Title: Moon Rune
Author: GundamNymph
E-mail: runttie@cybertours.com
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The three Slayers of our time are sent to Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance to come. L/E A/A F/C B/D
Feed back: Please review, even if it's a one liner, so I know there are people reading.
Warning: Uh, violence, and swearing. Another long one folks.
The more reviews I get, the faster I'll start popping chapters out.
Okay, in the past chapters, I had the elfish speaking parts underlined. It didn't transfer to ff.net, so instead of having it underlined, there was nothing to indicate elfish being spoken. I'm going to do what everyone else is doing:
'Elfish'
"Common"
*telepathy when not describing something*
http://photos.yahoo.com/gundamnymph
I added a whole bunch of stuff to my art gallery, including a Draco Malfoy kitty. Most of it is old stuff, some is new. I am working on many other kitties as we speak, including The Princess Bride kitties. Buttercup and Inigo are in the works. I really very sorry for getting this out so late, and for being a little short, but I've been grounded, and have only recently taken refuge in the school computers. Want to request a kitty? Leave the order in a review.
And if you guys like Damon in this story, you should read the book (Vampire Diaries). He's a total bad @$$, and cares for no one but himself. Hee, hee. I kind of made him soft for this fic.
Chapter 8
Damon had succeeded in getting attention. All of the gathered peopled stared at them. Some were even about to attack, thinking he was one of the creatures that they were concerned about. But Damon didn't expect to find a soulmate in Bonnie, and was thrown off like a cat with water. When she pulled away, he looked at her shocked expression with his own. Celia, bless her, came to their rescue.
"Okay, folks! Let's get the party started." Ellen waved down at the men standing ready with their weapons. She gave a weak smile to the members of the fellowship, avoiding Legolas's worried stare, and sat down between Celia and Bonnie.
They were at one end of the circle that the stone seats made up. Lord Elrond sat on a chair, which resembled a throne. His sons flanked him, sitting in their own throne-like chairs. In the middle of the circle, rose a stone table that reminded Bonnie of a sundial. Damon hovered about, not sitting down anywhere. Elrond raised a hand to silence the many questions and murmurs.
He introduced the gathered people, starting with the elves, who, Ellen, Celia and Bonnie already knew. Legolas and Herdare smiled openly at them, and Arni'or and Sim'nol nodded at them.
The men were next, and Ellen recognized Faramir and Aragorn among them. The dwarves said nothing as they were introduced, and the Hobbits smiled cheekily. Gandalf was inspecting the girls during his turn, and some other misc. people were also introduced.
"You are all here, once again, to decide the fate of Middle-Earth. A new evil race has emerged, and we have three warrior women here to tell us about these creatures of darkness. *Ellen, Celia, and Bonnie stood* These young women are from another world, and were sent by Arneania. Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, first discovered this new breed, which these girls call vampires." Elrond sat down as he motioned to Legolas. Legolas stood up.
"I first came across these creatures when I was near the borders of Mirkwood. Herdare, my aid, was with me. They look just like any Mortal, perhaps even an Elf, if it weren't for their darkness. We had to fight them off at one point. They are almost as stealthy as an Elf, speedy, and powerful. I have learned they can see very well in the dark, and their senses are better than any Dwarf or Mortal. I believe there are many more of them. Perhaps an armies worth, created by someone, or brought here by some one. They will be a powerful enemy. More so than the Urak-hai that Saruman created. We must stop them before more are made, or Middle-Earth will once again be threatened by darkness." He sat down after a signal from Elrond.
There was disquiet among the races. Ellen saw Gimli defending his elven friend as the dwarves started making 'comments' about the princeling (AN: Oh, I love that term. Hee.). Gandalf sat near the Hobbits; a grim expression on his face. The Mortal men murmured, glancing at the Slayers and the Elves. Elrond watched the commotion calmly. Celia stood up in the midst of it all, tired that this was taking so long. She moved to the table. (Not very patient is she?)
"Okay! It's time to start acting your age! That's enough!" She waved her arms around, and when only a few quieted, she screamed. "SHUT YOUR FRIGGIN TRAPS!"
That shut everyone up. They all stared at Celia like she had grown a horn. How dare such a woman stand up to a male? Who was she who danced around in nothing more than a slip dress and sandals? And what was that on her leg and shoulders? Surely not tattoos. She was nothing but a commoner. She smiled serenely, satisfied. Ce nodded to Elrond and the twins. Elrond had a ghost of a smile on his face, and his sons were openly smirking. As she sat back down, Damon patted her shoulder, and had a proud look on his face. He had finally gotten over the earlier ordeal, and put it aside for later contemplation.
Elrond stood up. "Now, to further our business: The spirit Arneania has sent three warriors to guide and help us fight. Some of you are familiar with her. She is a heavenly being, a creature of Light, if you will." He pointed to the three girls, and if it weren't for 'the look' he gave the gathered races, there would have been another uproar. "Will one of you kindly stand, and give testimony." The girls looked at each other, and decided on Bonnie. She took the stand, glaring right back at the offended men.
"First of all, we came here, from another world and time, to help you. If you don't want that help, I will gladly go back and continue the VERY short vacation I was on. I REFUSE to take any unneeded crap from you, and will be more then happy to give it back!" She smiled after letting out a long and deep sigh. She had indeed, grown a backbone since she had first become a Slayer.
"Now, onto business. These creatures are called vampires. We kill them daily in our world, so this shouldn't be too much harder. As long as we get along. Damon, get your butt up here." He stood next to her, leaning up against the table, as if posing for them.
"This is a vampire from our world. He has a soul, and will not hurt you under orders. He is, however a very powerful vampire. You want him on our side. He can walk out in the sunlight, because he has this lovely talisman on his finger. Once removed in sunlight, he would die. According to my friend Ellen, these vampires don't have any jewelry on them like Damon has. However, they will still be weaker in sunlight.
"They can be killed by a stake of wood through the heart, or any wood in the heart. You can also behead them. Crosses will hold them off, and give you a protective barrier. They can't enter a place of residency, unless invited in. The place has to be one where the person sleeps, and basically lives; or it won't work. After being invited in, they can return whenever, the invitation being permanent. A spell can be cast, however, to establish a new residency.
"Once these creatures are killed, they turn to ash. They can be wounded by metal, but they will heal almost instantly. They do feel pain, but have a higher tolerance than we do. Often they have a Master or leader controlling them. A Master is much more powerful than any other vampire, and they often have mental powers. Leave them to us.
"Vampire's drink the blood of their victims. It's their food. They are immortal, but can be killed. They turn others into vampires by drinking their blood, and then having the person drink the vampire blood. Then they die, and wake up as one of them. Often times, a Mortal will willingly become a vampire. They do this because they are dying, they want to live forever, or because of the power they receive. They are fools. Most of the time, the person will lose their soul, and a demon will take it's place." Ellen and Celia joined Bonnie. Celia spoke, as Ellen studied the fellowship.
"What we need to do, is find their lair. The main one. Once that is destroyed, the vampires will become scattered, divided, and leaderless. Making it easier to find them, hunt them down, and kill them. So far, according to Legolas and Ellen, over a hundred have been killed. At least fifty roam free, and those numbers are only the ones that attacked their traveling group. We have no clue as to how many have been made. Their lair is most likely where they were made. Any ideas?" Legolas looked up at them.
"Mirkwood, or nearby. That was where I first saw them. And was attacked." Gandalf spoke up next.
"Isengard could be one place. Saruman is still alive, believe it or not, and I wouldn't be surprised if he created these new beings. He faked his death, the last time he was seen. He may no longer have his staff, but he still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Mordor could be another place. Since the last war, evil has still lingered there. No living thing, animal or plant, has taken to there." Celia nodded, and assumed a question.
"We will need to scout. I believe that Mirkwood is in one direction, and that the others are in the other direction?" Elrond nodded.
"You will need to send at least two different scouting parties. I can send my children, the war party and the royal guards to the Mirkwood area, but we will need another team to go to Isengard and Mordor."
Another uproar began. No one seemed willing to go to Mordor OR Isengard. They didn't want to have to fight another war. They were still healing from the last one. If what these girls said was true, they would ALL need to join forces. Not just rely on the Mortals to fight this battle. The girls and Elrond had expected this. Only a few stayed quiet. Ellen closed her eyes, she knew what was going to happen, and did not want to do this. How could she send out people who shouldn't have to go?
The Dwarves and Elves fought. The Mortals fought with everyone. Only the race of Hobbits present didn't fight. They just sort of looked devastated. Legolas was trying to be peacemaker among his people, but Herdare and the guards were outraged at the Dwarves. The Rivendale Elves just glared at the Mortals and Dwarves. Finally, Ellen had enough. She was fairly glowing, as she opened her eyes.
"QUIET! All of you! Be at peace!" The bickering stopped, and all turned to look at her. She stared at all of them, hard, until they sat down. She had a presence that reminded the Hobbits of Galadriel.
"None of this will be decided so willingly. It is not our choice. The strongest will go to Mordor and Isengard, not those who are brave enough and choose to do so. Celia, Bonnie, and myself are already going. Damon will most likely tag along in one of his animal forms. We will be great assets to the party. We have unnatural strength, speed, healing abilities and gifts as Slayers. It is not our choice to go, but we must. As are the chosen ones for this quest. And you will do it, or fail your race and Middle-Earth. I do not think you want your kind to perish, and I do not wish it either. This will be an intense battle. There has been a vision of the future already, through a seer. We must join forces, or lower yourselves to the darkness and it's greed, and be lost forever." She let her words hang in the air. Most had a sour expression, but did not protest.
Ellen turned and walked to the edge of the dais. She spoke with Unia, who was there to wait on them. Unia disappeared and then came back with a lit candle. Ellen walked up to the table, and placed it there on the small round surface. She then turned back to the gathered.
"Will the former Fellowship of the One Ring please stand." The remaining eight stood.
"When I call your name, please step forward:
Frodo Baggins,
Samwise Gamgee,
Peregrin Took,
Meridoc Brandybuck." The Hobbits came forward, looking timid and pale. They were once again startled to hear their names, their full names, upon the lips of a stranger. Though they had been introduced, it had been by their nicknames.
"Gimli son of Gloin,
Aragorn son of Arathorn,
Legolas Greenleaf,
Gandalf the White." The rest (except for Legolas) were just as startled. How could a Mortal girl, so new to this world know their names and their lineage? Lord Elrond must have told her. But they got the feeling that she just knew.
Ellen turned to Bonnie, "Your turn." The witch nodded, and stepped forward. She cast a mini spell to keep any looking eyes from harm, on the candle flame. Then she looked at them again.
"Please look into the flame. Don't worry, it won't hurt your eyes now. I want you to focus ALL your thoughts on that flame. Try to even communicate with each other through it." The fellowship looked bewildered, but did as they were told. Soon, Ellen saw all of them with a glazed look in their eyes. It made Legolas seem like he fell asleep, since the elves slept with their eyes open.
Bonnie stared at the flame, and soon, her own eyes became unfocused. Her expression was blank, and her lips moved in a slight murmur. After a while, she looked up and broke the spell. The Hobbits looked at each other in a daze. "Whoa."
Bonnie turned to Ellen. "You were right. There is a golden cord linking them all together. There seems to be a missing thread, though. Just as you described. The bond is amazing. Even more powerful than the ones my friends from Virginia and I had, after the attack on the town." The Hobbits began to look curious, though still scared. Pippin asked the million-dollar question.
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"It means that you will be ideal for this quest. You have a strong bond with one another, and that will strengthen you. You are missing a member because he fell to evil forces. But if he were brought back, that would make the bond complete. Is there a family member of Bormare?"
"Um, Bon? It's Boromir." Bonnie just waved a dismissive hand at Ellen. "Whatever." A young man stepped forward, and Ellen saw that Celia was about to pounce. He was young compared to Boromir, and also good looking. Ellen stood between them, keeping the married steward from any groping hands. Ellen smiled at him, wondering where Eowyn was.
"I assume that you are his brother, Faramir?" The young man nodded. He looked very grim, but determined.
"I am willing to go with them on the quest."
"You are not able to replace Boromir's bond. Though you will help us greatly in the next few moments. Stand before the flame, and look into it. Think only of Boromir. Think of all of him, the good and the bad." Bonnie placed him right before the flame. She turned to the fellowship.
"I want all who is present here, to look into the flame and think of Boromir. Concentrate VERY hard, and do not think foolish thoughts or I will allow Damon to drain you of your blood."
Bonnie stood before the flame, raising her hands and begin to chant. Her eyes lost focus as she began to cut through a dimension veil. It would allow her to speak to spirits and heavenly beings once breached. Ellen and Celia stood right behind her, hands on her shoulders. A wind picked up, swirling around Bonnie and Faramir. Leaves and Bonnie's curls were caught up in the whirlwind.
"Afaeria,
Sister of Arneania, Lady of Light.
Bringer of life, Sender of Flame,
Here me now and speak with me.
I call to you, across veils of Light,
Stand before the daughter of Teri'lyn,
Druid Preistess of Old.
A spirit calls to you!
I order you here!"
Lightning seemed to strike the candle, and a being filled with light appeared. She hovered over the candle, her bare feet not touching the flame. Her robe was of clouds, her hair of moon, and her face of mist. All who stood there could not understand the chiming of her voice. It seemed that only Bonnie could understand her.
When Bonnie spoke, the only word they could understand was the name Afaeria. Everything else was droned out in the whirlwind. Elrond seemed to understand what was going on, looking on with shock. Faramir just stared in awe.
Ellen watched with worry. She didn't seem to like where this was going. Afaeria was shaking her head at Bonnie, denying her request. Bonnie continued to argue with her sagely. Ellen stepped forward, letting her hand fall from Bonnie's shoulder. She closed her eyes, and concentrated. Soon, she was covered with her own light, and floating an inch or so off the ground. She opened her eyes, which were now much paler, softly glowing with light.
The spirit was startled to see her do this. Then she became amused. She talked with Ellen in her own language, and she answered back in the same tongue. Afaeria's face grew dark as she frowned at Ellen. Bonnie's eyes widened, as the spirit waved a hand and disappeared into the light. Ellen closed her eyes, weary, and sank wearily to the ground. Legolas darted forward and caught her just as gold lightning struck the table. Damon came forward with a cloak, and wrapped it around something on the stone. When he pulled back, there sat Boromir in the flesh.
He shook like he wasn't used to his body, and almost fell off the table because he wasn't used to keeping balance. Damon steadied him, and helped him to the floor. He frowned at the Mortal, as everyone stared in shock. Bonnie turned to Ellen. Faramir let out a small cry, and cradled his older brother in a great hug, after a moment of shock.
"Do you have any idea what you just did?" Ellen looked up at Bonnie from Legolas's shoulder. A very comfortable, WARM shoulder. She smiled.
"Yeah. I got Boromir back on some borrowed time. Don't know how I did it, but I did. Now we can kick the leeches butts. Besides, it was sad enough to read about the poor guy dying in the book." Bonnie flailed her hands about, exasperated. Celia came forward, looking shaken.
"Ellie, what did you do?"
"Simple. I asked Afaeria to lend us Boromir for the mission. We cut a rather nice deal, I think." She snuggled up against the Prince, making him blush a little, and and looked at the nude man being held by his brother. The fellowship, minus Legolas, now stood around Boromir. They ogled the sight of the once dead steward. Bonnie worked her way past them, and knelt beside the man, his brother, and Damon.
"This puny human is going to help us?"
"Damon, he is a great warrior. Was Elena any better when she came back? I don't think so. Once he gets better, we can set out to Isengard and Mordor. The bond between the members of the fellowship is even greater than ours with my friends and your brother. I don't know what kind of deal Ellen made, but he should be with us until the deed is done." Aragorn knelt before them, wide eyes searching Boromir.
"Amazing. Boromir, it looks like your getting a second chance. It looks as if we will be able to hear those trumpets of Gondor together." He smiled widely at his once fallen comrade. Boromir managed a shaky smile back. "It is good to see you again, my brother. And my king."
The Hobbits took this as a positive signal, and promptly threw themselves on the shivering human. The all started talking at once, and continued their assault on him. Boromir was happy to see the 'little ones', and laughed with them, and ruffled their hair.
Legolas helped Ellen stand. After a while of being held by the fair being, she felt much stronger. She pulled away from him, and stood near the rejoicing friends. Boromir looked up, and became instantly solemn. He forced his legs into a kneeling position, and bowed before her.
"I am ever so grateful for your help, my Lady. My life is yours." She blushed at the attention.
"Your life is your own, you owe me nothing. Afaeria said if you could find something to hold you down to this world, you may stay here to live out your life. But I can not help you with this rhythm."
She turned to Elrond. "I suggest a party." Bonnie stood next to her.
"Boromir should have his full strength back in a day or so. After that, I suggest we start out. On the way, Ellie and Ce will assist me in teaching the guys some martial arts. It will help them battle. In the mean time, Elli can tell me all about these orcs and Urak-hai, and their leader, Saltman."
"You never were good with names, were you Bonnie?"
"Your one to talk, Ce"
Author: GundamNymph
E-mail: runttie@cybertours.com
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The three Slayers of our time are sent to Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance to come. L/E A/A F/C B/D
Feed back: Please review, even if it's a one liner, so I know there are people reading.
Warning: Uh, violence, and swearing. Another long one folks.
The more reviews I get, the faster I'll start popping chapters out.
Okay, in the past chapters, I had the elfish speaking parts underlined. It didn't transfer to ff.net, so instead of having it underlined, there was nothing to indicate elfish being spoken. I'm going to do what everyone else is doing:
'Elfish'
"Common"
*telepathy when not describing something*
http://photos.yahoo.com/gundamnymph
I added a whole bunch of stuff to my art gallery, including a Draco Malfoy kitty. Most of it is old stuff, some is new. I am working on many other kitties as we speak, including The Princess Bride kitties. Buttercup and Inigo are in the works. I really very sorry for getting this out so late, and for being a little short, but I've been grounded, and have only recently taken refuge in the school computers. Want to request a kitty? Leave the order in a review.
And if you guys like Damon in this story, you should read the book (Vampire Diaries). He's a total bad @$$, and cares for no one but himself. Hee, hee. I kind of made him soft for this fic.
Chapter 8
Damon had succeeded in getting attention. All of the gathered peopled stared at them. Some were even about to attack, thinking he was one of the creatures that they were concerned about. But Damon didn't expect to find a soulmate in Bonnie, and was thrown off like a cat with water. When she pulled away, he looked at her shocked expression with his own. Celia, bless her, came to their rescue.
"Okay, folks! Let's get the party started." Ellen waved down at the men standing ready with their weapons. She gave a weak smile to the members of the fellowship, avoiding Legolas's worried stare, and sat down between Celia and Bonnie.
They were at one end of the circle that the stone seats made up. Lord Elrond sat on a chair, which resembled a throne. His sons flanked him, sitting in their own throne-like chairs. In the middle of the circle, rose a stone table that reminded Bonnie of a sundial. Damon hovered about, not sitting down anywhere. Elrond raised a hand to silence the many questions and murmurs.
He introduced the gathered people, starting with the elves, who, Ellen, Celia and Bonnie already knew. Legolas and Herdare smiled openly at them, and Arni'or and Sim'nol nodded at them.
The men were next, and Ellen recognized Faramir and Aragorn among them. The dwarves said nothing as they were introduced, and the Hobbits smiled cheekily. Gandalf was inspecting the girls during his turn, and some other misc. people were also introduced.
"You are all here, once again, to decide the fate of Middle-Earth. A new evil race has emerged, and we have three warrior women here to tell us about these creatures of darkness. *Ellen, Celia, and Bonnie stood* These young women are from another world, and were sent by Arneania. Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, first discovered this new breed, which these girls call vampires." Elrond sat down as he motioned to Legolas. Legolas stood up.
"I first came across these creatures when I was near the borders of Mirkwood. Herdare, my aid, was with me. They look just like any Mortal, perhaps even an Elf, if it weren't for their darkness. We had to fight them off at one point. They are almost as stealthy as an Elf, speedy, and powerful. I have learned they can see very well in the dark, and their senses are better than any Dwarf or Mortal. I believe there are many more of them. Perhaps an armies worth, created by someone, or brought here by some one. They will be a powerful enemy. More so than the Urak-hai that Saruman created. We must stop them before more are made, or Middle-Earth will once again be threatened by darkness." He sat down after a signal from Elrond.
There was disquiet among the races. Ellen saw Gimli defending his elven friend as the dwarves started making 'comments' about the princeling (AN: Oh, I love that term. Hee.). Gandalf sat near the Hobbits; a grim expression on his face. The Mortal men murmured, glancing at the Slayers and the Elves. Elrond watched the commotion calmly. Celia stood up in the midst of it all, tired that this was taking so long. She moved to the table. (Not very patient is she?)
"Okay! It's time to start acting your age! That's enough!" She waved her arms around, and when only a few quieted, she screamed. "SHUT YOUR FRIGGIN TRAPS!"
That shut everyone up. They all stared at Celia like she had grown a horn. How dare such a woman stand up to a male? Who was she who danced around in nothing more than a slip dress and sandals? And what was that on her leg and shoulders? Surely not tattoos. She was nothing but a commoner. She smiled serenely, satisfied. Ce nodded to Elrond and the twins. Elrond had a ghost of a smile on his face, and his sons were openly smirking. As she sat back down, Damon patted her shoulder, and had a proud look on his face. He had finally gotten over the earlier ordeal, and put it aside for later contemplation.
Elrond stood up. "Now, to further our business: The spirit Arneania has sent three warriors to guide and help us fight. Some of you are familiar with her. She is a heavenly being, a creature of Light, if you will." He pointed to the three girls, and if it weren't for 'the look' he gave the gathered races, there would have been another uproar. "Will one of you kindly stand, and give testimony." The girls looked at each other, and decided on Bonnie. She took the stand, glaring right back at the offended men.
"First of all, we came here, from another world and time, to help you. If you don't want that help, I will gladly go back and continue the VERY short vacation I was on. I REFUSE to take any unneeded crap from you, and will be more then happy to give it back!" She smiled after letting out a long and deep sigh. She had indeed, grown a backbone since she had first become a Slayer.
"Now, onto business. These creatures are called vampires. We kill them daily in our world, so this shouldn't be too much harder. As long as we get along. Damon, get your butt up here." He stood next to her, leaning up against the table, as if posing for them.
"This is a vampire from our world. He has a soul, and will not hurt you under orders. He is, however a very powerful vampire. You want him on our side. He can walk out in the sunlight, because he has this lovely talisman on his finger. Once removed in sunlight, he would die. According to my friend Ellen, these vampires don't have any jewelry on them like Damon has. However, they will still be weaker in sunlight.
"They can be killed by a stake of wood through the heart, or any wood in the heart. You can also behead them. Crosses will hold them off, and give you a protective barrier. They can't enter a place of residency, unless invited in. The place has to be one where the person sleeps, and basically lives; or it won't work. After being invited in, they can return whenever, the invitation being permanent. A spell can be cast, however, to establish a new residency.
"Once these creatures are killed, they turn to ash. They can be wounded by metal, but they will heal almost instantly. They do feel pain, but have a higher tolerance than we do. Often they have a Master or leader controlling them. A Master is much more powerful than any other vampire, and they often have mental powers. Leave them to us.
"Vampire's drink the blood of their victims. It's their food. They are immortal, but can be killed. They turn others into vampires by drinking their blood, and then having the person drink the vampire blood. Then they die, and wake up as one of them. Often times, a Mortal will willingly become a vampire. They do this because they are dying, they want to live forever, or because of the power they receive. They are fools. Most of the time, the person will lose their soul, and a demon will take it's place." Ellen and Celia joined Bonnie. Celia spoke, as Ellen studied the fellowship.
"What we need to do, is find their lair. The main one. Once that is destroyed, the vampires will become scattered, divided, and leaderless. Making it easier to find them, hunt them down, and kill them. So far, according to Legolas and Ellen, over a hundred have been killed. At least fifty roam free, and those numbers are only the ones that attacked their traveling group. We have no clue as to how many have been made. Their lair is most likely where they were made. Any ideas?" Legolas looked up at them.
"Mirkwood, or nearby. That was where I first saw them. And was attacked." Gandalf spoke up next.
"Isengard could be one place. Saruman is still alive, believe it or not, and I wouldn't be surprised if he created these new beings. He faked his death, the last time he was seen. He may no longer have his staff, but he still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Mordor could be another place. Since the last war, evil has still lingered there. No living thing, animal or plant, has taken to there." Celia nodded, and assumed a question.
"We will need to scout. I believe that Mirkwood is in one direction, and that the others are in the other direction?" Elrond nodded.
"You will need to send at least two different scouting parties. I can send my children, the war party and the royal guards to the Mirkwood area, but we will need another team to go to Isengard and Mordor."
Another uproar began. No one seemed willing to go to Mordor OR Isengard. They didn't want to have to fight another war. They were still healing from the last one. If what these girls said was true, they would ALL need to join forces. Not just rely on the Mortals to fight this battle. The girls and Elrond had expected this. Only a few stayed quiet. Ellen closed her eyes, she knew what was going to happen, and did not want to do this. How could she send out people who shouldn't have to go?
The Dwarves and Elves fought. The Mortals fought with everyone. Only the race of Hobbits present didn't fight. They just sort of looked devastated. Legolas was trying to be peacemaker among his people, but Herdare and the guards were outraged at the Dwarves. The Rivendale Elves just glared at the Mortals and Dwarves. Finally, Ellen had enough. She was fairly glowing, as she opened her eyes.
"QUIET! All of you! Be at peace!" The bickering stopped, and all turned to look at her. She stared at all of them, hard, until they sat down. She had a presence that reminded the Hobbits of Galadriel.
"None of this will be decided so willingly. It is not our choice. The strongest will go to Mordor and Isengard, not those who are brave enough and choose to do so. Celia, Bonnie, and myself are already going. Damon will most likely tag along in one of his animal forms. We will be great assets to the party. We have unnatural strength, speed, healing abilities and gifts as Slayers. It is not our choice to go, but we must. As are the chosen ones for this quest. And you will do it, or fail your race and Middle-Earth. I do not think you want your kind to perish, and I do not wish it either. This will be an intense battle. There has been a vision of the future already, through a seer. We must join forces, or lower yourselves to the darkness and it's greed, and be lost forever." She let her words hang in the air. Most had a sour expression, but did not protest.
Ellen turned and walked to the edge of the dais. She spoke with Unia, who was there to wait on them. Unia disappeared and then came back with a lit candle. Ellen walked up to the table, and placed it there on the small round surface. She then turned back to the gathered.
"Will the former Fellowship of the One Ring please stand." The remaining eight stood.
"When I call your name, please step forward:
Frodo Baggins,
Samwise Gamgee,
Peregrin Took,
Meridoc Brandybuck." The Hobbits came forward, looking timid and pale. They were once again startled to hear their names, their full names, upon the lips of a stranger. Though they had been introduced, it had been by their nicknames.
"Gimli son of Gloin,
Aragorn son of Arathorn,
Legolas Greenleaf,
Gandalf the White." The rest (except for Legolas) were just as startled. How could a Mortal girl, so new to this world know their names and their lineage? Lord Elrond must have told her. But they got the feeling that she just knew.
Ellen turned to Bonnie, "Your turn." The witch nodded, and stepped forward. She cast a mini spell to keep any looking eyes from harm, on the candle flame. Then she looked at them again.
"Please look into the flame. Don't worry, it won't hurt your eyes now. I want you to focus ALL your thoughts on that flame. Try to even communicate with each other through it." The fellowship looked bewildered, but did as they were told. Soon, Ellen saw all of them with a glazed look in their eyes. It made Legolas seem like he fell asleep, since the elves slept with their eyes open.
Bonnie stared at the flame, and soon, her own eyes became unfocused. Her expression was blank, and her lips moved in a slight murmur. After a while, she looked up and broke the spell. The Hobbits looked at each other in a daze. "Whoa."
Bonnie turned to Ellen. "You were right. There is a golden cord linking them all together. There seems to be a missing thread, though. Just as you described. The bond is amazing. Even more powerful than the ones my friends from Virginia and I had, after the attack on the town." The Hobbits began to look curious, though still scared. Pippin asked the million-dollar question.
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"It means that you will be ideal for this quest. You have a strong bond with one another, and that will strengthen you. You are missing a member because he fell to evil forces. But if he were brought back, that would make the bond complete. Is there a family member of Bormare?"
"Um, Bon? It's Boromir." Bonnie just waved a dismissive hand at Ellen. "Whatever." A young man stepped forward, and Ellen saw that Celia was about to pounce. He was young compared to Boromir, and also good looking. Ellen stood between them, keeping the married steward from any groping hands. Ellen smiled at him, wondering where Eowyn was.
"I assume that you are his brother, Faramir?" The young man nodded. He looked very grim, but determined.
"I am willing to go with them on the quest."
"You are not able to replace Boromir's bond. Though you will help us greatly in the next few moments. Stand before the flame, and look into it. Think only of Boromir. Think of all of him, the good and the bad." Bonnie placed him right before the flame. She turned to the fellowship.
"I want all who is present here, to look into the flame and think of Boromir. Concentrate VERY hard, and do not think foolish thoughts or I will allow Damon to drain you of your blood."
Bonnie stood before the flame, raising her hands and begin to chant. Her eyes lost focus as she began to cut through a dimension veil. It would allow her to speak to spirits and heavenly beings once breached. Ellen and Celia stood right behind her, hands on her shoulders. A wind picked up, swirling around Bonnie and Faramir. Leaves and Bonnie's curls were caught up in the whirlwind.
"Afaeria,
Sister of Arneania, Lady of Light.
Bringer of life, Sender of Flame,
Here me now and speak with me.
I call to you, across veils of Light,
Stand before the daughter of Teri'lyn,
Druid Preistess of Old.
A spirit calls to you!
I order you here!"
Lightning seemed to strike the candle, and a being filled with light appeared. She hovered over the candle, her bare feet not touching the flame. Her robe was of clouds, her hair of moon, and her face of mist. All who stood there could not understand the chiming of her voice. It seemed that only Bonnie could understand her.
When Bonnie spoke, the only word they could understand was the name Afaeria. Everything else was droned out in the whirlwind. Elrond seemed to understand what was going on, looking on with shock. Faramir just stared in awe.
Ellen watched with worry. She didn't seem to like where this was going. Afaeria was shaking her head at Bonnie, denying her request. Bonnie continued to argue with her sagely. Ellen stepped forward, letting her hand fall from Bonnie's shoulder. She closed her eyes, and concentrated. Soon, she was covered with her own light, and floating an inch or so off the ground. She opened her eyes, which were now much paler, softly glowing with light.
The spirit was startled to see her do this. Then she became amused. She talked with Ellen in her own language, and she answered back in the same tongue. Afaeria's face grew dark as she frowned at Ellen. Bonnie's eyes widened, as the spirit waved a hand and disappeared into the light. Ellen closed her eyes, weary, and sank wearily to the ground. Legolas darted forward and caught her just as gold lightning struck the table. Damon came forward with a cloak, and wrapped it around something on the stone. When he pulled back, there sat Boromir in the flesh.
He shook like he wasn't used to his body, and almost fell off the table because he wasn't used to keeping balance. Damon steadied him, and helped him to the floor. He frowned at the Mortal, as everyone stared in shock. Bonnie turned to Ellen. Faramir let out a small cry, and cradled his older brother in a great hug, after a moment of shock.
"Do you have any idea what you just did?" Ellen looked up at Bonnie from Legolas's shoulder. A very comfortable, WARM shoulder. She smiled.
"Yeah. I got Boromir back on some borrowed time. Don't know how I did it, but I did. Now we can kick the leeches butts. Besides, it was sad enough to read about the poor guy dying in the book." Bonnie flailed her hands about, exasperated. Celia came forward, looking shaken.
"Ellie, what did you do?"
"Simple. I asked Afaeria to lend us Boromir for the mission. We cut a rather nice deal, I think." She snuggled up against the Prince, making him blush a little, and and looked at the nude man being held by his brother. The fellowship, minus Legolas, now stood around Boromir. They ogled the sight of the once dead steward. Bonnie worked her way past them, and knelt beside the man, his brother, and Damon.
"This puny human is going to help us?"
"Damon, he is a great warrior. Was Elena any better when she came back? I don't think so. Once he gets better, we can set out to Isengard and Mordor. The bond between the members of the fellowship is even greater than ours with my friends and your brother. I don't know what kind of deal Ellen made, but he should be with us until the deed is done." Aragorn knelt before them, wide eyes searching Boromir.
"Amazing. Boromir, it looks like your getting a second chance. It looks as if we will be able to hear those trumpets of Gondor together." He smiled widely at his once fallen comrade. Boromir managed a shaky smile back. "It is good to see you again, my brother. And my king."
The Hobbits took this as a positive signal, and promptly threw themselves on the shivering human. The all started talking at once, and continued their assault on him. Boromir was happy to see the 'little ones', and laughed with them, and ruffled their hair.
Legolas helped Ellen stand. After a while of being held by the fair being, she felt much stronger. She pulled away from him, and stood near the rejoicing friends. Boromir looked up, and became instantly solemn. He forced his legs into a kneeling position, and bowed before her.
"I am ever so grateful for your help, my Lady. My life is yours." She blushed at the attention.
"Your life is your own, you owe me nothing. Afaeria said if you could find something to hold you down to this world, you may stay here to live out your life. But I can not help you with this rhythm."
She turned to Elrond. "I suggest a party." Bonnie stood next to her.
"Boromir should have his full strength back in a day or so. After that, I suggest we start out. On the way, Ellie and Ce will assist me in teaching the guys some martial arts. It will help them battle. In the mean time, Elli can tell me all about these orcs and Urak-hai, and their leader, Saltman."
"You never were good with names, were you Bonnie?"
"Your one to talk, Ce"