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: A belated Merry Christmas to all! And a happy new year as well! I hope that you all had a blast this Christmas!

Review responses:

Andrea35 - welcome back! And yes, my earlier chapters set up the slayer-killers angle quite nicely. And yes, maybe the ring will help?

Anna - Sorry, no Oracles involved. And the destiny awaits thing… ah, yes, you are going to have to wait on that. And actually, I am not so evil as to leave Buffy out of this chapter…

Dannii - I've never been offered flowers before…

Dreamer Child - yes, Buffy is actually dead. The First Slayer was there for a reason, and so was the Voice. And Aragorn's in this chapter!

FallenAdieu - thanks! :) Yes, everyone seems to be curious as to why I killed Buffy off. To further the plot of course. You'll understand in the future. And Aragorn is unaware of the bond, so he wouldn't know to use it to check to see if Buffy was really dead. And yes, I definitely have important plans for the Buffster.

FallenStar2 - you probably should. I've been dropping hints all over the place. And when has Buffy ever done anything the easy way? But the suffering has a purpose besides angst, something to do with her future… ah yes, the voice. Was definitely meant to be very vague. Can't give everything away easily now, can I? And as regards the bond, Buffy has had lots more practice trusting her senses and she knows the bond is there thanks to Galadriel so that's why she's able to manipulate and use it a little bit. Aragorn doesn't even know its there, but it has cropped up subtly before, and will in the future.

Haley - don't ever be sure that I won't go through with anything. I like surprising people. And you're on to something….

Hedgehog - no merging with anyone!

Imp17 - too right.

Irina - okay, I so get you now. And I fully agree with you. I have tried to make Buffy the Slayer and Buffy the woman more reconciled to each other here so I'm glad to see that it's working.

Jaide Gryphons - it's always nice to win someone over. :) And I try to do my best to weave Buffy into the story, while preserving Tolkien's story and his characters.

Kit-kat - Thanks! And I got the RotK extended edition for Christmas!

Light Spinner - True. And you don't have to wait long…

Lisette - interesting spin on things.

Loki2525 - Ringbearers CAN die. And don't worry, I hate Dawn as well. Immensely.

Malfeus - never heard of it, I'm afraid.

Mari - I always loved that line too. And the Valar and the PTB are different but serve much the same purpose.

Ms8309 - Buffy will not be returning to Sunnydale.

Phoenix83ad - and yes, I definitely take Joss Whedon's line to heart. And I would never have made Buffy's fall exactly like Gandalf's. Too much repetition. And no, Buffy will not be turning into a vampire.

PrecariousPersonata - thank you! And I like making jaws drop! And not everything's meant to be explained in the course of a few chapters, I like planting hints all throughout the fic and laughing as my readers fail to realise that they are there until it's too late. It's evil and very fun.

Sapph89 - thanks! The last chapter was short I'll admit, but this one is longer. And the vampire was a true figment of Tolkien's imagination so I felt that it was ironic and right to use it. And actually, no one's really asked me much about the sequel, except for how long after I finish this one is it starting. I haven't got everything exactly planned out but I've got so many plot bunnies floating around in my mind, it shouldn't be too long before I totally know where I'm going with it. Will the sequel have a happy ending? It's hard to tell as I don't know the ending yet. And will it be half as long as FK? Yes, it's bidding to be just as long.

Shadow Master - thanks a lot! And I haven't killed her off twice. Only once. The Fellowship only assumed she died immediately. Obviously missing the finer details of a slayer's constitution. It's not a ploy to drag readers back, it's necessary for the story, some of which you will see in this chapter and some that won't be visible until the end. And about your idea on the Dwarves… no, not going to happen. And the PTB have given her that card once already.

Shimmyontherooftops - why, thank you! Thanks for all the virtual sweets!

Star - no reincarnation, don't worry! And yes, Buffy's determination, I feel, is an important part of her character. And I'll try not to do any body switching.

Tenshikoneko03 - revelations come very, very soon… No to the Gandalf.

Tiamante Salazar Tameran - no, there will be no 'Buffy the White.' A bit too tacky in my opinion. And it's nice to know that my 'Middle Earth Encyclopaedia' is appreciated!

Zayra - zilch. The Aragorn/Arwen segment is over. Perhaps in another fic of mine?

And major thanks to:

Alexceasar, Allen Pitt, Becky, CAT, CharmingStar, Colon, Dream-Dancer-Salem, egastin77, Fairieangel, General Mac, goldenshadows, hi, Kurt, Lady of the Wood, Lali-chan, LilPyschoGrl51, Little Red Rabbit, Lunaworf, moonbunny77, N/A, Princess Serenity4, Sabia, Saint Maverick, Stix89, Tara6, Tsuki No Yasha, vixen519, Wild320,

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: TO SLEEP PERCHANCE TO DREAM

"The major lesson of life is that just when you think you've understood things, something happens to turn your understanding upside down."

– Stephen Fry

Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 15, - late afternoon.

Heart-sore and weary, the fellowship reached the sheltering eaves of Lothlórien at evening-time; and the silence that had held since they set out after the disaster in Moria was broken by the indomitable Dwarf.

Gimli eyed the dense woods with no little suspicion, "Stay close, young Hobbits!" he said knowledgably, "They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell."

The hobbits looked at the trees fearfully at his words, while Legolas ignored his ignorance. Aragorn was too focused on his task to hear the Dwarf's words. Indeed, Aragorn was making sure to put all his mind to the task lest he break down from grief.

But Frodo nearly came to a sudden stop when an unfamiliar voice echoed through his mind, "Frodo!"

He gasped in shock but Gimli, beside him, never noticed as he went on, "And they are never seen again."

"Your coming to us is as the footsteps of doom... You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer." the voice said.

Sam noticed the hobbit's frozen features, "Mr. Frodo?" he asked quietly, looking at the dark-haired halfling.

Gimli continued to extol his virtues in a way that had Legolas clenching his fists around his bow, "Well, here is one dwarf she will not ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox… Oh!" he came to an abrupt halt as an archer with a nocked bow seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and levelled the arrow at his face.

All around them, Elves stepped out of the trees with bows, surrounding them. Only Legolas had his bow drawn in turn, and then an Elf with white blonde hair stepped in front, clearly the leader, and a familiar face to some of the company.

"The Dwarf breathes so loud; we could have shot him in the dark." he said disdainfully, very obviously having heard the Dwarf's previous remarks.

Aragorn breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of him, knowing that he had brought the fellowship to safety on this venture. "Haldir o Lórien. Henio aníron, boe ammen i dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn." he said, (Haldir of Lórien. We come here for help. We need your protection.)

"The name of Aragorn son of Arathorn is known in Lórien," said Haldir in return, recognising the oft bedraggled ranger, "And he has the favour of the Lady. Prince Legolas of Mirkwood is known to us also," he continued, with a nod towards the prince, "But the others we know not. And we do not normally admit strangers into our realm in these troubled days. But we have been waiting for you."

Gimli eyed the Elves with blatant distaste, "Aragorn!" he said urgently, "These woods are perilous. We should go back."

Haldir looked blankly at the Dwarf, "You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back. Come. She is waiting."

--------------

The fellowship trailed behind the Elves, most of which returned to their watch until only Haldir was left with them, and he was to lead them to Caras Galadhon, and the home of the Lord and Lady.

Though unused to the needs of the mortal races, as Aragorn was hardier than most men; Haldir recognised the exhaustion in most of the company, and so let them rest for a while at the hill of Cerin Amroth.

While the others drifted away, he pulled Legolas aside, "What has happened, my lord?" he asked, "What shadow lies upon your company to bring a Dwarf into these woods?"

"You know my name, Haldir. Use it," Legolas reminded him wearily, "But to answer your question, we have passed through the shadow of the mines of Moria, and endured much weariness and toil. And now grief lies upon us, for a horror came upon us unawares in the dark of Khazad-dûm. But I dare not speak of it yet."

Legolas then left the contemplative Haldir to his thoughts and his watch guard, and sitting down upon the soft grass, he watched Aragorn, just as Frodo did; save that the Elf had much more cause to worry over his long time friend. He knew that Aragorn had relied on both Buffy and Gandalf deeply, and to lose them both at the same time would be a hard blow for the man. Perhaps too hard.

The ranger looked lost as he bent down and picked up a small golden bloom of elanor, but as they watched, a light came into his eyes, as if of some fair memory. And even as Frodo looked on in wonderment, and Legolas in curiosity, they knew that they beheld things as they once had been in this same place.

For the grim years were removed from the face of Aragorn, and he seemed clothed in white, a young lord tall and fair; and he spoke words in the Elvish tongue to one whom Frodo could not see, but who Legolas knew well. 'Melme vanimelda, námarië!' he said softly, recalling a time when Buffy had dared him to a chase here many years ago, and where for once, they had both been carefree, laughing and playing amongst the vibrant elanor.

Aragorn drew a shaky breath as his fist closed around the flower, and struggled to regain his calm. Now was not the time to grieve, he would not scare the hobbits by giving into his pain.

Looking at Frodo, who watched him still, he faked a smile, and said, "Here is the heart of Elvendom on earth," he said, his voice mercifully strong, "And here my heart dwells ever, unless there be a light beyond the dark roads that we still must tread, you and I." With Buffy's death, and the looming departure of his family to the Undying Lands, he would rather remember happier days with them all.

--------------

Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 17, - evening.

As the fellowship were led into the beauteous city of Caras Galadhon, woven into the gold and silver mellryn trees as if it had always been there, even Gimli was in awe of the sheer breath-taking beauty of this ethereal city.

Celeborn and Galadriel's home was in the tallest mallorn tree in the city, and they were led up the quiet looping staircase, increasingly aware of the curious gazes of the Galadhrim, wondering at the curious party in their midst.

At last reaching the receiving chamber of the Lord and Lady, they waited, trying to ignore the looks of the Elves gathered there.

The couple in question descended the stairs in a glow of bright light, almost blinding the fellowship until Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel stood in front of them; tall and fair; their wise eyes seeming to see into their souls.

Celeborn's silver hair swished as he looked at the company wonderingly, "Here there are eight," he said, "Ten were to set out; so said the messages. But maybe there has been some change of counsel that we have not heard. Elrond is far away, and darkness gathers between us, and all this year the shadows have grown longer. But did Gandalf not come with you? Was he not to lead your party? And the Lady Dagnir to follow? Now tell us where they are; for I much desire to speak with him."

"Nay, there was no change of counsel," said the Lady Galadriel, speaking for the first time, her startlingly blue eyes sombre. "Gandalf the Grey and Lady Dagnir set out with the company, but they did not pass the borders of this land." Her gaze landed on Aragorn, and her eyes went wide, "They have fallen into Shadow…" she whispered.

"Alas!" Aragorn replied, his head bowed in grief, "'Tis true. Buffy and Gandalf the Grey fell into shadow. They remained in Moria and did not escape its evils."

At these words, all the Elves in the hall cried aloud in grief and amazement, shock running rampant that two so strong should have fallen.

"Ai! Dagnir has fallen to shadow! Alas for Middle Earth. The lands shall not benefit from this loss." Galadriel said, her hand flying to her mouth in shock as the meaning of her strange vision now became clear.

"These are evil tidings," Celeborn said, his face and voice grim, and he spared a glance at his shocked wife, knowing how fond she was of Buffy, and how much hope she had had for Mithrandir, "This is the most evil that have been spoken here in long years full of grievous deeds." He turned to Haldir then, his gaze sharp, "Why has nothing of this been told to be before?" he asked in the Elven-tongue.

"We have not spoken to Haldir of our deeds or our purpose," said Legolas, his fair voice sad as he defended the stalwart march-warden, "At first we were weary and danger was too close behind; and afterwards we almost forgot our grief for a time, as we walked in gladness on the fair paths of Lórien."

"Yet our grief is great and our loss cannot be mended," said Frodo, his shoulders slumped and his eyes dull, "Gandalf was our guide, and he led us through Moria; and when our escape seemed beyond hope he saved us, and he fell. And Buffy fell before him, saving the company from some terror of the mines."

"Tell us the full tale!" Celeborn commanded, "These tidings may be evil but I would rather know the enemy that dispatched two such as them than be ignorant as to its strength."

And so Aragorn, the unofficial leader of the company now, took up the tale of their dark passage of Khazad-dûm, and the perils they had faced. His voice shook as he described the falls of Buffy and Gandalf, and their own escape from the horror of the mines.

He paused to let the tale sink in, and then he spoke of the creature that had claimed Gandalf's life. "An evil of the Ancient World it seemed, as I have never seen before. It was both a shadow and a flame, strong and terrible." But he would not name it. He was too afraid that his voice would break.

"It was a Balrog of Morgoth," said Legolas, his eyes shadowed, "Of all Elf-banes the most deadly, save the One who sits in the Dark Tower."

"Indeed I saw upon the bridge that which haunts our darkest dreams, I saw Durin's Bane," Gimli added in a low voice, and dread was in his eyes at the memory.

Galadriel surveyed the weary company compassionately, but Frodo thought he saw well-honed steel behind those fathomless blue eyes, "Choices have been made but more still lie before you." Galadriel said, looking at Frodo, "Your quest is known to us. But we will not here speak of it more openly. Yet not in vain will it prove, maybe, that you came to his land seeking aid, as Gandalf himself plainly purposed."

She paused, "It was I who first summoned the White Council. And if my designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey, and then mayhap things would have gone otherwise. But even now, there is hope left. I will not give you counsel, saying do this or do that. For not in doing or contriving, nor in choosing between this course and another, can I avail; but only in knowing what was and is, and in part also, what shall be. But this I will say to you; your quest stands upon the edge of a knife." Galadriel said solemnly, "Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all."

Here, she stared at Boromir, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Yet hope remains while the Company is true." she continued, looking at Sam, who stared back fearlessly.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled." she said softly, "Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace…"

But as the company followed one of Galadriel's handmaidens to their resting place, Frodo once more heard the voice in his head, save this time it had a name attached to it, - Galadriel. "Welcome, Frodo of the Shire, one who has seen the Eye!"

-----------

The company were disquieted when they were once more left alone; with the promise of food, drink and new clothes to come in the near future.

None had escaped the probing eye of the Lady Galadriel, and some were more discomfited than others but each felt that he was offered the choice between a shadow full of fear that lay ahead, and something that he greatly desired.

But none volunteered what it was or what the shadow before them had been.

But when Gimli and Boromir seemed inclined to believe the 'witch' tales of Galadriel, Aragorn roused himself long enough to chastise them.

"Speak no evil of the Lady Galadriel!" Aragorn said sternly, "You know not what you say. There is in her and in this land, no evil, unless a man brings it hither himself. Then let him beware! But tonight I shall sleep without fear for the first time since I left Rivendell. And may I sleep deep, and forget for a while my grief! I am weary in body and in heart."

Mercifully, the man and Dwarf said no more on the matter, and instead turned to the matter of their own comfort. Gimli, especially, seemed to be wary of being the only Dwarf in the heart of Elvendom in Middle Earth.

But the hobbits were weary and grief-stricken, and when they heard a haunting melody being sung throughout the forest, they asked Legolas what it was.

The Elven Prince's eyes were dark with sorrow, and his reply was short, "A lament for the fallen ones."

"What do they say about them?" Merry asked.

Legolas moved away, "I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."

But when the food and drink came, along with clean clothes, and the rest of the fellowship went to partake in it and forget their grief for a while, Aragorn still remained where he had thrown himself; - sprawled against the sturdy trunk of a mallorn, his expression dark and lost.

So engrossed was he in his own dark musings, he did not hear the Lady Galadriel approach him.

"Aragorn," she called softly, causing him to look up, "Your grief wears heavy on you."

"I found my heart only to lose her," the ranger replied bitterly, "But it seems to be that all things that I love are taken away from me."

"From your tale, she did the only thing she could to save you." Galadriel said gently, "You must not either blame her, or blame yourself, for what was necessary. Your destiny is still before you."

"With no hope, no strength. Nothing to carry me through the battles to come," Aragorn replied darkly, "What kind of king would I be then? How could I ever even come to claim it?"

Galadriel only looked at him for a moment, "Come," she said to the devastated man, "This is not the discussion to be overheard by curious ears, come with me."

And standing, Aragorn allowed himself to be led away by Galadriel without any protest.

-----------

The Mirror Grove, Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 17, - night.

"After all, there's a reason they say that love is a two-edged sword -
Because love is sharp, it pierces -
And love is a needle that sews shut the holes in our hearts -
That mends our soul -
But it can also cut, cut deep, wound, kill."
-Dean Koontz -

Galadriel had long known of Arwen's decision; her granddaughter having mind-spoke to her to convey the news that she chose immortality, and so stayed within the bosom of her relieved family.

She had also conveyed that it was an Elf who had a hold on her heart, and now that he was within Galadriel's grasp, the Lady of the Wood was determined to ascertain his feelings as well.

But first, she had to take care of a grieving ranger, whose love had fallen into the deeps of Moria, with no hope of return.

She honestly knew not what to do; she had never imagined that Buffy would fall, and especially not after Aragorn was aware of his affections for her.

This tragedy left behind a grieving man, and though she wished to mourn her friend also, she knew that she could not allow the rightful king of Men despair when he had yet to claim his throne. As he must, if Middle Earth were to survive.

"We love quite well... if not wisely." she began, "I mourn her too Aragorn, but you cannot allow your grief to consume you. Think you that she would have wanted you to be so hurt and lost?"

"Who knows what she would have wanted?!" Aragorn spat out, "She died believing I regarded her only as a friend, whilst my feelings had undergone such a monumental change as to leave 'friend' far behind in what I wished to be to her."

"She was a slayer. 'Twas her fate. She knew this. She obviously accepted it. You can rail against this all that you wish, but it does not change what has happened," Galadriel said urgently, "Will you let her sacrifice be in vain?! You must unite the Men of Middle Earth or else Sauron will consume them, and Middle Earth will be lost to his evil forever. She would never have wanted that!"

Aragorn turned away from her, and his expression was rebellious against her reason, "Do you think that I ever wanted to be king? I never have! Always, I have heard it said that it is my duty, but it is one that I do not want to accept! To be confined in the trappings of a king, to forgo the wilds forever; to try to rebuild a shattered kingdom where the stewards have reigned peacefully for over a thousand years and where no one wants the return of the king! Think you I wanted that?!"

"The Steward's line is failing," Galadriel said, "Denethor of Gondor descends into madness. Gondor's defences will not hold unless the King once more comes amongst them."

"What good can one man do?" Aragorn said, his bitterness obvious. "And what of Boromir and his brother? Are they not next in line after their father?"

Galadriel knew that she had to choose her words carefully, "Boromir of Gondor is a good man, but his father has forced him into this mission against his judgement, and when the reason of his mind wars with the conflict of his heart, he may not be able to stand against the Ring. As for the younger son, Faramir, his father despises him. Gondor needs her King, Elessar. Everyone has a destiny, some great, some small but all must fulfil it. They will all have their part to play ere the end, but if the King does not return to his lands, all their valour will be lost and Sauron will overrun the kingdoms of Men."

Aragorn's shoulders slumped in defeat, "You know that I will do my duty. I always do. But I take no joy in it. All joy seems to be lost to me of late."

"Do not despair, Elessar," Galadriel said, her eyes brightening as she sensed some happiness in his future, "Mayhap all is not yet lost after all…"

-----------

As the days passed away under the sheltering boughs of the Golden Wood, the fellowship mourned and slowly but steadily, began to move on from the loss of two of their companions.

Very soon, they had established their own routines in the ethereal forest, and some of them took even the serene Galadhrim by surprise.

A favoured guest and a much admired lord, Legolas was away much among the Galadhrim, and after the first night, he did not sleep with the other companions, though he returned often to eat and talk with them. Often he took Gimli with him when he went abroad.

And so began the most unusual thing that the Galadhrim were likely to have seen in the last five hundred years. - An Elf and a Dwarf becoming friends.

It started off with the need for Gimli to be shown around, a job that Legolas had been forced to volunteer for, expecting the Dwarf to be his normal insulting self and the Lórien Elves had begged off the task. What he had found surprised him though. For Gimli Glóin's son was hopelessly taken with the Lady of the Golden Wood, and if Galadriel ruled Lothlórien, then the forest must be one of the most beautiful places in Middle Earth.

From this simple crush, an understanding grew between them and they started to let go of the feud of their fathers, and enjoy each others company underneath the mellryn. Even the Fellowship was stunned; they all vividly remembered the war that had gone on in the valley of Rivendell.

Before a few days had past, they were laughing and joking like old comrades, the malice of their earlier days long put aside as grudging respect grew into a liking for the other.

It did not mean that they suddenly stopped insulting the other. On the contrary, the insults increased in quantity and quality, but they were only jests and they delighted in their game of constant one-man-gunmanship, always striving to outdo the other. Their insults could strip each other's hides but were always well meant, though to any outsiders listening to them, it could sound like they would have liked nothing more than to kill the other slowly and painfully.

It was to be start of an extraordinary fellowship, one that would blossom to take them both to the ends of Middle Earth and to Valinor itself but only Galadriel marked its significance, and the strength of the Dwarf's regard for her.

Also, as the hobbits most often stayed together, and Legolas and Gimli often wandered together now, Boromir and Aragorn were often thrown together and under their forced companionship, a grudging and reluctant respect began to grow in them.

As Boromir became less wary of the Elves, and as Aragorn started to conquer his grief in his commitment to his duty, they began to see that at heart they were not so different after all, despite the issue of the Kingship, which always lay between them.

And unbeknownst to them all, the seeds of darkness in some of their hearts began to give away in the soothing calm of Lórien.

-----------

After the careful urging of Galadriel to open his heart to his friends, Aragorn knew that the time had come to reveal the truth to Legolas. He knew that for some reason Galadriel seemed inordinately pleased with this plan, but he did not know why. But whatever the reason for her interest in the matter, he had to do this if only to escape from the endless askance and puzzled glances the Prince shot him regularly, especially if he was giving in to a bout of melancholy at the time.

And so after finding Legolas and Gimli debating the merits of Elven warfare versus the Dwarven style, he pulled his friend aside into a sheltered grove, with the intent to speak with him on matters that he had too long kept to himself.

"What ails you Aragorn?" Legolas asked his friend in confusion, not knowing why he had been so urgently pulled away by the ranger.

"I would speak to you of things that have disrupted our friendship of late," Aragorn said softly, sitting down and urging Legolas to follow suit, "Like what I imagine seems my flagrant disrespect towards Arwen."

Legolas's face went carefully blank, "That is between you and the Lady, Aragorn." he replied.

"Not anymore," the ranger said, "I think that you have noticed my attentions towards Buffy ere her fall?" he said steadily, and commended himself on his composure.

"I have." the Elven Prince answered with no infliction in his tone whatsoever.

"Mellon, 'tis time to relate to you the full tale of my last parting with Undómiel," Aragorn said seriously, and noticed the unintentional spark of interest that clearly showed on his friend's face, "We both came to some realisations, some of us sooner than others, but I understand her purpose now." (Evenstar)

He looked earnestly at his long time friend, "Legolas, before the Fellowship left Imladris, Arwen and I broke our troth. 'Twas Arwen's decision; she had discovered that she loved me as a brother and no more, and that the love that had once existed between us had waned with the years. I, I admit, was not happy with this decision and our parting was bitter. For she told me that for a long time now, my heart had belonged to another, and I refused to believe her fair words. But as the time has passed, and the wound healed, I have learned that she was right. I loved Buffy… and though she is now gone from me, I must tell you that Arwen set herself free, and with her, me. Arwen has chosen an immortal life, and will sail West when the time comes."

Legolas felt the first flutters of hope in his heart at his friend's words, but he had loved Arwen too long and too deeply to open himself to fresh grief without absolute proof. He could not fight with a broken heart. And Eru knew that his homeland needed every able-bodied warrior desperately.

"You still wear the Evenstar jewel. Why?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the beautiful chain around his friend's neck.

Aragorn fingered the pendant, hearing Arwen's words in his mind.

'It is mine to give to whom I will. Like my heart. And I wish for it to you with you on your journey, gwanur and for it to help you and your companions ward off the shadow.' (kinsman)

"She gave it to me to ward off the shadow," Aragorn said at last, "She said that when we met again, at the end of the war, I could return it to her then."

Legolas felt those flutters of hope increase in strength with every word that the man spoke, "Aragorn, please do not toy with me. Is this tale true?"

Aragorn was surprised at Legolas's question, and studying his friend, he was surprised to find real anguish and hope there. Legolas could not care for Arwen, could he?

With that somewhat unsettling thought in his head, Aragorn put his friend out of his misery, "Aye," he replied, "Every word is the truth, meldiren." (my friend)

A small smile spread unwittingly over the prince's fair features, and Aragorn's breath caught at the sweetness of it. Legolas did care for her, he realised in shock.

"Then I thank you for sharing this with me, nín mellon," Legolas said, standing up, "But I must go now. This is startling news indeed."

Aragorn could only nod dumbly as his friend left to wander amongst the comfort of the trees. How could he not have seen this?

-----------

When Aragorn wandered back to the clearing where the fellowship were housed, he found it empty save for Boromir, who paced anxiously. Feeling compassion for the fretting warrior, he went over to him, "Take some rest. These borders are well protected. You have nothing to worry over here."

Boromir looked at him in surprise, in a rare unguarded moment, "I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope."

He sat down on the ground in despair and worry, and Aragorn joined him.

"My father is a noble man," Boromir began quietly, "But his rule is failing. And then our…" he stumbled over the word, before continuing, "Our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I, I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."

He looked at the ranger and a light was in his eyes, "Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The white tower of Ecthelion. Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

"I have seen the White City. Long ago." Aragorn said softly.

Boromir smiled at him, hope beginning to grow, "One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: 'The Lords of Gondor have returned.' What think you of that, Aragorn?"

"I know not where our paths may lead us," the ranger replied, "Who can tell in these dangerous times?"

"Will you come with me to Gondor, Aragorn?" Boromir asked, "Will you come to my city? Will you help to rally our people? They are weary of this war, and lose hope. Will you not give it to them? Will you help hold the city?"

"If my path leads me to Gondor, Boromir," Aragorn replied, "Then I shall not see the White City fall without a fight. You have my word."

Boromir smiled then and laughed, "Then mayhap this is not the end of my land." he said with quiet hope, "And maybe the Lords of Gondor will return for good, and so will the glory of Gondor be restored. Maybe hope will come to us once again…"

And he drifted off into visions of the glory of Gondor undimmed, and his city surviving the war that was coming to its gates, and unbidden, within Aragorn, he felt more than a duty towards the White City. As if Boromir's heartfelt words had awoken a love and a desire to help his people deep in his heart.

Maybe Gondor would see its King after all. Just maybe.

-----------

The East-Gate of Khazad-dûm, the Dimrill Dale, January 21, 3019, TA.

In the desolate plain of the Dimrill Dale, empty with a flawless blanket of stone covering the strong rock and grass that made it, something happened to disturb the stillness.

Through the open doors to the dreaded mines of Moria, the flickering light of fire could be seen, lighting up the darkness behind the doors.

As the fire grew in strength, a light rain began to fall outside in the dale, and a brisk wind stirred the air, tossing the snow into spinning heaps of slush.

The fire died suddenly, and a few minutes later, a small blonde figure staggered out of the entrance to the mines.

The wounded, battered and exhausted figure sank to the ground in the blessed daylight, and then pushed itself to its feet again; staggering ever onwards to the wood in the distance.

The slayer had returned.

-----------

The River Nimrodel, the realm of Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 22.

Haldir, March-warden of Lórien, was once more patrolling the realm's borders. Since the fellowship's arrival, two bands of orcs had already tried to gain entry to Lórien. The Elves made sure to leave none alive.

And now his Lady had made it known to him that she expected more severe attacks in the future and that war was brewing, and now in motion and that Lórien's defences had to be ready for them. And so Haldir was travelling from border-post to border-post, making sure that the plans were being implemented.

His last visit of the day was to the flet near the River Nimrodel, and he stopped to listen to the soothing music of the waters; a welcome relief from the tension of war preparations.

Strolling along the lush green back, still bearing the marks of the orc-feet that had dared to defile it, he stopped as his sharp eyes spotted something on the opposite bank.

Wary and curious, he waded across the river and came to what looked to be a bundle of rags on the ground. How had the patrols missed this? He wondered.

Reaching the bundle, he let out a shocked gasp as he realised that it was no bundle of rags, but a person.

Hurrying, he turned the body over and as the ragged remnants of a cloak fell back, he saw the singed blonde hair and the bloody form, and shock took him.

Dark bruises and bloody wounds combined with the ragged shreds of clothes made it hard to identify the unfortunate soul, but weary hazel eyes cracked open and as he looked into eyes that were now shadowed, he knew who it was.

"By the Valar! Buffy!" he cried in disbelief, "I thought you were dead!"

"You'd be surprised how often I get that," Buffy croaked, and then knowing she had made it to her destination, her head fell back against his arm, and she retreated into the painless depths of unconsciousness.

Shrugging off his own cloak, he wrapped her cold form in it, and carefully, he picked her up, and started to run, his gait as smooth and steady as he could make it, signalling to another startled group of Elves to warn the Lady of who he was bearing to her.

How Buffy had returned after being presumed dead, he knew not, but he knew that she would not survive for much longer if he did not get her to the Lady.

-----------

"You're the one that I wanted to find
And anyone who tried to deny you,
Must be out of their mind…"

- Coldplay, - "Green Eyes"

When Aragorn emerged from the bathing pools, fresh and clean, he emerged into chaos as he saw Elves running to and fro with violent urgency.

"What is going on?" he asked a passing Elf.

"The Lady Dagnir has been found by the March-warden, gravely wounded," the Elf said hurriedly, "And the Lady Galadriel is in a flurry, preparing for her arrival."

Aragorn scarcely registered the words past 'Lady Dagnir has been found' and not even bothering to thank the Elf, he took off towards the road to the city, where Haldir would have to be coming.

Running with speed and stamina lent to him by his great need, he reached Haldir in half and hour, and he nearly wept at the sight of the familiar battered form in the Elf's arms.

"Buffy!" he cried, rushing to her side. Haldir slowed to let him join them, knowing of the great friendship between them. The very sight of that half-dead form caused a swell of anger in the ranger unlike anything that he had ever experienced before, and he felt the sudden urge to reassure himself that she was alive. She had come back to him.

"Give her to me," he demanded quietly but forcefully, causing Haldir's eyebrows to arch in question, but at Aragorn's forceful expression, he acquiesced to the odd request and decided to give some credence to the rumours in the city regarding the Lord of Men and the Slayer.

The ranger gently gathered the slight form to him, at once relishing in the rise and fall of her chest and on the other hand, filled with a powerful rage at this hint of what she had obviously suffered, judging by the pitiful state of her.

Pressing a tender kiss to her hair, he hurried back to Caras Galadhon, his own healer's eyes telling him that she was badly hurt and needed the tending of the Lady Galadriel.

But despite his worries, his heart could not but rise up in joy that it was true, and that Buffy had not departed for the halls of the dead, past the circles of the world.

Perhaps they had a chance after all…

-----------

Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 22.

The rest of the fellowship was together in their clearing when Legolas raced in with the news that Buffy had been found.

At once there was instant uproar as they all tried to talk over each other, but Legolas did not say to answer any of their questions to their satisfaction before he took off for Lady Galadriel's home, where Buffy was to be brought.

He reached the halls just as Aragorn was rushing up the stairs, flanked by Galadriel, Buffy in his arms.

Racing up the steps, he reached Aragorn just as Galadriel and Celeborn took Buffy from the ranger into the healing rooms, and allowing no one else in, all but forced Aragorn to stay outside.

Legolas put his hand on Aragorn's shoulder and squeezed it comfortingly, "All will work out in the end, mellon," he said, "Let the Lord and Lady look after her now."

And then he led the torn ranger away to wait.

------------------

The healing rooms, Galadriel's Halls, Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 22.

Galadriel's wide eyes met Celeborn's over Buffy's still form, and she saw the same shocked incomprehension in his eyes as she knew was in her own. How could this be?

They had laid the slayer out on a bed, and set to work examining the numerous wounds and starting the long process of healing the injured woman.

She had had Aragorn set her down on the grass outside the tree for a moment, to give a quick look over Buffy and see what wounds needed the most attention. And that was where the first strange thing had happened.

Aragorn had not noticed in his worry, but Galadriel's sharp eyesight caught it.

As the Lady of the Wood gently moved the slayer, she had seen the first shoots of a white tree flowering…

A white tree that had not flowered in the wood of Lothlórien. Ever.

And now that they were in the privacy of the healing rooms, alone with the calm presence that was her unflappable husband, and Aragorn was firmly kept out of the room, they could spend more time studying the changes they sensed in her.

"She is not what she once was. She is different. Stronger." Galadriel half-whispered.

"Look at her finger, meleth." Celeborn said grimly.

Galadriel followed his gaze, and was shocked into speechless for the second time that day. "Narya!" she gasped as she saw the familiar gold band and red stone. "How did this happen? Gandalf was its bearer!"

"Gandalf entered Moria against all counsel," Celeborn replied, "Perhaps he knew that it was not his fate to come out again."

Galadriel's gaze drifted between her own Nenya, and the strangely flickering Narya, "This complicates things…" she said as she touched the ring and gasped as her foresight overtook her.

(( A dark-haired boy child gripping his mother's skirts… "Naneth!" he squealed, running to the woman, "Look!"….. Aragorn, the crown of Gondor upon his head… an army massing at the gates of Gondor… Two blondes staring at the marching orcs in fear… and then a voice she remembered from a life long ago, in the West, "Her destiny still awaits, daughter of Finarfin…." ))

Jerking out of the vision, the voice of Varda lingering in her mind, she looked again at her friend.

"Yes, this complicates things indeed…." she said, eyes locked on the ghostly pale face.

-----------

The fellowship were keeping vigil in a nearby room during the time that Galadriel exerted all her skill to keep Buffy in the land of the living once more.

But at last, after many hours of waiting, the weary Lady of the Wood came to them. At once, their heads snapped up to stare at her expectantly.

"She has not awoken yet," the Lady began, "And her wounds are grave. I fear she has suffered much. But we have carried her out of danger, and she should be whole again in time. I know not what has happened to her; that is a tale that only she can answer. But she shall live."

"Can I see her?" Aragorn demanded.

Galadriel looked at him knowingly, "A few of you at a time may, but if she wakes, you are not to overwhelm her. She needs rest."

Aragorn scarcely remembered to acknowledge her before heading to Buffy's side.

-----------

The healing rooms, Galadriel's Halls, Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 23.

After many hours had passed, and Legolas had watched Aragorn's head nod forward for the tenth time, he had tried to get him to seek rest.

Naturally, Aragorn had refused.

And so Legolas had shown all the wiles of his father, and taking a cue from his sire's book, enlisted Merry and Pippin's help to slip a sleeping draught into the ranger's drink.

And so it was that Legolas was alone with Buffy, when her heavy lids cracked open and hazel eyes focused on the blonde figure in the chair beside her bed. "Legolas?" she croaked raspily.

"Buffy!" he cried, and took her hand in his, "How do you feel?"

"Like a Balrog chewed me and then spit me back out again," Buffy rasped. "But then again, what's new?"

Legolas saw the newfound shadow in the slayer's eyes and worried, sought to lighten her heart. "I have some good news, mellon nín," he said.

"What? Sauron broke his neck and died?" she joked, the lines of weariness beginning to show in her bruised face.

"No, mellon, you may get your heart's desire. Elrond and fate have intervened on your behalf. Arwen and Aragorn are no longer betrothed. Arwen is to sail West when the time comes and Aragorn is free. Their troth is broken! Buffy?"

Buffy could not resist the heavy hand of sleep that threatened to take her under, but her mind picked up some of the words that he spoke, 'Elrond intervened… Arwen to sail West… their troth is broken…' and she understood. But though she wished to ask more, her eyes slid closed and she sank into slumber once more.

-----------

The healing rooms, Galadriel's Halls, Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January 24.

When next the fellowship saw her, she was awake and she smiled broadly when they filed in, "You have no idea how good it is to see you again!" she said, her voice still hoarse.

"You seem to be in considerably better spirits," Legolas said with a smile of his own.

"I missed you guys! Is that so wrong? I missed you." Buffy protested, "And you all missed me too, even though I'm sure Boromir doesn't want to admit it to himself."

Aragorn wasted no time in first hugging her, and then chastising her, "You could have gotten yourself killed, do you understand that?!"

Buffy rolled her eyes, thinking back to her latest death, "Yes, Aragorn, I understand killed very well."

But after the greetings and well wishes were over, they all wanted to know what had happened to her, and had she seen Gandalf? And so she was forced to revisit memories she would much rather forget, "Where do I start with the bad?" she mused, and then launched into the tale, editing quite a lot to save on some heart attacks, until at last she finished with, "Pain. Death. Monsters. None of it fun."

But though most of them were appeased, those who knew her better were not, and Aragorn especially, determined not to miss his second chance, wondered exactly what had happened to her in Khazad-dûm.

-----------

Two days later, Buffy was judged well enough, thanks to her own healing and Galadriel's ministrations, to walk around the city freely. Galadriel had informed her that there was to be a celebration held in honour of her return, and she wished to enjoy her solitude while she still could.

And so now that she was not surrounded by well meaning attendants, Aragorn had decided to take his opportunity, lest he lose the courage to do so.

Finding the lady in question in the woods, he stumbled at the sight of her. It was a rare enough sight to see Buffy in a dress; she was most often clad in the garb of a warrior but here she was not only wearing a dress, she was wearing one so beautiful that it would befit any noble. The snug green velvet hugged her hips and then fell in lavish folds to the floor, showcasing her figure in such a way that left Aragorn's throat dry.

"Might I have a word?" he asked her, coming up behind her.

"Have a sentence, even." Buffy replied in bemusement.

Unable to resist, when he reached her, he drew her in for a kiss that left her gasping for breath. She tried to move away but Aragorn's grip held her close.

Finally, she managed to push him away, "Aragorn what were you thinking?!" she exclaimed, as she stared at him in a mixture of indignation and shock. Without even waiting for an answer, she gave in to her desire to panic, "Okay, I'm not panicking. I'm not... I'm not. Stop looking at me like I'm panicking! Now what the hell did you do that for?!"

"Buffy, I kissed you," Aragorn said, watching her fret and panic, "I have feelings for you."

"There are just so many problems with this that I don't even know where to begin." Buffy snapped, "In case you've forgotten you're engaged to Arwen!"

"I am not. Our troth is broken," he pleaded, but Buffy did not believe him. She saw the hand of Elrond in this little mess.

"I don't believe you." she said, and looked away.

He was about to say something harsh when he saw the look on her face. She seemed exhausted, bone weary. And so he decided getting into a shouting match with her was not the best start to a courtship.

"Buffy, I love you with all my heart," he said, going to her, and taking her hands in his, "I nearly went insane with grief when I thought you dead. And I vowed not to hold back again, but to tell you of my feelings. Buffy, I love you, I want to court you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, come what may. I know you return my love. Will you not accept my heart?"

Buffy's face was troubled but unreadable. Moving away she paced for a while ere she sat down. Playing with a shoot of elanor, the flower that grew abundantly in the grass, she was silent for a long while.

Aragorn, his heart beating with love, fear, and hope, tried to be as patient as he may, and wait for her to think things through. He loved her beyond reason, he knew. No matter what her response was, his heart was hers to accept or to throw away. And though the latter would pain him beyond measure, he could have forced himself to be happy for her if Arwen, and Galadriel had not reassured him of her affection for him.

A long while passed before she spoke, and her voice was low and sad, "I wish that you hadn't learned of this," she said, golden head bowed, "It was never my intention for you to find out anything."

"But I have Lady, and I would give you my heart if you would take it."

"I can't say that I don't have feelings for you." Buffy began softly, but steely determination was in her tone, "I'm not stupid enough to lie. But I was stupid enough to allow my feelings to grow when they did. You are Arwen's future husband, she will be your Queen. You say you care for me, but you once said you loved her more than anything else in the world. How can I trust that you actually know what your heart wants?"

She looked hard at Aragorn, who was waiting for the penny to drop, "I'm not going to be someone who stabs her friend in the back, no matter what sweet little lines you feed me, I can't betray Arwen like that. I also couldn't do that to myself. I can't be anybody's plaything Aragorn, even yours. And as much as it hurts, you're going to be King. And Arwen will be your Queen and everyone will live happily ever after. I'm not going to be your cast aside lover, or your mistress. I have a duty to uphold and so do you."

But Aragorn could not accept her denials, not when she hurt both herself and him in the process, and crossing to her, he grasped her face in his, and kissed her passionately.

But again, she pulled away and tears were in her eyes, "Get a grip on yourself Aragorn and open your eyes! There is no us. There is no future for whatever us you've thought of. It was a dream Aragorn, nothing more."

-----------

A/N: So? What do you think? Surprised? Opinions please! Please READ and REVIEW!!!!

Next Chapter: interesting times in store in the Golden Wood… denials… interruptions… a visit from the green-eyed monster… incidents…. And surprises…

Elvish:

Haldir o Lórien. Henio aníron, boe ammen i dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn. - Haldir of Lórien. We come here for help. We need your protection.

Melme vanimelda, námarië - my beautiful love, farewell

Mellryn - plural of 'mallorn'.

Dagnir - slayer

Mithrandir - Grey Pilgrim

Elessar - Elf-stone

Mellon - friend

Undómiel - Evenstar

Imladris - Rivendell

Gwanur - kinsman

Meldiren- my friend

Nín mellon - my friend

Meleth - love

-----------

Caras Galadhon - City of the Trees. The city in Lothlórien where Galadriel and Celeborn reside.

Cerin Amroth - 'Amroth's Mound' in Sindarin.

Durin's Bane - the Balrog of Moria. Killed Durin VI in 1980.

Elanor - a small golden flower that blooms in Lórien. Means 'sun-star'.

Morgoth - the Dark Lord of the First Age. A fallen Vala, he destroyed the Two Trees of Valinor, Laurelin and Telparion, and killed Fëanor's father, the King of the Noldor. He decimated the armies of the First Age until at last a host from Valinor came to Middle Earth, and waged war on him for forty years before he was thrown down. Is not dead but trapped in the Void.

Moria - 'The Black Chasm', later name for the great works of the Dwarves under the Misty Mountains. Called Khazad-dûm in Dwarvish.

Narya - the Ring of Fire. Set with a ruby stone. One of the Three Elven Rings. Originally given to Círdan, it was passed onto Gandalf when he arrived in Middle Earth during the Third Age.

Naugrim - 'stunted ones'. Elvish term for Dwarves.

Nenya - The Elven ring of Water. Galadriel is its Keeper.

Varda - greatest of the Queens of the Valar. She is the maker of the stars, and the wife of Manwë.

('·.¸('·.¸ ¸.·'´) ¸.·'´)
«´¨ Asha D ¨»
(¸.·'´(¸.·'´ '·.¸)' ·.¸)
¸.·´
( ·.¸
·.¸ )
¸.·)´
(.·´
.
.