FIRST KNIGHT BY ASHA DREAMWEAVER
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
Summary: BtVS/LotR. Buffy is 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 has 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, which if revealed, could shatter the lives of those he cares for? Will Buffy be able to fulfil her duty? Will Denethor be able to put aside his animosity for the man who would supplant him? Will the ringbearer reach Mount Doom, or will he be cut down before he reaches his goal? And will Boromir resist the lure of the ring?
Author's notes: Thanks for all the reviews! I balefully welcome 2005, as it brings with it major exams, college choices, oral exams and of course, the end of this fic.
NOTICE: I have changed e-mail addresses. This was a change forced due to my last address not allowing me to send e-mails. Anybody trying to contact me, please take note. It is now 'ashadreamweaver at yahoo dot ie.'
: I have changed e-mail addresses. This was a change forced due to my last address not allowing me to send e-mails. Anybody trying to contact me, please take note. It is nowP.S - QUESTION!!!! I have the basic outline for the sequel but I would like some reader input. What would you like to see happen in the sequel, within reason? It will take place around FA 1 or 2. I cannot promise that I will take any of the suggestions on board, but if they have merit, I just might use them. I've got my outline about half-way done and I'm trying to think of some spectacular endings. Clue: a war will be involved.
- !!!! I have the basic outline for the sequel but I would like some reader input. What would you like to see happen in the sequel, within reason? It will take place around FA 1 or 2. I cannot promise that I will take any of the suggestions on board, but if they have merit, I just might use them. I've got my outline about half-way done and I'm trying to think of some spectacular endings. Clue: a war will be involved.P.P.S - URGENT!!! Is anyone else with a yahoo e-mail account having trouble sending e-mails? Every time I hit the 'compose' button, the space where you're supposed to type your message doesn't appear and I can't seem to fix it. Do any of you have the same problem, or even better know how to fix it? Please say so in a review or e-mail me if you know the answer!
- !!! Is anyone else with a yahoo e-mail account having trouble sending e-mails? Every time I hit the 'compose' button, the space where you're supposed to type your message doesn't appear and I can't seem to fix it. Do any of you have the same problem, or even better know how to fix it? Please say so in a review or e-mail me if you know the answer!Review responses:
Alexceasar - not lately. Glad to see that you like my writing style and my plotline! Yay!
Allen Pitt - when all those bad Maiar jumped off the bandwagon, well the Valar did not like it so much. But I think it was Saruman's own bitterness that destroyed him and that Gandalf broke his staff and cast him out, which meant out of Valinor and the Valar's favour. They probably withdrew whatever power they gave him. Sauron went evil when Morgoth, a fallen vala but the strongest of them all, was the current Dark Lord, so doubtlessly Morgoth, who is still not dead, found some way of sustaining them. A darker power so to speak. Morgoth was stronger than Manwë. And the Balrogs were Maiar twisted and made into Balrogs by Morgoth. Yes, I always thought that Éomer and Buffy would go well together, if Rohan survived them, that is. I am actually thinking of doing a fic with that pairing,…. If I ever have time…
Anna - thanks! Yes, the Buffy/Aragorn/Éowyn triangle seems to be heading for fireworks at the very least. And no, you did not misread the bit about Narya. And Saruman did not create the slayer killer, Sauron did.
Anna Rossini - I like to try keep Buffy young, but the harder she's pushed, as she will be in later chapters, she's going to be forced what she never wanted to be.
Black Phoenyx - I will just have to start shocking you then. Pity I already pulled the death card…
Catgirl Elf Princess - thanks!! Yes, you can continue 'A light' if you wish. I tried to e-mail you but my account is not letting me send e-mail again.
CodeNameTargeter - welcome! I know about the spelling errors. It is nearly impossible to catch them all. And I always keep the translations in for everything for the benefit of any new readers or ones coming back to the story.
Dreamer Child - you babble quite well. Yes, Aragorn thinks of it as a challenge. He is going forward, knowing that he might provoke a slayer into murdering him. I would call that a challenge. I am glad you find B and A's role reversal ironic! That's what I had in mind when I was writing it! Payback all round.
FallenStar2 - thanks! I thought it was time we heard from Arwen again. About the Narya belonging with Buffy thingy… you're not too far off there at all… And yes, it was Varda that helped save Buffy. And actually no, it wouldn't beat out her draw to the One Ring. However, you are right, Buffy would be given the choice to sail West if she was a Ringbearer. And yes, Gandalf has passage West guaranteed since he first arrived in ME. And how prophetic of you? How did you know that Arwen would have to beat some more sense into him?
GoldenRat - I think that it is an ingrained response.
Haley - I never said I was getting rid of Boromir….
Imp17 - feel free.
Kit-Kat - thanks! And it's not all angst! And no, it will not last forever. We will be diving into battles soon. And I think that all that time spent with the Elves has made her wiser, but I like to think of her as perpetually young spirited. Ah, yes, Sean Bean… an excellent choice for Boromir… And I actually had forgotten about the Riley conversation, so coincidence!
- thanks! And it's not angst! And no, it will not last forever. We will be diving into battles soon. And I think that all that time spent with the Elves has made her wiser, but I like to think of her as perpetually young spirited. Ah, yes, Sean Bean… an excellent choice for Boromir… And I actually had forgotten about the Riley conversation, so coincidence!Kurt - Not that type of connection. Their life forces aren't joined.
Light Spinner - Narya and Varda.
Londaron of Erendaer - no connection save similarity. Perhaps another story…
Lunawolf - Galadriel is saying a lot things she shouldn't be saying.
Maethoriell Uini Tawar - this site took down my announcement regarding 'History Repeats Itself'. I am getting another author to continue it, from a list which is currently short listed to three authors. Hopefully, HRI should be up and running in the new year.
Mari - okay, how come all my reviewers are becoming prophetic! I had better not be getting predictable! Make Elrond give Vilya to Aragorn? Never going to happen. And how did you know that the sequel was going to be painful? Yes, Buffy has Aragorn pitted against each other. May the most mule-headed win. Because Buffy's destiny changed when she died, weird things are happening because she is no longer just Aragorn's bodyguard but of near equal or equal weight with him. I was watching RotK extended too! And it just gave me so many ideas! But no, I want Denethor dead. Not tied up.
- okay, how come all my reviewers are becoming prophetic! I had better not be getting predictable! Make Elrond give Vilya to Aragorn? Never going to happen. And how did you know that the sequel was going to be painful? Yes, Buffy has Aragorn pitted against each other. May the most mule-headed win. Because Buffy's destiny changed when she died, weird things are happening because she is no longer just Aragorn's bodyguard but of near equal or equal weight with him. I was watching RotK extended too! And it just gave me many ideas! But no, I want Denethor dead. Not tied up.Pamie884 - that's a question a lot of people want to know. And you will not get the answer until chapter 38.
PrecariousPersonata - yeah, you'll get it later on. It is meant to be ambiguous. And remember, Angel was the first in line. First love, first heartbreak. Which he did like three times. And as for the letter, Arwen showing up in person really wasn't an option so I had to do something! And Aragorn's jealousy is going to be a recurring theme… but Buffy has a part to play in Boromir's future…
Saint Maverick - yesss.. I am Irish. So what? Why the squealing?
Sparky24 - thanks! Not her life cycle but you are right about the ring's next bearer. Actually, I never said whether Boromir was dying for real or not.
Star - Yes, Aragorn keeps putting his foot in it. I'm glad you like Boromir! And yes, the Ring of Fire and the connection. Most of the explanation is in chapter 37 so you will have to wait for that.
Tara6 - (smiles mysteriously) Maybe…
Tiamante Salazar Tameran - Buffy believed that she slept with Aragorn. Not literally. Also, it's proven fact that Buffy can't hold alcohol. Remember BtVS season four 'Beer Bad.'
And major thanks to:
Annje, Batgirl Beyond, Becky, BuffyandDracoLover, cold-blooded-angel, darkmistress013, Draco's Slytherin Vampiress, fairieangel, General Mac, Night-Owl123, Tenshi, Wild320,
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: EVASION
Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, January.
"I tend to get sick of things trying to kill me. Especially when they succeed in doing it. But I never saw anything like this before Galadriel, never. Okay, there were the super-vamps which admittedly reminded me of the one that killed me, I never saw demons go all 'immolation-o-gram' on me. Vamps yes; demons, no. You see, I get this funny feeling that it was sent to kill me. And I have a sneaking suspicion that it was our ol' pal in Mordor."
"This news is troubling indeed," Galadriel said, her fair face concerned, "For Sauron to target you so specifically means that he fears something about you. His hand has not yet grown so strong that he is above fear. But that he should know enough about you to accomplish his goals is dire news enough. Even if you were not my friend, it is not yet your time, and there is much good that you still must do."
"And the immolation thingy?" Buffy asked curiously.
"I think you already know the answer, Buffy." came the reply.
"Can't you give a straight answer just once?!" the blonde woman exclaimed, "I'm not in the mood to decipher clues, mellon, just tell me what you're thinking please!"
"I think Narya defended her bearer. You were untried, untested, unaware of any power that ring held, but at the time, you were its new mistress, and the Three are connected. It would not be lost to the other two. So I think that it repelled the threat to you, but if events were as you say, it used a considerable portion of your own strength to do so, and as you grew weaker, it could not do the same to all your foes."
Buffy just stared at her, blinking rapidly, "Okay, is it supposed to do that?"
Galadriel sighed, "I do not know, Buffy. You are the first mortal to bear one of the Three. Only Celebrimbor could say for sure, and he took his secrets to the grave with him. Even the wisest cannot say now. Perhaps those over the Sea could answer you, but none on these Hither Shores now can, for its maker and its last bearer is dead, and the previous bearer guarded it only and did not wear it."
"So once more I'm in the land of the unknown?" Buffy asked with a sort of gallows humour. "I mean I enjoy winning as much as the next guy, but when the demon you're grappling with just bursts into flames, it is creepy."
From her vantage point, Galadriel looked anxious, a most unusual expression for the nearly always serene Lady of the Wood, "Galadriel? Are you okay?" she asked.
The lady waved her off, "I am fine, but I worry that if Sauron could create such things to kill you, will he incorporate them into his armies? The world of Men's fate stands on the edge of a knife. They would not survive it."
"I know," Buffy admitted grimly, "But on the plus side, I think Boromir's been converted to the sane camp. And from what he says, his brother, Faramir has always been in the sane camp. So that's two allies in Gondor."
"But the rumours say that Théoden King of Rohan is failing, and with him, his country." Galadriel said. "If either Gondor or Rohan fall it clears the way for the last remaining kingdom to besieged from all sides and fall also. The Elves cannot win this fight, our time is over. The Last Alliance cost us many lives, and many more Elves sailed afterwards. We have not the resources nor the strength to hold off Sauron. There is power enough to stand for a little while perhaps, but if the Men of the west fall into shadow, then Middle Earth shall fall with them."
"Then I guess that Aragorn better take charge of them sooner rather than later," Buffy said, her eyes troubled.
"Then you had better make sure that he does not falter, mellon," Galadriel said ominously, "Because if he does stand against the shadow, Gondor will fall."
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Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 1.
For many days now had she avoided him, and he could take it no more. The rules of propriety be damned, he could not take any more of this waiting and this evasion ere he went mad.
Storming into Buffy's flet, he did not falter at her stunned expression that rapidly shifted into anger. "Do you mind if I join you?" he said with false politeness, as he made sure to block the only exit.
"On many levels and with great intensity." Buffy bit out, "What are you doing here Aragorn? Haven't you caused enough trouble for one week?"
"Can we talk?" he asked, the stubborn glint in his grey eyes telling the slayer that he would not back down until he had gotten some answers.
"Vocal cord-wise, yes. With each other, no." Buffy said, rising from her chair, and pointing imperiously at the door, "Now, get out."
"Most certainly not," Aragorn said, leaning against the doorjamb and enjoying the riot of emotions that flickered across her expressive face. It reassured him to know that he had not been the only one thrown by the incident the night of the feast. "We have much to discuss, Buffy."
"Well, I don't think that we do," she said and stomped over to him threateningly, "Now get out, or I will throw you out."
"Buffy, I do not care what threats you level at me," Aragorn said, taking a step forward himself, and using his height advantage over the slayer to make her crane her neck to see him, "We have a great many things to discuss, mellon nín, and I will not allow our friendship to be sundered ere I ever convince you of my sincerity."
She took a deep breath, as if to calm herself, "Aragorn, I do not want to hear whatever it is that you have to say. In fact, let's just pretend it never happened. I'm not about to hurt Arwen like that, or make a fool out of myself for you."
"Let us be reasonable about this." Aragorn said soothingly, but was halted by the determined look on her face as she slipped into the perfect stance to throw him.
"You may have noticed, Aragorn... But I left reasonable about three exits back." Buffy said, "I offered you the chance to leave before this got ugly and you refused. What's a girl to do in the face of that much stupidity?"
He grabbed her by the arm, let her feel the strength that lay coiled within him, letting her know that he would not submit easily, "You sneaked away ere I woke," he said quietly, "Before I ever had a chance to explain myself, or for you to do so. I want to know why."
"I did not sneak... away." Buffy said, "Right, you were asleep. I didn't want to wake you. And, I did think of writing you a note, I just didn't leave it."
"We did nothing wrong, Buffy." Aragorn said levelly, "My troth with Arwen is broken, I wish to court you. Do not deny that you care for me, you proved so that night."
At the reminder of Arwen, Buffy shored up her defensive walls and tried to glare coldly at the Dúnadan, "Whatever I said then has passed. Whatever I felt then has passed. Where I come from, it's called a one night stand. Get over it Ranger."
Aragorn stared at her in shock. It just could not be possible… He had finally managed to get her to admit that she felt something for him and now she was denying it all again?!
"I do not believe you," he said, and knew it was true, "Why do you lie so?" he demanded, and as she tried to jerk away, he held her by the arms, not allowing her to flee from him once more.
After several minutes of silent struggle, she subsided and glared at him, deciding that she could not throw him out of the flet because that just might kill him, and Eru knew that they couldn't have that, "What does it take to get rid of you?!" Buffy screamed in frustration, knowing that her resolve was wavering and that she could not allow him to see it lest he press his advantage, "Why don't you just leave me alone?!"
"I cannot leave you alone, Buffy," he said softly, "I wish to be with you. I wish to love you, to care for you, to cherish you, but you deny it and you deny yourself. I cannot abide it. Why do you not believe me when I say that my love is true!"
Her tenuous hold on her temper snapped, and fuelled by long years of hurt, it raged. ""Do you think I don't know that Elrond told you to break it off with Arwen?" Buffy said angrily, her eyes flaring in rage, and at Aragorn's surprised look, she knew that she had hit her mark.
"Do you think that I didn't know that you set her free because of that? And unfortunately that leaves you short a Queen to your King." she said derisively, "Now you could wait until you're all crowned and the noble ladies sweep in like vultures. But sadly, the ranger part of you says you can't trust them. All they want is prestige and a crown on their heads. Now that leaves you with only a few options. So you decide why not your dear old friend Buffy? She's pretty enough I suppose, you've known her long enough and oh yeah, she has supernatural strength which she just might pass down to the son you'd want her to give you. Don't kid me Aragorn, and most of all don't kid yourself. I'm not gonna be second best or the last resort for anybody. Find yourself another broodmare."
Aragorn could only stare in shock for a moment and she used it as her opportunity to get past him, but as she was climbing down from the flet, he recovered his wits and came after her.
"How dare you!" he exclaimed furiously, "Do you think me so base, so vile, as to toy with you so?! I thought that you knew me better than that, Dagnir! So this is your real opinion of me?! That I would be so treacherous that I would do such a thing to you, and to Arwen? If I had only wanted a child from you, I could have made wealthier matches!"
Buffy just rode out his anger as calmly as a stone in a river, "I never said that you were base, Aragorn. In fact, you probably have convinced yourself that your feelings are true, but I need more than to be forever second best. And that's something that you cannot give me."
Then she strode off across the grass as if she had not a care in the world.
Something inside Aragorn snapped as he listened to Buffy's words, and he decided that doing this the normal, polite way was apparently not working. Advancing on the infuriated slayer with a fury of his own, he turned her around and then he backed her all the way up to the trunk of a tree and had the audacity to smirk when her eyes widened at his actions.
"I do not think that you realise how serious I am, verce," Aragorn drawled, bracing his arms on either side of her head, watching as she debated whether to squirm out of his hold or just throw him off. (wild one)
"Aragorn, you maniac!" Buffy chastised, glaring at him furiously, "Get off me now or I swear…."
Her words were abruptly muffled as Aragorn's mouth swept down on hers and proceeded to turn her legs to jelly.
When he released her, she was gasping and he had the faintest smile on his face, but she was furious with herself for responding to him. Shoving him so hard that he fell to the ground, she bolted into the distance, anywhere to be away from him, and as she ran, she wiped away the single tear that fell.
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Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 3.
A few hours later, a frustrated Aragorn was left to pour out his woes to his good friend.
"I know not what to do," Aragorn admitted to Legolas, seeing the sympathetic gleam in his cerulean eyes, "She is refusing to even listen to me, let alone accept my courtship. It wears on me, meldiren."
"Well, at least you know that she does desire you," Legolas said, "That is no small thing."
"Oh yes I think that went exceedingly well. The only thing she forgot to do was lob something at my head!" Aragorn exclaimed, "She is determined to deny her own feelings, and the sincerity of mine!"
"Aragorn," the Elven Prince said softly, lounging back against the silver bark of the tree, "She has loved you long and deeply. And because of that, she has suffered much pain that you inflicted on her, however unwittingly. And you broke it when you pledged yourself to Arwen. Her heart has long been guarded, mellon, you cannot expect her to surrender it so easily."
"Then what am I to do?" the ranger asked in despair.
"Your first plan, ere you gave in to anger, was a good one," Legolas said with a small smile. "Aragorn, Buffy has never been wooed, from what I have heard from her, at least not properly. If you meet her anger with your anger, then you will get nowhere. She is too used to weathering the storms of battle to take heed of it. But if you woo her, pursue her, relentlessly chase her, then I think you have a chance of winning her. Prove to her that you will not give up, that you will not leave her, and I think you may yet achieve your desire. If she believes that your word is true, and that you sincerely do love her and will stay with her, then the guards she has put up will not hold."
"This from the prince of deviousness… the unmitigated terror of the Wood," Aragorn said, "I never took you for a romantic, Legolas."
"When the lady in question is worth it, mellon, she deserves nothing but the best," the prince answered with a smile.
Aragorn found himself smiling back, "A true statement, my friend," His grey eyes looked deeply at the Elf, and saw there what he had long been blind to, "Mellon, you have ever been a faithful friend, and have given me sage counsel and yet I know that you experience the travails of love as strongly as I. I have marked your regard for Arwen, and I grieve at the pain I must have inflicted on you as well."
Legolas's eyes widened, "You are not angry, Aragorn?" he asked carefully, watching his friend.
Aragorn shook his head, "Nay, Arwen deserves her happiness and so do you. And what kind of hypocrite would I be if denied Arwen a chance at love when she set me free to pursue my own? Nay, I think you two shall be well-matched. Especially to your adars."
The Elf groaned, "Do not talk to me about my adar or Arwen's," he said, "For I fear that their plots are too grand for my imaginings. And my adar's ire enough to rival Sauron's!"
And with the sound of laughter echoing through the glade, the prince and the ranger settled down to plot the courtship of their respective ladies…
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Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 6 - night.
But there was one in the valley who was not so encouraging towards Aragorn's suit of late, for she saw the dangerous distraction that it posed, and she knew that she had to intervene, for the sake of Middle Earth.
The slayer had to find her feet ere Aragorn knocked them out from under her once more.
"Elessar," she said quietly, coming to him in the night and bidding him follow her until they entered her halls.
"What do you want of me, my lady?" he asked, rubbing the tiredness from his eyes.
"I wish to speak of your suit towards Buffy."
"What of it?" he said defensively, "I beg your pardon, lady, but it is none of your concern."
"It is when it could affect the future of Middle Earth. There is something that I must tell you, that she will not. And know that I do it only to impress on you the need for caution." she said gravely.
He was curious despite himself, but dread underlined his thoughts at the lady's grim expression. "What?" he half-whispered.
"The Buffy that you knew died in the mines of Moria. How she returned to life, I know not, but I believe that it was with the grace of the Valar. But she has not been unchanged by the experience, Elessar. Her destiny may still be tied with yours, but by the Valar's will, she is no longer just your bodyguard but a player in her own right in this game of war."
"She died? But…" Aragorn murmured, head reeling, "How?"
"She says little even to me of what happened in the mines, and she says nothing to you. You are not to tell her that I told you this, for in doing so I fear I break a confidence in me. But I cannot allow to continue bumbling your way through what you do not understand."
She sighed, "You wish to tame what cannot be tamed. It is not within a slayer to be docile in anything. They were born for the battlefield and are seldom out of its borders. That was the truth ere the disaster of Moria. But she has changed now; she seems less volatile. I know not the cause though I mark the results. I know that she needs time to adjust; time that you are not giving her. But that is not the only thing standing in the way of your suit."
"She has been hurt in the past," Galadriel said solemnly, watching Aragorn carefully, "Her heart has been broken more than once but for you, it has bled the longest. In her mind, she believes that all relationships will end in failure because no one ever considered her feelings in the past; no one cared if her heart shattered and now, it has not mended and she fears you."
"I know some of that," Aragorn admitted, "Though I cannot comprehend why any honourable man would hurt her so."
"Mayhap because they were not honourable," Galadriel answered dryly, "But Elessar, hearken to me in this matter. You travel into looming darkness, and now is not the time for the slayer to be distracted and distraught. If she does not learn to be what she is meant to be, then things shall go ill for the realms of Men. Give her time ere you press her suit. Let her do what she must do."
Aragorn was silent for a long moment, his head bowed in sorrow, "For how long, lady?"
"You will know when the time comes." Galadriel said with a compassionate smile, "You do the right thing. Do not think that your hopes shall not be rewarded. Eventually, I believe you shall convince her that you speak true. She is stubborn, but I dare say that you can be even more so. Let her find her path, as you must follow yours. When you come to the golden halls, you shall know what to do. Cuio vae!" (farewell)
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Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 10.
Needless to say, when Aragorn suddenly backed off, Buffy was assured that she had won at last, relieved that the temptation was no longer in front of her and saddened that she had lost him for the last time.
But she was able to escape her sadness by taking Boromir under her wing. As she came to know him, she found him to be a good man and a good friend, though blinded by doubts about Aragorn, and the looming problem of the kingship about to be reclaimed. He also desperately wanted to save his city, and no small part of him wanted to please his father.
It was a heavy burden, one which weighed upon him, and so Buffy had taken it upon herself to both smooth Aragorn's way to the throne and to try to get rid of Denethor's bad influence over the proud Gondorian.
For his part, Boromir welcomed her friendship but his doubts of Aragorn and his jealousy towards him did not make for an easy relationship with the Dúnadan.
"You shouldn't judge him too harshly," a soft voice said from behind him, "You guard your White City, I know you do not want to relinquish it to him but listen when I tell you the Stewards will not be enough to hold back the darkness from claiming Gondor." There was a pause, "Aragorn is a good man, and will be a good king if that is his path."
"You would think so, Buffy," he retorted good naturedly, "But it is no easy thing to entrust your homeland to another who does not even seem to want it."
"He doesn't think that he can be a good king," Buffy said, perching down on the bench beside the man of Gondor, "He thinks that because Isildur fell to the Ring, he's to blame of that mistake, even three thousand years on. Silly, I know, but it's how he sees it."
"I have set to see in him any desire to help Gondor. He says he will help the White City, but he does not love it as I do."
"You were born there. I should know since I was there at the time. Of course, you love it. Aragorn's patrolled the north and ridden in the south before you were breathing, Boromir, you cannot expect him to feel as you do."
"I want to see the glory of Gondor restored," he said wistfully, "To be what it was before the line of kings ended. But I do not know if he can do it, and if I put my trust in him, my father will see it as an open betrayal."
"Denethor can't control you forever, Boromir," Buffy said softly, "He would like to but he can't if you don't let him. It's time you made your own decisions without listening to him at all. Aragorn is a good man, he will be a good king. He will restore Gondor. But you're going to have to forget the bile of Denethor, and judge Aragorn with your own eyes."
He laughed slightly, "You are a sage counsellor, Dagnir, would that Gondor had more advisors of your ilk and then we might not be in such dire straits. The army is not ready for this war, Buffy and my father believes too much in his own strength to muster them. I fear that when I reach Minas Tirith, that I shall only return to an empty city, razed to the ground by the hordes of Mordor."
She placed a gentle hand on his arm, "Is it really that bad?" she asked.
His head was bowed and weary, "Aye, it is. The Corsairs ravage our coasts so that the fiefs cannot send men to help the White City. Osgiliath is coming under heavy attack. I fear that we shall lose our only remaining defence on the river."
"What of Cair Andros? Is that not held?"
"There is not enough men. If Sauron attacked now, the garrison there would be slaughtered inside a day. And we are short good captains. I fear for the life of Gondor. I fear there shall be nothing left ere we make it there."
Buffy looked intently into his eyes, "Boromir, I promise you. If it's within my power to help Minas Tirith stand, I'll throw your father from the highest peak ere I let him lead the city into ruin. You have my word."
He clasped her hand tightly, "Then I thank you. Your words give me comfort."
Buffy smiled gently, "Minas Tirith shall stand, Boromir. I won't let it be otherwise. Whoever I have to punch to do it."
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The Mirror Grove, Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 14.
To say that Boromir was surprised when the Lady Galadriel led him to the Mirror Grove was a slight understatement to say the least.
When he tried to question her, she merely smiled at him and beckoned him onwards. "Will you look into the mirror?" she asked, holding a pitcher of water.
He eyes the basin warily, "What does it show?"
The Elf-lady let the water pour into the basin, "It shows what was, what is and what has yet to come to pass. Will you look, son of Denethor?"
Cautiously, he approached the mirror, and gingerly looked in.
For a moment, the mirror was blank but then as he leaned closer, images started to flicker across the surface.
(((( His brother, Faramir being dragged through the gates of Minas Tirith by his horse…. A black army that spanned the Pelennor fields…. Black ships… a man burning… Frodo fleeing from him in some wooded area… and then he saw the One Ring, calling out to him, the boon that would give him the power to save his city… Minas Tirith in ruins…))))
With a cry, he jerked back, and his shocked eyes sought out Galadriel, "What was that?!" he demanded.
"You saw some of what will come to pass, and some that must not come to pass." she answered, her eerie, fathomless blue eyes boring into him.
"Did I? Did I do that?" he asked, thinking back to the city of ruins that he had seen.
"The Ring brings only destruction, Boromir of Gondor, it cannot save your city. But it can destroy it." she said quietly.
"The army? Is that real?" he asked fearfully, thinking back on the legions upon legions of the enemy that he had seen.
"Sauron's forces have been gathering strength in the Black Lands," she replied, "You know this. Does their strength surprise you?"
"Yes, I thought we had more time."
"There is little time left. The battle for Middle Earth is about to begin. And the hammer stroke shall fall hardest on Gondor if Rohan survives their battles."
"What can I do?!" he exclaimed, meeting her gaze head on for the first time since he had come to the wood of Lórien.
He felt her probing him, as if to see his worth, "You will know when the time comes," she said at last, "But know this, you can give in to desire and temptation but if you do, your city shall fall to Sauron's might. Or you can overcome its hold over you, and bring aid when Gondor is in dire need. Only you can make this decision. But if you let the Ring defeat you then all that you love shall pass away in terror and darkness. Choose wisely, Boromir, for all your sakes."
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Caras Galadhon, Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 15 , - evening.
It was their last night in Lórien, but it was not a happy one.
Much had they to decide, and decisions long postponed now had to be made ere they left. They needed to know what the fellowship was to do after they left the guarded borders of the Golden Wood. Whether they were to go on to Minas Tirith as some wished, and have respite there for a while or whether to cross the Emyn Muil and so enter the land of Mordor.
Long did they debate the matter, and arguments were rife over how they were to fulfil their pledge to destroy the One Ring.
The hobbits and Gimli wished to go to Minas Tirith, where they might receive aid and have some rest ere they began the feared trek into Mordor. Boromir, who had long desired that plan from the start of the journey, now spoke no word and his expression was conflicted as he contemplated the risks of bringing so great a weapon so near his father.
Aragorn was torn in two; on one hand he had sworn to follow Frodo's path but on the other, he knew that the time had come to claim the kingship and to do that meant going to the city of Minas Tirith. He had not expected to have this dilemma laid upon him but with the fall of Gandalf, the burden of leadership of the company had fallen to him, and how could he forsake Frodo now?
But he was also aware of the fact that they could give little aid to Frodo even if they followed him into Mordor, for how long could so strange a company passed unnoticed in the Black Lands? An Elven Prince, the Heir of Isildur, the heir to the Steward of Gondor, a Dwarf of Durin's line, a slayer, and four hobbits?
"I shall go to Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty. If you wish only to destroy the ring, then there is little use in war and weapons; and the Men of Minas Tirith cannot help." Boromir said at last, but his heart was heavy and more traitorous thoughts within were urging to be spoken and he did not dare speak again for fear of what he might say.
Legolas, not eager to enter the Black Land, where no living thing grew at all save with malice, and which would undoubtedly make the mines of Moria look like vision of the West, spoke up, "How far can we go on from Lórien ere we must decide our course?" he asked, surprising those struggling with their choice of path.
Aragorn looked upon his friend with a faint smile, "We could travel by river to Parth Galen at furthest. From there we could cross into the Emyn Muil or the land of Rohan."
"Then cannot we go that far, and allow each of us time to choose our path?" Legolas asked.
"Aye," the ranger replied thoughtfully, "Has anyone any objection to this plan?"
No one said a word, and so it was decided. Though Frodo looked disquieted, but then, he had been strangely silent since his time with the Mirror of Galadriel. For a minute the company sat in silence, contemplating their fates but then Buffy stood up and broke the quiet.
Buffy sighed, "Well, I don't have a clue and I'm tired of talking about this so unless Frodo or Aragorn has anything to add I suggest we get to bed before we're all totally exhausted tomorrow. We can decide in Parth Galen. But for now, I'm off to bed."
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Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 16. - morning.
Their leave-taking of Lothlórien was a subdued affair, for they all knew that once out of the Golden Wood, they were walking into the deepest of peril, from which there might be no return.
But after they had broken their fast with Celeborn and Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood had one final surprise for them.
"We have drunk the cup of parting," Galadriel said, clad in her customary white, "And the shadows fall between us. But before you go, I have brought in my ships gifts which the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim now offer you in memory of Lothlórien."
The gifts were all of magnificent craft, and the hobbits were delighted with their gifts. Merry and Pippin had each received a fabulous silver and gold belt, while Sam, ever green thumbed, was given a special box of earth from the orchard of Galadriel and she promised him that it would make his garden bloom like few in Middle Earth.
Boromir received a golden belt, but the real gift was the steady counsel that the Lady imparted to him.
To Gimli was given an unprecedented honour. When asked what he wished to remember Lórien by, he had finally admitted to wanting nothing save a strand of Galadriel's golden hair. And she, who had refused the same honour to Fëanor, Prince of the Noldor, and Celebrimbor of Eregion, smiled and gave the Dwarf his desire; three strands of long golden hair. It was a high honour indeed from the daughter of Finarfin, but Gimli son of Glóin would not see the other part of his gift until the time came for his friend, Legolas, to sail over Sea.
When she reached Aragorn, she smiled and handed him a beautiful embroidered leather sword sheath, "The blade that is drawn form this sheath shall not be stained or broken even in defeat," she said, looking intently at the man, "But is there aught else that you desire of me at our parting? For darkness will flow between us, and it may be that we shall not meet again, unless it be far hence upon a road that has no returning."
Aragorn looked at her, who had counselled him and given him hope that his desire would yet come to pass and that his love would be accepted and returned, and he answered her to whom Buffy relied on so much, and who ever gave the slayer shelter in the Golden Wood when she needed it, "Lady, you know all my desire, and long held in keeping the only treasure that I seek. Yet it is not yours to give me, even if you would, and only through darkness shall I come to it."
"Yet maybe this will lighten your heart," Galadriel said, almost sighing at his ambiguity for she was certain that Buffy had mistaken his intent for Arwen, and not the slayer herself, "For it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land." From the Istar, Olórin himself when he first came to Middle Earth, to be given before the return of the king.
Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings. It was the stone he was named for, the Elessar, that made things flower green and beautiful in its wake.
"This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers before it was recalled, and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour, take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!"
And she handed him the stone and it flickered as he took it, green light glowing within it.
'Do not be weary, Elessar, for I foresee that your heart's desire shall come to pass if you remember what I told you.' she mind-spoke to the ranger and was rewarded with a smile.
"For the gifts that you have given me I thank you," he said, "O Lady of Lórien of whom sprang Celebrían and Arwen Evenstar. What praise could I say more?"
The Elf-lady merely handed him a thick sheaf of parchment, folded and sealed with her seal. 'Read it when you are alone. For it contains something you must know but will not be told.' she told him as he looked at her in surprise.
She moved towards Legolas, and handed him a bow of the Galadhrim, stouter and longer than his Mirkwood bow, "May your aim ever be true," she said. 'And may you return to my granddaughter unscathed.' she mind-spoke to him, 'Undómiel bids me tell you farewell, Thranduilion. And for what it is worth, you have my blessings. Make her happy, Greenleaf. Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya." (May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.)
He bowed, 'I thank you, my lady, I shall do my best.'
And then she came to the slayer, "To you Buffy, who has faced the Shadow many times, I say this," she said, "Much toil lies before you but if you stay true, then your greatest desire shall come to fruition. But this I would give to you." She handed Buffy a small blue gem, which hung from a chain of mithril. "For you who can see many things. No longer shall you have to wait when your need is dire. Place this in water, and it shall act as my mirror. May it be a help to you when all other aid has deserted to you."
"And you Ring-bearer," she said, turning finally to Frodo, "I come to you last who are not last in my thoughts. To you I give the phial of Eärendil, the light of our most beloved star. It will shine still brighter when night is about you." She bent down and kissed the top of his head, "May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out!"
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Lothlórien, 3019 TA, February 16. - afternoon.
After her gifts were given out, the Lady stepped back, her face serene as Lord Celeborn led them to the boats.
He stopped at the riverbank, where three Elven boats lay moored, "May the grace of the Elves, and all of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth go with you," he said, "And may your fellowship have success where none seems to be found."
And so the fellowship settled into their boats; Boromir, Merry and Pippin in one, Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in another, and Legolas, Gimli, and Buffy in the last one.
And so it was that the Fellowship of the Ring left Lothlórien for whatever fate awaited them.
From the west bank, two luminous eyes pierced the cover of the trees, watching the company leave their last safe haven…
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A/N: So? What do you think? Opinions please! Please READ and REVIEW!!!
So? What do you think? Opinions please! Please and !!!NOTICE: I have changed e-mail addresses. This was a change forced due to my last address not allowing me to send e-mails. Anybody trying to contact me, please take note. It is now 'ashadreamweaver at yahoo dot ie.'
: I have changed e-mail addresses. This was a change forced due to my last address not allowing me to send e-mails. Anybody trying to contact me, please take note. It is nowP.S - QUESTION!!!! I have the basic outline for the sequel but I would like some reader input. What would you like to see happen in the sequel, within reason? It will take place around FA 1 or 2. I cannot promise that I will take any of the suggestions on board, but if they have merit, I just might use them. I've got my outline about half-way done and I'm trying to think of some spectacular endings. Clue: a war will be involved.
- !!!! I have the basic outline for the sequel but I would like some reader input. What would you like to see happen in the sequel, within reason? It will take place around FA 1 or 2. I cannot promise that I will take any of the suggestions on board, but if they have merit, I just might use them. I've got my outline about half-way done and I'm trying to think of some spectacular endings. Clue: a war will be involved.P.P.S - Is anyone else with a yahoo e-mail account having trouble sending e-mails? Every time I hit the 'compose' button, the space where you're supposed to type your message doesn't appear and I can't seem to fix it. Do any of you have the same problem, or even better know how to fix it? Please say so in a review or e-mail me if you know the answer!
Next Chapter: Lothlórien gets a new visitor… plotting… and the breaking of the Fellowship…
Elvish:
Mellon - friend
Mellon nín - my friend
Dúnadan - man of the west
Dagnir - Slayer
Verce - wild one
Meldiren - my friend
Adars - fathers
Adar - father
Elessar - Elf-stone
Cuio vae - farewell
Istar - wizard
Namárië - farewell
Undómiel - Evenstar
Thranduilion - son of Thranduil
Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya. - May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.
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Aman - also called the Blessed Realm, Valinor or the Undying Lands. Home of the Elves in the West.
Caras Galadhon - City of the Trees. The city in Lothlórien where Galadriel and Celeborn reside.
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.
Eärendil - Elrond's father. Now sails the sky with a Silmaril. Can be seen as a star in Middle Earth.
Eregion - an Elven realm of the Second Age. Celebrimbor forged the Three Elven Rings here. Sauron laid waste to the city and its people, taking all the rings of power, and killing Celebrimbor and using his body as a banner.
Mithril - 'true-silver'. Also called 'Moria-silver'. It was the foundation of the wealth of the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm. It was worth ten times the price of gold, and is now considered priceless, because there has been no supply of it since the fall of the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm in 1980 TA.
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.
Nenya - The Elven ring of Water. Galadriel is its Keeper.
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.
Parth Galen - 'Green Sward'.
Pelennor fields - 'Fenced Land'. The 'town lands' of Minas Tirith. Guarded by the wall of Rammas Echor.
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