AWOO, MUTHAFUCKAS! We're getting close to the return. Are you hyped? Can you taste the excitement? I know I can! Or maybe it's just the pumpkin cake I just ate. Tis the season, after all!

Enjoy!

Qrow wasn't sure what he had expected when he returned to Burgundy, but seeing the town in a near state of hero worship toward Barty was certainly not it. "So, the light followed you into the church," he said, leaning on the bar and picking up a fresh shot of whiskey as his friends finished recounting what had happened after he left.

"Precisely," Barty replied.

"And everyone decided it was a sign from the Maidens."

"Yes," Roman said, his eyes flashing a warning. "And don't you start making them think otherwise."

"You think I'm stupid?" Qrow snorted. "I'll believe in anything that works in our favor. Maidens Bless!" He downed his shot and called for another.

"Do you think they might be able to convince anyone in Vale when they come up here to trade?" Barty asked.

"Depends on who comes up," Qrow said honestly. "If it's one of the richer busybodies who eats from the Council's hand, they'll probably encourage Vale to not trade with Burgundy at all, which would screw the town over even more."

The innkeeper walked over, pouring more coffee into Barty's mug. "There you go, sir," he said, bowing his head as he moved on to the next customer.

Barty smiled, taking a sip and letting out a sigh. "They've definitely been giving me the highest quality coffee. Citrusy with slight notes of cocoa. Delicious."

"Citrus?" Qrow snorted. "Coffee tastes like coffee."

Roman rolled his eyes. "Plebian. Next you'll be saying all teas taste the same."

"Uh, don't they?"

Both Roman and Barty groaned.

The three left Burgundy that day, electing to leave Zwei with Martin. "See if you can get him to Tai. Pretend to sell him, or something," Qrow said. "He's gonna need the company till we get back."

"I might not want to part with this fellow," Martin laughed, patting Zwei on the head. "But I'll make sure Taiyang gets him. And we'll keep spreading the word."

"Thank you!" said Roman. "Several traders already left town for Obsidian," he added, glancing at Qrow. "By the time we get there, this debacle with those Huntsmen should be over."

"That'll be a relief," Qrow sighed. "I just hope no one got hurt since we left."

"Those kids are tough," Roman said confidently. "And Neo's there to protect them. I'm sure they're fine."

"Honestly, I'm feeling quite optimistic about everything at the moment." Barty cheerfully took a sip from his newly-filled thermos. "Well, onward and upward, as they say!"

Qrow led the trio as they stepped back on the path that led to Obsidian.

…

Ruby found Weiss sitting on Roman's cart, a piece of charcoal and a sheet of paper in front of her. "Whatcha doing?"

Weiss smiled as Ruby plopped down beside her. "I thought it would be a good idea to start writing down what we'll need for the trip home. I expect we'll be leaving as soon as Qrow, Roman, and Bartholomew return."

Ruby peered over her fiancé's shoulder at the list, which consisted of the usual suspects: food, filled water skins, medical supplies, etc. There were also notes jotted down on which towns would be best for replenishing supplies they were low on. "How do you know so much about the towns?"

"I don't. Neo has been helping me." Weiss gave the paper a long look. "Since we're still restocking on medicine here in Obsidian, it would make sense for us to purchase our own on the way back. Food won't be a problem, of course, since we can all hunt."

"Weiss," Ruby murmured, hugging the taller woman around the middle. "You always make lists when you're nervous. You okay?"

Weiss placed the paper to the side and gladly returned Ruby's hug. "Of course I'm nervous," she sighed. "I don't know what will be waiting for us in Vale. If, after all this, we just get killed for returning to our home…"

"We won't!" Ruby assured her. "We're stronger than that. Even if this fails, we can come back here and make a life." Her eyes flickered as she thought of never seeing her dad again, but she knew she'd survive. "We'll get married, a bunch of the others will get married, and if Flynt and Neon are anything to go by, we'll have pups to play with by next year!"

Weiss felt herself smiling. Ruby always knew how to make even the direst of situations seem like something they could easily get through. "That will be nice." She paused. "You know, Neptune offered to help us if we decide we want pups in the future."

"Yeah?" Ruby tilted her head.

"Yes. I think he's lonely, and would like to be a father, even if hasn't found a mate yet."

"Huh." Ruby thought for a moment. "I don't think I'm ready to be a mom just yet. Maybe the year after this spring. Or two years. Also, could he do it with you when we decide to? I'm not really interested in…well…you know."

Weiss kissed her brow. "I know. I've always known that."

Ruby smiled, snuggling against Weiss's front. "I love you!"

"I love you too," Weiss replied, drawing Ruby into her lap and closing her eyes contentedly, the list temporarily forgotten.

Blake and Sun were lying on top of the inn's roof, staring at the sky. A cool fall breeze whipped their hair and made them shiver with the promising chill of a not-so-distant winter.

"Can't remember the last time I was able to just relax," Sun yawned, his tail brushing against Blake's leg.

"Don't get too comfortable," Blake warned. "It won't be long before we go back to confront Cinder and the people of Vale." Still, she shifted closer, smiling as the tip of Sun's tail caressed her ankle.

Sun rolled his eyes. "Anyone ever tell you how to enjoy a moment? What's gonna happen is gonna happen. We'll worry about it when it happens."

"I guess you're right." She closed her eyes, allowing herself to take in the warmth of the sun and the pleasant coolness of the wind. She had always enjoyed lying in the sunlight. It really had been too long since she'd had the chance. A small chirp escaped her throat when Sun reached over to scratch her ears.

"Hey, Blake?" he asked, his voice gentle and even. "You don't have to answer, but have you thought about spring at all? I mean, you don't have to decide or anything, but I was just wondering." When she didn't speak right away, he hurried to add: "And you don't even need to decide by this spring! I can wait. I mean, if you want me to-"

"Sun," Blake cut in, a soft smile coming to her face. She was honestly touched by his determination to not push her too hard. "I have thought about it."

"Oh." Sun's tail flicked hopefully.

"I think the answer will be yes," Blake said, feeling truly confident in her answer. "If you're really good in the meantime," she added with a wink.

Sun's heart leapt and his eyes lit up. Only the fact that they were currently on a rooftop kept him from tackling Blake in a hug right then. Instead, he just scooted close and kissed her cheek. He wrapped his tail gently around her ankle and tugged lightly. "And if I'm really bad?" he murmured in a low voice, flashing a mischievous grin.

Blake shivered in a way that had nothing to do with fear. Recovering quickly, she smirked, playfully pushing Sun away. "We'll see."

Near the forest, Fennec, Corsac, Ilia, Sandy, and Deery were sunning themselves in the grass. Since they were outside the village boundaries, they chose to leave their borrowed clothes in the trees. Ilia yawned, stretching luxuriously.

"I'm so glad we can finally have some peace," she sighed.

"Agreed," Fennec murmured. "These woods are good, and this human town is truly beneficial to us. Without the Huntsmen and vampires, this place is near perfect."

"It makes you wonder," Corsac added. "If we should just remain here."

Sandy sat up with a frown. "But Leader Pyrrha says we need to go back to Vale and talk to Cinder."

Deery tore at a piece of grass. "Isn't word spreading through the towns, though? Maybe we can just let things happen. We've done more than our part."

"We can't do that," Ilia said firmly. "Leader Pyrrha wants to go back. Besides, Vale and the old forest are home to our pack, and the Huntsmen. They'll go no matter what, and we can't desert them, not after all they did for us."

Fennec sighed. "True. I'd hate to abandon Fox."

"Perhaps we could still return," Corsac mused. "If we win in Vale. After all, Obsidian is the first town to be open to werewolves. It would make sense to have some werewolf ambassadors staying here permanently."

"You mean, like representing the pack and helping new werewolves?" Sandy asked.

"Precisely!"

Deery smiled. "I like that idea."

"Me too," Ilia admitted. "But we need to focus on one thing at a time. Vale first, then we'll talk to Leader Pyrrha about it. I'm sure she'll say yes." She paused. "Hm. Even now, it feels weird saying that about a leader."

"Not as weird as before, though," Sandy noted.

"True." Ilia smiled, lying back in the grass once more. "Nice, isn't it?"

The others nodded in agreement, closing their eyes and allowing themselves to relax for a little while.

In town, Pyrrha was walking down the streets with Jaune, completely focused on the contents of a jar that had come with a larger delivery from Umber. "This is incredible," she said, licking her fingers. "I can't believe I've never had this!"

The substance in question was sliced peaches preserved in a mixture of honey and spices. Juice and golden honey dripped from each slice as the sweet scent of cinnamon and cloves made Pyrrha nearly dizzy with pleasure.

"They are pretty good." Jaune smiled at the look of pure joy on her face. Already, he was imagining his mom spoiling her with every sweet-tasting human food under the sun. And she totally will, he told himself. The whole family will love her once we explain everything. After driving those Huntsmen away, optimism had been coming a lot easier to everyone in town.

"It won't be long now," Pyrrha commented, pausing to lick her fingers. "We'll be able to go home soon, once Qrow, Roman, and Barty return."

"I can't wait," Jaune said honestly. "Obsidian is great, but I really need to see my family again."

Pyrrha screwed the lid of the jar shut with a sigh. "I'm a bit apprehensive about seeing Cinder and the rest of the pack again," she admitted. "I've been trying to figure out what to say to her. Convincing her is the most important thing next to convincing your village leaders."

"Well, why don't we practice?" Jaune suggested. "I'll be Cinder." He folded his arms and tried to look as intimidating as possible.

Pyrrha laughed. "You don't exactly resemble her, but okay." She placed the jar to the side and tried to pretend she was talking to Cinder. "Cinder, I feel that the war with the humans and Faunus of Vale needs to end."

Jaune shook his head. "Be more proactive. Say that the war needs to end."

"You're right. Cinder would latch onto any weakness she sees… Okay. Cinder, this war with the humans and Faunus of Vale needs to end. It's pointless and causes unnecessary harm to both sides. My pack, as well as the friends we've made in the villages, have been able to help each other in ways we couldn't have imagined before." She paused. "After that, if she's still listening, I'll tell her our story."

"The big thing is getting her to listen without ripping your head off first?" Jaune guessed.

"Exactly."

"Hey, Pyrrha! You gonna finish those?"

Jaune and Pyrrha turned to see Neptune, Scarlet, and Sage approaching.

"Go right ahead, Neptune," Pyrrha said with a smile.

"Thanks!" Neptune picked up the jar and eagerly ate a slice. "I swear, we've been missing out. Humans know how to make food amazing."

"What were you two doing just now?" Sage asked. "It looked like you were rehearsing something."

"Oh, I'm trying to figure out what to say to Cinder," Pyrrha explained. "Jaune's helping."

Neptune snorted. "Jaune never talked to Cinder. How can he know how she'd respond." His eyes lit up. "Ooh! Can I be Cinder?"

Scarlet pouted. "Wait, I want to be Cinder!" He tossed his hair and put a hand on his hip. "I hope you idiots aren't planning on hindering me in any way," he said, making his voice as rich as he could.

Pyrrha put a hand over her mouth to muffle her snicker.

Neptune put the jar down. "No, no, no. You gotta talk more like this." He pasted on an overly-flirtatious expression and spoke in an exaggeratedly-luscious voice. "You gotta sound like you're trying to seduce someone with every word," he said with a lusty half-smile. "And you gotta make your voice get slightly higher at intervals."

Pyrrha burst out laughing. "Sweet Moon, you two! That's terrible!"

"Oh, don't even tell us we're wrong! You know this is totally accurate!" Scarlet huffed, folding his arms.

Ferron stuck his head out of the smithy at that moment. "Mocking your former leader, are you?"

Neptune and Scarlet shifted guiltily. "Uh…"

"Mind if I join?"

Jaune grinned. "Oh, please! Do Adam!"

Ferron cleared his throat before giving everyone a half-lidded glare. "Bring them to their knees!" He declared in a bombastic, slightly-raspy voice. "You! Omega! Fetch me a deer bone! I want to clean my claws with it while growling menacingly at anyone who comes too close. You! Get me some fat to polish my horns! Have I mentioned lately how much I hate humans? Grrrr!"

Everyone was laughing at this point. Pyrrha leaned against Jaune, holding her stomach while trying to get some control over her breathing. "I don't think…this is helping…figure out what to say to Cinder," she managed between gasps of laughter.

Jaune shrugged. "You'll be fine. Besides, everything will depend on how Cinder is when we see her. A lot of it will have to be made up as we go."

"Don't worry, Leader," Neptune said brightly. "You can do it. Everyone knew you'd be an awesome leader at the beginning, and everyone knows you're going to get us through this."

"We did survive a Nuckelavee and a vampire coven," Sage reminded everyone. "This will probably be easy in comparison."

"I wouldn't go that far," Pyrrha said. "But…thank you. I'm glad you all have so much faith in me. I only hope I can live up to it."

Jaune softly kissed her cheek. "You already have," he murmured, hugging her tightly.

Neptune coughed. "Uh, is it inappropriate to tell your leader that she and her mate are ridiculously adorable?"

Both Jaune and Pyrrha blushed while everyone else laughed again.

….

Qrow knew that time was being cut way too close. They had reached Umber just as the third week of the last month of fall rolled around. The air was already becoming crisp with the promise of a hard winter. Even if we get back quickly, he thought glumly. It'll be less than a week away from winter. Everyone may just starve, even if we can convince them to form an alliance.

He didn't voice any of his concerns to Roman and Barty, however. He couldn't bring himself to spoil their good moods. Barty was still drinking from the supply of the good coffee he'd been given in Burgundy, and Roman was devoting most of his attention to his new horse, the gentle, stocky bay gelding he had chosen back in Roan. After the incident at the church, they were understandably hopeful. Qrow just wished he could catch some of that optimism.

In Umber, the trio learned that the Huntsmen blockade had fallen. "Driven out by the townsfolk," the barman said, polishing a glass after serving the men their drinks. "They saved them from a pretty bad Grimm attack, then told them to skedaddle once the fight was over."

Qrow let out a laugh. "I wish I could've seen that. I bet Yang was right at the head of things."

"If you're referring to the golden-haired one with the red eyes, then yes," a voice muttered from a nearby table.

The barman bowed his head contritely. "Ah, sorry Mister Port. Forgot you were over there."

Port shook his head. "No matter. You were simply telling the truth." He stared into a pint of stout and sighed. "I remember you three. You were in the town, weren't you?"

"That's right," Qrow said, frowning in the Huntsman's direction.

Barty adjusted his scarf before approaching the table with a friendly smile. "I never got a chance to say this, but I do admire that rifle of yours. Quite a rarity."

Port's expression lightened, and a hint of pride came to his face. "It certainly is. Tweaked it myself so that reload time is hardly an issue. A fire Dust compartment in the back makes it nearly automatic."

"I remember when all the big cities were building rifles for Huntsmen," Barty chuckled. "Everyone was so excited, every town ordered crates and crates of ammo, only for most of the guns to be unpredictable, too slow to reload, or just plain dangerous."

"Well, I'd paid a fair sum for this one," Port murmured. "I wasn't about to just throw it away. I've been adding to it over the years. Once it's perfect, I plan on giving instructions away to anyone who can use them. I'd like to see the Grimm fight back against a line of Huntsmen with Dust bullets at their disposal!"

"That would certainly be a force to reckon with," Barty said, his brows creasing a little as he imagined a pack of werewolves trying to square off against such a foe.

Port looked at the three. "So, you're heading back to that town, eh?"

"We only left to find help to stop your group," Qrow said coldly.

"Well, the traders have certainly been telling interesting stories," Port sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know what to think anymore, truthfully."

"Maybe that there's a new way to be thinking?" Roman suggested.

"Perhaps." Port finished his drink and stood up. "Well, I'm off. That herd of Boarbatusks up north aren't going to kill themselves! Good day, gentlemen." He bowed his head before striding out the door, rifle strapped to his back.

"He does seem nice," Barty commented. "Maybe he'll be merciful the next time he sees a werewolf in the wild."

"We can only hope," Qrow said, downing his shot. "Well, we're almost there. I say we don't stop until we're back at the walls of Obsidian."

"Agreed!" Barty nodded firmly. "Let us be off!"

The three left the bar, adjusted their bags, which were now being carried by Roman's new horse, and started the final leg of their journey back to Obsidian with the promise of another hard journey following soon after.

I got several reviews commenting on Port's use of a gun, so I thought I'd give some clarification here. I was drawing inspiration partially from ancient rifles, partially from Port's canon weapon, and partially from the fact that there is Dust in this AU. The matchlock rifle first appeared in the mid-15th century in Europe, which was the last century of the Middle Ages, so there were guns toward the end of the medieval times. Port's use of it in this world is rare, as shown by the fact that none of the other Huntsmen have been using guns, and he did have to adjust it extensively in order to make it a reliable weapon.

Anyhoo, next week will be the journey back to Vale. Then… Well, you'll see.

If you like what you see and want to show extra support in exchange for rewards, my P/atreon is Solora Goldsun.

Peace out!