Tolkien owns everything except for Buffy who is the property of Joss Whedon.

Really, Really sorry for the delay! Much appreciation for the reviews! They're what keeps me writing, even if I am a bit slow at it. Here is a sparkly new chapter and I hope you all enjoy it : )

Big Thanks to Fairy17fantasy@aol.com for naming the last chapter.

The Paths of the Dead

Before the sun rose Buffy had made herself several stakes. She tucked one at the small of her back with her daggers, another in her left boot, and the rest she threw in her bag. She would not be caught unprepared again. With a final glance to make sure she was forgetting nothing, Buffy stood and slung her pack over her shoulder. The sudden movement caused her arm to throb. She looked down at the scratches the vampire had give her the night before and frowned. That would be the last time she took her mithril coat off to sleep.

"How is you arm?" Legolas asked.

Buffy turned to find the Elf standing behind her and wondered how long he had been there.

"It's fine," she answered.

"Then why did you look pained when you picked up your pack?"

"It's a little sore," Buffy said defensively, "but it will be gone by tomorrow."

"Perhaps Aragorn should look at it," Legolas suggested.

"He already has."

"And?"

"And what?" Buffy asked exasperated.

"And what did he say?"

"He said it wasn't serious, then he smeared some smelly paste on it and wrapped it up."

Legolas appeared satisfied with this answer. He reached down to take her bag, which Buffy had dropped on the ground, and then paused.

"What is that in your boot?" he asked curiously.

"A stake," she answered.

"This is a weapon?"

"For vampires," Buffy explained. "A wooden stake through the heart is one of the ways to kill them."

"And the others?"

"Fire, sunlight, and beheading." She pulled out one of her extra stakes and handed it to the Elf. "You keep it, in case you need it."

"Thank you," he said. "Perhaps we should have stakes made for the whole company."

"There is not time."

Buffy and Legolas turned to see Aragorn approaching.

"And a great, good morning to you too," Buffy said.

"We must ride now, if we are to reach the Paths of the Dead by mid-morning," Aragorn stated grimly before turning to address the Elf. "Gimli wanted me to tell you that wishes to ride with Halbarad for awhile." With that Aragorn turned on his heel and left as abruptly as he had arrived.

"Boy, somebody woke up on the wrong side of his be - uh, blanket," mumbled Buffy.

"He is under considerable pressure," said Legolas.

"Yes, but he doesn't have to be such a grumpy pants about it."

"Grumpy pants?"

Buffy sighed, "I'll explain later."

* * *

They rode out just as the first rays dawn began to peek over the horizon. The journey would be mostly over rocky paths that led to the side of great, grey mountain. There were very few signs of life here, and what few trees there were seemed dead and black. A deep silence fell over the riders as they grew closer to their destination. The air became heavier, colder and an overwhelming sense of despair pressed in on them. It affected everyone, even the Elves.

Buffy shifted uncomfortably on her horse. The feeling of hopelessness that surrounded them seeped into her mind and she found herself dwelling on unpleasant, unhappy thoughts. Homesickness washed over her, quickly followed by a deep sense of guilt. She had not thought of Dawn and her friends for quite some time, there had just been so much going on. What kind of friend was she? What kind of sister was she? She was all Dawn had left, going home should be her number one priority . . . But it wasn't, she admitted. Her original purpose for joining the Fellowship had been to find a way home and now . . . Now, she wasn't sure if that was what she still wanted. She had become far too involved in Middle-Earth's struggle against evil and her time here had brought her to the realization that no matter what world she was in, she was still the Slayer. It was her duty to protect the world from darkness. Gee, Giles would be so proud, she thought sarcastically.

But, what about after the fight was over? If - when they defeated Sauron, would she be ready to return home? Unconsciously, her gaze slid to Legolas, who rode quietly by her side. She felt her stomach twist at the thought of being separated from him. The early morning sun fell on his pale hair, creating bright glow around him. He is so pretty, Buffy thought with a soft sigh. His arms were slender, but strong, and when he kissed her, she felt the most delicious warmth spread throughout her body. She wished he would kiss her right now, maybe it would chase away some of the coldness that had crept inside.

"You feel it too?" asked Legolas, turning to look at her.

Buffy felt her lips part in shock. Did he somehow know what she had been thinking? "Uh, feel what?"

He looked puzzled, "The sadness."

"Oh, yeah," Buffy replied quickly, "Sad, very sad."

"Are you alright?" Legolas studied her carefully. "Your face has gone all red."

"My face?" she stupidly repeated. "Red?"

He nodded.

"It's . . . it's . . ." she searched for a believable response. There was no way she was telling him what she had really been thinking. "It's because of the sadness. It makes me feel sad too." Well, it wasn't a complete lie.

The distant cry of a bird sounded overhead and Legolas's gaze flew upward. He searched the sky and relaxed when he saw the animal was just a sparrow. No dark spies here.

Buffy's memory was suddenly jogged at the shrill noise. She waited until she had the Elf's attention before asking, "Is there any reason you should be afraid of the sea?'

His eyes widened slightly in surprise, "Why do you ask?"

Buffy debated telling him about her dream, finally deciding against it. The whole thing was probably nothing more than a result of her extremely tired brain. "Um, I have a naturally inquisitive personality."

"That explains nothing," he said.

"All right, all right," she replied. "I had a dream. I was on this really pretty beach and there was this voice, and it said - at least I think it said, it was hard to hear over the birds -"

"Birds?"

"Seagulls, they were screeching and I couldn't hear very well. Anyway, the voice said that you should, 'beware of the sea'."

"This is not the first I have heard of this," Legolas admitted reluctantly. "Galadriel sent a message to me, through Gandalf."

He paused, not wanting to continue. He had not thought much on Galadriel's message, there had been so many other more important things that had occurred since then. He had no intention of seeking the Straight Road anytime soon and saw no reason to worry Buffy over it. He loved Middle-Earth and had no desire to leave it, especially now that she was here.

"And?" Buffy prompted.

"It is of no importance," he said.

"I think it is. After all, I dreamt about it."

"I do not know why you dreamed of this," he answered. "Perhaps it is just another result of this connection we share. As for what it means . . . there is no reason to worry. Much time will pass before I part from Middle-Earth."

"Part from -? Where are you going?"

"When it is their time, Elves begin to long for the sea -" Legolas began and then stopped. "Buffy, this is nothing to be concerned over."

Buffy studied the Elf carefully. His face was set in tense lines and his eyes refused to meet hers. "What aren't you telling me?"

Before he could answer, A cry went up from Aragorn and the riders came to a halt. Buffy turned to see that they had reached a hollow opening in the side of the mountain, nearly blocked from their sight by a large finger of stone.

"The Haunted Mountain," breathed Legolas, looking upwards.

"My blood runs chill," mumbled Gimli.

Aragorn motioned for them to enter the dark opening, but the horses immediately balked. They could sense the desolation of what lay before them and had no interest in going any further. The riders dismounted, intending to lead the beasts into the passage. Buffy untied her pack and reached inside, she had another apple and thought she might be able to bribe her horse with the fruit. As soon as she released the reins her horse snorted loudly and began backing up. Reaching out to grab at the dangling reins, Buffy was knocked backwards when her horse suddenly reared up and pawed at the air. She managed to scramble to her feet in time to watch the animal turn and gallop back in the direction they had come.

"Hey!" she called out after it. "Horse! Come back!"

The horse paid her no heed and continued its hasty retreat, leaving Buffy standing in the dust hold her pack.

"Let the animal go," said Aragorn. "We haven't the time to chase after it."

"Stupid horse," she grumbled.

With Aragorn in the lead, one by one they cautiously entered the passage. Buffy was left standing just before the entrance with a very hesitant Dwarf. The sense of despair and hopelessness she had felt earlier returned tenfold. No wonder Gimli didn't want to go in. She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before taking his hand and leading him over the dark threshold.

* * *

The blackness was overwhelming.

Buffy could hear herself gasping in the silence that greeted her inside. Shivering in the cold air, she watched as her breath fogged out in front of her face. A rush of warmth passed over her and a bright glow burst forth as Aragorn lit his torch. Buffy found the sudden light reassuring and she pulled Gimli towards it.

"Do you not hear them?" the Dwarf asked unsteadily.

"Who -" And then she did hear them. A hundred, whispering voices speaking all at once in unfamiliar languages. She clutched Gimli's hand tighter.

"Ow!" the Dwarf cried, pulling his hand away.

"Sorry," Buffy said.

They followed Aragorn down a long, narrow passage. Keeping her eyes trained on the dim light of the torch in front of her, Buffy tried not to notice the sense of dread weighing down on her. After entering a wide, empty space Aragorn discovered the remains of a soldier, but did not pause to inspect them. Crying out a summons for the Dead to follow, he led the company further into the dark.

Gloom settled over Buffy and she found herself falling into a deep depression. A thousand black thoughts tumbled through her mind. She had forgotten about Dawn, the only family she had left. She was a terrible sister. And the Vampire, she was the Slayer, but she had failed to do her duty and the demon had gotten away. It would come back for her, she knew this without a doubt. It was so strong, how could she defeat something so strong? She couldn't, she realized. The Vampire would kill her, but this time it would be permanent. She had the sudden desire to give up, to just lay down where she was and never get back up. Everything would be over, it would be so easy. Her eyes closed and drew in a deep breath.

"Buffy," a voice breathed into her ear. "Don't give in, pay no attention to the feelings, they are false."

She felt a hand slip around her waist and tug her close.

"Legolas?" Buffy mumbled. She pushed the dark thoughts aside and found strength in the Elf's nearness. "Don't let go?"

"Never."

The dread slowly subsided and Buffy found the weight that had been pressing in on her lift. She remained at Legolas's side, not because she still needed the comfort, but because it felt nice. They continued this way until Aragorn ordered them to remount and Gimli immediately appeared at Legolas's side.

"I should ride with you," the Dwarf said to the Elf. "I know how uncomfortable your kind are in closed in spaces, remember how afraid you were in Moria?"

"Afraid -" Legolas cried, outraged, but Gimli continued nonplussed.

"You could use the support of a Dwarf, in a place like this," he finished.

Buffy knew that if anyone were afraid down here it was Gimli. He was having a difficult time dealing with the despair they were experiencing, and considering what she herself had just gone through, she didn't blame him. If the Dwarf felt better riding with his friend Buffy wouldn't stop him. Reluctantly letting go of Legolas and she smiled at Gimli.

"I think that is a great idea," she said.

"What!?" said Legolas.

"You know how Elves are afraid of the dark," she winked at Legolas and he rolled his eyes. Ha! Buffy thought. She was rubbing off on him.

"You still need someone to ride with," Legolas said.

"She may ride with me," Elrohir offered.

Legolas did not seem to like this idea very much, but Buffy paid him no mind. She accepted Elrohir's hand and was pulled up before him in a flash.

"All settled," she said attempting to adjust her position. It was strange to sit so close to someone you barely knew. She sat tense, with her back straight, trying to put distance between them. Elrohir wasn't having it, and he pulled her back against him, while Legolas glared in their direction.

"Relax, you're too tense," he said placing an arm around her waist.

Buffy did as she was told, but not before pinching him on the arm. "You're just doing this to get at Legolas."

"Yes, he is very easy to tease," Elrohir admitted.

They began to descend down a steep road. The horses took slow cautious steps, but did not bolt. Legolas turned to look back at Buffy, and as he did so his eyes glittered in surprise.

"The Dead are following," he said. "I see shapes of Men and of horses, and pale banners like shreds of a cloud."

Buffy stiffened when he said this and Elrohir tightened his hold on her.

"You are afraid?" he asked.

"Hardly," she rolled her eyes and knocked the Elf's hand away. She turned and peered over Elrohir's shoulder. Sure enough, riding behind them was a mass of pale, wispy forms. Buffy raised her eyebrows and said, "Huh, yeah, they look dead alright."

After a while the company came out of the passage and into the cool, fresh air. Laid out before them was a vast valley that twinkled in the dusky light from the many homes of Men that rested there.

"Friends, forget you weariness!" Aragorn cried. "We must ride! We must reach the Stone of Erech ere this day passes, and long still is the way."

With that the riders passed down from the mountain and over the land. They rode until their horses stumbled with weariness and they came at last to the Hill of Erech. A round, black stone sat atop the hill, half buried in the ground.

"Oh, great," Buffy said. "Another big, round rock."