Author's Note: A new chapter, hopefully you all enjoy.

Raven lifted the bottle to her lips, glaring at the air when nothing came pouring forth. She hadn't noticed that it was empty until now, her mind occupied with other matters. Sadly, that was her last bottle. Setting it beside the others, she sighed, the sound more akin to a growl, and shook her head. There would be more in the kitchens, but for now she couldn't be bothered to make her way there. Her tent wasn't too far from the tent that the cooks used, with nothing in the camp ever being very far from anything else, but the idea of making her way there was off putting enough to delay her.

The Tribe knew, or at least they suspected. That didn't come as any surprise, it had been three weeks since she dumped Yang and Ruby off on Henry after all, but it was still annoying. Whether anybody had cornered the girls to ask for specifics or not, Raven didn't care, they had made up their own assumptions if they hadn't. She could tell by the way they looked at her when she stepped out from her tent. The Tribe knew better than to question her on it, but that didn't stop the stares when they thought she wasn't looking. It was for that reason she had stayed in her private tent so far, not willing to put up with it for the day.

Sadly, her responsibilities seemed to have a way of catching up with her.

"We need to talk." Henry said as he stopped at the entrance to her tent. He knew better than to enter without permission and waited for her to groan and motion him over before stepping further inside.

"What is it now?" Raven didn't think there was anything important that required her attention, hence why she had stayed in her tent. Discomfort or not, the Tribe came first and if there had been something to address, she would have done so before downing the case of beer she had taken the night prior. They had just moved camps the month prior, so it was unlikely they would need to do so any time soon, and they had raided recently enough that there shouldn't have been any complaints.

"She started 'nother fight." He stopped on the far side of her bed, staring at her back as she turned to start getting dressed.

"Did she win?" Raven asked as she bent over, grabbing her top before giving it a sniff. Not exactly clean, but it didn't smell like sweat and body odor, so it would suffice until whoever oversaw laundry the night before brought her clothes. Come to think of it, shouldn't that have been Yang's task?

Henry sighed, and though she wasn't looking at him she could just imagine the creased look of his eyes as he tried to hide his frustration. He was never very good at it, being far too expressive for his own good. "Yeah, she won."

"Then I don't see the problem." She had managed to win every fight that had started so far, at least from what she had heard. New gossip was rare in the Tribe, so the arrival of the two girls seemed to be the center of everyone's focus now, much to her annoyance. Still, Yang had managed to hold her own so far against the younger members of the Tribe who had been willing to test her, which meant she was fitting in just fine as far as Raven was concerned.

"She also broke her arm in the process." Henry delivered the news as quickly as any other attack.

Raven sighed, dropping the top she had slept in, before slipping on the slightly cleaner one. "It sounds like she needs to learn to control her Aura better."

"She does." Henry agreed, but she knew what was coming even before he continued. "Something I can't teach 'er, not correctly. Ya need to start training 'er."

Raven slid her skirt up her legs before leaning down to grab Omen from the stand beside her bed, attaching it to her waist and resting a hand on its hilt. She wouldn't be winning any beauty contests, but for the Tribe she was presentable enough. If anyone said something she could just call them out, they would back down in an instant.

"How did it happen?" Raven asked as she finally turned to stare Henry down directly.

"Poor form, landed 'er punch on the kid's jaw, but wasn't ready for him to drop like a sack of rocks." Henry regarded her somewhat wrinkled clothes but wisely chose not to comment. "Smashed 'er hand into the metal stove behind 'em."

Raven had to resist the urge to smirk at that fact. As far as ways to break bones went, that wasn't so bad. She very much doubted that the kid would challenge her again. That hadn't been what she meant though.

"What started the fight?"

"They scared Ruby."

Right, that had been the younger girl's name. Raven had heard it a few times but so far it hadn't stuck, likely on account of the fact she had been drunk on most occasions it had come up.

"They scared Ruby, so Yang beat them up?" The amusement in Raven's voice must have been evident, because Henry rolled his eyes at her.

"Could ya not look so proud of 'er for that?" Henry asked. "She still broke 'er arm."

"It's a noble cause." Raven bemused. It would certainly set an impression at any rate. She had considered that the two girls would struggle to adapt, it seemed Yang was more than pulling the weight for both of them so far. She expected no less.

"Right," Henry stepped over to the entrance of her tent, waiting for her to exit before following behind.

"The other kid, how di-"

"Black eye and a missin' tooth, not to mention wounded pride." Henry, despite all his apparent disapproval, shared her smirk. "I think I 'eard some people say he looked more in awe than pain."

"No doubt." Raven believed it. "Did Yang get her arm looked at?"

Henry nodded. "Went straight to the Doc right after. The kid took 'er there himself, and even apologized for scaring Ruby."

"Heh, must have been one hell of a punch." Raven smiled, making her way through the camp towards the tent the girls were staying in, doing her best to ignore the looks of the people around her.

Yang did in fact have a strong punch, as Vernal had no doubt learned, but she also had bad footing and was prone to overextend. Something Vernal had also learned and was using to her own advantage. Raven watched with an apathetic gaze as the two girls fought one another. There wasn't much technique or form, but they were also young, so Raven felt they were about where she expected them to be. The fact that Taiyang hadn't completely shirked his responsibility and taught Yang the little she knew had surprised her at first, until she remembered who he was. Though not quite as… different, as Qrow and she had been, he was still not quite conformed to that Kingdom mentality. It was that which had initially drawn her interest.

"Argh!" Yang threw a punch for Vernal, aiming to hit her face but missing as the girl frantically dropped, ducking under the blow just enough that Yang carried on past her. She stumbled, trying to catch herself as she fell, before Vernal kicked her leg out from under her.

The little girl next to her watched the exchange with bated breath, only letting it out once Yang was back on her feet swinging again. There were tears in the girls' eyes, but they seemed more from anger than pain, and so Raven didn't call the spar just yet. A decision that was only reinforced when Yang made the same mistake and was launched back onto her face. Again, the girl beside her froze.

"Ruby." The girl flinched as Raven suddenly addressed her. "What do you think?" The girl clearly didn't know what to say, that or she was too intimidated to speak. "What's Yang doing wrong?" She asked again, being more specific to give her something to focus on.

"S-She's… angwy?" Ruby replied hesitantly, more asking than saying.

"Angry." Raven corrected but nodded simply. "But why does that matter?"

Ruby looked back as her sister made the same mistake, face being smashed into the dirt again as Vernal stood above her. The smirk she wore served to taunt Yang into action, once again trying to wipe that look off her face.

"She keeps doing the same thing?" Ruby replied, this time without flinching as she looked up to Raven.

Raven nodded again, genuinely surprised that the girl had caught on that quickly. She turned her attention solely to the girl, trusting Henry to step in if the spar got too out of hand.

"And what should she do differently?"

This question seemed to stump the girl.

"She shouldn't get so angw-" Ruby paused for a moment as Raven glared at her. "Angry?"

It was a simple answer, and the obvious one, but controlling one's emotions wasn't always that easy. "She could, or she could train to the point she is fast enough to hit Vernal despite the fact that she is angry." Neither was truly the correct answer to solve the problem at hand, but it would matter for future battles and being able to reel back her anger was something Yang needed to learn eventually as well. That kind of emotion had its place, when one was fighting past their limits, but it could also just as likely get you killed. "Why wouldn't that work though?"

Ruby paused again, watching as Vernal finally pinned Yang to the ground, the blonde girl being too worn out to fight her off. She didn't have an answer, the look on her face made it clear, but she kept trying to think of one rather than admit that fact.

"It wouldn't help her for the next fight." Raven explained. "It's all well and good against Vernal, a little faster and those punches would have taken the girl out, but what about when she finds someone who is more than just a little bit faster than her?" The answer was obvious, even to a five-ish year-old girl.

"She would get hurt." Ruby said, looking back to the still struggling girl under Vernal's knee.

"Or worse." There were worse fates than training accidents in the world, and outside the safety of the Kingdoms it was more likely than not that something would eventually happen. "Grimm aren't going to wait for you to stand back up either, they aren't going to toy with you and give you a chance to fix your mistake." Raven explained, though the girl didn't need the reminder. Her parents had gone off to fight Grimm and never come back, at least from her perspective.

Vernal laughed as Yang struggled to try and push herself up, the fact she nearly managed it caused the girl to panic for a moment before Yang collapsed back down to the dirt, resuming her mocking laugh.

"When will it be my turn?" Ruby asked, eyes looking back to Raven with a hint of fear, but an equal amount of eagerness.

"Not today." Raven shook her head, smirking slightly at the disappointed look that flashed across the girl's face. "You are too young, too weak."

"M' not weak." Ruby pouted, crossing her arms, and looking away from Raven.

How quickly things change, and for a moment, you almost reminded me of someone. Raven thought as she stood from the log they had been using as a bench.

"Your time will come, but that does not mean you cannot watch and learn." Raven said. "Yang was allowed to slip by for too long, hence why she is only now learning how to not knock herself over when throwing a punch, but I won't make that mistake with you. Not again."

Summer would never forgive her if Raven let the woman's daughters slack off and get themselves killed. Then again, Summer probably wouldn't have let Raven take them in the first place, even if she had been in Qrow's place, she still would have stood up to Raven and stopped her from taking them. She had always been strong-willed like that, even back in Beacon… Now she was dead though, and it was left to Raven to make the decisions. She knew that this was for the best, and she would make sure her friend's daughter was trained to protect herself just as well as Yang or Vernal were.

"That's enough." Raven detached her weapon from her hip, setting it down beside Ruby as she moved over to the dirt patch that served as a sparring ring. "If you are so proud of your victory, perhaps you are ready for a stronger opponent." Vernal had beaten Yang, someone who was stronger than her, physically at least, and that was a sign of her skill, but she was also being boastful. Arrogance would get one killed if they lacked the skill to back it up. That look of pride washed away as the girl's face seemed to go pale. Yang had the time to open her mouth, no doubt some snide insult preparing to be flung at the girl. "You too, you'll need to learn how to fight with someone, as well as against." That vindictive look vanished, the two girls sharing a look at one another that was, for once, not a death glare.

And people said resolving conflicts was difficult. All it took was the right motivation.

"Ruby, watch what they do. I want to know what you would have done differently afterwards." The girl's eyes snapped from Omen to her as she nodded frantically. The girl seemed to have inherited her mother's aptitude for fighting, now it was time to test that as far as she could. In a few years, she could start properly training her and see what she had, for now though, she could get the girl ready for that.

Glynda stepped off the Bullhead with a sigh, slowly making her way through the terminal that she had landed at. Traveling in-between Kingdoms was never easy, the long hours and expensive flights aside, planning had been a nightmare on such short notice. She'd put her lease in Vale on hold, knowing that she would need someplace for the girls when she finally made it back; in the meantime, she was able to get an exemption while on official Huntress business. It wouldn't stand for very long, usually only meant to cover Hunters who went on missions for a month or two, but it was a legal protection that she had utilized once or twice before.

The packing had been worse, both because she didn't know what to expect nor how long she was going to be there. In the end, she had elected to pack light, only bringing a few changes of clothes and enough Lien on hand for any emergencies that arose. With one last stop at Beacon to get a letter from Ozpin she was supposed to deliver to Headmaster Lionheart, she had been off. That had been twelve hours ago. She just thanked whatever gods were listening for the fact there weren't any crying or wailing children.

Taking a civilian transport had been an odd experience. Given the importance of what they did, Hunters were often ferried from one place to another via personnel Bullheads provided by one of the Academies or the Kingdom itself. Since she wasn't traveling on official business, she hadn't been so lucky. Her neck and back were sore from a lack of support while her legs were exhausted from having been seated for so long. Not to mention the fact that it was nighttime in Vale and only midday in Mistral. Her body wanted to go to the nearest hotel and sleep. Unfortunately for her body, she had more important things to do.

The journey to Haven didn't take as long but, given how exhausted she was, it certainly felt like it. The main center for international travel was thankfully closer to the top than the bottom of the mountain that was the Capital City of Mistral. Sadly, unlike the city of Vale, it had been built many centuries before the invention of cars and as such had not accounted for the infrastructure required by them. There were still cars, but the roads were narrow and packed by people walking or on bikes, making it more practical to walk. She was just grateful that it wasn't too hot, having spent enough time in the Kingdom to know that, while not as hot as Vacuo, the humidity more than made up for it. The rain clouds above didn't look promising, but she had her coat for when it eventually started.

Sighing as she finally reached the front entrance of Haven, Glynda was just glad that she had settled on the one bag. She dreaded to think what it would have been like if she had packed anything more. Huntress training or not, there was only so long one could carry something before their body started to tire. The main entrance was a gated road with a security point off to the side, though the guard seemed more to warn off curious tourists than stop any real threat. They weren't particularly well armed and the idea of guarding a school that trained Hunters was somewhat ironic.

"The Headmaster should be expecting me." Glynda said firmly as she stood before the guard, before holding up the letter Ozpin had given her. "This letter is from Professor Ozpin of Beacon, it should convince the Headmaster if he is not already aware."

The guard took the letter but was cut off before he could say anything by a ringing from deeper in the checkpoint. He motioned for her to wait before disappearing behind the wall. She wasn't kept waiting long, the guard returning and handing her the letter.

"The Headmaster will be waiting for you in the main entrance."

Nodding, Glynda took the letter and waited for him to open the gate. A few minutes later, she was walking through the main doors of the school. Whether it was due to the time of day or the season, the school felt abandoned, only one other person standing in the hall.

"Miss Goodwitch!" Leonardo Lionheart greeted her with a smile, stepping forward to pat her shoulder before gesturing deeper into the school. "It is good to see you again, I hope that Ozpin has not been keeping you too busy."

"Sir, it is a pleasure." Glynda nodded politely as she allowed herself to be ushered down the hall. "And no, the Professor has been more than accommodating."

Headmaster Lionheart, the youngest Headmaster in Haven Academy history, was exactly how Glynda remembered him on the surface. Smiling brightly, voice booming yet soft, always what felt like one moment away from a hug. That was the surface however, and it didn't take her long to notice the bags under his eyes, nor the way his smile didn't quite seem to reach those same eyes as she remembered it.

"The Professor wished for me to give you this." Glynda handed the letter over quickly, completing the only official task she had before she could get started on what she really wanted.

"Ah, work." The man waved a hand in front of him, taking the letter but stuffing it away in his pocket before continuing. "That can wait, your flight was long, and the walk to the school is not exactly short. Let us sit and speak over some tea."

It was the opposite of what she wanted, despite how her body objected to that thought, but she could not afford to be rude. "Of course, Sir."

"And none of that 'Sir' business." The Headmaster insisted. "You work for a… dear friend, he only spoke highly of you the last time we were in touch. Call me Leo, or Leonardo if you insist on being formal."

Glynda smiled, making a mental note of it. Ozpin was much the same way in private, never caring much for the pomp of whatever his title might have meant.

He ushered them towards his office and a small table in the corner, before moving over to a cabinet to withdraw some glasses and a nearby kettle that had already been warmed. The smell and warmth of it helped to ease her tired muscles, helping her to relax into the comfortable chair she sat in. She let out a content sigh.

Leonardo chuckled softly. "I always hated traveling as well, countless hours spent in such a confined space. I hope it wasn't too much of an issue."

"The flight was fine." Glynda answered simply. "A little longer than usual due to the weather, but nothing I could not handle."

"Yes, it is monsoon season after all." Leonardo nodded. "I'm sure you noticed the vacancy on our grounds. This one is supposed to be particularly bad, or so I am told." Glynda hummed softly to show she had heard him, otherwise occupied by her tea. "Tell me, how has Ozpin been? We hardly talk anymore."

Glynda thought she might have caught a hint of bitterness there but dismissed it. "He is doing well in his position, and rumor has it he is the favored pick for the next Deputy-Headmaster."

"Of course." Leonardo stopped to take a drink. "Ozpin has always been… driven."

"He has not slowed, I assure you." Glynda nodded. "I do not know when he sleeps, considering how much work he seems to put on himself."

"Nothing has changed I see." Leonardo nodded, smiling softly. "Now, why don't we get to the reason you are here, Ozpin was scarce in details in the message he sent me."

Glynda set her cup down, having finished it off, before delving into a recounting of the last several months. He had already been aware of the death of Summer and Taiyang, but it seemed he hadn't heard about how poorly Qrow was taking it. She included how she had been asked to help Qrow take care of the girls while he bounced back, only for that short mission to turn into an increasingly everyday deal, not that she could complain. Finally, she told him about what had nearly happened, how the girls had almost died and how Qrow hadn't been there in time.

"Those poor girls." His eyes were soft as he looked at her, filled with sympathy she neither felt she deserved nor knew what to do with. "And yourself, stepping up to help a stranger like that, I see why Ozpin has such faith in you." She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "And Raven… that's a name I haven't heard in a long time."

"She saved the girls." Glynda said, though even now she wasn't sure how to feel about that. She was grateful, of course, but also angry that the woman had waited until then to reappear. Had she stepped up sooner, Yang might have already had a mom after Summer passed. Then again, Glynda never would have met the girls. "But she also took them to some bandit tribe-"

"The Branwen Tribe, more than mere bandits, I assure you." Leonardo sat back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his chin as he considered everything she had said. "Still, it is fortunate that the worst did not come to pass. On that, we can at least be thankful."

"I will thank her myself." Glynda said. "Once I have the girls and am on my way back to Vale."

Leonardo smiled, though unlike before there was an amused edge to this one, but it was gone before she could comment on it.

"I will see what I can do." He stood suddenly. "There are a few calls I can make, old contacts that might yet have an idea of where the Tribe is currently located."

"Thank you, Headmaster." Glynda stood, relief crashing into her at the lead. She had been terrified that he might rebuff her for any number of reasons, how busy he no doubt was being chief among them. "It will be no issue?"

"None at all." Leonardo placed a hand on her shoulder. "Summer and Taiyang weren't close friends, but I like to think they were friends all the same. It would be wrong to not help their children, and I am never too busy to help friends." He held out a small card with a number on top. "That will be your room, get some rest, you will need it."

Glynda nodded, hefting her bag on her shoulder and taking the room key before turning and heading for the door, pausing, she looked back towards him. "You should get some rest as well, Sir. You look tired."

The look of surprise on his face was gone as quickly as it appeared, hidden behind that same smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Your concern is appreciated, but unwarranted. The position of Headmaster has simply… been more demanding than expected."

Nodding, Glynda turned and made her way through the school. Her room was close by, thankfully, and after a quick shower, she looked longingly at her bed, only to turn away and sit at the desk as she pulled out her Scroll. She sent a message to Ozpin, telling him of her arrival and the help the Headmaster had offered her, as well as a subtle note that he should try and reach out to him. Shockingly, despite the late hour, the Professor's response was almost instant, stating that she could trust Leonardo to help her. He also passed along an update on Qrow. He had been employed at the school as an aide, much like herself, so that Ozpin could keep a close eye on him.

Despite how mad Glynda was at him for letting the girls through his fingers, she was glad he wasn't on his own. Though it took her a few minutes, she managed to type a message for Ozpin to pass along. Nothing more than an update of her progress and a promise to bring Ruby and Yang back, but she hoped it would be enough to help him. Bringing the girls back would help far more however, and as she said her goodbye, she closed the app and opened her connection to the CCTS.

There weren't many articles about the Branwen Tribe, but what she could find didn't paint a hopeful picture.

Author's Note: Headmaster Leonardo Lionheart, Glynda sure is lucky to have him on her side right? Such a stand up guy.

I also continue to struggle to get the balance right for the age and maturity of Yang and Ruby here. Let me know how I'm doing on that front in the reviews.

Next chapter should be released on March 2nd.

Sincerely, SE