FIRST KNIGHT BY ASHA DREAMWEAVER

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Summary: BtVS/LotR. Buffy gets sent to Middle Earth to help bring down Sauron. Her duty, like the Istari, is not to confront Sauron directly but to help those fated to face him bring him down. More specifically she's to help the King of Gondor get on his throne. Will Arwen and Aragorn's love stand against the shadow? Will Legolas be able to keep a secret, that if revealed, could shatter the lives of those he cares for? Will Buffy be able to fulfil her duty? Will Denethor be able to put aside his animosity for the man who would supplant him? Will the ringbearer reach Mount Doom, or will he be cut down before he reaches his goal? And will Boromir resist the lure of the ring?

Author's Notes: Thanks for all the reviews! Sorry this is late, but the site wasn't letting me log in.

p.s - sorry about the formatting but the site was acting up.

Review responses:

Andrea35 - wow, thanks! Yes, Éomund's offer is most useful. And yes, the Witch-King doesn't fare well against blondes! I don't think ME has voodoo though! And Legolas as Xander? Scary thought there. (shudders) Thanks for all the encouragement and compliments! :)

Anna - Thanks! I don't know about you guys ever finding out what Arwen saw, at least not until a few decades have past. It's so much more fun to leave you guessing. As for Aragorn finding out he's married; eventually but he's going to be ignorant for a while yet.

Catlimere - Thanks for the super review! Good deduction on the dream but I'm confirming nothing. The matchmakers plots start to become apparent in the next chapter though, so you should see their plans soon enough! :)

ChibiChibi - Suffering? Oh boy, there's going to be plenty of that going around!

Darkseed - good psychic streak…

Dreamer Child - Yes, it was heavy on the angst. And the dream was meant to be confusing to all parties! Except me, anyway. But good deduction. Buffy will be in TTT, but as to where… I can't give everything away now can I? Not with Frodo/Sam for definite. Éowyn will still fall for Aragorn, except she's got one more woman as competition. And she knows how to punch.

Eámanë Aldaríon of Rivendell - sorry, but Faramir's mother died when he was five, not in childbirth. But yes, Denethor is insane and cruel. And sorry again, but could I ask which fight you're going on about? Is it Denethor? And Gandalf the Magnificent arrives in this chapter! :) And full marks on your deduction. Yes, Gandalf is going to be the Giles-like figure in Buffy's life. Elrond just doesn't look old enough! And yes, Thranduil has ample reason for being in an age long snit. Thanks again for the brilliant review! :) Námarië!

Imp17 - Because if everything didn't happen to Buffy where would the fun be? Will the next chapter make you feel better?…. (Looks away and fidgets…) I'll leave that to you to decide.

Lunawolf - Remember, if you kill Arwen, then you have grieving, non Buffy-loving Aragorn as he'll be all 'it's all my fault'! Dart-throwing is perfect acceptable though.

Mari - The twins will be most mad at Aragorn for screwing up their plans. And there will be pranks galore in the future.

Meria - Actually, I got an e-mail a while back that ripped 'A light' to pieces. Very, very cruel. And it's made me want to re-write that fic, removing Isis, or else scrapping it altogether and using some of the plot for fodder for more, different stories. Sorry, but that e-mail had a bite, and a bit of a point, to it.

Ms8309 - I'm not telling…

N/A - Sorry, can't dish the dirt about Buffy's dream. She has to find out on her own. Good question about Arwen though.

Nefertare - Buffy didn't leave with Aragorn. They both left within a few days of each other but they're going opposite ways.

Pans - Finally? They're coming out twice a week nearly! Arwen didn't officially pledge her choice yet. No witnesses, no vows, Elrond's still in ME… so mortal thing won't take effect until she affirms it. No, he does not love Buffy because of the bond. And as to who he loves more? No way am I telling.

!!PlLEase!! - I promise.

polgara-5 - yes, it's gonna be B/A. eventually. Angst comes first. And thanks for the compliments! :)

Restive Nature - Thanks! yes, the misery has a point. What's the fun in just sticking them together angst-free right from the start?

RyianaT - Yeah, it's posted at TTH, but when I tried to add more chapters, they wouldn't appear as posted for some reason. Thanks for the comments! (big grin). Yeah, Aragorn won't be waking up to RL for a while. And yes, plenty of angst and stuff.

Shabopo - As for Buffy being 'too cheerful' there was a year she was in ME that I only documented in flashbacks. Not to mention when she came back from the dead due to Willow, she had to pretend she was happy not to crush her friends. With all the reminders and the Dawn baggage, Spike and the First, she never got a chance to really get past it. But when she came to ME, it's a new start for her. She doesn't have to slay. There's more than a handful of people in ME trying to kill monsters. She doesn't have to stand alone in her slayage. She isn't the last defence against evil anymore. It takes the pressure off of her. As for the ending, you'll have to wait and see.

Shimmyontherooftops - Thanks for the compliments! (blushes) And I LOVE lengthy reviews so no worries there! Thanks for taking the time to write such a long and nice review! :)

Star - Thanks for the great review! :) You're not going to be seeing Arwen's vision for a while, but it is going to play out in real life in front of her. Good analysis on the effect of relationships on the Fellowship. I have very many plans for that time, which shall typically be confusing, angsty, joyful, sad, frustrating etc. You get the picture. Yes, Buffy will be one of the catalysts for the Ar/A break-up. And sorry, it's not gonna happen soon. The beginning of the end for our star-struck couple has already begun in a way, but visible results will not appear for about 4-6 chapters. Happy reading!

Svarra - Another reader with a psychic streak? Aragorn gets his scare in two chapters! Yes, Buffy will probably be joining the Fellowship and hopefully it will be an original take on it.

And major thanks to:

Anonymous, Batgirl Beyond, boo, Delphine Pryde, Dragonpink, DragonStar, gaul1, goldenshadows, Gregdoreza, Haley, Lady of the Wood, Little Red Rabbit, LizaGirl, Jania, loz-179, Malfeus, martinelli88, Night-Owl123, P.H Wise, ShawThang (thanks! :) ), Tkiwi, Wild320, Zayra

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE GRAVE IS NO BAR TO MY CALL

Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant." – Seneca

Rivendell, 2981, TA.

Aragorn's journeys in the Wilds had a brief respite at last when he returned to the land of his childhood, and home of his heart; Rivendell.

But while at all other times he had rejoiced wholeheartedly at returning to the Elven Haven, this time was tainted by the shadow of what was to come.

By now, Elrond and his household would have heard of Arwen's choice and he honestly could not say what reaction awaited him.

Questioning a strangely reticent Elladan, he found that since Elrond had learned of the choice of his only daughter, he had been silent and grave. But that night, after a day of fretting by Aragorn, Elrond sent for him.

Elrond had his back to him when Aragorn entered the study, and the sorrow that emanated from the tall form was almost visible.

Without turning around, Elrond spoke, "Arwen has bound herself in troth to you, and has pledged to choose a mortal life?" Elrond asked.

Aragorn closed the door behind him and moved closer to his foster father, "Aye, we pledged our troth on Cerin Amroth. We love each other Adar."

Elrond turned to face him, his grey eyes darkened with present and future pain, "My son, years come when hope will fade, and beyond them little is clear to me. And now a shadow lies between us. Maybe it has been appointed so, that by my loss the kingship of Men may be restored." He broke off for a moment, struggling with his grief but soldiered on.

"Therefore, though I love you, I say to you; Arwen Undómiel shall not diminish her life's grace for less cause. She shall not be the bride of any Man less than the King of both Gondor and Arnor. To me then even our victory can bring only sorrow and parting - but to you hope of joy for a while. Alas, my son! I fear that to Arwen the Doom of Men may seem hard at the ending."

"Adar, I have loved her since I first saw her. And I wish no such doom upon her. But I also could not bear to live without her love. Can you not rejoice in our happiness?"

"My heart is sorely grieved, and a doom long feared is none the easier to endure for the knowing." Elrond answered, "To know that my daughter shall never pass West with her people, shall know the sorrows and pains of old age and a death beyond the circles of the world, where I nor any other of her kin save Lúthien and Elros will ever see her again… This I cannot abide. To be happy for you is beyond me. It has taken all that I have to accept Arwen's choice."

"I am sorry that such a rift now lies between us," Aragorn said earnestly, "But I will care for her to the end of my days."

Elrond closed his eyes at the word, wondering how his youngest son could be so blind as to not see the pain he left behind him, not to see the truth of his heart.

"I hope that you feel that way in years to come Aragorn," he warned, "Because if Arwen is hurt by some folly of yours, you will be hard pressed to evade the swords that will chase you."

end part.

Field of Celebrant, 2981, TA.

Sharp claws raked across her shoulder, drawing blood. Shadows surrounded her, voices echoing from the mist…

"From beneath you it devours…"

"Beware what lurks beneath the ground…. The thing beneath it, beneath you…."

"You can never hope to grasp the source of our power. But yours is right here." Buffy felt her blood dripping to the floor, gleaming wetly on dark stone….

"How do you like my darkness now?"

A solid punch knocked her to her knees, and as the voices continued to sound around her, she found herself trying to fight off some monster she couldn't see.

"We lurk below giving tribute to the old ones, awaiting that promised day when we will arise -- arise and lay waste to the world above!"

"World is what it is. We fight, we die. Wishing doesn't change that."

"I have to believe in a better world."
"Go ahead. I have to live in this one."

A familiar cold touch caught her by the back of the neck, "Tonight, I shall walk the earth, and the stars themselves shall hide!"

"So, who do you kill for fun around here?"

"Who do you think you are?"

"I'm the one that knows how to stop them."

She finally felt the comforting weight of a stake in her hand, but as soon as she gained the weapon, she realised it was no use against what was coming for her…

"War makes us into people we didn't know we were."

"On this side, there's no guilt, no grief. Just the hunt and the kill. And the fun!"

"Remember, fast and brutal. It's gonna be a whole new world come nightfall, don't want to weaken now."

"But you're missing the crucial point here: things fall apart, not everything can be put back together, no matter how much you want it."

"Let them fight the good fight. Someone has to fight the war."

"Tomorrow night the world's going to end. Thought you might want to know."

"I am weary, and their deaths will bring me little joy. Of course, sometimes a little is enough."

"Can't even shout, can't even cry, the gentlemen are coming by, looking in windows, knocking on doors, they need to take seven, and they might take yours. Can't call to Mom, can't say a word, you're gonna die a-screaming, but you won't be heard."

"You were destined to die! It was written!"

A shape moved from the anonymous safety of the shadows, coming into her range of vision…

"Happy hunting."

"Wish me monsters."

A clawed hand dragged her along by her hair, "We are coming…."

Shaking, and gasping for breath, Buffy woke to find her bedroll drenched with sweat. Sitting up shakily, she tried to temper the fear that her… dream, if you could call it one, had awoken in her.

What the hell ha that been about it? It reminded her of the dream she had had before Angel became Angelus. Nothing good ever came of these things. Slayer dreams only warned of badness to come.

And by the sounds of things, lots and lots of badness was coming her way….

end part.

Edoras, Rohan, 2982, TA.

"Lady Eliza?" Éomund of Eastfold uttered in disbelief.

"Hello," Buffy replied, "Long time no see."

"What business have you in Rohan, my lady?" he asked respectfully, politely not pointing out that her sudden visit to the Riddermark had surprised him a lot.

"Well, actually my name's Elliandre now, and I've come to take you up on your offer. My time in Gondor is over. I'm looking for a new challenge so I thought I might join the Riders of Rohan."

Éomund was nonplussed at her statement, "Cavalry, my lady? Are you skilled enough?"

Buffy smiled slightly, "You saw me at Umbar, yes? Riding a horse is a lot easier than swinging on ropes."

"Then I shall do my best to honour my debt to you… Elliandre," Éomund said, "But if you do not mind me asking, what brings you to the Riddermark?"

Flashback: Lothlórien, a few weeks previously, 2982, TA.

"For a while, whilst Aragorn lingers in Imladris, you must watch over the Rohirrim. The mirror has shown me some vague forebodings that something in the Riddermark is necessary for the Free Folk of Middle Earth to survive this age."

"So I get to baby-sit the Rohirrim now?" Buffy said sarcastically, "Joy."

"Buffy, I realise that you are still hurting over what my granddaughter and your charge have unwittingly inflicted on you," Galadriel said firmly, "But deliberately being foul tempered is not the way to heal yourself of the hurt. You have a duty to perform, and a stay in a new land might just be the fresh start you need to get over your pain."

Buffy hung her head sheepishly under the chastisement, "Sorry," she said softly, "But I don't feel very 'super- girl Buffy' lately."

"In Rohan you may accomplish much, Slayer, but be careful! This I warn you! Do not use your real name. Sauron hunts for news of you. Let him find only aliases. Buffy, he must not have you."

"He won't have me," Buffy promised, "And I will do as you ask. But I doubt it's gonna be easy."

End flashback.

Buffy smiled cheerfully at Éomund, "I just wanted a change of scenery," she said, "So do I get to join you guys?"

"You must go before Théoden King," Éomund answered, "But I see no reason for my Lord to deny one so valiant a place."

"Great," Buffy said, "Now how about we catch up before we go meet the King? 'Cos I got to tell you, you were rather impressive at Umbar. What was that thing you did with your sword….?"

end part.

Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan. 2982, TA.

"Éomund tells me you come to us from the Guarded City." Théoden King said when she came before him.

"I served under the Steward Ecthelion," Buffy answered.

"Why do you not serve him still?" the horse lord asked.

"I served the father, but I had no wish to serve the son," Buffy answered succinctly, "Lord Denethor never liked me much, and I had no wish to endure his scorn when he succeeded his father."

"You are honest then, at least," Théoden said thoughtfully, "And I have heard the tales of your deeds against the Corsairs from my men many times. You shall have your place in Rohan's riders, Elliandre of Gondor, but you shall have to prove yourself worthy of it."

"That's all I ask," Buffy answered agreeably, happy that she'd gotten what she wanted.

end part.

Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, 2982 TA.

In the days that followed, Théoden King found himself entranced by the conundrum that was Elliandre of Gondor. His Queen, Elfhild, had died birthing his son Théodred four years ago and since then no woman had turned his head. Until now.

He felt a strong attraction to the woman who hailed from Gondor, but looked so akin to his people, she easily could have passed for a lady of Rohan. He knew she was not married, had no suitors or male kin, and so was entirely free for him to pursue if he so wished.

He knew she was an honourable woman, and she might make a charming mistress, or even a goodly Queen is his pursuit of her enticed him enough. Théodred was his only heir, and every King knew his duty was to make sure that their kingdom would have a living heir to succeed him.

While he had felt no compulsion to sire more children since his beloved Elfhild's death, he could not deny that Elliandre stirred him.

The woman carried herself like a noble, for all that she denied she was one, and her skills in battle had been much praised. A Shield-maiden she was considered by the Rohirrim.

And so when she was next in the Golden Hall, he decided to act on his feelings.

"Lady Elliandre," he greeted her, "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"

When Théoden approached her for a dance, Buffy was dumbstruck. This could not be happening, she moaned inwardly. With one fell blow, Théoden was probably going to blow her credibility with the Riders totally out of the water. And on the other hand, offending a king was usually not a good thing.

Pasting a fake smile on her face, she let him lead her out on the dance floor. Hiding how uncomfortable she felt during the way too long dance, - didn't the musicians know any shorter songs?, - she felt no small amount of dismay when Théoden asked her to walk with him outside.

Walking for a few minutes in silence, Théoden stopped and turned to her, and Buffy hid her inward wince. Here it came…

"Lady," he said, "You are as beautiful as the dawn. I must speak bluntly, and say that you have greatly captured my interest. What say you to that?"

Buffy was mentally choking Galadriel by this time. "I'd say sorry, but I don't feel the same."

"You would deny the King?" he asked in surprise.

"To keep it short and sweet, I'm in love with somebody else," she replied, "And I'm nobody's plaything, be they king or not, so I'm gonna have to turn you down."

Théoden looked properly befuddled and Buffy wondered exactly how big the average male ego was. Buffy decided to get the hell out of dodge before he worked himself up into his kingly wrath, like his could be anything to shout about after seeing Elrond's version, and took it all out on her.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, "But I've really got to go." and then she made a, hopefully, dignified retreat, leaving a thoroughly annoyed Théoden behind her.

end part.

Rivendell, 2982, TA. The season of Hrívë (winter)

If the first meeting of Aragorn and Elrond after Evenstar and Elfstone had pledged their troth had been fraught with much sorrow, the first meeting of Arwen and her father could be no less painful.

The Elven-Lord had waited until they had reached the privacy of his study before broaching the subject that was capable of causing him untold pain.

"Why Arwen? Why do you forsake your family for a man who you have known for only a mere season?" he asked, walking towards the window as he was unable to bear the pained look on his daughter's lovely face.

"I cannot dictate the choices of my heart," Arwen answered softly, "I feel such love for him as I have felt for no other. Though my choice is painful, I cannot live an eternity in Aman where I look back with regret for not taking such happiness as my due. Aragorn is a good man; he will face the Shadow and remain strong. Can you not accept this ada (daddy)?"

"I have accepted your choice, as I accepted by brother's," Elrond said bitterly, "But a treasured daughter is more painful to lose than a brother who always favoured the ways of Men. I have cherished you since infancy, and I am loath to explain your choice when I meet with your mother in the West."

"Ada!" Arwen cried in dismay, "'Tis not my intention to cause you grief, but it is not in me to let love pass me by when offered so freely. I love Aragorn."

"I have already told him that you will be a bride to no man less than the King of both Gondor and Arnor." the Elf-Lord said. "You are royalty. You will marry, if that is to be your choice, no heir in exile but only a King. Even then he shall gain a treasure no less dear than Lúthien was to Thingol. And no less grievous shall be our parting."

"It may take many years of Men," Arwen said, "But I shall wait until my hope returns victorious over the Shadow."

"Even if Aragorn survives the coming war, you will still be parted. If Sauron is defeated, and Aragorn made king and all that you hope for comes true, you will still have to taste the bitterness of mortality." Elrond said, using his considerable strength to project his visions unto his daughter.

Arwen gasped as the vision of her future came to her. Dressed in black, as a Queen in mourning, a veil covering her face. Before her, laid out on a tomb lay the body of Aragorn; older now, with greyed hair, and hands folded upon his chest. A crown was on his brow, the sword of Kings was in his hand, but even though he had departed the circles of the world, he matched the glory of the kings of old.

People walked around the tomb, paying their final respects but she was left there weeping. "Whether by the sword or the slow decay of time, Aragorn will die. And there will be no comfort for you. No comfort to ease the pain of his passing. He will come to death, an image of the splendour of the kings of men in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world." Elrond said with certainty, "But you, my daughter, you will linger on in darkness and in doubt. As nightfall in winter that comes without a star. Here you will dwell, bound to your grief, under the fading trees, until all the world has changed and the long years of your life are utterly spent."

Now Arwen saw herself, still veiled in black, walking alone through the deserted woods of Lothlórien, the Golden Wood now still and silent, and the heart of Elvendom in Middle Earth left to fade away to myth and legend. "Arwen... there is nothing for you here, only death." he said and Arwen broke into sobs filled with sadness and fear. His heart clenching painfully, Elrond sat beside her on the couch, gently stroking her cheek.

"A im, ú-'erin veleth lîn? (Do I not also have your love?)" he asked. Arwen leaned into her father's embrace, "Gerich meleth nîn, ada. (You have my love, father)," she replied, "But so does he. No ship shall bear me to the West ere this war is won or lost. I must see this through to whatever end. However bitter."

Elrond dropped a kiss onto her dark hair, "Then sorrowed beyond the measure of Men shall our parting be. But Arwen, do not expect me to abandon you so easily. There is still time to revoke your troth."

"I know, ada," she replied, "But that time is not yet upon us, and I would not have our years together marred by grief. You shall know the final choice of my heart when Isildur's Bane awakens once more."

end part.

The Eastfold, Rohan, 2983, TA.

Buffy, assigned under Éomund's command, was stationed in the Eastfold. For the most part, nothing too exciting happened. They killed the occasional few orcs, but mostly just patrolled the land making sure everything was as it should be.

For a slayer, this was threatening to be so boring that she was longing for Mirkwood and all the little monsters it had for her to beat up.

She needed something to vent her mad on. Except nothing was presenting itself for pulverisation.

Still, however boring her patrol may be, at least the people of Rohan were nice. Rowdy, way too fond of drinking games, but nice. Not to mention how easy it was to get lost in a crowd when a place looked like a veritable sea of blondes.

But the much longed for excitement came in a form she did not desire to see. When the message reached her, she seriously contemplated pretending she had never got it. But knowing the sender, he'd probably barge in, sword waving.

Feeling a renewed urge to throttle something, preferably a Dúnedain, she set off to meet Aragorn by the Mering Stream, and see what he wanted now.

end part.

The Mering Stream, the Eastfold, Rohan. 2983, TA.

"Hello Aragorn," Buffy said as she dismounted, eying the ranger's camp behind him.

"Buffy," he greeted, "Thank you for coming. I am much in need of your counsel and Galadriel said that you would be here."

"What's the problem?" Buffy asked as she followed Aragorn to his fire and sat on a blanket provided for her. "'Cos you do realise that I kinda have a job here? And I don't really feel like being run out of Rohan just yet."

"Peace Buffy," Aragorn said softly, taking her hand in his, "I realise that Lady Galadriel has sent you here for some reason but I wished for the counsel of a dear friend. And though Legolas was closer, he has lately been much abroad from his father's halls, leading the patrols of the southern forest. Also, I have not seen you in two years, meldir (friend) and I missed your company."

"We both have jobs to do," Buffy said, taking back her hand, and reaching up to take off her cloak, "Jobs that can't be put off, no matter how much we'd like to."

"I know," Aragorn answered, "But my heart is uneasy and I much desire to see its concerns stilled."

"What's up Aragorn?" Buffy asked.

"'Tis Elladan and Elrohir," Aragorn said, "Ever since Arwen pledged herself to me, they have been cold. The brotherly camaraderie we shared is no more, and I know not how to remedy such a problem."

"You're dooming their only sister to a mortal death," Buffy brusquely pointed out, "They have more than a little reason to be mad with you. And those two can hold a grudge."

"I had thought that was the cause," he replied, "But I admit that I had hoped it was something else."

"Not likely," she said, noticing his drooped shoulders and careworn expression.

"Is there any way I can remedy it?" Aragorn asked quietly, "I do not want to doom Arwen to anything, but her choice is her own. I would have her sail West after I am gone, but she says that no ship would bear her hence at such a time."

"Her choice is irrevocable, Aragorn," Buffy said, "If she pledges to have a mortal life, she can't change her mind after it's done."

"But surely she could keep her life, even if she weds me!" Aragorn pleaded desperately.

Buffy shook her head, "It's not me you should be asking Aragorn," she said, "Your problems with Arwen and the twins are your own, and I can't fix them for you. I'm sorry, but I can't."

Standing up, she looked at the despondent ranger, "You have to stand on your own two feet Aragorn. I can't make your decisions for you. And I can't speak for Arwen either. This is between the two of you. And as for the twins, you have to patch up that relationship yourself as well. You and Arwen chose to be star-crossed lovers, and now you're facing the consequences. And even a slayer can't make them go away. I have to go Aragorn, and you have to sort out your problems yourself. Namárië (goodbye)."

And though it was hard to leave him in pain, the spiteful part of her felt glad he wasn't happy with dear Arwen.

If only to ease her own pain at forever being left by the sidelines.

end part.

The Eastfold, Rohan, 2984, TA. The month of Nénimë (February)

Buffy was riding Fireball along the vast plains of Rohan under a clear, starry sky. Forever a night owl, she always felt hyper at night if she hadn't tired herself out during the day. And so, on most nights, she went riding to clear her mind and expend her energy.

'Twas February now, and though the days were cold, and the nights colder, Buffy didn't mind overly much. She enjoyed her quiet time, especially when it meant escaping a drinking session with a group of well on their way to being drunk Riders. She had learned that in times of peace, when they were off duty and posted in the plains, the Riders liked to see who could drink each other under the table.

And when they had enough ale and mead in them, see who could do the best dance on top of the table as well.

Her rides were usually uneventful, but on this night, Buffy felt something skitter on the edge of her slayer senses and she sat rigid in her saddle.

Something was out there.

And not of the friendly variety.

Drawing her sword from its sheath, she scanned the terrain, looking for something the likes of which she hadn't sensed since she had last been in Sunnydale.

Something demonic was stalking her. She knew it for certain. She hadn't been the Slayer for eight years for nothing. She knew it was there, and it knew she knew it was there, but it still eluded her sight.

Closing her eyes, and giving herself completely over to the hunting nature of the Slayer, she tried to pinpoint the monster with her senses alone.

Her eyes snapped open, and she dived off her horse just as a large shape emerged from the long grass with a vicious lunge. Sinking razor sharp teeth and claws into poor Fireball's flesh, it ferociously killed the horse before noticing that its other prey had evaded its jump.

As it ripped apart her faithful horse, Buffy got her first good look at the first real demon, (orcs didn't really count in her mind. They were more like vermin. And the Nazgûl were more like mean ghosty things.) that she had encountered since coming to Middle Earth.

Feeling the familiar surge of energy that always came when the slayer was ready to fight and kill, Buffy studied her opponent. Roughly about the size of a bear, it was not a pleasant sight. It looked like a cross between a werewolf and some other really huge, really ugly monster. Wicked fangs hung down from its mouth and razor-tipped claws protruded from each of it's four paws. Matted fur hid limbs that were obviously very powerful and the eerie yellow eyes shone with something Buffy never liked to see in demons; intelligence.

Smart beasties were never a good thing.

Finally finished ripping apart the animal, it turned its attention to Buffy. Snarling, it stalked towards her. Buffy readied her sword, and fell into a fighting stance. "Here ugly," she said, "Time to die now."

Bits of blood and gore dripped from crimson fangs, "Can't I ever meet a demon who at least has table manners?" Buffy said in disgust.

Instead of charging her as most demons usually did though, it started to circle around her and Buffy got the strangest feeling that this new critter was possessed of near human (or actual human) intelligence. And it was all coming to bear against her.

Without any warning, and in one fluid motion that she had to admire, it lunged for her and she wasn't quite quick enough to escape injury. Sharp claws raked down her shoulder, tearing through skin and muscle before she managed to land a solid kick on the creature which sent it flying back two feet.

Jumping back to put space between herself and it, she shifted her grasp on the sword so that it was mainly in her right hand, having been forced to compensate for her weakened left.

The monster was super-fast, faster than her she noted with chagrin, and it's blows were packing a lot of strength behind them. All of which meant badness for Buffy.

Swinging her sword in a high arc as it passed by her, she only managed to chop off its tail. Small potatoes to Buffy but the howl of pain it let out was oddly satisfying. "Now you're scared? Better late than never I suppose." she jeered.

Its response sent her flying as one of it's powerful hind legs got her in the gut. Winded, she dropped her sword and barely managed to back flip out of the way of snapping jaws.

For a while she was forced to dodge swift swipes of its claws, only partially succeeding in not being ripped to shreds. A long cut down her cheek stung fiercely and she had a matching set of claw marks on both her arms.

Eventually though she managed to grasp one paw before it dodged back, and swiftly snapped it. Using the moment of surprise to her advantage, she ducked under it as it leapt and rolling along the ground, she grabbed her sword, and flipped to her feet just as it collided with her back.

Crashing face first to the ground, she felt claws sink deep into her already injured shoulder, and she cried out in pain. Working her sword out from under her, she whacked it in the face with the hilt, and the crushing weight atop of her shifted enough for her to propel herself out.

For the first time since she had arrived in Middle Earth, she found herself in the unenviable position of the loser. And by Eru was it painful! This was almost like fighting Glory. Where the hell had this thing come from?!

Scrambling along the ground, she was levering herself up when it launched itself at her again.

On her back this time, Buffy had to fling out her hands and grasp its head to stop the snarling jaws and fangs from ripping her apart. Unfortunately that left her open to the danger of its claws, and she cried out again when they ripped open a huge gash from her ribcage to her stomach.

Removing one hand from the snapping jaws, she punched it in the gut but it only yelped and then tried to attack her even more ferociously.

Slipping a hand down to her aching thigh, she managed to snag her treasured mithril knife, and with a vicious plunge, she sank it into its stomach.

As it howled in pain, she stabbed it in the eye, and used the leverage to kick it off of her. Rolling away from it, she staggered to her knees, knowing that it wasn't dead yet. Blood loss was beginning to make her dizzy and she had the faintest suspicion that those claws of its were covered in poison, but she was the Slayer; she knew she would only be safe when it was well and truly dead.

And preferably drawn and quartered too, knowing her luck with demons.

Lurching to her feet, clutching her wounded side, she grabbed her sword from the ground, and lifting it up, wincing painfully as her shredded shoulder protested and shook warningly under the weight, she brought the blade down in one swift motion, severing the monster's spinal cord.

Another slash of the shaking sword severed its head from its body and in a frenzy, she took off all four limbs too.

Staggering away from the corpse, her sword dropped from shaking, numb fingers and she collapsed backwards onto the grass.

She had survived for now, thank the Valar. It could so easily have gone another way.

She still remembered the words from her dream…

'You were destined to die! It was written!….. you're gonna die a-screaming, but you won't be heard…. We are coming….'

Because whatever that thing was, it was an able slayer of Slayers….

end part.

A/N: Well? Opinions welcome! Please READ and REVIEW!!!

Next chapter: Gandalf brings a badly wounded slayer to the care of Elrond…. The matchmaking Elves are plotting away… and an event happens that Arwen did not foresee….

Elvish:

Adar - father

Hrívë - winter

Ada - daddy

A im, ú-'erin veleth lîn? - Do I not also have your love?

Gerich meleth nîn, ada - You have my love, father

Meldir - friend

Nénimë - Quenya for February

Sulimë - Quenya for March
Namárië - Quenya for goodbye.

Istar - One of the order of wizards. The plural is Istari.

Éomund of Eastfold - Chief Marshal of the Mark. Would go on to be brother-in-law to Théoden King of Rohan and father to Éomer and Éowyn.

Imladris - Rivendell

Lúthien - Daughter of King Thingol of Doriath and Melian the Maia. Born in the First Age. Married a mortal man and came back from the dead as a mortal after convincing Mandos with a song to release her and her love, Beren. Considered the most beautiful Elf-maid to walk Arda. Elrond's foremother.

The guarded city - Minas Tirith. The city was once called 'Minis Anor' - 'Tower of the Sun' but it's name was changed when both Minas Ithil and Osgiliath fell.