I forgot the disclaimer on the last chapter.  Don't own the characters.  They are purely the evil genius of JRR Tolkien and Joss Whedon.

Thanks for all the reviews.  I haven't the time to respond to all of them right now as I have a huge history paper due tomorrow but I really appreciate you all for reading my story.

madziuda - the concerns you expressed have been worries of mine as well.  It really is my intention to try and stay true to all the characters.  However, the fact is I only read LOTR for the first time about a year ago but I have been watching Buffy since season one and I am more familiar with her character.  In the future I intend to spend more time rereading parts of the book so I can familiarize myself with those characters a little more.  This may mean the updates will be slower but it is about quality not quantity.

Farewell

The first rays of light were just slipping over the horizon when a knock sounded at Buffy's door.  Arwen slipped in and regarded the covered lump in the bed.  She walked over to the window and drew open the drapes which produced a groan from the bed.  The lump flopped over and promptly went back to sleep.  Arwen went to the end of the bed, grabbed the bottom of the covers and ripped it off the lump.  Buffy responded by curling into a ball and shutting her eyes tightly.

"Don't wanna get up Mom," she murmured. 

Arwen sighed and shook Buffy gently until the girl's eyes opened.  "You must awake Buffy.  The Fellowship leaves in an hour."

Buffy grumpily sat up in the bed. "C'mon five more minutes?"

"No.  Get up.  A bath is being drawn for you and I have some traveling clothes for you to try on.  You are much smaller than an elf so I am not sure if the alterations are correct."

                Buffy soaked in the warm bath for as long as possible until Arwen made her get out.  Her wet hair hung to the middle of her back and she brushed it in long strokes before the mirror.  She studied her reflection carefully.  There was something different about her but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.  She stood closer to her reflection and let her eyes travel slowly over her head starting with her hair.  That looked the same.  Her face wasn't any different although her skin seemed smoother almost flawless.  Buffy attributed that to the elvish soap.  Her gaze came to rest on the curve her neck and she gasped sharply.  Her scars from being bit by the Master, Angel, and Dracula were gone.  She rubbed the spot where they used to be but felt only soft skin.  It was as if they had never been there.  She quickly opened her robe to examine her mid-section.  The long scar where she had been stabbed with her stake was also gone.  In fact, she observed, all her scars seemed to be gone. 

"Is something wrong?" Arwen asked as she laid the clothes she had brought out on the bed.

Buffy continued to stare at her reflection a moment longer before turning to give Arwen a reassuring smile.  She would wait and ask the wizard about this.  "I'm fine.  I'm just not used to being up so early."

                Buffy finished brushing out her hair while Arwen showed her the clothes.  There were three outfits of different colors but pretty much the same cut.  They were beautiful and the fabric was the softest Buffy had ever felt.  She loved them.  

"I can't wear these."  She said.

"Whyever not?"  Arwen looked annoyed.

"They're dresses."

"And all women wear them.  I don't see what the problem is."

"I can't move quickly in these long skirts.  They would get in the way.  I need pants and comfortable boots since we'll be walking most of the way."  Buffy grabbed a breakfast roll from the tray Arwen had brought in.

"Well it is not as if you will be fighting, the dresses will be fine for walking and the boots should be here shortly." 

"I am sorry to be so much trouble but I must have pants." Buffy insisted.

"Fine.  I'll get them."  Arwen said curtly.  For the first time Buffy noticed how pale Arwen was and how pinched her face looked.

"Look Arwen I know I hardly know you but is something wrong?  You look a little worn down."  Buffy put her hand on the elf's arm.

"It is distressing that is all.  Mordor's evil is growing and my world may be coming to end."

"It is more than that.  Man trouble?"

"How did you - I mean don't be ridiculous."

"That bad, huh?  Please, I am a man trouble expert.  So what's wrong?  Upset that Aragorn is leaving?"

Arwen looked at Buffy in shock.  "Buffy you mustn't tell -"

"Don't worry I know all about keeping secrets as well.  I can tell you this though he really loves you.  It is in his eyes whenever he looks at you."

Arwen smiled faintly, "I'll go see about your clothes."

*                              *                              *

                Buffy finally emerged from her room dressed in a comfortable pair of leggings and a warm tunic.  Arwen also insisted that she pack one of the dresses though Buffy doubted she would have the opportunity to wear it.  She tried to grow accustomed to wearing clothes that felt odd on her but she was still self-conscious.  After all where she came from leggings were a fashion nightmare from the dark ages of the 1980's.  However, the clothes were functional if not very attractive.  The only real problem she had was adjusting herself to the cloak.  It felt like she had a blanket tied around her neck and she moved awkwardly in it.  As she slowly approached the courtyard she saw that Aragorn, Legolas, and Boromir were already present and loading up a little pony with supplies for the journey.

"Morning all," she called.  "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, we are just about ready if those lazy hobbits would just show up.  I bet they are still fast asleep in their beds."  Aragorn said giving Buffy a wink.

"Gandalf and Gimli went to fetch them."  Legolas supplied while carefully testing the tightness of the string on his bow.

"So are you any good with that thing?"  Buffy asked with a playful smile.

"I get by," said the elf and Aragorn rolled his eyes.  Buffy left them to their last minute preparations as she wandered over to study one of the many murals that graced the walls of Rivendell.  Moments later she sensed someone step up beside her.

"I wanted to apologize my Lady," Boromir said.  "I was rude yesterday and regret it immensely."

"Don't worry Boromir I understand.  And my name is Buffy."  She stuck out her hand and once again it was kissed instead of shaken.

"Buffy!"  Aragorn called holding something in his hands.  "I have something for you."

Her eyes lit up, "Ooooooo presents!"

                Aragorn held out a tooled leather belt with a sword and scabbard attached.  Buffy fastened it around her waist and though the belt was a little large it felt natural to have a sword at her side.  She drew the blade out and studied it while testing its weight carefully.  She took a practice swing and was pleased that the sword felt comfortable in her grasp. 

"I was worried it would be too heavy for you," Aragorn studied her thoughtfully.  She handled the sword like a natural as if she had been trained to it since she was a babe.  It was hard for him to believe that such a tiny girl could be proficient with a weapon designed to kill others.  Still, there was something about her that he felt a kinship with though he couldn't explain it.  She took another practice swing and her eyes flashed causing Aragon to gasp.  The girl was a warrior.  That was what he had recognized in her before.  For a moment as she swung the sword he saw a hard glint in her eye that was only obtained after years of experience of fighting for your life.  She had said at the Council that she had saved her world but Aragorn had assumed it was through magical means rather than physical.  How could something that seemed so unthreatening be a warrior?  How could she have the strength?  She had muscle tone but not enough to seem extraordinarily strong.  Perhaps those she fought against in her world were much weaker than her.

Buffy sheathed her new weapon with a grin, "Thanks Aragorn."

"I only wish I had time to train you properly with it but as time is short I will teach you what I can along the way.  Besides if we come into danger those we are fighting will not know that you are just a girl if you keep your hood up.  They will be unaware you cannot weild the weapon you carry properly."  Aragorn watched her carefully for a reaction to his words and was not disappointed.  Fire burned in her green eyes for a moment then was gone as she gathered control of herself.

"I am sure that whatever instruction you could give would be most helpful," she said stiffly before walking over to sit with Legolas.

                Buffy cursed at herself.  Why did she not simply tell them she was the Slayer?  Then maybe they would stop treating her like some poor defenseless maiden.  She reminded herself not to be angry with them because they were just trying to protect her but damn it she could protect herself just fine!

"Is something wrong?"  Legolas asked softly, taking note of Buffy's stiff posture.

Buffy looked at him and relaxed a little.  "I am fine, just anxious to get on the road."

"And I as well.  We wait only for the arrival of the rest of our company."  Legolas said.

"Would you mind giving me some archery lessons?"  Buffy asked nodding at Legolas's bow.  "I have used a crossbow before but never an actual old fashioned bow and arrow."

"Old fashioned?"

"Where I come from it's old fashioned."  Buffy adjusted her sword to sit more comfortably.

"Where did you learn to use a sword?"

"How did you - ?"

"You move as if you were born to it," Legolas nodded to Aragorn, "He noticed it as well.  That is why he tried to bait you with his words; he wanted to see what reaction you would have.  You only confirmed his suspicions by stomping over here."

"I do not stomp," Buffy said.  "I stride purposefully."

Legolas pulled a face and Buffy grinned, "Oh all right I might have stomped."

                At that moment Gandalf walked into the courtyard with the rest of the company in tow.  It had been decided that the company should travel in as much secrecy as possible.  It was imperative that they be inconspicuous so none carried a surfeit of weapons and they dressed as travelers not warriors.  Gimli was the only one of the group who openly wore a suit of mail but that was to be expected from a dwarf.  As they went over their gear once more to ensure they had everything Buffy heard Sam muttering something about rope and was about to question him when Elrond appeared.  He looked as elegant and wise as ever in his long flowing robes and he gave an eloquent speech to send them off on their way.  The company began filing out to start their journey as the elves of Rivendell bid them farewell.  Buffy saw Arwen looking down on them from one of the balconies and she waved goodbye but Arwen wasn't looking at Buffy.  Her blue gaze rested on Aragorn and he returned her look before touching something that hung at his neck and returning to his place at Gandalf's side.

They were nearly out of the courtyard when Buffy heard Elrond call her name.  She turned around.

"I hope you find your way home, Buffy daughter of Hank."

"I will."