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! All the characters are gathering, the author is plotting and the excitement builds as we come closer to that blessed event!
P.S - As someone told me that they were actually getting USED to my cliffhangers, I have taken up the challenge to make them meaner, nastier, more unpredictable and did I mention EVIL!!!! Ye have been warned. Ye awoke the demons in the author's head. Yet ye all beware!
Review responses:
Anna - Thanks! But confronting how they feel? My version of Aragorn?! Are you kidding me? You know his motto is 'it's not worth doing unless I can do it in the most excruciatingly hardest way possible in the entire history of Arda'!
Cristina - yes, Aragorn's problems are only beginning….and I LOVED writing little Éowyn! She was just too cute! No, the Nazgûl thrown off the Bridge of Khazad-dûm was unfortunately not the Witch-King. If it had been, our troublesome duo wouldn't have gotten out of Moria. And as for all other fics that I am working on, none affect my commitment to First Knight, and chapters will be coming out every week as per usual! And you do know that you only jinked yourself when you called THAT the 'one of the meanest cliff hangers ever'. Especially since I've got so many more even more mean ones planned!
DragonStar - Never fear, Gimli appears in this chapter!
emerald sorceress - aww! Thanks! Aragorn's 'kick in the backside' will be coming shortly. Everything going smoothly? If you've been reading this fic, you know that never happens!
FallenStar2 - That's because it was cut off. This chapter was supposed to have been the end part of the last chapter, but it got too big and I didn't have it finished so I posted what I had. And I hope you didn't fall off that seat yet!
goldenshadows - (staggers back in utmost horror) You're getting USED to my cliffhangers!!!!!! You do realise this is just more incentive to make them nastier, don't you?
Gracie - soon…
Haley - No, not Buffy. Think… family grudges…
JeanB - did you really think she'd miss something so important?
Lunawolf - Thanks! And Boromir's not that bad!
Malfeus - awww! You're so sweet!
Mari - yes, Merry and Pippin are more perceptive than some people give them credit for! And thanks!
MiShA - Thanks! And I always try to stay true to Buffy.
N/A - you should know that I'm cruel with the fluffies! And what is 'kebbler'?
Pamie884 - Thanks! Your comments mean a lot!
Phoenix83ad - cut out the flood? Now why would I do that? And things get very, very wet! Well, I don't actually know if Arwen had that power, but both Elrond and Galadriel had it, and you could probably argue that Celebrían and Celeborn would have had it as well, so I gave it to her. I'm planning on using a combination of book-verse, movie-verse and my imagination-verse! Yes, a lot of the vision was from the movie. Thanks for reviewing!
Queen of the Myrmidon - Sorry, but what mistake? I've checked over my chapter and can't find it.
Queen of the Paperclips - thanks! The pairings start to get more solid in this chapter! And is there problems with your access?
Restive Nature - Thanks a million! Yeah, I know! Gandalf never seemed to get a scratch! And you just write the sweetest reviews! Which are always totally cool! :)
Sparky24 - Thanks! :) And everything was not to like about Tom. He was like ME's version of an overdone Santa Claus, except no presents!
Star - Thanks! And yes, Buffy and Arwen are on a pretty even keel. Aragorn is the only wilfully dense one in that group. And don't worry, Gimli will be featuring heavily from now on.
Tanya the Insane & Aristarchus the Muse - I LIKE writing cliffhangers!
TroublemakerQueen - Thanks! And I don't deliberately try to make people go insane! It's just a fringe benefit!
YuZira - sorry no Buffy/Legolas!
And a big round of applause goes to:
Anonymous, Batgirl Beyond, DrummerGirl76, egastin77, gaul1, Lady of the Wood, moonbunny77, ms8309, Night-Owl123, Wild320, zayra,
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: MANY MEETINGS
…..
"The heart has its reasons which reason does not understand."
- Blaise Pascal
….
Imladris, 3018 TA, October 20.
Elrond's attention was already directed towards the ford when Gandalf burst into his study. "Elrond!" the wizard gasped, "The Nine are at the ford!"
"I know," Elrond said grimly, "And they are not alone. Glorfindel tells me that Dagnir, (slayer) Estel (hope) and a company of Hobbits are there also."
Gandalf's face whitened, "Dear Eru! They must not regain the Ring!" he exclaimed, worry causing the deep furrows in his brow to deepen.
Elrond idly fiddled with Vilya, grey eyes shadowed, "I must flood the ford," the Elvenlord said solemnly, "The Ringwraiths will never be allowed to sully Imladris with their presence as long as I remain. But two stand in the way of the waters." The Elda looked at the wizard gravely, "Mithrandir, I must do it now. With no interference."
"I support you in this, mellon nín, (my friend)," the wizard agreed, "And I would aid you in your task as much as I can. But are you certain that they will clear the water ahead of the wraiths?"
"Buffy is nearly on this side of the Bruinen. And I have the utmost confidence in her skills. She will not let the One Ring escape her." Elrond explained. "The time of the Elves is over. Soon, few of my kindred shall remain, but Dagnir bridges the gap between the races as the Elves pass control of Middle Earth over to the race of Men. She will not fail in her tasks."
Closing his eyes, Elrond drew upon his own formidable power, and reached out to his valley. A soft glow emanated from him as he touched the Bruinen near its source to produce the cascade of waters that had been used to such devastating effect during the siege of Rivendell, in the second age, when the realm was newly founded.
"Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer!" Elrond cried, his deep voice resounding through the chamber. (Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the great word: flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!)
Elrond felt the waters, ever loyal to the House of Tuor, respond to his call, and the sound of the water building and gushing filled his mind as he directed it to completely flood the ford with ferocious intensity.
As he worked, Elrond could feel Gandalf subtly add some style to his labours, and he could not help but smile at the Istar's (wizard's) playful additions. Oftentimes, Gandalf had a very questionable sense of humour.
Feeling the flood rip through the normally quiet Bruinen, Elrond looked towards the entrance to his valley with some trepidation. "Come, mellon nín, (my friend), I fear that whatever the outcome, healing shall be needed."
And wasting no time to see if the wizard was following him, the Elvenlord swiftly headed to the Bruinen, gathering such of his healing staff as he could gather on such short, but urgent notice.
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The Bruinen, outside of Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 20.
As Aragorn watched Buffy blast by on Mîr (Jewel), the ranger resisted to urge to throw something at the back of that stubborn head. What in all of Arda did she think she was doing? This was the Nine, in close proximity to the One Ring! Not even Glorfindel, who dwelt in two worlds at once, could stand against all of them at once! And for all her skills, she was just a mortal woman.
No, never invincible. He had learned that all too well in the dark depths of Moria. Buffy could take them on all at once no better than Glorfindel. But that damnable pride and stubbornness of hers made for grim partners in the pursuit of common sense and rationality.
The Rohirrim had obviously had had an influence on her during her stay. She was even more hotheaded and fell-handed now than she was in years gone by.
And al the less likely to listen to him.
The Ringwraiths drew strength from the presence of their fell Captain, and the near certainty of gaining their goal. And they would not be killed save by their master's fall. Buffy's pursuit of Frodo, while admirable, could only amount to nought.
He knew that a wide rift had parted him, but that did not stop him from caring about her. The dearest woman to his heart save for Arwen. He could not let her stand alone.
Moving to draw his sword, he made to follow the slayer but an unexpected hindrance prevented him.
Glorfindel's strong arm halted Aragorn from going to Buffy's aid, the golden haired Edhel (Elf) looked hard at the worried ranger, "She knows what she is doing, Dúnadan! Leave her be! Your presence will not aid her!" the Elf-lord said, "There is nothing you can do to help her but to let her follow her path! Now help us build a fire. Elrond will flood the ford, if the Black Riders try to cross, and we shall have to deal with any that are left on this side of the river."
Aragorn nodded shortly, his eyes straying to the ford where the golden rider upon the dark horse stood defiantly. Glorfindel was right, he would have to trust that the slayer knew what she was doing.
Hurrying to the small hollow where Glorfindel and the three remaining hobbits were gathered, he stepped into the shelter of the few stunted trees that grew there.
Aragorn hastily kindled a fire whilst Glorfindel fashioned several torches. Handing one each to the hobbits, the Elda kept two each for himself and the ranger.
At Glorfindel's caution they each kept their torches unkindled, as the Elda wished to wait until after the inevitable flood came down.
Hearing a low, but steadily growing, rumbling and whooshing the sound, the Elf and ranger looked at each other grimly.
The flood was coming, and soon after that; the battle to drive away the Black Riders.
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Standing in the middle of the river, wondering why the hell Asfaloth had decided to stop on the other bank and was not continuing on to Rivendell, Buffy wondered how she got herself into these messes.
As Mîr pranced nervously underneath her, Buffy watched the wraiths unflinchingly. The Witch-King's horse stood fully in the water, but the full Nine were not yet ensconced in that which they hated so much.
The Witch-king had slowed when he saw Asfaloth stop, and laughed, high and chilling, knowing that her plight had become more desperate if she could not even convince her charge to leave. They knew that Frodo was succumbing to his wound and to the lure of the Ring.
"Give up the Halfling, woman!" the Witch-King hissed, "There can be no escape from me!"
"If you want him, come and claim him." Buffy challenged, intent and deadly, ready and waiting for them to come.
The Witch-king snarled at this final insult, and restarted his previously aborted charge, seeing his prey now within his grasp.
As the riders plunged into the river, Buffy gasped as she heard what seemed to her to be an echo of words resound through the valley. "Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer!" (Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the great word: flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!)
Buffy sensed and saw the onrush of water and flinched. The Ringwraiths had to be dealt with but she couldn't risk Mîr to do so.
Dismounting from her horse, she delivered the orders to get to Rivendell and to try to take Asfaloth and Frodo with her, before turning to see the wraiths bearing down on her.
The Witch-King was all prepared to take a swath of flesh out of Buffy ere he sensed the flood bearing down on him and turned to look behind him.
Buffy took the opportunity to remove an old sword from its sheath, (meaning one that she wouldn't mind destroying too much), and rammed it into the Witch-King's side.
The high pitched shriek he let out at her actions was loud enough to render her temporarily deaf. Staggering back, she ducked the horse's madly stomping feet as the Black Captain reared in anger and pain.
She whirled, dodging his blows, and ignoring the mind-numbing effects of the entire group of Nazgûl, shrieking madly in their disastrous charge, and slammed what was left of the crumbling sword into the horse's neck, causing it to rear once more ere it fell to the ground, taking it's fell rider with it.
Sensing that the rest of the Black Riders were closing in and that her time to flee was running out, she tried to make for the bank of the river.
But she moved too late, and even as she waded desperately towards the bank, it let forth its master's fury.
With crushing force, the flood swept down on them, in the form of white foam riders, sweeping them away in its wrath, and casting them under the frothing waters.
Buffy choked on the freezing water as she went under, arms and legs flailing as she tried to figure out which way was up. Icy cold water chilled her to the bone, aided by the occasional times the wraiths or their beasts bashed into her.
Cursing her ill luck, she fruitlessly tried to fight the Elrond powered cascade, she felt herself being dragged downstream with the Black Riders. Not a good situation to be in by any account.
Her lungs burning for air, and limbs going numb in the icy water, she fought desperately to break the surface. And after several, gut-wrenching, painful moments, her head finally broke the surface of the water and she gulped in large amounts of sweet, sweet air, as she bobbed like a cork in the raging river.
Finally seeing some hope in this desperate situation, she felt a renewed burst of energy surging through her, and spotting the bank where Mîr pranced anxiously, she furiously swam her way over there, fighting against the fiercely dragging current that had already swallowed the Nazgûl.
Fighting against the current all the way, it was with weak and shaking limbs that she dragged herself out of the water.
Collapsing on the bank, she spotted Frodo still on Asfaloth, who had watched the proceedings with curiosity and she tried to speak, to urge him onto the care of Elrond, but her words only came out as harsh coughs.
Realising that she herself was in no shape to aid Frodo for the time being, she flopped onto the riverbank and hoped that Elrond would come to see the effects of the flood ere too long had passed and Frodo passed into the shadow world.
There had been more than enough wraiths near this river for anyone's comfort.
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The moment the flood had appeared, totally blocking their view of the opposite bank, the hobbits, Elf and ranger had all lit their torches and rushed out.
The hobbits hung back as Aragorn and Glorfindel took over the task of driving the remaining Nazgûl into the furious white rider tipped flood.
The hobbits could only gape as Glorfindel seemed to become something ethereal, glowing with a fearsome light, and the power in his gaze made even they who had no evil in their hearts flinch.
Caught between fire and water, and seeing an Elf-lord revealed in his wrath, they were dismayed, and their horses were stricken with madness. Three of the Riders' horses bucked and went wild and violently shying away from the Elf-lord, they inadvertently swept themselves and their riders into the flood, and the rolling waters carried them away.
Out of the corner of his eye, Aragorn thought he could discern a flash of black and gold amongst the waters, but dismissing it, he continued to drive back the Nazgûl.
The Elf and ranger whirled around the four remaining Riders, dodging their swords and slowly but surely setting each one alight and pushing or kicking the blazing forms into the swollen river. Even the ones who remained mounted, were now thrown by their horses and hurled into the flood and thus overwhelmed.
After the waters had carried away the last trace of flailing black figures, and the shrill, fell shrieks had died away, a sudden calmness reigned.
As Glorfindel and Aragorn continued to warily watch the water, as if expecting a wraith to suddenly surge out of it, against all odds, the hobbits sat down heavily, their legs weakening as their adrenaline rush passed.
"Does this mean we win?" Pippin asked, breaking the silence, his earnest and frightened face imploring the ranger to answer him.
"Yes, Master Perian (Hobbit). For now." Glorfindel answered, he being the most knowledgeable about the Ringwraiths amongst them, having fought them many times before, in this age and in the last, where their master's power had been at his height and so too had theirs in turn.
The servants of the Enemy knew to fear the name of Glorfindel of Gondolin.
"They should be rendered less dangerous now, and should be forced to crawl back to their master in whatever shape they may." he continued, his fair face grim, "But they shall not now trouble Rivendell again for a while at least."
"But what about Frodo?!" Sam cried, worry for his friend and master overtaking him, "And that girl that went after him? Where are they? I don't profess to be wise, lords, begging your pardon, but I only counted seven that we got rid of. What happened to the other two?"
Aragorn's troubled expression told Glorfindel that he too had noticed this, and that it bothered him greatly. "I do not know what became of the last Riders," the ranger answered, "But that woman is a warrior of great renown and prowess, and she has fought the Nazgûl before. I am confident that they did not get past her." he finished with conviction.
"And now we must wait for the floodwaters to subside ere we take any action." Glorfindel pointed out.
The wait seemed interminable for both Sam and Aragorn, but the others bore the wait somewhat better; Glorfindel, who the passing of minutes was but a drop in the ocean of time, and the younger hobbits whose naturally high spirits kept them entertained.
But when the flood subsided enough for them to make out the next bank, the group gave out a collective cry of dismay.
"Mister Frodo!" cried Sam, practically bouncing with the force of his concern, "What's he doing there?! He's supposed to be with the healers! Oh by the Green Dragon! Is he alive?!"
"He yet breathes," Glorfindel said, his keen eyes discerning the rise and fall of the Perian's (hobbit's) chest. "But I wager that owes more to the efforts of our valiant Dagnir (slayer) than to Asfaloth!" the Elf finished in frustration, glaring at his horse who idly grazed on the rich grass.
Aragorn gave a fresh cry at the sight of the crumpled blonde form, clearly waterlogged and giving out great heaving coughs every now and then.
"We must cross!" Aragorn said, turning to Glorfindel, "The danger is gone for now. When the waters recede then Elves can be sent to fetch the Periannath (hobbits)."
"Aye, we must move," Glorfindel agreed, "Elrond even now comes down from his halls, but he is not here yet, and the Perian (hobbit) does not have long left in him."
Turning to the Hobbits, the issued orders to stay precisely where they were, and then the duo braved the waters, crossing them swiftly and surely now that the current had eased, and soon reaching the far bank.
Glorfindel went to Frodo, chastising Asfaloth as he led the white mount deeper into the valley, heading for the House of Elrond.
Meanwhile, Aragorn went to Buffy, and found that mercifully, she was conscious. "Hi," she managed to croak, as he approached, another coughing fit seizing her.
"Buffy! What ails you?!" Aragorn said, running a trained healer's eye over her.
"Went under," Buffy gasped, her throat raw and sore, "Fought with King Sourpuss. Horse over there," she said pointing in the general direction, Aragorn noticing that her hand trembled as she did so, "I'm not feeling good. Weak, but okay in a while."
Aragorn checked her pulse for a moment ere he scooped her up, unable to offer his own cloak as it was mostly sodden wet, and cradled her close and at her unspoken insistence, went to check to see if the Rider's horse was truly dead.
"It's dead?" Buffy asked as Aragorn checked.
"Yes," he replied and stared at the corpse for several long moments without a word.
"Is anyone waiting for it to go 'poof'? Maybe we can cover it with flowers?" Buffy suggested in bemusement at his behaviour, holding her throat as it ached, "Remember? Got to go check on a hobbit?"
"And you have to let me check you out properly," Aragorn said sternly, and waving to the Hobbits on the far bank, he carried the slayer into the vale.
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The Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 20.
'Twas a sight rarely seen in the serene valley of Imladris. But today was a delight for all lovers of gossip, and an object of extreme curiosity to the valley's guests.
First, the Lord of the Valley rushes out with the Lord Mithrandir, summoning Elves to him as he goes. Then the Lady Arwen rushes out, dress and hair in disarray as she ran. Next came a group of Elves carrying a stretcher and hurrying down towards the Bruinen, following their flying Lord and Lady. And then the respected Lords Erestor and Gildor, fresh from their inspection of the border patrol, had sped down the path which their lord and lady had followed.
And if such an unusual occurrence was not enough fodder, the return journey of all the Lords and Ladies was even more to be remarked upon.
First the Lord Elrond and a gaggle of healers and Lord Glorfindel came rushing up to the Last Homely House with a stretcher bearing a sickly halfling.
Then the Lord Aragorn had made for the halls, carrying the Lady Buffy, and walking alongside the Lady Arwen.
That conversation was startling enough for all who were close enough to hear.
"Hey! Sorry I'm late, Undómiel (Evenstar). You were so right. I hope these people realise that there was a Ringwraith parked outside their river," Buffy said to Arwen, gesturing at the gathered gaping crowd, slightly amused herself at the spectacle they were making.
"Was?" Arwen demanded, her fair face troubled with their near miss, "You killed him then?"
"Last I saw him, he was scampering back to his 'Master', probably to whimper out an apology and beg for the continuation of his wraithly existence."
After that they had passed out of hearing range even for the nosiest of Elves and the remaining onlookers had to content themselves with looking as Lindir led three more Periannath (hobbits) into the valley.
Really, with the influx of visitors into the valley, it was becoming quite crowded!
Everyone was here nearly, a party of Dwarves, a party of Hobbits, the Dúnadan himself, the Lady warrior Buffy… it was quite an array.
For the Dwarves they held an especial interest, as they had had dealings with halflings years ago, and said halfling now resided in this very vale. Now, as they did not like being kept in the dark about anything, all of them resolved to find out what was going on ere long had passed.
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You know I always stay up without sleepin',
And think to myself,
Where do I belong forever,
In whose arms, the time and place?
- Avril Lavigne - My World
'Twas a bittersweet meeting of the betrothed couple when they were at last alone; sweet to be together again after so long and bitter because of the sorrow and darkness in which they met.
Long did they wander in Celebrían's gardens under a starlit sky, saying little but enjoying each other's company.
And then they each spoke of their years apart, and as they spoke, some of the weariness in Aragorn's face dropped away as he relaxed, and left the cares of the world behind him somewhat.
But for Arwen, this reunion, was heart-rending but sudden in its clarity. As she smiled at Aragorn, and listened to his easier flow of chatter, the Evenstar's mind was firmly revolving with plans, possibilities and affirmation.
She had seen Aragorn's heart, and had carefully examined her own in turn.
And at last she could be at peace with her choice.
For now she knew at last where her heart rested.
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Rivendell, 3018, TA, October 22.
Legolas Greenleaf flew into the courtyard of the Last Homely House in the early morn, two heavily armed guards following in his wake.
The Prince of Taur-e-Nelaedelos bore an important message for Mithrandir, of whom it was said now stayed in the House of Elrond and he had come hither bearing it, even though his conscience flayed him over his perceived failings.
The creature Gollum had escaped, and while Legolas only knew perhaps a fraction of the foul thing's importance, it was enough to know that it was an evil deed.
And the prince's shame and guilt over such a failure of the trust in which Aragorn and Mithrandir had placed in him was very great indeed. Not idly did the wizard and the Dúnadan hunt for seventeen years without cease.
Giving his horse into the care of a stable-hand, he ignored the looks he was getting from other Elves.
The woodland prince was not known to possess a foul temper, and even less known for allowing his emotions to be seen so publicly. And so the sight of him striding through the halls of the Last Homely House, countenance grim, and with the determined air of one who goes to his doom, was a most unusual sight indeed.
But luckily for Elrond, as it prevented him from having to deal with the prince's black mood, Buffy met him in the halls. And upon seeing his scowl, had hauled him aside to get him to dish the dirt.
"Suilaid (greetings), Legolas!" the slayer greeted, "And don't you look fit to flay a troll alive with that glare! What's the deal, mellon nín?) (My friend)
Legolas out of respect for his friend, did not pull away and permitted her to lead him along the halls and pull him into her room.
Down the connecting hall, Aragorn, coming from a meeting with Elrond, noticed her actions that grimly confirmed his suspicions of yore.
In her room, Buffy turned expectant eyes on her friend, "What's up Legolas? I don't think I've seen you so mad since that spider tried to rip out your hair!"
Legolas tried to glare back but failed as Buffy's good humour began to dampen his ire and reproach. "The Shadow is moving," he answered, "And through fault of mine, the Wood Elves honour and trust has severely been shaken."
"Unless you decided to shack up with Dol Guldur, I really can't see that happening," Buffy replied.
"I let Gollum escape," Legolas said quietly, not wishing to keep the truth from his long time friend and trusted companion and war-sister.
Buffy's sharp intake of breath told him all to clearly that she knew the significance of his statement. After a moment, she recovered her composure. "I highly doubt that you deliberately set him free, waved at him and said 'have a nice day!'" she said firmly, determined to drag the Sinda out of his self-inflicted guilt fest.
"His guards were slain. I appointed them and granted them permission to take the wretch outside. It is my fault."
"The guards were slain?" Buffy repeated, "Okay, I don't really see Gollum getting the jump on more than one Elf without getting killed himself. What really happened, and cut the 'I'm so guilty' crap, it doesn't become you."
"Orcs invaded the forest at night, and in the confusion, Gollum's guards were slain and he himself escaped. I believe it was a rout and that the attack was but a diversion to free the wretched creature." Legolas explained, azure eyes clouded.
"Then it is so not your fault," Buffy stated in a tone that brooked no argument, "What the Black Tower does is all Sauron's fault, not yours, despite whatever you've managed to persuade yourself into believing."
"Attempting to become a sage counsellor now, are we, meldiren?" (my friend) Legolas said in jest, feeling his spirits lift as she talked.
"Have you run into Aragorn yet?" Buffy asked, changing the topic completely, "'Cos I've heard his lame excuse for an apology and I wouldn't want you to settle for that either."
"You still have not mended things with him?" Legolas asked in surprise, knowing how closely Aragorn and Buffy's tasks were on some points.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Buffy said dismissively, "Relationship debris is kind of piling up on the Buffy highway. But it's okay, I'm over him."
"Fool others if you must, Buffy, but do not fool yourself." Legolas said solemnly.
Buffy waved it away, "It's a thing called positive thinking. Or else I have to get all depressed and mopey now that the lovebirds are under one roof again. Not to mention he's acting like a jackass towards me."
Legolas's lips twitched at her name for Aragorn but he said nothing, his own deeply buried pain barely visible even to Buffy's knowing gaze. "Don't worry about them," Buffy said brusquely, "We have so many more things to lose sleep over."
"Such as?"
"How about the One Ring being in the valley? Here, now and it almost got snatched before we reached the Bruinen." Buffy said, somewhat perversely enjoying Legolas's absolutely stunned expression.
"My adar (father) always said that the One had not passed out to the Sea as Saruman claimed," he said after a moment, "But what has Elrond to do with it? Why is he harbouring it in the valley? He has not the might to fight Mordor!"
"That's why there'll be a council soon as the Ring-bearer, a hobbit, - you know, the heir of the same one that had such a nice visit to your dungeons, - is well again. He got stabbed by a Morgul blade on Weathertop. He barely made it. And even now it's touch and go."
"You bear grave tidings indeed, Buffy," Legolas exclaimed, "And I wonder at their coming, as it has been my deepest dread for many years now."
"Well, consider yourself invited to the council. Elrond'll ask you anyway so it's cool," Buffy said, "Now tell me how things fare in Mirkwood?"
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In his chambers, Elrond Peredhel (Half-Elven) wondered what on Arda he had done to deserve this disaster in the making.
The (Prince) Ernil of Taur-e-Nelaedelos had arrived in the valley, finishing off the uneasy triumvirate that was Legolas, Aragorn and Buffy. All of whom, in his opinion, were still fighting after their last shouting match ten years ago.
And not to mention that said princeling was said to be in spectacularly dour form on his arrival, making him look that much more alike to his sire, Thranduil, when in bad temper.
To speak of that renowned sire, the Dwarves currently staying in his formerly tranquil vale were led by the same Dwarf that Thranduil had thrown into the dungeons with Thorin Oakenshield before the Battle of Five Armies.
Master Glóin and his son, Gimli, were unlikely to resist the chance to badger the son of the King who had wronged them, and with Legolas's somewhat mercurial mood at the moment, a surly Elven prince and a gaggle of Naugrim (Dwarves) could only spell disaster for the Last Homely House.
Especially as he could see no means of keeping them apart, so that the bloodshed could be kept to a minimum.
On top of those mountain of problems, Arwen was primed to declare her choice, a thought that caused Elrond's heart to clench with fierce pain, and Aragorn was now ripe to try to take the Kingship of Gondor and Arnor, and join the ranks of his illustrious sires of old.
And then just to ensure his insanity, the Valar had seen fit to saddle him with one meddling wizard, four hobbits, of which one bore the One Ring of Sauron, in his very home, his supposed sanctuary.
And now the Eye of Sauron was moving, and it was beginning to fix on Rivendell.
He really wondered if his treasured house was actually meant to be left standing after this invasion….
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Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 23.
After a stern lecture from his foster father, Aragorn had been forced to face up to a few hard facts.
Elrond had quite bluntly told him that his own ill thought out presumptions had been the main factor in the sundering of his friendships with Buffy and Legolas. The Elvenlord then dryly assured him that nothing of the nature he had suggested had ever occurred between the two concerned, and that Aragorn had done enormous wrong in losing his temper with them over nothing more than his own ill conceived notions.
The ranger had borne the assault with as much grace as he could, and he still could not offer his foster father a reasonable explanation for his shameful behaviour.
But Elrond had been very clear regarding one thing he had to do.
The wise Elvenlord had said that a war was coming that none of them might survive, and if he was prudent and cared for his friends, he would not let this matter rest between them for much longer. In other words, to swallow his pride and grovel for forgiveness if necessary.
There were times when Elrond was just too much correct for his own good.
And so Aragorn had humbled himself, and had decided to approach Legolas first, as he had vented his spleen on Buffy more harshly and he hoped that it would help him bolster his courage to apologise to the woman he had wronged so greatly.
Nervously knocking on the door, he heard Legolas's melodious voice bidding him to enter, and he stepped inside his friend's outer chamber.
Legolas froze in shock when he saw him and seemed on the verge of speaking but Aragorn beat him to it.
"Legolas, mellon nín (my friend), if I may still call you that," the ranger who could be king began, "I cannot express my shame at what I said to you before. Amin hiraetha (I am sorry), nín ernil, (my prince), I am truly ashamed at what I said to you, as you deserved none of it, and I accept full responsibility for my actions from that year. I cannot conceive what drove me to harm such a treasured friendship, meldir (friend), and I am so, so sorry for whatever hurt I may have caused you. I deeply regret my harsh words and accusations against you. I have no excuses, and I stand now, here before you, to face your judgement." the ranger finished and then waited for Legolas to speak.
"Is this apology to be extended to the honourable Lady Buffy as well?" Legolas asked warily.
Aragorn flinched at the accusatory tone, made all the worse because of the pain he had inflicted on these noble hearts, "Aye, I will grovel before the lady after I have seen if I can mend things with you, hir nín, (my lord)."
Legolas's keen eyes pierced him to the heart, "And do you still believe your words of ten years ago to be true?"
"Nay, I know full well that neither of you would be capable of such an injury, and I must again express my shame for saying them to you who has been ever steadfast as my friend."
Legolas looked at him gravely for a moment, far and remote and a true prince of the Eldar did he appear to Aragorn; fair as the dawn and cold as the deepest snows.
But then the Sinda smiled, and Aragorn felt his heart lift in hope. "I forgive you mellon nín, and your harsh words shall be as forgotten. I have dearly missed your friendship these years, and as the Shadow deepens, it is best for old friends to hold together." Legolas, smiling broadly. "And all shall be as it was, as soon as Buffy has heard your apology. You hurt her deeply, son of Arathorn."
Aragorn bowed his head, "I know," he said heavily, "And she deserved none of it. But I thank you for your generous forgiveness. I must confess that I came here prepared to grovel."
"The exiled king?" Legolas repeated, "Grovelling? That is not a sight I would wager ever seeing!"
"You would have seen it if you had not been so forgiving meldiren, (my friend), and I again must thank you for this."
"What is a few angry words amongst friends?" Legolas said, "The Shadow of the Enemy deepens, aran o Gondor (king of Gondor), and 'tis not wise for us to be squabbling amongst ourselves when his forces are moving. War is coming, and I would not see us sundered by a mistake of years passed."
Legolas's ominous words hung in the silence between them for long after they had been said.
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With the reminder of Legolas's foreboding words lingering in his mind, 'twas a more heavy hearted Aragorn that sought out the slayer later that day.
He found her newly returned from the training fields, completely recovered from her fall into the Bruinen, and now testing the stamina of the Elven warriors that wished to spar with her. She was carrying her sparring clothes, and was wearing a light, delicately embroidered dress of blue silk.
"Hiril (Lady)," he said, stopping her as she prepared to walk by, "May I speak with you for a moment?"
"What? Got some more interesting observations to share?" Buffy said in annoyance.
"Please, hirilen (my lady)," Aragorn pleaded, all the while noticing how the rush of anger added more fire to those blazing eyes, and how her cheeks flushed so prettily.
There was silence for a moment, and then Buffy nodded her head, and allowed the ranger to take her arm and lead her into a secluded part of the gardens.
"Buffy," he began nervously, not wanting to meet those injured hazel eyes but he forced himself to look at her, "I am so sorry. Words cannot suffice to say how sorry I am. I know I hurt you, and the very thought pains me, and I know that I have no right to expect you to ever forgive me, but I entreat for it all the same. I am deeply, deeply sorry for all the pain and accusations that I inflicted on you."
Buffy held his gaze for a moment, allowing him to see the hurt there, before dropping her eyes to her lap to study her fidgeting hands. "So you don't think I'm a lying, cheating whore?" she asked bitterly.
Aragorn visibly flinched at her words, and dared to place a consoling hand on her arm, "I have seldom regretted anything more, and if I could take them back, I would in an instant. But I cannot change what has already passed, and ask only for the chance to make amends in the future."
Buffy said nothing, and Aragorn reached out to intertwine his large, calloused hand with one of her small ones, "Hirilen, please, I beg of you. Forgive a fool of a man for his harsh words, and let him make amends to you as best as I can."
Buffy sat thoughtfully for a few minutes, gazing at their entwined hands with fond regret, and she knew then that she could not stay angry at Aragorn any longer. It had been ten years. That was a very long time to hold a grudge when you were just a mortal woman. It was time to put away the ghosts of the past, and concentrate on the future they would have to make after and during Sauron's fall.
"I forgive you, meldiren (my friend)," she said softly, and Aragorn felt a huge weight fall from his shoulders, to be replaced with elation. "As long as it doesn't happen again," she finished.
Aragorn laughed in elation, "Never again will I be so foolish, pen vell (dear one)," he vowed and such was his happiness at the restoration of their friendship that he clutched her to him and swung her around.
And as Buffy felt herself pressed up against him, her heart beating wildly despite every scrap of common sense telling her that it was hopeless, she realised that maybe she was not as over him half as much as she pretended she was.
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The Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 24
The joyful news sped swiftly through the Last Homely House. Master Baggins, he of the dreadful Morgul wound, had at last passed through the shadow and awoke, thanks to the unceasing care of the Lord Elrond, the greatest healer this side of the Great Sea.
And word spread among the more well informed that a secret council had been called now that the hobbit was awake and that it bore news of some matter of great import. And so even as most celebrated Elrond's hard won triumph, and Frodo's recovery, there were those that bore the festivities with grim cheer.
But Bilbo Baggins, formerly of the Shire, was not one to be troubled over such matters, especially since he had more pressing concerns. "Ah this is a grand day for a party, my lads," he said, addressing his old friend Glóin, and his friends and of course, the three hobbits that had journeyed with Frodo. "My Frodo's up and about again, and Lord Elrond is throwing a right feast tonight in his honour! Let me assure you, my honourable Dwarves, that there is nothing like the food of Rivendell on a feast day! Better than the sweetest honey cakes of the Beornings I tell you!" the elderly hobbit said, cheerfully regaling his friends with thoughts of food.
"Do they have mushrooms?" Pippin asked eagerly, hooked on Bilbo's vivid descriptions of the many sumptuous dishes and pasties available in the House of Elrond.
Of course, Bilbo was totally unknowing of the dismay of a passing cook at his words.
Since the hobbits arrival, they had commenced trying to empty Rivendell's well-stocked pantries, and many of the Elves swore they had never met a race of beings who could eat so much!
Groaning aloud as he mentally ran over the stock figures, the Elf resignedly headed to Lord Erestor's office to explain why the foodstuffs were running so low.
May Eru curse hobbits and their appetites!
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The Great Hall, the Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 24.
The feast was a splendid affair, what with so many fair Elven Lords and Ladies present; and the visiting Dwarf Lord and the company of by now infamous hobbits attending as well.
The Lord Elrond led them into the great feasting hall, his daughter, the Lady Arwen on his arm; wearing a cap of silver lace netted with small white gems that glittered in her raven tresses, and her soft grey raiment unadorned save for girdle of leaves wrought in silver.
The guests were shown to their seats, the visiting lords and the hobbits being seated at the high table with Lord Elrond.
Buffy, resplendent in a silky amethyst dress with silver tracery along the hem and sleeves, chose to attend the feast, wanting some serious catch up time with Arwen, and so the slayer seated herself by the lady, and very merry and high spirited was their corner of the table.
Bilbo had seated himself beside Frodo, foregoing his usual pleasure of interrogating Buffy on her visits to the valley, about the tales of her life and deeds, which admittedly did not always please the lady in question. And the Dwarves had then seated themselves about the small group of hobbits, and very loud and uproarious was their section of the hall.
That the Lord Aragorn was not present was remarked upon by many, for he seldom missed a chance to be with his lady, the beautiful Undómiel (Evenstar), and even rarer did he forego company when both the Lady Arwen and the Lady Buffy were in residence together.
Buffy, too, noticed his absence and wondered at it but Arwen soon informed her that Elladan and Elrohir had returned out of the wilds and that Aragorn had gone to speak to them about their errand. Buffy resolved to seek the twins out too, but she wanted to enjoy herself with Arwen first.
Presiding over the head of the table, Elrond watched as Legolas entered and joined Arwen and Buffy, and keenly did he scrutinise him and his actions towards the two ladies.
Galadriel was right, as usual. Towards Buffy, there was respect and deep affection, but towards his own Undómiel, there was definitely something more than friendship.
But his musings to that point were cut short when he noticed Glóin's eyes widen and the sudden furious whispering at the Dwarven section of the table, mixed with frequent glances at Legolas.
It seemed the brewing storm was about to come down upon Rivendell.
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Glóin had not paid much attention to the blonde Elf when he entered but he had heard Bilbo call him Legolas, and he could have sworn that he had heard that fancy prancy Elven name before.
Questioning Bilbo, the hobbit quite cheerfully replied that Prince Legolas was of Mirkwood, son of Thranduil, that greedy little treasure thief!
The Dwarves could hardly believe it when Bilbo spoke those words, and dark were their glances at the forest prince.
They could hardly believe that Thranduil's undoubtedly as foul tempered, greedy, backstabbing, as mongrel like as his father, son was in Rivendell at the same time as one of the Dwarves that Thranduil had unreasonably held captive in his foul dungeons.
Long did the Dwarves grumble over his presence, and over his sire's deeds before, during and after the Battle of Five Armies.
But while the elders did little more than grumble and glower, the seeds of ideas were planted in the mind of Gimli, Glóin's son, and his smile held more than just amusement at his father's mutterings.
He would see how Thranduil's brat fared against the cunning of a Dwarf if the Elf dared say even a word to them!
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The Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 24.
Around two hours later, Buffy left the feast to seek out the twins. She knew they had been hunting for signs of the Enemy for some time now, and she wished to know what they had found on their travels.
Silently slipping into the twins' rooms, she greeted them softly as she entered and nodded at Aragorn, "I heard you were home, gwenyn (twins), and I came to see what news you bring."
"You left the feasting to come here? My, how dedicated we are," Elladan said laughing.
Whilst Elrohir said, "Suilaid, (greetings) Buffy, welcome. Sit."
"'Tis not good tidings we bring, Dagnir (slayer)," Elladan warned.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Buffy replied, seating herself beside Aragorn. "But spill anyway."
"The Enemy grows stronger and his spies are beginning to fix on Imladris. I think that word that the One Ring is here has gotten out. The time for making plans runs out." Elrohir said.
"Sauron will dare to assail Elrond if he thinks he can get the One," Aragorn said, informing her of what she doubtlessly could have guessed herself. "For better or worse, Rivendell's time is ending."
"The time of the Elves is ending, Aragorn," Elladan said sorrowfully, "And the time of Men begins. But there must be one more fight, one more war ere that happens."
"Only one more war?" Buffy said bitterly, "When do the wars ever stop? Only when you're dead from what I can see."
Silence reigned for a long time after that.
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The Hall of Fire, the Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 24.
When all thoughts of strategy, tactics and warfare had been exhausted by the foursome, Aragorn and Buffy decided to go to the Hall of Fire.
They did not speak overly much, instead enjoying the comfortable silence between them as they walked, a welcome replacement to the strained tension that had pervaded their dealings with each other for the past ten years.
As they entered the Hall of Fire, both of them were called over to Bilbo, the elderly hobbit waving frantically at them. "Ah! There you are at last Dúnadan!" he cried, "And Lady Dagnir! Come! Come!"
"Strider!" said Frodo exclaimed as the duo approached, "You seem to have a lot of names!"
"Well, Strider is one that I haven't heard before, anyway," said Bilbo, "What do you call him that for?"
"They call me that in Bree," said Strider laughing, "And that is how I was introduced to them."
Buffy's lips twitched, "A fat innkeeper calls him that 'cos he's always in a great big rush." she said, laughing at Aragorn's feigned annoyance.
"And why do you call him Dúnadan?" asked Frodo, looking at him curiously now.
"The Dúnadan," said Bilbo somewhat impatiently, "He is often called that here. Nut I thought you knew enough Elvish to at least know dún-adan; Man of the West, Númenórean. But this is not the time for lessons!" he turned to Strider, "Where have you been, my friend? Why weren't you at the feast? The Lady Arwen was there." he added meaningfully.
"I know," Aragorn replied, "But often I must put mirth aside. Elladan and Elrohir have returned out of the Wild unlooked for, and they had tidings I wished to hear at once."
"And what of you Lady? Were the tidings to your liking?" Bilbo asked Buffy.
"You're not getting a word out of me, pen dithen (little one), I am not giving you any more ideas for those books of yours!"
"Why do they call you Dagnir?" Frodo asked, the name niggling at him and after a moment, he recognised her face, and the body that was not clad in the armour and ranger gear she had worn before, "You were the one that rode beside me!" he exclaimed.
"Yes," she answered and Bilbo cut her off before she could say any more.
"She is called Dagnir because she is a warrior of such renown. It means 'slayer' in Elvish. A fearsome thing she is too if even half the tales be true!"
Frodo and Bilbo soon moved on from the topics of the mysterious Strider and Dagnir, and moved onto discussing the intimate details of the Shire, in very small and particular detail.
Soon bewildered, Buffy turned to Aragorn, "Aragorn, do you have any idea what they're talking about?" she asked.
He shook his head in wonderment, "I think so?" he replied uncertainly.
"Good," Buffy said, "'Cos I don't understand a word either."
Soon the two drifted apart, and Buffy ended up by Arwen again, except in a considerably darker mood.
"Why do you mope so, mellon (friend)?" Arwen asked, grey eyes shining with concern for her dear friend.
Buffy just glowered, "I was not mopey." she protested.
"You are too mopey." Arwen replied in the exact same tone, "And I would know why."
"Look okay, I came, I saw, I was perky. Now, I just want my head on a pillow. Which doesn't look like it'll happening anytime soon." Buffy grumbled, trying to hide her real reasons from her all too perceptive friend.
"Something more bothers you," Arwen pressed but how could Buffy tell her that it was because of the resurgence of her feelings for Aragorn, even though she tried to stamp down on them?
Buffy being unwilling to talk and not in the mood for company, Arwen soon went to her father's side when he called to his beloved daughter.
For a while she talked with Aragorn and her adar (father) but those sharp grey eyes of her missed nothing in Aragorn's actions that night.
They were subtle but all too telling to those who watched for them.
As an oblivious Aragorn once more turned to his beloved friend Buffy for some advice that he sought instead of his long time love, Arwen and Buffy's eyes met across the room, and Buffy was the first to look away.
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A/N: Well? Opinions please! Feedback is always totally welcome! Please READ and REVIEW!!!
P.S - To repeat what you all know by now, I have been nominated for the My Precious Awards, which is so cool! As the competition is really getting tight now, please my lovely darling reviewers and readers, vote for me!! (bats eyelashes and dangles free Aragorns and Legolas's… now throwing in Boromir, Éomer 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 now OPEN! Even if you don't normally review, please, PLEASE, please vote for me!
Thanks to my super wonderful, super great readers, First Knight was still in first place last time I checked. But unfortunately, the competition is getting tight and roughly about ten votes separate the top three runners. So please every vote counts! And to anyone who has already voted, feel free to do so again if you wish!
Again, I cannot possibly thank you guys enough! So thank you. Diolla lle, mellyn nín!
Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya. May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky!
Next chapter: More than one war begins, Rivendell witnesses a near mass genocide, Elrond gets a migraine, Aragorn gets a warning and a clue, and Elrond's guests have a little discussion…
Elvish:
Imladris - Rivendell
Dagnir - slayer
Estel - hope
Mithrandir - Grey Pilgrim
mellon nín - my friend
Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer! - Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the great word: flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!
Istar - wizard
Mîr - Jewel.
Edhel - Elf
Dúnadan - man of the West
Perian - hobbit
Periannath - halflings/hobbits
Undómiel - Evenstar
suilaid - greetings
Meldiren - my friend
Adar - father
Peredhel - Half-Elven
Ernil - prince
Amin hiraetha - I am sorry
Nín ernil - my prince
Meldir - friend
Hir nín - my lord
Aran o Gondor - King of Gondor
Hiril - lady
Hirilen - my lady
Pen vell - dear one
Gwenyn - twins
Pen dithen - little one
Mellon - friend
Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya." - May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.
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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.
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.
Gondolin - called the Hidden City or the Hidden Realm. Founded and ruled by Turgon, son of Fingolfin, in the First Age. Eventually destroyed by Morgoth.
Istari - the Maiar who were sent from Aman in the Third Age to resist Sauron. Sindarin: Ithryn.
Moria - 'The Black Chasm', later name for the great works of the Dwarves under the Misty Mountains. Called Khazad-dûm in Dwarvish.
Naugrim - 'stunted ones'. Elvish term for Dwarves.
Númenor - Land of the Star. Translated 'Westland'. When Elros Half-Elven, Elrond's twin, chose to be of the Race of Men, the Valar granted him an island to rule over. It was prepared by the Valar as a dwelling place for the Edain after the First Age. Elros, granted a longer lifespan because of his Elven heritage, and the rest of the Edain who followed him were long lived as well, became Elros Tar-Minyatur, first King of Númenor.
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.
Sinda - singular of 'Sindar'. It is one of the kindreds of the Elves in Middle Earth , and they are accounted as being amongst the Eldar.
Taur-e-Nelaedelos - The name of Mirkwood in Sindarin. It means 'Forest of the Great Fear'. This is what Greenwood the Great (Eryn Galen in Sindarin) was named after the rise of Dol Guldur.
Tuor - Elrond's grandfather, father of Eärendil, husband to Idril. Son of Huor, a lord of the Edain in the first age. Was sent to Gondolin as a messenger by Ulmo, Lord of Waters, to warn its king, Turgon, that Morgoth would soon find his hidden stronghold. Turgon ignored the advice but Tuor stayed on in Gondolin, wed Idril Celebrindal, the King's daughter, and sired his on. He escaped in the fall of Gondolin, and left Middle Earth for the West with Idril on a ship. 'Tis said that he alone of all the Edain was granted the life of the Eldar, and chose to be numbered amongst the Noldor, whom he loved, and that he still dwells west of the Great Sea.
Vilya - the Ring of Air. Strongest of the three Elven Rings made by Celebrimbor. Borne by Elrond.
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