Hey, everyone!
Sorry, I got this a few hours late. Work calls. And sorry since I had to get this chapter in a rush.
I know I didn't give much of an announcement when I updated the first chapter before, and how this story seemed to have come out of the blue. In a way unexpected. That is how it is regarding a certain wizard. And the unexpected adventures he brings. Yeah, there's a lot to disclose, and questions regarding the lore of this AU between RWBY and Middle-Earth.
Note: As of this day, July 29th, marks the 69th Anniversary since the release of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), the first volume of the Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 2
The Long-Expected Party
The Third Age, Year 3007
Sitting and leaning against the foot of a tree in the middle of the green woods, two children busied themselves with the small book the oldest of them brought. They had been sitting at the foot of the tree for some time. And when they were looking through the pictures and words on the book, they would roll around the grass or the fallen leaves on the grass. Their boredom stretched further to when the youngest grasped at the branches of the trees, with the means to climb up.
They paused their activities when they heard singing coming from the road. An old man's voice singing. The familiar voice caused both to smile with excitement, thus they will finally enact their plan.
Coming on the road surrounded by grass ledges and trees was a horse-carried cart. A cart full of fireworks. The fireworks came in different sizes and designs different than anywhere else other of the sort could be found. Riding on the cart was an elderly fellow with a long grey beard, while garbed in a weary, grey cloak and a pointed hat.
The elderly man hummed a certain tune of a song.
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began
Now far ahead the Road has gone
And I must follow if I can
"You're late," a young girl said as she appeared on a grassy ledge before the passing cart.
With that, the bearded fellow in the pointed hat stopped his cart.
"A wizard is never late…" The wizard lifted his head to look at the young girl with a stern look. "Yang Xiao Long."
The young girl. Yang Xiao Long. Was a young girl with lilac eyes and a mane of golden hair that was styled in two pigtails, kept her apparent disappointed gaze toward the wizard.
"Nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to!"
There was a moment of silence between them, as it looked like the tension between them was supposed to increase…
…yet it didn't… because there wasn't any to begin with…
It looked like the wizard's mouth was mumbling, as if he couldn't hold it any longer.
Yang's stern frown faded and was turned to a growing smile.
The wizard finally let out his laugh before Yang Xiao Long joined in the laughter.
"It's so great to see you, Gandalf!" Yang jumped in the air with arms stretched and fell into the wizard's arms, who full-heartedly returned the blonde girl's warm hug.
"You didn't think I would miss your Grandma Maria's birthday, did you?"
"NO WAY!"
Gandalf didn't have time to turn to see who the new voice was… before the wizard felt a sudden gust swish towards him. He blocked his hand on instinct… for a younger girl to grab hold of it and hang by his arm.
"Well, bless my soul… Ruby Rose…" Gandalf smiled. "I think the first time you caught me by surprise!"
"Did I?! Did I?!" the younger squealed as she hugged tighter Gandalf's arm. The girl being two years younger than her sister, with a bob of dark red hair and silver eyes. "We missed you so much! You've been gone FOREVER!"
"Forever? It had only been a few months since…?"
"Did you miss us?!" Ruby pounced on the wizard's shoulder while staring close into his eyes. "Did you miss me?! DID YOU MISS ME?!"
The wizard gave a mischievous smirk, before shaking his head.
"No."
That only caused Ruby smile to grow even wider.
And so further on, Gandalf the Grey rode the wagon on towards the center of the village.
"C'mon, tell us news about the outside world!" Yang asked, excitingly.
"Yeah, we want to know everything!" Ruby cheered as she sat between her sister and the wizard.
"Everything?!" Gandalf looked with surprise towards the Rose girl, who along with her sister gave pleading looks. "Heh…" The wizard could only chuckle with pride. "Curiosity most peculiar for two little girls your age." The two girls could only giggle and smile at that.
Concerning Patch…
Some would be confused regarding the environment of Patch, most notably its location… in Middle Earth.
Most would remember that it belonged to that of a small island off the coast of the mainland. It was once that once upon a time. That was until the population had moved from the island… and its relocation came at the edge of the West Farthing.
That neighboring west of the small folk neighbors of greener place known as the Shire.
Now these places of Patch, West Farthing, and the Shire were places that resided in the region of Eriador. The Northwestern part of Middle-Earth.
The village was home to many folk, and welcome to others being Faunus, dwarf, hobbit, and occasional wizard.
Shire-Folk often consider Patch much like their neighbor to the East, that is Bree.
Bree, land for men and hobbits who live without further argument one another east of the Shire. While Patch, another likewise land that lay west of the Shire.
Patch Folk resided in houses of good stone and hazel wood. Houses that would sit near rivers, and some porched on hills, that would allow dwellers a view of the whole plain around them.
Another notable part of the place… was also Signal Academy. The village's academy for the prerequisite training for the young generation in preparation for trials in becoming… huntsmen and huntresses.
"Ah… the long-expected party," Gandalf smiled as he took in the view to the right, as dozens of Patch citizens set up colorful tents and pavilions for the upcoming birthday party.
Several people got ready to bring up a logo that read:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIA ROSE!
"So, how is that rascal of a grandmother of yours?" Gandalf asked with a grin. "I heard this gathering is going to be one of rare magnificence."
"Well, mom and dad said that almost the whole village has been invited." Yang said. "Grandma said she had been writing invites to friends that live far, far away!"
"Mommy and Daddy are so, SO BUSY!" Ruby pouted. "All work, work, work! Mommy is busy making cookies for the party… she doesn't have time to make cookies for us!"
"Gandalf?" Yang asked. "I don't get it. We always have Grandma's birthday's at the house… but now she says she wants to invite everyone! Everyone in the village has been invited!"
"Is that so?" Gandalf raised an eyebrow.
"I asked Grandma about it, but she said… it's supposed to be a surprise."
"Oh, really, did she say that?" Gandalf said, amused.
"Do you know what the surprise is, Gandalf?" Ruby asked. "Please, tell us! TELL ME! TELL ME!"
Gandalf chuckled. "If I should… then it would no longer be one."
"Gandalf! It's Gandalf!" Another young girl cried out, and soon many more children came clamoring at the sight of Gandalf's wagon.
Gandalf said nothing as the children came by the wagon and shouted for him.
"Gandalf…?" The children muttered as they gathered a bit away and expecting for the wizard to stop for them… or at least waved to them… but nothing of the sort. That left them disappointed.
Gandalf only look to the confused sisters… and gave them a smile before…
BOOM! BOOM!
Without turning back to perform the action with his hands, a firework harmlessly exploded from the cart to puff out fiery fairies and sprites in the air.
"YAYYY!" The children cried out with delight as they jumped at the sight. No longer at all disappointed.
"Right on time!" Yang grinned.
"Oh, yay!" Ruby bounced. "That was cool! Can you do it again for us?!"
"Oh, that was not even a taste for what will come tonight."
"Hey, Gandalf!" The trio's attention was caught by the wave of two adults waving for them as they descended the slope to meet the cart.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Ruby greeted when she jumped from the cart and into her mother, Summer Rose's arms.
"So, I guess the girls gave you a surprise along the way, Gandalf?" Summer asked with a smile.
"Oh, well, young Ruby startled me, Yang started by giving an accusation to the never-changing fact of a wizard's precise arrival." Gandalf chuckled.
"Hey," Yang said.
"So…" Taiyang Xiao Long, the father of both girls and Summer's husband, looked over the cart full of fireworks. "This all it."
"Indeed, it is," Gandalf said. "I will go over to bring it down to the party stall later…"
"Oh, no, don't worry," Tai waved off. "We'll bring it down… while you go meet Maria."
"Go on," Summer said as she adjusted Ruby in her arms. "You know she is waiting for you… even if she doesn't expect it."
"Not as unexpected when I first found her… and how unexpected it was with the ordeal with the dragon," Gandalf said as he stepped off the cart and took out his staff that was hanging at the edge. He entrusted the reins for Tai as he got on. "I'm trusting you with this."
"Don't plan on disappointing you, sir," Tai grinned.
"Hey, Gandalf," Yang went up to him. "I'm so glad you're back."
"So, am I, dear girl!" Gandalf gave a ruffle on the blonde girl's head, that made her beam.
"Tonight's going to be great!" Ruby announced as she and her mother joined Tai and Yang on the cart. "It's going to be the best birthday party ever!"
Gandalf chuckled at little Ruby's announcement, before he started to trek the rest of the way to the Rose/Xiao Long house up the hill.
The wizard made his way with his staff on the small path towards the house surrounded by trees. The house wasn't too big or too small. Besides the large oak tree in the back, there was a large garden on both sides. Golden sunflowers blooming like torches in the green garden.
The wizard made his way to the porch and stopped at the front door, where he knocked it two times with his staff and waited.
Still no response.
He knocked again.
Then came an irritated voice from the other side.
"Stop that knocking! Whoever you have any more business on party admissions or any fudge, forget it! I'm in a busy mood, and not in the mood for any visitors or any of the sort!"
"And what about very old friends?"
Not long after that, the door opened, and staring at the wizard from inside as an elderly woman. The woman with her current age had somehow become a bit shorter. Her once-dark hair was gray and silver like her eyes. Her eyes still remained silver, though there was the matter of a scar near her left eye, but not serious to alter her sight. Nor the sight that caused her to look in shock at the wizard at the doorstep.
"Gandalf?" She spoke.
"Maria Calavera," The wizard smiled.
"Oh, Gandalf!" The woman rushed in to embrace the wizard, and the wizard returned it in kind.
"Good to see you. To think… 80 years of age." Gandalf broke the hug to look in the woman's eyes. "You haven't aged a day."
"Oh, now you're making me blush." Maria laughed, as did the wizard. "Come on, come in!"
"Now then…" Maria took the wizard's hat and staff. "What will it be? Anything you would like, it's on the house. Some tea? Or something a little stronger?" she grinned as she went to place the hat and staff near the holder. "The one with a fruity bouquet? You know I tell Summer to keep it someplace where Qrow can't find it. You know what happens to good bottles of spirits whenever he comes by." The woman said as walked through the halls towards the kitchen. "Even that son-in-law of mine can get greedy."
"Just tea, thank you," Gandalf said, before his head knocked at the hanging chandelier at the entrance. The wizard went to hold it back in place before he turned and went into the next room.
The wizard took note of the papers scattered at the table. The wizard then noted several letters. He raised an eyebrow when he recognized some of the names on them. He then noted something else underneath the letters and papers.
He pushed the papers aside, to bring the framed map closer.
He remembered having been the keeper of this map before. Something he had procured centuries ago.
Thorin's map of the Lonely Mountain.
"How would like some of…" Maria offered as she appeared again but look to no longer see Gandalf.
"Just tea, thank you," Gandalf appeared right at the kitchen table.
"All right," Maria
"So, tell me…" Gandalf sat down at the dinner table. "Any other familiar faces we may get to see for tonight's occasion?"
"I knew you wouldn't miss a day like this…" She said, going over to get the kettle. "Though, I can't say the same for the others. I had hoped at least Nic would finally come by."
"Well… I have heard that he is not well to travel out again," Gandalf said, with a bit of grimace.
"Hmph. What do you get spending years as both a huntsman and a blooming tycoon up north." Maria joked.
"And becoming a grandfather," Gandalf noted.
"Ah, so you've met the grand rugrats already?"
"Only once… when I last visited Nic's mansion. The oldest, Winter, acts very seriously considering her age. The younger two… Weiss and Whitley… they're about Yang and Ruby's age."
"Heh… then it would be a nice time for a playdate… if Nic gets the chance to visit. Or if their parents have anything against it."
Gandalf's brows furrowed with annoyance. "I wouldn't take it with him, that if you have met the father himself." The wizard, recalling his last visit to his old friend, not only he had the chance to meet with his grandchildren, but also with their parents. Nicholas' daughter, looked a little gloomy than the last time he had seen her, as for her husband and Nic's son-in-law…
Gandalf couldn't quite be sure of him, not as sure as to how Nicholas was so trusting of him. As the wizard had been courteous of him at first… Jacques… his name is… his courtesy did not seem genuine in return. Gandalf could tell that the man's cold blue eyes looked at him with suspicion and distrust when they were around each other. Even the family butler had even more respectable and genuine manners towards the wizard.
"Oh, well. I wished Nic could have made it… I doubt I may have the chance to see him again for when I depart."
"So, you intend to go with your plan?" Gandalf asked.
"Yes, yes, all the arrangements have been made," Maria confirmed as she poured boiling water from the kettle and into the teapot.
"You know… your granddaughters are starting to suspect something," Gandalf noted.
"Heh, well I guess the signs are bit too obvious. It would have disappointed me if they did not."
"You will tell them, will you? Them and Summer? And Tai?"
Maria didn't answer for a moment.
"Well… yes… I mean…"
"They're very fond of you," Gandalf noted.
Maria paused a bit, before sighing. "I know." She paced a bit from the table. "I considered… if they would… perhaps join me… if I ask them to."
Gandalf nodded.
"Though I think… I believe Summer and Tai already have their minds made up. That… and their dedication to Ozpin." Gandalf gave a look at the mention of him. "Patch… is a good place… to raise two daughters." Maria sighed. "Friends and neighbors to adore. The fields near the West Farthing. Little to no chance of meeting a Grimm… and much less a goblin in the woods. And perhaps… a place to prepare before they will join the academy." The woman looked at Gandalf. "I know they would want to. Even if they are very young and not as wise… both will seek to be strong huntresses, no doubt. Just like their parents. And their… sometimes wayward uncle. That Qrow…"
"And their grandmother," Gandalf added. "When comes the time… and they will… Ruby may…"
"Oh, don't worry." Maria waved off. "She will have Summer to guide her when the time comes. I taught my girl everything she needs to know… about the gift she carries. And I don't doubt she will know how to teach Ruby how to use it."
Gandalf could only nod at what 'gift' she had meant.
"I'm not much the huntress I was before, Gandalf," Maria sighed. "I'm supposed to be old… and yet… I don't feel like it."
That caused Gandalf to quirk his eyebrow with concern.
"And don't get me wrong, I should feel… somewhat happy… and vain… yes, I admit that… but it's… concerning. It's like… I feel too much than I would ask for. I feel sort of… stretched. Like how can you describe it? As if… like when Summer bakes chocolate over too much dough."
Maria paused before looking at the windowsill.
"I've been here… too long, Gandalf. Too long. Too long of hiding. I need a holiday. A long one. And… I don't expect myself to return. Not for a very long time, indeed."
"Pah! How is it that you're always smoking that stuff?" Maria muttered at the smoking pipe Gandalf had as they sat next to each other on the porch.
Hours had passed and evening had settled in, with even the shattered moon glowing in the sky. And the party tents and lights were glowing in the coming night. The Xiao-Long-Rose porch had a nice view of the soon-to-be-started party.
"This is the finest weed from the South Farthing," Gandalf said.
"Oh, yes, good for you. Good for you being a wizard… and not have to worry about caring for your lungs. I would ask that to all my Shire pals." Maria waved off. "Thank goodness Summer is there to make sure Tai doesn't get the habit around the girls. Though, I dread the same for Qrow."
The wizard took the pipe out of his mouth for him to exhale something with the smoke. He blew out a quiet and rapid pace puffs of smoke that materialized in the air. That of an eagle that flapped it wings and flew in front of an amused Maria and before spinning and flying into the open air.
"Gandalf, my old friend, this is going to be a night to remember."
BOOM!
A firework exploded in the shape of a long-flowing tree that started raining sprinkles of glowing green leaves all around the large assemble.
An assembly for the purpose of merry making and fun gathering. Almost all of the village's dwellers had gathered to dance, sing, eat, and drink… all at Maria's invitation.
Some neighbors had even been invited to take part in the party. Those who came to help with the planning of the party and brought much food and drink for the celebration. Some being dwarves who had settled near one of their old homes near the Blue Mountains. Even visitors who had traveled from Menagerie Island; the visitors being Faunus. Even the small folk from the Shire had arrived. The hobbits being less than half the height of the adults, almost being mistaken as children. A band of hobbits had been invited to bring their instruments and play a merry tune for the merry dancing taking place at the center of the crowd.
Rows of tables were set up, and some had brought in barrels of drink. A larger had to get through to bring about the massive vanilla-creamed cake covered with strawberries and candles.
At the center of the jig dancing, Tai twirled Summer Rose in a spin before pulling her back, being in sync with the couples around them.
"Oh!" Gandalf cried out as he let out another firework that blasted off from the ground in front of him and rocketed above the party when it exploded. In the wake of it's bright-blue boom, it multiplied like dozens of shooting comets that descended and dashed in all directions for everyone to see.
"Another success, now then…" Just as Gandalf was about to pull another…
"Come on, take a break," Summer said.
"What?" He asked.
"Yang's wanting to ask a turn for you."
"C'mon, Gandalf!" Yang ran and took the wizard's hand. Summer giggling as Yang guided Gandalf to the dancing center, where Tai was already doing his dance with little Ruby, by holding both of her hands and twirling her. It wasn't long before Yang did the same with Gandalf, who smiled and went to let her spin a circle.
Not far from the party group.
"And their names were Bert, Tom, and Bill… THREE MONSTEROUS TROLLS!" Maria said, putting up her dramatic storytelling as several Patch children gathered around to listen. "After they popped all my dwarf companions and I into the sacks, they started arguing about how they were going to cook us. Either they would roast us on the spit, bake us into pies, squash us to chili, or even have us raw."
One of the girls shivered with nervousness.
"It was when I started spouting on how they were doing it wrong, and they wondered if I knew the secret to cooking dwarves. It was only that I figured I could get them out was by telling them they all had parasites."
"Huh?" The children looked in confusion.
"I mean that's what got the argument to go on longer, it at least stall time for morning to come quickly. It was then when Gandalf finally appeared, standing on top of the rock and bellowing out with his staff raised high…" Maria raised her arms high to do her best impression of the wizard in that moment. "… 'AND DAWN TAKE YOU ALL, AND BE STONE, TOO!' And with a thrust of his staff on the rock, it cracked in half for the sunlight to shine on them and… POOF!"
The children gasped.
"And that is what happened to Bert, Tom, and Bill… even till this day… all three of them standing at the same place where left them…" Maria smiled with nostalgia. "…as stone!"
Gandalf chuckled as he picked up his next batch of fireworks, leaving the cart and towards the group of young children waiting excitedly.
Leaving the firework cart unguarded.
A boy's head popped up from the edge of the cart to check the coast was clear, before he smacked the wall of the tent beside him.
"Ow!" Coming under the flap was another boy his age, his best friend. "Didn't need to hit so hard, Dee."
"Just get in there quickly, Dudley!" Dee gestured as he helped Dudley hop onto the cart, into the pile of various fireworks.
Dee looked behind to make sure the wizard was noticing, as he was occupied with the children.
Among the children were Yang and Ruby, who were already excited.
BOOM!
With a sparkle and flash, Gandalf erupted a mini firework that burst open a dozen orange illusions in the forms of butterflies that flapped in the air above the children's heads.
"Off we go!" Gandalf laughed as the children, including Ruby and Yang chased after the butterflies.
So, far, so good. Dee thought.
"Hey, Dee, how about this!" Dudley whispered as he pulled out a long green tube.
"Not that! That's looks pathetic!" Dee scolded. "A big one!"
Dudley pulled another firework from underneath the pile… bringing out a bigger one. One that really made all the others look puny. This firework was orange and bulky, its head reared with gills and fins of some sort. The sight of it was enough to satisfy Dee with excitement.
"Now that's what I'm talking about! C'mon, bring it!" Dee gestured for Dudley to quickly hop off the cart to make their getaway. Dee stayed a bit to make sure the old wizard hadn't taken notice, while taking a bite out of the apple he had in hand.
How hard can it be to light a firework by whatever the man's semblance allowed to craft the most extraordinary?
TCH!
Dudley light out a match and lighted the line to the firework… ready to fire in a few seconds… while hiding in one of the party tents.
"All done!" Dudley beamed.
"All right, now take it," Dee pushed the ticking firework.
"Me, why not you?!" He pushed it back.
"It's supposed to stick it in the ground!"
"It's already in the ground!"
"Outside!"
"This was your idea—"
BOOM!
"WAAAYAAH!"
Both boys screamed when the rocket had set off early and blasted out before them and above. Taking the flap of the entire tent they were hiding in with it. This commotion caught the attention of everyone. Dee and Dudley fell back as they looked in shock at their doing.
The firework had burned up the tent flap it had been covered with, and continued to fly up in the air, much to the praise of the audience. It was then the fiery spectacle started to shift, with its head popping up and opening… like the jaw of a dragon.
It then stretched out two limbs, that popped open like wings. Confirming it was a fiery dragon, exciting the audience even more… until the dragon turned and descended towards them… without stopping.
It was coming closer and closer… and that caused their growing nervousness to turn to fear… and panic…
The crowd started to back and dash from the still approaching dragon to gain cover. Almost the same as if they had spotted a flying Nevermore about descend upon them. The panic was gaining high, even person was flipped along with one of the tables.
"Yang! Ruby!" Summer cried out, before approaching Tai. "I can't find them!"
Further away however…
"Grandma, run!" Yang pulled at Maria's arm. "We got a run!"
"It's the dragon!" Ruby pulled at the other arm. "The dragon is here!"
"Which one?" Maria said, oblivious to the fiery spectacle of the creature coming in her direction. "Smaug back from the dead? That egotistic worm wouldn't have been…"
"GET DOWN!" Summer cried out as she and Taiyang got there in time to duck Maria's head when the fiery dragon flew overhead and rolled in a spin that blasted towards the horizon. Everyone looked up while crouching, worried of what would happen next when…
BOOOOM!
The biggest boom and explosion like no one had seen before.
It exploded mass arrays of sparks and glittering fire that covered the whole sky to the west. Blasts that were sizable to that of castles and mountains and continued to shine and glow as powerful as a real dragon's fire.
The fear and panic all washed away and was replaced by the cheer, awe, and happiness at the wonderful display. All rose to give a standing ovation and applause.
Even the Rose/Xiao Long's fears turned to that of good laugh and cheer of the spectacle… that almost roasted over some of them.
Watching from the very back of the crowd… were two boys… both their faces blackened with soot and their hair spiked out from the firework's blast off.
"Dee… did you see that?" Dudley huffed.
"Yeah… all of it." Dee admitted, still staring.
"It… it was…"
"Wicked!"
"Let's go get another one!"
"AH-ARGH!"
"AH-ARGH!"
Both screeched when they felt their ears pulled up, and they ended up looking at an old face mixed with a grey beard.
"Well, what do we have here?" Gandalf mused. "A pair of young huntsmen-in-training? Willing to flirt with trouble before their duty calls? I might have known."
Dee grumbled as scrubbed the dishes in the bucket, as Dudley groaned having to carry another pile of plates… of the two hundred plates and utensils that are in need of washing…
…all under the watchful eye of Gandalf the Grey, who helped himself to a mug of ale.
"Speech!"
"Speech!"
"Speech, Maria!"
"Yes, Speech!"
"Speech, Grandma!" Ruby cheered.
Everyone gathered to sit and cheer when the lady of the day herself walked toward a podium to address the crowd.
"I've never been good of giving such talk if that is what the lot of you are wondering. That is why I wrote the stuff on some paper… that I ended up using to wipe my nose."
Everyone erupted in laughter at that.
"I can show it to you if you would like… it's just a bit soggy and all the words are…"
More laughter followed.
"Ew, Grandma! Gross!" Yang booed with annoyance, while Ruby laughed hard with Tai. Summer shook her head, and shared a look with Gandalf, who looked amused.
"It astonishes me… to be surrounded by such admirable and goodfellow friends this evening. My fellow friends from all over Patch…"
Most of the crowd cheered.
"And to be joined by neighbors and friends…" Maria gestured to one part of the crowd. "From Menagerie!"
A table that compromised of Faunus individuals raised their mugs and cheered.
"Good folk in the shape of Durin's folk from the Blue Mountains and beyond!"
A group of dwarves raised their mugs up high in approval.
"And last but not least… our fellow Shire Folk neighbors' round from Hobbiton to Brandywine! Thank you for giving some of your best ale and music!"
The group of hobbits cheered.
"Hear! Hear!" One of them… being Frederick Bolger from Crickhollow. Otherwise known to most as Fatty Bolger.
"Now then… Eighty years. Eighty years of age… can you believe it. Not only it is something… but a rare thing to achieve… when you were a huntress. Especially since… sometimes… or many times… it can be a pretty nasty business."
"Many places I have been. And… many sorrows I have seen. But I don't regret it. And I won't forget who took that road with me.
"And… it is good… to have settled in Patch of all places… surrounded by admirable neighbors, friends… and good family…" The woman glanced briefly at her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters watching keenly. "It has been… a wonderful time here…"
Maria shifted, as she felt her hand going into her pocket. She brought her hand out into a closed fist and brought it to her back.
Gandalf noticed this.
"It has been a wonderful time indeed… but there are sometimes that come to an end."
Summer was the first pause, and frown with confusion… her family following after.
Both Maria's hands were curled from behind her back with something in hand.
"I… I have put this on for too long…" She all but whispered quietly to herself.
"With the conclusion of my speech… I make an announcement." She seemed to gulp as gazed at the now confused crowd. "I regret it… to say that this is it. I have come all this way… but now comes a day… which is today… to bid you all… a very fond farewell."
"Goodbye."
And with that… Maria Calavera Rose vanished from sight.
(X)
The murmurings and increased shouting over the shocking display could be heard from quite a way. Even from where the Rose and Xiaolong house lay. It was then when the door to the house somehow opened without the look of hands on the knob. It opened a bit before it was closed, and something turned the lock.
With a laugh, Maria reappeared, having pulled the gold ring from her finger. She let out a whoop when she flicked it into the air and to catch back in her hand to return it to her pocket. She went over to the other room to get ready her preparations.
"I suppose you thought that was very clever?" Gandalf said, as he appeared in Maria's office when she entered. The woman was startled at first, but shook her head, knowing the wizard.
"Oh, come on, Gandalf!" Maria started laughing. "Can't you believe their faces?! I've been waiting to do that stunt for a very long time! Oh, if only she had been here! That She-Devil Cordova in the north! I should have sent her that invite! Then again, I doubt she would know when she would have crumpled it before it opened it! Just to see the look on her face!"
"And the faces of your daughter and granddaughters?"
"Oh… oh alright…" Maria sighed. "I didn't mean for that… but I'm sure they'll understand. I wasn't meaning to scare them."
"There are many magic rings that had been made throughout Middle-Earth, and none of them should be lightly," Gandalf chided with his hands to hips. "Even when used for mischief… your mischievous trick of disappear could as well cause confusion and panic. And panic breeds fear. And that kind of emotion is the sort that may attract any wandering Grimm into the area."
"I only meant it for a bit of fun!" Maria exclaimed, before sighing. "Uh… alright. I get it. I didn't mean for it to go too far."
A moment passed, and soon the woman started resuming her packing.
"You will be stop by now then and keep an eye on them, especially Yang and Ruby?"
"Two eyes." Gandalf noted humorously. "One for each of them. As long as I can spare one."
"What I am not taking I'm leaving them to Summer and Tai," Maria stated as she took a familiar sword wrapped in a cloth and packed it.
"And what about this ring?" Gandalf questioned, causing the woman to freeze stiff. "Is that staying, too?"
"Uh… oh, yes!" The former huntress apparently broke out of her trance. "Yeah, I put it a seal envelope right there on the table… no, wait… it's actually… still in my pocket." The woman pulled out the golden trinket and looked at it with upmost care. "Isn't it strange, don't you think?" she asked softly. "You know… I was thinking… why shouldn't I keep it?"
"I think, Maria, you should leave it behind. For Summer. For the good that had done you in your past days… it may prove beneficial for her when she needs it." Gandalf said. "Wouldn't you want that?"
"Well, yes—and no." She quickly countered, almost fidgeting. "Now that it comes to it…" She looked back at the ring in her hands, almost frightened. "I don't feel like… parting with it. I don't see any reason why I should. Why do you want me to?" She asked, and a strange change came to her tone. It was started growing with suspicion… and annoyance. "Why do always… badger about my ring… yet you never showed the same interest in the other things I found."
"No, but I had to badger you," Gandalf said. "I wanted the truth. It was important. The magic rings found in Middle-Earth are… magical; and they are rare and curious. I was professionally interested in your ring, you may say; and I still am. I should like to know where it is. You have no need of it anymore, Maria, unless I am quite mistaken."
Maria flushed, and then suddenly came an angry light in her silver eyes, something that seemed out-out-of-her character, compared to the times she had lost her temper. "Why not?!" she cried. "I'm the one who found it! It came to me! It's mine, I tell you! It's my own!"
"There is no need to get angry."
"Well, if I am angry, it's your fault!" Maria huffed, before turning her back towards the wizard, who stood in shock by her sudden abrasive attitude.
"It's mine…" Maria gazed at the ring, while starting to caress it. "My own… My precious…"
"Precious?" The wizard's face flickered with a sense of alarm. "It's been called that before, but not by you."
"So, what? So, what if Gollum always muttered it in every sentence he said, it's not his anymore. That wretch would have strangled me, and my bones would be rotting in that cave under the mountains instead! It's mine now! And I'm going to keep it!"
Gandalf stood up and spoke sternly. "You will be foolish if you do, Maria. You make that clearer with every word you say. It has got far too much of a hold on you. Let it go! And you can be free!"
"Argh!" Maria turned to face Gandalf with a snarl. "What business is it of yours of what I do with my own things?!"
"You have had that ring long enough." The wizard stated with a serious gaze.
Maria fumed, feeling very threatened. "You… You want it for yourself!"
"MARIA CALAVERA!" It was Gandalf's turn to get angry, as he bellowed out his deep, unworldly-like voice, a great shadow emanated from his form, and it started to darken the room, causing Maria to drop her sword and recoiled, with her back against the wall in fear. "Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks! I am not trying to rob you!"
Soon, the shadows and unworldly force dissipated, leaving only the old wizard looking softly and with sympathy towards the frightened woman.
"I'm trying to help you."
Maria started to whimper and cry, before she stepped forward and hugged her old friend. The young woman whimpering in remorse for the harsh words she had spoken out.
"All these years, we've been friends…" Gandalf broke the head, but kept his hands on her shoulders. "Trust me as you once did. Let it go."
…
"I don't know… what came over me, Gandalf. I'm sorry. I didn't… mean it…" Maria looked away with a long pause, full of regret, shame, and resignation. "You're right, Gandalf. The ring needs to be left behind. The ring must go to Summer. I have to let it go."
After that, Gandalf helped Maria pack the rest of her things, before she got her signature skull-pommel cane and took her backpack with her. She opened the door and made ready to leave when…
"Maria." Gandalf called out. "The ring is still in your pocket."
"Wha? Why… yes. It still is. Oh… silly me…"
Maria delved into her pocket, before pulling it out in an open palm the golden ring.
She gazed at it long and hard. A frown marring her face and on what she had to do.
Slowly, she tilted her hand the other way… yet it felt as if some force compelled to stay still.
Then came a brief glow in her silver eyes, and almost like she was gritting her teeth to do so.
Gandalf observed it all.
Before long, Maria tilted her hand down. Even as it was tilting down, it looked like the gold ring was sticking to her palm. Before long the ring fell off her palm and hit the ground with a hard thud.
Maria quickly turned and dared not to look back, before stepping outside.
"I got it."
"What?"
"I don't know… I thought I had the right ending for the memoir. Though… I still wonder if Happily Ever After… is well deserved. Maybe I'll get it when I get near the climax. Or perhaps… I write it down… when I get to show it to Yang and Ruby…" Maria turned to the wizard with a bright smile. "And then… she lived Happily Ever After, till the end of her days."
"And I'm sure you will, my dear friend."
Maria gave her old friend a sweet and almost sad smile. "Goodbye, Gandalf."
The wizard took both of her hands with his own. "Goodbye, dear Maria Calavera."
With that, the elderly woman took leave with her skull-pommel cane and walked in the direction away from the house. The woman hummed a familiar tune that she had heard from days long past. The wizard could see the familiar entourage of dwarves from the party waving to Maria, and the woman went up to join them. Gandalf watched as they vanished into the evening.
"Till our next meeting."
Gandalf opened the door of the house… to see the gold ring still on the floor where Maria had dropped it.
Gandalf regarded it, puzzled by what he had witnessed from Maria less than half an hour ago.
The wizard knelt and slowly extended his hand to pick it up. He regarded its pure gold texture and simple design. And how its shining gold stood out upon the brown wooden floor. It was only when a few of fingers were just half an inch from it…
…
…
!
…
…
Gandalf instantly recoiled, clearly now feeling unnerved by what he just felt. And how the feeling of it… was both dreadful… and familiar…
The wizard decided to leave it there and set himself to sit on a chair next to the fireplace. Smoking his pipe in hand, while wordlessly staring at the flames.
"It's mine… my own… my precious!"
"Riddles in the Dark." Gandalf muttered with the pipe in his mouth. "It was called that before… Precious. Not by you, Maria. Where was it…?"
"Mom! Mother!"
The wizard heard Summer call out as she opened the door, no doubt the young woman was looking around the house in hopes of finding the woman she had grown to love as her own true parent.
The huntress looked down at the still object still on the ground and picked it up, before glancing at Gandalf.
"Gandalf…" She spoke. "She's… she's gone… isn't she?" The woman walked to where the wizard was sitting. "She talked about it for so long… but… I didn't think she would do it. At least… not today of all days."
Gandalf finally turned to glance at Summer… and the ring in her palm.
"Maria's ring…" Gandalf broke his silence. "She is alright, Summer." He assured the woman with a small smile. "Maria is taking a holiday. She's gone with a company of dwarves to ride a tour to the East. To Mirkwood, to Mistral, to Erebor, and back to Rivendell. She has left you her will."
Gandalf pulled out an open envelope and extended it to Summer. The woman looked at it and knew what he meant. She slowly… but dropped the ring inside. And Gandalf quickly closed the flap over it.
"Including all of her possessions that she did not take." The wizard melted a piece from a nearby red candlestick, which he used to smudge an engraving stamp on before stamping it on the letter. Sealing it and handing it back to Summer. "The ring is yours now."
"Why did Grandma go away?" Ruby asked, the girl was now dressed in her pajamas, while sitting on her bed.
"Was it something that made her mad?" Yang asked, the pig-tailed girl in her own pajamas. "Did we do something… wrong?" She almost looked worried with sadness.
"Oh, no." Gandalf shook his head, as he sat on a stool across from them. "No, no. Of course not. Your grandmother loves both of you very, very much."
"Then why?"
"Why? Well, it is because… your grandmother needed a holiday. A very long one she said."
"Holly Day?" Ruby said, confused.
"You mean… a vacation?" Yang asked. "How come she didn't let us come with her? We could have all gone together! Me, Mommy, Daddy, Ruby, and Grandma. Even you, Gandalf!"
Gandalf could only smile. "That sounds like a lovely thought for an adventure."
"When we grow up… we want to go on adventures, too!" Ruby beamed. "Just like Grandma did!"
"And like mom and dad!" Yang pulled up her fists and started swinging them. "And any meanies who come our… I'll give them a YAH! And a HooWah! And I'll… kick them after!"
"And I have no doubt you will, young one…" Gandalf chuckled. "But not yet."
"Not yet? Why?" Yang questioned with a pout.
"Because we're small?" Ruby asked, hesitantly. "I'm small."
"Ruby, you're not small…" Yang tried saying.
"I am small! I'm small than you and all the other kids at school!" Ruby crossed her arms.
"And what is wrong with that, Ruby?" Gandalf asked, causing the girl to look up at him. "You will you grow up soon, but even if not very tall… small isn't something to be ashamed of. You know of your friends in the Shire? And Hobbits who live here in Patch, right?"
"Well, Dad says Hobbits are small because they can't grow anymore," Yang said. "They're… shorter than dwarves."
"Do you know…" Gandalf began. "You know a long time ago. Long before you were born… there was one hobbit… and his name was Brandobras Took. But he was known to many as Bullroarer Took. He was a Hobbit… but he was big enough… he could ride a full horse."
"How big was he?" Ruby asked.
"Oh, well…" Gandalf recollected. "Around four feet. Less than four feet and a half."
"That still sounds small." Yang said.
"That did not let him stop him," Gandalf continued. "Unlike most Hobbits who would rather stay at home… Bullroarer was quite adventurous. Almost more than a hundred years ago… when the Green Fields were invaded by a herd of Grimm led by a fearsome Goblin King… Bullroarer Took led a company of hobbits into battle to defend their homeland.
"He galloped fast on his horse through the battle, not even when Grimm tried to interfere. And with that speed he came upon the Goblin King himself. And with a great stroke of his wooden club… he knocked the Goblin King's head clean off…"
"Ouch!" Both Ruby and Yang squeaked.
"…the head sailed through the air… and right down a rabbit hole."
"Oh!" Yang cringed.
"Oh, the poor bunnies!" Ruby cried.
"I'm sure the rabbit family in the hole were unharmed, since the Goblin King's head was now harmless," Gandalf laughed. "But it was thanks to Bullroarer's courage, not only were the remaining goblins without a leader, but the hobbits were also inspired. They took up their arms with greater spirit and managed to drive both the Grimm and the goblins off their land. And all of them were no smaller than a child. The battle was won. Peace was restored." The wizard made a mischievous smirk. "And that was how they we got the game of golf!"
That got a reaction out of both girls. Ruby falling over, while Yang blew a raspberry.
"No way! That's gross!" Yang exclaimed.
"Is it?" Gandalf shrugged, before looking at Ruby, who sat back up. "One thing to remember… even if being smaller than others… it shouldn't stop you. As a wise young lady has said… even the smallest person can change the course of the future." That was enough for Ruby to look in awe and thought before she brought out the brightest smile.
"But Ruby will grow bigger, right Gandalf?" Yang asked. "We'll grow big. I mean… Grandma Maria wasn't that small… when she went on her adventure."
"Heh… well, when I met your grandmother… well, you know the tale. She was younger than when your parents and Uncle Qrow started training at Beacon. And her height… well… not much taller than a dwarf."
"But you helped her take down the Smaug the Dragon."
"I was barely involved. All I had to do… was invite young Maria to an unexpected party… and she did all the rest. She became the splendid lucky number of fourteen in Thorin's company."
"But why weren't you there to help her the whole way? Where did you go?"
Gandalf paused at what Yang was questioning. The girl clearly was questioning the wizard had abruptly left Thorin's company before they would enter Mirkwood… and how he had leave for elsewhere.
No… not just elsewhere.
That horrid place was stationed at the south of Mirkwood. The old abandoned fortress… that was not so abandoned at all… and it was where the wizard had encountered…
Somehow Gandalf's cheerfulness had subsided… and replaced by the growing concern and suspicion he had felt about an hour ago with Maria… and her ring. Her ring… which his instincts told him to dare not touch… as tempting as it had looked…
"Gandalf?" Ruby asked. "You okay?"
"Oh, dear. Why yes. I am." Gandalf was brought out of his trance. "Now then… it is time for your bedtime."
"C'mon…" Yang whined.
"Now, now…" Gandalf said, as he made the two girls tuck under their covers next to each other. "A future huntress must always need her sleep before starting the long days ahead."
Gandalf exited from the room and closed the door.
"They always love hearing your stories and songs," Summer said, as she stood by with a smile. "When you're not here they always think about the last story you told them and what you will tell them next time."
"Heh… that I do enjoy with all my heart…" Gandalf said. "Just as I once did for you not so long ago."
"Point taken," Summer shrugged.
Gandalf sighed, putting his hands to his hips, before the nostalgic look on his face… faded to that of seriousness. Grave seriousness.
"As much as I wish to pass the time… I'm afraid I must make haste now."
"What? You're leaving right now?" Summer questioned.
"At this very moment." Gandalf walked quickly through the room.
"What? Where are you going?" Tai entered. But you've only just arrived! We thought you would be staying for a week or two…" He exclaimed. "At least help with Yang and Ruby now that Maria has left…"
"I wish that so, but I cannot." Gandalf took his hat and cane from the holder. "There are questions. Questions that need answering at the upmost haste."
"What questions? What are you looking for?"
"That is what I intend to find out."
"Gandalf, please!" Summer pleaded, causing the wizard to pause. "We don't understand."
The wizard turned to look with a sincere and apologetic expression. "Neither do I. I'm sorry I have to leave so abruptly… especially not very long after Maria. But I must. I must confirm what I have sensed and be sure. I will have to travel far. Very far from the reaches of Eriador. And I shan't know when I may be back. I will come when I can to check on you. Though, I don't know when. I'm sorry I couldn't have said a proper goodbye for Yang and Ruby, and I'm sorry that you would have to explain to them. But I do hope I won't be gone for long to see them again and explain. And explain to you as well. Before I go… I like to ask one favor."
"What is it, Gandalf?"
"Keep the ring hidden away." That caused Summer, and even Taiyang to look in surprise and confusion. "I suspect… as of recently with Maria… it has more to do now than just making you invisible. And I ask that you do not use for any of the sort. Not even for when either of you go out on the field again. Do not risk it."
"Keep it secret. Keep it safe." Gandalf leaned back to place his hat on his head. "Goodbye now. Take care of yourselves. Take care of Yang and Ruby. Look out for me, especially at unlikely times. Goodbye!"
Summer and Taiyang saw him to the door. Gandalf gave a final wave of his hand and dashed out. The evening was closing in, and his cloak figure vanished into the twilight.
Husband and wife glanced at one other with confusion, and concern for their old friend. Summer Rose then looked at the white envelope sealed with a red mark.
Many leagues away from the green lands of Eriador… there was work about…
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows Lie…
"CRAWW!" A Nevermore Grimm screeched as it flapped its wings, while flying through the black sky. Before long it joined a nearby host of other Nevermore's flying in the same direction.
Down below… herds of Goliaths, the mammoth-like creatures, moved about throughout the ash landscape of the dark land. Passing by were other herds that rushed at a greater pace: being that of the wolf-like Beewolves' and the bear-like Ursas.
They were not the only inhabitants of the dark land.
There was namely… the battalions of orcs. Orcs that even watched over the Grimm as if they were shepherds to the flock. And other battalions that frequently enter and exited back in forth through the bridge…
…leading to the fortress of Barad-Dur.
The fortress' size was greater than anyone could fathom. Its small-rook like towers were great enough to be tall and thick as the greatest towers built throughout the kingdoms of Middle-Earth. Spans of black-stone buildings and courtyards built within the mountain foundation that had stood for millennia. The thousands of lights around it shined like glowing candles in the dark night. Buildings and sharp dark walls being built on top of one another to give way to the tower that rivaled that of the land's great mountains. Even one of the great castles throughout the world would be able to fit inside the walls of Barad-dur with more room to spare, and less able to even compete with its height.
For Barad-Dur stood at a height of nearly five thousand feet.
And it was home to one that was the most dreaded being on all the earth.
It was then during this time… coming from the deepest chambers of the fortress. An echo could be heard not only within the dark hallways… but powerful enough to stretch outside… for some in the dark land to hear it.
The screaming.
"ErRAAHHHHHHH!"
…
"SILVARRR! EYESISSSS!"
The fire mountain miles away, made a great crackle of fire.
Later… before the land of Mordor… was the Tower of the Moon. Minas Morgul.
The green-glowing gates opened… and riding out were Nine.
Nine all garbed in black.
Their steeds… Grimm. Grimm in the shape of horses. Their flesh was darker than ink. Their maws of white bone and sharp teeth, their white ribs protruding out, and their feet covered in claws instead of hooves. Nuckalevee they were called.
And they served as steeds to the Nine.
After a long time… the Nine road out into the open world of Middle-Earth at their master's bidding. To reclaim what was he had lost.
And that started... with finding the one the creature spoke of.
The one with silver eyes.
THERE!
Glad to get this part done.
So, we get a first step of how things are in here.
Yes, Patch is no longer an island, but now a community like the human/hobbit community of Bree, except it sits just west of the Shire, so it is common for Hobbits to visit or live with the Big Folk there.
As for this time, besides orcs, Grimm are also a common threat besides them, sometimes even more so. Though here, they are not as prevalent, at least not just randomly appearing whenever someone feels negative emotions. At least Grimm nearby will be drawn by the worst of feelings. And as such, Eriador (the northwest region, east of the Misty Mountains) is more fortified and has vital kingdoms as well. It being where the Shire, Patch, Bree, Beacon, and Atlas are at. Yes, Atlas exists, and is located North of what was Arnor: a colonization near the Icebays of Forochel.
Menagarie is still an island, and where many Faunus reside. And it is located near the shore of Eriador.
Beacon Academy existing in Eriador, at least north of the Shire, and near the old kingdom of Fornost. Again, I will later give details pertaining to the new map of Middle-Earth.
And by indication of the last scenes… Mordor is practically the Grimmlands.
A part to understand in here… is that it is Maria Calavera in here, and not Bilbo Baggins, who had gone on the quest to reclaim Erebor… most importantly… find the One Ring in Gollum's cave. And holding on to it for about around 66 years.
And in here… there is the big deviation… of Maria being Summer Rose's mother. Well, adoptive mother. Making her the adopted grandmother of both Yang and Ruby. A mother-in-law to Taiyang. And having Gandalf, her old friend, as a close family friend.
Plus thanks to her part in retaking Erebor, she was able to take a few bags of… treasure.
You may also recognize Dee and Dudley, who were first introduced in canon RWBY Vol. 6. Being the two escort huntsmen from Argus. Are in their early teens here… and interested in Gandalf's fireworks like a certain Brandybuck and Took did in the film.
And her having the long-expected party and farewell like that of what Bilbo had planned. But also… like Bilbo… and Gollum… had started to hold a concerning attachment to the One Ring. And that is what causes Gandalf to be suspicious… of how familiar it was.
And now… the Nine are now on the move… having a clue on who may have the One Ring.
Be rest assured, that even though a familiar group of Hobbits won't likely be entrusted with the One Ring… they have a part to play when the War of the Ring begins…
There is a lot to unpack regarding the nature of this Middle-Earth… mixed with that of the world we are familiar with as Remnant. But I'll be sure to explain so in the coming chapters.
Things are about to get REAL in the coming chapters, that and a reasonable a timeskip between this chapter and the next. And how the adventure will truly begin…
Thanks for reading and supporting this. Please review and take care!