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: Rejoice my dear readers, for the time of the Fellowship is upon us at last!
And an even bigger yay to me for reaching the twentieth chapter mark. As I've never made it so far before, it's a big achievement!
Note: Sorry for misleading on the previous 'next chapter' warning. This chapter was cut in half as it was either post part one now, or wait another week for me to finish the other half and then post. I decided to post the first part, so there's my explanation why! Please don't kill me, 'cos if you do you'll never get the next part!
Review responses:
AJake - But I did give the URL! But here it is again, and it is at the bottom of this chapter as well! - http : elvenlords . Net / MPA / mpa . Htm. (just remove the spaces)
Anna - Thanks for reviewing! Yes, Buffy's next visit to Moria, will be interesting to say the least… Buffy's never encountered the ring, so she can't rightly say how it will effect her yet. And do remember that Aragorn likes being blissfully ignorant!
Boo - Éowyn as portrayed in the last chapter was eight and then nine at the time of Buffy's banishment. In the War of the Ring time, she was 23.
Bratprincess - thanks! All is appreciated!
ChibiChibi - Thanks for the review! Making it easy on them?! Now why would I do that? And yes, Aragorn is super super jealous and is just as super at ignoring it.
Draco's Slytherin Vampiress - Thanks! And I'm never more than a few paragraphs into the next chapter, if that, when I post.
DragonStar - yes, Gimli will be a key instigator in a certain problem that gives Elrond massive migraines!
Eámanë Aldaríon of Rivendell - mae govannen mellon nín! Thanks! And trust me, this site is determined to scupper all of my attempts to read, post and review. It's kinda like it has a personal grudge against me! Yes, the Mines had a serious grudge against him, and Buffy will eventually open up. She just has to get over her mad at Aragorn first. Thanks! Yes, I was kinda hitting on the mom/daughter relationship for Buffy and Galadriel, but that is also clouded by friendship. I'm actually working on a fic, which will have them in much more parent/kid mode! And yes, Aragorn is totally pigheaded and dense, but his wake up call is swiftly approaching now! Yes, Buffy will be revisiting Rohan at some point. And yes, Éowyn will get her chance to get some revenge on one slimy counsellor! Thanks again for your absolutely wonderful review (as excellent as usual)! Namárië!
Ellie - yes, it's definitely Buffy/Aragorn. And I've got so many plans for Boromir and his death… (cackles evilly)
goldenshadows - I hope you're not in too much pain! I once had to get four back teeth out in one go, so I do sympathise with you!
Haley - thanks! Yes, the Éowyn and Buffy meeting should be good!
Imp17 - Plotting Elf-Lords, ladies and Istari are a rather dangerous mix!
Lady of the Wood - apparently, this site decided to make my formatting go all wonky. Sorry about that. I'll try to get it fixed. Okay, now on to your confusion over Bilbo, well it's actually very simple. In the books, Bilbo gave the ring to Frodo seventeen years before the ring was found out to be the One Ring by Gandalf. I'm following a mix of book-verse and movie-verse but it had to be book-verse in this case otherwise there would have been a nice chunk of missing years. No, Buffy will not be going to the Shire. Even she would stand out there amongst the little people.
Lunawolf - Aragorn will get handed his brain soon…
Mari - I think Buffy's a little busy being extremely mad and righteous. And I'll take the wording of your warning into consideration!
Mary4angelus - the war is here…
Ms8309 - Buffy's ageing thing was explained fully around chapter thirteen.
N/A - Thanks a lot for all your efforts! And yes, Éowyn and Buffy, in Rohan, with Éowyn mooning over Aragorn. Should be interesting!
Pamie884 - Thanks for all your lovely comments! As for the two fics I'm working on, I'm currently going over plotlines with my beta, but I'll give you and all my readers advance notice of when I'll start posting.
Phoenix83ad - Well, Bilbo gets his chance to shine in the next chapter so don't go killing me yet! There's plenty of Hobbit action in this chapter, more in the next and pretty much from there on out. And yes, plotting Elves are NEVER a good thing.
Restive Nature - Thank you! :) And too true about Gandalf; - he plots more than anyone else, even if he does try to justify it for the 'greater good'. Methinks he just likes to meddle! And yes, it was time for Aragorn to get hit with a sledgehammer. As for Buffy contradicting her own advice to Éowyn, she had just been banished under pain of death at the time! Temper was expected! About Dawn… you have a point. But by now, (that's going by this chapter now, meaning 3018 TA.) Dawn is about sixty-four in Buffy's home world if she still lived so the time of her being Buffy's little sister is long older. Dawn's soul was always millennia old anyway. But yes, Éowyn did claw her way into Buffy's heart and so their meeting in The Two Towers sequence should be interesting to say the least!
SarahE.Horton - sorry, I can't really tell you. But the Fellowship sequence has started with this chapter, with Frodo coming to Rivendell.
ShawThang - (squeals) thank you! Thanks for your compliments on 'my' Éowyn! I was kinda nervous writing her actually. Thanks again for all your wonderful and much appreciated comments and I hope you have a nice time in Bali!
Sheila - that's really under heavy debate at the moment.
Sparky24 - I HATE Tom Bombadil, so he is not getting into my story!
Spikeywolvie - Thanks a lot! :)
Star - Thanks! Yes, Gandalf didn't really tell Buffy about the Ring to push her and Aragorn together. They have other plans for that… Gandalf just realises that he's going to need all the help he can get. And yes, Fellowship time is here. The LotR sequence is beginning! Yes, Théoden is going to get a shock, and so will Gríma Wormtongue! Revenge is supposed to be a dish best served cold after all!
And a round of applause goes to:
Batgirl Beyond, charmedfanatic3000, Malfeus, moonbunny77, Night-Owl123, Queen of the Myrmidon, Tanya, Wild320, Zayra,
CHAPTER TWENTY: THE HUNT BEGINS
….
Hello darkness my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
- Simon and Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence
…
Fornost, 3018, TA. October 10.
Ten years had gone by since Buffy had last set foot in Rivendell or any of the Elven realms. For at the request of Gandalf the Grey, the slayer had gone out on errantry, sometimes riding with the twin sons of Elrond or the Dúnedain (but never when their chieftain was present), but always staying within the lands of Eregion, instead of the lands of the south that she was more used to.
For ten years, she had helped to guard the borders of the Shire with the aid of the Dúnedain stationed there. More often than not, she didn't attach herself to their companies, but instead went out into the wilderness, ever hunting for the spies of Sauron and the beasts that he sent to stalk the north lands.
Her faithful mare, Andúnië, had passed away some years ago of old age, and Elladan had acquired her present mount for her. She was as fiery as her mistress, swift and light-footed, with a coat of deepest black, so rare a colour in the free lands since Mordor carried away most of the foals born with its dark shade. But Buffy cared naught for the supposedly ominous colour of Mîr, loving instead the fierce and haughty temperament that the beautiful mare always exuded.
Elladan had actually had the nerve to say that Mîr was exceedingly well matched to her mistress. Buffy had shaved off a neat two inch lock of dark Peridhel (Half-Elven) hair that day.
Ten year patrolling the wilds of the north, and hunting down the monsters that threatened its borders, had not left much of a mark on her appearance. She looked like a young woman of no more than twenty four, more so than her actual age of a sprightly old seventy. The very thought of that tended to freak her out, especially when she looked in the mirror, but such slow ageing wasn't regarded as being too unusual amongst the Dúnedain, and all the time that she had spent with the Elves had given her a certain blasé attitude towards such ageing and agelessness at times.Of course, just because her looks were unmarred by age lines, and her hair was touched by no frost, did not mean that the passing of the last decade had not left its mark on her soul.
For ten years she had haunted the wilds, becoming become a spectre of the north, a being whose existence was but a fear filled rumour and whose name was known to few, and whose exaggerated exploits were whispered as tales amongst the dark things of the world, with either fear or contempt. She had only occasionally ventured into the towns and villages of Men, and so had lived a very solitary and lonely existence.
When Elladan, Elrohir or Legolas were free to hunt with her, the time passed quickly and she greatly appreciated their efforts to ensure that her self imposed isolation was not bereft of company and succour.
But as the years passed and the shadow's pull lengthened, such visitations dwindled as the duties of the rank called all the princes home.
Mirkwood was nearly besieged by Dol Guldur, and King Thranduil feared for his very walls, and Legolas no longer left his homeland now as their need was so dire. The Shadow had even spread into the farmlands of the Elves of Mirkwood and to the royal family's increasing dismay, every year the bounty they yielded grew less and less.
Buffy had gracefully acknowledged that Legolas could no longer spare the time to come to her, and she rued her inability to leave her guard to help her long time friend kill the nasties that invaded his beloved wood. She was sure that between him, Thranduil and herself, they could have come up with something positively devious and downright nasty to spring on certain baddies.
Also, Elrond had been forced to recall Elladan and Elrohir more often than was his wont to safeguard his realm, and had even recalled Arwen from Lórien to see out the duration of the war everyone was sure was coming.
And so for the majority of the last five years, Buffy had been alone much of the time, and that had enabled Buffy's patent non-chipper thoughts to get a nice little hold on her.
And then there was the little fact that she had never patched things up with Aragorn.
Aragorn had acted like a colossal jerk and so he would have to be the one to come crawling to her on bended knee, grovelling for forgiveness. Unfortunately, she hadn't reckoned on his sheer stubbornness, and so both had left Rivendell without a word of reconciliation passing either's lips.
Even ten years on, the very thought of the insults that had spewed from his lips caused her to burn with anger, and she had no intention of forgiving him, ever, if he didn't have one hell of an apology waiting to be thrown at her feet for consideration.
But considering the fact that her own stubborn heart refused to not love him, his little outburst and ensuing years of frosty silence between them, had only caused her pain of about ten times of that she'd felt when Angel said he was leaving Sunnydale for good.
Why she did always have to pick men who did nothing but give her grief and bucket loads of pain?
But the ten years of brooding time had made her come to realise one very important thing. There was no chance of anything ever happening between Aragorn and her. Even if he wasn't happily betrothed to the fairest maiden in Middle Earth, and who happened to be a superb woman who was also one of Buffy's best friends; Aragorn was going to be king someday if Sauron didn't win and all that.
No, there was absolutely no chance for her secret hopes.
And so it was time to bury them.
She'd put all thoughts of Aragorn out of her mind, and get on with her life. And if she survived to see it, she'd smile at his and Arwen's wedding, and pretend she was happy for them.
But for good or for ill, Buffy Summers vowed never to think on Aragorn as anything but a potential friend again.
……xxx…….
But that night, Buffy received her most vivid warning in ten years.
...xxx..... Images flashed through her mind… the lidless eye of Sauron…. A gold ring, plain and unadorned save for the letters made with fire… a spiked tower whose image she vaguely remembered from map books…. A hissing voice, 'Build me an army worthy of Mordor'…. Two Istari, one clad in white and the other in grey, standing over a small clear crystal ball… the same two wizards, Gandalf and Saruman, facing each other in a duel of some sort…..Gandalf slamming into a wall as Saruman raised his staff… A shivering wizened figure with a thick grey beard, Gandalf again, she saw after a moment, huddled atop the spiked tower of before… trees being cut down by a horde of orcs and being thrown into a forge… some kind of orc being .. born she thought from some kind of liquid cocoon… 'What does the Eye command?'….
A hobbit frantically fleeing for his life, dark curly hair gleaming in the moonlight, as the Black Rider bore down on him and he jumped towards the river… a ranger wielding a flaming brand… Aragorn… and a vision of the old bridge of Osgiliath overrun by orcs… and then another image of the One Ring…. 'I see you!…. ..xxxx.......
Buffy jerked awake with a shuddering grasp, struggling to process the overload of images she had received.
All she had seen was not clear, but what she could glean from her dream was not good.
Something had gone wrong for Gandalf on his latest visit to that oily little sneak Saruman, and obviously he was way over his head in trouble. And it seemed that if she was reading this vision right; she had to find a way to get him out of it, while tracking down a hobbit on the run, avoiding the Nine Riders, and having to deal with Aragorn.
Sometimes, she really hated her life.
But after ten years of watching and waiting, at least she had some mission to fulfil now. Swiftly packing up her small campsite, one of her favourite haunts as there was a small cottage that was dreadfully run down and missing part of the roof but which long years of labour when Buffy passed through had rendered it a liveable base for her in the wilds.
Hefting her pack, and mounting Mîr, she urged the spirited mare into a canter, and within the space of an hour, had covered the ground to the message site.
After her timely rescue by Gandalf with aid from the eagles, their Lord, Gwaihir, had told her of a place where the eagles could be reached if she ever needed their aid again. He had said that she recognised that she had some purpose in these lands to fulfil and had pledged to aid her if he could.
Now it was time to hold him to that pledge.
The message site was basically what the name suggested; a place where she could leave a message which the eagles would then find. Hurriedly, she scrawled her note, asking them to send aid to Gandalf the Grey at Orthanc and to beware Saruman the White, and placed it in a small leather pouch to protect it before carefully hiding it amongst a pile of rocks.
Knowing now that her previous engagement with Gandalf to meet at Bree in a month's time would not now be fulfilled, she made plans to go there herself. Gandalf had said that they were to meet up with some very important people for some as yet undisclosed reason, and Buffy had no doubt that was Gandalf-speak for 'must help them before they get killed'.
Her mind kept flashing back to the image of the hobbit being chased by the wraith, and looking terrified out of his wits.
And Buffy knew that for better or worse, she had to find out what mischief the Nine were wreaking around Bree.
Because in her heart of hearts, she knew the hobbit she had seen was the same one that Gandalf had suspected of bearing the One Ring.
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The wilds not far from Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 18.
Dusk was darkening the skies when Aragorn first heard the familiar and welcome sounds of faint bells jingling in the distance, and the careworn ranger sent gave mental thanks to the Valar for their mercy as he recognised the belled harness of Glorfindel's horse, Asfaloth.
"Glorfindel!" he cried out joyously, "Mae govannen mellon nín! (well met my friend)!"
The Hobbits just looked at the ranger in astonishment at his loud call for a moment before picking up on the sound of bells. Only Frodo recognised the dark ranger's use of Elvish, and by now, the other Hobbits were wondering why in all the Shire Strider had shouted out, after trying to shush them up since he met them.
As Frodo was only vaguely conscious and could not really assure his friends in the slightest, Samwise Gamgee rounded on the suddenly cheered ranger.
"Now listen here Strider," the gardener said, quite put out, "You can't be all hushing us and then yelling at the thin air without so much as a by your leave. And after all your warnings…"
Strider laughed slightly and interrupted ere Sam could continue with his tirade, "Peace, my good sir," he said, "But the bells in the distance belong to an Elven Lord from Rivendell, and in our sudden good fortune, we have met him upon the road. Glorfindel is his name, and he is an Elvenlord of a house of princes."
Sam was content with this explanation and went back to tend to his injured master, but Merry and Pippin had not heard a word of Strider's, both having their ears pricked in the direction of the road.
At the crest of the road, the rider stopped and dismounted, looking at them. With speed unknown to mortals, he had reached them, his magnificent white horse trailing behind, "Mae govannen, Dúnadan! We feared you were lost!" The golden-haired Elda said brightly, seeming not to see the three Hobbits gaping at him in astonishment. Fair were the Eldar beyond that of any other race, save those that dwell in the West of the world, and this was the Shire folk's first time seeing an Elf.
"Who is he?" Pippin whispered in awe.
Sam clapped him upside the head, "He's an Elf," but he couldn't keep the wonder out of his voice either.
"I was sent from Rivendell to look for you. We feared that you were in danger upon the road." Glorfindel said to Strider and then noticed the Hobbit's searching gazes and the prone form of their ailing companion.
"You found the halflings then," Glorfindel said with relief, "I am glad. They would not have made it a day on their own with the Nine hunting them."
Strider made quick introductions, mostly for the sake of Merry and Pippin, as he was eager to hear if Glorfindel had any news that might help their dark situation. "This is Glorfindel, who dwells in the house of Elrond."
"Hail and well met at last!" Glorfindel greeted, "Elrond has been warned of your coming. But what has happened to the fallen one?"
Strider's expression was grim as he spoke, "He was stabbed by a Morgul blade on Weathertop. That was many days ago, and he is crossing into the wraith world."
"A Morgul blade!" Glorfindel repeated in dismay, "Ai, this is ill news. Though I wonder that he has lasted this long. Many doughty warriors of Men have succumbed much swifter."
"Gandalf once said that they are made of sterner stuff than we might think," Aragorn said, "But I have done all that I can. His only hope lies with Elrond now."
Glorfindel's fair face was grave as he kneeled down beside Frodo, "Frodo... Im Glorfindel. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nîn, tolo dan na ngalad. (I am Glorfindel. I've have come to help you. Hear my voice. Come back to the light.)" the Elvenlord commanded with all the strength of one that had dwelt in the Blessed Realm.
After a few minutes, Glorfindel rose and shook his head slightly to the ranger, "He is fading. He is not going to last. We must get him to my Lord."
"Aye, that is where we were heading. He needs adar's (father's) skill," Aragorn agreed but first you must tell me your tale as the Hobbits repack their provisions. I fear you interrupted what was their rest break."
"I have been seeking you nine days," the Elda said, "There are few even in Rivendell that can ride openly against the Nine; but such as there were, Elrond sent out north, west and south. It was thought that you might turn far aside to avoid pursuit, and become lost in the Wilderness."
"Have you any word on the wraiths?" Aragorn asked impatiently, "I know they hunt us, but I do not know where they are. It has given me many sleepless nights."
"There are five behind us, and when they find your trail upon the Road, they will ride after us like the wind. And they are not all. Where the other four may be, I do not know. I fear we may find the Ford is already held against us."
"Then we have no time to waste," Aragorn said decisively, "Let us make haste."
Glorfindel helped Aragorn to lift Frodo onto Asfaloth, "He is a goodly mount, and will ensure that the halfling does not fall, and that he is carried with a smooth gait."
"Frodo fîr. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nîn beriatha hon. (Frodo is dying. If I can get across the river, the power of my people will protect him.)" Glorfindel said to Aragorn in Elvish, not wanting the curious and anxious hobbits to hear.
"I know," Aragorn replied quietly, "But with such odds that are stacked against us, we must think of nothing else save that we must reach the House of Elrond ere his soul is lost."
At the melancholy tone of the ranger when he spoke of the house of Elrond, Merry perked up. He had heard this tone before, always when the ranger spoke of Elrond's house and he wondered why the ranger sounded like that.
His mind flashed back to the time when Frodo has first asked him had he been to Rivendell, and the ranger's strange reply.
"I dwelt there once, and still I return when I may. There my heart is; but is not my fate to sit in peace, even in the fair house of Elrond." Strider had answered, his face troubled but unreadable for the most part, yet his eyes strayed longingly in the direction of Rivendell.
Merry could not have been more curious about Strider's mysterious past, and as to what was the source of his sudden fits of melancholy and nostalgia.
But he was determined to find out.
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Imladris, 3018, TA. October 18.
Arwen had scarcely waited for the evening meal to end before she swiftly refused all invitations to join her father in the Hall of Fire. From his pointed look of concern, she knew that he had not believed her excuse of tiredness, but such was her haste that she had little concern for what her father would think of her behaviour.
Dark tendrils of alarm had been haunting her mind all day, filling her mind with ominous warnings. Trouble stalked some of those she held dear. Her father seemed not to notice the feelings of creeping shadow that stalked those close to both of them, but Arwen, sometimes saw farther than her father when he was focused on some troubling bit of news or a dilemma, and she feared that that was the case now.
Arwen gratefully reached the privacy of her chambers, and absently fiddling with her Evenstar pendant, a most precious coming of age gift from her mother, she all but threw herself into a chair, and opened her mind to the stalking tendrils.
Casting her mind out, she swiftly sensed the danger, to both the predator and the prey, and her heart ached at what she saw. So much of the hope for Middle Earth could end if things went ill, and she could not allow that to happen.
She was the granddaughter of Galadriel, Mistress of the Mirror and known meddler in the affairs of others, and of Middle Earth. Arwen had often mused that it must run in the family because both she and her mother, Celebrían, had inherited that trait.
For good or ill, Arwen Undómiel (Evenstar) knew she had a part to play in this. She could not dare to leave things to fate. Too much stood to fall if it all went wrong.
Mithrandir (Grey Pilgrim) had arrived in the valley that day, in a rather pitiable state, and rather than being tended to, the Istar (wizard) had closeted himself up with her father for the greater part of the day. They had only emerged when the bell rang for the evening meal, and even then both had been silent and brooding for the most part. Her father, in particular, had been sitting under a dark cloud.
She had learned enough from questioning her father and Erestor, that a party of Periannath (Hobbits) had left Bree in possession of the One Ring, and that Gandalf had missed his meeting with them. She also knew that the Periannath had then taken up with Estel, and were being pursued by the Morgul-Lord and his Black Riders. The very thought made her heart clench with fear.
She also knew that something terrible must have happened to upset her father and Gandalf so.
Arwen knew that her father had sent out most of those who were strong enough to ride openly against the Ringwraiths to search for them, including his seneschal, (not to mention refusing her offer to seek them out), but something told her that it would not be enough.
But she knew who she could trust to ensure that the besieged company reached Rivendell.
It was time for the Slayer to put aside whatever feud had developed between her and Aragorn, and to return to meddling in the affairs of Elves, Men, Wizards, Dwarves and Hobbits.
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The East-West road, 3018, TA. October 18.
Buffy, riding hard along the East-West road, nearly fell of her horse when the voice echoed through her head.
Relaxing when she realised that it was only Arwen, she mentally snarled back, 'A little warning would be nice before you did that, you know.'
'Buffy, the One Ring is on its way to Imladris (Rivendell),' Arwen mind-spoke to the slayer, her urgency cutting short all pleasantries, 'Aragorn is with the company, but he will not be enough to ward off what is coming.'
'I'm sure Aragorn would disagree,' Buffy thought wryly.
'Buffy, they are making for the Ford. You must help them,' Arwen insisted, trying to convey her need to her friend. 'You must put aside whatever anger you harbour towards Aragorn, and do this task. The future of Middle Earth depends on it. Sauron must not, cannot, regain the Ring! He will cover all the lands in a second darkness!'
'It wasn't like that. I was never angry with him. Okay, that's a lie.' Buffy admitted, 'But he so deserved it. It doesn't mean that I'm gonna let him get killed though. I've been riding for days, with very little sleep, just because some stupid powers decided to distrub my sleep to deal with wizards up to their eyeballs in trouble, lost rangers, and a group of starving hobbits, so that's why I'm all cranky Buffy.'
'Not too tired to fulfil your duty?'
'I woke up exhausted. There's really no more exhausted to get.' Buffy replied, 'But I'm a slayer, nocturnal type person and all that. I'll manage. Now where are they?'
'Nearing the Last Bridge under heavy pursuit,' the reply came, causing Buffy to wonder.
'You are in Rivendell, right?' Buffy asked, 'So how do you always find out this stuff? Do you have a Mirror tucked away there somewhere?'
'This pretty head know a lot,' Arwen replied, mimicking Buffy's way of speaking, 'But you must hurry Buffy, they do not have much time. You must intercept them ere the Black Riders do. Death stalks them.'
'It stalks everyone,' Buffy answered.
'There is going to be trouble,' Arwen warned, 'And even I cannot see what form it will take.'
'There's gonna be a lot of trouble. And I say, bring it on.' Buffy replied, as Arwen's presence left her mind, and the slayer urged Mîr (jewel) into a swifter canter, and hoped to Eru that she would make it in time before one Mr Witch-King retook the One Ring for his master.
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Satisfied that she had done all she could for them at the moment, Arwen soon fell into ponderous thoughts, as the knowledge that Aragorn was heading for Rivendell after so many years of absence was now certain.
She knew that he had had some massive disagreement with Buffy and Legolas, and that it had fractured that abiding friendship, perhaps beyond repair. She still did not know the particulars, but her heart had been uneasy since she had last seen her betrothed.
The war for Middle Earth was beginning, and the time had come for Aragorn either to reclaim the long dormant winged crown of Gondor and Arnor, or to fall in Sauron's wake with all that was left of his kin.
And the time had come when her fate must be decided. If they won, her ada (dad) would have to hold to his promise, and offer her hand in marriage to Aragorn if that was still her wish. If they lost, she again had to make a choice; to stay by the side of her betrothed or flee to the Havens with the rest of the Eldar ere Sauron made Middle Earth his own.
The only problem was that her heart was not even as sure as it had been when she had pledged her troth with Aragorn on the hill of Cerin Amroth, so many years ago in the reckoning of Men.
Back then, Aragorn had had a large claim on her heart, and she had been very much in love with him.
But in the last few decades, doubts had crept into her heart and taken root there. Aragorn was not the only man to lay claim to her heart. An ellon (he-Elf), had clawed his way in against all reckoning, and had for a long time resided there without her knowledge.
And if he had not made a slip in years past, she would never have learned of his regard.
Or her own return of it somewhat.
Her heart was torn greatly, though she endeavoured to hide it from her father and brothers, all of whom were weary with the weight of many burdens as the days darkened. She did not want them to fret over her at all; her mind was sound, even if her heart was conflicted, and she would sort this problem out without their knowledge.
Legolas Greenleaf….
He was fair beyond even the measure of the Eldar, but that was not what had gained her attention. She knew all too well the false affections beauty could inspire.
He was reserved amongst company, ever the image of a dignified Elven Prince, unless he was close friends with them and then he came to life. Smart, witty, generous, kind-hearted, cunning when he had need, brave, skilled in battle and in court, and fastidiously loyal; to his friends, his kingdom and his father. He had even survived his mother, Yávien's tragic loss, just as she had had to deal with her mother's torment and departure to the Undying Lands. He did have many good attributes, but she had found herself more and more disregarding what faults he did have.
He could be stubborn, extremely so, but to anybody who had lived with Elrond Peredhel (Half-Elven), stubbornness was a way of life. He also had an excessive disregard for his own safety, which she knew exasperated Thranduil to no end. He held too much to what was expected of him, and what he perceived was his duty, and was therefore not as high spirited as her brothers or herself in public.
But he had done what only one other had ever managed to do, and touched her heart.
And now that the time of her choice was upon her, she had to work out her feelings ere she made a mistake she would regret deeply.
Aragorn was on his way to Rivendell, and during his stay she would have to assess her feelings for him, and decided whether to hold to her betrothal, or break it.
And may the Valar help her to make the right choice.
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Near the Last Bridge, near Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 19.
Guided by Arwen's directions, Buffy caught up with the fleeing group on the eve of October nineteenth.
Reaching the crest of the hill, she saw first the white horse and then the golden hair of Glorfindel, and then three small figures that had to be the hobbits. On closer inspection, she realised that the only dark-haired hobbit there, the one from her vision, was lying atop of the horse, slung over like a sack of potatoes and kept on only by the mount's careful steps, and his companions watch-guard.
Spurring Mîr into a canter, Buffy headed towards them.
When Aragorn saw a rider on a black horse approaching, he had his sword drawn in seconds, and the three able-bodied hobbits followed suit. Glorfindel soon calmed them though, his sharp Elven sight soon descrying the rider's identity. "That is no Black Rider," the Elvenlord said, "That is Dagnir (slayer), an Elvellon, or Elf-friend in the common tongue. Lower your swords, she brings no threat to us."
Aragorn looked at the Elf, and trusting his judgement, sheathed his sword. So Buffy had once again turned up in just time to witness what was bound to be some unrivalled chaos and peril. Why was he not surprised? He did not know how to handle her though; they had not spoken in ten years, and while he grudgingly accepted that he bore some of the fault for that, his pride would not let him apologise.
And yet, it would seem that fate made sure to throw them together more often than not.
The blonde woman swiftly caught up with them, "Glorfindel, mellon nín (my friend)," she greeted, "How nice to see you. I heard you were out hunting some Nazgûl, so I decided to see if I could join in."
"Your presence is most welcome here, Dagnir," he replied, his eyes straying to the silent and dour figure of Aragorn.
The hobbits were openly gaping, "We thought you were one of the Black Riders," Pippin blurted out, as he looked at the large black warhorse.
"I take it you must be the Halfings, right?" Buffy asked with a smile.
"We're called hobbits!" Pippin protested indignantly, causing even Aragorn to smirk.
Glorfindel made the introductions, "Hiril (Lady) Buffy, also called Dagnir (slayer), these are masters Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins of the Shire." At the last name, he gestured to the figure on his horse.
"Hi," Buffy said with a little wave and dismounted, making her a much less imposing figure, "One of the little skulkers got him, right?" she asked quietly, looking at Frodo's still figure.
"The Witch-King," Aragorn said quietly, causing Buffy to look at him strangely for a moment for willingly speaking to her.
"He's the one, then?"
"Yes," Glorfindel said softly, "He bears it still."
"They're hunting it, hunting you. I can feel them nearby. There are five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are I don't know. But I'm guessing they're going to be making an appearance soon."
"We are trying to make haste but the perian (hobbit) is in a bad way." Glorfindel said.
"Well then, let's get moving. Anyone who's not having fun here, follow me." she said, and after Glorfindel backed her up, the small group started to head for the Ford of Bruinen, hoping to get there ere the wraiths did.
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While Glorfindel led the way, guiding Asfaloth, Aragorn dropped back to walk beside Buffy, who was covering the rear.
It was time to put aside some old grievances.
They walked in silence for a couple of minutes, before Buffy finally broke the strained silence. "Have you got anything to say for yourself? Or are you just trying to annoy me?"
"Buffy…" Aragorn began, not meeting her eyes, "I think that we should work past our grievances, for the sake of the Periannath (hobbits). There is not one reason why we cannot work together against the Enemy."
"You're right…" Buffy agreed, "There are about a thousand. Is this your idea of some really lame apology?""I am apologising for nothing. You lied to me."
"By Eru! Get a grip, Aragorn. Nothing happened between me and Legolas, and even if it had, it would be no business of yours whatsoever!" Buffy exclaimed in renewed anger, trying to skewer the unabashed ranger with a fierce glare. "I really can't hurt you, so I'm just gonna have to settle for hating you. I don't forgive little rants like yours without one hell of an apology." she hissed, ten years worth of bottled fury coming to the fore.
Cocking her head to the side, her eyes widened as she picked up on something, and she turned to the bemused ranger. "Look, this isn't the way I wanted it, but something's come up, something big, and we don't have much time. So this has to wait for another time. You understand?" she said urgently.
"Not a word you have said so far." Aragorn replied."Well, work on it!" Buffy cried, "'Cos we have to get to the Ford. We've got incoming nasties!"
Running to the fore of the group, she quickly apprised Glorfindel, whilst Aragorn tried to process her words. When he realised what she was hinting at, his face became grim and pale. He would not allow the Black Riders to take the hobbit for their own.
He could not compound Isildur's mistake.
For good or ill, the Ring had to reach the safety of Rivendell.
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The Ford of Bruinen, 3018 TA, October 20.
Long had they toiled in the night, stopping only for the briefest of rests and the three warriors amongst the group all aware that the Black Riders were closing in on them with every passing hour they remained so exposed in the open. Only the Bruinen could save them now, but the hobbits were unused to such swift and tireless travel, and they slowed their pace considerably.
Aragorn, unable to sense the Nazgûl's proximity to the company, had been relegated to guarding the rear, and coaxing on the hobbits, while Buffy and Glorfindel led from the front; ever bending heads to whisper to each other, talking over the trouble that they both sensed was coming for them.
At the next break, Glorfindel once more checked on Frodo in concert with Aragorn and Buffy, all noticing that the brave hobbit was hanging onto consciousness by a thread, and he spoke to warn them of what he foresaw. "Our peril will be greatest just ere we reach the river, for my heart warns me that the pursuit is now swift behind us, and other danger may be waiting by the Ford."
"It's a perfect place for an ambush," Buffy agreed, keeping a sharp eye on Merry and Pippin who were conspiring together over something, "If there's some of the Nazgûl waiting for us there, we won't be able to cross, and then the rest would come behind us to block us in."
Aragorn also nodded his agreement, "Our only hope is speed and stealth."
"Stealth is not going to work. They know we're coming." Buffy disagreed, and then Aragorn watched as she stiffened, one hand pressing against her side, and the other flying to the hilt of her sword.
Buffy's skin crawled, and the place where she had been stabbed with a Morgul blade was so cold it burned to the touch. The Witch-king was near, she knew this. For better or worse, all those that were touched by his poison could sense his presence. The Black Riders were closing in on them, preparing for the final strike… "They're already here!"
The sole Elf amongst them also sensed the evil gathering, and in dismay, Glorfindel turned and listened, then he sprang forward with a loud cry, sending the company into a flurry of action and slapping Asfaloth on his hindquarters, "Fly! Fly! The enemy is upon us!" he called, drawing his own sword.
The white horse leaped forward at his rider's command, jolting the sleeping hobbit astride him into awareness, "Ride forward!" Glorfindel said to Frodo, "Ride!" he urged the near senseless hobbit and then realising his efforts were useless, he issued his commands to his beloved mount, "Ride on! Ride on! Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim, (ride fast, Asfaloth, ride fast)!"
From the cover of the trees, sprang forth five of the Black Riders, and the other four emerged from the opposite side, having come from the ford at their Captain's call. Glorfindel's faithful white horse raced forward, with Frodo barely clutching on, the brave stallion swiftly reaching full speed as he headed for the Ford of Bruinen.
Sam cried out in fear and dismay, "What are you doing? The Black Riders are out there!" but neither Buffy nor Aragorn questioned Glorfindel's decision.
Not even they three together could manage to hold off all the Nine at once, whilst protecting the Hobbits. They could have made a stand, most definitely, and the warriors would probably have lived, but the untried, untrained and innocent hobbits would have been the casualties.
No, Frodo's only chance lay in Asfaloth, nothing could save him, if the white horse could not. Even the valiant Mîr, the magnificent Elvish warhorse that was a gift from Elladan, descended from the Mearas of Rohan, could not have outridden all the Nine. Already at full canter, and their mounts as twisted as they themselves were for better endurance, they were too swift to overtake in a straight run and too many to oppose when gathered together.
Springing aside, they let Asfaloth gallop by, and then they had to stay by the side of the road or else be ridden down by the Nine. But Buffy was the first to notice that Frodo was beginning to slip off his horse, and if someone didn't help him soon, he was going to fall to the ground before he ever caught sight of the river.
Leaping onto Mîr, she urged the spirited mare into a canter, calling to the others, "Out of the way boys. Leave this to the professionals."
From behind her, she could hear Aragorn's exasperated roar for her to come back, but she ignored him. "Frodo can't make it across without help, and I intend to give it to him in spades!" she shouted back, urging Mîr to go faster.
Dodging into the forest, she took the shortest route to the Ford, generally only known by those who had both lived in Rivendell for some time, and had superb control over a horse. But Buffy had not ridden with the Rohirrim, the best riders of Men in Middle Earth for nothing and the path was easy enough to her, her short height letting her avoid being knocked from her seat by low lying branches.
Speeding through the canopied forest, she hoped that she would make it in time. If Frodo fell and the One Ring was retaken by one of the Black Riders, Middle Earth wouldn't stand a chance.
And only the Elves would be able to flee to the Havens.
The race of Men would either be enslaved or die.
She would die herself before she let that happen…
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Buffy let out a sigh of relief when she saw Asfaloth standing proudly in the middle of the Bruinen, his frail rider still clinging onto the white mane. But with so much at stake, and with the fact that they could all feel the One Ring, so close, and almost within their grasp, they would follow him wherever he ran. They would not let the hobbit escape.
The Nazgûl, neither living nor dead, hated running water as a rule, but for the acquisition of the One Ring, it was only a minor inconvenience to them.
Suddenly the foremost rider, the Witch King of Minas Morgul, Buffy knew, spurred his horse forward. It checked at the water and reared up.
With a great effort Frodo sat upright and brandished his sword. "Go back!" he cried, "Go back to the land of Mordor and follow me no more!" From the shadows of the trees nearest the ford, Buffy watched the challenge with interest, and waited for the moment to strike.
His enemies laughed at him with a harsh and chilling laughter, "Come back! Come back!" they called mockingly, "To Mordor we will take you!"
"Go back!" he whispered, so that Buffy could barely hear him, and she was no less than fifteen feet away.
"The Ring! The Ring!" they cried in deadly voices, akin to a war cry and Buffy knew that it was time to act. Immediately the leader urged his horse forward into the water, followed closely by the others.
"By Elbereth and Lúthien the Fair," said Frodo with a last effort, lifting up his sword, impressing the slayer with his determination even in such a weakened state, "You shall neither have the Ring nor me!"
"I think what my friend's trying to say is: 'Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!'" Buffy said, urging Mîr into the water, and coming alongside Frodo, who literally sagged with relief at the sight of her.
"You!" The Witch-king cried in chilling anger, recognising his previous foe, "Do you never die?!"
"Well, I do," Buffy said, mock thoughtfully, "But I'm kinda bad at the staying dead part. Kinda like you actually. Wanna come play? I've brought toys." she said, waving her sword around.
Buffy winced at the eardrum shattering shriek that the Morgul Lord let out at her words, "Way to go Buffy," she muttered, "What a way to make them totally mad!" she mentally congratulated herself for her usual aplomb at walking right into trouble, but then decided to buy Frodo some time.
Nudging her own horse forward, she plonked herself firmly in the river between Frodo and the wraiths and flashed them a bright, chilling smile. "Okay boys, so who wants to party?"
"You will die for this insult, woman!" the Captain of the Black Riders snarled.
"Really? And why were you trying to kill me before, then?" Buffy said insolently, coupling it with a 'butter wouldn't melt' smile.
"Give us the Ring!" the riders cried, their horses rearing up in response to their anger.
Buffy glanced behind at her at the swiftly wilting Frodo, knowing that he wouldn't last must longer. It was time for some distractions.
Speaking to Frodo, she urged him to go, "Go! I'll hold them off! Get into the valley! The power of Elrond will protect you then! Go!"
And then she gave her orders to Asfaloth, "Noro lim! Noro lim! (ride fast) Tolo i Imladris! (come to Rivendell)" The white horse took off for the valley, and Buffy was satisfied that it would carry out her commands.
Turning back to the Black Riders, who were all but frothing at the mouth by this time, she drew and raised her sword, "You want the ring, you dogs? Come fetch!" she challenged.
And with several high pitched shrieking cries, the Nine plunged into the water, intent on cutting down the small woman who stood in the way of their path to the One Ring…
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A/N: So? Opinions please! Feedback is totally welcome! Please READ and REVIEW!!!
P.S - As you all know by now, I have been nominated for the My Precious Awards, so a big thanks a million once more to whoever did it! Please my lovely darling reviewers and readers, vote for me!! (bats eyelashes and dangles free Aragorns and Legolas's… now throwing in Boromir and Faramir action figures too….)
It's the 2004 MPA (my precious awards for LOTR fanfiction excellence)
The link is here: (just remove the spaces!): http : elvenlords . Net / MPA / mpa . htm
PLEASE VOTE!!!!! FOR ME OF COURSE!!!
Voting is from September 15th to October 15th. Please, please vote for me!!
Voting season is OPEN! Even if you don't normally review, please, PLEASE, pretty please vote for me!
Thanks to my darling readers, First Knight was in first place last time I checked, so a mega, super appreciative thanks a million goes out to everyone who already voted! All of you who did are absolute darlings! Thank you again!
Next chapter: - The Black Riders get an unexpected challenge… Aragorn eats humble pie… Arwen gets a revelation… Rivendell is threatened by a soon to be severe food shortage… and Gimli has an apoplexy.
Elvish:
Andúnië - Sunset
Mîr - Jewel.
Peredhel - half-Elven
Mae govannen - well met
mellon nín - my friend
Undómiel - Evenstar
Mithrandir - Grey Pilgrim
Istar - wizard
Periannath - halflings/hobbits
Estel - hope
Imladris - Rivendell
Ellon - he-Elf
Dagnir - slayer
Elvellon - Elf-friend
Hiril - lady
Perian - hobbit
Noro lim - ride fast
Tolo i Imladris! - come to Rivendell
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Aman - also called the Blessed Realm, Valinor or the Undying Lands. Home of the Elves in the West.
Bruinen - translated: Loudwater. The river bordering the valley of Rivendell. It is under Elrond's sway and he can make it flood at need.
Celebrían - Galadriel and Celeborn's daughter. Wife of Elrond. Mother to Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen. Sailed West in 2510 after being attacked by orcs in 2509.
Cerin Amroth - 'Amroth's Mound' in Sindarin.
Dol Guldur - 'Hill of Sorcery'. A treeless height in the south-west of Mirkwood, a stronghold of the Necromancer before he was revealed as Sauron returned. Houses three Nazgûl, led by Khamûl.
Eärendil - Elrond's father. Now sails the sky with a Silmaril. Can be seen as a star in Middle Earth.
Istari - the Maiar who were sent from Aman in the Third Age to resist Sauron. Sindarin: Ithryn.
Osgiliath - Was once the capital of Gondor. But during the War of the Kin-Strife (a rebellion during the time of kings around the 1430's.) it was laid siege to by the rebels and burned to ruins in 1437.
Yávien - The name of Legolas's mother and Thranduil's queen. in this story. (fictional of course). Translates to 'Autumn'. She was slaughtered by orcs who recognised her as Thranduil's Queen, and her body was dumped back in the forest for the Elven patrols to find, as a message and a warning for Thranduil.
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