"The Fall Clan?" The image of Ozpin questioned with a raised eyebrow. "An odd topic of discussion, especially out of the blue. Might I inquire as to why?"

Albus cleared his throat. Despite legally being older than the Headmaster, he was quite aware that the reality was quite different. Had it been anyone else speaking to him with the strange, authoritative curiosity with which Ozpin spoke, he probably would have called them out on it.

"...Acting on the information you provided, Atlas 'discovered' a ruin beyond the White Sea that appeared to repel Grimm." Hawthorn stated, and didn't bother commenting on the thin smile that was now on Ozpin's face. "..Although why you waited to reveal its location and properties is beyond me."

"...The Fall Clan?" Ozpin repeated without comment on his colleague's complaint.

"..It appears that Luna Fall has turned on the Witch." Albus said simply. "And before you get any ideas about...recruitment..she left something else with the letter. Her five year old daughter. As an apparent 'offering'."

"...I see." A momentary look of complete and utter disgust crossed Ozpin's face. "I agree with your assessment, Albus. Luna Fall would make for an entirely unacceptable ally."

That would hint you actually considered it for a moment. Albus sighed. He understood that sometimes, more distasteful methods to deal with the enemy were warranted. But that was only ever safe when the one committing those actions had the complete and total trust of most if not all those in the Inner Circle.

"What do you know of the Fall Clan already, Albus?" The Headmaster asked. "There is little point in my telling you things you are already aware of."

"Very well...Do you want me to be delicate, or would you prefer me to be to the point?" Hawthorn asked quietly.

"To the point, if you'd be so kind." Ozpin replied. "I was in meetings with the Council late into the evening last night, and I am certain you are aware how...bothersome they can get."

"....Indeed. The Fall Clan are descended from Eliza Bathory, the Fall Maiden of approximately one hundred and thirty years ago." Albus paused, but when Ozpin nodded, he continued, rattling off what he knew. "She was originally amongst your allies, trusted enough to even be counted amongst your Inner Circle. But she turned traitor, and slew both you and your then wife, along with a number of other members of the Inner Circle before fleeing to the Court of the Witch. It was then she took the name Eliza Fall. From that point on they have...or rather, they served in Salem's 'Court'. After the death of Nyx Fall at the hands of Team HMMR, the power of the Fall Maiden came under your authority once more."

"That is a concise version of things, yes." Ozpin sighed. "Sadly, it is not a...unique set of circumstances that I have encountered over the years, merely the most recent."

"Such is the nature of this conflict, Oz." Hawthorn told him. "Fighting in the shadows. Swapping sides. Keeping the conflict secret from the wider world. Frankly, it is unsurprising that this has happened before."

"It is however unusual for an ally of mine or the Witch to turn traitor and pursue their own goals." Ozpin said quietly. "More often than not, they simply swap sides."

Hawthorn paused. That was unusual, indeed. From what little he had gleaned from the histories of the Inner Circle, less than half a dozen had done what Ozpin was now speaking of. It would take someone incredibly bold..or inconceivably foolish to do so. "..I take it that concerns you?"

"..'Concerns' is likely too extreme." Ozpin sighed. "..It merely...rouses my curiosity."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I see."

"What actions do you intend to take now?" The Headmaster asked. "With regards to Luna Fall?"

"...Beyond putting her on various security lists?" Albus let out a sigh. "There is little I can do, Ozpin. Luna Fall doesn't really 'exist' to the rest of the world, much like her daughter." The Captain went silent for a moment, before he continued. "I would have a pair of Hunters track her down." Hawthorn said. "Perhaps Rose and Branwen, I have always found them to be reliable."

"..Summer and Qrow are tracking someone else at the present time." Ozpin told him. "As such, they are unavailable."

"Might I ask what it is they are doing?"

"..I am afraid that that is a decidedly…personal matter, Albus." Came Ozpin's reply, in a tone that brooked no argument.

"I see...it must be greatly important, do send them my best wishes then. In which case, I am deeply tempted to deploy Specialist Schokolade in their stead, if only to see if we cannot find and keep track of her. If anyone can find her from next to no evidence, it's Bianca….alas.."

"..That would leave Fria undefended." Ozpin nodded. "Granted, Ms Bernadotte is practically a force of nature in and of herself. But.."

"..It would not do for the last line of her defence to be elsewhere." Hawthorn concluded. "Precisely."

Not that the current Winter Maiden actually needed a bodyguard, Hawthorn thought. Of the twelve attempts on her life, all but one had resulted in the deaths of all those making the attempt. After that point, she had more or less been left alone. She and Schokolade were both still active members of the Military, although they had standing orders to prioritise the safety of the Maiden Powers 'at any cost'. Thankfully, Fria hadn't yet needed to utilise that..yet.

"The daughter then." Ozpin said after a few moments of silence. "What do we know of her?"

"Her name is Cinder Fall, and is assumed to be about five years old. Black hair, golden eyes." The Captain replied easily. "That..really is about it, aside from the fact she appears to be scared of everything and its shadow."

"I see. I take it she is being taken care of?"

Hawthorn nodded firmly. "Of course. Who do you take us for? She is being looked after by the man that found her in the ruin."

"And that would be?"

"Archivist Casper Schwartz." Hawthorn answered. "...Now he is an odd one. He was found in a snowbank outside of Mantle. Amnesic, if the report's are true."

"..I see. Do you believe it?"

Hawthorn shrugged. "I have not met the man. But Lieutenant Ironwood seems to believe that Archivist Schwartz is trustworthy. Given his upbringing, I am inclined to agree with him. FSB's often have a sixth sense when it comes to who to trust or not."

Ozpin chuckled. "A useful skill indeed. I can see why you are intent on having him as your successor. Do you intend to take her from this Archivist Schwartz?"

"If he is being genuine, I'd rather not ruin the man's life more than it already has been. Nor am I in any rush to take a young girl from the side of the one person that doesn't scare her." Hawthorn explained. "If he isn't genuine, if he is a danger...well, it is likely easier to observe them both if they are in the same place."

"...A sound enough plan I suppose." Ozpin agreed with a nod, and let out a yawn. Off screen, he apparently scrambled around for his mug, only to appear back on screen with a disappointed expression on his face.

Hawthorn fought back a laugh. "Go get some rest, Oz. You look tired. We can continue later, if needs be."

"...If you are certain, I will not argue against it." The Headmaster smiled faintly. "Have a good day, Albus."

"And you, my friend."