Title: Moon Rune Author: GundamNymph e-mail: runttie@cybertours.com (until mid-summer) Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: Don't own LOTR, never did. Poor me. Summary: The three Slayers of our time visit Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance, action.



Chapter 14

Bonnie stared at her soulmate in disbelief. Damon lounged on a rock not far from the campsite. It was early morning, the sky was a dark blue, the moon was still out, and Ellen was gone. She had been gone for a while. "You just LET her GO like that?!" "She can take care of herself. If she needed help, she would let us know." His eyes narrowed at the young woman in front of him. The hobbits stared at them, watching the exchange as they finished packing. The men stood off to the side, wondering what was going on. The elves leaned against a tree, and Herdare wondering how worried Legolas was. "And HOW do you think she might be able to contact us?" The Slayer stood with her hands on her hips, eyes narrowed. She looked severely pissed off, and it was scary, since her expression was usually kind. A dark light seemed to center itself around her, tuning in with her mood. Damon rolled his eyes carelessly. "Uh, I don't know. MAYBE, she could use that new power of hers?" His unconcerned attitude was pushing her over the edge. "You ASSHOLE! YOU_______" She said something in an unknown language. To them, any ways. It didn't sit well with Damon. He got up from his rock, and walked over to her. He was of average height, but Bonnie was short, and he towered over her. If that wasn't scary, then the dark power rolling off in waves from his body was. Bonnie may have been a powerful druid, but she was untrained and he had hundreds of years on her. "You dare accuse me of such a thing?" His voice was soft, but filled with danger. Bonnie could feel alarms go off in her head. Just because she had grown over the years, and Damon was now her soulmate, didn't make him any less terrifying. He took a step towards her, and Legolas could see the tension in his seemingly casual pose. A frown graced his lips. This was getting them no where. He closed his eyes, and let go of his body. He sent out his mind, looking for Ellen. He knew she was alive. There. Her mind was a cool yellow, worried, but determined. What was that girl up to? He sent out probing thoughts, concerned violets and greens. Calm blue colors came back to him, reassuring him. It reminded him of the rain she loved so much. As he was about to speak to her, even across the wide distance, they were interrupted. It was a violent red, and it shred their connection for the moment. It was the vampire that had been watching Ellen, and he was with her. His eyes snapped open in alarm. Bonnie and Damon were still going at it, the Slayer getting her edge back. His voice was soft, calm even, as it broke across the pathway; but he felt far from it. "She's with the vampire." All eyes turned to him. It was Herdare who spoke first. "What do you mean?" "I managed to connect with her through our link. She is far away, heading south. She rides with the vampire that has been watching her. She is unharmed, but I do not like the feel of this. She went of her own free will, though." "How strong was the connection?" Celia asked, from beside her horse. "Not very strong at all. But it was there. A darkness is keeping us from communicating clearly. I was only able to get impressions, really. But I understood them." "What do you advise us to do?" Ce asked. "What? WAIT a minute! This is a TEAM, Ce girl. We can't go without Ellie. We-" "Legolas clearly has a better sense of the situation. You, of ALL people should know that. You're mind is filled with the dark side of the force." "CELIA! Now is NOT the time for JOKES!" "Who said I was joking." Celia replied evenly. "It's true. Your frustration and worry is getting a hold of your common sense and logic, and it's NOT letting go. Legs has been the only one to chat with Ellie since she up and left. He should know what is best." She turned to the elf. "Besides, he's a king in training. So, what do you say Leggy?" Legolas looked at Aragorn, unsure. His friend gave him a nod, smiling. "She's right, Legolas." Gimli snorted, but nodded as well. The others gave similar reactions, and Bonnie relented. He took a deep breath, and looked at his mentor. No words passed between them, but their conversation was passed between glances. "Well, Ellen's not in any apparent danger as of yet, but I'm still worried. We don't even know why she left, but I have a guess. Damon.I want you to fly south east, and find out what's going on. Then you can join us." The vampire nodded, and shifted into his crow form, not before giving a cool glance to Bonnie. He flew off into the south. "I suggest for the rest of us to continue on our mission. I am sure they will both meet up with us eventually. We can head out in a few minutes." It felt weird to have everyone taking orders from him. Aragorn was usually the one that led them, and that role had been handed over to the Slayers, then himself. He didn't like the added weight on his shoulders, but dealt with it. He ignored the ache and longing in his heart, and they set off. He hadn't spent much time with Ellen on the road, and he felt guilty (for the first time in his life) and sad.

******

Damon flew, past the rising sun, and over the forest below. Every now and then he would catch a scent on the air. HER scent: of earth, rain, and lilacs. She had always been like a sister to him. A young, motherly sister.

Bonnie look at the cauldron, trying to think of something to add to the bubbling liquid. Every thread of thought that came in close, eluded her. She sighed, and looked amongst her collection of vials, jars, baskets and boxes. "Hey, Ellen?! Ellen?!" "Yeah, Bonnie?" She had just finished a shower after a horrible training session from their Watchers. She toweled her dark brown hair, which looked like ebony when wet. Bonnie sighed in relief. "I'm TRYING to make a potion. A simple draught for sleep, and I can't seem to remember what the next ingredient was after the Pareslythe milk." "Hmm. Where's your grandmother's book?" "Ce has it. She was going to try crystal gazing to find her next 'victim'." (aka boy toy) Ellen smiled. "She's going to have a time of it, with no spirit powers. What was the name of the potion?" "Uh, Circutois AlGalimean." Ellen strode over to the shelf and pulled out a book. She searched through it, for the name of the potion. "Here it is. Circutois is used for dreamless sleep when plagued by nightmares, or stress induced insomnia. The ingredients mostly focus on subduing the body and mind, but usually has added flavor to help the bitter-sweet taste." She put down the book, and walked over to the table. She delicately sniffed the potion, and made a face. The she started rummaging through Bonnie's stuff. Occasionally she would sniff or taste something, and maybe even place something on the table. Ellen had been working with them for only a few months, and Bonnie was still amazed at her talent for potions and knowledge of spells. She wasn't a genius with spells, but usually was an ace at potions. AND, she wasn't a witch of any sort. "Try those." Bonnie leaned forward and picked up the four bottles on the table. One by one she took the lid off and inspected it. She finally reached one with success. She smiled widely. "Just what I needed. Thanks Ellie." The dark haired girl turned, and was about to leave when. "That was pure talent, Cara." A voice purred. Both girls turned around with a gasp to see a slender boy their age leaning against the door frame. He wore all black, and his black eyes were those of a predators. He walked silkily into the room, and Ellen instantly noted he was a vampire. She wasn't the type of Slayer to stake and ask questions later, so she waited for a signal from Bonnie. There was a squeak, that reminded Ellen of a chick. "Damon?!" Ellen whirled around to see Bonnie pale. Brave, intelligent Bonnie was shaking in the knees. Her eyes were wide and dark, as she tried to find her voice. "What are you doing here?" The red heads voice cracked slightly. Ellen felt an urge to smack the black haired vamp as he grinned. "Is that the way you greet an old friend, Bonnie?" His voice was like velvet. Smooth one way, rough the other. Ellen moved so that she was between her new friend and this stranger. Bonnie seemed to gain her strength, and sat down, though a bit stiffly. "Where are my manners? Have a seat. We're fresh out of human blood, but that was a bit old any ways. We do have tea, hot chocolate, coffee.?" Ellen asked. Damon sat down in one cat like motion. He smiled at Ellen, as she studied him. Arrogance, power, pain and anger swirled in his dark eyes. But she could see the stars in his eyes. Lone stars. Sad stars. "Homemade?" "All of it. I'm making hot chocolate as we speak, and I also have pastries." It was autumn, with beautifully colored trees, and biting winds. He smiled. "I'll have the same as you. Thank you, Cara." She nodded and left, eager to get back and find out what was going on. She reentered a few minutes later. She gave her 'guest' a hematite mug, chocolate and cream foam on top. The stone mug certainly suited his personality. It was no wonder how he had gotten in. The shop the three Slayers lived over and owned, allowed any wandering guest in, as long as it wasn't looking to do harm. Damon sipped the chocolate, and his eyes widened. Bonnie seemed interested in his shock. Apparently this didn't happen often. "Where did you learn this recipe, Cara?" He said it softly, fondly. "Oh, it was my mother's grandmother's. They were Italian, and my mother gave it to me." "It's just like how they used to make it back in the day. I'm impressed." Ellen smiled at him, but was still a bit wary. He turned back to the conversation he and Bonnie had been having. "Will you do it?" Bonnie sighed as she sipped her cider. "I don't see why not. I'll need help from Celia, though. Who is the talisman for?" "I'm not sure." Bonnie stared at him. "WHAT?" He shrugged, not really caring about her reaction. "I don't know." Ellen perked up. "What's the order?" "A Lapis Talisman." Ellen whistled. "That's going to cost you, buddy. Why do you want one?" Damon eyed her. "I had a dream. I feel I am going to need it in the near future." Ellen looked at his hands, and there on his right hand was a silver ring set with Lapis Lazuli. "You don't seem to need one for yourself. Gold or Silver?" "Gold." Hmm. A Gold Lapis Talisman. For a female vampire against sunlight. "You mentioned a dream? What was it like?" "A premonition." "Well, why not Bon? It'd be no skin off our backs, unless we have to kill her in the future. We could use the money." "For what, Ellen?" "Well, there was this nice water fountain that caught my eye. It'd be GREAT in the garden out back. And a scrying ball." Bonnie rolled her eyes, but giggled. She stopped when Damon's intense eyes narrowed in on her. She blushed as he began to look her up and down, a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. "So. HOW do you two know each other?" Little did Ellen know, that the next week she was going to meet their past, and the reason they met in the past. And barely survive the reunion.

Damon veered east, following the girl's scent. The sun was over head by now, meaning the group was part way to Isengard. The forest got thicker, and so did her scent. Finally, after a few hours and flying and reminiscing, he had reached his goal. There were other crows in the area, so he wasn't a dead give away. He searched the clearing, and found Ellen. She was resting with the rest of her new traveling companions. He gave a small caw, before landing gently on her shoulder. She still wore her nightclothes, but now had on her favorite pair of hiking boots. Still a nice view of her sexy legs, though. A mental chuckle interrupted his thoughts. He preened on her shoulder, trying to act like a normal bird. Except for the fact he was downright beautiful for a crow. *You still are full of yourself, aren't you?* She sounded tired and rained. *What do you mean? I'm only stating the truth. One which you agree with me wholeheartedly.* He could feel her roll her eyes. *So.WHY are you here with these buffoons?* He asked. Ellen sighed, and he bobbed as she shrugged her shoulders under his comfortable weight. * I guess I wanted to see what the big deal was. Why they are so interested in me, and the Rings. * *I can give you a few ideas.* *DAMON! Stop thinking kinky thoughts. At least, not with me. Bonnie, maybe.* *How have they been treating you?* *Pretty well. I've been making guesses, and snagging info.* She paused. *Would you.stay with me? I'm getting tired. I've been up way too much, and I still don't trust them. They could want to rape me, or make me their Queen of darkness for all I know.* *Now YOU'ER the one thinking kinky. But don't worry. I'll stay. Besides, if elf boy found out that they may do something like that? They'll never find all of the pieces.* *Legolas is a Light Creature. He isn't violent.* *That's what you WANT to think. Wait until battle* He glided off into the shadows, and appeared across camp as a wolf. He was even larger than a Great Dane, and black as the sky at night. He made a show of strutting around languidly, and growling, staking his claim on the area, but not attacking. He then made a show of checking Ellen out, before curling up at her feet. She leaned down and scratched him behind the ear. He almost purred in pleasure, and with Power.

******

Legolas looked up at the sky, thinking of Ellen. Aragorn led them, knowing the way better than any of them, with Boromir and Gandalf right behind. Bonnie was still a bit upset, with Damon AND Ellen. Herdare kept watch over him, Gimli polished his ax to keep himself distracted from his fear of riding; the hobbits kept themselves busy with games Celia had taught them from her world. Ellen's world. He closed his eyes and meditated, letting the forest surround him, and engulf him. He didn't hear the hobbits lively voices. "I spy.with my little eye.something.GOLD!"



AS WE ALL KNOW, FF.NET HAS BEEN HAVING MAJOR ISSUES.I HAVE STARTED A MAILING LIST AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO A WEBSTIE SINCE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO BUILD ONE. I HAVE MY STORIES ON IT, AND WILL SEND MESSAGES THROUGH LETTING YOU KNOW OF UPDATES. IT ALSO HOUSES MY KITTIES. I FINISHED THIS CHAPTER AGES AGO, BUT DUE TO THE CONTINUING PROBLEMS OF FF.NET, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO UPDATE ON MY ACCOUNT. THE ADDRESS IS http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GNsCafe/



A/N: I AM SO SORRY for getting this out SO LATE! REALLY I AM! I DID manage to Graduate (don't ask me how I managed to pull it off, I'm STILL in shock) *jumps for joy* and we're beginning the move out west. Well, dad has to find a job first, then a place for us to live. I decided to have Damon flash back so you could learn more about the fours (five) relationship (Bonnie, Celia, Ellen, Damon and maybe Devon). And I'll try to put Bonnie/Damon in it. It's just that.well.I DID put them together a bit fast. So I'm trying to backpedal a bit through flashbacks for those who wanted B/D. No problem though. This WAS a bit short, but I promise to have the next chapter out in a bit. Not a few days, mind you. I'm very busy with the move, and helping Mum. *pouts* And I have to look for a job. A FIRST job. I figured something small, or something I know how to do well and like. *sighes* Action is coming up, and a small surprise for you. I really am sorry, and I don't think I can tell ALL my excuses over again. Maybe you could just read Hybrid Lies Chapter 9 Author's Notes? I hope you're all still reading.*looks forlorn*