Title: Miles to Go
By: Ring Red
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! *sniffle*
Rating: R
Feedback: Thank you again for my replies. I did get some comments on how short the last chapter was and I'm sorry about that! This one is a bit longer, but not by that much. I'm trying not to make them too short, but I want to end them at points that feel right plot-wise. Just know that I am working on it and your feedback is very appreciated.
I am SO enjoying writing this and I hope you continue to enjoy reading it. I was scared to start posting it up, and still am really, but so far everyone's been great. I'll try to keep writing as long as you want me too.
PLEASE let me know if you enjoy the story or read anything you really like. Constructive comments are also very welcome. I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing.
Note about Chapter: I'm not really sure if crossbows exist in Middle-Earth, but I don't remember them in either the books or the movies. SO, for the purpose of this story they don't exist there yet. Forgive me if I'm wrong.
/ / / / / / / / / /
Chapter Five
/ / / / / / / / / /
The path back down the mountain through the snow was even more difficult than the path up. Aragorn and Boromir took the front and cleared the way while everyone else followed. Buffy considered offering her assistance, but they'd never believe her capable and she wasn't in the mood for more sexist attitudes. Actually her mood was darkening more and more by the minute. It might have had something to do with the smug elf prancing along on top of the snow beside her. She shot an irritated glance at her younger sister. "You know, when he did that in the movie and the book it was cool. Now it's just really annoying."
Dawn snickered. "Could be because he's obviously loving watching you struggle your way through. What'd you do to piss him off?"
Buffy shot her a look of wounded innocence. "Me?"
Willow snorted. "Yeah, we'll buy that look eventually Buffy."
"I thought you two called some kind of truce?" Dawn pushed forward.
Buffy just shrugged and kept walking.
Progress continued slowly. Every ten minutes or so the group had to halt and wait for Boromir and Aragorn to clear the snow enough to move on. After another hour Buffy was seething and tapping her foot. She shot an angry glare up at the elf still standing beside her but about five feet above her on top of the snow. Reaching over she grabbed a handful of snow and started packing it into a ball.
Both Dawn and Willow grabbed for the snowball and their sister's hand. Buffy glared at them. "Why not?"
Dawn rolled her eyes. "This war between you two has to end, Buffy. You're going to be traveling together for a long time."
"But..." the slayer looked to Willow for help.
Willow pulled on her resolve face and joined Dawn.
Buffy stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. "You guys are just no fun." She turned and tried to storm off, but ran into the pack of hobbits who were still waiting for the snow to clear.
A tinkling musical laugh sounded above her. She refused to look up.
"Is there a problem?" He purred.
Grabbing another handful of snow she hurled it up into his face. The elf sputtered and tried to clear the cold wet substance off of himself. Willow and Dawn glared hard at Buffy. Buffy winced as she met their eyes. "He started it!"
More of the snow had now been cleared away from the path before them and the hobbits were moving on. Dawn shot her sister one last irritated glare before moving forward. "And you say I'm immature? What are you - three?"
Willow glared at Buffy again and then up at the angry elf. "Behave." She grabbed Buffy by the arm and drug her forward after the rest of the group.
The fellowship finally got past the higher snow and progress moved more quickly. By nightfall they had once again reached the bottom of the mountain and set up camp. All pretense of secrecy was gone now, any number of Saruman's spies could have watched their climb and descent of the mountain, so they decide to continue on by day. As they got comfortable, Gandalf started the inevitable discussion of whether they should carry on or go back to Rivendell. The hobbits would have loved to return to Rivendell, and wouldn't they all have really, but Frodo insisted that he could not turn back. The rest of the fellowship agreed to continue with him. Next Gandalf brought up the question of how to continue on. Boromir wanted to take the Gap of Rohan, but both Aragorn and Gandalf protested taking the ring so close to Isengard. Gandalf then brought up the option of Moria. He looked intently at the sisters for their reaction.
Buffy, Willow, and Dawn looked carefully neutral. Buffy then smiled at the wizard sweetly. "Don't look at us. We've never been to Moria."
Heaving a frustrated sigh, Gandalf looked back to Aragorn and they began to debate that path. In the end, although no one save Gimli actually wanted to go through the mines of Moria, they were decided. Everyone began to settle down and prepare to go to sleep.
Buffy was rolling out her pallet when she suddenly jerked. She stood up straight and looked out around their camp into the darkness. Willow and Dawn were beside her in an instant. "What's wrong?" Dawn whispered concerned.
Narrowing her eyes, Buffy continued to search the gloom. "Spidey-sense...major wiggins. There's something out there...lots of somethings."
Willow honed into her magic and shivered. "I can feel the darkness building. Should we tell Gandalf?"
Even as they spoke the sound of eerie howls filled the air. The three sisters shared a glance. Dawn spoke. "The wargs."
Gandalf called the group together and they discussed this new twist. They decided to move to the top of the hill they had been sheltered under for their defense. There was a circle of old twisted trees and broken boulders on top of the hill. They moved within it and build a fire.
Buffy looked intently at her sisters. "Let's stay close tonight. They'll attack soon." They moved their pallets close to the fire and tried in vain to make themselves comfortable. Buffy pulled one of her favorite short swords from her pack and placed it beside her. Willow decided to stick with her magic, but Dawn pulled out a hand-made (for the most part) crossbow for herself.
After hours of howling by the wolves one dark shape finally appeared outside a gap in the circle. Gandalf stood and walked forward to face it holding up his staff. "Listen, Hound of Sauron! Gandalf is here. Fly, if you value your foul skin! I will shrivel you from tail to snout, if you come within this ring."
The wolf snarled and leap forward toward the circle. A twang filled the air and the great beast gave a hideous yell before falling motionless to the ground with an arrow lodged in its throat. The members of the fellowship looked to Legolas who continued to stand at ready with his bow and a second arrow.
Buffy nodded in satisfaction. "Now that's an elf after my own heart. Less talking, more killing."
The Prince of Mirkwood shot her an unreadable glance.
The next few minutes were tense as they waited for another attack but it seemed that the death of their captain had cowed the wolves and they would come no closer to the fire. The three sisters were not fooled. As their other companions began to relax they remained ready. The attack was coming.
The night was growing old when finally the wolves made their move. They'd crept silently up to the camp and now they attacked the companions from all sides. Gandalf called out for everyone to stoke the fire and fight back to back. Buffy met Willow's eyes and nodded a silent command. Willow nodded back and moved off. She grabbed the four hobbits and pushed them with her behind the line of warriors, then she erected another shielding spell around them. She hated to leave her sisters outside, but Buffy was made for the fight and Dawn wouldn't take kindly to being protected.
"Stay close to me, Dawnie!" Buffy ordered as she swung her sword down across the neck of an approaching wolf severing its head. As another lept up toward her face from the side she ducked down and gutted the beast from beneath as it passed above her.
"Not a problem." Dawn agreed as she aimed and let loose an arrow taking down another wolf with her crossbow.
Their companions watched the two sisters in amazement for a moment before turning back to their own fight. Aragorn thrust the gleaming Andúril through the throat of a huge wolf leader. Boromir hewed the head off another. Gimli fought beside them swinging his great ax and Legolas jumped nimbly in and out of the fight shooting off arrows to fell more of the beasts.
Gandalf had apparently had enough. Suddenly he appeared to grow huge and menacing. He reached down and lifted a burning branch from the fire before walking out to face the remaining wolves. They cowered back away from him. The wizard then threw the branch into the air and called out a spell loudly in some strange tongue. The branch gave a flash and then the tree above the wizard burst into flames. The fire then lept from tree to tree until all the trees on the hill burned with dazzling light and the swords and knives of the warriors gleamed. Legolas let loose one more arrow which kindled in the air before burying itself through the heart of the great wolf-chieftain. The remaining wolves howled and fled in fright.
As the fire began to die down the first light of dawn crept over the land. The battle was over. The companions relaxed. Willow released the shield over herself and the hobbits and made her way quickly over to check on her sisters. Dawn then enthusiastically relived every gory moment of battle for her redheaded sister. Willow pretended interest while she looked both of the women over for non-existent injuries. Buffy rolled her eyes at Willow's mothering and reached down to clean wolf-gore from her sword.
"May I ask," Gimli questioned as he came over to join them, "what is the weapon you carry, Lady Aara? I have never seen the like before."
Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas seemed curious as well. Dawn shrugged. "It's called a crossbow. They're not that hard to come by in our world, but we had to make ours because apparently Middle-Earth doesn't have them yet." Their curiosity was not satisfied so easily and Dawn had to pass the weapon around and explain how to use it and what its advantages and disadvantages were in battle. When Gimli requested lessons with the weapon when Dawn had the time and Boromir and Aragorn quickly echoed him, Dawn shot Buffy a panicked look. Buffy just smiled sweetly back at her younger sister and watched her sink.
Legolas stepped closer to the slayer. "You fought well...for a mortal woman."
Buffy's head snapped to the side and she glared up at him. Was that amusement she saw hidden in those blue depths? She pushed the thought aside. "I guess you did okay too...for a pointy-eared pest."
To her utter frustration the elf did not rise to the bait. He lifted one perfect brow and the corner of his lips tilted up. "Who trained your sister with this...crossbow?"
Buffy frowned at the change of subject. She answered truthfully before she thought about it. "I did. Well, myself and my watcher Giles, but mostly me. Dawn was itching to join me on patrol at night and I wanted her properly prepared. Weapons training was never a bad idea in Sunnydale."
Legolas nodded but that grin still pulled at his lips. "May I make you an offer?"
"Does it involve moving our house?" Buffy shot back annoyed.
Legolas shook his head and the grin grew. "No, milady."
She shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
"I would trade you lessons with the longbow for lessons from you with this crossbow."
Buffy thought it over. It meant spending time with him which was a major negative, but she could use more practice with the longbow. She really had enjoyed learning to work with the new weapon back in Rivendell. She eyed her nemesis thoughtfully. "Well, I did get some training back in Rivendell. I guess it couldn't hurt."
Legolas nodded his agreement to their deal. "Practice will hone your ability." He turned to walk away, but paused. "Besides," he shot her an arrogant smirk over his shoulder, "I know your teachers. I have better aim." He continued walking.
Buffy glared after him. He was almost strutting. What was up with that? She looked back to her sisters. They were watching her and grinning. Buffy rolled her eyes. "He is SO annoying."
/ / / / / / / / / /
End of Chapter
/ / / / / / / / / /
Feedback? Pretty Please?
Ring Red
By: Ring Red
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! *sniffle*
Rating: R
Feedback: Thank you again for my replies. I did get some comments on how short the last chapter was and I'm sorry about that! This one is a bit longer, but not by that much. I'm trying not to make them too short, but I want to end them at points that feel right plot-wise. Just know that I am working on it and your feedback is very appreciated.
I am SO enjoying writing this and I hope you continue to enjoy reading it. I was scared to start posting it up, and still am really, but so far everyone's been great. I'll try to keep writing as long as you want me too.
PLEASE let me know if you enjoy the story or read anything you really like. Constructive comments are also very welcome. I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing.
Note about Chapter: I'm not really sure if crossbows exist in Middle-Earth, but I don't remember them in either the books or the movies. SO, for the purpose of this story they don't exist there yet. Forgive me if I'm wrong.
/ / / / / / / / / /
Chapter Five
/ / / / / / / / / /
The path back down the mountain through the snow was even more difficult than the path up. Aragorn and Boromir took the front and cleared the way while everyone else followed. Buffy considered offering her assistance, but they'd never believe her capable and she wasn't in the mood for more sexist attitudes. Actually her mood was darkening more and more by the minute. It might have had something to do with the smug elf prancing along on top of the snow beside her. She shot an irritated glance at her younger sister. "You know, when he did that in the movie and the book it was cool. Now it's just really annoying."
Dawn snickered. "Could be because he's obviously loving watching you struggle your way through. What'd you do to piss him off?"
Buffy shot her a look of wounded innocence. "Me?"
Willow snorted. "Yeah, we'll buy that look eventually Buffy."
"I thought you two called some kind of truce?" Dawn pushed forward.
Buffy just shrugged and kept walking.
Progress continued slowly. Every ten minutes or so the group had to halt and wait for Boromir and Aragorn to clear the snow enough to move on. After another hour Buffy was seething and tapping her foot. She shot an angry glare up at the elf still standing beside her but about five feet above her on top of the snow. Reaching over she grabbed a handful of snow and started packing it into a ball.
Both Dawn and Willow grabbed for the snowball and their sister's hand. Buffy glared at them. "Why not?"
Dawn rolled her eyes. "This war between you two has to end, Buffy. You're going to be traveling together for a long time."
"But..." the slayer looked to Willow for help.
Willow pulled on her resolve face and joined Dawn.
Buffy stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. "You guys are just no fun." She turned and tried to storm off, but ran into the pack of hobbits who were still waiting for the snow to clear.
A tinkling musical laugh sounded above her. She refused to look up.
"Is there a problem?" He purred.
Grabbing another handful of snow she hurled it up into his face. The elf sputtered and tried to clear the cold wet substance off of himself. Willow and Dawn glared hard at Buffy. Buffy winced as she met their eyes. "He started it!"
More of the snow had now been cleared away from the path before them and the hobbits were moving on. Dawn shot her sister one last irritated glare before moving forward. "And you say I'm immature? What are you - three?"
Willow glared at Buffy again and then up at the angry elf. "Behave." She grabbed Buffy by the arm and drug her forward after the rest of the group.
The fellowship finally got past the higher snow and progress moved more quickly. By nightfall they had once again reached the bottom of the mountain and set up camp. All pretense of secrecy was gone now, any number of Saruman's spies could have watched their climb and descent of the mountain, so they decide to continue on by day. As they got comfortable, Gandalf started the inevitable discussion of whether they should carry on or go back to Rivendell. The hobbits would have loved to return to Rivendell, and wouldn't they all have really, but Frodo insisted that he could not turn back. The rest of the fellowship agreed to continue with him. Next Gandalf brought up the question of how to continue on. Boromir wanted to take the Gap of Rohan, but both Aragorn and Gandalf protested taking the ring so close to Isengard. Gandalf then brought up the option of Moria. He looked intently at the sisters for their reaction.
Buffy, Willow, and Dawn looked carefully neutral. Buffy then smiled at the wizard sweetly. "Don't look at us. We've never been to Moria."
Heaving a frustrated sigh, Gandalf looked back to Aragorn and they began to debate that path. In the end, although no one save Gimli actually wanted to go through the mines of Moria, they were decided. Everyone began to settle down and prepare to go to sleep.
Buffy was rolling out her pallet when she suddenly jerked. She stood up straight and looked out around their camp into the darkness. Willow and Dawn were beside her in an instant. "What's wrong?" Dawn whispered concerned.
Narrowing her eyes, Buffy continued to search the gloom. "Spidey-sense...major wiggins. There's something out there...lots of somethings."
Willow honed into her magic and shivered. "I can feel the darkness building. Should we tell Gandalf?"
Even as they spoke the sound of eerie howls filled the air. The three sisters shared a glance. Dawn spoke. "The wargs."
Gandalf called the group together and they discussed this new twist. They decided to move to the top of the hill they had been sheltered under for their defense. There was a circle of old twisted trees and broken boulders on top of the hill. They moved within it and build a fire.
Buffy looked intently at her sisters. "Let's stay close tonight. They'll attack soon." They moved their pallets close to the fire and tried in vain to make themselves comfortable. Buffy pulled one of her favorite short swords from her pack and placed it beside her. Willow decided to stick with her magic, but Dawn pulled out a hand-made (for the most part) crossbow for herself.
After hours of howling by the wolves one dark shape finally appeared outside a gap in the circle. Gandalf stood and walked forward to face it holding up his staff. "Listen, Hound of Sauron! Gandalf is here. Fly, if you value your foul skin! I will shrivel you from tail to snout, if you come within this ring."
The wolf snarled and leap forward toward the circle. A twang filled the air and the great beast gave a hideous yell before falling motionless to the ground with an arrow lodged in its throat. The members of the fellowship looked to Legolas who continued to stand at ready with his bow and a second arrow.
Buffy nodded in satisfaction. "Now that's an elf after my own heart. Less talking, more killing."
The Prince of Mirkwood shot her an unreadable glance.
The next few minutes were tense as they waited for another attack but it seemed that the death of their captain had cowed the wolves and they would come no closer to the fire. The three sisters were not fooled. As their other companions began to relax they remained ready. The attack was coming.
The night was growing old when finally the wolves made their move. They'd crept silently up to the camp and now they attacked the companions from all sides. Gandalf called out for everyone to stoke the fire and fight back to back. Buffy met Willow's eyes and nodded a silent command. Willow nodded back and moved off. She grabbed the four hobbits and pushed them with her behind the line of warriors, then she erected another shielding spell around them. She hated to leave her sisters outside, but Buffy was made for the fight and Dawn wouldn't take kindly to being protected.
"Stay close to me, Dawnie!" Buffy ordered as she swung her sword down across the neck of an approaching wolf severing its head. As another lept up toward her face from the side she ducked down and gutted the beast from beneath as it passed above her.
"Not a problem." Dawn agreed as she aimed and let loose an arrow taking down another wolf with her crossbow.
Their companions watched the two sisters in amazement for a moment before turning back to their own fight. Aragorn thrust the gleaming Andúril through the throat of a huge wolf leader. Boromir hewed the head off another. Gimli fought beside them swinging his great ax and Legolas jumped nimbly in and out of the fight shooting off arrows to fell more of the beasts.
Gandalf had apparently had enough. Suddenly he appeared to grow huge and menacing. He reached down and lifted a burning branch from the fire before walking out to face the remaining wolves. They cowered back away from him. The wizard then threw the branch into the air and called out a spell loudly in some strange tongue. The branch gave a flash and then the tree above the wizard burst into flames. The fire then lept from tree to tree until all the trees on the hill burned with dazzling light and the swords and knives of the warriors gleamed. Legolas let loose one more arrow which kindled in the air before burying itself through the heart of the great wolf-chieftain. The remaining wolves howled and fled in fright.
As the fire began to die down the first light of dawn crept over the land. The battle was over. The companions relaxed. Willow released the shield over herself and the hobbits and made her way quickly over to check on her sisters. Dawn then enthusiastically relived every gory moment of battle for her redheaded sister. Willow pretended interest while she looked both of the women over for non-existent injuries. Buffy rolled her eyes at Willow's mothering and reached down to clean wolf-gore from her sword.
"May I ask," Gimli questioned as he came over to join them, "what is the weapon you carry, Lady Aara? I have never seen the like before."
Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas seemed curious as well. Dawn shrugged. "It's called a crossbow. They're not that hard to come by in our world, but we had to make ours because apparently Middle-Earth doesn't have them yet." Their curiosity was not satisfied so easily and Dawn had to pass the weapon around and explain how to use it and what its advantages and disadvantages were in battle. When Gimli requested lessons with the weapon when Dawn had the time and Boromir and Aragorn quickly echoed him, Dawn shot Buffy a panicked look. Buffy just smiled sweetly back at her younger sister and watched her sink.
Legolas stepped closer to the slayer. "You fought well...for a mortal woman."
Buffy's head snapped to the side and she glared up at him. Was that amusement she saw hidden in those blue depths? She pushed the thought aside. "I guess you did okay too...for a pointy-eared pest."
To her utter frustration the elf did not rise to the bait. He lifted one perfect brow and the corner of his lips tilted up. "Who trained your sister with this...crossbow?"
Buffy frowned at the change of subject. She answered truthfully before she thought about it. "I did. Well, myself and my watcher Giles, but mostly me. Dawn was itching to join me on patrol at night and I wanted her properly prepared. Weapons training was never a bad idea in Sunnydale."
Legolas nodded but that grin still pulled at his lips. "May I make you an offer?"
"Does it involve moving our house?" Buffy shot back annoyed.
Legolas shook his head and the grin grew. "No, milady."
She shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
"I would trade you lessons with the longbow for lessons from you with this crossbow."
Buffy thought it over. It meant spending time with him which was a major negative, but she could use more practice with the longbow. She really had enjoyed learning to work with the new weapon back in Rivendell. She eyed her nemesis thoughtfully. "Well, I did get some training back in Rivendell. I guess it couldn't hurt."
Legolas nodded his agreement to their deal. "Practice will hone your ability." He turned to walk away, but paused. "Besides," he shot her an arrogant smirk over his shoulder, "I know your teachers. I have better aim." He continued walking.
Buffy glared after him. He was almost strutting. What was up with that? She looked back to her sisters. They were watching her and grinning. Buffy rolled her eyes. "He is SO annoying."
/ / / / / / / / / /
End of Chapter
/ / / / / / / / / /
Feedback? Pretty Please?
Ring Red
