The torches were lit in the chambers and corridors of Meduseld when Eowyn,
the king's niece, walked furtively to a room at the rear of the golden
hall. With her she carried a tray of bread, cheese and fruit, and also some
salted meats and wine. She halted at a large oak door and paused to listen
to the conversation inside.
"Why are they making us stay here?" She heard a male voice ask annoyed and whining. "It's not like we are dangerous."
"Hey speak for yourself, I know I am." Eowyn heard a woman's voice reply. Yet another commented.
"It's not like they locked the door or anything, that old guy just asked us to wait here. He seemed okay."
"B," the other female voice returned "I don't know what happened out there but it couldn't have been a good thing." Eowyn took this opportunity of broken conversation and knocked three times on the door.
"Come in." She heard a male voice sing sweetly in reply. Eowyn entered and saw the three sitting on low chairs by the fireside. She placed the tray on a nearby table and walked a little into the room closing the door behind her. The three in the chairs looked back, silent, eyebrows raised in question.
"I am lady Eowyn," she started. "I am here to offer welcome to Edoras and the hall of Theoden, king of Rohan." Still the three sat silent. "I have also brought you food, you must be weary and in need of it." The man rose from his chair and walked to the tray on the table.
"Ooh cheese, I like cheese," he began. "Thanks Eowyn, I'm Andrew."
"Welcome Lord Andrew," Eowyn replied.
Andrew nearly choked on the huge amounts of cheese he had in his mouth. He had dreamt of being addressed as Lord, but never before had it happened. With a quizzical look she turned from Andrew to the two women still sitting in the gleam of the flames.
"Faith." One said simply. Eowyn realised this indeed was her name.
"Welcome Lady Faith-,"
"Hey, hey, hey," Faith interrupted "You can drop all that Lady stuff."
"That's for sure," Andrew mumbled to himself between filling his mouth with chunks of bread, though quietly enough as to not let the Slayer hear.
"It's just Faith."
"As you wish, Faith," Eowyn answered with a smile. She had been referred to as Lady Eowyn all her life, and to the rules and expectations that were tied to the title. She loved this woman's fire.
Eowyn now looked lastly to the blonde maiden. Her eyes were narrowed obviously trying to figure out if this 'Eowyn' could be trusted. After a time she said
"I'm Buffy Eowyn, nice to meet you." Before Eowyn could reply Buffy started again. "Just Buffy is fine, and call him Andrew."
Buffy turned dangerously to him. Andrew coughed and spluttered on the red wine he was now drinking and pouted furiously. He wanted to be addressed as Lord but knew better then to cross the other Slayer.
Faith stood up and walked to Andrew's side by the table. She picked up a piece of beef and bit into it. She nodded in satisfaction then looked to Eowyn.
"So now all the hugs and fairy dust are out of the way, would you mind telling us what's going on?"
Eowyn looked sheepishly at them. She had been requested by Gandalf to answer none of their questions until he had had council with them. She however did not seem to care and centred herself.
"I will do my best to answer what you ask of me."
"Well I-," Andrew began.
"Shut up," Buffy and Faith yelled at him. Andrew frowned and sat back near the fire, now nibbling on several pieces of apple. Buffy motioned Eowyn to sit, and she did.
"How did we get here?" Buffy asked. She knew immediately that they were no longer in their nice Hellmouthy town, but indeed, had no memory of anything since the time of the spell, to when she had woken in the king's grand chamber, bound and surrounded by guards.
"You were found far out in the planes surrounding Edoras," Eowyn began to answer. "A scouting party of the Rohirrim came upon you and brought you to Meduseld." She looked quickly between the two and continued.
"You did not look of Elven kind, but of our own kin. They thought you travellers from the far west. When you arrived you were all unconscious yet did not seem to be harmed in any other way. I asked the king to allow you quarters for rest though Grima disagreed and demanded that you be questioned."
"Grima?" Buffy asked.
"I'm guessing little slime heap sucking up the kings aaa-," Buffy had wide eyes and Faith caught on. For now at least she had to watch her language. Faith turned back to Eowyn and with a big grin said "as you were saying?" Eowyn smiled politely and continued.
"After the, disturbance," Buffy and Faith could hardly hide their amusement at what Eowyn deemed 'disturbance' "and Gandalf,"
"Old guy," Buffy shot to Faith.
"Had asked that you wait here, he took council with the king. They expelled Grima from the kingdom then looked to perils in other lands. They thought other matters more pressing then strangers from afar."
Buffy and Faith looked a bit downhearted at the fact they didn't warrant more attention.
"Is everything all right?" Eowyn questioned at their sad expressions.
"Oh. Yeah, fine, please keep going," Buffy said a little drawn back from Eowyn's unexpected concern. Again Eowyn smiled and continued.
"While in council they bade me not come to you, but I refused."
"Ooo a rule breaker, I like that," Faith said thoroughly impressed. Eowyn tried to hide her deep blush then focussed again on her story.
"The king seemed to be concerned that you were spies of Saruman." Eowyn saw the confused looks of the women.
"Saruman is an evil man, wicked in every way. He is the one that enslaved the king with his dark magic and sought control over Rohan. He is a mighty sorcerer with devilish armies that hate man and all they stand for."
A low whimper came from the fireside. The three turned to see Andrew hiding half his face behind the chair, extremely unimpressed at how this tale had turned. Faith clicked her tongue.
"Forget about that," - by 'that' meaning Andrew - "keep it coming." Eowyn continued.
"When I said I would not let you starve or be treated like beasts, Theoden gave me leave to come to you. You will have food and rest, then at the dawn," Buffy's stomach lurched at that word. Dawn, she thought, the potentials. It was clear however she could do nothing at this moment to find her way back to them.
"You will meet with Theoden and Gandalf, and lord Aragorn and his companions, Legolas of Mirkwood and Gimli son of Gloin. There your fate and purpose will be decided." Neither of the Slayers liked the word fate, yet both felt confident that no harm would befall them.
Eowyn looked out the arched window and saw the brilliant white moon glowing warmly in the sky. She turned back.
"The hour grows late and you need your rest. I will answer nor ask more questions this night. Through that door," Eowyn pointed to a beautifully carven redwood door by the fireside "are beds I hope you find suitable enough for your accommodation. I will be back before the sun rises to make you ready for the day."
Eowyn stood. Her golden hair flowed behind her as she walked to the door. She did not fear these people in any way. She knew them not to be dangerous to her or to any of her company. Eowyn even felt that they were kindred spirits to her own, though she could not explain why. She opened the carven oak door and turned before closing it. With a genuine warm smile she finished, looking to each of them in turn.
"Goodnight Faith, Buffy, Andrew." With that she closed the door, and the Slayers heard her soft footsteps fading away along the torch lit corridor.
Buffy let out a great sigh.
"What's up?" Faith questioned. "We'll get out of here soon. That Gandalf guy seems up with what's going on."
"Yeah I guess," Buffy agreed. "It's just I'm worried about everybody back home with the First out and about and all."
"Don't worry B," Faith said reassuringly "Angel and Spike are with them. They'll make sure everything's five by five."
"Your right," Buffy concluded with a firm nod. She yawned loudly and stood up stretching.
"Bed sounds good. You coming Andrew?" she asked him. With that there was a thud as Andrew fell out of his chair, snoring loudly, strewn on the ground in front of the gleaming embers.
"Eh," Faith shrugged picking up the tray of food and the jug of wine "all the more for us." With wicked grins they retreated to their accommodation leaving him on the hard, cold, stone floor.
***
"Buffy. Faith. It is time for you both to waken. You must soon meet with the king."
Buffy opened her eyes and let out a moan quickly closing them again. She was so comfortable and warm and did not feel she could get out of bed. Reluctantly she sat up and smiled at Eowyn.
"M-morning," Buffy yawned.
"This is way too early for morning," Faith replied rubbing her eyes. The Slayers looked blearily at each other. It seemed they may have had a little too much wine.
Eowyn who had motioned out of the room now returned carrying a silver jug. She walked to two stone basins sitting under the window and filled them with warm water.
"Your garb is foreign to us," Eowyn started. "So I hope this clothing will suffice."
She pointed to a low sitting chair at one end of the room. On it lie two dresses, one of deep emerald green and the other a brilliant scarlet.
"They are both of my wardrobe," Eowyn told them "I was sure they would fit."
Buffy looked stunned but appreciative. She and Faith walked towards the dresses to observe them more closely.
"Thanks," Buffy said kindly
"Dresses?" was all that Faith could seem to manage. Buffy nudged Faith's arm.
"Yeah?... Oh, thanks Eowyn, they are cool." Faith still looked disheartened at the fact she would soon be in a dress.
"If you give your clothes to me," Eowyn told them hurriedly "they will be tended to and returned promptly."
Both Slayers fully relieved threw their pants, tees, jackets and underwear at Eowyn who caught them in a fluster. They covered themselves in the towels Eowyn had laid at the foot of their beds and walked to the basins.
"I will leave you to ready," Eowyn said with a smile. She opened the door and left.
Faith and Buffy washed themselves as best they could with the water from their basin. They managed to get rid of their weariness, so were moderately happy.
"Man I would kill for a shower and some soap," Faith grimaced as she tried to get the last bits of dirt from under her nails.
Buffy laughed and looked into the distance through the open arched window of their lodgings. A sweet, fragrant breeze crossed her face as she looked to the coming dawn. The sky above them was still black and filled with stars, while far in the east the sky began to grow pink and bright. Buffy thought to herself though, that it was not warm and inviting and that something like shadow was trying to halt the suns coming. Nothing more then vacant thought she shook it off and turned to Faith.
"I bags the green."
"Fine," said Faith not particularly worried "the red will match my eyes." They dressed quickly and left the room behind them.
As they entered the chamber they had been in the night before, they met Andrew who was running around making buzzing noises with a candlestick.
"And I thought I looked ridiculous," Faith smirked. Andrew caught sight of them and stopped dead. With a weak grin he placed the candlestick down on the mantle above the heath.
"Morning ladies," he said with a wide grin. Faith looked longingly at him.
"How come he gets to wear pants?" she asked forlornly to no one in particular.
Andrew was dressed as a true lord of Rohan. From sturdy grey boots to dark pants, white shirt and green leather vest, Buffy, while only for a second, thought he could pass for an 1820's gentleman. Andrew walked over to them and stooped in a low bow. Faith rolled her eyes and pushed Andrew forcibly to the ground before walking to the platter of food Eowyn had laid out for them, much the same as the night before.
"Ow," Andrew exclaimed, pouting once again and rubbing his bottom as he stood. "Buffy do something." Buffy simply gave him a vacant stare, frowned a little, then went and joined Faith in breakfast.
After a hurried meal they heard again a knock at the door. Eowyn entered looking a little anxious.
"You are ready? Good. The king is waiting." Before leaving Andrew grabbed a last hunk of cheese.
They followed Eowyn out of their room and down a stone corridor. Now, unlike the night before, they had time to admire the beautiful tapestries hanging on the wall, illuminated by the torchlight. It seemed to them forever, walking the halls, admiring the ancient splendour of Meduseld. Eowyn stopped them before a large archway and took a deep breath. Buffy thought Eowyn was going to vomit and saw she seemed more nervous then the three of them.
"Here is where I must leave you," she spoke bitterly. "Through here you will meet the king." She looked to each of them and spoke in a hurried whisper. "Do not fear to speak the truth. Lord Theoden and the others can be trusted." Eowyn gave a reassuring smile and ushered them into the hall.
"Ooh, check out the blonde hottie," Faith spoke softly, extremely impressed.
"Mmm," Buffy and Andrew mused in reply. The Slayers looked to him. Andrew swallowed hard and said "nice cheese," holding up the last morsels.
Now they turned their attention again to the people in the great hall. All stood as they approached. The 'old guy' walked towards them with a look of business about him.
"Welcome my Lord and Ladies to the hall of Theoden, king of Rohan."
"Should we applaud or something?" Faith asked Buffy out of the corner of her mouth. "He sounds pretty damn excited."
"Shh," Buffy returned. "Just stay quiet, smile and nod." All three followed her direction.
"I am Gandalf,"
"Buffy,"
"Faith,"
"Andrew," they shot back at him. Smiling politely he replied
"Ah, well then, come and sit."
Chairs were arranged at the end of the hall, tall and handsome with small ornate carvings on them. Silk cushions sat upon their base. All were filled, except for Gandalf's by the king's throne, and three others sitting side by side in front of the raised platform. Gandalf motioned them to sit.
"This is Theoden, son of Thengel, lord of these lands." Buffy, Faith and Andrew now seated in front of the others, smiled and nodded in unison.
"Welcome," said Theoden "to my hall." Gandalf continued with the introductions.
"Aragorn son of Arathorn," Aragorn put his hand to his heart and bowed slightly in welcome. "Legolas son of Thranduil," Faith caught his eye and smiled seductively raising and eyebrow at him. Legolas shifted in his seat and returned a frail smile. His cheeks had gone slightly pink. "And lastly, Gimli son of Gloin," finished Gandalf and returned to his chair.
Faith, though reluctantly, stole her eyes from Legolas to look at Gimli. She had seen him before, but like legolas had not taken him in.
"Nice beard," she found herself saying unconsciously and rather loud. Buffy and Andrew looked horrified. The others however grinned.
"Oh, thankyou Lady Faith," Gimli beamed back at her. The Slayers and Andrew looked to him.
"Yes," Theoden cut across their wonder "Lady Eowyn informed us of you. That is why you have been welcomed most highly." The three of them sighed a collective relief. They weren't in any trouble.
Theoden began again. "She has told us what she could but most is still unasked and unanswered on both our parts."
Gandalf took his cue and began.
"Eowyn has told you how you came to be here." He paused for a moment looking down upon them. "But more importantly, we would like to know how you came to be in Middle-Earth."
Faith looked around and saw five pairs of eyes intently taking them in.
"Um - um," Buffy stuttered trying to think of something to say.
"Mr Gandalf sir," Andrew cut across her "Well, we don't really know."
Gandalf frowned deeply at him, thought, to Andrew's relief his ancient blue eyes held no malice towards them. Buffy and Faith shot a deadly glance to Andrew warning him to not speak again. He cowered and lowered his head accepting defeat.
Buffy had a war raging in her mind. She was stuck in god knows where, with the First on the loose back in Sunnydale. She wondered could these people really be trusted. She had to get home and she knew that the truth would be the fastest way. She gave a sombre frown to Faith. It seemed the Slayers both agreed.
"We came from a place called Sunnydale, which, by the looks of things, is nowhere around here." Buffy wondered if the men in front of her may try to interrupt, though thankfully she thought, they did not. She sighed and continued. "It's not the greatest place to live but it's home." Buffy was now stuck for words. What did she tell them next?
"Into every generation a girl is born. One in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will have the strength and skill to stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness, to stop the spread of their evil." Faith now looked deep into Gandalf's eyes "she is the Slayer."
There was complete silence in the room. Buffy was shocked at what Faith had told them. Gandalf cleared his throat.
"And you are this 'Slayer'?"
"Well," Faith began in reply gesturing to Buffy "We kinda both are. It's a long story."
For hours they sat discussing things of both their worlds, learning much from each other. All, the Slayers told these people. Even of the coming of the First, to which they were very concerned, and of the suspected spell that brought them here, while intending to banish their foe.
"It is clear," Gandalf spoke again "that we do not know by what power you should return to your world. However, I am sure indeed that an answer will arise." He shot a sideways glance to Theoden who bowed his head ever so slightly. "But know," he began once more "we must ask what is to become of you."
Pits of angst opened in the stomaches of the Slayers and Andrew. What were they going to do now?
"Indeed," Theoden spoke loud and true "Evil approaches from all directions and we are to take shelter in the great fortress of Rohan, Helm's Deep." Still he spoke clear and strong to the three. "We now some, stand united, of Elves, Dwarves and Men. I do ask that we be honoured most highly again, to have you join us as companions." The three gazed around the room and saw the smiles and gleams of joy and hope in each of the faces before them.
Buffy and Faith turned to each other and spoke in a whisper. They did not realise however that by the skill of the party, all in the room could even still hear all that was said.
"I don't know," Buffy said apprehensively "It's like we are their new pretty weapon or something."
"B, what else we gonna do? Gandalf is the closest we have to a way home, I say we go with."
"Does anyone want my opinion?" Andrew asked warily
"No," both Slayers spat at him
"Your right," Buffy concluded, taking in all that she had heard. "Let's go with."
The three turned to face them again. The five in front hastened to hide their delight, as not to reveal that they already knew their answer.
"We're in," Faith told them with another seductive look at legolas.
"Yes!" Gimli growled jovially. The others simply beamed.
"Very well," Theoden spoke again. "We set out at the new moon with all the party of Edoras. Lady Buffy, Lord Andrew," Andrew shot a triumphant look to Buffy
"Lady Faith, we shall celebrate tonight at your joining with our company, and toast to an everlasting friendship."
Eowyn at Theoden's call returned to the hall and beckoned the three away.
"I am most glad you are joining us," she spoke with utmost elation.
"We are glad too, Eowyn," Andrew told her happily. Eowyn smiled back.
"Tonight we celebrate new beginnings in the face of battle. I know now we will be triumphant."
As the three entered their room and Faith saw thankfully her Slayer clothes laid out for her on her bed, she turned to Buffy
"Tonight is gonna rock."
"Uh-ha," Buffy giggled back. Andrew still stood, struck dumb in the corridor calling after Eowyn
"Battle?" He asked feebly
"Why are they making us stay here?" She heard a male voice ask annoyed and whining. "It's not like we are dangerous."
"Hey speak for yourself, I know I am." Eowyn heard a woman's voice reply. Yet another commented.
"It's not like they locked the door or anything, that old guy just asked us to wait here. He seemed okay."
"B," the other female voice returned "I don't know what happened out there but it couldn't have been a good thing." Eowyn took this opportunity of broken conversation and knocked three times on the door.
"Come in." She heard a male voice sing sweetly in reply. Eowyn entered and saw the three sitting on low chairs by the fireside. She placed the tray on a nearby table and walked a little into the room closing the door behind her. The three in the chairs looked back, silent, eyebrows raised in question.
"I am lady Eowyn," she started. "I am here to offer welcome to Edoras and the hall of Theoden, king of Rohan." Still the three sat silent. "I have also brought you food, you must be weary and in need of it." The man rose from his chair and walked to the tray on the table.
"Ooh cheese, I like cheese," he began. "Thanks Eowyn, I'm Andrew."
"Welcome Lord Andrew," Eowyn replied.
Andrew nearly choked on the huge amounts of cheese he had in his mouth. He had dreamt of being addressed as Lord, but never before had it happened. With a quizzical look she turned from Andrew to the two women still sitting in the gleam of the flames.
"Faith." One said simply. Eowyn realised this indeed was her name.
"Welcome Lady Faith-,"
"Hey, hey, hey," Faith interrupted "You can drop all that Lady stuff."
"That's for sure," Andrew mumbled to himself between filling his mouth with chunks of bread, though quietly enough as to not let the Slayer hear.
"It's just Faith."
"As you wish, Faith," Eowyn answered with a smile. She had been referred to as Lady Eowyn all her life, and to the rules and expectations that were tied to the title. She loved this woman's fire.
Eowyn now looked lastly to the blonde maiden. Her eyes were narrowed obviously trying to figure out if this 'Eowyn' could be trusted. After a time she said
"I'm Buffy Eowyn, nice to meet you." Before Eowyn could reply Buffy started again. "Just Buffy is fine, and call him Andrew."
Buffy turned dangerously to him. Andrew coughed and spluttered on the red wine he was now drinking and pouted furiously. He wanted to be addressed as Lord but knew better then to cross the other Slayer.
Faith stood up and walked to Andrew's side by the table. She picked up a piece of beef and bit into it. She nodded in satisfaction then looked to Eowyn.
"So now all the hugs and fairy dust are out of the way, would you mind telling us what's going on?"
Eowyn looked sheepishly at them. She had been requested by Gandalf to answer none of their questions until he had had council with them. She however did not seem to care and centred herself.
"I will do my best to answer what you ask of me."
"Well I-," Andrew began.
"Shut up," Buffy and Faith yelled at him. Andrew frowned and sat back near the fire, now nibbling on several pieces of apple. Buffy motioned Eowyn to sit, and she did.
"How did we get here?" Buffy asked. She knew immediately that they were no longer in their nice Hellmouthy town, but indeed, had no memory of anything since the time of the spell, to when she had woken in the king's grand chamber, bound and surrounded by guards.
"You were found far out in the planes surrounding Edoras," Eowyn began to answer. "A scouting party of the Rohirrim came upon you and brought you to Meduseld." She looked quickly between the two and continued.
"You did not look of Elven kind, but of our own kin. They thought you travellers from the far west. When you arrived you were all unconscious yet did not seem to be harmed in any other way. I asked the king to allow you quarters for rest though Grima disagreed and demanded that you be questioned."
"Grima?" Buffy asked.
"I'm guessing little slime heap sucking up the kings aaa-," Buffy had wide eyes and Faith caught on. For now at least she had to watch her language. Faith turned back to Eowyn and with a big grin said "as you were saying?" Eowyn smiled politely and continued.
"After the, disturbance," Buffy and Faith could hardly hide their amusement at what Eowyn deemed 'disturbance' "and Gandalf,"
"Old guy," Buffy shot to Faith.
"Had asked that you wait here, he took council with the king. They expelled Grima from the kingdom then looked to perils in other lands. They thought other matters more pressing then strangers from afar."
Buffy and Faith looked a bit downhearted at the fact they didn't warrant more attention.
"Is everything all right?" Eowyn questioned at their sad expressions.
"Oh. Yeah, fine, please keep going," Buffy said a little drawn back from Eowyn's unexpected concern. Again Eowyn smiled and continued.
"While in council they bade me not come to you, but I refused."
"Ooo a rule breaker, I like that," Faith said thoroughly impressed. Eowyn tried to hide her deep blush then focussed again on her story.
"The king seemed to be concerned that you were spies of Saruman." Eowyn saw the confused looks of the women.
"Saruman is an evil man, wicked in every way. He is the one that enslaved the king with his dark magic and sought control over Rohan. He is a mighty sorcerer with devilish armies that hate man and all they stand for."
A low whimper came from the fireside. The three turned to see Andrew hiding half his face behind the chair, extremely unimpressed at how this tale had turned. Faith clicked her tongue.
"Forget about that," - by 'that' meaning Andrew - "keep it coming." Eowyn continued.
"When I said I would not let you starve or be treated like beasts, Theoden gave me leave to come to you. You will have food and rest, then at the dawn," Buffy's stomach lurched at that word. Dawn, she thought, the potentials. It was clear however she could do nothing at this moment to find her way back to them.
"You will meet with Theoden and Gandalf, and lord Aragorn and his companions, Legolas of Mirkwood and Gimli son of Gloin. There your fate and purpose will be decided." Neither of the Slayers liked the word fate, yet both felt confident that no harm would befall them.
Eowyn looked out the arched window and saw the brilliant white moon glowing warmly in the sky. She turned back.
"The hour grows late and you need your rest. I will answer nor ask more questions this night. Through that door," Eowyn pointed to a beautifully carven redwood door by the fireside "are beds I hope you find suitable enough for your accommodation. I will be back before the sun rises to make you ready for the day."
Eowyn stood. Her golden hair flowed behind her as she walked to the door. She did not fear these people in any way. She knew them not to be dangerous to her or to any of her company. Eowyn even felt that they were kindred spirits to her own, though she could not explain why. She opened the carven oak door and turned before closing it. With a genuine warm smile she finished, looking to each of them in turn.
"Goodnight Faith, Buffy, Andrew." With that she closed the door, and the Slayers heard her soft footsteps fading away along the torch lit corridor.
Buffy let out a great sigh.
"What's up?" Faith questioned. "We'll get out of here soon. That Gandalf guy seems up with what's going on."
"Yeah I guess," Buffy agreed. "It's just I'm worried about everybody back home with the First out and about and all."
"Don't worry B," Faith said reassuringly "Angel and Spike are with them. They'll make sure everything's five by five."
"Your right," Buffy concluded with a firm nod. She yawned loudly and stood up stretching.
"Bed sounds good. You coming Andrew?" she asked him. With that there was a thud as Andrew fell out of his chair, snoring loudly, strewn on the ground in front of the gleaming embers.
"Eh," Faith shrugged picking up the tray of food and the jug of wine "all the more for us." With wicked grins they retreated to their accommodation leaving him on the hard, cold, stone floor.
***
"Buffy. Faith. It is time for you both to waken. You must soon meet with the king."
Buffy opened her eyes and let out a moan quickly closing them again. She was so comfortable and warm and did not feel she could get out of bed. Reluctantly she sat up and smiled at Eowyn.
"M-morning," Buffy yawned.
"This is way too early for morning," Faith replied rubbing her eyes. The Slayers looked blearily at each other. It seemed they may have had a little too much wine.
Eowyn who had motioned out of the room now returned carrying a silver jug. She walked to two stone basins sitting under the window and filled them with warm water.
"Your garb is foreign to us," Eowyn started. "So I hope this clothing will suffice."
She pointed to a low sitting chair at one end of the room. On it lie two dresses, one of deep emerald green and the other a brilliant scarlet.
"They are both of my wardrobe," Eowyn told them "I was sure they would fit."
Buffy looked stunned but appreciative. She and Faith walked towards the dresses to observe them more closely.
"Thanks," Buffy said kindly
"Dresses?" was all that Faith could seem to manage. Buffy nudged Faith's arm.
"Yeah?... Oh, thanks Eowyn, they are cool." Faith still looked disheartened at the fact she would soon be in a dress.
"If you give your clothes to me," Eowyn told them hurriedly "they will be tended to and returned promptly."
Both Slayers fully relieved threw their pants, tees, jackets and underwear at Eowyn who caught them in a fluster. They covered themselves in the towels Eowyn had laid at the foot of their beds and walked to the basins.
"I will leave you to ready," Eowyn said with a smile. She opened the door and left.
Faith and Buffy washed themselves as best they could with the water from their basin. They managed to get rid of their weariness, so were moderately happy.
"Man I would kill for a shower and some soap," Faith grimaced as she tried to get the last bits of dirt from under her nails.
Buffy laughed and looked into the distance through the open arched window of their lodgings. A sweet, fragrant breeze crossed her face as she looked to the coming dawn. The sky above them was still black and filled with stars, while far in the east the sky began to grow pink and bright. Buffy thought to herself though, that it was not warm and inviting and that something like shadow was trying to halt the suns coming. Nothing more then vacant thought she shook it off and turned to Faith.
"I bags the green."
"Fine," said Faith not particularly worried "the red will match my eyes." They dressed quickly and left the room behind them.
As they entered the chamber they had been in the night before, they met Andrew who was running around making buzzing noises with a candlestick.
"And I thought I looked ridiculous," Faith smirked. Andrew caught sight of them and stopped dead. With a weak grin he placed the candlestick down on the mantle above the heath.
"Morning ladies," he said with a wide grin. Faith looked longingly at him.
"How come he gets to wear pants?" she asked forlornly to no one in particular.
Andrew was dressed as a true lord of Rohan. From sturdy grey boots to dark pants, white shirt and green leather vest, Buffy, while only for a second, thought he could pass for an 1820's gentleman. Andrew walked over to them and stooped in a low bow. Faith rolled her eyes and pushed Andrew forcibly to the ground before walking to the platter of food Eowyn had laid out for them, much the same as the night before.
"Ow," Andrew exclaimed, pouting once again and rubbing his bottom as he stood. "Buffy do something." Buffy simply gave him a vacant stare, frowned a little, then went and joined Faith in breakfast.
After a hurried meal they heard again a knock at the door. Eowyn entered looking a little anxious.
"You are ready? Good. The king is waiting." Before leaving Andrew grabbed a last hunk of cheese.
They followed Eowyn out of their room and down a stone corridor. Now, unlike the night before, they had time to admire the beautiful tapestries hanging on the wall, illuminated by the torchlight. It seemed to them forever, walking the halls, admiring the ancient splendour of Meduseld. Eowyn stopped them before a large archway and took a deep breath. Buffy thought Eowyn was going to vomit and saw she seemed more nervous then the three of them.
"Here is where I must leave you," she spoke bitterly. "Through here you will meet the king." She looked to each of them and spoke in a hurried whisper. "Do not fear to speak the truth. Lord Theoden and the others can be trusted." Eowyn gave a reassuring smile and ushered them into the hall.
"Ooh, check out the blonde hottie," Faith spoke softly, extremely impressed.
"Mmm," Buffy and Andrew mused in reply. The Slayers looked to him. Andrew swallowed hard and said "nice cheese," holding up the last morsels.
Now they turned their attention again to the people in the great hall. All stood as they approached. The 'old guy' walked towards them with a look of business about him.
"Welcome my Lord and Ladies to the hall of Theoden, king of Rohan."
"Should we applaud or something?" Faith asked Buffy out of the corner of her mouth. "He sounds pretty damn excited."
"Shh," Buffy returned. "Just stay quiet, smile and nod." All three followed her direction.
"I am Gandalf,"
"Buffy,"
"Faith,"
"Andrew," they shot back at him. Smiling politely he replied
"Ah, well then, come and sit."
Chairs were arranged at the end of the hall, tall and handsome with small ornate carvings on them. Silk cushions sat upon their base. All were filled, except for Gandalf's by the king's throne, and three others sitting side by side in front of the raised platform. Gandalf motioned them to sit.
"This is Theoden, son of Thengel, lord of these lands." Buffy, Faith and Andrew now seated in front of the others, smiled and nodded in unison.
"Welcome," said Theoden "to my hall." Gandalf continued with the introductions.
"Aragorn son of Arathorn," Aragorn put his hand to his heart and bowed slightly in welcome. "Legolas son of Thranduil," Faith caught his eye and smiled seductively raising and eyebrow at him. Legolas shifted in his seat and returned a frail smile. His cheeks had gone slightly pink. "And lastly, Gimli son of Gloin," finished Gandalf and returned to his chair.
Faith, though reluctantly, stole her eyes from Legolas to look at Gimli. She had seen him before, but like legolas had not taken him in.
"Nice beard," she found herself saying unconsciously and rather loud. Buffy and Andrew looked horrified. The others however grinned.
"Oh, thankyou Lady Faith," Gimli beamed back at her. The Slayers and Andrew looked to him.
"Yes," Theoden cut across their wonder "Lady Eowyn informed us of you. That is why you have been welcomed most highly." The three of them sighed a collective relief. They weren't in any trouble.
Theoden began again. "She has told us what she could but most is still unasked and unanswered on both our parts."
Gandalf took his cue and began.
"Eowyn has told you how you came to be here." He paused for a moment looking down upon them. "But more importantly, we would like to know how you came to be in Middle-Earth."
Faith looked around and saw five pairs of eyes intently taking them in.
"Um - um," Buffy stuttered trying to think of something to say.
"Mr Gandalf sir," Andrew cut across her "Well, we don't really know."
Gandalf frowned deeply at him, thought, to Andrew's relief his ancient blue eyes held no malice towards them. Buffy and Faith shot a deadly glance to Andrew warning him to not speak again. He cowered and lowered his head accepting defeat.
Buffy had a war raging in her mind. She was stuck in god knows where, with the First on the loose back in Sunnydale. She wondered could these people really be trusted. She had to get home and she knew that the truth would be the fastest way. She gave a sombre frown to Faith. It seemed the Slayers both agreed.
"We came from a place called Sunnydale, which, by the looks of things, is nowhere around here." Buffy wondered if the men in front of her may try to interrupt, though thankfully she thought, they did not. She sighed and continued. "It's not the greatest place to live but it's home." Buffy was now stuck for words. What did she tell them next?
"Into every generation a girl is born. One in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will have the strength and skill to stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness, to stop the spread of their evil." Faith now looked deep into Gandalf's eyes "she is the Slayer."
There was complete silence in the room. Buffy was shocked at what Faith had told them. Gandalf cleared his throat.
"And you are this 'Slayer'?"
"Well," Faith began in reply gesturing to Buffy "We kinda both are. It's a long story."
For hours they sat discussing things of both their worlds, learning much from each other. All, the Slayers told these people. Even of the coming of the First, to which they were very concerned, and of the suspected spell that brought them here, while intending to banish their foe.
"It is clear," Gandalf spoke again "that we do not know by what power you should return to your world. However, I am sure indeed that an answer will arise." He shot a sideways glance to Theoden who bowed his head ever so slightly. "But know," he began once more "we must ask what is to become of you."
Pits of angst opened in the stomaches of the Slayers and Andrew. What were they going to do now?
"Indeed," Theoden spoke loud and true "Evil approaches from all directions and we are to take shelter in the great fortress of Rohan, Helm's Deep." Still he spoke clear and strong to the three. "We now some, stand united, of Elves, Dwarves and Men. I do ask that we be honoured most highly again, to have you join us as companions." The three gazed around the room and saw the smiles and gleams of joy and hope in each of the faces before them.
Buffy and Faith turned to each other and spoke in a whisper. They did not realise however that by the skill of the party, all in the room could even still hear all that was said.
"I don't know," Buffy said apprehensively "It's like we are their new pretty weapon or something."
"B, what else we gonna do? Gandalf is the closest we have to a way home, I say we go with."
"Does anyone want my opinion?" Andrew asked warily
"No," both Slayers spat at him
"Your right," Buffy concluded, taking in all that she had heard. "Let's go with."
The three turned to face them again. The five in front hastened to hide their delight, as not to reveal that they already knew their answer.
"We're in," Faith told them with another seductive look at legolas.
"Yes!" Gimli growled jovially. The others simply beamed.
"Very well," Theoden spoke again. "We set out at the new moon with all the party of Edoras. Lady Buffy, Lord Andrew," Andrew shot a triumphant look to Buffy
"Lady Faith, we shall celebrate tonight at your joining with our company, and toast to an everlasting friendship."
Eowyn at Theoden's call returned to the hall and beckoned the three away.
"I am most glad you are joining us," she spoke with utmost elation.
"We are glad too, Eowyn," Andrew told her happily. Eowyn smiled back.
"Tonight we celebrate new beginnings in the face of battle. I know now we will be triumphant."
As the three entered their room and Faith saw thankfully her Slayer clothes laid out for her on her bed, she turned to Buffy
"Tonight is gonna rock."
"Uh-ha," Buffy giggled back. Andrew still stood, struck dumb in the corridor calling after Eowyn
"Battle?" He asked feebly