Chapter 55:

Eden's POV:

Willow and Oz were setting a circle of stones the next morning in the living room. The sunlight pouring in from the windows made them gleam like polished silver. Even with the noise and business of the slayerettes working to prepare for my jolt back through time and space, I could still hear those stones singing.

I stood off to the side; strapping on various weapons and watching everyone bustle around to make sure everything was in place for the spell. I was dressed simply for my journey, in tight black jeans, a red nylon belt, tight black wife beater and black leather boots. My broadsword, the very same I had used in Middle Earth and Buffy had used against Angelus, was strapped to my back, sheathed in its scabbard. Two daggers were tucked into my belt and a crossbow and quiver hung at my hip.

My golden brown hair hung loose and straight, spilling over my shoulders. I wore slight traces of make-up, pink eye shadow, peach colored blush and clear lip gloss. If I were to be reunited with Legolas, I wanted to look good, especially considering I still carried the marks of my last encounter with a Turok-han. The gash that scored just above my forehead was long and had yet to fully heal, as did a couple of other cuts and scrapes.

Willow double checked everything, before handing me a slip of paper. "Don't lose this. It's the spell that needs to be cast to help you on Lammas."

"I won't." I slipped it into my back pocket. "Thanks Willow."

"Good luck." She winked before returning to Oz's side by the stone circle. Oz would act as an anchor for Willow as she performed one of the most difficult spells in existence, especially considering how far back in time she had to send me.

"Kick some demon ass!" Faith caught me off guard with a brief hug. "Bring back Calem's head for me, while you're at it."

I laughed and shook my head. In many ways, I'll never understand her. "Thanks Faith."

"Always have your weapon." Buffy reminded me as she hugged me tightly. "He has the power, want it, take it, have it."

I returned her hug. "I will. Thank you so much, for everything. I know you'll be there with me in spirit."

"The slayer in you is always alive, waiting to be called upon. Use whatever can taken as a weapon, forsake what you can't. Too much is at stake for any risks, come back safely." Buffy stepped back, blinking away tears.

I was appalled to find myself fighting my own tears and used Spike's chest as a way to hide them, hugging him tightly. "Thanks for being there."

"Anytime Love." He squeezed my shoulders. "I'll be here when you get back. I'm kind of liking Lakeview. Kick some bloody arse out there."

I chuckled through my tears and moved to hug Angel. "I'll use everything you've given me."

"I know you will. You're ready for this. They are going to lose because you are going to demolish them all." Angel tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just be careful."

"I will." I turned and exchanged goodbyes with everyone else, finally succeeding in keeping the tears at bay, before stepping inside the stone circle.

I could feel the power pulsating around me, as though I had been enclosed with invisible walls. The air was warmer in the circle and I could feel the spark of magic, as Willow began to recite the incantation.

"I call upon the powers of the North Star. Ancient forces, near and far, aid me to cast this warrior of light, through the folds of time and space, and draw your power from my plight and place." Willow chanted.

The ground began to rumble and blinding white light filled the room so I could no longer see anyone else. "This is going to be one hell of a ride." I mumbled. "Take me home."

"Release!" I heard Willow shout and felt the world begin to shift.

Now it was up to me to finish the spell. "I am one force, one power, one entity. This is meant!" Light exploded from the circle and I shielded my eyes from it. "Worlds wait, time flows, powers watch."

It was like being sucked into a tornado. Impossible wind that pulled me away from the earth, spinning me in dizzying circles while light blasted my eyes. I could see nothing but wild white light, the spinning whirl of it. I could find no footing or solid ground, so simply braced myself for an impact.

Then there was the dark and utter stillness. I rubbed hand over my face, tried to catch my breath and reopened my eyes. There was moonlight now, silver streams of it that speared down and struck the silvery stones in a circle around me. Looks like I wasn't the only thing that got sent back.

I was flat on my back, so I slowly sat up. I was in some sort of valley, surrounded by tall grass that waved in the breeze and looked ghostly in the glimmer of the moonlight. Although nothing around me had any familiar landmark, I knew that I had made it. I was in Middle Earth.

I rose to my feet so I could get a better look around. Off to my left was a forest, thick with trees obviously old as they were so large and full of branches. I had been here before, I thought with a smile. I recognized the forest, if nothing else.

"Fanghorn Forest." I whispered, resisting the urge to squeal and jump up and down excitedly. I was close to Edoras, I was in Rohan. I was home.

Suddenly the silence was disturbed by a loud and majestic roar. I jumped and spun around, catching sight a large winged shadow soaring over me. The creature landed gracefully several yards away and as I got a closer look at it, I couldn't contain my gasp of delight. I had seen many beautiful and magical creatures in this world, but this one had to be the best.

Its wings spread out so that each appeared to be fifteen feet in length. They were wide and looked to be formed with scaly feathers, reminding me of eagle wings. It's long and sinuous body was covered in large, brilliant blue scales, with four strong legs, ending in a whip-like tail. It had small pointed ears, tucked behind two sharp horns. Blue eyes with slits like a cats peered back at me and a long snout with a fanged mouth and forked tongue completed the fantasy version of a dragon.

"Wow." I breathed, cautiously taking a step forward. "You're gorgeous."

Why thank you, Eden. The dragon cocked its head in her direction. You're pretty gorgeous yourself.

The voice was deep and male and sounded within the deep recesses of my mind. It took me only a moment to recognize it. "Cian?"

I told you that when the time came, I'd be there to take up the sword at your side. The dragon snorted and puff of smoke emerged from its nostrils.

"How can you fight with a sword if you're a dragon?" I pointed out, stepping close enough to run my hands over the smooth scales.

The dragon practically purred at my touch. I won't return to human form until the time is right. I'm still unclear as to the details, but I'm still here to help you in dragon form, which I find to be rather enjoyable. And hey, I can breathe fire.

To demonstrate, he opened his mouth and coughed out a spurt of flame.

I laughed joyously. "An excellent weapon, considering our opponents."

Cian lowered his head and nuzzled his nose into my chest. I have missed you so much Eden and have been waiting for you. You smell just as I remember.

I couldn't help myself; I hugged his snout to me and rested my forehead against his scaly one. "I've missed you too. I'm glad I'm not completely alone in this. But, I still need to recruit more allies, Calem and the First will be here soon and there's probably already Turok-hans and Bringers all over the place. There's so much work to do."

Calem's already here. Cian withdrew his head from my arms. He's already begun spreading his propaganda of a better world in supporting the First being as he calls it. Luckily for you, the King of Rohan is not buying into it.

"Eomer's too smart for that kind of stuff." I beamed proudly. "He'll be our first ally. Besides, as an honorary Shield maiden of Rohan, I should have some pull with the King. Then we'll go to Minas Tirith and see Aragorn, with him will come Legolas and Gimli with their worlds."

Eden, I'm so sorry. Aragorn has pretty much bought into Calem's spewing. Calem and the first battalions of the army dwell within the walls of Minas Tirith as of yesterday. The rest wait in the land that was once Mordor, thriving on the old evil that still radiates from that place. Negotiations with Rohan have since been tense due to Eomer's obvious disapproval. You're right about Eomer being our first ally, but it will be difficult for you to get within the walls of Minas Tirith. Calem will know you're coming.

"No." I shook my head furiously. "He can't, Cian. You're wrong. Aragorn is noble and strong. He would not buy into Calem's fancy speech."

He did, a'ghra. Calem is being more than convincing. He wants Legolas for Lammas. It's one of the most efficient ways to kill you. In order to get near the elf prince he had to earn the trust of those around him. We must ally ourselves with Rohan and find a way to get in contact with Gandalf. We're going to need him to perform the spell Willow sent with you.

"Cian, I must save Legolas. We'll go to Mirkwood. I won't let him die!" I exclaimed adamantly.

The elf prince is not in Mirkwood, Eden. He's in Minas Tirith. Do not fret, we won't let him die. It's July first here. We have one month to prepare for battle. We have to align ourselves with Rohan and anyone else who will resist Calem. We need to find Gandalf. Trust me Eden.

With a heavy sigh, I nodded. He was right. I had come here too late to stop Calem from seeking out my friends, but they were alive and as safe as possible for the moment. The only way to save them is to prepare for war and hope Aragorn would see the error of his ways before it was too late.

Come, it is not safe out here at night anymore. We must get to Edoras quickly. Climb on. He lowered his haunches and ducked his head invitingly, twitching his back slightly in anticipation.

I forgot my worries for a moment and grinned. "This is going to be so cool." Using his wing joint as a perch, I vaulted myself onto his back, just behind his shoulders. I noted with amusement that there was a leather strap around his neck.

Hold on. There was laughter in his voice and with a flap and whoosh of air, his elegant wings spread.

"Let's take to the sky!" I shouted, feeling the muscles in his body contract beneath me. If I thought time travel would be a ride to remember, this would be even better.

A/N: Do I keep surprising you? I bet you didn't expect a dragon, much less Cian in the form of one. He will become a man again later on, but for now he's a dragon. Don't worry, I'll go into detail in the Calem/Aragorn alliance. Eomer's going to explain everything. And of course, this means Legolas and Gimli are with Aragorn and Calem also. But none of them know about his plans for Eden and Legolas. So stay tuned, now comes the fun part. Review please, I need to know that you're still enjoying this in order to continue.