Title: Miles to Go

By: Ring Red

Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! *sniffle*

Rating: R (for later chapters and language)

Feedback: Okay, *someone* sent me a review that hit a little to close to home. I'm trying to stay a least somewhat unpredictable here, though I know it's fighting a losing battle, but someone got part of this chapter exactly right. I'll have to watch that. To that person...lol...hope you enjoy it anyway and thanks for the review! Thank you for all my other reviews as well. You guys are wonderful. This is another somewhat short chapter, but it and the last were one long chapter that I had to split in half and that's why. I'll try to do better in the future and try to post the next chapter faster to make up for it. I'm glad you seem to still enjoy the building chemistry. I'm having fun with it.

Also, there was some concern about losing focus on the quest. I'm afraid that this may continue for the next several chapters. Lorien is a chance to rest and heal for the fellowship. They're going to forget about the quest at times and just relax and enjoy themselves. I promise that they'll be back on the road to Mordor as fiercely as ever once they leave the Golden Wood. I know I should know better *bows head in shame* but I couldn't resist the pull of Lorien. It's a month for me to play with the characters and build on relationships. I just couldn't resist! I know...I know...I'm a bad BAD girl!

I'm glad you continue to enjoy the story sessions. You haven't seen the last of them! THANKS AGAIN for all my reviews and any more you can send my way would be greatly appreciated! Hope you enjoy!

Note: I cannot get italics to come up correctly when I upload to fanfiction.net. Therefore, at the end of this chapter I have had to split up the paragraphs where Galadriel speaks with the sisters. Sorry and hope it isn't too confusing!

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Chapter Eleven

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"Slayer," the voice sounded amused. "It is time to rise."

Buffy frowned. "Hmm?" She didn't want to wake up. She was comfy. Why couldn't the annoying voice just leave her alone? She was in that happy place between dreams and awake. She was warm and her big pillow was so comfortable. It'd been a long time since she'd been this comfy. Since - since back at the cottage in her own little bed with her own big pillow - which she didn't bring on the trip. Huh? Awareness began to filter back into Buffy's sleepy mind. She was sprawled out across a big pillow? What big pillow? She felt out hesitantly with her hands. A sense of dread filled her as she noticed something else - her big pillow was breathing. And it smelled way too good after weeks without a proper bath to be Dawn. Oh shit!

The slayer jerked herself off of her living pillow. "Uhm...yeah, I'm awake. I'm awake now."

"So I see." Okay, Haldir sounded far too amused by this for Buffy's liking. She glared in the general direction of his voice, but somehow she thought the blindfold covering her eyes ruined the effect. "I believe you may rise now as well, Prince." He spoke casually to Legolas before turning to check on the rest of the company.

Then Buffy felt her face burn and was actually grateful for the blindfolds. At least she couldn't see her living pillow and he couldn't see her. She'd never be able to look Legolas in the face again. This was - well this was just about par for her luck come to think of it.

"What's going on, Buffy?" Dawn questioned with a yawn. "What's Haldir on about?" She reached out to find her older sister, but found Buffy's pallet empty instead. She frowned. "And where are you?"

"I'm right here." Buffy felt her way back onto her pallet and found her sister's seeking hands. "And Haldir was - he was just being Haldir. You know those wacky elves."

"Yeah, sure." Dawn wasn't buying it. What was up with her sister? "Did you sleep okay?"

Fighting a groan of embarrassment and hoping against hope that her Elven nemesis wasn't listening, Buffy answered honestly. "Like a baby."

Willow gave an ill-tempered snort as she joined the conversation. "I don't see how. I had a rock poking into my back all night."

"Mine was a stick." Dawn's voice was rueful. "I finally pulled it out from under my pallet a few hours ago."

"Guess I got lucky." Buffy gulped as she remembered exactly how she'd avoided the discomfort of the forest floor. Then her hormonally hyper brain twisted that phrase around to a whole new meaning. Visions of herself and Elven Prince danced through the slayer's mind. Far more pleasurable ways of passing the dark hours of night and waking up sprawled in her previous position. He'd felt so warm, so right, pressed up against her. Buffy'd never taken herself for all that much of a cuddler in the past, but Legolas made her want to reconsider. She felt her skin heat and her breath quicken just thinking of the possibilities. Hell, they could even keep the blindfolds. Buffy'd be more than happy to feel her way around the elf's slim toned body.

"Buffy?"

"Huh?"

"I asked if you were hungry. The hobbits are somehow making a quick blind breakfast." Dawn said.

Oh right. No time to sit and think about hot...sweaty...bodies...and long blonde silky hair...and...BAD BAD BUFFY! "I'm not hungry."

"Okay." Dawn wished she could see her sister at the moment. Damn blindfolds. Something was up and Dawn could read her sister's lies much better when she could actually see her face. Oh well. Standing up and clasping her hand onto the arm of an already standing Willow, Dawn tried to turn them in the direction of the hobbits' voices. The two sisters stumbled away.

Buffy sighed in relief and leaned back on her hands. That was close. Dawn suspected something. Her little sister knew her far too well. Saved by the blindfolds once again.

"Glad I am to hear you enjoyed your rest, Slayer." His voice was a purr and it sent a shiver of warmth right down the slayer's spine. He was just freaking lethal! When had he become lethal? She'd forgotten his presence completely there for a minute while she floated around in Lusty Land, but one little sentence and WHAM!

Taking a deep breath, Buffy frowned. "Uh...about that. I mean...about the sleeping on you thing. I'm well...I'm..."

"Do not be sorry." Legolas interrupted her rambling as he leaned closer as if he could examine her even through the blindfold. "I'm not." He stood and walked silently away.

Buffy gulped. "Bad BAD Buffy."

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After eating breakfast the company set out again. Buffy was still suffering from an extreme case of embarrassment so she did her best to keep Haldir talking about the trees and the flowers again all day. She couldn't be sure, but Legolas seemed to be sulking. She frowned. It made absolutely no sense. What was his deal? She was being nice to his people. Shouldn't this have been a good thing? She liked him better when he was constantly picking at her. At least then she knew how to handle him.

At noon they met up with another group of elves. Haldir spoke with their captain briefly and then relayed good news to the fellowship. The orcs from the night before had already been destroyed. These elves were on their way to the northern borders to guard against any more attacks from Moria. They also brought word that the companions were to be allowed to walk free and remove their blindfolds, even Gimli. The host of elves departed once more. Haldir removed the dwarf's blindfold first and sought his pardon. Gimli gruffly accepted the apology.

"Behold! You are come to Cerin Amroth," Haldir told the companions. "For this is the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago, and here is the mound of Amroth, where in happier days his high house was built. Here ever bloom the winter flowers in the unfading grass: the yellow elanor, and the pale niphredil. Here we will stay awhile, and come to the city of the Galadhrim at dusk."

Some of the members of the fellowship made themselves comfortable on the grass and some set out to explore and take in the beautiful view. Buffy gratefully put some distance between herself and Legolas for the first time in hours and walked over to speak with her sisters. She never looked back in his direction, but still she felt the elf's eyes follow her. The slayer's skin flushed. "These elves sure are big with the nature, huh?" She avoided her youngest sister's sharp gaze.

Dawn lifted an unimpressed brow. "What went down this morning, Buffy? You've been acting off all day."

"Nothing." Buffy tried to think of a good explanation, but came up empty. "Haldir just caught me drooling in my sleep. No big." She told them lamely.

Willow grinned. "And what Haldir thinks matters to you, Buffy?"

The slayer frowned. "Not especially, why?"

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Because Willow thinks you've got the hots for him." Willow glared at the youngest sister.

Buffy surprised them both by smirking. "Certainly plenty to be hot about, isn't there? These elves just don't know the meaning of the word ugly."

Dawn just gaped. "Buffy!" Willow grinned triumphantly.

The slayer just shrugged. "What Dawnie? It's been over six years since I've..." She met her little sister's eyes and grimaced. "Well it's just been over six years, okay? I have eyes and Haldir definitely falls into the edible category. The marchwarden is a hottie and a half. Why shouldn't I appreciate that?"

Dawn's eyes narrowed into a glare. "What about the twins? They were totally hot! You didn't go all lusty over them."

"I was cranky at the time." Buffy dismissed her earlier actions. Then she frowned as the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She spun around. Legolas stood a few feet away watching her. His eyes were unreadable, but she couldn't seem to break his stare. Finally the Prince glanced off to the side and turned to walk silently away. Something unpleasant curled in Buffy's stomach, but she pushed away the sensation as she looked back to her sisters. They watched her curiously. She shrugged. "Pointy-eared pest alert. He's had his panties in a bunch all morning."

Before the other two sisters could respond, Haldir walked up to join them. "Lady Arato, would you do me the honor of allowing me to show you the beauties of Cerin Amroth?"

Something niggled in the back of Buffy's mind and urged her to say no. Buffy had sinking feeling it was the same something that urged her to trail after Legolas instead. For this reason alone, Buffy accepted the marchwarden's offer. "Sure, Haldir. Sounds like fun." She looked back to her sisters. Dawn was sulking, but Willow smiled widely. Buffy smirked at the witch. "You two wanna come?"

Dawn looked ready to agree, but Willow grabbed the younger girl's arm and began to tug. "No thanks. We'll just find the hobbits and explore with them, won't we Dawnie?"

Dawn shot Willow a sour glare. "Don't have much choice, do I?" She reluctantly allowed Willow to pull her away. Damn it. If something didn't change fast she was never getting that crossbow.

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Caras Galadhon was even more beautiful than they could have imagined. Night was falling as they finally reached the walls of the Elven city, but up in the branches of the massive ancient trees countless lights were gleaming, green and gold and silver.

"Welcome to Caras Galadhon!" Haldir spoke. "Here is the city of the Galadhrim where dwell the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel the Lady of Lorien."

Now this was a site to remember. The sisters did their best not to gape, but it was an impossible task. As night deepened around them more and more lights sprang forth, until all the hill seemed afire with stars. Haldir led the company around the outer walls and they finally reached a white bridge leading to the doors of the city. He knocked and spoke and the doors opened soundlessly. Then he walked on and the companions trailed after him, but still they stared about them in awe and wonder. Surely there was no place more beautiful in all the world than this?

"Buffy?" Dawn voice was a reverent whisper.

"Yeah?" Buffy whispered back.

"Can I live here?" She sighed as she tried to take it all in at once. "You can pick me back up in a century or two."

Buffy snorted. "Pick you back up? I'm taking the talan next to yours."

"How about we just find one big talan and share?" Willow suggested.

"Works for me." Dawn agreed.

They continued to walk and admire and pause and admire and whisper and admire...

"You know, Buffy," Willow shot her sister a grin, "Haldir lives here. If you and Haldir were to say...hook up..."

"Hey," Dawn glared at the witch, "that's cheating."

Buffy rolled her eyes, but didn't bother to look in their direction. She was still taking in the pretty lights. Buffy decided that was her new philosophy, trees big - lights pretty. "What is it with you two and my love life? Find a more interesting subject - like dirt."

Haldir continued to lead them up a walkway that wove around and through the trees. There were flets built off to one side and the other and the path wove among them. Finally they reached a large center talan upon which was built a great house. The companions slowed their pace once again to take in the beauty before them. As they passed through the doorway, each felt a wave of warmth and peace washed over them. Then they first beheld Celeborn and Galadriel, two beautiful beings of light.

Buffy missed most of Lord Celeborn's welcome to their party. She was too moved by the Lady Galadriel's presence. Lord Celeborn was beautiful and powerful and wisdom glowed in his eyes, but Lady Galadriel was breathtaking. When the Lady slid her eyes to the slayer's, Buffy couldn't look away.

Welcome, Buffy Summers.

The words echoed through Buffy's mind and yet somehow did not feel unnatural or intrusive.

Long has been your journey to find peace, Slayer, and glad am I to see it lead you here. The fellowship will have great need of your strength in the coming dark days.

Buffy frowned. She couldn't be that for them. That wasn't her role.

You shall find your role...or it shall find you. Fear not. What is meant to be shall be. But do not lock away your heart, for no longer is death your Gift, but love. Great will be the reward that awaits the end of your journey. You shall find your peace, Buffy Summers, but perhaps not in the form you once imagined.

As the powerful elleth's eyes slid away, Buffy was released from her hold but the warmth remained and with it a new spark of hope.

The Lady next caught Willow in her gaze...

Years of bravery, courage, and sacrifice mark your past, Willow Rosenburg. You have seen and forgiven the mistakes of others and yet still cannot forgive yourself. Ever you seek redemption, but will you accept it when it is freely offered?

Willow's eyes stung and her heart clenched in her chest.

Hope and love lie before you, Tasere. You have but to open your eyes and see them.

As the Lady looked away, Willow stepped over to hug Buffy tightly to her. She lay her head on the slayer's shoulder and wept. Buffy whispered to her and patted her back soothingly.

Now Dawn found herself locked in Galadriel's stare...

Much hardship and pain have marked your young life, Dawn Summers, but your true journey has yet to begin. Great things I see in your future, Key. Soon you will awaken and find yourself born anew. Your sisters will stand beside you always, but you must find yourself and your own destiny.

Dawn gulped. Galadriel smiled.

Prepare yourself, Key, for the power comes.

As the Lady looked away, Dawn shivered. She stepped closer to her sisters and whispered. "I liked it a lot better in the movies when she was doing that to someone else."

Willow lifted her head from Buffy's shoulder and nodded. Then she sniffled again and dove over to cry on Dawn instead. Dawn met Buffy's gaze and they shared a loving grin. Relief surged through the Key. She had a destiny, huh? And it was coming? That was okay. She'd make it. Buffy and Willow would be with her. Besides, it would be nice to be the main character in their stories for a change. Playing 'girl-who-gets-saved-on-Tuesday' was getting old.

The companions and the Lord and Lady discussed much, but the three sisters remained silent. They pondered their own fortunes and what truly lay ahead of them. For the first time they realized that destroying the Ring and defeating Sauron might not be the end. What if it was only the beginning?

"Do not let your hearts be troubled." The Lady Galadriel's voice drew them from their musing. "Tonight you shall sleep in peace." And they believed her.

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End of Chapter

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Ring Red