Ruby was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. Professor Ports stories were never very good at keeping her awake but this felt different. Like she hadn't gotten any rest last night. She rubbed her eyes nope this wasn't working, she could blame it on the pregnancy if she needed too. Quietly she got up and grabbed her bag, Peter let her slip out without being called on. The usually busy halls of Haven were thankfully empty everyone in class. She walked to Ozpin's office, now finally no longer doubling as the staff room but as she opened the door she heard voices.

"You can not be serious!"

"I assure you General I am."

"You want to treat with bandits!"

"We don't have another option and Mistral needs the supplies the Dust. Qrow can be our go between, I've gone to a great deal of effort to find a teacher replacement for him and he's the best Huntsmen I have for this sort of work." Ozpin said working to keep his tone even.

Ruby peaked in to see Mistrals council in holo projections on Ozpin's desk. She slipped in and carefully closed the door behind her. She walked over and laid down on the sofa.

Ozpin's gaze flicked to her but he focused again. "Qrow will remain reporting directly to me, if it doesn't work out it's only my responsibility."

"You can't treat for all of Mistral on your own!" The General bellowed.

"I am the only one trying to sort out this mess and the only one with the man power to do it. I've already been making strides to improve the economics of this kingdom. However if we don't get work on improving trade with Vacuo and dealing with the bandit problem this city won't last another year. Let me do my job. Vale was the most prosperous city on the planet and a great deal of that was my doing."

"N-."

"Enough Harden. Do what you need to Ozpin just keep us in the loop." The councilman wave his hand and the holo turned off. Ozpin let out a long sigh and got up, he sat down beside Ruby and reached out to rub her belly. "How are you doing?"

"Really tired, I don't get why but I just don't seem to get any rest when I sleep lately." Ruby closed her eyes again as Ozpin pet.

"Would you like me to call Qrow to come get you?"

"No, there is not much of the day left. Doesn't he have work he's doing?" Ruby asked looking at Oz.

"Yes and… Ruby you know we are to get married this weekend."

"Yeah, time has been flying by. We haven't had time to get everyone together for a party and…"

"Yeah I know but." Ozpin sighed. "I need to send Qrow away for a while. To Xaio Roi, his bandits are taking shipments from Argus that Mistral needs not to mention the bandit attacks on the Dust mines. I am going to send him to try and negotiate with Roi. I don't know how long it will take, weeks or months but he's the best I've got for the job."

Ruby fired upright and then winced holding her belly. "Oz, you can't be serious! I need him here, we've got our baby and school and you both are working on that police case."

Ozpin helped her holding up by her back. "I know, I won't send him till after we are married. I've found one last teacher so I am not teaching anymore. I'll have more time for you, but I feel the need to at least try and get Mistral back it's Dust before we leave."

Ruby sniffed but kept the tears at bay. "Fine, can we just go home now. I want to sleep."

"Of course."

Qrow came home very late, the moon was absent from the sky as he hauled his exhausted body up the stairs to Oz's room. Something at the back of his head, made him walk softly. He pulled Harbinger out but didn't click it to it's extended form. He pushed the door open carefully but he couldn't see anything. He cursed his lips and pulled on his magic, it was getting easier. Which was a little worrying that he could but it had been a busy year. He clicked Harbinger to sword form as his sight enhanced along with his smell and hearing.

He could hear a slimy wet sound from under the bed. Beckett's words to keep a close eye on Ruby came rushing back. "Ruby, Ozpin wake up. There is something under the bed."

They didn't wake up and Qrow didn't want to alert the intruder so he crept in. Till he could look under the bed.

It was about the size of a several month old baby. It's skin a rotting purple and red, with an umbilical cord wrapped around it's foot. Fortunately it wasn't facing him. Qrow shot his hand underneath grabbed it by a foot and ripped it out from under the bed. It roared a wet low sound and transformed as Qrow threw it towards the windows.

Ozpin and Ruby snapped away, the former scrambling out of bed grabbing his sword while Ruby backed up towards the far wall.

"What is it?" Qrow asked.

"A Botchling, this sure explains why Ruby has been exhausted lately." Ozpin pursed his lips, the hands of the monster. The Wald had shown those very same hands steal his daughter away. He raised his sword but just as the monster charged it's legs simply stopped moving and Lydia stepped into the room a finger on her temple. "Kill it already."

Both men raced forward and did just that, no mercy for what would have killed their child. Qrow had the presence of mind to take a few pictures after they were done and send them on to Beckett so he could close the case. Meanwhile Ozpin threw the windows open and dusted the mess, blood and all.

Ozpin was nude and really very pissed off as he collapsed his sword. "How long as that been here?"

"Probably several days, I have noticed that Ruby was growing weaker at an alarming rate." Lydia walked over to Ruby who was still huddled against the wall. "How are you feeling dear?"

Ruby had the images of Qrow and Ozpin hacking the monster to bits without mercy etched into her brain. She shook her head. "I'm okay, still tired but maybe I'll be able to get some rest now."

Ozpin walked over and moved onto the bed to touch her arm. "Do you want to move to a different room for tonight?"

"No it's okay. You uhh cleaned up the mess." Ruby pulled the blankets back. "Lets just go back to bed. We have to be ready for morning."

No one argued with her as they went back to bed. They did have an early morning after all.

After showering that morning Ruby pulled her housecoat off and tossed the long robe onto the end of the bed. Lydia came into the room with a long black dress bag. She set it on the bed and unzipped it. They had gone shopping for it and forbidden Ozpin or Qrow to peek. The old woman pulled out a long ruby red dress and Ruby couldn't contain her joy clapping her hands together. "They are going to love it!"

"It's perfect, just think how it will look in the temple." Lydia gathered up the dress and held it low so Ruby could step into it.

"I can't wait to show them." Ruby stepped into it and Lydia drew it up her.

It was an empire one-shoulder long red chiffon dress. The bodice wrapped around her breasts and fall cleaning down around her baby bump. It ended at her ankles mostly to save the edges from the snow. Lydia did up the lacing of the back. "It's easy to get out of as well. Sit, lets get your stockings on."

Ruby sat and Lydia helped her with long black stockings and then her very moderate heels. After which Lydia moved into the bed and braided the outermost locks of Ruby's hair into a crown. She then zipped from the room and returned with a box. "You only have a couple hours and the temple is a ways away. As you know." Lydia opened the box and started weaving rubies and diamonds into Ruby's hair.

"I remember and the priestess should be waiting for us." Ruby stood as Lydia finished.

Lydia fetched a heavy white cloak lined with fur. It wasn't a veil but for the season and location it would act as such, plus it looked beautiful on the redhead. She wrapped it around Ruby and clipped it in place with a crescent moon brooch. She took the hood in hand and very carefully pulled it up over Ruby's head. "Now be careful not to dislodge the jewels."

"I will." Ruby hugged Lydia tight. "Thank you for all your help."

Lydia returned and smiled. "I am just happy to be a part of your life and your family. Come on, lets go knock those boys of your dead." She offered Ruby her arm, the mother to be took it with a smile and they headed downstairs.

They found Ozpin and Qrow waiting for them in the main hall, checking over each others suits. Both looked up at her but the pure white cloak hid the dress. They both pouted just a little at that. "The car just arrived." Ozpin stepped forth taking Ruby's hand from Lydia's and leaning down to kiss the old woman on the cheek. "Thank you for all your help."

"Get going you don't want to be late to your own handfasting!" Lydia shooed them out the door.

Ozpin laughed. "We're going, we're going!" He and Ruby left first with Qrow closing the door behind them, he gave Lydia a little smile and dip of his head in thanks.

Ruby took a moment outside of the temple. Dawn hadn't quite arrived yet but it would her last one with the name Rose. She smiled looked behind her at the glowing cave where Oz and Qrow waited patiently for her. It was a temple to the goddess Afrien, she governed inspiration, family, community, sex and architecture. Regardless of which God or Goddess a person followed, handfasts were held in her temple. It was carved around large deposits Dust in massive pillars, with jewels inlay-ed into ivory white marble.

A statue of the goddess stood in the centre, it had been lovely crafted as it filled the cavern. The stone was a light silver-white that would catch the light. Her features were high elven with large eyes of silver. Her arms were held apart in one a large open stone tomb and in the other a multilayered sun. Her top was exposed completely and even her nipples had been carved, her belly stood out with a mid stage pregnancy. Her lower half was a simple long skirt that pooled around her feet. Around her feet were many candles already lite of all shapes and sizes.

Ruby loved the statue and as she looked at it her fingers reached for the rose at the hollow of her neck. Giving in to that tiny pinch of nervousness and such enough Qrow and Oz moved closer to her. Her bird brushed a finger over her rosy cheek while Oz took her hand and kissed it. "Are you ready?"

Ruby nodded, her nervousness melting away and together they walked into the shallow cave at the base of Mistrals tallest mountain Ryl. The temple was named 'solas an lae' or Dawn's light and was the destination for many marriages and bonding ceremonies. When it wasn't in use it was off limits to the public and considered a sacred place and not to be touched. The priestess's were the only ones allowed for they maintained the structures and warred off weathering.

Sounds of the ocean, its gentle rolling waves could be heard as they entered and the faint chirping of morning birds joined in the otherwise silent night. Ruby, Oz and Qrow made their way to the back of the cave where a woman in traditional clothing not unlike her goddess but with a shawl over her chest and a worn leather book stood waiting for them. Draped over her arm was three pieces of white cotton ribbon, embroidered with red diamonds on the end. She gave the three a warm smile as they stopped before her.

Qrow and Oz stood on either side of their shorter fiancee. Oz was the one to gently remove the white fur hood from Ruby's head folding it back, his breath catching at the beautiful waves Lydia had coached through Ruby's dark hair. The many tiny diamonds and rubies accenting to her glorious beauty as though she were a muse herself.

He felt Qrow's thoughts stir through their bond, he also felt as Oz did and they both smiled as the priestess spoke. "This day marks the longest night of winter and it is on this day so blessed by the Gods that we come together in matrimony. As I act in their eyes allow yourselves to be bound as we move forward, please hold hands with your intendeds."

Ruby held out her hands, smiling when she felt Qrow and Oz each take one. The two men moved closer so their free hands could also join so they stood in a triangle. Behind them the sky lightened as dawn approached. The priestess, placed her book on the stone pedestal and went around to each of them. Her deft hands taking each individual ribbon and winding it around their joined hands. First with Qrow and Ruby. "With this sash we bind thee in love and light. May your hearts always be free to speak through words and actions and be safe in your lovers hands." Second with Oz and Qrow. "With this sash we bind three in love and light. May you speak your minds freely and know your words are acknowledged by your beloved." Finally she moved on to Ruby and Oz, fastening their hands with the final ribbon. "With this sash we bind thee in love and light. May your souls reach for one another and the light of the world shall shine through your bonds."

The chirping birds grew louder as more of the light from the dawn sneaked over the horizon, with it rays of light started to pierce the darkened cave. "As we move forward with our lives may your bond remain as strong as they as today. Your light, your hopes, your dreams, all are yours to share and grow. Through all the laughter and all your might, may the future hold your hearts fast. Your darkness, the fears and weakness, all are yours to share and heal. Through all the grief and any loss, may your strength and courage keep you moving forward." The first sparkle of the cave came from an outcropping of Ice Dust, its blue flash struck Ruby's chin as more and more light started filtering into the Dust cave.

"With the light of a new day dawning upon us we ask if there is any reason these three should not be wed." The Priestess gave a silent moment as the rest of the cave came alive with the light of the sun rising. The statue glowed reflecting light through the whole cavern into thousands of other Dust crystals the structures melded into the cave twinkled like a thousand stars. The light bounced from each shining surface and bathed the occupants in glowing colours. Ruby's hair looked light it had been set ablaze, glittering with red and white lights. While Ozpin and Qrow's suits looked like a star filled night.

The woman smiled and closed the book, this bit she knew by heart. "Then with the Gods as our witness and the love in your hearts we pronounce thee, husband's and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

Oz went first slowly bending down to kiss his new wife, he felt the smile on her lips when he lingered there but released her so Qrow could sweep his lips across Ruby's the kiss was fulfilling. When he lifted his head again Qrow's arm went around his neck so he could reach higher, holding Oz as he kissed him deeply.

Once they were satisfied the three turned back to the priestess so she could carefully unwrap their joined hands, then she pulled out a piece of magnolia coloured card and a black ink pen. "If you would kindly sign your names here." Ruby's hand almost shook as she signed her name, watching as Qrow and Oz did the same, then read the passage at the bottom, grinning wildly. The woman smiled at her and passed the certificate to Qrow. "Congratulation Mr Branwen."

Oz was a bit out of breath looking at their names. ' Qrow Branwen' 'Ozpin Branwen.' 'Ruby Branwen'. His heart felt so full it was almost bursting with the need to take them both in his arms and never let go. He turned back to the priestess, his eyes slightly wet. "Thank you."

The older woman just nodded. "May peace and strength continue to aid you through this life." Finished with her duty the woman glided out of the cave, the sun had risen now, bathing the sky in dark reds and pinks. Heavy cloud started weaving in on the bitter winds, a sign for more snow on the way Oz thought as he turned back to Qrow and Ruby and held out his hands. "Shall we?"

Ruby's heels clicked on the stone ground as she threw herself into his arms, Qrow close behind her. They stayed like that just holding each other for a few minutes while the Dust cave around them continued to sparkle and glow with the morning light. Ruby lifted her head and kissed Oz's chin, then turned in his arms to kiss Qrow behind her. "Let's go home."

They were barely through the door before they were covered with white rice. Nora and Yang bouncing out from their hiding places. "Congratulations!"

Ruby blushed but Qrow and Ozpin had automatically shielded her. Blake and Weiss walked over and gave them a hug as well. "How'd it go?" Weiss asked.

"Fine nothing abnormal." Ruby said turning the hug. "Is everyone here?"

"Yup, we are partying!" Nora bounced and pulled Ruby into the living room.

Everyone was there. All of team RWBY JNR, Sun, Taiyang, Bart, Peter, Glynda, Lynda even Kira and Ghira Belladonna. Everyone. Ruby grinned and bounced over to her dad who hugged her tightly. "Never thought I'd have to call you Mrs. Branwen."

"Well it's been a few years, so you can't be that surprised." Ruby giggled drawing away.

"Yeah but I figured it would be Ozpin's name." Taiyang said.

"Branwen sounds best." Ozpin said as Nora let him go. She was practically vibrating on the spot. She bounded over to Ren and clobbered him in a hug too.

Congratulations went around the room, jokes were made. Lydia happily hosted the large group and they partied late into the night.

58 chapters of the next story are available on Ao3. The title is Petals that Dance in the Wind, I may or may not put them here. I kinda doubt it without an overwhelming request.