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: welcome to the Two Towers! Sorry for the delay, but Real Life intervened with a band AND I got food poisoning. So not a happy week.

FAQ: What was up with Faramir's vision?

It was tainted due to Faramir's proximity to Mordor, and the shadow that was over the land of Ithilien. He saw one of his own worst fears.

Review responses:

Allen Pitt - no, not a villain from the Buffy-verse. Good idea about the palantír though.

Ally - (sighs) yeah, I know that I'm so late but let's just say that Real Life intervened.

Anna - 'Bonding secret explosion' is a good way of putting it. A very good way. But yes, waiting is probable. For Faramir's vision, see FAQ. And you are on the right track with the evil. Good guessing! Okay, Frodo and Sam's journey will probably get passing mention but I will not be focusing on them until they reach Mount Doom, some time around them anyway. I tend to find Frodo and Sam a bit of a pain to write.

Anyanka of the Ocean - hi! Okay, just to clear things up, Boromir was not in Gondor. Faramir had a Sauron induced vision of him dead, with enough truth thrown in to make it seem real.

Dreamer Child - thanks! Yes, the Three Rings plot should be a very interesting one. Oh, if only you knew what I had planned. Suffice it to say that I am cackling. And don't worry; I'm planning to drop plenty of Buffy/Aragorn crumbs. I know there wasn't much in the last two chapters, but I felt that Boromir's 'death' deserved some attention. And who are the Steelers?

Emerald sorceress - a lot of people liked that line and so did I!

FallenStar2 -Thanks! And yeah, I think my muse is Morgoth in disguise. And no one said that Boromir's path was going to be easy. Let's just hope he survives it now, shall we? However, as I think Osgiliath is overrun before the siege of Gondor, Boromir probably will not be able to claim it back again. Messy in Rohan? Ahh, the angst, the drama, the misunderstandings, the battles… a definite must see. And how did you know that Éowyn was going to be inspiring some reactions from Buffy over Aragorn? Ad I like twisting things about. You can never know what simple little comment I could use to spark off a completely new plot twist! I'm quirky that way. Buffy has only bound herself to Aragorn in reference to a person anyway. And you are right; the evil is not from Umbar. I got a little creative with it. If anyone actually guesses before it is upon them, then I will be very surprised. And Boromir called Buffy his 'Queen' because of what he expects her to be in the future.

Goldenshadows - thanks! Well, technically Aragorn has not had much of a chance to talk to Buffy anyway privately yet. Besides, he is catching onto the Elven sneakiness of certain matchmakers. He's not about to give up his advantage until it is time to strike! Yeah, about the French translation, well let's just say that I really need to practice my French for my exams, so I thought why not? And you are right; it is no longer fifty chapters. Closer to the sixty mark anyway!

Kit-Kat - yes, wizards always speak in riddles. I think they find it amusing.

Lady of the Wood - I am going to mostly keep to Buffy and the rest of the fellowship. Sam and Frodo's journey is going to be much the same as the books so I am not going to regurgitate it for no real purpose. Yes, Merry and Pippin will be featured. For Faramir's vision, see FAQ. Aragorn never liked liked Éowyn. He kinda pitied her and admired her strength. She was the one with the huge crush.

Light Spinner - thanks! In addition, Galadriel is going to show someone what a royally infuriated Elf Queen can do. About Faramir's vision, see FAQ. And let's just say that everyone's reaction to Buffy in Rohan should be very interesting!

Lindiel Erin - that would be because Galadriel has not mentioned what she did not foresee yet.

Lisette - I do not actually have 'First Knight' written. In fact, I'm not even a chapter ahead. So I can't update twice a week because it is tough enough with exams to try to get even one out a week!

Lunawolf - you're not the only one. As far as I can tell, everyone's review history has been 'temporarily disabled' for the last two weeks or so.

Mari - thanks! And I know it was short, but I felt that it had to end there. Or you could have waited another week for chapter 38! And I think Théoden couldn't keep up with Buffy when he was younger, let alone now. But Éowyn, ah yes, the proverbial spanner in the works…

MiShA - glad you approve! And yes, I think that Gimli is a character that can do serious and humour equally well.

Nicessus - welcome! And I normally update on Fridays or at the weekend.

Pamie884 - thanks! And Boromir's path should hopefully be very much unexpected!

Phoenix83ad - interesting? Definitely. And do not worry about Faramir; he will get everything that is due to him. And yes, love triangle number two is on its way. Poor Éowyn, she won't have a clue that she's stepping onto a minefield! But please do not compare her to Dawn, as she is one of my most detested characters in the Buffy-verse. The girl whines way too much.

PrecariousPersonata - thanks! For Faramir's vision, see FAQ. But yeah, just a mind trick. You're right; I don't drop spoilers very often. At least not where they can be noticed. And how did you know that I would have it in me to kill other people off?

Redcristal - listen, I'm very wary of lending out my plots, but before I can come to any decision, I need to know what you plan on copying. My e-mail address is ashadreamweaver at yahoo dot ie.

Sabia - CinnamonGrrl's Thranduil is irresistible? Do tell!

Seraphyne Lastawen - thanks. And please remember that Aragorn was hapless when he was younger. He hasn't been getting into so much trouble as he got older. But remember, he gets to prove himself too.

ShawThang - thank you so much! And I have big plans for Boromir. He is going to redeem himself so much by the time this fic is over…. For Faramir's vision, see FAQ. And actually, Book One was not as long as you suggested. In this fic, it really only started at chapter 20 so my FotR is only eighteen chapters long. Not exactly little, but more manageable than 38 for each book!

Star - awww! Thanks!

Tara6 - I have no idea.

And major thanks to:

Andrea35, Annje, Becky, Belligerent-road-pylon, Catgirl Elf Princess, CoopersMcFarley, General Mac, GoldenRat, Haley, Imp17, Iriel, Mr.Spotty1, narmolanya, Night-Owl123, Sukera, The Lady Reaper of the Shadows, Wild320, zayra,

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: THE FIRES OF HEAVEN PART ONE

Their pursuit of the hobbits was a dogged one.

Aragorn pushed them on with little rest or food, and as the days went by, Gimli's complaints and umbrage got louder and louder, as he trudged along, stubbornly refusing to admit that he had neither the fleet-footedness of his companions or the stamina over long distance.

A man with a mission, he scoured the land for clues, stopping every once in a while to listen for the groans in the earth that the Uruks left behind. Buffy would just have rathered following the stench they tended to leave behind, but Aragorn had to be sure.

And so that was how it was that Buffy and Gimli got a break while Aragorn did his communicating with stone thing, and Legolas scouted. And of course, the slayer maintained that the ranger was so adept at the skill because the rocks thought his head was one of their own. Said ranger was not amused.

Aragorn finally got up from the ground, and looked at the trio, eyes flitting over Gimli who had been visibly wilting for days. The grave look that so often seemed etched on his face had returned. "Their pace has quickened. I think they must have caught our scent for them to move with such haste. We must hurry!"

Buffy eyed the vast plains of Rohan, and could see no sign, not even a dust cloud, of the large group of Uruk-hai. But what worried her most was that the fold seemed abandoned. Where were the herds? Where were the Rohirrim? It was not like the quick tempered riders of the Mark to let orcs of any kind roam across their land unchallenged. It worried her greatly. But she recognised her friends' burdens, and so kept her silence. She would not add to their cares before she absolutely had to.

Silently falling into a running lope near Gimli, so as to help the stocky Dwarf on, she good-naturedly listened to the Dwarf's, albeit very amusing, complaints.

"Three days and nights' pursuit." Gimli puffed out as he ran, "No food. No rest. And no sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell."

Buffy spared him a comforting smile, "Well, at least you'll have one heck of a tale to tell back in Erebor," she said with as much cheerfulness as she could muster, "I would imagine that no other Dwarf has done a cross country orc chase."

The Dwarf glared at her way too innocent smile, and they fell into silence for a number of hours ere Aragorn let out a cry and came to a sudden halt, bending down to pick up something from the ground. Buffy's eyes widened as she saw the familiar brooch of Lórien, smudged with dirt now, but clearly recognisable.

"Not idly do the leaves of Lórien fall." Aragorn said, studying the tracks on the ground. "It bodes well."

Legolas brightened a little, "Then they may yet be alive." he said, "Our pursuit is not in vain. And neither was Boromir's sacrifice."

Buffy and Gimli shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the warrior's name, but Aragorn took off again before any could mark it. "They are less than a day ahead of us. Come! Make haste!"

The Dwarf stumbled on some rocks as he tried to scramble behind his rapidly distancing companions, muttering extremely non complimentary words under his breath as he tried to pick up the pace again.

Legolas turned back to see how the Dwarf fared, and waved him on, "Come, Gimli! Hurry! We are gaining on them!" he cried, ignoring the murderous glare of the Dwarf, whose knuckles were white from the grip on his axe.

The Dwarf panted out excuses as he struggled to keep up, for once regretting his heavy armour, "I am wasted on cross-country! We dwarves are natural sprinters! Very dangerous over short distances!"

Buffy fell back to keep an eye on him, lighter on her feet than he and with more agility, and so they ran ever onwards, only stopping when they crested a rocky hill to reach a commanding view of the green plains. Aragorn paused to study the landscape, straining to spot the band of Uruk-hai, and allowing Buffy and Gimli time to catch up.

"Hurry, Gimli!" Buffy urged, "We have reached the Riddermark. And we are not too far from Isengard either."

"Rohan. Home of the horse-lords." Aragorn said in wonder, gazing at the empty fields, where there should have been people and horses, "There is something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures, and sets its will against us." he said, feeling the malice in the air.

"Of course there is," Buffy said, "Bad guys don't generally want anybody to come to their captives rescue. Especially not wily old wizards."

Aragorn shot her an unreadable look, "Legolas, what do your Elf eyes see?" he called, seeing the Elf on the edge of the outcropping looking northeast.

The Elf turned back to him in alarm, "The Uruks turn northeast. They are taking the hobbits to Isengard! Ai, we cannot catch them in time! They run as if the very whips of their masters were behind them! I know not what has spurred them on so!"

Aragorn glared into the distance, and he growled out, "Saruman." He turned to the slayer, "It seems that your prediction was right, Dagnir. The White Wizard is up to no good. But come, we run!"

Gimli just groaned but Buffy gave him a friendly clap on the shoulder as she forced her own tired legs to move, "Get a move on, mellon. There's no rest for the whining."

The Dwarf glared at her and started panting out his mantra, "Keep breathing! That is the key! Breathe! Ho!"

Buffy just looked at him with concern, "I thought the big ones were supposed to tire more easily." she said. "Or is it just Dwarves? Is your armour that heavy?"

"I am well, lass," Gimli ground out, "I just need to die for a minute."

Buffy, sensing that a Dwarves touchy pride was at stake, wisely backed off, but kept an eye on him all the same. Seeing Aragorn beginning to feel the consequences of his own determination, she determined to get him motivated enough to keep on going. No way was she carrying him. "Come on, Aragorn, don't slow down now. How am I ever going to get anything killed with you lot holding me back like this?"

The look the man gave her was anything but amused, but he did pick up the pace, much to the Dwarf's dismay.

Nevertheless, despite their flagging stamina, all except the Elf anyway, they ran through most of the night, only stopping to catch a few hours sleep to sustain them. But the dawn had barely broke ere Legolas was rousing them urgently, having stood guard while they slept.

"Awake! Awake!" he cried, shaking them as he went, "It is a red dawn. Blood has been spilled this night. Strange things await us by the eaves of the forest. Good or evil, I do not know, but we are called. Awake!"

Buffy and Aragorn shared an equally puzzled look before they followed the Elf to whatever doom the forest now called them to.

-

He slept.

Weary to the bone, heartsick and sore, Boromir had stumbled into the Golden Wood, only to be whisked away to the Lady's halls by Haldir, where he had fallen into a near instantaneous sleep.

And so he dreamed.

-

He was standing on the parapet of a tower in the city of Osgiliath, weary but exultant, and the men gathered below him chanted his name, "Boromir! Boromir!"

Proudly, he raised the flag of Gondor- the White Tree - and planted it in the stone. Holding out his sword, he raised his voice and cried, "This city was once the jewel of our kingdom!" he said with feeling, to finally have reclaimed what the orcs had stolen from his country, "A place of light and beauty and music! And so it shall be once more! Let the armies of Mordor know this! Never again will the land of my people fall into enemy hands! This city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed for Gondor! For Gondor!"

The men roared back, "For Gondor!"

"For Gondor!" he cried, caught up in the moment, savouring the too rare victory.

Again, they shouted back, "For Gondor!"

Later, he was making his way through the streets, when Faramir burst over to him, laughing with joy at the sight of each other and they hugged.

"'Twas a good speech. Nice and short." Faramir said, a wry smirk twisting his lips.

Boromir grinned at his brother's wit and clapped him on the back, "Leaves more time for drinking!" he jested and they laughed together for a moment ere Boromir satisfied his men's wishes, "Break out the ale!" he called, "These men are thirsty!"

Instantly a cheer went up and the men descended on the flagons eagerly.

Boromir filled two cups of ale himself and handed one to Faramir, raising his own in a toast, "Remember today, little brother. Today, life is good." he said and then took a deep drink from his own cup.

Faramir did not answer, instead his eyes were fixed on something in the distance and his face now shuttered. Boromir both wondered at and dreaded its cause. "What?" he said lightly, trying to prolong the rare joviality.

His little brother just looked at him, "He is here." he said, his tone totally blank of any emotion. A skill long practiced in their father's court.

Boromir's head whipped around to look and he inwardly snarled at the familiar figure in the fur outer robe, talking to the men as if he himself had led them to victory, instead of watching and expecting failure. And already causing his brother to withdraw behind a mask. "A moment's peace, can he not give us that?" he said fiercely, startling even Faramir.

Denethor stepped forward into the street, his smile broad and self-satisfied, "Where is he? Where is Gondor's finest? Where is my first-born?" he called.

Boromir grimaced inwardly but stepped forward to greet him with a smile on his face, "Father." he said in welcome as the steward pulled him into a hug.

The elder man looked upon him with no little pride as he pulled back, "They say you vanquished the enemy almost single-handedly."

Boromir shook his head, "They exaggerate, father. The victory belongs to Faramir also."

He gestured for his brother to come out, and so he did, but Denethor's prideful gaze immediately hardened into disdain as his younger son came into view. "But for Faramir this city would still be standing. Were you not entrusted to protect it?" he demanded of the younger man.

Faramir's face betrayed nothing, "I would have done so, but our numbers were too few." he said without apology. Boromir could only watch on silently as the familiar scene replayed itself.

The steward sneered, the expression twisting his face into ugliness, "Oh, too few." he repeated scornfully, "You let the enemy walk in and take it on a whim. Always you cast a poor reflection on me."

Faramir returned that hate filled gaze levelly, "That is not my intent."

Boromir tried to salvage something from the day, but could not help his own anger from overtaking him, "You give him no credit and yet he tries to do your will."

Disgusted, he walked away into a nearby room, unable to witness the discord between honoured father and beloved brother once more. But Denethor followed him. As he always did.

There was silence for a moment, but Boromir did not turn around to look at his lord, "He loves you father." he said softly, "Why can nothing he does ever be enough for you?"

Denethor would hear none of it, "Do not trouble me with Faramir. I know his uses and they are few. We have more urgent things to speak of. Elrond of Rivendell in the north has called a meeting. He will not say why but I have guessed its purpose. And I see why there is need for secrecy. It is rumoured that the weapon of the enemy has been found."

Boromir whipped around in shock, forgetting his anger in the light of this confession. He too knew the lore. "The One Ring…. Isildur's Bane…" he whispered.

His father nodded, malice twisting his features as he spoke of Elrond's folly, "It has fallen into the hands of the Elves. Everyone will try to claim it; Men, Dwarves, Wizards. We cannot let that happen. This thing must come to Gondor. I will have it!"

Boromir was startled out of his shock by his father's words. Surely he knew that it was not safe? That the Ring was evil? "Gondor…" He left his thoughts unspoken, but he was unsure whether Gondor was the reason Denethor wanted his enemy's boon and bane so much.

"It is dangerous, I know." Denethor said persuasively, "Ever the Ring will seek to corrupt the hearts of lesser Men. But you, you are strong. And our need is great. It is our blood which is being spilled, our people who are dying. Sauron is only biding his time. He is massing fresh armies unchallenged. He will return. And when he does, we will be powerless to stop him. You must go to Rivendell. Bring me back this mighty gift."

Boromir stared at his father, and he felt a deep foreboding. He could not leave his people. And not for that cursed thing. He shook his head, "No. My place is here with my people. Not in Rivendell."

Shaken at his father's desire, he left, but Denethor would not leave him alone. "I want you to go to Rivendell, Boromir. Would you deny your own father?" he said coldly.

Faramir stepped forward from the shadows, "If there is need to go to Rivendell, send me in his stead."

However, Denethor would accept nothing that Faramir offered, "You? Oh, I see." he said mockingly, "A chance for Faramir, captain of Gondor, to show his quality. I think not. I trust this mission only to your brother. The one who will not fail me."

But Boromir could only stare at his father, and for the first time saw his greed, and the deep-seated malice he harboured towards those he thought could challenge his position and his power.

And then even as Boromir moved forward to stop him, Denethor lunged at Faramir with a burning brand held high in his hands…

-

A cool hand settled on his forehead, and with a jerk, he came awake.

Startling blue eyes met his; "Welcome to my halls, Boromir," she said, her voice smooth and melodious. But Boromir could not stand her penetrating gaze, and he moved away from her, even confined to the bed as he was.

"You were right," he said bitterly, "Was I not the weakest? Did you not foresee my fall, Lady?"

Galadriel looked at him, "The weak and the strong have fallen to the power of the Ring together, son of Gondor. Do not doubt yourself. 'Tis only those who have something more important to hold onto that can resist the power of the One Ring, and even they not forever. I was as tempted as you were, for Frodo offered it to me willingly. It was not easy for me to turn it away, and I have had many millennia of experience to warn me against its lure."

"But I tried to take it from him!" Boromir said shamefully, "I failed in my oaths."

The Lady of the Wood looked at him sympathetically, "Through Finduilas of Dol Amroth, you have the blood of the Elves in your veins. Do not denounce yourself for your father's mistakes. He has made his choices, and will soon pay the price. You are a worthy man and you have redeemed yourself for your failing with your sacrifice. But war calls you now."

Boromir looked at her, "What do you mean?" he asked warily.

"Dagnir told you that a task was to be appointed to you, did she not?" Galadriel answered, "I have looked into my mirror, and seen doom. Perhaps the doom of all, if it cannot be averted. There are two bastions of Men which are yet free; the country of Rohan and your home of Gondor. If they should fall, then even if all that we wish for should come to pass, and the Ring be destroyed, and Sauron so defeated, then there shall be no dawn for the race of Men, for those loyal to the dark shall overwhelm you, and all that you fight for shall be destroyed. This must not happen." she said fiercely, "I shall not allow it. And you, Boromir, shall help to make sure that Gondor stands."

"You speak in riddles, Lady," Boromir said, "Will you not speak plainly?"

The Lady's expression was a worried and intent one, "I have foreseen the end of your city. It shall be saved once by luck and valour, but the second assault shall come unforeseen, hidden from all. But from within or without, I cannot say. Madness blocks my sight. You must return to your city by the coastal roads, raise an army as you go, and then go to Minas Tirith with all haste and help your future queen and your brother, ere the foes before them take their lives."

"Faramir!" Boromir said urgently, "Tell me not that you have seen his death!"

"Peace, Boromir," she said, "His fate is unclear, and his life or death lies with chance. But it lies with the King for at least part."

"Will Aragorn not hold to his promise? Will he not hold the White City?" he asked.

"Aragorn must choose his own fate, and whether the paths he will choose will enable him to reach Minas Tirith in time, I cannot say. The future is a mysterious thing, and to thwart it is a hard business. I cannot see all ends. I can only try to avert disaster, and hope that by meddling, I do not cause others."

He stared at her, "You are afraid," he said in wonder, as the Elf Lady suddenly seemed more approachable to his eyes, and less incomprehensible.

She looked at him, "Aye, I am. Who cannot be so when the war to end an age comes? Will you accept this task, Boromir? Will you follow this path?"

He looked at her, and then thought on her words, and his heart burned with anger that his city would fall, and his little brother with it. The glory of the Gondor of old, never to return, as his home was polluted with orcs, Southrons and Easterlings. There could only be one answer.

"I will do it."

-

Rohan, 3019 TA, February 30.

They had not long been in Rohan when they heard the sound of pounding hooves coming closer. Instantly, they dived behind a large group of boulders, out of sight.

"Are you sure we should be skulking, Aragorn?" Buffy asked, "The Rohirrim don't tend to like skulkers. In fact, they tend to shoot them. It's a habit they have."

Aragorn just shot her a look that said all too clearly that they were playing this his way. And though annoyed, she let him. He would after all, have to learn to lead by himself if he was to be king. And by then, she would not be around to give him the benefit of slayer experiences.

A large group of riders blasted by, banners waving and spear-points glinting in the sun. And even as she moved to caution him, Aragorn had already left the shelter of the rocks and shouted, "Riders of Rohan, what news from the Mark!"

Instantly, even as Buffy scrambled to catch up to the trio, the riders wheeled around on them, horses racing as they surrounded them in a tight circle, the Riders who did not have bows drawn had spears pointed at them.

Even as Buffy shot Aragorn a scathing glare for this show of greatness, and pulled up the hood of her cloak to cover her face; the lead rider, face covered by his helmet, moved closer, and looked at them in barely disguised wonder. Both the fair folk, and the mountain folk were the things of children's tales to most of the Rohirrim.

"What business does an Elf, a man, a woman and a Dwarf have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly!" he commanded, and the Dwarf visibly bristled at his scornful and suspicious tone.

Gimli's hands clenched around his axe and he glared at the man, "Give me your name, Horsemaster, and I shall give you mine." he growled.

Buffy inwardly winced as the man handed his staff to another rider, and dismounted, approaching the Dwarf. She saw Aragorn place a restraining hand on Gimli's shoulder, but she felt that he might be discounting the effect of combining a Dwarf's insulted ire with the rather legendary tempers of the Rohirrim.

The man just let his own glower pierce the Dwarf, as he said derisively, "I would cut off your head, Dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground."

Even as Buffy whirled at the sound of a bow being drawn, Legolas had an arrow nocked and pointed at the man's throat ere she could stop him. "You would die before your stroke fell!" he said with certainty.

Instantly, the riders closed about them, and the threatening spears were now pointed at his neck. Buffy stood stock still, trying to figure out a way of avoiding some fighting, while Aragorn managed to push down Legolas's arm, causing him to lower his bow.

Aragorn held his arms out in a gesture of peace, "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, of the Dúnedain, also called Strider. This is Gimli, son of Glóin, Buffy of the North, and Legolas of the Woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, your king."

The man's sharp gaze rested on Buffy, who tried to hide beneath her hood. She had not exactly changed much since her last visit to Rohan, and she really did not want to open up that old can of worms.

His gaze passed over her, and he removed his helmet, "Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe. Not even his own kin."

Comprehension came quickly to Buffy. Théoden had few kinsfolk living and this man was too young to be Prince Théodred, and that left but one- Éomund's son. He had somewhat of the look of the marshal about him.

She lowered her hood, and stepped forward, drawing his attention, "Éomer?" she asked, seeing his eyes widen in recognition, "Éomund's son? I am Buffy, known to the Rohirrim as Elliandre; I rode with the Riders of the Mark under your father many years ago. Do you not remember me from your childhood? I am no spy."

Éomer looked at her in wonder, "Do all the tales spring from legend? For you look like Elliandre, but she would be much older by now. Much older."

"The blood of the west ages but slowly," Buffy said vaguely, thinking on how Théoden would react to her if this was how Éomer was acting. "And I remember well how you got into trouble for stealing the cook's blueberry pie. I think you'll agree that few know about your escapades back then."

"Elliandre was banished from the Mark," he said warily, "Banished for being a spy, I believe?" his tone was heavy with suspicion.

"Banished by Gríma Wormtongue," Buffy replied calmly, ignoring her companion's stares, "I had hoped that you would have had more sense than to believe his word, son of Éomund."

A small signal from Éomer, and the spears were withdrawn, "Aye, that much is true," he said after a moment, "But you understand that I cannot allow strangers to pass these lands without leave in these dark times."

"Your time would be better spent preparing for Saruman's betrayal, rather than harassing innocent travellers," Buffy replied, "Is he not the greater danger?"

The man grimaced, "Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claims lordship over his lands. My company are those who are loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there, they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets."

Aragorn spoke up then, "We are not spies. We intend no evil to Rohan, nor to any of its folk, neither to man, nor to horse. Will you not hear our tale before you strike?"

"I will," Éomer answered, "But wanderers in the Riddermark would be wise to be less haughty in these days of doubt. We welcomed guests kindly in the better days, but in these times, the unbidden stranger finds us swift and hard. Come! Whom do you serve? At whose command do you hunt orcs in our land? For Elliandre here was reported to be a witch of Dwimordene, and her company is strange. Even if you are who you claim to be, ranger."

Aragorn did not take offence, he knew his roughshod appearance was not lordly as to go with his lineage, "I serve no man, but the servants of Sauron I pursue into whatever land they may go." he said, "We track a party of Uruk-hai westward across the plain. They have taken two of our friends captive and we pursue them where they go."

Éomer's gaze softened slightly, "The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night."

Gimli gasped, "But there were two hobbits?" he said urgently, "Did you see two hobbits with them?"

Aragorn tried to calm him, "They would be small – only children to your eyes." he explained.

Éomer shook his head, and his expression was pitying, "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them." he said, and pointed into the distance, where the hunters could see smoke rising into the sky.

Gimli seemed almost lost for words, "Dead?" he asked softly.

Éomer nodded, "I am sorry." Legolas silently placed his hand on the stricken Dwarf's shoulder, his own face taut with grief.

Aragorn refused to believe it, "We have had a long journey, are we now to find that it has been in vain?" he said, "Through Lórien we came, and thence down the leagues of the Great River to the falls of Rauros. There Boromir was slain by the same orcs whom you destroyed."

"Your news is all of woe!" cried Éomer in dismay, his stony face showing his alarm at the news, for what beset Gondor would oft spread to the Riddermark as well, "Great harm is this death to Minas Tirith, and to us all. He was a worthy man! All spoke his praise. He came seldom to the Mark, for he was ever in the wars on the East-borders; but I have seen him. More like to the swift sons of Eorl than to the grave Men of Gondor he seemed to me, and likely to prove a great captain of his people when his time came. But we have had no word of this grief out of Gondor? When did he fall?"

"It is now the fourth day since he was slain," Aragorn replied quietly, "And since the evening of that day we have journeyed from the shadow of Tol Brandir."

"On foot?" Éomer asked, staring at them anew.

"Yes, even as you see us." Buffy said.

Éomer's eyes widened slightly, "Strider is too poor a name, son of Arathorn," he said, with little jest, "Wingfoot I name you. This deed of the four friends should be sung in many a hall. Forty leagues and five you have measured ere the fourth day is ended! Hardy is the race of Elendil!" he added, knowing that no ordinary man could have done as such.

But his wonder passed swiftly, and the hard lines returned to his face, "But now, lord, what would you have me do? I must leave in haste, for we are pursued by Wormtongue's spies. I spoke warily before my men. We are not yet at open war with the Black Land, and there are some, close to the king's ear, that speak craven counsels; such that banished us, but war is coming. We shall not forsake our old alliance with Gondor, and while they fight, we shall aid them; so say I and all who hold with me. The East-mark is my charge, the ward of the Third Marshal, and I have removed all our herds and herd folk, withdrawing them beyond Entwash, and leaving none here but guards and swift scouts."

"Then that is why the land is empty," Buffy mused, "But what of your defences? Is nothing being prepared?"

"The King believes that Saruman is our ally," Éomer replied, "And not even the counsel of his own kin can sway him. Rohan prepares for nothing save what I do. But the time has come for us to depart, but your pursuit is a valiant one and I shall aid you." He turned and whistled, "Hasufel! Arod! Linseld!" And three horses trotted up, "May these horses bear you to better fortune than their former masters. Farewell!" he said as he replaced his helmet and mounted his horse.

"Look for your friends." he said as he turned Firefoot, "But do not trust to hope, it has forsaken these lands. We ride north!" he called to his men, and they departed in a thunder of hooves, leaving the hunters to turn and gaze at the smoke coming from away.

-

The hunters were angling across the plains towards Fangorn Forest, when Aragorn allowed his mount to fall back into step with Buffy's.

"You never told me that you were banished," he said, eyeing her clearly uncomfortable stance.

"I don't have to tell you everything, Aragorn," Buffy replied wearily, "Can we please not talk of this right now?"

"You never want to talk, Buffy," he replied, "You do your best to avoid me, even when we are forced into close quarters, and you are distant from me as you have never been before."

"And did you ever think that perhaps my personal business is none of your business, Aragorn?" Buffy replied testily, "You cannot know everything."

"Oh, I am well aware of that, Dagnir," Aragorn said, thinking of the secrets she had kept and still kept from him, "But I wonder at your cold heart. There was a time when I knew warmth from you rather than this chill."

"There was a time when you didn't have stupid ideas in your head," she said in return, "And I so don't want to get into this now. Merry and Pippin may be dead; do you really think this is an appropriate place for this discussion? Not to mention that Legolas can hear what we say as clearly as if we were right alongside him."

"As you wish it," Aragorn replied, "Even if I do think that you get your way overmuch lady. Tell me of your time in Rohan instead."

Hazel eyes narrowed menacingly, "You have been taking lessons from Elrond," she said after a moment, "But that trick seldom worked with me, ranger. You would do well not to try it."

"Why? Can I make you any madder than you already seem to be with me? Do I really deserve this treatment? I have been nothing but honest with you."

"You have only offered me dreams built on foundations of quicksand, Aragorn," Buffy said quietly, "I am not such a fool as to accept them. I might have once, but I have grown up Aragorn. And I know all too well that the world isn't fair, but I'm not about to help myself be screwed. Do not speak to me of this again. And if we go to Rohan, keep that mouth of yours shut. When I left, 'Elliandre' was not held in high regard by the King or his advisors."

"Buffy, you cannot keep running."

"Aragorn, if I was running, I'd have left with Sam and Frodo, or taken my own path when the fellowship broke. Do not chasten me for being realistic." Nudging her horse into a faster pace, she settled in beside Legolas and Gimli upon Arod, where Aragorn would not challenge her again.

Yet.

-

A/N: Well? Feedback wanted please! Please READ and REVIEW!

Next chapter: The hunters encounter more than a few surprises in Fangorn… the White Wizard stalks them… some interesting scenes between Buffy and Aragorn…

Elvish:

Dagnir - slayer

Mellon - friend

Dúnedain - men of the West

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Dwimordene - the name in Rohan for the Golden Wood of Lothlórien. It has generally been villainised by superstition, old wives' and soldiers' tales of the Lady who dwells there, and how she weaves her spells with sorcerers and net-weavers. All completely untrue, but none of the Rohirrim have ever gone near the Wood and they fear it.

Éomer - son of Éomund of Eastfold and Princess Théodwyn, sister to Théoden King. Born in 2991. Has lived with Théoden King since his parents death 3002.

Éomund of Eastfold - Chief Marshal of the Mark. Would go on to be brother-in-law to Théoden King of Rohan and father to Éomer and Éowyn.

Éowyn - daughter of Éomund of Eastfold and Princess Théodwyn, sister to Théoden King. Born in 2995. Has lived with Théoden King since her parents death 3002.

House of Eorl - the House of the Kings of Rohan. Named after Eorl the Young who first settled in Rohan, and was their first leader.

Théodred - Son of King Théoden of Rohan, slain in the First Battle of the Fords of Isen.

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