FIRST KNIGHT BY ASHA DREAMWEAVER
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
Summary: BtVS/LotR. Buffy gets sent to Middle Earth to help bring down Sauron. Her duty, like the Istari, is not to confront Sauron directly but to help those fated to face him bring him down. More specifically she's to help the King of Gondor get on his throne. Will Arwen and Aragorn's love stand against the shadow? Will Legolas be able to keep a secret, that if revealed, could shatter the lives of those he cares for? Will Buffy be able to fulfil her duty? Will Denethor be able to put aside his animosity for the man who would supplant him? Will the ringbearer reach Mount Doom, or will he be cut down before he reaches his goal? And will Boromir resist the lure of the ring?
Author's notes: Thanks to everyone who voted for me at the MPA awards! Does anyone know who won in my category by the way? 'Cos I don't. It's been a while since I could check unfortunately. BTW, this chapter originally worked out at well over thirteen thousand words so for the sake of easier reading and posting, I will be posting the first half now and the second on Sunday, October 17th! Think of it, two chapters in one week! Yay!
Review responses:
Alliana Greenleaf Halliwe - sorry, no other BtVS characters, and you think the worst Elrond can do is a lecture? (/cackles evilly in background/) Just you wait…
Anna - thanks! And yes, Arwen is noticing big time!
ChibiChibi - aww, thanks for that! And Arwen's choice is not far away now, nor is Aragorn's kick in the butt…
Cristina - Helms Deep. Someone has to screw things up for Théoden, and get rid of some certain rodents…
DragonStar - He hopes that he will live! And yes, I think 'chaos' is a bit of a mild term for what I'm planning….
Gaul1 - yes, that is a mystery isn't it?
goldenshadows - Thank you. I really like writing cliffhangers. I'm still upping the Evil factor though! And as for major character deaths, well no, nothing like that planned so far! And I don't think I'm psychic!
Haley - Definitely unpleasant I'd hazard!
Jania - thanks a lot!
JeanB - yes, I get you now. Buffy does tend to get distracted or wounded a lot. Hazards of the job I'm afraid! And don't worry there will be plenty of Dwarven POV in the ensuing chapters. And plenty of Elven POV too! Yes, Buffy and Boromir should be an interesting meeting, once he finds out who she is anyway.
Lady of the Wood - yes, Arwen's rose tinted glasses are gone bye bye.
Lisette - O My God! My, this is really flattering! And from a peer, a fellow BtVs/x-over writer! Thanks! You're so sweet, and analysis is always welcome. And thanks for picking up on that mistake, I completely missed it. You see, the twins were originally slated for those roles, but when re-reading the canon, I learned that they had been out on errantry and couldn't have been there, so I had to change the names! Apparently I forgot to change everything!
Lunawolf - thanks! And I get hyper too so don't worry about it! And I'm afraid that I have to let Arwen answer for herself on that one! And Boromir enters in this chapter!
Malfeus - flattery will definitely get you to the end of the story!
Mari - I know what you mean….
MiShA - you'd be surprised what else Arwen understands…
Ms8309 - Thanks! And which shipping is your choice? Yes, Buffy was midwife to Boromir.
N/A - Thanks! How is Arwen going to let him down? Find out next chapter! And I'd be very wary before celebrating anyone's impending happiness just yet! And yes, it's Arwen/Legolas.
organized-chaos - Thanks a bunch! And I hope you're not still exploding. It sounds very painful! Yes, Aragorn is dense. But frozen salmon? Why would you hit him with frozen salmon?
Pamie884 - Thanks a lot! And everybody seems to be looking forward to Boromir's intro!
Restive Nature - thanks so much! :) and that 'animosity' you mentioned? I am SO going to have SO much fun with that! I wonder will anyone of you see what I have planned?… (cackles anyway) And you are so right about Buffy's life. I have so much more planned for her though… And Arwen and Aragorn come under heavy fire in this chapter!
ShawThang - Dissention? Eru, you haven't seen anything yet. I plan to make WAR. And when do I ever make anything easy? But the plotline will take a twist soon! BTW, hoped you enjoyed your holiday!
Silentchild10 - Yes, Buffy will be going! And thanks!
sparky24 - Thank you! Keyword there in the Buffy saga is 'eventually'. Spanners must always be thrown into the works after all! And no, not the formation of the Nine just yet, the chapter would have just been way too long if I had! But as a lot of the chapters from here on out involve me mixing the story with my plotline, your comment on it was really nice!
Star - Thanks a lot! And that psychic streak is showing again… and it wasn't just you… But yes, Arwen's waking up now… and I never said Boromir lost the poll, he will live and he will die; just wait for that plotline!
Talliana - 'History Repeats Itself' is on the resuscitation table, and I don't know if it will make it!
TroublemakerQueen - Thank you my dear! Yes, it's Ar/L and B/A.
Wild320 - thanks! And you'd be amazed at what havoc I can screw up even with Arwen out of the way. Sort of.
And major thanks to:
Batgirl Beyond, Ellie, harmoni9, Julie, Night-Owl123, Tkiwi,
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: REVELATIONS PART ONE
The Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 25.
It was in the early hours of the morning that Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, rode into the hidden Elvish valley of Imladris, and was escorted to the halls of Lord Elrond.
Though the lord hailed from a magnificent city, of lengthy years, impressive and majestic buildings and royal lineage, Boromir had yet to see anything akin to the beauty of this Elvish vale.
All the lands within it were bright and fertile, unstained by the taint of Mordor unlike his own fair Ithilien, the people that dwelt there were wondrous fair and wise, and the very air of the place was so ancient and yet vibrant that beside it, the guarded city of Minas Tirith seemed like an infant in comparison.
One Elf from the border patrol had shown him hither and as he marvelled at the Lord of the Valley's fair dwelling, he lingered in the courtyard while his wearied horse, a gift from the Rohirrim when he had passed through that land, was led away to the comfort of the stables.
Hearing the clatter of hoofs on the cobbled stone, Boromir turned to look at the new arrival, instantly appreciating the magnificence of the dark mount on which they rode. But even the fiery horse's regal carriage and light step paled in comparison to their rider.
And so Boromir of Gondor first beheld Buffy Dagnir (slayer), swinging herself down off her fine mount with a grace not seen in mortal-kind. Clad in leather and armour she was, a glinting sword on her hip, and a bow and quarterstaff across her back, and she looked like a daughter of kings.
Golden hair like silk flowed out behind her, and hazel eyes glittered in an attractive face that bore the ageless look of one who had seen much toil and grief, mixed with joy and peace. Elven-fair she was, and of that race he would have thought her to be if it were not for her petite height and rounded ears, and Boromir wondered who she was to be so Elvish if she were of the race of Men.
A queen of Men from days long gone, ere Númenor had vanished under the sea, she seemed to him. Bright and bonny with the flush of youth, and yet wisdom and resolution were set upon her brow and in that sharp gaze.
And then that sharp gaze fixed on him.
"Hello," she greeted him, eyeing him curiously, "Why have you come to the house of Elrond?"
"I am Boromir, son of Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, my lady," Boromir replied graciously and watched curiously as her eyes widened and the corners of her lips seemed to twitch for some reason.
"I have seen the Steward before," she replied, that lovely face turning impassive, "Are you here for a purpose? The Lord Elrond has been very busy of late."
"Aye, I come to seek the Lord's counsel," he replied, "Surely he will receive me if only for a moment."
"I dare say that he will find time for you," the mysterious lady said enigmatically, "Seek out the Lord Erestor. He will find you an audience but I've got to go! Namárië!" (Farewell)
And so it was with no little bemusement that Boromir watched this little queen-like figure breeze into the halls of Elrond, seeming to fit in there in a way he never would.
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We're bored. Run for your sanity.
- Elladan and Elrohir's motto.
The Last Homely House, Rivendell, 3018 TA, October 25. Earlier that morning
When Gimli, son of Glóin, had decided to take the time to torment the two Elven twins of Rivendell yestereve, he could never have foreseen the consequences…
Having gone to bed after a hearty meal and a lot of merrymaking with the Hobbits, Gimli had had a most pleasant sleep as a result and so when he awoke, he was filled with a pleasant lassitude and he stretched lazily, listening to the birdsong out of the window with only slight contempt for the Elves who insisted on windows and chattering birds everywhere they went.
Rolling over to get away from a particularly annoying ray of sunshine upon his face, he was highly irritated to discover that the sun was also on the other side of the bed.
Sitting up, grumbling about how this never happened at the Lonely Mountain, he opened his eyes, and nearly swooned back onto the bed in shock.
He was still in his bed, but that was the only thing that had not changed.
The chattering chirpy birds were a bare ten feet away, but of course, his rational mind pointed out, that was to be expected when one was outside.
For outside he was. Taking in his surroundings with all the grace of a fish out of water, Gimli could not believe this was happening to him, and as he looked around, he noticed that it was not only him afflicted, but his entire travelling party.
Looking down at the magnificent gardens of the Last Homely House, Gimli Glóin's son fumed as he realised that somehow he and his entire company had ended up on the roof of Elrond's halls! The roof!
Eyes narrowing into furious slits, the enraged Dwarf let out a roar of impending doom that could be heard by nearly every Elf in the valley.
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Elrond was in his study, going over some paperwork with Erestor and Glorfindel when he heard the outraged bellow that could only come from a Dwarf.
Managing to keep a somewhat impassive face, his chief counsellor eyed the ceiling in some surprise, "I was not aware that the Naugrim liked taking walks on the roof," he said, lips twitching with repressed laughter.
Elrond just barely managed to stifle a groan and instead shot his advisor a deadly glare, "The Dwarves were not supposed to be on the roof, meldiren (my friend)," Elrond said silkily, "As you well know. But I would dearly like to know why they are there. It appears that the Dwarves are not happy with their accommodations."
Glorfindel smirked at his long time friend and Lord, "Oh, but I dare say that our resident terrors are most pleased with these arrangements," he said knowingly, enjoying his torment of Elrond over his sometimes demonic children. "Now you only have to narrow down the list of said terrors. This valley has acquired so many after all…"
"Eru help me. I am surrounded by idiots," Elrond muttered, noticing Erestor's smirk at Glorfindel's words.
It was with much trepidation that Elrond and his two advisors ascended to the highest level of Elrond's abode and took in the undoubtedly strange sight there.
Elrond gaped at him in a most undignified manner, as did the other Elves. He had to keep himself from laughing; he never thought he would see Erestor's jaw on the floor.
"This could be a problem," The dark haired advisor muttered dourly. "This has to be the work of the twins… even Thranduilion would know better than this…"
Glorfindel just smothered a laugh, "You mean, Legolas would have ensured that they were dumped in the pond. Are you alright, Elrond? You look surprised."
"I do not know why," Elrond replied darkly, his face resembling a very ominous thundercloud, "I am furious. I will have to kill them for this." he swore.
"You will have to find them first," Erestor pointed out, "I doubt they are so stupid as to be easily found if they have truly done this."
A group of six livid Dwarves were standing on the roof, unable to get down, as a large pond lay beneath the nearest ledge to the ground, and they were too short to come the way the Elves had, dressed only in their nightclothes and clutching their axes in white knuckled grips while they were surrounded by the entire amount of furniture that had previously been in their rooms.Elrond could only sigh and shake his head as he and his friends waded into the tricky business of trying to placate a group of battle ready Dwarves.
Glorfindel, as usual, took the direct approach, explaining the occasional madness that overtook some residents of the valley, without actually mentioning any names, and telling the incredulous Dwarves listening to him that they should treat this incident lightly.
"You do not have to be mad to live here but it helps." the Balrog slayer said cheerily, "So please Master Dwarves, do calm yourselves. We must get you off the roof ere anything can be hewed with your axes! 'Twas more than likely only a game by some children… a bit of harmless play…"
Glóin's eyes nearly bulged out of his head at those words, "This is no child's game. This is war!" he growled, "No one makes a fool of a lord of Erebor!"
Erestor visibly winced as a minor nuisance suddenly became a diplomatic incident, while Elrond only wore a frozen smile, and with a decidedly chilly countenance that boded ill for everybody, he departed to seek out the two most likely culprits.
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The expression of Lord Elrond when the twins entered was one that had made even Ereinion Gil-galad, High King of the Noldor, back down and the twins knew all too well that it boded trouble for them.
The twins though, were survivors many times over of their father's infamous death glares, and his skin shrivelling lectures, and so with all the grace of a connoisseur in their chosen field, the twins entered, shameless and fearless, to stand before their father.
"Suilaid Adar (greetings father.)," Elladan greeted him, soon echoed by Elrohir, trying to twin team their father into going lightly on them.
"I had thought you had outgrown this childish behaviour gwenyn (twins)," Elrond said severely, "You know what is at stake. You know what we risk. Will you alienate all who may help ere they have even heard our plight?!"
Elrohir, at least, had the grace to look somewhat ashamed but Elladan, being more brazen, was not. "Adar, everyone was so tense. Some levity is always needed in such situations and to make a point, you still have not yet told us of that which draws your ire."
Lord Elrond gave them a long suffering glower before asking the inevitable, "I know that you are responsible, ionnath nín (my sons) but what I wonder is how did you do it?"
"Do what Ada?" Elladan asked innocently, whilst Elrohir, knowing that the charade was long since up, just rolled his eyes at his brother's attempt.
Elrond's glare increased in its intensity and even the nearly immune twins felt the heat of it, "It seems, that by some phenomenon during the night, Master Gimli's, Master Glóin's and all the other parties of Dwarves' furniture was mysteriously removed to the roof of this house, suspended over the part of the roof overlooking a large pool to be exact. And with the Dwarves still within their beds." his voice turned menacing, "The Dwarves were not overly pleased and are currently threatening war. Now you will explain to me why you did this, or I shall make your lives miserable for the next thousand years. Understood?"
"Yes, adar," the twins chorused reluctantly.
"Why?" Elrond said in the long suffering tone reserved for dealing with his children's misbehaviour.
"I refuse to answer that on the grounds that it may incriminate, well, me." Elladan said, earning the larger part of his father's ire by putting himself forward again.
"You will answer me, ion (son)," Elrond said threateningly, "Or I shall let Master Glóin deal with your infraction. And as he is rather fond of his axe, I cannot guarantee that you will survive it with all body parts intact."
"They insulted the valley, ada (dad)," Elrohir said before Elladan could answer, "Glóin's son and companions were impugning upon our honour, besmirching the name of the Eldar and being very rude with regards to their observations. Revenge was needed, adar."
"Which you happily doled out, I presume? Or were others involved?" Elrond asked.
"No other was involved adar," Elladan said smoothly.
Elrond sighed, "I am afraid that as much as I would be lenient on you for you are my sons, I cannot in this case. You gave gone too far gwenyn (twins), and Master Glóin, as a noble guest, one of the line of Durin the Deathless, must have his say in this matter. I am afraid that the punishment decreed will not be pleasant for you or for me for the most part. But as Gandalf and Erestor are currently trying to persuade Glóin not to take this matter to Dáin, King Under the Mountain, I firmly believe that you will deserve every minute of it. And if teaches you humility and respect for others, all the better, ionnath nín, (my sons)."
As the details of their punishment was laid before them, the twins were suddenly reminded that their father could be just as wily and cleverly cruel as them, and he was proving that mastery now.
They were never going to live this down…
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Later that day, Buffy was invited to join Elrond and Gandalf for a meeting of some kind. And she readily agreed.
She had taken the time to relax since her first meeting with the now adult Boromir. He was so different from the last time she had seen him, but then again, that had been a few decades but even from the moments she spent with him in the courtyard, she feared that Denethor's influence over him was too great.
Clad now in a loose dress and with hair unbound from her usual warrior braids, she entered the room to find Gandalf and Elrond surrounded by their own little bubble of tension, as if she had just walked in on a quiet argument.
"Mae govannen," she greeted them softly, conscious of Elrond's eyes lingering on her, "It seems that I just walked into the deep freeze, it's so cold in here. What are you two arguing about now?"
"The Ring," Gandalf answered, "And the future? What else?"
"Ah," Buffy said, nodding her head, "No big surprise there. So what's the situation anyway. I haven't had time to gossip since I came back from checking the river."
"The halfling's strength returns." Elrond began, sounding as if he had already said this before.
The disgruntled wizard was quick to dispute the Elvenlord, even as Buffy watched the by-play curiously. "That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life. There can be no reprieve for him on these shores."
Elrond's face was impassive, "And yet, to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, the Hobbit has showed extraordinary resilience to its evil." the Elda said, his point bitingly obvious.
Gandalf's caterpillar like eyebrows bristled in annoyance and fear, "It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo." he insisted, "Would you ask Dagnir to take on more peril and near certain death if she had been wounded so?"
"Hey, don't bring me into this!" Buffy protested, "If you want to have a match to see who has more testosterone, that's fine by me. I'll just wait until you're both sane again. But let's keep me out of this argument, hmmm?"
Elrond walked over to the nearest balcony, face troubled and it seemed that he was caught up in some foul memory as he watched the movements of his realm but after a moment he spoke, "Gandalf, the enemy is moving. You know this for truth. Sauron's forces are massing in the East. His eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin. I am Lord of this Valley, my first duty is to my people!"
"The White Wizard's treachery runs deeper than you know." Gandalf admitted, "By foul craft Saruman has crossed orcs with goblin-men. He is breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. And of such strength and numbers that even Dagnir would think twice ere she thought of engaging them. An army which can move in sunlight, and cover great distances at great speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring."
Elrond's face grew even more grave at this, and Buffy herself felt alarmed. She had known that Saruman was messing with the mojo but creating super-orcs just wasn't fair.
"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard!" Elrond exclaimed after a moment.
Gandalf wandered off to the other balcony, with all the bearing of a man whose worst nightmare is starting to come true.
Elrond softened his tone, but not his stance. Buffy privately agreed with him, Rivendell could not hold out against Sauron and it was unfair that the burden should be placed solely on Elrond and his people. Especially Elrond, who already had the responsibility of trying to hide Vilya from Sauron's eye.
"Gandalf. The Ring cannot stay here. This peril belongs to all Middle-earth. They must decide now how to end it. The time of the Elves is over. My people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when we have gone? The Dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others."
Gandalf seemed aware that he was fighting an uphill battle even as Buffy wisely kept silent, "It is in Men that we must place our hope."
Now that statement got Buffy's attention.
"Men?" Elrond repeated in bitterness and disbelief, making Buffy's eyes narrow considering she was of that race he was thrashing, "Men are weak. The race of Men is failing. The blood of Númenor is all but spent. Its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of Men the Ring survives. I was there, Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago…" the Elvenlord trailed off for a moment, lost in memory, and when he spoke again it was with all the bitterness and resentment of three millennia, "When the Last Alliance finally cast down Sauron, I thought that it was to be a new beginning. It all should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. Isildur kept the Ring. The line of kings is broken. There is no strength left in the world of Men. They are scattered, divided, leaderless."
Even Gandalf seemed surprised at Elrond's outburst, "There is one who could unite them. One who could reclaim the throne of Gondor." he reminded him.
"He turned from that path a long time ago. He has chosen exile." Elrond said softly.
"No, he hasn't," Buffy interjected, "Okay, he might not exactly be itching to become King and all that, but he's not exactly gonna shun his duty. He'll do it if he must so could you please stop with the drama queen re-enactment? Not all Men are bad, remember Mr Peredhel (Half-Elven)"
Elrond sighed at her sharp tone, "I know Buffy, but he does it for love of Arwen, not for the right reasons."
"What better reason is there than love?" Buffy defended him, "Personally, I don't think it matters once my buddy Strider goes for the crown. Not to mention with all your lovely fighting, you've been trying to give me a headache, so let's leave the arguing until the council shall we? At least then we won't be repeating ourselves."
To her surprise, both Elvenlord and Istar (wizard) agreed, but as they moved onto more mundane matters, Buffy could not help but wonder why Elrond was staring at her so frequently.
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As was to be expected, the Dwarves were most wroth over their humiliation and were determined to get their own back, and so restore their honour and dignity.
Gimli had been the most passionate about this course of action, and had even identified the culprit to the rest of his enraged companions.
Of course when Glóin realised that it was Thranduil's get responsible for the morning's incident, all objections to the idea disappeared.
And so the Dwarves had plotted, planned and then waited.
Because the Prince of Mirkwood tended to be most well noticed amongst the inhabitants of Rivendell, it was but a simple matter to find where he was at any given time.
Legolas, for his part, had no idea that the fury of the Naugrim (Dwarves) was going to sweep down upon him unlooked for.
Elladan and Elrohir, absolutely furious over their father's unjust punishment of them, had tried many times that day alone to convince Legolas to join them in wreaking unreckoned with mischief upon the unfortunate Dwarves, but Legolas had declined as gracefully as he could, unwilling to get embroiled in something that had all the promise of being a very painful and undignified endeavour for all parties.
But when the strong wood of an axe whacked him forcefully in the stomach, knocking him backward, Legolas cried out, never expecting such an attack in the house of Elrond.
Losing his balance, he fell backwards and landed with an almighty splash into one of the many waterfalls in the confines of the valley.
Resurfacing and gasping in the air unceremoniously stolen from him, he soon heard the great rumbling sound of deep, Dwarven laughter.
Abruptly those silver-blue eyes of his narrowed, and taking on much of the look of an owl had has just spotted a particularly juicy mouse, Legolas looked around.
No less than twelve feet away, stood that pack of unruly Dwarves, laughing uproariously at his plight. Very suddenly, he had a new appreciation for the twins' actions.
"Not so mighty now, are we Elf boy?" the youngest Dwarf chortled, his fuzzy auburn beard bouncing with the force of his laughter, "'Tis a pity there are no dungeons around, for surely you would have been as happy there as your great orc of a father!"
Legolas's eyes blazed and anyone who knew him well would have told the Dwarves that they had just crossed the line into treacherous waters, as Legolas's mood moved from extreme ire to near lethal ferocity. And in his mind came the thought that would have had the twins in a most gleeful mood, 'That is it! The dwarf must die!'
Icy eyes promising death, Legolas very deliberately wrung out his dripping hair and then pulled himself out of the pond. Very menacing he looked, bright eyes practically glowing in anger. That was it. There would be no more trying to be the better Elf. The twins had their new ally. This meant war.
"I hope you know what you have done!" Legolas hissed menacingly, "Beware, Stunted Ones, you have no idea what you have just started. Enjoy your laughter while you can. You shall be screaming ere long." His looks and tone were sufficiently like Thranduil in a rage that it put an end to the Dwarves' laughter as they started to get the sinking feeling that maybe getting revenge on Thranduil's son had not been the smartest thing to do.
Glowering once more at the now quiet Naugrim, Legolas stalked off with all the dignity that one could possess whilst squelching.
Along the way to his rooms, he met Aragorn, who openly gaped at him, "Legolas? What happened to you?!" he exclaimed. "And your clothes!"
"I had a minor disagreement with the launderer." Legolas said, "Apparently he is helpless to remove the stench of Dwarven treachery!"
The ranger eyed his livid disposition with appropriate wariness, he knew full well what an enraged Legolas was capable of. "Perhaps you should relax mellon nín (my friend)?" he suggested.
"I really wish everybody would stop telling me to relax!" Legolas exclaimed, "I have already heard this lecture from Erestor, Aragorn, if I have to hear it from you as well, I will drop you from the balcony."
As the drenched Elven Prince strode off, encompassed in all the fury of a royal temper tantrum, Aragorn could not help but wonder what in Arda was going on in Elrond's house.
But if the Dwarves really were responsible for this mess, may Eru help them.
Against the twins and Greenleaf, they could stand no chance…
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Cornered by an indomitable trio of unrelenting foes, Aragorn's predicament was dire.
He had been backed up until he was out on the balcony and could no go further and now he had nothing to do but wait for them to approach.
"I do not want to get involved," he said, backing up nervously but only meeting the stone railing.
"Too late. You are already involved muindor nín (my brother)!" Elladan exclaimed in fake joy, making Aragorn swallow nervously. One did not grow up in the House of Elrond with the gwenyn o Imladris (twins of Rivendell) for brothers without learning that there was little that one man could do against them when they had set their minds on something. Especially when they had one all too eager for revenge Prince of Mirkwood as a partner.
"Be a sport, Aragorn, it will be fun." Legolas urged, fingering his Mithril knives in a way that would have made a lesser man distinctly nervous. The blonde ellon (he-Elf) had been in the foulest temper that Aragorn had seen him in for decades these past few days and having a healthy respect for the Sinda's skill, he was duly wary of what his friend's ill humour could provoke.
"You think baiting orcs is fun," Aragorn answered, "In this mood, I have no doubt that you are actively looking for trouble."
"You mean it is not?" Legolas said, completely serious. "But the hunt is so much more fun. And much less bothersome to kill than overwrought Naugrim."
The twins' chimed in next, each identical figure closing in on the ranger from a different side, "Estel (hope), you are our brother-to-be. We figured you of all people deserved the honour of being the first to help us."
"The honour?" Aragorn repeated, "If you want to all but declare war on the Dwarves, do it yourself. I, however, bear them no particular ill will."
"But brother, they attacked poor Legolas, and insulted our valley. Will you not defend your friend's and Rivendell's honour?"
"Brother, when you are out for blood, honour seldom comes into things," Aragorn replied, "Now leave me be or I shall tell your adar (father), your sister and Buffy exactly what schemes you have hatched."
Elrohir's eyes gleamed with nearly hidden hilarity, "Oh Aragorn, I am afraid that we cannot let you do that just yet. Not when we have so many plans that need a ranger's help."
Elladan and Legolas agreed with the twin wholeheartedly, increasing Aragorn's trapped feeling. Few got the better of even one of these Elves, let alone three of them together.
"And Estel, if you do not agree willingly, then… other measures, will have to be taken to ensure your cooperation," Elladan said wickedly.
Aragorn's eyes widened, "Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas…," he said warningly, "I will not be threatened by you of all people!"
Elladan and Elrohir's identical smiles were disturbing similar to Legolas's very evil one, "But gwanur (brother), we are only giving you the choice to help us of your own free will, or to… suffer the consequences…"
"What do you mean by that?!" Aragorn exclaimed, wishing to Eru that he had thought to bring his sword or his knives.
"Little Estel," Elladan said, shaking his head in mock sadness, "I was afraid you would say that. But cool your ire, pen neth (young one), you will soon see that this is war and there is no neutrality. You are not ada to be immune, pen dithen!" (little one)
As the twins' eyes lit up with a shared maniacal light, Aragorn felt the urge to run. And get somewhere far, far away from the twins and whatever scheme they had cooked up for the poor oblivious Dwarves' displeasure.
Elladan stepped closer to him and gave him a big smile, "Mayhap this shall change your mind!" he said, and then hefted Aragorn by the waist, placing his feet on the thin stone rail of the balcony.
For a moment, Aragorn wavered, tottering on the edge, and then to his horror, he felt the inevitable happen, even as the snickering Elven trio watched on.
Aragorn's eyes widened as he felt his footing slip. His arms flapped wildly trying to regain his balance but he was too late in acting. And with an expression of the utmost horror etched onto his face, Aragorn pitched forward, falling over and off the balcony and landing with an almighty splash in the horse's trough.
Flopped most ungainly in the trough, Aragorn was aware of the bright laughter that floated up from around him, from those who had witnessed his graceless fall. And in particular, he could hear the silvery laughter of Arwen, whose demons of brothers were responsible for his current plight.
From above him, on top of the low balcony, he could hear the twin Lords and the Prince talking.
"You lose, I win, ha!" Elladan said.
Elrohir wrinkled his nose, "You most certainly did not. He landed in the wrong trough!"
"Oh be quiet muindor (brother)," Elladan replied, "He landed in a trough, that is enough for me to win the bet!"
"It was the wrong trough!" Elrohir protested, "There is no way I am handing over that knife to such a blatant cheater!"
"Children!" the bemused voice of Legolas cut in, "Should we not be out persuading Aragorn and tormenting Dwarves? And not to mention, did he really deserve that? You know how Arwen will be most displeased with you on account of her betrothed? Why him?"
"I know 'tis unfair, mellon nín, (my friend)," Elladan answered, "But it is just so much fun ruining his life. He is like family now. More so than before. After all he will soon be our law-brother, and then we shall have full licence to torment him 'til his last breath!""May Eru spare him the agony," Legolas muttered, "Perhaps we should go fetch him ere he talks to Elrond?"
"Excellent idea, pen neth (young one)," Elrohir said, ignoring Legolas's glare, "I think we had better split up."
"Yes, we can do more damage that way." Elladan agreed.
Legolas just shrugged as the twins departed, "Be warned Aragorn," he said, his voice drifting down to the ranger's ears, "They are coming for you…"
Aragorn just groaned, not even bothering to attempt to wring the water out of his clothes and hair, "Why must it always be my relatives that cause so much trouble?"
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"How are you going to get them to come along?" Elrond asked curiously, "I would have thought that they would have headed towards the Golden Wood by now. I cannot see my proud gwenyn (twins) submitting to such a punishment."
His only daughter smiled mysteriously, as confident in her abilities as only a beloved sister can be, "I am going to lie," she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "And if the punishment is most… unusual, then it is only fitting for the crime which they should have known better than to commit."
"You do not believe it is too drastic then pen vell (dear one)?" Elrond asked, "That is not befitting two lords of the valley?"
"Their previous behaviour was unbefitting of two lords of the valley," Arwen said wryly, "And in all fairness, they have tormented Erestor enough over the centuries to not be wary if he was presented with an opportunity for turning the tables."
"Aye," Elrond agreed, inwardly smirking at the memory, "Erestor and Glóin had some most interesting ideas. I fear this was the tamer one."
"But why did you agree to it, ada?" Arwen asked curiously.
"Because they need to be taught a lesson, one that they have not learned in nearly three thousand years of life. And as a guest of mine, I cannot deny Glóin his recompense, nor can I allow him to hew my sons as he wished. It took Erestor an hour to convince him to cleave to this course of action. Not to mention that the entire valley could do with some entertainment in these dark times, myself included."
Arwen laughed lightly, "I am sure my brothers were delighted with Erestor at the time. I dare say they would rather have faced the Dwarves' axes than that!"
"Aye," Elrond agreed, "But they have brought this upon themselves. And unless they wish for trouble with King Dáin, they will perform their duties with decorum and dignity, and if all goes well, then perhaps they shall be persuaded against playing such tricks in the future!"
"Why ada!" Arwen exclaimed slyly, eyeing her father in amusement, "If I did not know better I would say that you are enjoying this!"
Elrond let his long hidden smirk surface, "Of course I am, iel nín, (my daughter). For millennia they have tormented my valley and for once at least, I shall see them get a taste of their own twisted humour!"
As Arwen stared at him, the Elvenlord began to laugh.
Oh how he loved shocking his children.
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A/N: So? What do you think? Feedback please! Please READ and REVIEW!!!
P.S - next chapter out this Sunday, October 17th!
Next chapter: The council of Elrond… Aragorn and Arwen come to some realisations… and the war heats up….
Elvish:
Imladris - Rivendell
Dagnir - slayer
Namárië - farewell
Meldiren - my friend
Thranduilion - son of Thranduil
Suilaid - greetings
Adar - father
Gwenyn - twins
ionnath nín - my sons
Ion - son
Ada - dad
Mae govannen - well met
Peredhel - Half-Elven
Istar - wizard
Mellon nín - my friend
muindor nín - my brother
Gwenyn o Imladris - twins of Rivendell
Ellon - He-Elf
Estel - hope
Gwanur - brother/kinsman (by blood)
Pen neth - young one
Pen dithen - little one
Muindor - brother
Pen vell - dear one
Iel nín - my daughter
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Aman - also called the Blessed Realm, Valinor or the Undying Lands. Home of the Elves in the West.
Amon Amarth - Mount Doom
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.
Círdan - also called 'the Shipwright'. Lord of the Grey Havens. The only Elf with a beard.
Durin's Bane - the Balrog of Moria. Killed Durin VI in 1980.
Ephel Dúath - Mountains of Shadow. Also called the Fence of Shadow. The mountain range separating Gondor and Mordor.
Ereinion - 'scion of Kings'. High King of the Noldor after Turgon's death. Also known by his épessë (surname) Gil-galad.
Gil-galad - Last High King of the Noldor. King of Lindon. Died during the final battle of the Last Alliance.
Gladden Fields - Sindarin: Loeg Ningloron
Istari - the Maiar who were sent from Aman in the Third Age to resist Sauron. Sindarin: Ithryn.
Ithilien - territory of Gondor, east of Anduin. In the earliest time the possession of Isildur and ruled from Minas Ithil.
Lúthien - Daughter of King Thingol of Doriath and Melian the Maia. Born in the First Age. Married a mortal man and came back from the dead as a mortal after convincing Mandos with a song to release her and her love, Beren. Considered the most beautiful Elf-maid to walk Arda. Elrond's foremother.
Mithlond - the Grey Havens. Ruled by Círdan.
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.
Narsil - the sword of Elendil that was broken when Elendil died in combat with Sauron. Isildur used its shards to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. The shards are passed down onto each successive heir of Isildur as a heirloom.
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.
Orthanc - the great Númenórean tower in the Circle of Isengard. Home of Saruman.
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.
The guarded city - Minas Tirith. The city was once called 'Minis Anor' - 'Tower of the Sun' but it's name was changed when both Minas Ithil and Osgiliath fell.
Vilya - the Ring of Air. Strongest of the three Elven Rings made by Celebrimbor. Borne by Elrond.
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