not be defined by my name because I will be the one to define it. I am Weiss Schnee, and I am a Huntress!

Weiss is bound to rebuild the Schnee Family legacy and to define what her surname stands for.

Interestingly, our Snowhite is also tied to resurrection (as per her fairy tale) and to religious symbolism:

And what is Christmas, if not the celebration of Jesus's birthday? The child who will die and be reborn to save humanity?

I would say our Snow Angel's chances to succeed are pretty high!

Merry Christmas to whoever celebrates! And Happy Holidays to everybody!

[bestworstcase]

As far as your willow example goes, it’s possible she didn’t want to run the company and give it to Jacques back before she learned what’s prick he was. We aren’t really given a lot of indicators as to whether or not she has any affinity for or interest in running the SDC.

gently: no.

And so entered Jacques Gelè. Having married into the family, Jacques decided to take the Schnee name over his own. He was... a lot of words I shouldn't repeat. But most importantly, he was a cunning businessman. Jacques managed to convince Nicholas that he was the perfect man to run the SDC in his place. 

i know its trendy these days to be like “unreliable narrators show! everything the characters say is meaningless!” but the text does actually matter and there are specific techniques the narrative uses to help the viewer sort out what’s reliable information and what isn’t. the most important of those techniques are 1. conflicting perspectives from different characters (eg: like ten answers to “what does salem want?”) and 2. statements contradicted by on-screen action (eg: “summer rose telling lies! first time for everything” vs summer’s well-practiced emotional masking).

neither of those techniques, nor any of the smaller ones, are used with regard to the SDC: everything weiss says about her father and the company adds up with the narrative presented in WOR. everything we know about jacques’ behavior and about willow lines up too. there’s no reason to be skeptical of the events described in the WOR episode, which is completely unambiguous about this discussion having been between nicholas and his (future/current depending on how long the persuasion lasted) son-in-law.

if willow had been meaningfully involved she would have been mentioned at all. you don’t even need to establish what her name is, if it’s too cumbersome to introduce her properly: you’ve just explained that jacques married in to the schnee family so you just say “jacques managed to convince his wife and nicholas that he was the perfect man to run the SDC” or leave nicholas out altogether if you want to suggest that willow is the one whom he tricked. there is no reason to exclude her from this narrative if she had a say in the decision to sign over her inheritance to jacques.

given that she’s also clearly had combat training but has never at any point been described as a retired huntress, and that we know nicholas was himself a warrior who personally escorted deliveries around the world? the implication there is that willow was training to follow in her father’s footsteps before her fiancé/husband convinced nicholas to leave the company to him instead.

add on that jacques does the exact same thing to both his daughters, in weiss’ case going as far as apparently spinning it like she chose to relinquish her claim to the company willingly? (with zero repercussions, implying that whatever he did was legal and there wasn’t anything weiss could do even with ironwood’s help—remember that jacques was running an election campaign in v7, if weiss could’ve returned to atlas and gone public about her father committing fraud to force her out of the company and imprisoning her at home, she undoubtedly would have had ironwood’s full support.)

like the most charitable reading of nicholas here is that jacques straight up lied to him, or forged nicholas’ signature, but that requires willow to have basically no agency (why wouldn’t she question this? why wouldn’t she kick up a fuss if jacques literally stole her inheritance against both her and her father’s will?—we know from weiss that willow didn’t shatter until weiss was ten, the way willow is in the present isn’t reflective of who she was 25+ years ago when all this happened)

it’s a lot simpler to take the text at face value that nicholas disinherited his own daughter because his son-in-law talked him into it.

[decreare]

Baby Mama White Knight (CH1)

“I got Fat!”

The former heiress of the Schnee Dust Company whined, daring to look back at the scale that cursed her with the knowledge of added pounds.

She sorrowfully pinched at her stomach, what was once trim and Firm from years of ballet and fighting creatures made from nightmares. Now it had a small layer of baby fat that barely filled half of Weiss’s long thin fingers when pinched.  

She forced herself in front of a mirror, wanting to get to the bottom of this as she turned to her side, not liking what she was seeing. Sure she noticed she had gone up a couple cup sizes ever since she gave birth to the twins, and didn’t seem to stop growing (not helped she gave birth to TRIPLETS soon after). Now they nearly rivaled Yang’s ridiculously sized Udders, just a few cups behind as she hefted them up in their lacy ice-blue bra. Her ass was ridiculously padded as well, in a constant fight with her hips and making pants all the more difficult to find. With fear, she gave it a light Smack, watching it give off a light jiggle as she grabbed each blushing cheek.

“Gods is this what my mother felt like when she had us?”

She muttered out loud to herself. Ever since she was young she was drilled with the proper etiquette of high society. How to eat, how to dress, how to speak. The most important thing she spent her young life on was keeping a trim figure, everyone else had to put in the same grueling hours or get surgery, or try and fail to ignore it as others snickered behind their back. Weiss didn’t know if she could confront Atlas’s upper class like this, wearing comfortable stained clothes and armed with her five children holding on to her in fear at judging eyes. Thank the gods Atlas fell right? She tried to comfort herself.

“I’ve become a Cow!”

Weiss let out a pained sob that filled the house, yet no tears came out of her eyes as she looked out from a nearby window. Her Children were outside with not much care for things like Ineffectual dinner parties and maintaining the prestige of her Family Name. Her three rambunctious daughters played a game only they could understand with sticks and paper hats, getting their more “commoner” clothes dirty with no one to reprimand them as their older brother and sister observed them while sparring. She felt her heart fluttering at the memory of them asking to take up fencing as she had. Scared but excited that it was their choice because they admired her, not because they had to take up a hobby for it was a “good showing” for the family.

She didn’t hear the door open as she wallowed in added pounds and memories both good and bad. Her blonde partner sensed she needed comfort from his garden. He slowly made his way up into the upstairs bedroom, not knowing what to make of her state as knew he had to comfort her. So he wrapped his arms around her, his unshaven chin resting on her snow-white hair. Being pulled into her husband’s lap as he sat down on their bed.

“What’s wrong?”

She felt Jaune rock her from side to side. Letting out undignified squeaks after her husband snuck up to hug her from behind. She wanted to kiss him as she stroked his fuzzy cheek while looking in the mirror again. They looked so PERFECT! Like a loving couple, even though Jaune was in dirt-streaked overalls and graying blonde hair due to their adventures adding so much weight to his mind and Weiss was in (now that she thought about it) tight lingerie after wrangling her kids throughout the entire morning and getting her clothes dirty with food and love. What she wore enough was a simple luxury despite the fact she could afford so much more, finding such fancy things quickly lost their value when faced against children, and they were simply Priceless compared to the farce that was her life before Beacon.

They were loved, they were happy, and if they ever felt overwhelmed they had the combined teams of RWBY and JNPR and the suffocatingly loving Arc clan to come and help. Their children were happy and loved by their friends and family. Everything was as perfect as life can be despite the constant messiness. Jaune was loved, Weiss was loved, and they loved each other despite the pains and troubles they carried, practically opposite in origin. She felt herself smile while in Jaune’s arms. She looked back at herself with pride.

And started to cry.

Jaune could only sputter as his wife broke out in tears, becoming more confused as Weiss started to laugh.

“I feel like a cow Jaune, and I’m Happy!”

Jaune became even more confused at his wife’s statement, not even sure why her gaining some weight would be a bad thing.

“I-is gaining some baby weight a good or bad t-thing?”

She whipped away the tears from her face, her face hurting from laughing but still she was content.

“Well, my knight, what do you think of your Princess gaining a few pounds, looking more like a common whore than a proper lady~”

Jaune felt like he was experiencing whiplash as Weiss rubbed her fattened behind on his Denim-covered crotch. He couldn't lie he enjoyed the sight of a plumper Weiss in his arms while she only wore blue lingerie that strained to stay on her frame more than before.  

“Y-you are beautiful as the day you let me take your hand in marriage. N-now you carry the body of a mother with the same grace as b-before, I c-couldn’t be more in l-love. You have given everything I could have ever w-wanted with your presence!”

He fumbled, confused by Weiss's mood swings, but his words were as true as he could make. Plus he thought she looked a bit better than before. More like a Mother, proof she had given birth to his children.

“Oh Jaune you charmer!”

His genuine compliments earn him a kiss as Weiss lowers his head, her dainty hands grasping at the straps of his overalls to undo them. She was picked up in the middle of their embrace, squealing into her kiss as she flipped into laying in their bed. The springs creaked as Jaune made her lie down, not caring that the rough weight shifting made the mattress worryingly squeak. Trapping her within his arms for now.

“Tell me what’s going on Weiss”

Her arousal felt betrayed as she huffed, knowing where this will lead to.

“Fine. I’ve been doing some reflecting. Who I am, who I should be, who I am with you, with our kids, and I kinda panicked? I really wasn’t expecting this, least of all getting Fat”

“And is that a bad thing-”

She pressed a finger against his lips.

“Did you ever expect being a Huntsman would be this hard?”

That froze the both of them, making them still for minutes as they didn’t separate.

Slowly, she was lifted up alongside Jaune, wrapping an arm around her waist as they made their way to the window, their children still playing outside.

They stood there, watching them play with pride, their fears dissipating.

“I don’t regret-”

“I don’t regret-”

“...”

“...”

“And This is why we are married my tall, blonde, scraggly knight, what would you do without me~”

“Probably still lost following Ruby around”

She could only gasp at the truth of the statement, not even entertaining the idea of looking at his smirking face as they refocused their gaze on their kids. Weiss tried to ignore her heart racing as Jaune’s rough fingers slightly dug into her love handle.

Despite it all, she was Happy, just a momentary lapse of despair in her life.

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

So one of Shark Faunus Jaune sister's is a blonde Meroune from Monster Musume

(Change the pink to a Sandy-Blonde, and Indeed you Do!)

{Also Manako and Rachnera best girls. Don't @ me.}

RWBYJNPR are Visiting Jaune's Home

Nora: I didn't know you had an Indoor Pool!

Jaune: That would be My Oldest sister's Room. Her name is Anna.

Weiss: Why Does she need a Pool in her room?

Jaune: This is why.

Something Breaches the Surface of the Pool at terrifying speeds, aiming right for Jaune.

Jaune: *Lifting Anna* HI- Anna! HAH! caught you! This Time!

Anna: Hello Little Brother~ Beacon and granted you evermore strength than Working in the orchards, Hmm?

Anna-Ranth Arc. The eldest Sister of the Arcs. Her Faunus Trait Makes her effectively a Mermaid, the Tail of a Short-fin Mako in place of her legs. She wears a warm red-pink skirt, with what seems to be a similarly colored one-piece swimsuit. Her hair is mostly Sandy-Blond with red highlights.

Jaune: Yep! I gotta set you down now! I'll go grab your chair! *He tosses her to his side. She seems unfazed by it*

Anna: So~ All of you are the ones who Convinced my Baby Brother to stay away so long?

Ruby: Well, He ran away first! We've just been Keeping him Occupied.

Pyrrha: Yes. I have been Doing what I can to give him the skills a proper Huntsman Needs.

Anna: That's all well and Good~ Now just what do you think of My Dearest Brother~?

Ruby: He was my first friend at Beacon! We'd follow each other to the ends of Remnant!

Blake: He's been the doofus he's always been. Same goes for his Kindness.

Yang: He's cool enough. For a dork.

Pyrrha: He was the first person to see me for me, not the four-time tournament champion.

Ren: He is a dear Friend. He's practically a Brother I never had.

Nora: He's our fearless Leader! I'd break Anyone's legs if he asked!

Nora: I wish he would ask me to break someone's legs.

Anna: ...

Anna: And what of you, Schnee?

Weiss: He's ... I did not like him at first. But I've recently realized he has ... Certain qualities that make him a good friend.

R-BY-NPR: ...

Yang: Wow. That's the biggest Compliment She's ever given him.

Anna: ... Oh! I see now!

Ruby: *Whispering* What does she see? She's had her eyes closed this whole time?

Yang: She's using it as an expression.

Anna: You're in love with My Jaune-Jaune!

Pyrrha: WHAT!

Weiss: W-What do you mean?

Anna: Oh! How Beautiful! How Tragic! A Schnee and a Faunus! And not just any Faunus, but an Arc~! Forever separated by familial Values~

Anna: Unless They can forgo all they've learned, and trust each other~ Or perhaps it will end as Romia and Julius, dying for their love of one another, unable to stand the Separation~

Anna: *glaring at Weiss* Don't let it end up like Romia and Julius or I'll bring back to life to kill you again.

Weiss: ʸᵉˢ ᵐᵃ'ᵃᵐᵎ

Jaune: Hey Guys! Sorry I took so long! Her chair was all tangled up. She wasn't too intense for you, right guys?

Anna: *Back to normal, hauling herself into a wheelchair* Of course I wasn't~ For what purpose would I have to be nothing but courteous to your friends~? *They leave the room*

Blake: ... Was it just me, or did she get super hot when she did that?

[howlingday]

Belladina Interviews

Oobleck: Right! Well then, why don't we start with a few questions for the parents?

Blake: (Thinking) Bartholomew Oobleck. Forty-seven years old. He has a doctorate in history as Beacon's history teacher and is housemaster of dormitory 7, Amber Hall. Regarded as intelligent, reliable, and open-minded. He's well-liked by his students, but is also known for speaking at a swift pace. The safest path to win his favor is with honest and straightforward answers.

Oobleck: I understand that this is your second wife. How did you meet your husband?

Blake: Straight to the point. It makes sense, since Beacon Academy is focused on family values.

Blake: My husband and I met by chance at the neighborhood tailor's shop. The same one where Beacon uniforms are made, in fact. It was the way he carried himself which first caught my eye. It was like he appeared out of nowhere. After the death of my first husband and being so busy caring for my daughter, I was hesitant to pursue a new relationship. But the more we talked, the more I realized I'd found a kindred spirit in him. I was touched by his kindness and how much he valued family. I knew he would be a wonderful father to my daughter.

Jaune: (Blushing)

Oobleck: I see. Same question, Mr. Belladina.

Jaune: Oh... Well... Blake is such a wonderful woman. And she's so good with children. She understood how difficult it was for me to be all by myself, and she welcomed me into her family.

Oobleck: Excellent to hear. Family is very important to us at Beacon.

Jacques: I see you're a man who must have low standards, Mr. Arc. Why else would you saddle yourself to a woman with a child? And a woman like her no less?

Goodwitch: Behave yourself, Master Schnee.

Blake: Jacques Schnee. Fourty-nine years old. A legacy hire, as his father-in-law was the headmaster, he is the business and economics professor and housemaster of dormitory two, Azure Hall. Greedy. Callous. His wife filed for divorce last month. His wife just won full custody of her children. In all of his previous interviews, his questions focused on directly disparaging the families of applicants. It's best to avoid provoking him.

Oobleck: On to the next question. May we ask why you have decided to apply for Beacon Academy?

Blake: For one reason, sir...

Blake: To get close enough to my target, Charlotte Malachite!.

Blake: The quality of the teaching staff at Beacon Academy is second to none. The instructors are cultured, knowledgeable, and talented. More importantly, I believe only the elite faculty of Beacon Academy can instill in our child the nobility and patriotism needed to stand amongst our country's elite.

Goodwitch: (Thinking) A most disciplined reply, Blake Belladina. I knew I saw something in you.

Glynda Goodwitch. ??? years old. Fitness Professor and housemistress of dormitory three, Lavender Hall. Personality: Elegant.

Oobleck: We would like to hear about Penny from the perspective of her parents. What would you consider to be her strengths and weaknesses?

Blake: Penny holds a deep and passionate curiosity. She is willing and eager to poke her nose into everything, sometimes to an extent that it could be considered as much of a strength as it is a weakness. And perhaps this is just a mother's bias, but I find her to be wise beyond her years.

Goodwitch: Wise? This girl here? Didn't she only earn thirty-one points on her entrance exam?

Penny: (Flinches)

Blake: In fact, she's so intuitive, I swear she can read my mind! Ha ha!

Penny: (Shivers)

Blake: But for a solid answer for weaknesses, I do wish she was less picky about her food.

Oobleck: Hm. And what do you see in her, Mr. Belladina, and how would you describe your parenting style towards her?

Jaune: Well, as we've already discussed, I am not her birth father. So I will admit that, at first, I may have spoiled her in my attempts to win her over. I had to learn how to be strict sometimes, for the sake of her future. I work hard to remember that.

Jaune: (Thinking) Just like we practiced.

Oobleck: Mrs. Belladina mentioned that your daughter can be picky. What sort of meals do you cook at home?

Jaune: M-Meals?! Oh, uh, I, uh... W-Well...

Blake: Actually, sir, I do most of the cooking. However, my husband is more than happy to help when I'm too busy.

Blake: Not that it's ever happened.

Jacques: You're kidding me. A husband who can't even cook? You need to work harder to be a better example for your daughter, sir!

Jaune: !!!

Blake: No one is perfect, sir. While my husband may not be the primary chef, he is incredibly neat and organized. The house is always spotless. And he is a most wonderful example for our daughter.

Jacques: That may be, but a man who can't even cook is hardly a good example for a child.

Blake: And who are you to-

Jaune: B-Blake, it's okay! He's right!

Blake: (Clenching her fist) He's right. Calm yourself, Nightshade. Why are you even upset? It's not like he's really your husband.

Jacques: (Thinking) Just a pair of lovebirds, eh? I could just puke. Well, I'll just keep pecking at those cracks and see what comes pouring out. If these smug plebians don't get rejected, then there is no justice in the world.

Penny: (Thinking) This man hates Mama and Papa! I need to do real good, or else...

Oobleck: Well, I think it's time we heard from your daughter.

Penny: Here we go...

Oobleck: Can you tell us who you are and where you live?

Penny: M-My name is Penny Pellapina. And I live in Vale... North. At 42 Space... Something. Mister sir!

Oobleck: And what do you like to do when you're not in school?

Blake: She knows this. These are all the questions we...

Penny: I like to watch at restaurants and eat the opera.

Blake: Huh?.

Oobleck: And what sorts of things do you want to accomplish while attending Beacon Academy?

Penny: Uh... Um...

Penny: What was the answer?.

Blake: Well, I know what I want to do while at Beacon Academy. Get close to Charlotte at a school event and expose the plans of the organization she leads. Then stop her before-

Penny: I want... to expose the secrets... of the boss... of the or-gun-eye-zay-shun.

Blake: WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?!. The answer was to read all the books in the library!.

Penny: Oh, and library books.

Oobleck: "Boss of the organization"? Do you mean the headmaster?

Blake: Ah ha ha ha! Oh, excuse my daughter! She's very ambitious! She's so curious about the lives of the people who have achieved leadership positions.

Goodwitch: Hmmm... Seeking to learn from those at the top at such a young age... There is a degree of elegance to that.

Goodwitch: If that is true, then you mist know the name of our headmaster, young lady?

Penny: Um... It's, uh...

Blake: You know this! It's Headmaster Ozpin!.

Penny: Head pasture... All in. Mister sir.

Goodwitch: Eh... Close enough.

Goodwitch: And do you understand how hard one must work to succed as he has?

Penny: ...

Penny: Yeah! You gotta run through the jungle to get strong! And face life-or-death stuff over and over to get brave!

Blake: That was the training montage in yesterday's spy cartoon...

Goodwitch: Such incredible resolve! Perhaps I have underestimated this child.

Oobleck: Haha! Perhaps you needn't go that far. Now, I have questions for you about your parents. What does your mother do for a living?

Penny: She's a spy.

Blake: !

Penny: Spy... Spycial social work.

Oobleck: Are you alright, dear? You sound a bit congested. What about your father? What is he like?

Penny: He can be a little scary sometimes, but he's really nice!

Jaune: !

Oobleck: If you had to give your mother and father a score, what would it be?

Penny: 100 points! They're perfect and I love them. I want to be with them forever!

Jacques: Garbage like this is the last thing we need at Beacon.

Jacques: So, who do you like better? Your old daddy or your new daddy?

Oobleck: Master Schnee, that question isn't-

Jacques: Who cares? Are we who ask the questions not permitted to improvise and think outside the box?

Blake: May I request a different question?

Blake: I don't know how she ended up in that orphanage, but there's too good a chance her parents are...

Jacques: No. Answer the question or be scored accordingly.

Plip... Plip...

Penny: (Crying) D... D...

Blake: Penny...

Penny: (Sniffles, Wipes eyes) Daddy...

Jacques: Well, there you have it. She likes her real daddy more.

Jaune: (Comforting Penny) How dare you?!

Blake: Calm down, Jaune.

Jaune: But this is...

Blake: For the mission, we can endure this. We have to endure this.

Jacques: The dorms are full of children living away from their parents. This is no place for children who burst into tears over every little thing.

Blake: He can smear us all he likes. It doesn't matter. We're not a real family.

Jaune: "Every... little.. thing"? You think THAT is a "little thing"? (Fingers pop and crack)

Blake: Calm. Calm. Calm. It doesn't matter.

Jacques: What's your problem anyway, second husband? It's not my fault she doesn't love you.

Jacques: Ah, now that feels better. Hm?

Blake: (Swinging her leg for Jacques head) STAND DOWN, NIGHTSHADE!.

CRUNCH!

Jacques: (Stares at table split in perfect half)

Blake: (Removes her foot from the table, Reveals bug beneath) Forgive my behavior. There was a gnat buzzing around. (Turns) Thank you for your time.

Jacques: W-Where do you think you're going?! We're not finished!

Blake: If belittling the feelings of children is part of Beacon's educational philosophy, then I have clearly chosen the wrong school.

Jacques: HOW DARE YOU DISGRACE THE NAME OF BEACON ACADEMY!

Blake: Jaune. Penny. We're leaving now. (They walk ahead) Good day. (Slams door)

Jacques: YOU WILL NEVER SET FOOT IN BEACON ACADEMY AGAIN! DO YOU HEAR ME?!

Goodwitch: You went too far, Master Schnee.

Jacques: Oh? Are you questioning my methods, Goodwitch? I'd watch your attitude, if I were you. Big Nicholas may no longer be with us, but his name still holds a lot of weight around here. Send in the next family already!

Goodwitch: ...

???: (Memory) Those who beg and grovel at the feet of the powerful... They're such pitiful creatures, no?.

Goodwitch: ...She didn't disgrace the good name of Beacon Academy.

Jacques: Huh?

BAM!

Jacques: (Falls back, Unconscious)

Goodwitch: (Changes gloves) There. Handled with elegance. And with that, Mrs. Belladina, I think I can face you with the pride and dignity of a proper Beacon Academy educator.

[themoonmywife]

So are we gonna talk about the parallels we are getting here with volume 2?

No?

Volume 2 where where Weiss wants to be a huntress to honor the burden of her family’s name and undue the hate from her father. Where Blake wanted to be a Huntress because huntresses fight for the right thing and she’s desperately trying to undue the hate she’s been a part of. And Yang who admits she’s in it for the thrill and the mystery, and is fine with not knowing what tomorrow will bring. And Ruby… Who has always wanted to be a huntress and help those in need.

Volume 9 team RWBY?

“To be free?”

Weiss has found her purpose, not to fix the broken legacy of her family name, but to define what it is to be a Schnee. She has lost everything that makes a Schnee name something of value, yet despite this she is dead set on defining her own path, away from her “villain” of a father. Instead of feeling ashamed of her family name due to her father, Weiss is emboldened. Weiss can proudly say she is a Schnee and not feel guilty of the injustice and pain it has caused others because she is not her father, she is not just a name. So when her past self offers her a life without the weight of her family name, she refuses. Weiss is a Schnee, while that name might not carry the same weight since everything that made it important is lost, she will define the new meaning of the name Schnee. I think Blake had it pegged right when describing Weiss as “defiance”.

“To be something simpler?”

Blake has embraced her Faunus self, not afraid to just be who she is around those she loves, cat ears and all. Yeah she had ran back when Yang lost her arm, but she’s been working like hell ever since to show that she’s never going to leave any of them again. Her past self offers her the chance to run away from all the things she used to struggle with, and make life easier for her by taking away part of her identity. And what does Blake do? Refuse. She embraces her family, friends, and culture, she cannot even fathom leaving that behind and betraying that. She has worked so hard to get comfortable with opening up to the ones she cares about and really embracing her culture, no way can she turn back now. The Blake of Volume 9 is not afraid to love, not afraid to show her ears, and has the courage to stay, even when it might be easier to run.

“To be whole again?”

Yang has been through the ringer. She lost her arm defending someone she loved, said person ran when she needed her most, and confronted a mother who could never love her in the way Summer did. After Volume 3, did Yang still believe in becoming a huntress for the thrill and mystery after the shit show that was the fall of Beacon? Yang’s past self offers her a way to go back, leaving behind the impossible odds they’re up against and getting her arm back. And what does Yang do? She frowns, not able to believe that could ever be an option. Despite losing a part of her, Volume 9 Yang feels whole. She embraces the failures she has made along the way and accepts that they played a huge part in her own growth. If she was missing something it’s not because it was taken from her, it’s because she simply hasn’t found it yet. And this my friends, is why Blake described Yang as “Strength”, not just in power but in mind.

“So… What are you gonna be?”

Oh Ruby… Ruby has always been the one member of team RWBY that never questioned why she wanted to be a huntress. Being a huntress is something that was always meant to happen. Yang describes Ruby in Volume 2 as always wanting to help those in need without getting anything in return. Yet here we are in Volume 9, Ruby has lost countless friends and has so many lives counting on her and the team. Failure after failure it has weighed her down, her “spark” of hope is flickering and burning out. So when being asked what a Huntress is? She stays quiet, unsure of what it means to be one anymore. She doesn’t even know what she is anymore, choosing to sit in silence when confronted with that question by her past self. Ruby was the beacon of hope and optimism yet it seems Blake is taking that role this season. Who is Ruby without hope? Blake had described Ruby as “purity”, so far she’s been right but I guess we will have to find out who Ruby Rose really is this season.

This episode brought all the feelings. Compared to Volume 2 Weiss has achieved her freedom, Blake outgrew the want of a simpler life, Yang feels whole despite feeling like a part of her was missing post Volume 3, and Ruby? Well, you’ll have to get back to me on that one. I smell character development on the horizon, hold onto your butts!

[return-to-twisted-wonderland]

🔆anon

Fellow made me wait for too long just because I wanted a way to write him into the story, but I also didn’t believe that he would just be allowed in by Crowley the full day or Kit be allowed out.

Shockingly having Vil send Rook to just go get him wasn’t an immediate idea, but it’s here now, so WOO!

— —

Disappearing Children: Fellow

—

Fellow has less than a half day to make the best of this. He just needs to make sure Kit can have the best time with both him and Gidel. No more streets. No more going to bed starving. No more dirt and grime.

Maybe if Kit was more aware of everything’s value, hat alone would have worked. But alas, she is only six years olde, and Fellow made it his job back then to hide value so young Kit wouldn’t feel left out.

No matter. This just had to be the best day. The best day. The. Best. Day.

Anything Kit wanted, she would get. And of course Gidel too. Even if they both had learned to temper their asks. That Hunt fellow who was supposed to be watching them from somewhere, even if Fellow can’t see him, mentioned something about the beauty of a family. That he’d help pay for anything Fellow couldn’t afford.

That’s all he needs. Just one day to make up for everything. For every hard street they slept on. For every time they were shouted at for a suspected intention for crime just because they didn’t have a home. For all the hard work they had to do just to have food or water. For every time either one of them wanted something Fellow couldn’t get.

For every time Fellow failed them.

And every time he sees Kit being able to smile and dream with that hope that she lost so long ago, after Fellow wasn’t able to get her help in time, his resolve only grew.

This is the day he’d let them run wild. Let them feel every joy they never got to feel.

This is the day he could apologize for every mistake he’s made to not be able to give them the lives they deserved.

— —

Fellow, why are you so difficult to write for? I’m trying to make every angst one different and his on different points, yet you wanted to be a Lilia copycat (copyfox) in my mind.

Anyways, the last few are coming up. Dekker, Trinity, or Toryn. Which one is next? Idk. I have no order in mind and I’m willing to just take suggestions.

(Is Rook just being a French fanboy canon or fanon? Because if that’s canon, that’s hilarious. Still confused in Neige being French though. Google Translate says German for snow is Schnee, so maybe that should be his name. /j)

(It's fanon)

And Fellow ;-;

[rosavulpes]

Feline ears flicked , amber eyes occasionally glancing over to his scroll , propped up against the back end of the kitchen counter where he'd pinned up a video message to his main display .

He'd already created a notes section containing a detailed outline for the recipe attached to the side of the video itself but ... it was a nice feeling just listening and following along with her motions . A soft smile to his expression as he listened to the comforting sound of her voice .

It wasn't often that he'd get to visit his parents , and other family friends in Menagerie but they'd made a habit of sharing recipes like this with one another in their messages or calls . Even though they were so far away from one another , cooking alongside of his mother like this ? Even if it wasn't live with her in real time ? Still made him feel like she was standing right next to him all the same .

Whisking together his dry ingredients of licorice root , lemon balm , and rosemary into one bowl . Normally ? tea made with these ingredients alone would be enough for him . It didn't need to be sweet , but taking into account the preferences of some of his new team members he'd decided to make some adjustments to make it a bit sweeter for their tastes .

On a wooden cutting board situated next to him , he'd cut up some cotton candy green grapes he'd gotten beforehand that would be diluted into the tea once the hot water was added to them . Then from there , the next step would be to add just a light amount of honey as the finishing touch .

Once his dry ingredients were mixed together well enough , he'd add his chopped up grapes to the bowl . Giving them a stir .

Then everything would be placed into one tall glass , followed soon after by steaming hot water , mixed again , then all the ingredients strained out once the water had taken in the flavors of all the herbs , fruit , and honey . Perfectly incorporated . A nice amber coloring to it with a delightful herbal aroma .

Pouring the tea into a kettle , and into four cups , he set everything onto a nearby tray . Now ready to be served .

Cleaning up the bowls , and utensils he'd used before leaving the kitchen area , he'd start to make his way back towards the school's lounge area where the rest of team RWBY was .

Their classes may have been over , but the school day was not . There was still homework to be done , and some required reading to do but ... that wasn't what was on his mind at the moment as he walked out of the kitchen back to student lounge with tray in hand .

He'd elected to brew some tea for the group as a means of trying to ease some of the tension they'd been having . It hadn't been all that long since they been assigned to one another as teammates ... well at least him and Weiss with Ruby , and her older sister Yang .

Due to his assigned responsibility of looking after the Schnee heiress , searching for her during the initiation exam had been his primary focus , and one he'd been successful at .

While he thought of the role of team leader as being largely superficial , as an effective team couldn't solely operate on the decisions of one person alone , the position had held more value in Weiss's eyes than his . Which he could understand now why she'd feel frustrated at not being chosen by the headmaster to serve as the leader of their team .

He didn't know the means by which the team leaders were chosen . Maybe they had been judged based off of their individual performances during the initiation exam ? Or was it based on prior academic history ? He still wasn't certain .

Regardless as he entered the room , the air still felt heavy .

With his ebony tail swaying slowly at his back , he'd set down a cup before Yang , and Ruby . Both reading , but one of the two showing signs of struggle more than the other in understanding what they were being asked to study .

" Go at your own pace . The easiest way to bring down a mountain is to chip away at it with a steady hand . Focus on what you can understand , and break down what you can't into smaller pieces you can take on one at a time . If there's anything you don't understand , feel free to ask . We'll be here "

After seeing her perk up a bit with his advice , he'd move on to Weiss now . Holding out the tray with the last two cups to see if she'd like some as well .

" Care for some Tea ? "

@wintereign

[theunredeemable]

The shuttle ride over to the Sanguine Dream was one of the most awkward rides Ruby had ever experienced. The silence was palpable the entire journey, with both Ciel and Ilia doing their best not to look at each other. Ruby had never been happier to dock with her ship, hastily retreating to her command centre as Ilia was shown to her new quarters. Taking her seat, she ran her hand over her face as she let out a deep sigh. Closing her eyes, she leaned back and listened to the ever-present thrum of electronics, the life blood of her ship, and considered everything that had happened the last few hours. They had new targets to help with her side project, and picked up a new crew member who was most likely sent to spy on them. A small smile danced across her face at that thought. Oh, she was certain that Ilia's brief display of hatred towards the Schnee name was all too real, everyone knew what Jacques thought of the Faunus. But she also knew that Winter Schnee was a fair woman to her crew, and that she had never had someone desert before. Which meant that Ilia was more likely than not sent here to spy on the pirates operating out of the Valen Expanse, and had been lucky enough to get onto the crew of one of the most wanted pirate ships. 

Ruby wasn't worried in the slightest. Ilia wouldn't be the first spy to attempt to infiltrate her crew, and thus far all of them had been converted to work with her. She heard the door open, opening her eyes to spy Ciel walking in with her data-slate, going over the information Mell had retrieved for them. She looked up briefly, raising a brow towards her captain. "What has you smiling so conspiratorially, Ma'am?" 

"I'm just thinking about our newest family member, and how long it will take her to abandon her mission and join us properly." 

"You think she is here to spy on us, and you still let her board?" 

"Ciel, Ciel, Ciel." Ruby tutted, shaking her head with a laugh as she steepled her fingers together, her signature smile spread across her face. "Of course she's here to spy on us. She was onboard The Nevermore ." She paused at Ciel's sharp intake, noting her widening eyes, and quickly waved off the concern. "I'm not concerned. I've got a pretty good track record of stealing operatives and assets from Atlas."

"You said the same thing about Cinder..." 

Ruby's smile instantly vanished, turning into a scowl at the mention of Cinder, before she coughed into her fist, smoothing her features. "Cinder doesn't count. She was a triple agent working for a different organisation, not Atlas." 

"If you say so, Ma'am." Ciel sighed, looking back to her data-slate, before letting out a small hum. "Regardless, I think I found our next target." She tapped the screen, causing a holo-projector to turn on and show the schematics, flight log, and inventory list of several ships. "There's quite a few freighters and Atlas ships nearby that could work brilliantly for us, but focusing on just your objective, these three are our most likely." A few more taps, and the information shifted until just three ships were shown. "Freighter XJ-53 is lightly defended, but travelling a generally more secure route. We could take it quickly, but would have very little time to search on board for anything of value before the Atlas Military was all over us. The research vessel Icarus is better defended, but it is also operating at a black site. It would be a hard fight, but if we strike fast enough they would not be able to call for help, and we could take our time. But I must stress, it Will be a hard fight." A few more taps, and the schematics for both ships were highlighted, listing their capabilities.

Ruby nodded as she absorbed the information, leaning forward in her seat as silver eyes quickly scanned over the displayed projection. "Hmm. The Icarus is probably the better target. I see it's being funded by Councillor Schnee, so that makes it extra enticing, ruining whatever illicit research he's up to. What's the third option, though?"

Ciel let out a small sigh, tapping her data-slate once more to bring up the third option. The ship was much larger than the other two, packed with deadlier armaments as well as a small convoy of cruisers. " The Void Star . Military trading ship hailing from one of the core worlds of the Empire. By far our highest risk, highest reward target. I would normally write it off as foolhardy but..." She paused as the inventory was highlighted. "It alone would provide you with nearly all the parts needed, as well as help fund future endeavours if we brought it back to Beacon. I would recommend going to Beacon first, and seeing if anyone would be willing to assist us." Ciel looked away from the screen and back to her captain, and immediately sighed at the glee shining in those silver eyes. "Very well, Ma'am. Once the deck crew have arrived, I'll chart a course for Beacon." 

"I didn't say anything yet!" 

"You did not need to." Ciel turned off the holo-projector, focusing in on her Data-slate again and sending out several messages to crew members not yet on active duty. "The rest of our away team should be returning shortly." 

"Thanks, Ciel, you're the best." Ruby stood, quickly giving her right hand woman a hug, before exiting the command centre. "Don't wait for me to return to the bridge before leaving. I'm going to go to my quarters, maybe visit Ilia and see how she's settling in." 

“Ruby.” Ruby stopped at hearing her name come from Ciel’s lips, as it happened so rarely. She turned back to look at the other woman, head tilted slightly in silent question. “Are you sure about this? With Ilia. I know you’re confident but… Ilia Amitola was one of the best operatives in the Academy. There’s a reason she was assigned to Winter Schnee of all people.” 

Ruby gave a small smile, shrugging slightly. “I’m confident she’ll come to see things from our perspective, especially with you on board. But if worse comes to worse, we can just ship her back to The Nevermore in an escape pod.” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ilia set her bag down on the bed, looking around her quarters with furrowed brows. The room itself was sparse, empty of anything that made it feel warm or lived in, but what shocked the Faunus the most was the size. She was a newcomer to the ship, and had expected to be treated like that, forced to share bunks with pirates, criminals, and all sorts of ne'er-do-wells that called the Sanguine Dream home. Instead she had been greeted with warm smiles and shown to a private room, which itself was divided into two further rooms, the actual bedroom and a bathroom with a functioning shower. It reminded her of her quarters back on The Nevermore , but that had required years of work and promotions to acquire, not just given to her on the first day.

Opening her bag, she took out the few personal effects she had brought with her, placing them around the bedroom to make it feel a little more like home. She hadn’t brought much beyond her clothes, and the framed picture she handled with care as she retrieved it from her bag. Once more her features softened looking at her younger self and friend, running her hand along the bottom of the frame. The smile turned into a small frown as she looked around once more. “I wonder if they’re trying to butter me up…or if they just treat everyone this way.” She looked back to the photo, raising a brow in expectation. “Well, Blake? What do you think?” 

“I think you’re too suspicious for your own good, Ilia. Not everyone is out to hurt us.” She did her best impression of a young Blake, bobbing the picture in the air as if it was talking to her. She paused for a moment after, before chuckling to herself with a shake of her head, putting the frame down on the side table. “Yeah, look how well that worked out for us. First Him” Her blood boiled at even remembering a certain red haired faunus, scales turning crimson before her blood cooled with a slow exhale. “And then you and your parents vanished.” Shaking her head, she left the bedroom to explore the rest of her new home.

She spent some time examining every potential place to hide a surveillance device, ensuring that no one was spying on her. It was only partly fueled by her training, and greatly fueled by her desire to make sure no one had seen her talking to a photo like it was a person. Once satisfied her room wasn’t bugged, she poured herself a drink of water from the kitchen sink. Lifting it to her nose, she sniffed it experimentally, before taking a small sip, letting the liquid sit on her tongue before swallowing. She waited a moment, ensuring that her water wasn’t somehow tampered with, before nodding and taking a deeper drink, draining the glass in a matter of moments. As she refilled it, she once again turned around to look at the room, leaning against the counter as she took more conservative sips. “What the hell do I do now…” She blanched as she realised she had no idea, before a nervous chuckle ran through her, raising a hand to her forehead in disbelief. “I’ve not even been given a role yet. Congrats Ilia, you got distracted by a pretty face... again." 

Her silent bemoaning of her situation was cut short with a knock upon her door. Looking up, she felt a sudden sense of dread as she subconsciously reached for her weapon, finding the holster empty. Panic raced through her again as she looked around for her gun, finding it lying on her bed where she had placed it when looking for bugs. Shaking her head she attempted to look nonchalant as she called out, "Come in." 

The door slid open, and Ruby walked into the room with a brilliant smile on her face. "Ah, Ilia! Just the cute ex-operative I wanted to see." 

"C-cute!?" The sudden compliment caused Ilia's cheeks and freckles to turn red, before she picked up on the rest of the sentence. "I-I'm sorry. What did you need me for?" 

Ruby spared a glance around the room, noting its current spartan state with a quiet hum and muttering to herself. "We'll have to pick you up some decor when we get to Beacon." Shaking her head clear of the thought, she then turned back to Ilia, the brilliant smile returning in full force. "Nothing particular for now, I just wanted to see how you were settling in. Is the room to your liking?"

Ilia took a moment to think, before nodding, chancing a small, shy smile. "Yes, Captain Rose. It's quite a lot nicer than some previous quarters I've been given."

"Please, Just Ruby is fine." She waved her hands, letting out an awkward chuckle. "I can't keep Ciel from calling me Ma'am all the time, but unless I'm giving orders no need to be so formal." Placing her hands on her hips, her smile changed to something almost conspiratorial. "And I can imagine, I've heard quite some nasty rumours about the quarters on Atlas ships." She paused, looking around the empty room as if making sure they were alone, before leaning towards Ilia and stage whispering. "Is it true that sometimes they shove 20 people into a single bedroom, without bunk beds?"

Ilia could only blink, taking a moment to process the absurdity of the question and the 'clandestine' way it was asked, before breaking out in a laugh. Her eyes closed as she bent nearly double as her shoulders shook, completely missing the triumphant flash that spread across Ruby's face, before standing tall again and wiping a tear from her eye. "Oh, no. It can sometimes be 30. Only the really fancy ships get bunk beds." She grinned, feeling herself grow at ease despite her mission on the ship.

"30? Damn, that's too many people for one bedroom. I try to ensure everyone aboard the Sanguine Dream has their own room. Except for the couples of course, they get to share." She nodded to herself, mind quickly getting distracted as she thought about the rest of her crew, before snapping her attention back to Ilia. "Ah, speaking of the crew, the rest of those who went ashore to the station should be aboard again soon. When they are, we'll be jumping into the expanse, stopping at one of our stations and picking up some other crews for a little job." 

That information made Ilia focus again, brow raising as her lips pursed. "A job that requires extra crews? From what I heard the Crimson Rose usually works alone." 

"Normally I do. Like I said, we're the fastest ship in the expanse, and we strike hard. But our target has some extra protection, so having assistance can't hurt. Besides, I'm hoping Big Sis will be able to help. Will make what I'm wanting to do much easier." She was mainly musing to herself with the comment of Big Sis, but upon seeing the questioning tilt of Ilia's head, she simply smiled again and waved her hand. "Oh, just a lil project I've been working on for someone on her ship. Got most of the parts, and this job should hopefully be the last of them." 

"...you have a sister?" Ilia was dying to know about whatever this secret project was, but asking about Ruby's family seemed a safer option.

"Oh, right! That's not common knowledge! She's technically my cousin, but we're practically sisters with how we were raised." Ruby offered a small shrug. "I think you'll like her, she's much more outgoing than I am, very boisterous. Captains the New Dawn ." Ruby was turning to leave, missing the reeling look on Ilia's face as she heard the name of the other crew of pirates Winter had been sent out to hunt down. "But anyway, wanted to give you the heads up. When you're ready, join me on the bridge and we can introduce you to the main crew." She paused at the door, offering her goofy smile again. "Sorry to be throwing you into the deep end so soon after joining us, but a Pirate can't stop for long!" 

Ilia stared at her door as it slid close, marking the departure of her new captain. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she walked back into the bedroom, picking up the framed photo of Blake once more. "Oh, Blake. We're really in it now."

[scham-wcan]

At a Gala

Random 1, about Winter: Yeah she’s pretty but look at her arms, they’re far too large and muscular

Random 2: And that middle, you could confuse those abs for an old cutting board with all of those grotesque scars

Random 1: Speaking of scars, what about the one over her nose? Morose, she looks like an old sculpture, not a Schnee of progress-

Cinder, smashes the bottle in hand she was pouring from behind the two randoms: Oh? You were talking about my wife? The one I care for very dearly? How much do you value breathing?

I imagine while The Schnees are on the resurgence as being that paragon family which Nicholas made them originally, there’s a ton more contemporary Schnee peers who were aligned with Jacques style. Which is difficult to untie from most likely because of contracts and binding deals and what have you. But as much as they glower and hiss about the Schnees, if you’re ever as stupid to do so in their home, you make sure if it’s about the eldest daughter, the Fall Maiden isn’t lurking behind you

Cinder is very protective and of course very loving and proud of Winter. Feeling dreadfully dower about the likely hood some if not most of the scars were probably from their former duels. Comments about Winter in the derogatory whip her up something fierce which she has not been like in many years. Though she doesn’t ever go that furthest step in dealing with the scum who’d besmirch her partner, instead ‘venting’ it out onto them.

Winter, while obviously being dismayed with what they say, is not one to let it burrow in her. She isn’t so shallow as to care about remarks about her physicality; she knows Cinder will shout to the moon about that at the drop of a hat. But she is humbled that Cinder would put her name next to hers despite all of the quiet decrepit things being said about not just her, but her family, well, their family now.

[darkenlyte]

Visions of RWBY

So I've recently been playing Genshin Impact again, and as a long time RWBY enjoyer, I got to thinking 'What visions would the main cast of RWBY have, hence, without further adoo.

Team RWBY:

Ruby Rose: Pyro

Pyro vision holders are almost always energetic and passionate individuals who love their jobs, this fits Ruby to a tee. The one exception being Diluc, and even then, volume 9 Ruby followed much the same path as he did.

Ruby's introduction to the pyro family would be like adding oil to an already blazing fire, bringing yet more life to the excitable home.

There is beauty in fire, but in order to burn something must be sacrificed.

Weiss Schnee: Cryo

Cryo weilders seem to recieve their visions when are at a cross roads in their lives, i.e. leaving the comfortable life she knew and choosing to fight a seemingly unbeatable foe.

Weiss' introduction would be a more quiet affair, however, I believe that her presence would help bring a touch of warmth to the home of ice.

Like delicate shard of ice refracting light into all colours for those around to see.

Blake Belladona: Anemo

Almost all users of anemo desire to be free in some capacity or another. Blake fought for the White Fang in order to free her people from persecution, when she realised the error of her ways, she looked for a different way to achieve freedom, even if it meant hiding who she was.

The anemo family is widely known to have some the most free individuals in Teyvat, despite their hard pasts. Blake along with Jean, would often act as the voices of reason, acting like a refreshing breeze on a warm summer day.

None can survive without the air to fill their lungs, even the bound desire to fly.

Yang Xiao Long: pyro

Same as her younger sister, Yang is a firey, and confident individual who is always willing to put provide a supporting shoulder to those who need it, and is emotionally healthy enough to take support when its offered.

Yang's introduction would be like a grand golden flame joining the bonfire, outstanding and beautiful, yet easily integrating into larger whole.

Fire is deadly but it also harbours life.

Team JNR:

Jaune Arc: Geo

The weilders of Geo visions share an unwavering determination and are all widely accepted as skilled leaders. Though Jaune didn't start out with the willpower or skills of his peers, through constant effort and pain, he is now considered both a skilled leader and combatant.

The geo family is prided on their mutual support and demeanour. Like Itto, I expect Jaune to bring a sense of levity and fun, though his experiences would lend themselves to acting as a surprisingly understanding listener.

Like a piece of uncut and unpolished gem, his value would only be known to those with the keenest of eyes.

Nora Valkyrie: Electro (surprise?)

Electro visions are received by those think or are fundamentally different from other. This is not a negative trait, rather because of this plans and avenues that otherwise would not be expored are opened to the team.

As a young woman, Nora would fit right into the electro family, bring a positive charge to any conversation she is a part of.

When lightning strikes it lasts for but a moment, but even those who cannot see will know it has come because of the roar of the thunder.

Lie Ren: Dendro

Seekers of knowledge and wisdom. Ren is a well educated individual with a good head on his shoulders (most of the time). He is the brain to Nora's brawn, the two of them operating similar to another electro, dendro duo we know of.

From dust we came, and to dust we shall return, thus shall we forever be a part of the world.

Sorry for the long essay everyone, if you have any suggestions, criticisms or questions on how they would interact with other vision weilders let me know.

[set-wingedwarrior]

I want to talk about Jacques' death for a second.

In short, it was just really sad. Normally we'd cheer for the rich asshole to die in the most pathetic way, but the thing is that it was so... undeserved? In this particular context?

Aside from the fact that death sentence in itself is something that shouldn't exist (I know we sometimes think and feel good picturing getting rid of certain people in the world, but still), that even the worst person's life has value, and the fact that I don't trust anyone to have the power to make such a choice; Jacques wasn't a threat anymore.

And I think that's the focal point about Ironwood and his real intentions; his main concern has never been to help (he did care about it, it just wasn't the principal reason, even if he convinced himself it was), it was just to feel good about himself.

Jacques wasn't a threat, nor he was "standing in his way". He was in a cage. He was annoying, but nothing beyond that at this point. Hell, with all that chaos even if he was free his money would have no value at this point!

And yet, Ironwood killed him anyway, obliterating him with a fucking canon, while still trapped inside his cell!

It's a literal overkill, done by no other reason than spite and revenge over a surely awful man that was still reduced to a powerless rat in a cage.

As much as I did hate him, seeing him die this was just made me sad. And if we want to go beyond him being a citizen brutally murdered by an official inside his cage, and how unnecessary that was for Ironwood's plans to "save Atlas", that also robbed his family of closure.

Now none of the Schnees will have the chance to face him what he's done specifically to them, their family and yes, even their company and image. Weiss threw him inside that cell, and he surely deserved it, but that's not enough to come to terms with all the abuse.

All in all, asshole or not, all of this was very tragic. I wonder if the rest of the family will ever talk about his disappearance, even without knowing the details, and how the lack of closure affects them.

I got RWBY and the Atlas arc on the brain again and I just want to throw some more praise at CRWBY for how they used Jacques in this arc.

They prime us to hate his guts before we even meet him. Everything Weiss has told us about her home life, and everything Blake has said about the SDC indicates to the audience that Jacques is an abusive, controlling, racist shitheel. We know he's awful before we ever see him.

So in these scenes they set him against Ironwood, a character who we're familiar with and came across as dodgy but ultimately on the side of the angels in his past appearances. Ironwood is one of the only two people in all of V4 who is actually supportive of Weiss, and he stands up to the antagonist of her arc every time they interact.

And then we get to V7, and slowly, gradually, it becomes apparent that most of Jacques' interactions with Ironwood are a giant case of "Heartbreaking: The Worst Person You Know Just Made a Great Point." He's frequently right for the wrong reasons (I.E. calling out Jimmy for closing the borders, not because unity in the wake of the Fall of Beacon is important, but because it's hurting his profit margins), but he's consistently one of the characters who calls Ironwood out the most for his fascistic shit.

But because we know he's Jacques and he's awful (and he is awful, this is not a Jacques Schnee Defence Post), the writers are able to bury that a little until all the pieces fall into place in Volume 7.

I could probably write a full-on essay about how good Ironwood's descent into tyranny is, and the role that the villains play in it, because this show is so fucking good when the writers get to cook. Maybe I will at some point.

[formerlyrunephoenix6769]

Winter Solstice: Part 8

Yet another installment in the ongoing Winter Schnee sage. I shall be tagging it under formerlyrunphoenix6769 rwby fanfiction to make it easy to find. 

Please feel free to like, share and comment. I would really appreciate your feed back. 

                                  A Rogue Comes to Visit.

A heavy blanket of mist had rolled down the mountain enveloping the vast Schnee estate, draping everything it touched in a thick layer of moisture. No sunlight twinkled off droplets, both absorbed by the dull grey that stretched as far as the eye could see. It had been weeks since the night of her Father’s bombshell and he had remained true to his word cancelling all of her up and coming engagements.

Nestled in a deep window seat above the only working radiator in the room that gurgled and knocked, Winter stared out of the window into the foggy gloom, choosing to ignore the book in her lap and the droning of the tutor as he paced back and forth his scholarly robes flapping behind him. In the middle of the room at a small desk, Weiss listened intently absorbing his every word, her pen flying across the paper in loops and swirls as she eagerly committed every nugget of information to the page.   Outside, the trees naked of plumage reached up their blacked limbs, twisted and gnarled, like hands reaching for the heavens grasping at the last vestiges of life. One large tree seemed to ripple, as black feathers ruffled and a thousand beady eyes watched and waited.

A dark grey and black uniform passed in front of the window obscuring Winter’s view as they strolled back and forth along the promenade that ran around the mansion. She watched as one proceeded to wiggle his fingers in the granite fountain at the entrance to the path that would lead to the now half empty stable yard, his shouts causing the flock of birds to alight from their roost screeching and cawing at his rude intrusion.

No subtlety had been given in the sudden rise in security at the Schnee homestead. A private security firm rather than the usual personnel from the SDC, these men and women looked battle hardened with a steely glint in their eyes and wore their weapons openly as they proceeded on their rounds.  

The strain of providing for the extra personnel had done nothing to improve Klein’s mood either, his grumpy persona coming more to the fore as he grumbled about the private contractors and their lack of regard for the household staff as they questioned and inspected everything going in and coming out of the stately home.

Winter could only wonder at the exact nature of it as she had witnessed the stony faced sentinels skulking about the hallways of the entrances to the East Wing where their mother had been cloistered since the revelation. Even Jacques departure with Whitley, who he had taken to keeping close by his side, did nothing to rouse the Schnee matriarch from her solitude.

“Miss Schnee!” the tutor barked, cutting into her moment of reflection. “At what temperature does dust go from a solid to a liquid?”

Winter returned his question with a blank stare.

Weiss sat on the edge of her seat, her hand waving in the air, her little chest puffed out to the point Winter was fully convinced she might take flight if not for the desk grounding her.  Ignoring her sister, the tutor continued,

“I would think that as the Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, you would want to know this?”

Winter replied with a haughty tone,

 “And I would think that as an esteemed tutor you would know that it is a trick question!”

Weiss lowered her hand and watched her older sibling wide eyed. The tutor turned on his heel giving Winter his full attention as a wicked smirk twitched at the corner of his lips,

“If you know so much, would you care to elaborate? I am sure your sister would love to hear what wisdom you have gleaned from your years of education.”

Rising to his petty challenge and bid to humiliate her, Winter returned the parry,

“Certainly- ” Leaving the cosy nest of the windowsill, Winter began to casually stroll about the room, “- Not all types of dust ‘boils’ or ‘melts’ at the same point. Dust, as is it collectively known, is actually a number of different types of minerals often found in individual clusters akin to its surroundings. - ”  She trailed her fingers long the spines of the books on the nearby shelf “- Therefore, its stands to reason that dust with gravity defying properties, one of the rarest types might I add, will not react in the same way that dust with freezing properties shall. The SDC has refineries across the globe, each equipped with the capability to refine each dust type as its properties dictate.”  She teased a book with the emblem of the family sigil embossed in its leather binding from its snug “- Furthermore, the SDC did not become the biggest dust extraction and refining company through sheer monopolisation but rather due to the Schnee name coming to mean excellence and the finest quality of products due to the purity of the dust crystals we provide. Monopolisation of the industry happened after the fact.  Absorbtion of our lesser competitors and implementing the Schnee Dust Company’s refining process thereby improving the quality of dust available on Renmant as a whole was merely good business practices.”

Bowing the board pointer in his hands, the tutor huffed. His features became pinched. As he opened his mouth to speak the large grandfather clock began to chime. Snapping the book closed, Winter returned it to its place before turning on her heel and leaving the room without another word.

Ignoring the security guards, Winter began to make her way down the corridor that would lead back into the main house, stewing over her predicament. Where as once over her afternoons had been filled with Violet, training, or taking to the saddle now she was expected in the parlour practising the accursed cello, the same piece of music over and over until she could play it by ear. It was a strict instruction laid down by her Father, who expected her to play the piece for him without sheet music when he returned.

How could she take up her mother’s plea to leave as soon as the opportunity arose if there was nothing she could do in the way of skills that could provide for her?

If it wasn’t for her brother being with him, she would wish the airship would explode with her father in it.  At least that way all their problems would be solved.

Behind her she could hear the soles of Weiss’ shoes slapping off the polished floor as she ran to catch up.  From in her skinny arms books threatened to spill and the spindly child tried to hug them to her chest.

“Winter.” came the whine, “Please, some help.”

Rolling her eyes, Winter plucked a few before they could cascade onto the floor. Casting a critical eye over the titles,

“What do you even need these for? Most of them are outdated.” She selected one. “Look at this one… Faunus Anatomy…” She flicked it open to a random page and began to read aloud, as Weiss scurried along side her,  “- The Faunus are incapable of learning. Due to their physiology,….. Blah blah…. the ridges in their cranium suggest a smaller brain, much akin to an animal.” Winter trailed off before snapping it closed, “- Yeah, Weiss, I’m pretty certain this is just racist propaganda.”

With a sniff, Weiss tried to take a superior tone,

“Dr Gnarls Tarquin was a great Scientist who helped discover the evolution of Grimm!”

“He was also a crack pot who died due to inhaling dust and was married to his cousin! Nearly all of his other theories have been disproved.”

Weiss’ brow furrowed at her sister’s counter argument. Hugging her remaining books tight, she tried to match Winter’s gait.

“We don’t have many books on the faunus.”

“And why are you trying to learn about the Faunus?”

“I want to know why they are different.”

“They’re not… Well, not really.”

“Why do they hate humans then? Why do they want to kill us?”

“They don’t!”

“They killed Uncle Russell and his family!”

Winter sighed,

“That was a handful of very bad people who were trying to make a statement. I don’t think that all the Faunus are like the White Fang.”

After her Father’s outburst at the dinner table, Winter couldn’t even be sure if the White Fang were responsible anymore, instead she lay a gentle hand on her sister’s shoulder.

“Come on, lets go see Klein and get some lunch.” Casting a sly glance behind her, she spotted the security tailing them at a distance, “- I know a short cut.”

Rounding the corner and out of sight of the guards the teenager picked up the pace encouraging her sister to keep up, she guided the young girl down the wide flowing staircase that led down into a wide entrance lobby. Doubling back round under the staircase and beside a suit of highly polished armour, Winter pressed a panel to reveal a small door cleverly hidden within the lattice work.

She gestured for Weiss to follow. The small girl hesitated on the threshold.  

“I don’t know, Winter,”

Weiss bit her bottom lip and scratched the back of her left calf with her right foot, a dead give away she was nervous.

“Make up your mind, you boob, before those goons see us……” Winter beckoned again,  “It’s quite safe .” Winter assured, “I come down here all the time, it leads down to the kitchens.”

Coming to a decision, Weiss ducked her head and stepped into the gloom, Winter followed easing the door back into its snug so as not to make a sound.

Winter held up her finger to her lips, the heavy footsteps of the guards on the staircase dislodging some of the accumulated dust causing it to rain down, peppering their white hair with grey.

Both girls could hear the voices of the guards,

“Where the hell did they go?”

“I fucking hate this job!”

“Would you shut up!”

“I’m a solider not a glorified babysitter. This not what I signed up for!”

“ It’s a cushty gig. Great pay, bed and board and we don’t get shot at. What more do you want.”

“Dont get shot at? I’d much prefer knowing who the enemy is. The eldest one … I’ve seen that look before… You remember that Faunus village we cleared out, the exact same look….  And I wouldnt put it past the lush going off on one either. Mark my words, this house is gonna go to hell in a…”

The two girls let out the breath they had been holding as the guard’s voices faded out as they moved off. Winter took her sister’s hand, placing it on the back of her waistcoat. Making sure that Weiss had a firm grip she began leading her down the narrow winding pathway.

Weiss whispered,

“What is this? Who built it?”

Winter peered into the gloom, carefully feeling her way long the wall,

“Opa?  I don’t know , maybe an ancestor was paranoid that the local peasants would rise up in revolt and slay them in their beds?”

With a small shaky voice, Weiss whined,

“Winter don’t say that. Father says the White Fang might do that any day now.”

A slight breeze caused errant cobwebs to sway, indicating they were going in the right direction as the pathway twisted and turned. They passed a turn off to the right that Winter knew would lead to a heavily barricaded entrance to the garden. She had yet to explore all the passageway’s off shoots. Feeling a slight change in heat, the teenager took the left opening, carefully placing her feet on each stone flag that made up the staircase that spiraled round and down as Weiss held on tight.

“Father is just trying to scare you. He wants us terrified so we wont do anything he disapproves of.” In a bid to alleviate her younger sibling’s fears, she explained, not unkindly, “- Our house is one of the most secure in Remnant. The White Fang wouldn’t make a move towards this house.  We are so far in the tundra, there is no way a mass group of faunus would make it so far into the country without being detected. We would see them coming a mile away. ”

“But Father said..”

Winter pushed open the door that would lead into one of the official servants service corridors that were doted all over the house as she snapped in annoyance,

“Well Father is a liar!”

“I would be careful saying that out loud,  Miss Winter. The walls have ears.”

Both girls let out a shriek and dropped their books at the voice. Bending down to collect the books in a bid to hide her embarrassment at being so jumpy, Winter mumbled,

“Klein, you nearly gave us a heart attack.”

“Sign of a good butler that is, to be unseen and unheard.”

He comically wiggled his bushy eyebrows at the younger sibling. Taking a handkerchief out of his breast pocket he began to fuss over the pair, wiping  and flicking at errant dust and cobwebs on their grey outfits.

“

Cook made some lovely stew.”

The two girls followed him along the servant’s passageway that widened out. Down here was the warmest part of the mansion, housing the laundry and the kitchens. Bustling with activity, uniformed members of staff nodded and bobbed in acknowledgement as they passed by on their errands. A maid stopped to show Klein some stitching on a piece of linen, who wiped out an eye glass to closer inspect it. The butler nodded and praised the young girl for a job well done.  

Down here, underneath the icy cold indifference of the family they served, it was warm, light hearted  and inviting. It always put Winter in the frame of mind of a rockery. Lift up one of the frozen beautifully carved statues and underneath you would find it teeming with life.

Through one door Winter spied a group of servants polishing the silverware and candle sticks like a dust assembly line, laughing and joking with each other as they worked.

Pausing by an open door, from which wafted the smells of good cooking, Klein called out,

“Mauve, the lil mistresses are here.”

From depths of the kitchens, they heard a jovial voice boom,

“I’ll be along in a minute, deary,”

Klein ushered them further into the bowels of the house finally coming out into a large cosy looking room with a huge fire crackling in the hearth. There was a long table flanked either side with long benches. The blue slate flagged floor shone from being scrubbed. In the far corner next to the fire, a comfortable looking rocking chair and a small table with a set of knitting needles and yarn. Hanging on the walls photos, some new and shiny, others yellowed with age depicting the staff over the years and their masters. Winter paused by one that depicted a huge crowd of staff dressed in black and white old fashioned uniforms outside the front of the Schnee Estate, their faces looking stern. Winter thought she recognised their grandfather as a little boy in shorts that came just above the knees, his white hair messily standing on end.

Weiss looked around in awe at the tall back piano against the far wall. Placing her books on the table she skipped over, she went to touch the keys only to hesitate and look at the butler for permission.  He gave her a fatherly smile.

“Your mother used to come down here and play that when your grandfather was alive. He liked being down here.”

As the youngster slid onto the piano chair, Klein patted a seat on the bench closest to the fire for Winter.  Weiss began to play a beautiful and haunting melody. Never taking her eyes of her younger sibling’s erect back, Winter quietly asked,

“How is Mama?”

Klein poked the fireplace with the poker,

“Don’t fret your pretty little head. We’re all keeping an eye on her.”

Winter sucked on her bottom lip and gave a little sniff,

“I’m worried about her.” She used her finger nail to pick at a splinter in the well worn wood, “We’ve hardly seen her since….. You know..”

Before the butler could reply, a maid came in with a tray laden with bowls and thick fresh loaves and the cook, Mauve,  hot on her heels. Placing the tray on the table, the young woman nodded her head, before beating a hasty retreat and closing the door behind her.

Mauve was dressed in chef whites. Unlike the rest of the household staff she did not have a single accent of grey in her uniform. She was small in stature and rotund, moving with a swift shuffle that belied her size. White hair poked out from under her hat but it was difficult to gauge her age  due to the smoothness of her skin.  Her cheeks were red from being in the heat of the kitchens and her forearms were thick, no doubt from hauling slabs of meat and huge pans on the cooker. She hefted a  huge pot on to the table, wiping her hands on a towel that hung from her apron. With a smile and twinkle on her bright blue eyes, she cajoled the sisters,

“Now then, look at the pair of you. The two luvs look half frozen to death, Klein.” She began to ladle the hot thick stew into the bowls. She inclined her head with a smile, “Come on, Miss Weiss, sit at the table. That’s a good lass.”

Weiss slid off the piano chair and awkwardly tried to clamber over the bench as elegantly as she could in the constricting skirt. Giving up at any attempt, she sat on down on the lip, swinging her legs round, Winter lay a supportive hand to the small of her back so she wouldnt tip over on to the flagstones. Sat in her seat, she shuffled closer to Winter.

Mauve gave the two girls each a huge bowl of stew and a spoon,

“There, get that into you luvs.”

She began to take a knife to the fresh loaves, carving out thick slabs. One of the service bells began to ring out and the phone in the room began to chime.  Klein got up to answer it as Mauve began to slather the bread in huge swaths of butter. With a pout, Weiss gave her stew an experimental poke,

“What is it?”

“It’s a dish from my home town.” The cook admitted as she continued to make a pile of bread big enough to feed an army. Weiss began to dubiously inspect the depths of her bowl. Mauve ladled out some more for herself and the butler. “Its Pot stew.  Perfect dish on a cold day.”

Finished with the call, Klein squeezed Weiss’s shoulders, putting on one of his many accents,

“It will put hairs on your chest, so it will.”

Weiss let out a gleeful giggle, kicking her legs,

“I don’t want a hairy chest, cause I won’t be able to wear gowns like Mama.”

Selecting some of the bread, Winter began to tear it up, dropping it into her stew. Using the spoon she dunked it before taking a spoonful. Weiss seemed to hold back, watching and waiting for her sister’s reaction.  Biting into her spoonful, Winter’s mouth was awash with flavours, the beef was tender and the potatoes soft, the carrots and onions broke on her tongue. The homemade stock was full of aromas that set the taste buds aflame. Winter hadn't realised how hungry she was as she eagerly attacked her bowl. Not to be out done, Weiss took a spoonful only to hum delightedly at the taste. Klein threw Winter a wink as he tucked a napkin into his collar began to eat his own and Mauve watched like a proud mother hen at her hungry brood.

“Nobody on Remnant can hold a candle to Mauve’s stew.”

Winter couldn’t tell if the ruddiness of the cook’s cheeks was a blush or from the heat of the room.  Mauve swatted at Klein with her towel, who ducked and gave her a toothy grin. She poured out three glasses of  fresh water before taking a seat in the rocking chair by the fire and began to knit. The fire crackled in the hearth as Mauve rocked back and forth, humming a soothing tune. The clinking of cutlery off the porcelain as the food was hungrily devoured joined it’s chorus. Looping another thread over the needle, Mauve asked,

“What was the call?”

“It was the Mistress..”

Winter’s head shot up and Weiss spoon paused half way. Cook continued to make another loop,

“What did she want?”

“She has a guest.”

“She does?”

“I asked Gray to see to it.” He leisurely dunked his bread into the broth, “- When you’ve finished your lunch, she would like to see you, Winter.”

Winter went to stand up, only for Cook to take a mock stern tone, never looking up from her knitting needles,

“Young lady, sit down and finish your lunch. I didn’t slave over a hot stove all day for you to be running off and gallivanting about the place half starved. Not on my watch.”

Winter’s bum collided with the bench at the slight reprimand. Klein pulled a comical face to Weiss causing the young girl to laugh.

Hesitantly, Winter asked,

“Can Weiss come too?”

“Don’t see why not. Mistress didn’t say not to.”

Knitting needles clicked in a steady rhythm making a soothing sound as Winter began to wonder at who the guest could be. Weiss reclaimed one of her books, propping it against her water glass, eyes glued to the words on the page as she continued to haphazardly reach out for the bread plate. Winter moved it closer to the searching hand and stifled a laugh at the youngster dipping her slender finger tips into the butter. Mauve broke the relatively comfortable silence,

“How is your schooling?”

Before Winter could reply, Weiss began to excitedly babble about their lessons. Mauve and Klein listened intently, nodding and awwing at all the appropriate moments. Weiss announced,

“And Winter was cheeky with the tutor.”

“Urrgh , you’re such a tattle tale!” Winter gave her sister a poke in the ribs, “Klein, tell her what happens to tattle tales”

Mauve and Klein replied in unison,

“You slowly become a Grimm.”

Weiss asked, with suspicion,

“What type of Grimm?”

Once again the service bell began to tinkle. Klein cast a glance at the numerous bells set in a row up high, underneath each one a brass plaque with the name of the room written in cursive. Wiping his mouth with his napkin, the butler announced,

“I think your Mother is ready for you. It looks like she is in the conservatory in the East Wing.”

Both girls graciously thanked Mauve for the meal. Weiss hurriedly tried to collect her books only for Klein to assure her not to worry, that they would be in her bedroom later. Winter grabbed a napkin,

“Hold still.”

She dabbed at the younger girl’s mouth making sure that all evidence of lunch had disappeared. It wouldn’t do to turn up to an audience with their mother and her guest looking like a pauper. Weiss crinkled her nose at the onslaught as Winter chided,

“How did you manage to get more of it on your face than in your mouth?”

As they were about to leave, Weiss dashed back to grab the book she was reading before following her sister to the door.

“Thankyou.”

“You come down here any time you like luvs.”

 ----xx----

At the entrance to the conservatory, Winter paused to straighten her appearance and make sure her sister’s hair was perfect.

“Don’t tell Mama about the passage,” She smoothed a small wisps of hair behind Weiss ears, “- And don’t tell Mama about the tutor.” Weiss silently nodded. Winter made sure her shirt was tucked in and her black lace bow was straight, “- In fact, don’t say anything about anything, ok?”

Pushing open the glass doors into the conservatory the two girls were hit by a sweltering heat. Here their mother teased plants back to life. No expense had been spared in what Winter could only come to think was essentially a green house. It was the biggest collection of global flora in the country outside the of Atlas Botanical Gardens. Trees from Menagerie carefully cultivated sat along side bright and colourful flowers from the floating islands of Mistral. Leafy plants towered over the pair as they navigated the yellow winding paths. Somewhere the soothing noise of a babbling water feature permeated through the plant life.

Snippets of conversation drifted through the undergrowth guiding the siblings towards their destination.

Rounding past a rather wide and bushy plant from the far reaches of Vacuo that would sting you as soon as you looked at it, Winter and her sister came upon their mother bent over a flower bed, deep in conservation, her partner obscured from view,

“As you can see, the Clananis is rather deadly. It is the only plant known in human existence to feed both off Grimm and fauna. It’s sap is extremely poisonous if ingested. Even a sting from one of its barbs is known to cause adverse reactions in the brain leaving one in a depressive state.”

A heavy accent replied,

“I do believe it hails from Menagerie and is rather rare to come by?”

Willow took a long sip of her drink,

“Only in certain circles. If one is to be believed.” Willow gave a light laugh. “ It flourishes in Anima so I am told.”

Grey stood to attention beside a table laden with drinks. As the two girls approached, he gave a polite cough.

Willow turned at the interruption. Her eyes alighting on her daughters, she broke into a huge smile.

“Ah, my darlings.”  She placed her glass on a nearby table, approaching the two girls with her arms out stretched. Weiss ran forward into her mother’s arms, hugging her round the middle. Winter remained at a distance, watching as her mother sank into a nearby chaise and patted the seat beside her which Weiss eagerly took. She observed as her mother’s every action was ever so slightly delayed. Willow beckoned over Winter and her guest, “- Come sit. Ciddy, darling, These are my daughters. Weiss.” She affectionately stroked her fingers through the little girl’s long ponytail, “And my eldest, Winter. I believe you have already met?”

Winter gasped as the guest came into view. His beard was gone, replaced by a well trimmed pencil moustache and tiny goatee favoured by the upper echelons of the sea faring merchants of Silas and port towns of Vacuo. His hair was neatly drawn back into a short and low stub of a ponytail that rested at the nuque . A golden earring twinkled in his left ear and he was decked in brightly coloured clothing decidedly warmer than when the last time she saw him.

“Mr Cid!”

His face broke into a wolfish grin,

“Hello, pampered little Schnee.”

Her mother broke into loud laughter.

“That is what you used to call me.”

Berdea Cid gave a chuckle as he took the other chair,

“Amongst other things.”

Gesturing to Grey to make another drink, Willow added,

“Oh you cad.. It’s good to see that some people haven’t changed.”

 “But Mama, I don’t understand.” Winter took a cautious step forward, “- What is he doing here?”

Drawing back her long sleeves to reveal her pale arms, Willow graciously accepted her beverage,

“Don’t you remember, darling?” Willow took a sip of her drink, her eyes briefly closing in satisfaction, “ You wanted to learn the Combat Sabre …. This was the man I was speaking of.”

Berdea looked up at Winter, eyes dancing with mirth,

“I am your new swordmaster.”

[howlingday]

Hippos sweat a fluid that can be used as sunscreen. Is there a faunus with a business like it?

---------------------------------------------------

Ssh! You didn't hear this from me, but I have it on good information that Jacques Schnee uses a particularly niche brand of lotion only available from Menagerie. And let's just say he isn't aware that the manufacturer is very "hands on" with their product. Also, the company holds family values incredibly high on their list. You could almost say their product is "in the blood".

Fun Fact! Hippopotami will secrete a sunblock-acting fluid that takes on a blood-red color from their skin. This "blood sweat," scientifically name hipposudoric acid, is neither blood nor sweat.

[storebought-taterthot]

More RWBY nonsense

So, I’ve seen a lot of people use Whitley’s “favor”, (letting Weiss know when Joques was leaving) as a redeeming moment for his character, but that doesn’t sound quite right to me. Now that he is Heir to the Schnee fortune, he wants Weiss gone, just like Winter. If she’s not around to possibly regain their father’s good graces, his position is much more secure. I’m positive that Weiss will use this opportunity for her escape, but that doesn’t mean it was an altruistically given gift.