Son of the Branwen

Chapter 17: Extracurricular

Flashback

Hawk was just ten years old. Qrow decided to take Hawk to explore Vale, and help teach him about how the kingdom works. Qrow took him through all the nicer parts of Vale first, which also included seeing the outside of Beacon academy. Then, Qrow took Hawk to the shadier places in Vale.

Qrow: "Stay right beside me kiddo. And pay attention to your surroundings."

Hawk: "Like hunting?"

Qrow smirked and ruffled Hawk's hair.

Qrow: "Like hunting. These areas are usually where you'll find criminals, and informants. When you get older, you'll start to see how these kinds of areas work. Then, you'll be able to use their system to your advantage."

Hawk nodded as he stayed right beside Qrow. Most people gave them just a glance and kept to their own business. Hawk kept glancing around, seeing people wearing clothing that kept their looks hidden. Some where whispering to each other, and handing strange items to some. Qrow kept them walking, heading towards a small time shop. Qrow entered first, followed closely by Hawk.

Inside was a bunch of strange items that Hawk wouldn't be able to even recognize. The shop was crammed full, leaving only a few small walk spaces that weaves through the items. An elderly looking woman walked out from behind a hanging curtain, standing hunched over at the counter. Her grey hair was all curly and long, lots of it hanging over her face like a vale, but behind her hair you could see her piercing grey eyes that looked slightly foggy. She rested her wrinkled hands on the counter, showing her overly long finger nails. Hawk squeaked in fright and hid behind Qrow.

???: "Is that you you old bird?"

Qrow: "Yeah it's me. Did you get our package yet Granny?"

The old woman gave a toothless grin as she hobbled out from behind the counter, slowly walking to the wall that had random books on it. She reached as high as she could, stretching to the second highest shelf. She pulled away a dusty brown book, which made the shelf shudder with a bunch of clicking.

Granny: "Your sister dropped this off days ago with a message for you as well."

Granny pulled out a long parcel wrapped in brown paper. Attached to it was a folded letter, addressed for Hawk. Qrow narrowed his eyes as he took a gulp from his flask. Hawk peeked around Qrow's leg, looking at the older woman. Granny smiled and waved at Hawk, who sheepishly returned the gesture.

Granny: "Such an adorable boy. Strange that he's related to a dusty crow."

Qrow huffed annoyed as he pulled out some lien, setting it on the table. Granny's eyes gleamed as she looked at the money, handing the parcel to Qrow and swiped the lien off the table.

Granny: "The message. Raven says to make sure he's ready. She will come for him when the time is right."

Hawk looked up at Qrow, wondering what that meant. Qrow tensed and clenched his fist.

Qrow: "Lets go Hawk."

Qrow took a hold of Hawk's hand, guiding him back to the door. Hawk looked over his shoulder as they left, seeing Granny slowly hobbling back to the curtain she came out from. The woman looked at the boy, her eyes seemed to gleam with curiosity before she disappeared behind the curtain.

Hawk: "Papa? Who was that?"

The two had stopped at a small ice cream stand, snacking on some cones.

Qrow: "That was Grunhilda Sage. But she has everyone call her Granny. She's a collector of items, and also runs a small delivery service with some outside clans."