Well, I finished this faster than I thought. The "Fellowship of The Ring" is almost done, then a vignette chapter before "The Two Towers."

Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. It is the intellectual property of the late Monty Oum, and his team and friends at Rooster Teeth. The Lord of the Rings, and Silmarillion are the works and intellectual property of JRR Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy were produced by WingNut Films and the Saul Zaentz Company and distributed by New Line Cinema.

Chapter 29 – Lady's Favor

Jaune led the fellowship through the woods, and looked about. They had entered Lothlorien a short time ago, and he knew they would run into the guard of the kingdom. It was only a matter of time.

"Stay close young hobbits!" whispered Ironwood.

Well, he whispered for a dwarf, which was not very quiet. Jaune looked over his shoulder, and saw Ironwood usher the halflings to his side.

"They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell, and are never seen again," whispered Ironwood.

"An elf witch?" asked Blake.

"I guess not all elves are nice," said Yang.

"Do you think she eats people?" asked Nora.

"Why would you think that?" asked Ren.

"There's a bunch of stories about witches eating people," said Nora.

"…True," now that Ren thought about it.

Jaune was about to roll his eyes, but he noticed Ruby stop in her tracks. She looked about as though she had heard something, but his own ears did pick up anything.

"Blake… are we being tracked?" whispered Jaune, so as not to alarm the others unnecessarily.

"…We are being watched, but I know not from where," she replied.

"Get ready…" whispered Jaune.

Blake pulled out her bow slowly.

"Jaune usually has good hearing in this universe. How come my counterpart could hear, but not him?" wondered Ruby aloud.

"Maybe he's got a lot on his mind leading the group, so he's not as focused," suggested Penny.

"I guess," said Ruby.

"Well, here's one dwarf she ensnare so easily," chuckled Ironwood, "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox – OH!"

Jaune saw the dwarf walk into a drawn bow from an elf that appeared from behind of tree. Jaune turned around and saw two archers had trained their bows on him, and Blake as well, whose quick reflexes made her draw her bow. Though she did stop when she saw that they were targeted by elves.

"The dwarf breathed so loud we could have shot him in the dark," said an elven woman.

She wore a silver-grey mantle, and had tan skin with dark freckles. She had long auburn hair, and blue-grey eyes.

"Well, I guess I'm in this too," said Ilia as she stared wide-eyed.

"Sweet look. Silver compliments your features nicely, especially with your hair down," said Coco.

"Oh… Thanks," said Ilia with a flush to her cheeks.

"Greetings, Ilia," bowed Jaune as he spoke in Elven with a hand over his heart, "We come here seeking aid."

The elf, Ilia, looked toward the fellowship, and zeroed in on Ruby.

"You bring great evil here…" Ilia intoned.

"Can she sense the ring?" asked Emerald.

"Unlikely," scoffed Cinder, "That council probably sent messages declaring the 'quest' to other kingdoms somehow."

Jaune clenched his fist a little, but kept his temper in check. Ilia looked back to Jaune, her expression less intense.

"Follow me," she said.

Ilia led them through the forests, and after some time, Jaune noticed that Ruby had inched toward him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked her.

"I heard something in the woods," said Ruby.

"What was it?" Jaune asked.

"A woman's voice… and I got a vision of green eyes," said Ruby.

"It's the witch! She found me, and wants to eat me!" cried Ruby.

"Ruby, you're surrounded by a small army of elves," pointed out Weiss.

"Not to mention you have seven people who won't let anything bad happen. Your counterpart will be fine," said Pyrrha.

"That's good, I guess," said Ruby.

"What if the elves are working for the witch?" asked Mercury off-handedly.

Ruby went white in the face, as the rest of Team RWBY shot him a glare.

"What? It's a fair question," grumbled Mercury.

"Green eyes…? Oh, I see," said Jaune.

"Do you know what it means?" asked Ruby.

"It means we're here," said Jaune.

Ilia stopped and stood proudly at the head of the hill they were led to. Alone among the sea of green trees, were mighty Mallorn trees with golden-silver leaves.

"Caras Galadhon," Ilia declared, "The heart of Elvendom on earth, and the realm of Glynda, Lady of Light."

"Lady of Light?" asked Glynda.

"That makes you a noblewoman. Quite fitting," complimented Ironwood.

"But if it's the realm of Miss Goodwitch, wouldn't that make her a queen, technically?" asked Ruby.

"A fair question…" mused Glynda, slightly intrigued at the prospect.

"Hang on," interrupted Weiss, "Glynda Good-witch…"

Everyone looked to Glynda.

"So… I guess we know witch of us is the elven witch. Am I right?" said Yang.

"UGH!" groaned everyone, even Cinder's group and Raven.

"Miss Xiao Long… Please," Glynda sighed Glynda as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Well, to be fair, Goodwitch will eat you alive if you aren't careful," said Coco.

"Keep talking, Miss Adel. I'm sure Archie could put you and Miss Xiao Long in a bubble to serve as an impromptu detention, if I asked nicely," warned Glynda.

They were led even closer to the forest, and saw that there was an entire city built around the trees. The mighty mallorns resembled beech trees, though they were as large and wide as towers, and there were spiraling staircases built into the trunks that led to the canopies of silver and gold leaves. Streets that winded around the roots ran through the soil like stone rivers. There were even houses built into the roots, though there were no signs of nails of cuttings.

"Talk about eco-friendly construction," said Velvet.

"This place is an environmentalist's dream," added Coco.

"The houses almost look like they were grown into roots. In fact every building looks as though it grew from the trees themselves," commented Ghira in wonder.

"I gotta say, it's beautiful. It makes Forever Fall look like something in a gardening catalogue," said Emerald.

"It's just more trees," scoffed Mercury.

"Well, I didn't ask your opinion," sighed Emerald.

The fellowship was led up one of the staircases.

"Is this ivory?" asked Pyrrha as her hand graced the staircase for a moment.

"No, it's wood," said Jaune.

"Really?" asked Pyrrha.

"I spent some time here in my youth. Lord Nicholas' wife is from these lands, and he would take me to see the Mallorn trees in the spring. It's a sight to behold; the leaves fall at that time to make way for the new flowers, so it seems as though you're walking through a rain of gold and silver," said Jaune.

Almost everyone swooned at the mental image.

"That sounds amazing," said Penny, "I can feel excitement welling up inside me just thinking about it."

"That would be amazing," agreed Pyrrha.

"Wow… If only such a wonder existed in our world. It would be so romantic," sighed Kali as she leaned against Ghira.

"It would be," agreed Ghira as he wrapped an arm around his wife.

"It'd be nice if the leaves were actual gold, or silver," said Raven, "Then again, being caught in raining metal would not be good."

"The tree feels alive…" said Ruby as she touched it, "There's something like a heartbeat coming from it."

"The mallorns are sacred trees to the elves, and can only grow in certain places. In fact, such is their rarity and magnificence that not even the Ship-King of Numenor, Tar-Aldarion, would not dare cut the mallorn forests of Numenor for his navy," said Jaune.

"So the trees have a symbolic importance to them. It makes sense given the stature and beauty emanating from their mere appearance," said Ozpin.

"I must admit, I too would be hard pressed to use the wood for a naval vessel as well," said Ironwood, "While it would certainly look to be a fine material, it feels as though it would be loss to cut such a specimen down."

"A 'loss?" said Glynda, "I would take the elven stance and say 'sacrilege."

They higher they climbed, the lower the sun set. As it darkened, crystals embedded in the stairs began to glow, and in the canopies, a bright pale blue light illuminated the whole of the forest.

"It just gets prettier, and prettier," said Ruby.

"I can't tell which one is cooler. The dwarf city, or this one," said Sun.

"They're both beautiful in their own way," said Blake.

"I must admit, seeing the two previous locations makes me all the more curious to see what humans have built up in comparison," said Ren.

"Maybe we'll see one very soon," said Nora.

At the top, they arrived at a palace that looked as though it had been grown literally from the branches. There, they stood before a staircase that led upward toward a dais, and were greeted by a herald.

"The Lady of Light, Glynda of Lothlorien!" he announced.

A door at the top of the dais opened, and a soft light filled the greeting area. The light got closer, and dimmer with each step, and when it arrived before them, the light had revealed a woman. She was in a white gown with a silver crown. Her long platinum blonde hair reached down to her thighs, and she had an expression of pure serenity. She opened her eyes fully, and all of them saw pools of green, ancient and endless, stare at them with a piercing glance.

"Wow, looking good Miss Goodwitch," said Yang.

"The radiant light was a little over the top. You'd think I was an angel from the heavens," said Glynda slightly uncomfortable.

Ironwood silently agreed to Glynda's latter words.

"I know, right?" agreed Weiss in response, "Though I must admit, your entrance seemed much more extravagant than mine given the setting."

Jaune and Blake bowed in deference.

"Our scouts say that the enemy knows that you have entered here," began Ilia off to the side, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone."

Jaune and the others winced.

"If I may, Lady Ilia," began the herald, "Eight there are here, yet nine there were that set out from Rivendell… Tell us, where is Ozpin, for our lady has much desire to speak with him."

"Uh-oh. What are they going to say?" asked Ruby.

"The only thing they can say, Miss Rose. The truth," said Ozpin.

Glynda's eyes suddenly looked into Jaune's, and her eyes widened.

"Ozpin the Grey did not pass the borders of these lands," said Glynda as though in a trance, "He has fallen into shadow…"

Jaune simply nodded in ascent to Glynda's words.

"She knew before he said anything? Well, then again, given what this universe has going for it, that can only mean one thing," said Ilia.

"Witchcraft!" accused Nora.

"Magic," corrected Glynda, and Ilia at the same time.

"He was taken by both shadow and flame; A balrog of Morgoth." elaborated Blake.

That got the attention of all the elves present. All the elves present broke out into whispers, and Ilia and Glynda had shocked expressions on their faces.

"For we went needlessly into the net of Moria," said Blake.

Ironwood looked at the floor guiltily.

"Needless, were none of the deeds of Ozpin in life," began Glynda, which silenced all whispers, "We do not yet know his full purpose."

Ozpin would have flinched, if not for his fine control over his reaction. He committed many needless mistakes in his conflict with Salem, and his own compatriots did not yet know the full truth. About the nature of his conflict with Salem, or the disheartening answer her received from Jinn. Even if the meaning the alternate Glynda had was different, her words caused internal turmoil within him.

Jaune found some comfort in Glynda's words, and he saw the Lady of Lorien turn to Ironwood.

"Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad'dum fill your heart, Ironwood of Erebor," said Glynda comfortingly, "For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief."

Jaune saw the tension ease from Ironwood's shoulders, and the dwarf appeared genuinely touched. Jaund then saw Glynda turn to Pyrrha, who started to shudder under her gaze.

"If I may, my lady, what now becomes of this fellowship? Without Ozpin, hope is lost…" lamented the herald.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all…" declared Glynda forebodingly, "…Yet, hope remains, while the company is true."

That gave Jaune and the others hope.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now, and rest, for you are weary with sorrow, and much toil," said Glynda a calm smile, "Tonight, you will sleep in peace."

Jaune bowed to the lady, and turned to see Ilia make a gesture to follow. He turned to companions, and saw a wide-eyed Ruby stare a little longer at the smiling Lady Glynda.

"Ruby," said Jaune.

The hobbit turned to him.

"Come. Let us go to rest," said Jaune.

Ruby moved to his side, and they followed Ilia.

"It was her, in the forest," whispered Ruby, "She spoke to me somehow."

"Spoke to her… Like with telepathy, perhaps?" asked Winter.

"That would explain Ruby's actions in the forest," said Pyrrha, as she remembered the behavior of Ruby's counterpart, "Ruby heard Miss Goodwitch's voice, though Jaune couldn't hear it. I wonder if that was why my counterpart shuddered when Miss Goodwitch looked at her."

"Miss Goodwitch's glares are terrifying enough. If you added talking with her mind to the mix, that would make anyone crap their pants," said Coco.

"Why did I agree to pass you last year?" sighed Glynda.

"Lady Glynda is powerful, and has many talents. Do not worry though, Ruby. We are under her protection," said Jaune.

"If you say so…" whispered Ruby.

The scene shifted to the base of the trees. Jaune sharpened his blade at their resting area, and though they were beneath the roots of the trees in the outside, the air was as warm as was the earth. They were covered by a tent of fine silk given to them by the elves to serve as a roof. It was so comfortable, in fact, Ironwood was already snoring softly, and Blake had returned from changing into a silk tunic and trousers.

"Who'd have thought that a ground near a tree could look so comfy," said Nora.

"Won't it stain your clothes?" asked Coco, uncomfortable at the prospect.

"I'd be more concerned with the smell of grass," said Weiss with a wrinkled nose.

"Or dirt in the hair," added Ilia.

"Well they have their sleeping bags out anyway, so it's all good," said Sun.

In the air was the sounds of a song full of sadness, and chants of mourning.

"A lament for Ozpin," said Blake, who noticed Yang look about the air.

"What do they say about him?" asked Neptune.

"I have not the heart to tell you," said Blake sorrowfully, "For me, the grief is still too near."

"Guess you were a really big deal in this world," said Qrow.

"So it appears," said Ozpin, 'Just as I was all those millennia ago,' he thought.

Jaune simply sharpened his blade again, and looked at the edge.

"I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them…" said Yang, as she unrolled her sleeping bag.

"Fireworks?" questioned Ozpin.

Yang suddenly stood up, and cleared her throat.

"The finest rockets ever seen! They burst in stars of blue and green, where after thunder, silver showers…" Yang paused.

"Snnrrr…" snored Ironwood.

"Well that's rude," said Yang.

"Quite," added Ozpin.

"I don't snore," said Ironwood.

Jaune turned to the dwarf, and knocked his fist against his head.

"Hey!" shouted Ironwood as Qrow and Raven chuckled.

"To be fair, Miss Xiao Long was in the middle of memorializing their lost companion," said Glynda with an amused smile.

"It's not like I did that on purpose!" said Ironwood.

"That must be some really comfy moss," said Tai Yang with a laugh.

"…Um, came falling like a rain of flowers," finished Yang before she scoffed, "Oh, that doesn't do them justice."

"I thought it was a fine addition," said Blake.

"Eh?" asked Yang.

"It was?" asked Yang.

"It wasn't that bad… Better than your puns, in any case," said Blake.

"Aww, thanks partner," said Yang.

"Tell me, how do hobbits see Ozpin?" asked Blake.

"W-Well, he's just Ozpin. The wizard who comes by once a year to put on a firework show," said Yang.

"Yeah," said Neptune, "Everyone who can make it goes to wherever Ozpin sets up, usually Mr. Tai Yang's parties. The children especially love it…"

"The wiz-poppers, the phoenix-flyers, the sparklers that turn into butterflies," listed off Sun nostalgically, "He always had a smile when we watched."

"I suppose I use my magic to enchant the fireworks in this universe," said Ozpin.

"Ohh, I want to see them," said Ruby.

"I do to. It sounds so, well, magical," added Penny.

"Among us, Ozpin is known only as a wise man, and a warrior against the darkness," began Blake, "They are the roles he carried with him when he was sent to Middle Earth. It was a joyless task that weighed heavily on his heart, but it is good to know he had those moments where he could find respite. On behalf of my people to yours, thank you for giving him the opportunity to find joy in his life. I shall remember that part of him as well."

Ozpin was touched by the apparent impact his alternate self had on the lives of others. However, he was also quite envious of his counterpart as well.

'How long since I had the time to rest from my task…?' he thought with sad and bitter frown.

The short answer was none, and if he did rest, it was to drink his sorrows away in despair.

"Perhaps I need a hobby…" Ozpin whispered to himself.

Productive distraction may do him some good.

"Oh… Um, you're welcome," said Yang.

Jaune smiled at the interaction, and turned about to see Pyrrha off to the corner. He sheathed his sword, and got up to move toward her.

"Take some rest," said Jaune as he moved toward her, "These borders are well protected."

"I will find no rest here," said Pyrrha in a shaken voice.

Jaune turned to her in confusion.

"…I heard her voice inside my head," she elaborated, "She spoke of my liege lord, and the fall of Gondor."

"So when my counterpart shuddered under her gaze, Miss Goodwitch must have been speaking to her through the mind," said Pyrrha.

"Perhaps my own counterpart somehow received a vision, and told yours," said Glynda, "It appears Mr. Arc was correct in my possession of multiple talents."

"Seeing the future does sound pretty cool," said Emerald.

"More like confusing," scoffed Cinder, "Seeing something unappealing can cause doubt and derail someone's pursuit of their goal after all."

"And tell me, Miss Fall. What is your goal?" asked Ozpin.

"A lady never tells, old man," responded Cinder.

Ozpin frowned, but did not press further.

Jaune gasped at that part, and moved to her side.

"She said to me: Even now, there is hope left," said Pyrrha, "But I cannot see it. It's been too long since we had any hope…"

Jaune took a seat next to her, and waited for Pyrrha to speak.

"…Steward Lionheart is a noble man, but his rule is failing and our… our people lose faith," Pyrrha said in a shakey voice, "He looks to me, and others to make things right, and I – I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."

"Steward Lionheart…? Is Headmaster Leonardo in this?" asked Pyrrha.

Cinder, and her compatriots, cocked their eyebrows at that.

"Who's that?" asked Velvet.

"Leonardo Lionheart is the headmaster of Haven Academy. He approached me numerous times to gauge my interest in enrolling at Haven," said Pyrrha.

"He's also the first faunus headmaster of an academy!" crowed Sun proudly.

"That's right. All of Menagerie broke out in celebration when it appeared in the papers," said Ghira.

Cinder tittered.

"What's with you?" asked Qrow.

"…Nothing," said Cinder knowingly.

Jaune looked away in thought.

"Have you seen it, Jaune? The White Tower of Ecthelion?" asked Pyrrha suddenly.

Jaune turned to her.

"Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver," she continued wistfully, "Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

"Well, not the visual of a kingdom of humans that I wanted, but it'll do," said Ren.

"It does sound pretty cool, but one building is hardly exciting," said Nora.

Jaune closed his eyes, an image of what she described, and smile formed.

"I have seen the White City, long ago," said Jaune as he opened his eyes and looked into Pyrrha's.

"One day, our paths will bring us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: The children of Gondor have returned!" she declared confidently.

Jaune smiled at that. However, as soon as Pyrrha looked away, Jaune bore an uncertain expression as he touched Weiss' necklace.

"Torn between duty, and love. How romantic," teased Coco.

"Yeah…" said Blake, Kali, and-

"Weiss?" asked Winter, and Weiss' teammates.

"Emerald?" asked Mercury and Cinder, as well.

The two girls realized they agreed along with Kali, and Blake.

"Um… M-My counterpart clearly wants this. I-It is only proper for me to root for her cause," stammered Weiss.

"Um… I thought of something… Funny," stammered out Emerald.

"Right…" said Coco.

Ruby jolted awake, and looked about the area. Everyone was asleep, and the song for Ozpin had stopped. Just as she was about to go back to sleep, she saw that Lady Glynda walked past their sleeping area. She got up, and followed quietly so that she didn't wake the others.

"Shouldn't she be sleeping too?" asked Ruby, "Miss - Lady Glynda, I mean."

"I would the say the same of you, Miss Rose," answered Glynda.

Ruby followed Lady Glynda down a series of stone stairs that led to ta clearing with a large stone pedestal with a metal basin in the middle, and fountain off to the side. She saw the woman look over her shoulder slightly before she continued on her way to the fountain. Ruby saw her fill a silver pitcher, and then turn around to face her.

"Will you look into the mirror?" asked Glynda.

"What will I see?" asked Ruby.

"Even the wisest cannot tell. For the mirror shows many things," said Glynda with a smile.

Glynda approached the basin, and filled it with the water.

"Things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass," she declared.

"A mirror that looks to the past, present, and future?" gasped Ozpin.

"Is something the matter, sir?" asked Glynda.

Ozpin realized that he had spoken too loudly, and everyone looked at him.

"I… It's nothing," said Ozpin, "Just that that power seems incredible, and dangerous," said Ozpin.

"Right…" drawled out Raven, 'I've never seen Ozpin so flustered. Has that strange mirror upset him somehow? How curious,' she thought.

'To think Glynda commands an artifact that can surpass Jinn,' thought Ozpin.

Ruby saw Glynda gesture to the basin, and Ruby approached. She looked into the water, and saw her reflection. She looked back to Glynda, who simply looked into the water. Ruby looked down again, and her reflection gave way to a ripple. She saw Blake and Ironwood look at her with darkened expressions, then Yang, Sun, and Neptune with distraught looks on their faces. Then she saw Jaune and Pyrrha arguing…

"Why are me, and Jaune arguing?" gasped Pyrrha.

"Your counterpart wanted the ring earlier, didn't she? Maybe she still wants it," said Emerald.

Pyrrha felt her gut squirm at the thought.

The sight of her friends and companions then gave way to the sight of the Shire. She saw a hobbit tending to their garden in front of a hobbit hole…

"An underground house? Are hobbits like dwarves?" asked Penny.

"Nah… Dwarves live under mountains. That's just a hill," said Nora.

"It almost looks like a cottage in the country," said Velvet.

"Reminds me of Patch," said Tai Yang.

She saw the Green Dragon Pub, with other hobbits living their lives…

She then saw the pub aflame, with orcs roaming about with torches. A hobbit raised a hand in mercy only to be stabbed with a spear by a crazed orc.

Ruby, and most of the others, gasped at that.

"That's pretty gnarly," said Mercury.

"More like sick," muttered Emerald.

Ruby gasped, and shuttered, and tried to look away, but couldn't.

She saw her people in chains being whipped as they were led to factories. The rivers and streams of the shire were now filled with sludge from factories, and the green fields and little forests were torn and burned – The image rippled, and the Eye of Sauron filled the basin. It was at that moment that Ruby noticed that the ring had slipped from her shirt, and dangled by the necklace she wore it on.

"I SEE YOU!" roared the eye from within the mirror.

The entire audience reeled back in shock at the intensity of the voice. It was much louder than the last time the eye appeared, and the noise from the screen sent shockwaves down to their bones. They felt a fear grip their hearts. Cinder and Ozpin especially shook in nervousness.

Ruby grabbed the ring, and pulled herself back. She stumbled and fell onto her back, and saw that steam had risen from the mirror.

"Whoa… Talk about intense," laughed Yang nervously.

"Steam's rising from the water. That must have been an intense vision," said Blake.

"The closer The One Ring gets to Mordor, the more potent it's will, and powers of manipulation and deceit become," explained Archie.

"That's scary…" shuddered Ruby, "I hope my counterpart is okay."

"I know what it is you saw, for it is also in my mind," said Glynda as Ruby got up.

"It is what shall come to pass, if you should fail," said Glynda telepathically.

"Hmm… Miss Adel's earlier assessment is quite correct. Such dire words combined with your sharp expressions are an imposing sight," said Ozpin.

"Right?" declared Coco.

"Please don't encourage her," said Glynda.

Ruby shuddered.

"The fellowship is breaking. It has already begun. She will try to take the ring. You know of whom I speak. One by one, it will destroy them all," warned Glynda through her mind.

"If the ring is getting stronger, than it must be working on the others, and they don't even know it," said Tai Yang.

"If the vision of Nikos fighting with Arc was any indicator, they might wind up killing each other before they even get to where they're going," said Emerald.

"If you ask it of me, I will give you the one ring," thought Ruby as she offered the ring.

Glynda gasped, a look of interest on her face.

"You offer it to me freely?" she questioned.

"Oh no! Is my counterpart giving up?" asked Ruby, alarmed.

"More like she's freaking out about how things are going. I've seen people get emotional and irrational in the Fang when a mission goes south," said Ilia.

"I remember. It can be pretty shocking to see how people react to a failed," said Blake.

"Quite…" grumbled Winter and Ironwood with flat expessions.

'Oh, that's right, those missions had us on opposing sides,' thought Blake as she blinked sheepishly.

She approached Ruby with the same expression, and outstretched hand Pyrrha had in the Council of Nicholas.

"I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this…" she whispered to no one in particular.

"Is that ring trying to tempt my counterpart?" Glynda gasped.

"Looks like humans aren't the only ones who would want it bad," said Mercury.

Ruby gulped and took a step back, but Glynda reacted.

"In place of a Dark Dame, you would have a QUEEN!" she roared as her fea erupted from within her. Ruby saw Glynda not in robes now, but with a silver cuirass and clothes suited for riding and war, "NOT DARK, BUT BEAUTIFUL AND TERRIBLE AS THE DAWN! TREACHEROUS AS THE SEA! STRONGER THAN THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH!"

Gone was the aura of gentle light that Lady Glynda naturally exuded. Her light had darkened, and coiled. It was now obscured as the sun in a thunderstorm.

"Holy shit!" gasped Coco, and Qrow.

Glynda did not correct Coco. She was too shocked by seeing her alternate self being swayed by such a tempting object. She looked as though she were some monster on a warpath, and her heart fell at the sight of her soul falling.

"ALL WILL LOVE ME, AND DESPAIR!" Lady Glyda cried in a distorted voice as the darkened eyes looked at Ruby's.

Yet, almost as quickly as it began, the turbulent storm ended, and the light returned to Glynda, who now returned to her normal appearance. She trembled, and gasped before she took a step back away from Ruby.

"…I pass the test," gasped Glynda in relief, "I will diminish, and go into the west, and remain Glynda, Lady of Light."

"It appears you resisted Glynda," said Ozpin.

"It's good to see that you still have indomitable strength throughout these universes," said Ironwood.

"I am relieved as well. Thank you James, Ozpin," sighed Glynda in relief.

She turned away from the ring, and Ruby closed her offered hand. Ruby let her clenched fist hang, as a despondent look appeared on her face.

"I cannot do this alone," said Ruby sadly.

Glynda turned to Ruby, a stern expression on her face.

"You are a Ring Bearer, Ruby. To bear a ring of power, is to be alone," said Glynda.

"She's such a ray of sunshine in this universe too," muttered Qrow.

Glynda tossed a half-full diet soda can she was drinking from at Qrow, and made him squawk.

She presented her hand, and her ring finger revealed a ring of mithril with a diamond set in a mithril flower.

"This is Nenya, the Ring of Adamant, and I am its keeper," Glynda declared, "This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will."

Ruby looked down.

"Then I know what I must do, but it's just… I'm afraid to do it," said Ruby.

Glynda's stern expression gave way to a motherly smile, and the elf approached the hobbit and leaned down.

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future," said Glynda comfortingly.

Ruby looked up, and nodded to Glynda.

"I wonder what my counterpart is thinking of doing?" asked Ruby.

"Given how much it weighs on her conscience, something big," said Weiss.

"Or drastic," said Ren.

"The pressure and expectation she must have on her shoulders, I can sympathize," said Pyrrha sympathetically.

The scene shifted to Isengard at dawn's first light. The tower surrounded by a ring of stone wall stood bare of trees and life, as the smoke of underground fires rose from the ground from the openings that led to the new underground caverns.

"It's the tower Ozpin was beaten in," said Tai.

"Looks like we will be seeing one of the agents of… their enemy at work," said Ozpin.

"Let's see what you're up to, Watts," whispered Cinder.

The ringing of pick axes and blacksmith hammers drowned out all other noise in Isengard, but in the tower itself, Arthur the White inspected his creation in total silence. A tall figure, erect in gait, with elven ears, jagged teeth, purple skin, black hair, golden eyes, and a loin cloth stood before him.

"What is that?" gasped Winter.

"Is that an orc? It doesn't look as messed up as all goblins we just saw, or the creeps from that first battle," said Nora.

"My counterpart mentioned that Arthur was experimenting with orcs at Lord Nicholas' domain," said Ozpin.

"Then this is his creation…" said Penny, with a mix of fear and awe.

"Do you know how the orc first came into being?" Arthur asked as he began to inspect.

"…" the creature did not respond.

"They were elves once," said Arthur, who started to circle the creature.

"Grrr…" the creature growled.

"They were elves?" gasped Blake, Ilia, and Weiss.

"It explains the ears if nothing else," said Ghira.

"…Taken by the dark powers. Tortured, and mutilated," continued Arthur.

"That's a hell of an understatement, if what we saw of the bad guy's minions was any indicator," said Kali.

Everyone reflected on the words, and now that they thought about it, the goblins and orcs always seemed to hobble as they moved, and looked as though there in a state of perpetual pain and agony.

"How terrible," gasped Ruby.

'Just like the tale of the two brothers,' thought Ozpin.

Darkness, it seemed, will always try to subvert the light in any universe.

"A ruined, and terrible form of life, but now… perfected," finished Arthur as he completed his circle, "My fighting Uruk-hai."

The creature stood straighter, with pride.

"Whom do you serve?" asked Arthur.

"The White Wizard!" declared the creature with a gravelly, distorted voice.

"Quartermaster," began Arthur.

A hobbled and limping orc walked into the room.

"My lord?" it asked in a sniveling voice.

"It appears as though this 'Uruk-hai' is indeed an improvement, if its gait and speech are any indicator," said Penny.

"Perhaps, but it appears no less savage and dangerous," said Winter.

"I think it's a fine specimen," said Cinder, 'You've outdone yourself, for once, Arthur,' thought Cinder.

"Get them outfitted, I want our new captain, and his hunting party, to be ready to march within the hour," said Arthur.

"Yes, my lord," said the orc.

The orc reached for the uruk-hai to lead it to the armory, but the uruk simply growled and pulled its hand away. The orc stumbled in fright, and Arthur could not help but smile.

"Looks like the hunt is about to begin anew," said Ozpin.

"Those creatures will pose a tougher challenge, I'm sure," said Raven.

"Jaune and the others can handle it," said Pyrrha.

"We'll see," said Cinder.

The scene returned to Lothlorien, where Jaune, and the rest of the fellowship stood before the elves and Lady Glynda. The elves came forward with grey mantles with emerald leaf-brooches, and cloaked the fellowship with them.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes," said Ilia to the side.

Jaune and the others bowed in thanks. As Jaune rose from his bow, Galadriel approached along with some attendants.

"Lady Nikos," began Glynda, "I gift to you a belt of Elven make. May you wear it as a sign of the continued friendship of Men and Elf."

Pyrrha was presented a golden belt by one of the attendants. It had a leaf buckle and the belt itself was like golden vines that twisted and coiled.

"Nice belt. It goes well with your outfit's brown and red," said Coco.

"Maybe, but I prefer bronze. Less to worry about," said Pyrrha.

"That's fair," shrugged Coco.

Pyrrha bowed in reverence, and took the offered belt. As Pyrrha was escorted away, Glynda then moved to Blake.

"My gift for you, Blake, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin," said Glynda.

Blake was presented the weapon by another of the attendants, and marveled at her new bow. It was longer and stouter than the one she carried, and the bowstring was as soft as fine hair. Glynda smiled at how the normally stoic elf lit up like a child as she held her new weapon.

"So… for Gambol Shroud's improvement, I was thinking-" began Ruby.

"Ruby, we said we'd talk about it later," said Blake.

"Nuh-uh! You said we'd talk about it later, and there is some prime inspiration right in front of us!" corrected Ruby.

"Ruby, let your friend improve her weapon on her own time," said Tai Yang.

"I will not be denied!" objected Ruby.

"Ruby…" warned Tai.

"…Yes, dad," said Ruby with a pout.

Blake sighed in relief, but promised herself to make it up to Ruby.

Glynda moved from Blake, who too was escorted away, to Sun and Neptune.

"These are the daggers of Anoldorin," she said as her attendants gave the two hobbits each a dagger holstered to coiled silver belts.

The two received the daggers graciously, and Neptune drew his out with wonder, while Sun looked a little nervously at it.

"They have already seen service in war. Do not fear, young Sun Wukong, you will find your courage," reassured Glynda.

"Hmm… Maybe I should get a knife as a backup weapon," said Sun.

"You might want to avoid the silver belt though. Pretty as it is, it practically screams 'important item over here!' That's my opinion, at least," said Velvet.

"Silver's not my thing, anyway," said Sun with a shrug.

She then turned to Yang, and presented her with a coil of rope.

"And for you, Yang of the Shire, elven rope made from hithlain," said Glynda.

"A rope? That's a lame gift," said Yang.

"Speaking from experience, a rope is a good gift to have while in the wilderness," said Ilia.

"True. You never know when you'll need a cord. Holding together an impromptu shelter, bundling collected firewood, not to mention it can be a great harness or anchor in certain situations," said Winter.

"Huh…" said Yang, impressed with the reasoning of the two.

"Thank you, my lady…" said Yang a little nervously as she received it, but looked at Sun and Neptune, "Um, not be rude, but have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?"

Jaune winced a little, as Glynda gave an amused smile.

"That was a little rude," snorted Yang with a laugh.

"And you aren't rude from time to time?" asked Weiss.

"I am well behaved, thank you very much. It's not my fault people misunderstand my charms from time to time," shrugged Yang.

"Charms? Is that what we're calling it now?" asked Tai.

"Yep!" chirped Yang happily

Yang just took the rope and bowed. However, the surprise that occurred next made Jaune and Galadriel forget Yang's earlier question: Ironwood stood there, as though waiting for a gift, but Jaune could not see any more attendants with gifts to bear. Yet there the dwarf was, standing head bowed with his hair undone, yet combed. Well, by dwarven standards, anyway.

"And what gift would a dwarf ask of the elves?" asked Glynda curiously.

"N-Nothing," said Ironwood shyly, "Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time."

Ironwood and Glynda choked, and gasped respectively.

Jaune's eyes widened as Ironwood made eye contact with Glynda.

"For she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth," sighed Ironwood.

"Ha-ha!" giggled Glynda with delight.

"Aww… How sweet!" cooed Nora.

"Y-Yeah… sweet," mumbled Ironwood red-faced as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I-Indeed…" muttered Glynda, equally red, and as she played with her thumbs.

Ironwood looked down, red-faced, and grumbled in embarrassment. Jaune could not help but smile at the sight, along with the rest of the fellowship that were still present.

"Come now, Ironwood of Erebor. I cannot let you be the sole member of this fellowship to leave without some form of gift after such kind words. Is there anything within my power to give that you would like?" asked Glynda kindly.

Glynda stared wide-eyed.

'D-Did she say anything…?' she dreaded in her mind.

Ironwood who had been about to storm off, stood still at the offer. He took a breath, and nervously faced Glynda.

Ironwood stared wide-eyed.

'Don't say anything dumb, don't say anything dumb, don't say anything dumb…' Ironwood dreaded in his mind.

"W-Well, there is one thing, uh… It's well, a, uh, strange request – Y-You don't have to give it, of course, b-but… you asked, s-so… err…" stammered Ironwood.

As Glynda patiently waited, Jaune saw Ilia approach him, and gestured for him to follow her and he did.

'Thank the gods…' both Glynda and Ironwood thought as embarrassment was narrowly avoided.

The two walked a short distance when Ilia turned to him.

"Lady Glynda will bestow you and the Ring Bearer a gift before you depart, but I must inform you of a report from our scouts," said Ilia.

"What is it?" asked Jaune.

"Every league you travel south, the danger will increase," said Ilia, "Mordor orcs now hold the eastern shores of the River Anduin, but will you find safety in the western bank. Strange creatures bearing the mark of a white hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so."

Ilia stopped, and Jaune saw her present a curved dagger.

"Looks like a Bowie Knife," said Ruby.

"Orcs with a white hand… Could she mean Arthur's creations?" said Ozpin after some pondering.

"Considering what's hunting them, that knife will be helpful," said Raven.

Jaune took it, and drew it out for inspection. It was made of mithril, and had etchings of vines, and elvish insciptions.

"You are being tracked," said Ilia in Elven.

Jaune put away the dagger, and held to the side to set to his belt in a moment.

"By river, you have a chance of outrunning the enemy to Falls of Rauros," said Ilia.

"Thank you, my friend," said Jaune as he held out a hand.

Ilia, and Jaune grasped one another's wrists and gave a firm shake.

"I guess I'm a friend of his here too, like Blake," said Ilia.

"He must have made many friends among the elves under grandfather's tutelage," said Winter.

Jaune then moved to the boats where they were being loaded by the elves with food and supplies for the journey. There Ruby joined him, and the two watched the boats being loaded.

"Did you sleep well?" asked Jaune.

"Not as much as I would have liked," admitted Ruby.

"Well, we will travel by river for a time. You and the others should be able to rest your feet for now," said Jaune.

"They have been aching for some time," said Ruby.

"Jaune? Ruby?"

The two turned to see Glynda approach. She first turned to Jaune.

"I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bear," said Glynda as she reached out and touched Weiss' necklace.

"For her love, I fear the grace of Weiss of Rivendell will diminish," said Glynda in Elven.

"I would have her leave these shores, and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor rather than suffer the woes of mortality with me," said Jaune.

"That's my… her choice to make," said Weiss, "Even in other universes, there are people trying to make decisions for me."

"He cares about you… Err, her, I mean," defended Pyrrha.

"Then he should respect the decision she makes," said Weiss.

"It not only that he cares," cut in Archie, "There are moments where he wonders if he is truly worthy of your hand and heart."

"Sounds like my time with Summer," said Tai.

Raven shifted uncomfortably on her cushion.

"Sounds like my marriage too. All men wonder at times," confirmed Ghira.

"And good wives are sure to remind them not to doubt their worth," added Kali as she held her husband's hand.

Tai smiled, and Raven looked away.

"That choice is yet before her," said Glynda before she looked him in the eye, "You have your own choice to make, Jaune: To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin."

Jaune nodded uneasily.

"Farewell," said Glynda, in Elven.

Jaune lowered his head in deference, then felt Glynda's finger on his chin.

"There is much you have yet to do," said Glynda as she lifted his face to see her as she gave a knowing smile, "We shall not meet again, Elessar."

"Elessar…?" asked Pyrrha and Ruby.

"You shall see later on," said Archie.

She then took his hand, and placed a gem of green, as radiant as the sun in Jaune's hands.

"Nice gem…" said Emerald with a slight drool.

"Looks like that would fetch a nice price," said Mercury.

"Is it always about money with you two?" asked Pyrrha with a frown.

"Nah, just her," shrugged Mercury, as pointed his thumb at Emerald.

Jaune gasped as Glynda gave him another knowing smile, but the Lady of Light then turned to Ruby before he could say anything.

"For you, Ruby. I give to you the Light of Earendil, our most beloved star," said Glynda as she gifted her a crystal phial with a clear liquid within, "May it be a light for you, in dark places, when all other lights go out."

"A glass of water?" asked Qrow.

"Phial," corrected Glynda, "I'm sure it's important."

"Well, if nothing else, it looks real nice," said Ruby happily.

"Thank you, Lady Glynda," bowed Ruby as she took the gift.

Glynda leaned down, and kissed Ruby on the forehead.

Ruby had a light blush on her cheeks, and Glynda's jaw fell open.

"Umm…" began Yang, "What was that?"

"An old fashioned way for highborn ladies to say farewell to women of their age and social group, Miss Xiao Long. Don't look too heavily into it," said Ozpin.

"I shall tell you the words you need to light your way," she said.

Jaune took that as his queue to leave, and went to the boats where the others boarded. Soon enough Ruby joined them, and they left the woods through an inlet that led to the main river. All they saw left of Lothlorien before leaving was Glynda raise a hand in blessing, and farewell.

"Well, time to hit the road again," said Nora.

"Hopefully the journey will get better," said Pyrrha.

"They just need to escape their pursuers, and all should be well," said Ren.

The three boats were close together when Jaune heard Ironwood sigh.

"I have taken the worst wound of this parting, when I look my last on that which was fairest" sighed Ironwood, "Henceforth I will call nothing fair, lest it be her gift to me."

"Oh… That's right, I got a gift," said Ironwood.

"How could you forget?" asked Glynda, a little flushed at the memory.

"After all that bumbling my counterpart did, I wanted to forget," said Ironwood.

"Yeah… You sounded like wreck," said Qrow.

"Thank you, Qrow," growled Ironwood.

"What was her gift," asked Blake.

"I asked for a hair from her golden head… She gave me three," said Ironwood.

Glynda blushed.

"Hair is a rather intimate token of affection," began Ozpin, as though he were giving a lesson in Beacon, "Normally a woman will snip a lock-"

"Ozpin?" said Glynda.

"Yes?" asked Ozpin.

"Please, stop," said Glynda with her head low, in blushed embarrassment.

Ironwood meanwhile had a slightly, stupidly happy expression, much like his dwarven counterpart.

Jaune blinked in surprise, and looked to Blake, who had a soft smile.

"Three?" mouthed Jaune silently.

Blake merely smirked in response, and Jaune faced forward again as he rowed.

'A dwarf achieved what Lord Feanor could not. What would you have thought of that Ozpin…?' Jaune wondered in his head.

A/N: I realized that I didn't give a casting reason for Cinder, but I figured I would give it when Ruby and Yang actually meet her in the universe. Also, Emerald's getting into the spirit of the Archive, and before anyone asks, I didn't kill off Celeborn for shipping purposes. I just didn't write him in, that's all. Now then, casting:

Glynda: I picked Glynda for Galadriel for two reasons. First she fits the role like a glove, to me at least. The long blonde hair, and white gown fit the look with Glynda. Furthermore, like Galadriel, Glynda has a stern countenance, and frighteningly destructive powers as well. With her natural magic power, combined with her ring of power, Galadriel single handedly destroyed one of Sauron's fortresses in the War of the Ring. She used either telekinesis, or summoned a storm if you look up some artwork, to accomplish this feat. These powers fits Glynda's semblance, or dust use from the first RWBY episode, perfectly. Reason number two: I ship Glynda and Ironwood. Not sure how it would work in the books, since Galadriel is happily married to Lord Celeborn of Lothlorien, but Gimli is quite smitten with her.

Ilia: I picked Ilia to play Haldir, and used her as a substitute for Lord Celeborn. I did this so that there could be some emotional attachment to the character.

Miscellaneous Notes:

In the movie, Galadriel's husband Celeborn is with her to greet the fellowship, and only appears to present Aragorn with the dagger in the extended addition. He still gifts them the cloaks of Lothlorien in the theatrical and extended cuts of the movie. I didn't put him in this chapter because A) I didn't have a worthy stand in, and B) I ship Glynda and Ironwood.

Galadriel's ring Nenya, has two titles: Ring of Adamant (Diamond) and Ring of Water.

It isn't shown in the movie, but Boromir received a golden belt from Galadriel. When Faramir finds Boromir's Body on the River Anduin, he doesn't recognize it, but Frodo and Sam confirm it was a gift from Galadriel.

In the book, Galadriel gave different gifts to Merry, Pippin, and Sam. Merry in Pippin did not get daggers from Galadriel, but rather, silver belts. Sam got a box with soil and a silver seed for a mallorn tree.

Aragorn receives two gifts from Galadriel in the book. A sheathe for his future sword Anduril, and the Elessar, or Elfstone. The stone was a relic from the continent of Beleriand, where the Silmarillion takes place, and was a dowry of sorts from Galadriel as a prophecy of his marriage to Arwen.

Galadriel's gift to Gimli is a very symbolic gift in the Tolkien's work. It was said that Galadriel's hair absorbed some of the light and magic of the Two Trees of Light in Aman, and that Feanor, the elven smith who would craft the gems that would be the Silmarillion's namesake, wanted a strand of hair from her. He asked her three times, and for each of those three times, she refused his request. Galadriel refused because she could sense the pride and darkness in Feanor's heart. However, Gimli was humble in his request, and, in the book, only asked when pressed by Galadriel. He said that she did not need to fulfill the request if she did not wish to, but this only prompted Galadriel to deem him worthy. It would later be infused with crystal, and become an heirloom of Gimli's house, and become a symbol of good will between dwarves and elves.

Thank you for reading and please review.

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