29. Councils Cause Complications
"And when man faces destiny, destiny ends and man comes into his own."
-Andre Mairaux
Isengard October 24/ 27 Quelle 3018 III Age
Despite the work that went on outside it was silent inside of Isengard as Sauruman thought on what he had learned. One of the rings of power was free. The fool Gandalf had given Narya to a half elven child and through some magic that even the Dark Lord not know of she had managed to free it.
Sauran wanted her found and Narya recovered. A free ring of power was a danger to the armies of Mordor if the bearer truly learned how to wield it.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 24/ 27 Quelle 3018 III Age
The gallery was empty save for himself, silent as the dead and awash in pale light. Finding a place of solitude had become a challenge of late in Rivendell, a challenge he was happy to have met. Under the more common circumstances he would not have found himself in this position when all of his family and friends were gathered in one place, but the others seemed to have decided he was best left alone. Ellandan and Elrohir had taken it upon themselves to settle a score with the Gloin and his son Gimli for an apparent insult. Awen and Legolas were spending time together speaking about what had occurred in the years since they had last seen one another. And Buffy had avoided him since they had spoke last, over four days ago.
Even as he stared down with unseeing eyes at the book her held his ada's words came back to him.
"She has her own path just as you do Estel. Our time here is ending, Buffy's time is ending. Let her go Estel. She is not meant to follow your path but one of her own."
His adar was right. He could never ask her for her life, be it by his side in battle where he knew she would go without hesitation or from illness and old age if she chose a mortal life. She belonged with her people and they had begun to leave these shores. Her heart was too bright to see lost to darkness and pain. He would set her free to follow her path and hope that he could do her memory justice by standing against the coming dark.
His resolve made he drew his eyes from their gaze upon the book. An echo could be heard in the distance approaching and after a few moments a figure appeared. Dressed in the clothing of Gondor, the man's every move exuded the arrogance of a lord and soldier. He stopped in front of the painting of Isildur cutting the ring from Sauran's hand and regarded it for a moment. As if sensing Aragorn's presence he turned to face him.
"You are no elf" he stated with both accusation and surprise in his voice. The tone caused an instant reaction in Aragorn, he would not share his identity until he knew more.
"The men of the south are welcome here." he replied simply.
"Who are you?" the man asked. His distrust and arrogance apparent. Continuing with his instinct not to reveal any unnecessary information Aragorn chose reply. "I am a friend of Gandalf the Grey."
The Gondorian seemed to relax a bit and a smile crossed his features. "Then we are here on a common purpose."
When Aragorn kept his silence then man's face became puzzled and he turned away, finally noticing the shards of Narsil that lay on the shrine. He moved to the sword and picked up the hilt in both hands. Aragorn forced his body to remain relaxed as the man held the hilt.
"The shards of Narsil. The blade that cut the ring from Sauran's hand.." he commented as he ran a finger along the blade. His hand pulled back quickly and as Aragorn watched he spoke again.
"Still sharp!"
Aragorn continued to watch as the man turned his gaze to meet his own a look of embarrassment crossing his features. "But no more than a broken heirloom." he commented as he moved to replace the hilt carelessly before moving away quickly. The hilt tilted and fell to the ground with a sharp noise. The man paused and tilted his head but continued on quickly.
Placing his book beside him, Aragorn stood and moved to the shrine. Bending down he grasped the long hilt of the shattered sword in one hand before stepping up to return it to its place on the shrine. Stepping back he heard Arwen's soft steps approaching him.
"Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself." she asked from behind him. He did not turn even as he considered his answer, the truth of his heritage laying before him.
"The same blood flows in my veins." he stated before turning to face his foster sister. "The same weakness."
"Your time has come. You will face the same evil and you will defeat it." she said with certainty. He knew that her faith came from the bond she shared with Buffy and it left him at a loss for words.
"A si i-Dhuath u-orthor, Estel. U or le a u or he." she assured. "Trust in yourself and trust in her. Her path was laid before her ere you first met. Hers is not an easy task." she finished as she moved away from him. He watched her in silence as she made her way down the gallery to leave him. (the shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you and not over her.)
Aragorn was at a loss, his heart cried out for Buffy but his honor called for him to protect her. Deciding that he needed to clear his head he moved in the direction Arwen had come from, making his way out into the moonlit gardens.
His attention remained unfocused as he moved, his thoughts refusing to take coherent form. After what seemed to be forever he came to one of the many bridges of Rivendell. Buffy stood on the bridge in the moonlight, her white gown seeming to glow in the light. Her hair lay in soft waves down her back, completely unbound for once. She seemed to be gazing at the stars above, though Aragorn knew that she was aware of his presence. He was not sire how but his feet moved without his consent and he found himself standing next to her as she kept her head tilted back.
"Before I came to Arda I spent entire nights outside and never looked up at the stars. I was too busy being chosen for a destiny to appreciate the beauty of them. Its strange now that after all this time destiny calls again and instead of wanting to run or hide from it part of me is eager to face it." she stated in a soft voice as she turned to face him. Her eyes seemed to hold a wisdom in them that he had seen before, a wisdom born of time, battles, loss and love. It was the same look that her naneth held. "Tomorrow a council is to be held and the fate of all hangs in the balance. The time has come for you to face you destiny as it is time for me to face mine."
"Is that what you would have me do?" he asked her, his heart dreading her response.
"Yes. You will be king melleth and I have to face the future." she stated with soft vehemence.
"And what future is that?" he queried. Her face was sad but determined and he wondered at it.
"I'm not sure yet. But I will know very soon." her reply was as soft as the wind. As much as he wanted her with him for the rest of his days he could not ask her give her life.
"Your fate lies not with me." he told her, his heart calling out against his words.
"I was given a choice to come here, a choice that came with a price, one that I will willingly pay." she told him as she gazed into his eyes. He could see the determination in them, the resolve that no one could break.
"And if it is your life?" he asked her. The very thought of her death haunted him.
"Yes. What would you have me do Aragorn?" she asked as she turned his own question against him.
"Sail with your people. I cannot ask you to give your life for mine." he replied as he raised his hand to cup her face before trailing it down fleetingly over the Wilwarin pendant that hung from her neck.
Her gaze never wavered from his own as she spoke."It was never a question you get to ask, it is a decision I make for myself. I love you and I will follow my destiny, to whatever path that may be."
"I am not worth your life." he told her. It was true, his life was not worth that of one such as her.
"I've given it once in love. I will again if I have to. You cannot decide for me Aragorn, it is not your place no matter how much I love you." she told him with quiet conviction as she turned from him. He watched her move away in silence, her words ringing in his ears.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 25/ 28 Quelle 3018 III Age
It was just before midday as Buffy watched as Arwen finished with her hair. Looking into the mirror Buffy studied her reflection. Her gown was of mostly white with pale green embroidery on the upper arms and around the neck. The long sleeves were of green as well and when she stood almost reached the ground. Arwen had decided to be more creative than was usual with her hair today and Buffy had been watching as the elleth had divided the front of her hair into three braids before separating the rest into sections and braiding them as well. Now the elleth was braiding all of the sections together into an elaborate french braid than hung down her back. Buffy watched as Arwen placed a circlet of silver on her head. It was fairly simple in design, coming to a v in the middle of her forehead with a plain white stone. Now finished the elleth regarded her work in the mirror as Buffy found her thoughts wander.
She had told Aragorn the truth last night when she has said that she didn't know what path she was going to take. She had two obligations in this Middle Earth and at the moment they seemed to be in conflict. A fact that had left her awake half the night. But today that would change, today a council was going to be held between all the races of Middle Earth and together they would decide their course of action. Part of Buffy was amused by the very idea of all of the men who were going to be at the meeting agreeing on anything but she also knew that they had not faced a threat this great in over three thousand years. Fear, she knew, was a powerful motivator.
Taking a deep breath she turned to face her oldest friend in Arda and forced a slight smile.
"I guess it's time for us to go face the testosterone club huh?"
"Worry not mellon nin. I am certain they can survive one council without resorting to violence." she said as they made their way to the door with a smile.
As they left her bedroom and made their way to where the council was to be held she couldn't help a snort. "Wanna bet?"
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"When strangers meet, great allowances should be made for differences of custom and training."
-The Lady Jessica from Wisdom of Arrakis,-Children of Dune-Frank Herbert
Imladris (Rivendell) October 25/ 28 Quelle 3018 III Age
Buffy took in the sight around her as she sat in her place at the council. She was seated between Gandalf and Glorfindel, Frodo sat to Gandalf's right at the edge of the semi circle and Elladan and Elrohir sat to Glorfindel's left. Next to the gwenyn sat Legolas followed by two other elves that Buffy knew but was not close to. They were followed by the company of four dwarves, four Rangers and finally a Gondorian and Aragorn. The two lords of the White City sat several seats apart with Aragorn taking the seat on the far side of the semi circle opposite Frodo. Elrond sat in front of the group with Arwen at his side, the elleth sat quietly and Buffy wished that she were sitting with her instead.
Buffy's attention however was not to be left on her own wishes as Elrond began to speak. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been gathered here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom" turning Elrond motioned to Frodo. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo"
Buffy watched as the young hobbit stood and made his way over to the pedestal with uncertainty. Raising his arm he placed a simple band of gold onto the pedestal. A chorus of murmers could be heard as he returned to his seat, Buffy's eyes did not stay on the ring as all other's did but on the hobbit who had borne it. He looked relieved and Buffy felt once again her sympathies go out to him, it was a great burden for one to have to carry. Amongst the murmers that she heard though one voice stood out and she recognized it easily. It was the Gondorian lord whom she had seen days before.
"So it is true."
The pitch of his voice worried her. She had seen him in her dream yes but that did not mean that he was to be trusted in any way. Trust was something that she gave to her own people without second thought but she had not counted herself of the race of men for decades. Despite her appearance she was now counted among the elf kind and had long ago joined others in their belief that she was not entirely of the race of man any longer. Turning her attention back to the assembled group she watched as the Gondorian stood and began to speak.
"In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark. But in the West, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, "The doom is near at hand, Isildur's Bane is found."
As he spoke he began to move slowly but with purpose to where the ring sat. Buffy felt herself tense up as he moved and could feel Gandalf do the same. Her eyes made their way over to Elrond for a quick glance and she saw him exchange a look with the wizard. The Gondorian's arm reached out and before he could touch the ring Elrond rose saying the man's name.
Boromir!"
At the same instant Buffy felt Gandalf tense beside her as he began to speak.
"Ash nazg durbatuluk"
It began to grow darker around them and the ground began to shake. Buffy felt herself wanting to cringe against the pain of the words of the black tongue like all those with the blood of the Eldar, but felt no pain. Instead she felt Narya begin to pulse on her finger and through her conciousness the voice came through once again.
"Its power cannot touch you. Among all here you alone are completely free of the evil it brings."
Buffy felt her eyes widen for a moment in understanding as Narya continued to pulse and turned her attention to those around her. Gandalf was still speaking and had risen.
"Ash Nazg Gimbatul,"
The man named Boromir began to back up in fear against the force of the words and Elrond placed a hand on his head as if in pain. Even his ring could not protect him as Narya did her.
"Ash Nazg Thrakatuluk,"
Buffy turned her head to see The gwenyn and Legolas closing their eyes in pain, they appeared almost nauseous and it was as close to looking sick as she had ever seen them. Glorfindel did not look ill at all but merely very tense and once again Buffy was reminded of the immense power that the reborn elf held within him. She would give the silver haired elf hell until the end of their lives but she had more respect for him than he might ever know.
"Agh Burzum-ishi Krimpatul" Gandalf finished and the light began to return. The old wizard looked tired and despite the outward appearance of calm Elrond exuded she knew he was livid.
"Never before has anyone dared utter words of that tongue here in Imladris." he admonished harshly, looking over at Gandalf with cold eyes. Gandalf leaned on his staff heavily as he stood in front of Buffy.
"I do not ask for your pardon, master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The ring is altogether evil." he said and began to turn.
Part of Buffy agreed with his statement but she had serious doubts that anyone idiotic enough to try that in her naneth's wood would live long. She was not allowed to continue her thought though as the Gondorian she now knew to be named Boromir stood and began to speak again as he paced.
"It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."
Turning her eyes to Aragorn she shared a look with him. They both saw that the man was a fool and it appeared he knew that the Gondorian would take more heed from man's word than her own. His eyes told her he would try and make the other man see reason but Buffy knew that if he wouldn't take Aragorn's advice then she would step in and make it moron listen.
"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." Aragorn told Boromir as she Gondorian stood with his back to him. As Aragorn spoke Boromir turned to face him, a look on condescension on his face.
"And what would a Ranger know if this matter?" Boromir asked snidely. Buffy almost felt the need to smirk as he said it. The fool had made the mistake of coming to a stop in front of Legolas and she was fairly sure that the Mirkwood elf would kick the crap out of him if given the chance.
As if her thoughts could cause his actions Legolas stood up looking slightly more pissed off than she had seen in a long time.
"This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance" he stated and Buffy had to fight back the need to groan. Oh she knew who Boromir was now that she had a name and she knew that this little tidbit was not going to go over well. Part of her wanted to walk over and smack Legolas upside the head and as she looked over at Aragorn to see his reaction she saw in his eyes the same urge.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir." The Stweard's son asked, sounding incredulous as he stared at Aragorn.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas continued. Buffy bit back a groan, the male posturing was about to begin and they really didn't have time for this. Deciding to take matters into her own hands because her best friend and the man she loved seemed incapable she spoke.
"Havo dad Legolas. Now is not the time. Sit down now Boromir."
The Gondorin ignored her as he looked at Aragorn. "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Buffy felt her temper rise and she stood.
"Boromir, Sit down now. We don't have time for you to act like a child. Aragorn is right, no one here can wield the ring. It needs to be destroyed."
The Gondorian turned to her with a sneer on his face, taking in her appearance. "What does a woman know of such things. You should not even be here." he almost spat at her.
Buffy had had it with the stupid man. Compared to her he was a child and she was sure as hell not going to let him treat her like an idiot because the men of Gondor were to scared to let their women have power.
"I know a whole lot more than you it seems. Be careful how you speak to me Lord of Gondor or I will show you why I am called dagnir among the lands of the north." she told him in a tone that could have made Elrond proud in its dignity and power.
"You are a mere woman, you know nothing." he stated at her with a tone that said that he thought she was a fool. Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Legolas moving to stand again. Never turning her eyes away from Boromir she addressed the wood elf.
"Si havo dad. Legolas." (sit down now)
Apparently both Elrond and Gandalf had decided that their stand off had gone on long enough because the wizard chose that moment to speak.
"She is right Boromir. You would be wise to listen to her council. She has a greater knowledge of the rings of power than all save one."
"How is that possible, she is a mere child." he asked giving Buffy a look that made her want to reach up and punch him.
Apparently Elrond was keeping to her naneth's orders that no one who didn't need to know found out about her status and heritage because he answered for her.
"Lady Raina's looks are much deceiving. Mark the wisdom of her years well Lord of Gondor for she was born ere your father."
Borobir looked at her with a shocked expression and Buffy couldn't help but raise one arched eyebrow at him in challenge. Buffy turned from him then and returned to her seat next to Gandalf as the Gondorian moved to his own seat.
"Aragorn and Raina are right. We cannot use it." Gandalf told the council.
"You have only one choice. The ring must be destroyed." Elrond continued.
There was a moment's hesitation as his words sank in and then one of the dwarves began to speak as he grabbed his large axe. "Then what are we waiting for?" Before Buffy could even move to stop him he struck the ring. The entire assembled group save her self winced slightly but it was Frodo Buffy noticed that looked as though he had been physically hit. The force of the backlash from the ring threw the dawrf back and as his companions moved to help him up Elrond decided to prove his point.
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. The ring must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this."
Buffy felt the weight of the moment on her and knew that the time for her decision had come. What was decided in the next few minutes would determine where she went.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
Buffy listened to Boromir's rant and part of her had the urge to hit him again. They weren't talking about going in with an army. The best way to end this without an all out war was a sneak attack. Get in and out of Mordor quietly.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!"
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?"
"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf! Never trust an Elf"
Buffy watched in morbid fascination as everyone began to fight in raised tones. Buffy could hear the whispers of the ring as it sat on the pedistal but because of Narya they seemed to only make her want the ring gone more. Next to her she heard a voice much softer than the others and turned her head to see Frodo standing there.
"I will take it. I will take it." he told the unlistening group with determination in his eyes. Buffy felt her heart go out to the small hobbit and she decided to take charge to help him. Standing up she decided shock was the only thing that was going to work.
"Shut the hell up all of you right now!" she screamed. As all eyes turned to her in astonishment she finished more softly. "Frodo has something he'd like to say." The group in mass turned to Frodo and he looked at her for reassurance. She offered him a smile and then he spoke.
"I will take the ring to Mordor. Though...I do not know the way." he seemed hesitiant and Buffy could understand that only too well. She watched as Gandalf moved over to the small hobbit.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is your to bear."
Buffy watched as Gandalf stood behind the hobbit and almost felt the need to smile. Gandalf was strong, his help would be indespensible. Her thoughts were pulled away as Aragorn stood.
"If by my life or death I can protect you I will." he said as he moved over to where Frodo stood and knelt. "You have my sword."
Buffy took a sharp breath and knew that her choice had just become so much more easy. She could help Aragorn prepare to reach his destiny and she could see to the end of the evil that wold begin the end of Arda. Her decision made she stepped forward and made her choice clear.
"I will help you Frodo. You face a hard road and I will walk it with you." Aragorn looked at her with eyes that betrayed his emotions but she ignored them
"And you have my bow." Came Legolas' voice from the group standing before them.
"And my axe" the dawrf moved to join them as Legolas had and she suppressed a snort. There was gonna be a lot of fighting between those two and she was going to end up playing referee.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, the Gondor will see it done." Boromir said as he made his way over to them.
Buffy almost jumped when she heard a voice come from behind a plant. "Heh!" the hobbit named Sam said as he rushed over to Frodo's side. "Mr. Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!"
"No indeed, it is hardly possible to seperate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Elrond's voice was dripping sarcasm and Buffy wondered if she was finally wearing off on him.
Buffy heard a shout and smiled as Elrond's head whipped around to see the other two hobbits come running up to join the group.
"Wait! We're coming too!"
"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!"
"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing."
"Well that rules you out Pip."
Buffy watched the two with a hint of amusement, they were going to keep her entertained at least.
"Ten companions...so be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring." Elrond stated.
"Great! Where are we going?" the one Buffy had heard called Pip ask. She smothered a laugh and turned to face Gandalf, their eyes met and he nodded. They would meet later to discuss the ramifications of both her and Aragorn making this choice but for now they were all free to go their own way.
Buffy watched out of the corner of her eyes as the four hobbits left to go where ever it was they disappeared to so often, the kitchens she guessed. Arwen moved over to her brothers and after a second's thought she joined them.
"So it looks like I'm gonna get to live in testosterone land with those bickering pains for the next few months" she quipped at them. All three looked serious for a moment but then Arwen smiled.
"I won the bet. There was no violence."
"Crap! What do I owe you?" Buffy asked as she looped her arm through Arwen's.
"I will let you know when I think of it."
"Fine. Now come on. Its lunchtime and I'm hungry If we don't get there soon the hobbits will eat everything." Buffy replied as she Began to lead the way with Arwen to the dining hall.
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Buffy moved deftly through the halls of the Last Homely House without a sound, her destination certain. Within minutes she arrived at the doors of Elrond's study and after a knock entered. The two occupants waited for her to be seated before they spoke.
"So you have made your decision. You will accompany the Fellowship." Stated Elrond with an even tone.
"That's the plan. I get to keep the ring out of Sauran's hands and I get to make sure Aragorn doesn't get himself killed." Buffy replied with a cherry voice that hid her true feelings.
"Is it wise for you to be so close to the ring while wearing Narya?"
"Its not an issue. When you decided to go all black speech on us I didn't feel a thing. And Narya is not a fan of the evil gold band of doom. She's made her opinion quite clear to me. She wants it destroyed, and I'm seriously agreeing." Buffy told them.
"And Aragorn?" came the question she had been dreading from Elrond.
"He knows his time has come and he's doing what he thinks is right to end the evil that Isildur left. I'm not going on this mission because I love him Elrond. I'm going because I don't have a choice. My coming here has a price, this is it." stated firmly.
"And if you die?"
"Wouldn't be the first time." she stated flatly.
"Very well. Is there a need to discuss anything else?"
"Yeah there is. I want the sword reforged and given to Aragorn before we leave." Buffy said in an even tone.
"Why?" Gandalf asked.
"Two reasons. One its what Isildur used to kick Sauran's ass before and Mr. Glowy Eyeball is both afraid of it and knows what it means. That the King of men is the one he's fighting. There's nothing better than bringing out the weapon you used last time to kick the big bad's ass again. Makes them nervous. And two. Aragorn will be king and if things go horribly wrong somehow along the way he needs to have the proof he needs to step up and lead a backup plan. I know we don't have a backup plan but at the moment I want us covering our butts. If we get lucky then great, but I didn't stop the end of my world five times to let some big eyeball kick my butt. I don't care how big his army is."
"She is right Elrond. Reforge the sword." Gandalf said after a moment.
"Indeed. I will see it done." Elrond agreed. Buffy was silently pleased. She had expected a bit of a fight in this but it seemed that she had finally gotten her point across.
"Now lets get down to details for this little party. We need to decide when we are leaving, how we are traveling and the most important thing of all. Getting out of the area without being seen or attacked." Buffy moved on with a bit of a smile.
"You are right. The borders of Imladris with be watched." replied Elrond with a look of concentration.
"Yeah so I have an idea about that." Buffy said as her smile truly broke free.
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There is an old saying here in the Borderlands: "Better to have one woman on your side than ten men."
-al'Lan Mandragoran-Wheel of Time Series-Robert Jordan
Now that Buffy had finished her talk with the two leaders she was headed to find Legolas. If she knew the elf well enough he was going to want to go inform his adar in person about his decision to go on the quest.
She had almost made it to where she thought he would be when Aragorn stepped out from around a corner with a determined look in his eyes that made it clear to her that he had been waiting for her to show up. Stopping short she waited for his protest to begin.
"You cannot do this. You cannot go." he told her with determination in his eyes. He stood with a stance of rigid authority and Buffy felt her fury begin to rise. He was not going to tell her what to do no matter how much she loved him. No one got to tell her what she could or couldn't do.
"See that's where you're wrong. I can do this and I am going. Don't try and stop me Aragorn. I'm not some little girl that gets bossed around by the big strong man who wants to protect me. I'm the slayer and of those of us that are going I'm the only one besides Gandalf that's ever done anything even remotely like this before." she retorted.
"This is not your destiny, your path. You should sail with your people. I cannot allow you to follow me into this danger." he stated with finality. Buffy fought back the urge to hit him then and there. Allow! No one made dicisions for her. Angel had done it, Giles had done it, and after all was said and done, after all she had accomplished, they had still treated her like she was an idiot child. No man would ever make her decision for her again, especially not one that claimed to love her.
"Allow! ALLOW! Oh god you are just like him. YOU don't make my decisions and I'll be dammed if I let you tell me what's best for me! Get over yourself Aragorn! I'm not doing this for you! I'm doing this because it's my duty." she yelled at him. Moving with slayer speed she stormed passed him and continued her way down the hall to her destination, breathing hard.
By the time she had made it through the gardens where she guessed Legolas would be she had calmed down enough that she didn't feel like yelling any more. But she definitely felt like she needed space, still she had to talk to Legolas and so she would get it done quickly.
Seeing him seated next to a tree checking his arrows made her want to smile and as she moved up next to where he was sitting she did.
"So I'm firureing that you want to go tell your adar in person about your decision but think you haven't got the time right?"
"How did you..."
"I know you way too well after all these years. But I have news for you. Thought I'd tell you before the rest of the group finds out though. We're not leaving for a couple of months so if you want to go to Mirkwood you can." she told him, her smile never leaving.
"That is most fortunate." he replied in an even tone.
"Yeah it is. So when are you planning on leaving?"
"I will depart at dawn then." he told her.
"Want some company?" she asked. Leaving for a couple of weeks with Legolas would be good for her. Right now she had the urge to knock Aragorn on his ass and considering that they would need him on one piece some distance would be good for keeping her from hurting him.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 26/ 29 Quelle 3018 III Age
It wasn't even dawn yet as Buffy began sat in front of her dressing table braiding her hair back from her face. She had divided her hair into six sections and braided each and was now twisting them together into a tight bun that would hold for days. The style was perfect for hard riding, which was exactly what she and Legolas planned to do. Buffy figured that if they rode hard and ate in the saddle then they could reach Mirkwood in about ten days. Legolas had offered to have them stop in Lothlorien so that she could speak with her parents but Buffy had decided against it, both of them knew what to expect from her and she was certain her naneth already knew.
Standing Buffy moved over to where the rest of her clothing, weapons and supplies waited her on the bed. She had already donned her under and over tunics, her mithril vest, leather vest, leather pants and boots. Now all that was left was waiting for her. She began with her bracers followed by placing her hidden knives in each of her boots. She then continued with her sword and coat, and finished with her bow, quiver, and cloak. She wasn't taking anything else with her on the trip except for a stash of lembass she had in her pouch and the water skein that she kept secured to her saddle.
In a flurry of cloak she was out the door and heading down to the stables. Fairly sure that Legolas would already be there.
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Mirkwood November 5/ 39 Quelle 3018 III Age
Buffy sat up with a groan as she looked around her. She was sitting in Mirkwood's dungeons and she had a headache the size of Pelinor field. Apparently bad news traveled fast because before they had even reached reached the palace they had both been unceremoniously knocked out by the six elves who were escorting them. Buffy shifted on the floor and realized that the reason why her side hurt so much was that they had left all of her weapons on her and she had been laying on Ruin. Apparently even Thranduil wasn't stupid enough to try and disarm her.
Sitting up, Buffy reached back to feel the lump on the back of her hand and hit open air where she should have felt arrows. So apparently Thranduil knew better than to leave her with a way to hurt someone at a distance but that was it. Buffy was pissed and there was no way in hell she was going to stay here.
Summoning up as much concentration as she could with her head throbbing her focused on trying to reach Legolas and found that with surprising ease she could touch his mind.
"Lasseg! Where the hell are you?" she asked
"Ada has locked me in my quarters with six guards posted at every window and ten at the doors." came his very angry reply.
"I guessing he heard about you joining the fellowship." Buffy commented
"Evidentially. According to him I will not throw my life away on this foolishness." Legolas said in a mocking voice.
"So he decided to do what? Lock you in your room like you're six? God that's so pathetic." Buffy commented as she made her way over to the bars of the cell. Apparently Thranduil placed a lot of confidence in his dungeon's ability to hold her because there were no guards present.
"I am most inclined to agree." came Legolas slightly snide reply.
"Right, so how big of a fit did he have at you?" Buffy asked as she began to bend the bars. They were thick and strong but no match for her slayer strength. It would take her a few minutes but she could do it.
"It was rather large and I'm afraid I lost my temper as well." Legolas said in a dangerous tone.
"Lasseg what in Eru's name did you do?" she asked. Legolas never and she meant never lost his temper.
"I'd prefer not to discuss it at the moment." came his controlled voice.
"Fine but I want details later. I can get us out of here but the cost is you tell me what a Prince Legolas brand temper tantrum entails." she bargained with a smile. She had to know because she seriously doubted it would happen again in a thousand years.
"Agreed. Where are you?"
"The dungeon. You would think your ada knew better than to put me down here. I think he keeps forgetting how much time we spent down here that one spring when it flooded. It will take me about half an hour to get out. The bars are a real pain to bend. After that I'll take the tunnel we found in the back storage room. I'm going to head for your balcony. Be ready to jump when I get there. Its going to be a fight." she told him as she got the first bar as far over as she wanted it and started on the second.
"I have one change to make."
"Oh what's that?" she asked.
"Do you remember the...what did you call them? Ah yes molotov cocktails we made for the spiders." he asked her. Of course she knew. The things were a moment of Willow like genius on her part. They were pretty big but definitely worth it if you didn't end up poisoned by a spider a second time.
"Yeah. They've got enough sleeping solution in them to knock out everything for almost a thousand feet if you're not careful. Why?" she replied.
"Because there are more of them in the storage room you are going through. Though we have improved the size considerably. Now they are not much bigger than a large water skien." he told her. Buffy was impressed. With that size they were even more effective. She could just picture the damage she could do with them.
"Really? Sounds like a great idea. Do you mind if I bring a few along with me for the ride, they might come in handy?"
"If you can get me out of this room I will give you anything you wish." he told her in all seriousness.
"Is that a promise?" she asked him as her mind came up with one demand.
"Yes." his reply was firm. He wanted out and she was going to get what she wanted out of it.
"Good. Then I know what I want."
"And what is that?" he quiried.
"Ask Arwen to marry you before we leave." she told him.
"You are not serious?" he asked sounding shocked.
"The hell I'm not! Its been eighteen years Legolas. I'm sick of waiting around for you two to stop skirting the issue. You two love each other and Eru knows we might not live through this mess. Ask her. She needs to know for certain how things stand with you in case something goes wrong." Buffy told him with determination as she pulled at the cell bar harder.
"This is not the time for this discussion." he said and she knew he was trying to weasel out of it.
"This isn't a discussion. You said anything I want. This is what I want. If you want to marry Arwen then you have to ask her before the fellowship leaves. If you don't then I'm sure I can come up with something else I want. Like maybe your bow or perhaps for you to get a haircut" The bar moved the last few inches and she squeezed herself through it quickly. "Oh there. I'm out. I'll be there in ten minutes. I'll speak to you when it should be clear for you to come down. Remember to go to the far side of the room and to keep your face covered. I'm not hauling your heavy ass out of Mirkwood." she told him as she rushed through the dungeons expertly.
"Agreed." he told her as she cut off the connection.
Within two minutes she was in the storage room. It was mostly bare execpt for a line of what looked like water skeins and an assortment of barrels. The skeins all had a place to be attached to the belt and Buffy quickly grabbed herself a dozen of them to attach to her belt. She hoped it would be enough for what she had planned. She also grabbed the largest pouch of activating powder she saw. Grabbing one last one she made her way into the tunnel and began to run again.
She came out on the far side of the palace, about a five minute run from below Legolas' balcony was. Running quietly she made her way closer before stopping at a safe distance. Opening the pouch and skein she poured a small amount of the powder in. She closed the lid to the skien quickly and gave it a good hard shake. She could feel the pressure begin to build immediately, taking aim the tossed the skien right into the middle of the guards.
"Bombs away" she said with a smile.
The impact from the landing caused it to burst in within seconds the air was clotted with a deep purple smoke that would knock out just about anything.
Buffy grabbed the edge of her cloak and pressed it to her face silently counting to a thousand before coming out. The smoke had cleared and the guards were out cold. Concentrating she contacted Legolas again as she moved closer to where the guards were sprawled.
"Get down here now." she ordered him and no sooner than the words had been spoken than she saw his blonde haired form flying down. He landed silently beside her and together they began to run for the stables where they knew their horses would be. Buffy was more than grateful for the darkness as they moved because it meant that the stable would be empty.
"I am so gonna kick you ada's narrow elf butt when this is over." she said as she moved over to where Asfaloth was, with his saddle still on.
"I look forward to it." came Legolas' reply he swung himself up onto his own white stallion.
"Good now tell me, what does a Prince sized temper tantrum entail?"
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Imladris (Rivendell) November 15/ 49 Quelle 3018 III Age
Buffy and Legolas had made it back to Rivendell that morning to find a slight case of chaos going on. Apparently the gwenyn had been up to more than their usual pranks since the two of them had left and now an all out war of sorts was going on with the dwarves.
When the two of them attempted to convince her to join them not long after she had arrived, she turned them down flatly. She had enough problems to worry about. She was still pissed off at Aragirn and she had no intention of changing her mood any time in the future. It didn't help matters that she had a feeling that by the end of this mission he would be ready to step up as king or king either. Her brain was telling her to take a big step back from him so that when the inevitable came it would be easier while her heart was hating the very possibility of being without him.
So she had decided to continue to avoid him as best she could. A decision that had led her to be wandering the training fields just after dark in an attempt to avoid seeing him. As she came upon the archery field she heard the voices of the hobbits and decided to see what they were up to. She really hadn't been around them much and she figured it would be good if she had some sort of friendship with them before they left. It was also a good idea to keep her distracted from the fact that she had skipped dinner in favor of a hot bath and fresh clothes.
Coming up on them she was sure they hadn't heard her, years of practiced silence when walking had made her more silent than most elves.
"And what are you four up to tonight?" she asked them as she crossed the remaining distance to where they lay sprawled out on two large blankets, several small bundles between them.
"Lady Raina! We didn't know you were back." said Pippin with a smile.
"Come sit with us." came Merry's happy chorus. The two made room for her as she moved onto the blanket and sat down with a smile. They were really sweet and their size made her not feel like a midget for once.
"Thank you guys but please don't call me lady Raina. That's the formal name they gave me when I came to live among the elves. My name is Buffy, plain old Buffy with no lady attached." she told them. She received a chorus of assents and after a moment of silence Frodo spoke up.
"Thank you for saving my life." .
Buffy looked over at him in surprise. She never got thank you for saving people it was just what she did. "It was nothing Frodo. I couldn't let the Wraiths have you."
"Thank you though." he said again with a slight smile.
"Your welcome."
"So you're really going with us to Mordor?" asked Merry
"Yeah I am." she assured him.
"But its so dangerous and your a lady." said Sam.
"I may be female but I can more than handle myself in a dangerous situation." Buffy assured him.
"That's right! Lord Elrond said that you are older than Boromir's father." exclaimed Pippin.
"Yeah actually I am." Buffy admitted.
"How is that possible?" asked Frodo
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes." came the chorus of three voices.
"Ok I will tell you four but you have to promise not to tell any one else. Promise?" Buffy asked as she looked around at the four of them.
"Yes." they all agreed.
"Ok this is a long story so please don't interrupt me. I wasn't born in Middle Earth, I was born on another earth. Where I came from there was great evil everywhere but most people didn't know it existed. So with no one to fight the evil my world would have ended a long time ago. So thousands of years before I was born a group of powerful wizards decided to create something to fight the evil. What they created was the slayer. The slayer was one girl in the whole world that was given the gifts to fight the evil. She was the Chosen One. Over the thousands of years may girls were chosen ones and after each one died another one was chosen so that my world would never be without protection."
"Eventually I was Chosen. You see, most of the girls that could be chosen were taught and trained to fight the evil in case they were ever chosen, I on the other hand was not. They didn't find me until it was too late and I had been picked. I didn't want to be the chosen one at all. I hated it more than I can possibly explain. I even tried to quit but I couldn't, the only way was for me to die. Not long after being chosen I moved to a new town. This town was special, it was like living in the middle of Mordor. All the evil of my world went to it. It was called a hellmouth. Not long after moving there I made two very special friends named Xander and Willow. They found out that I was chosen even though no one was supposed to know. They decided to help me. For years they helped me fight back the evil until one day an evil came that wanted to destroy the world like the others did. The difference was that she was a god, a being so powerful that I stood little chance against her. But I fought anyway. She wanted to end the world and to do that she needed the blood of someone I loved, my little sister. My sister was as special as I was and I couldn't let her be hurt. The god, Glory, who wanted to end the world need to bleed her to death. She managed to take my sister and start the ceremony that would end everything. I didn't have a choice so in order to save my sisters life I gave my own."
"You died!" they all seemed to exclaim as one.
"Let me continue. Yes I died and I was buried. I was dead for three months and my world had started to fall into darkness. The new chosen one wasn't able to fight as well as I had and my friends made a decision. They brought me back to life with powerful magic. For a while I was angry at them for it but I began to see the need for it. My sister had no one to take care of her and she was still very young. Our mother had died before I did and our father had disappeared years before. I overcame my anger moved on. What came after that is what brought me here. Our world had to have a balance of good and evil in it to keep going and by bringing me back to life, my friends tipped that balance. They allowed an evil that had existed since the creation of our world to break free. It didn't have a body like Sauran does. It was called the First. After months of fighting it and losing, with the deaths of many on my watch my world's version of the Valar offered me a compromise. If I left my world then the First could be locked away forever. Seeing a way to save everyone I loved, I took the deal and came here to Middle Earth. Things work differently here, there is no balance but I did make a bargain in coming here. The Valar told me that I had to help fight when the darkness began to grow. I was charged with helping defeat it. And so here I am, going to Mordor to help keep my end of the deal."
"So you have faced darkness like this before?" asked Frodo after a few minutes.
"Many times and I have yet to let it win." she assured him.
"When did you come to Middle Earth?" asked Sam
"Almost seventy three years ago." Buffy admitted. It didn't feel like it had been that long but still it was.
How old were you when you came?" asked Frodo.
"How is it that you still look so young?" asked Sam.
Woah. Ok first I was twenty three when I came here and as part of the deal the Valar gave me the same kind of immortality the elves have. I won't grow old but I can die from wounds. But as I've found out its really hard to wound me bad enough to kill me. As a chosen one I heal more quickly than humans, a wound that would take a normal person three months to heal takes me a little over two weeks."
"You are ninety five years old!"
"That is amazing!"
"I'm glad you think it is. And yeah I'm ninety five, almost ninety six but its rude to point out a woman's age." Buffy replied with a chuckle.
"Sorry." they said in unison.
"It's alright. So what are you four doing out here in the dark." she inquired of them.
"Having supper."
"Why am I not surprised at all. I almost forgot how much hobbits can eat. You guys wouldn't mind sharing would you. I sort of missed dinner and I'm starving." Buffy asked.
"Of course. What would you like?" offered Sam.
"How bout some of the bread, cheese and whatever it is you four are drinking." Buffy said and was almost immediately handed food. She had taken only a couple bites before Frodo's voice wafted up over the others as they arranged their selections.
"Were you ever afraid facing the darkness?"
"Of course I was. But I didn't let that stop me. Someone wise once said 'Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.' They were right. Its alright to be afraid, the challenge is going on anyway." By now the other three had turned back to the discussion and were listening.
"But what if we're not strong enough?"
"You are always strong enough, you just have to see it." she told them in a voice full of seriousness.
"Will you be there to help us?" asked Pippin.
"I can make you a deal. I will be there to help you until you decide that we part and if after that you find you need me again I know a way to remind you." she told them with a smile.
"How's that?" asked Merry
"A song." she said simply. She really liked them and considering the drama that was going on with all of the others they seemed to be a lot more simple. Boromir was probably being pissy around Aragorn. Arwen and Legolas were making googly eyes at each other and Legolas now had to pull his head out of his elven butt and propose. The gwenyn were fighting with the dwarves and attempting to recruit to their cause. And Aragorn was still on her list of people to avoid. So yeah they had a lot of drama and Buffy would gladly hang out with the hobbits if that meant avoiding the mass level of crap that was going on.
"What song?"
"Its an elvish one but I will teach you the words in the common tongue. Do you want to learn it?"
"Yes"
"Home is behind, the world ahead
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadow, to the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadow, cloud and shade
All shall fade, all shall fade" Buffy sang softly to them.
"That's beautiful." commented Sam from his place beside Frodo.
"Do you want to try it with me this time?"
"I do." came Pippin's voice.
"Ok then, lets try it together." she offered the sweet young hobbit with a smile.
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Imladris (Rivendell) December 10/ 20 Hrive 3018 III Age
Elrond was in his office making a vain attempt to work he heard yet another yell and something that sounded like a crash. Rubbing his hands over his eyes he waited for the inevitable appearance of Erestor. The situation for those currently residing in Rivendell could be described as chaos at best.
The gwenyn had begun it of course by deciding to retaliate against the dwarves for some insult, within a week an almost full scale war had begun between them. And now that the Prince of Mirkwood had returned things had only gotten worse. At last count there had been six dunkings in the river, two complete relocations of furniture and belongings, two incidences with dye of some sort, four food fights, the complete destruction of large quantities of clothing, three times when dwarves went missing for days at a time, the manure fiasco, and the flock of birds in Gimli son of Gloin's bedroom.
But that wasn't even the end of it. Arwen was evading everyone except for Buffy and Legolas. Boromir was acting like a child around Aragorn. He was certain Buffy and Arwen were plotting something. Buffy was also spending large amounts of time with the hobbits for no apparent reason. The hobbits themselves were eating everything in sight and were placing bets on the outcome of the war between the three trouble making young elves and the dwarves and Erestor suspected that they had started smuggling food out of the kitchens as well. Add to that the fact that Buffy and Aragorn were apparently fighting and things got downright ugly. He was glad her temper wasn't directed at him as the day before she had used Gandalf's staff to try and beat the gwenyn to death when she had been dumped in the river as an innocent casualty to their battle.
Hearing another crash followed by a yell and the unmistakable sound of a body landing in the river he stood up and made his way out of his office. He was going to have to put an end to this if he wanted his home to be left standing after the fellowship departed. Considering the obvious lack of maturity that was being shown by the members of the fellowship he could help but comment to himself.
"Middle Earth is doomed."
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Imladris (Rivendell) December 24/ 34 Hrive 3018 III Age
Buffy was up remarkably early considering that she knew that this was her next to last night in a comfortable bed for quite a while. She couldn't sleep though and she simply attested it to pre trip jitters. Today was going to be a busy day for her so she decided to make the most of the hour of free time she had suddenly gained. Walking over to her closet she went through all she had. After several moments of consideration she decided on opting for clothes that would last the longest and that would work well both in the cold and heat.
She opted for one of the white under tunics that she had removed the sleeves from as well as one with, deciding that she could fit it easily in the very small pack she was carrying. She chose an over tunic dark green as well as her usual ranger gear of elven made boots, pants, coat, belt, and brown vest. She had checked her weapons well the day before and they sat neatly on a long table next to her bed. She took her clothing over and placed the sleeveless under tunic inside it. If worse came to worse it could be ripped up and used as bandages. She had a small roll of those as well, along with a small healers kit. Inside was a needle, thread, a salve to keep away infection and one for burns. Inside the pack she also carried some dried meet and three packets of the five packets of lembas that she had kept hidden away for years now. It was a great thing that the stuff never went bad unless it got wet because she had a feeling she was gonna need it before this trip was over. The only other things that were in the pack were a bone comb that she used when out hunting orcs, bar of soap and a whetstone. Everything else she needed she kept in a pouch on her belt, and that wasn't much. Two more packets of lembas, about three feet of leather cord to tie her hair back with, and a small container that held mint so she didn't end up with stinky breath.
Buffy knew she didn't really need the mint, soap or brush that much anymore but she still carried them out of habit. She had figured out how elves managed to stay so clean and non smelly after all these years and it had turned out that is was a biology thing. Now that she had more elven blood in her she had managed to get those perks as well and she loved it. Oh she still managed to get dirty but she could go over a month without a bath and still stay almost as daisy fresh as Legolas or the gwenyn did. Almost being the thing that they enjoyed pointing out.
She looked over her weapons with a critical eye. Ruin was as sharp as a razor as were her two long knives. After a little work and some help from Glorfindel she had managed to adapt her quiver and knives to sit comfotabley over the shieth of her sword so that the handle came out just over her right shoulder. She only had to reach about four inches further left and she could reach her knife on that side. Her quiver was packed with arrows and they had all been checked carefully to make sure they were straight and the tips sharp. The blades in her boots had been checked too. Her mithril vest waited on the edge of the table for her as did her bracers and gloves. Every thing was ready and if things went off the way they were supposed to tomorrow they would be able to get out of Rivendell without even a fight.
But at the moment she had other things to worry about as Arwen opened her door and was followed in by her usual entourage. She was so distracted by the group's imminent departure that she didn't even notice that Arwen was no longer wearing her Evenstar pendant.
Within an hour Buffy was dressed in a gown of lavender and was on her way to breakfast. She was nervous as she made her way into the dining hall, between the pranks that went on in the room and the knowledge that Elrond was planning on giving Aragorn Narsil today she wasn't sure what to expect. Surprisingly the hall was quiet and less than half full, thanking the Valar for small miracles the made her way over to an empty area and sat down to eat.
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Aragorn stood in the middle of his adar's study as the elf lord stood facing away from him in front of a large table..
"I give this to you on the behest of one whom I love" he spoke as he turned.
"Buffy has now tied herself to the fate of the ring. She was sent to us to help battle the shadow, a destiny she bound herself to ere she crossed into this world. Her fate was sealed the moment she came to us. The shadow is upon us Aragorn, the end has come. Now it is up to you to see that her fate is not death in battle." as he spoke he crossed the room his arms lost in the folds of his robes.
"I will not let her end but Sauran's." Aragorn told him as he came to a stop just steps away.
"Then you must fight as what you are. The King of Gondor." As Elrond spoke his arms moved to hold up a sword before him. "Anruril, flame of the West. Forged from the shards of Narsil."
Aragorn felt his stomach clench and knew that his adar spoke the truth. He stepped forward with purpose and took it. "Sauron will not have forgotten the blade of Elendil."
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Arwen stood behind Buffy as she placed the circlet of silver on her golden head. Taking a calming breath she decided that there was no better time for her to tell her best friend what had transpired between herself and Legolas the night before.
"Buffy, I have news to give you.' Arwen waited as Buffy's eyes met her own in the reflection of the mirror before continueing. "Last night Legolas and I pledged our troth to one another. When he returns we will be wed."
Arwen was not sure the reaction she was expecting from her closest friend but the one she got overwhelmed her.
"Oh my god! Finally! So how romantic was it? How did he propose? Did you get a ring? Have you told anyone else yet? I still get to tell your brothers right? Oh my god! This is go great! My two best friends are getting married!" Buffy gushed as she spun around in her seat and almost picked Arwen up in her excitement.
"Be calm. I will answer your questions. It was very romantic though I will not tell you until you return from your journey as a way to ensure you do come back. No, I did not get a ring, though I do understand the meaning behind the tradition of your former people. We have not told the rest of the family yet. We both agreed that you should be the first to know And yes you may still tell my brothers though you do not have much time since you are to depart at dawn tomorrow."
Buffy stpped bouncing gave Arwen a smile full of mischief and the elleth knew that her friend had already formed a plan.
Reaching over Buffy linked her arm through Arwen's own as she spoke. "Well then I suggest we make our way to the party."
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The moment that Buffy crossed the threshold into the banquet hall where the party was being held she started looking for Legolas. As always, while in Rivendell he was easy to spot. He was only one of a hand full of elves with blonde hair in the city. Keeping her face as impassive and stoic as possible considering her excitement and the potential for chaos she had sitting at her feet, she guided both herself and Arwen over to where he stood. Much to her luck not five feet from where the gwenyn sat with Aragorn and Glorfindel. Smiling broadly as she saw the look of fear that flashed in Legolas' eyes for a split second she did her best to return her features to an impassive mask.
As they reached the Prince she hooked one arm into his and held tight, using her slayer strength to keep him from moving away to protect himself. She began her stroll yet again and in less than a minute they were standing amongst her quarry.
Fighting to keep her face expressionless even as she kept a death grip on Legolas' arm she addressed the group.
"So I've decided what I'm getting Arwen and Legolas for their wedding present. What about you guys?"
Four pairs of eyes whipped up to gaze at her in shock for a moment before looking at Arwen who had a smile on her face and a blush on her cheeks. Legolas however had turned an even paler shade of white as Arwen's three brothers and the Lord of the Golden Flower stared at him.
"Oh didn't you guys know? They've been a couple for the last eighteen years. Apparently Lasseg finally got off his butt last night and asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes and now I get to wear a pretty dress and go to their wedding." Buffy chirped merrily. The four pairs of eyes just kept boring into Legolas and Buffy turned to Arwen with a smile. "I'm thirsty. Lets go find a drink shall we?"
Arwen nodded her head in agreement and Buffy knew that she was grateful for a chance to esxape. Letting go of her vise like grip on Legolas' arm she turned and guided the elleth through the crowded hall to safety. The last words she heard from the group of men was a strangeled whisper from Legolas "I will get you back for this."
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