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 Aragorn and Buffy's strained relationship ever be resolved? What will Aragorn do with the information, the secret, which he now knows? What has Arwen planned? In addition, what will happen when the Three rise up in fury? Will Buffy be able to fulfil her duty when she's now the hunted? 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? Moreover, what path does Boromir now follow?

Author's notes: Sorry about the formatting of the last chapter before I reposted it. It seems ff dot net struck again… sighs…

In addition, I am very sorry for the delay on this chapter but I was in hospital. So no access to a computer to even write the chapter, let alone post it! And I am still sick!

PS. - Any other ff dot net authors out there experiencing troubles with their author alerts? Or reviews not appearing on the page or in your e-mail box? 'Cos ff . Net seems to be eating mine.

Review responses:

Allen Pitt - Sorry, no crossover people until sequel. And yes, ubervamp is a no. However, I think that I have something better…

Ally - Sorry, I've been sick. But yes, school has been a factor.

Amanda aka hungry piranha - It is an interesting idea and thanks for your comments, but I don't think I can use it. I already have my plans for that sequence.

Anna - hi! And you have my personal sympathy. I hate it when the hard drive mucks things up! And as for Buffy burning somebody… well, I really cannot say but read the Helms Deep sequence closely… and I am following a combination of book, movie and Asha-verse. How's school? One word: - BRUTAL!

Anna Rossini - thanks! And you are right, but not until the sequel! Shh!

Anyanka of the Ocean - thanks! And it has only been a chapter or two for poor Boromir! And don't be so sure about Éowyn, remember how she doesn't like following Théoden's orders?

Anya Observian - thanks! And yes, Buffy will find out the whole mess in time. And what exactly is the cheese army?

Belligerent-road-pylon - you would be surprised… get used to conniving Aragorn though. I quite like him. So I think I will keep him. And yes, I will be bringing in the whole Éowyn/Faramir thing. I like that part. And you are shaking your fish?

Boo - and the fact that she has no idea what she has just landed herself in…

BuffyandDracoLover - depends on when she finds out…

Cornish rex - thanks!

Dreamer Child - welcome back! I'm sorry that you are ill. From experience, I know it sucks. And as to your idea, maybe…

FallenStar2 - hi! Thanks! Glad to see that you get the Théoden/Buffy friction. But I think he will get a wake up call. And yes, I love Aragorn's plot. So devious, so underhanded, so great! You have it dead on when you say that he has got what he wants now. Until Buffy finds out anyway. And by that time, it should be interesting to see how even more outlandish the rumours have gotten. And I also agree with you on Éowyn. She does not know Aragorn, she can't love him. But she does want what she thinks he represents. I am saving love for another guy! And Buffy aboutto be placed in a touchy situation? Yeah, that comes to a head next chapter… and a clear head probably will not be possible! Okay, there is no way that Boromir's part of the story is over yet. He is going to drift into the background for a bit while I put my Grand Plot in action. But then he is going to re-enter with a bang! After all, I can't let you guys know what is going to happen, now can I? And Gandalf the Grey has become the White. After that transformation, in my opinion, he did become more of a hardass. After all, he has a job to do and very little time to do it. And you had to ask that question didn't you? You have jinxed her now, you know. What could Sauron possibly have that could overtake a slayer? It should be interesting to find out. But one warning, it's nasty! I also thought the book glossed over some parts too. A little more interaction would have been nice! And I like novel length reviews!

GoldenRat - (grins) the hard way…

goldenshadows - if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?

Haley - (smiles mysteriously) What about Narya?

Kit-Kat - thanks! And yes, all is fair in love and war. And reinforcements are coming. Let Buffy beware!

Light Spinner - Told ya:) And of course, he will have a problem if Buffy hears the rumours first but hey, he's not going to be there! And trust me; if Buffy uses Narya, it is not going to be intentionally. Since she has no idea what she is doing.

Lindiel Eryn - I think they have enough wedges. If I have to add some new ones, I really better get started at destroying some of the old ones… and I see no reason why Erkenbrand could not come into this story so I did it.

Lunawolf - ah, 'tis good to be prepared. And I am swinging into gear for some EVIL twists!

Mari - Théoden… that would be love for Éowyn, anger, pride and a dislike for other people issuing him orders at work there. And yes, Buffy may be underestimating her worth but then again she is not exactly delirious with happiness at the moment. NO DAWN! I hate Dawn. The only Dawn in this story is the one where the sun rises every morning! And the monster sent to Saruman should make for oodles of fun! (Cackles)

Miss Ai - I suppose he is. But then again he did have his mind hijacked by Saruman for a while there.

Onlimain - hi! And you are not the only one to underestimate Aragorn! Or me. But thank you! And you should know that I do twist things about and if I let people off easy on one thing, I usually pay it back threefold later.

PrecariousPersonata - thanks! Okay, Buffy does not want the responsibility of Narya 'cos it's like a big bull's-eye target drawn on her back. She does not know how to work it, she's not immortal and she always wanted to be normal anyway. Also, she feels like she had enough trouble with the slayer thing anyway. And no, I have never read Catcher in the Rye. And in my opinion, I think Éowyn wanted the glory and the freedom of a warrior but never really considered that there were other consequences than death.

Procrastinating - what can I say? I usually update quickly. And that ledge was long. Very long. And they fell off different sides. Also, Buffy wasn't trying to ride a Balrog. And in reference to chapter 34, Buffy never gave him the chance. She panicked. And I had to sow the seeds for the rest of the story…

Rosie - thanks! Glad you like my devious little Aragorn! For one thing, the monster Sauron sent is new. It's very evil. And Sauron has decided to show his devious side… and sadly, my mock finals were only over Wednesday 2nd March! Ahhh!

ShawThang - thanks! And yes, the two women's friendship will definitely be sorely tested! Thanks for all your comments! They were great! And the whole grouching Buffy's bedroom scene kinda came from nowhere. (Shrugs) It happens. And eight lines on Boromir were better than no lines on Boromir! He is on a top secret classified mission. I cannot give anything away. No matter how much I would like to!

Siren's Call - thanks! And do I think Éowyn would have a chance? I think if she didn't have Buffy as competition, she just might. But I have always been partial to the idea of her and Faramir….

Star - a lot of people seem to love sneaky Aragorn! And nearly everything he does leads to trouble for someone. But this time he has a 'get out of jail free' card….

Talina - thanks! You have a good deductive brain, you know that? And Dawn is definitely not coming into this arc of stories. Ever. You have some very good thoughts. What a pity I can't confirm them…

Tenshikoneko03 - she will… and to put it mildly Buffy is going to be very busy at Helms Deep! And yes, all hell is going to break loose anyway…

Wild320 - thanks!

And major thanks to:

Emerald sorceress, General Mac, jumping-jo, Night-Owl123, Sukera, The Lady Reaper of the Shadows, Tommy14, XinnLajgin, yummy,

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: THE GREAT ESCAPE

Edoras, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 4.

Seated upon her mount, moving at a frustrating pace over the lush grassland of Rohan, Buffy looked at the man who rode beside her, foregoing a place by Théoden's side, "What chances do you think we really have?" she asked quietly.

His ears, sharper than most Men's, caught her words easily, and grey eyes looked at her intensely, "It all depends on whether Erkenbrand's warriors await us," he said, "And if the people of the Westfold have managed to survive the assault on their lands."

"We travel with so few," Buffy murmured, careful not to let Éowyn, who walked beside the mounted Gimli up ahead, overhear her words, "Even if everything we hope for comes to pass, who knows what Saruman will throw at us? I have never been to Helms Deep. I do not know its defences but I'm afraid that they're not going to be enough."

"Perhaps not," Aragorn agreed, "But that is the risk we take every time we go into battle. The stakes are simply bigger this time."

Buffy, with narrowed eyes, noticed the frequent glances Éowyn cast at Aragorn, in spite of Gimli's attempts to distract her, "It seems that your grand plan failed," Buffy said dryly, "Éowyn still looks at you."

Aragorn looked at the young Shieldmaiden at her words, "She is young," he said, "She does not care for me. She cares only for what she thinks I am."

"Well, the whole 'womenfolk need protecting' thingy tends to be kinda annoying," Buffy drawled, "Especially when you want to fight."

"'Twould seem that Gimli is enjoying himself," Aragorn said, "'Tis a pity that Legolas scouts ahead. I daresay that he would have had a few comments of his own on their choice of conversation."

Buffy's lips twitched and then curled upwards in a small smile, "Yes, I definitely think he would have," she said, even as Gimli continued rambling on about the many myths surrounding the Dwarves.

"It is true you don't see many Dwarf women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, that they are often mistaken for Dwarf men." Gimli announced, his voice easily reaching the ranger and slayer's ears, his tone plainly stating that he thought the notion absurd. Buffy had to smother a laugh but her mirth faded as she caught Éowyn's gaze lingering on Aragorn yet again.

And hazel eyes hardened into icy chips as Aragorn, plainly amused, made a gesture to the smiling Shieldmaiden and murmured for her ears only, "'Tis the beards.…"

A faint hint of red coloured Éowyn's cheeks but she held the ranger's gaze before Gimli's words drew her attention away again. Buffy watched the scene play out in annoyance. Pretending to be betrothed? She thought somewhat snarkily, yeah right. Her mood soured and even Gimli's observations on the Dwarven race could not cheer her.

"And this, in turn, has given rise to the belief that there are no Dwarf women. And that dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground!" At his words, Éowyn laughed brightly and Buffy watched Aragorn's eyes linger on her longer than she thought proper. Typical men, she complained, never happy unless they had eye candy.

The Dwarf was laughing himself, "Which is of course ridiculous…" And with some alarm, Buffy watched him slip in his seat but ere she could warn him, the horse lurched under him, "Whoa!" Gimli cried in alarm, as the reins were ripped from Éowyn's loose grip and the horse galloped away, throwing Gimli off after a short distance until he landed on his rump in a clang of armour and a loud thump.

Legolas, newly returned from his scout, arrived just in time to witness the unfortunate event and he went to his friend even as Éowyn rushed forward to aid the Dwarf. Gimli's eyes widened as he saw his Elven friend approach, valiantly trying to keep from laughing and he struggled to get up, brushing off Éowyn's hold and desperately trying to regain his dignity, "It is alright, it is alright. Nobody panic. That was deliberate. It was deliberate." Legolas decided to just nod and smirk and save his teasing for a more opportune time, even as Théoden drew rein near Buffy and Aragorn and ignoring the slayer, leaned in to talk to the ranger.

"I have not seen my niece smile for a long time." Théoden said, giving Aragorn a look Buffy was not sure she wanted to read into. "She was but a girl when they brought her father back dead having been cut down by orcs. After that, she watched her mother succumb to grief. Then she was left alone, to tend her king growing fear. Doomed to wait upon an old man, who should have loved her as a father… You are good for her."

Beside and slightly behind Aragorn now, Buffy's eyes widened at Théoden's blatant implication, her head snapped around to look at the ranger, who looked pensive, and was staring at Éowyn as the King smiled at his preoccupation and drifted away. He just could not be serious, could he? Buffy thought as Théoden, with a self-satisfied smile, rejoined his escort.

But then she looked between Éowyn and Aragorn and she felt her heart ache at the sight.

Éowyn was laughing as she brushed a thoroughly embarrassed Dwarf off and by her side; Legolas was poking fun at his friend's misfortune and poor horsemanship. With the sun shining down on her, glinting off her golden mane and the wind playing with the long tresses, Aragorn seemed enchanted for a moment. She was painfully reminded of Legolas's remarks to her. And she thought again at her response.

Distracted by the feel of Aragorn's stare on the Lady of Rohan, she kept her voice cool as she spoke, "Do I have to remind you that you are 'betrothed'?" she said with a surprising amount of dispassion, "If you want this thing to work, stop gawking unless you want a dagger in your gut and a message winging its way to the twins about a certain incident which led to them having green skin, you'd better remember it. Got it?"

Aragorn looked at her in surprise and felt the last vestiges of foresight slip away as his gaze drifted from Éowyn. He must have been caught up in it. Buffy looked annoyed with him and her threat was not an idle one. But he had to hide his smirk at her chilly demeanour and the stroke of luck that had led to this confirmation of his hopes.

It seemed that even fate was willing to intervene on his behalf in this chase…

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Camp, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 4. Night.

Legs and horses weary, Théoden ordered a halt when dusk fell and the few soldiers he had with him ringed the camp area, most asleep on the outskirts but with shifts for the needed sentries. As had Éowyn led Buffy to sleep beside her, and Legolas was stalking Gimli who was trying to avoid a rehashing of his earlier encounter with his mount, Aragorn was left alone.

Conscious of the undoubtedly exhausting battle they would have ahead of them, he decided to forego the pleasure of a smoke, and he drifted into the land of dreams with ease as soon as his head was pillowed on his bedroll.

But he was blissfully unaware of the thin tendrils of… something that seemed to soothe him to sleep.

ooooooooo

A gentle arm shook him, disturbing him from his slumber and irritated, he cracked open one eyelid.

A smiling face greeted him, "Hello sleepyhead," his wife said teasingly, "Have you forgotten that you are hosting a ball tonight? And that the King can't go missing when he's the host?"

"Buffy?" he said groggily, blinking in surprise. Something niggled him at the back of his mind, that something was not right about this scene. But almost as soon as he thought of it, it slipped away from his grasp, into the fog that seemed to eclipse his mind. And unconcerned, he did not fight it.

Instead, as other memories rose to the surface, familiar and yet strange at the same time, he let himself go with the moment.

Grabbing the silk-covered arm, he tugged her down onto the bed and rolled them over so that he had the advantage. "And if I am the king," he said playfully, as she smiled up at him, giggling softly at his sleep tousled state, "Then the ball cannot start until I arrive."

Buffy swatted his shoulder, "And you shall leave me to listen to your steward and counsellors harp on about how disrespectful of protocol you are and how I am supposed to keep you in line? Don't you think that I get enough of that already?"

Aragorn simply grinned, "Because we all know how much you fear my advisors…" he said sarcastically, "After all, 'tis not like they visibly flinch when you lecture them, is it meleth?"

Buffy mock-glared at him, "You are in some form today, mister," she replied, "And you're wrinkling my dress. I'm going to get lectured on that too."

"As if you care," Aragorn said, "In fact, I think it makes you look quite deliciously rumpled."

"There's no need to remind me that I married a lecher," she said jokingly, "But seriously we have to get a move on. We're late."

He idly played with a lock of long golden hair, only mildly interested in her words. "As I said, they can wait." he said, leaning in for a long, slow kiss.

Buffy blinked when he pulled back, "That is so not getting you off the hook mister," she said warningly, and her eyes widened when she understood his intentions. "Aragorn, we can't! We will be late. People will talk!"

"Let them talk," Aragorn answered with a wolfish grin, his eyes devouring his wife's fair form, and then whatever reply she might have made was lost as he kissed her…

ooooooooo

Contentedly asleep, he dreamt, unaware of any interference.

From his mind, the tendrils withdrew. His own foresight could furnish the rest, they knew. They had done their part.

'Twas time to leave him to his own devices now.

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Rohan, 3019 TA, March 5.

Aragorn truly did not know what to make of his dreams.

While he had dreamt of such bliss before, he had never done so with such clarity, and he could not hep but feel that this one was somehow important.

He had never had a dream that felt so real. And as he tried to work though the meaning, he was grateful that Buffy was away with Legolas, scouting out the plains. It gave him some space to think.

And so, as he pondered the possibilities, he was unaware that to others he appeared pensive and withdrawn. Nor was he aware of Éowyn walking alongside him until she spoke.

"Where is she? The woman who gave you that jewel?"

Éowyn had been staring at the glittering gemstone necklace for longer than she would ever admit to. Her mind had conjured up all sorts of possibilities for the ranger to wear such a thing. But the obviously feminine design and the open way he wore it suggested to her that it had been the gift of a lover. Or perhaps something more. And at last, she could take the agony of imagining him with another no longer and she forced herself to ask the burning question.

Aragorn looked at her, blinking owlishly in surprise at being addressed. Then he glanced at her and his hand involuntarily went up to touch the magnificent jewel. He said nothing for a long while and so Éowyn felt she had to prod him again. She could not depart without an answer now.

"My lord?" she asked gently, looking at him intently.

Aragorn's face saddened as he thought on his foster sister, and once betrothed, and the fact that Elrond would give her little choice in her path West now that she had made her choice to cleave to Elvenkind, "She is sailing to the Undying Lands, with all that is left of her kin."

Surprised at his melancholy tone, she forced herself to ask, "What was her name, this lady of yours?"

He looked at her strangely, but answered, "Lady Arwen Undómiel," he replied, "And she is not my lady."

Éowyn felt her hopes rise at that statement. If the lady had left for the Undying Lands, then she must be of the Elven-kindred. And that meant that a match between her and Lord Aragorn was impossible. It seemed that things had worked out better than she had hoped. Instead of facing competition from a lady that awaited him somewhere in the north, all she had to compete with was the ghost of his memories of her. And that, she felt, she could overcome.

And at least she knew the name of her invisible rival now.

Arwen.

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But unbeknownst to Éowyn, 'twas not Aragorn that pined over the loss of the fair Undómiel, but Legolas Greenleaf…

Rohan, 3019 TA, March 4. night.

As he passed his days watching the merry jig that Aragorn and Buffy were leading, he found himself missing his own lady. One whom he had yet to spend any time together as lovers and not just friends. 'Twas why his friend's courtship dance both amused and saddened him. He, who had never been anything other than independent, found himself missing her. And his father. But there was another story he did not want to think about until the war for Middle Earth was over. He suffered no delusions that even if he came home victorious that he would be spared his father's not inconsiderable wrath.

Pushing the thoughts of their last meeting out of his head, he tried to relax and drift into Elven reverie but found himself oddly troubled. Still, persevering, he finally found himself stepping half out of the waking world and into the Elven dreamscape.

As he slipped deeper under, a voice came to his ears, soft and sweet, "The light of the Evenstar does not wax and wane…. It is mine to give to whom I will… Like my heart, Greenleaf…. Go to sleep…"

Blinking in surprise, he looked up to see the familiar face of Arwen bent over him. Looking around him, he saw that he was reclining on a sofa and that Arwen was sitting alongside him, watching him patiently.

Recognising the lush grounds and views of Rivendell, he returned his gaze to knowing grey eyes, "Arwen?" he asked, "No. I am asleep. This is a dream."

Arwen laughed and her hand slid up to rest on his chest, "Then it is a good dream." she said soothingly, "I could not resist, meleth. I felt your distress."

"Arwen? How?" he asked, a hand reaching up to cup her face.

"My daernaneth taught me many things," she replied softly, "You should know how gifted she is."

"I had not realised that it had passed to you." Legolas answered, "Why Arwen?"

"As I said, I could feel your distress," the Evenstar said, standing up and crossing to the balcony. "I know not how. But it came to me and I could not allow you to continue on without solace."

At her words, he dragged himself into a seating position, "Then I am truly grateful," he said, his words tinged with the happiness he felt, "But are you sure your adar will not be appearing shortly, to come after my head?"

She returned to his side, a soft smile curling her lips, "I assure you, he will not, meleth." she said, "Adar will not disturb us this night."

Though he longed to ask her more, to talk with her. Oh, he had so many things to tell her! She leant down and kissed him sweetly and then she whispered, "Sleep…" she murmured, "I will guard your dreams this night…" and he felt himself slipping back into the soothing calm of his dreams.

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The Last Homely House, Imladris. 3019 TA, February 14. (Flashback)

Not unexpectedly, Glorfindel found them with their sister, on the terrace overlooking the Bruinen.

"Gwenyn," he said, entering the room, "Your adar wishes to see you in his study immediately."

As one, the trio looked at each other. Arwen smirked slightly at them, "What have you done this time, you terrors? You have not been as foolish as to torment Erestor again, have you?"

Elladan shook his head in perplexity, "Nothing that I know of. And we would not go near to Erestor. He has taken to carrying knives since before the Fellowship left." And Elrohir echoed his denial, though clearly, Arwen did not believe them.

Glorfindel just looked at them sternly, golden hair flashing in the sunlight, "Now, gwenyn." he said shortly.

Slightly worried now, they made haste to where their adar awaited them. As they entered, they saw Elrond holding a sheet of parchment. Grey eyes were worried as he looked on his twin sons, but he did what he knew needed to be done. "A message has come from the Golden Wood," he said, handing the parchment to Elrohir, "From your daernaneth."

The twins leaned over the parchment as Glorfindel closed the door behind him, leaving to oversee the border patrol and giving the family some privacy.

Elrond,

The Fellowship has passed through the Golden Wood. I regret to tell you of the loss of Gandalf during their passage of the Mines of Moria. But I do not think all is lost. However, I send you this message to bid you aid your foster son.

The time is near. He shall reclaim the kingship or die trying. Bring to him the tools of the king. Bring him the sceptre and the banner. Bring him the aid he needs.

To the sons of my daughter, hear this: - Aragorn has need of his kindred. Let the Dúnedain ride to him in Rohan!

There was no signature but it needed none. They knew whom it was from.

"We will ride immediately in search of Halbarad," Elladan said as soon as they had finished reading the letter.

Elrond closed his eyes in anguish. He had feared this. But he knew that they could not be stopped. "Please, be careful." he pleaded.

Elrohir placed a hand on his sire's, "It will be alright, ada," he said soothingly, "Aragorn will triumph. And so will we."

But as Elrond felt fear well up within him, he saw Vilya glow and before he could register what was happening, both Elladan and Elrohir had jumped back from him with a surprised cry.

"What was that?" Elrohir demanded, feeling the shiver run down his spine. It was almost as if something had seeped into him. But that could not be possible. Could it?

Elrond looked at the ring of power he bore upon his finger, cloaked to all those who were not ringbearers themselves. But somehow, he was not worried. 'Twas if Vilya had been trying to ease his fears.

"I know not," he answered, "But do not be troubled. You know where to find the sceptre and Arwen has the banner. But please, come back to me. I could not bear another loss." he said softly, remembering the fate that had befallen his beautiful, brilliant Celebrían.

Elladan nodded tightly, remembering his mother too, looking at his father curiously, but time was against them and they had to ride immediately. Rohan was no short distance away. "Namárië adar," they said and then they departed to round up the Dúnedain and hopefully reach their little brother ere it was too late.

And upon Elrond's finger, Vilya slept, the weaving of protection settling about the two young Elves unbeknownst to anyone.

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While Éowyn was trying to wrangle information out of a reluctant Aragorn, Buffy and Legolas were scouting with Gamling and Háma, who Théoden had insisted on sending, despite their assurances that they did not need watchdogs.

"Something feels wrong," Buffy said, a shiver going down her spine as she snapped into ultra-aware mode.

"I agree," Legolas said grimly, "Something is not right. Let us go to the top of the hill, we must see the plains. They cannot approach unawares from there."

"But they can do it quietly," Buffy muttered, following Legolas.

Gamling just looked at them askance, "What is it?" he demanded and then turned to his friend, "Háma? Do you notice anything?"

Háma looked worried as the horses danced restlessly under them, "I am not sure." he admitted, looking around for any sign of danger.

But the closer they got to the top of the hill, the more creeped out Buffy felt. "Legolas?" she hissed softly, catching his attention, "I think whatever bad is out there, it's kinda waiting for us to go look. How about we don't?"

"I think you may be right," Legolas said, and turned to warn the others but it was too late. A warg scout appeared on the slope, bearing down on them and before they could react, it had launched itself at Háma, killing him.

As it turned its attention on Gamling, Legolas whipped his bow out to kill it, even as Buffy raced back to warn the others, "Aragorn!" she called, "There's a scout! Wargs are coming! Wargs!" she shouted, driving the ranger into action.

Théoden looked up in alarm at her shout, and the sight of Aragorn running towards him, "What is it? What do you see?"

"Wargs!" Aragorn roared, "We are under attack!" And then he was running to help the others.

And for the first time since he had led his people out of Edoras, Théoden King felt like he had just made the biggest mistake of his life.

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As Aragorn shouted out the warning to the king, the villagers and townsfolk began to cry out in panic, hysteria taking hold of them as the king tried to organise the warriors he had, desperately hoping that it would be enough.

"All riders to the head of the column!" he shouted, seeing even Gimli scrabbling to get up on the Elf's horse.

"Come on, get me up here, I'm a rider! Argh! I am not letting that pointy eared tree squirrel have all the fun!" he shouted as a nearby soldier pushed him up onto the horse.

From the head of the group came the warnings from the Elf and Buffy, warning them that only so much time could be bought and making his way through the crowd to his niece, he grabbed Éowyn's hand to stop her in her tracks, seeing the knife she held.

"Éowyn!" he said as he reached her, "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep. And make haste!"

As he knew she would, she argued fiercely, "I can fight! Do not send me away like this!"

Théoden shook his head, "No! You must do this... for me. The people will follow you. They look up to you. Someone has to lead them out ere they die at the hands of the wargs. You must do this. 'Tis no shame to ensure the safety of your people, Éowyn."

At his pleading entreaty, she gave in, unable to risk her people's lives for her own desire and nodded shortly, "I will do it." she said, "I will see them safe."

"That is all I ask," he said in relief, and watched for a moment as she turned to attend to the villagers before he called to his men.

"Follow me!" he bellowed, leading the Rohirrim to take on the wargs and buy Éowyn the time she needed to get their people away.

Conscious of the responsibility she now held, Éowyn did her duty and led the townsfolk towards safer ground, "Make for the lower ground! Stick together!" she ordered.

But even as she led the panicking crowd away, she turned around to see Aragorn wheeling around on Hasufel, and their eyes met for a moment ere he pitched into the fight. Even at this distance, she could hear the roars of the wargs and their orc riders.

And selfish though it was, she found herself wishing that he, above all, would be alright.

And that he would come back to her.

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Even as Théoden led his riders in a charge, Legolas was already felling their enemies with his bow and so was Buffy. But all too soon, the wargs closed in, which meant sword work was needed now.

Even as she whirled and ducked and dodged, the cold steel of her blade cutting deep into orc and warg flesh, she could hear the now familiar banter between Elf and Dwarf, over their respective kill counts. "Argh! That one counts as mine!" she could hear Gimli bellow and could only imagine Legolas's returned smirk. It gave her some comfort as the fighting turned increasingly into close quarters as Théoden's warriors met the wargs.

She grunted as a warg tried to jump onto her and spotting the crossbow its rider carried, she snatched a fallen one off the ground, and took aim, "Now this is an interesting test of your reflexes; can you turn and fire that thing before I skewer you?"

She fired and the orc fell, "Oops. Guess not." she said and then turned to her next victim, unaware of Théoden's considering eyes upon her.

Unfortunately, she was also unaware of the danger facing Aragorn as she hacked and slashed her way towards Gimli and Legolas.

She did not realise that word of the Heir of Isildur's re-emergence had spread to the canny wizard.

And she had not realised that he would eliminate the risk he saw in him…

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Aragorn grunted in pain as a warg slammed into him and he was knocked off his mount. Scrambling for his sword, he tried to stab the orc but the scimitar it carried blocked him and cruel fingers grabbed him by the back of his neck, dragging him along with the warg and its rider. The cruel slice of a blade bit into his shoulder but his straits were too desperate for him to give the strangely burning pain more than passing notice.

Feeling the fingers trying to choke him, Aragorn struggled desperately and after several fruitless blows managed to land a strike in the orcs torso, but as the orc bellowed in pain, Aragorn was unaware of the snapping of the chain around his neck as the orc fell off the warg, rolling along the ground. But he did not know that it had already accomplished its duty. And its sole purpose in being sent.

Free from the choking grip, Aragorn tried to separate himself from the warg but somehow he was stuck and he could not see what was holding him to the beast. At least, until he realised that his wrist was tangled in the saddle straps.

Unsuccessfully, he desperately tried to detangle himself but it was to no avail. Looking up, he saw the edge of a cliff looming dangerously near and he renewed his struggles but again, it was no use.

The warg was going too fast and could not stop. And even as he tried to cut the leather straps holding him, the warg reached the edge and pitched them both over the cliff. Plummeting to their untimely ends.

His last thought was an apology to all he had failed before his body met the shock of icy water and cold stone and darkness overtook him.

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Rohan, 3019 TA, March 4.

Shadowfax lived up to his reputation, swiftly covering the ground over Rohan and bearing him to his destination. To find one Éomer, son of Éomund, and his éored.

He had found them quicker than even he had hoped. Apparently, the young lord's temper was quick when it came to destroying any orcs that roamed the plains of the Riddermark.

Surrounded at spear-point, he had calmly requested to speak to Lord Éomer, and recognising him from his increasingly infrequent visits to the Mark, Éomer had ordered his men to let him pass. And upon his request for privacy, he had drawn the wizard away to place out of earshot of the men that rode with him.

"You come on some errand, you say," Éomer said, "What is it? And why do you seek me out?"

"I come on behalf of your uncle, the king," Gandalf said urgently, "Saruman's malice has been stripped from him and Gríma Wormtongue cast out of the lands of Rohan."

Éomer looked at him wonder, "Then you have accomplished more than I," he said, "And I do remember your counsel from other years and no spy of Saruman do you seem. But tell me, why should I trust you?"

"You met some friends of mine some days passed," the wizard replied, "A man by the name of Aragorn, a woman, an Elf and a Dwarf."

The young Horse-lord looked at him, "Aye, I met them. And their claims."

"I journeyed with them to Edoras, where we raised the alarm. Saruman brings war to these lands."

"This I know, and long have I tried to warn the king. He would not listen. What has changed now?"

"Théoden King is himself again. Not the dotard you left in the Golden Hall. But renewed in the absence of Saruman's tainted magic. And he has gathered his people and is leading them to Helms Deep as we speak."

"Helms Deep?" Éomer repeated in worry, "But he shall be cornered. Has he not called in the éoreds to defend Rohan?"

"There is no time," Gandalf said, watching Éomer digest the news, "He walks into a trap. He will be caged in the fortress and he has not the men to defend it. I know not what Saruman might throw at him but I know that he would not act unless he was confident that he could overrun you with ease. Saruman's army is moving."

Éomer was silent and Gandalf pressed on, "He needs you and your men, Éomer," he said urgently, "If he does not receive aid, Rohan will fall. You are needed. Desperately."

"Has he not sent the women and children to Dunharrow?" Éomer asked.

"Some may have fled there when the Westfold was burned, but those of Edoras travel to Helms Deep with the King."

"Éowyn? Does she go with them?" he asked tightly.

"Yes, she travels with the king." he answered.

Éomer closed his eyes in defeat, "Then all is lost. We cannot make it to Helms Deep in time. You say that Saruman's forces are already moving. I cannot reach Helms Deep in so little time."

Gandalf just gave him a small smile, "That is where the help of a wizard comes in." he said, "I can get you to Helms Deep in time, son of Éomund, will you come? Will you answer your uncle's call?"

Éomer looked at him, "If you can get us there, wizard, then we will come." he answered and left the wizard to make ready for the journey they would now undertake.

And so it was that Éomer and the thousands strong éored were turned around and began the race to Helms Deep before it was too late.

Before Rohan fell.

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Winded, Buffy surveyed the plains tiredly, strewn as they were with bodies and too many of them belonging to men.

Crossing to Legolas when she heard him call for Aragon, she looked at him in alarm, "Have you not seen Aragorn?" she asked tremulously.

Gimli shook his head, "Nay, lass," he answered and then added his voice to the call, "Aragorn!"

Alarmed beyond measure, she tried to reach out with her senses for him, but all she felt was a taint of some sort and blackness. There was nothing. She could not sense him.

Only the stench of poison.

Heart clenching in fear, she staggered slightly, "Oh my god," she whispered, "Not him. Please, not him…"

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Desperately tracing Aragorn's tracks, they came across an orc still wheezing and laughing as the life bled out of him.

Gimli, with increasing dread, stood over the orc, brandishing his axe, even as Buffy watched on mute with fear and dread, "Tell me what happened and I will ease your passing." Gimli ordered.

The orc simply laughed, one that sent a chill through their hearts, "He's … dead." he said, coughing and laughing, "Took a little tumble off the cliff…"

Legolas looked towards the edge of the cliff even as Buffy's eyes widened and he grabbed the orc, "You lie!" But even as the orc died in his grasp, Legolas spotted a familiar sparkle in his hand and with increasing sorrow and dread; he reached down and lifted the Evenstar necklace.

He ran to the cliff even as Buffy picked up the orcs blade, stained with red blood. Aragorn's blood.

Silently joining her friends at the ledge, she looked down at the great drop and the rushing waters below, intermingled with treacherous rocks.

There was no sign of Aragorn.

Calmly, too calmly in her friends' opinion, she held out the blade, "It was poisoned." she said blankly, "Even if he survived the fall…." She could not say the words. Could not say that he was dead.

From behind them, they heard Théoden's voice, "Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return. Leave the dead."

Legolas turned in anger, "We must find him!"

Théoden saw the necklace in his hand and Buffy's blank stare towards the cliff drop and knew what had happened. In sympathy, he put a hand on Legolas's shoulder, "We must go before more come," he said softly, "Come."

And then he walked away, leaving the trio of friends to their privacy and their grief.

Legolas grasped Buffy's arm, "I am so sorry, meldiren," he said quietly and opened his fist to show her the Evenstar necklace.

Dumbly, Buffy took the Evenstar necklace from Legolas's hand, "He cannot be dead! He cannot!" she cried in anguish, the numbness vanishing as her heart broke again.

"Buffy, he fell. I am sorry but we must move on," Gimli said gruffly, patting her on the back in an attempt at comfort, denying his own grief until a more private time.

"No, I must look for him. He is my charge. I swore not to leave him." Buffy said, trying to move towards the cliff, to find a way down but Legolas's strong grip held her back.

Legolas looked at her in pitiful and sorrowed understanding, "You could search for weeks and never find him. You said yourself that he has been poisoned as well. there is nothing we can do, mellon. If he is alive, trust that he will come back to us. And if he is not, then you are better served at Helms Deep. Théoden lives in a dream world. You were a captain of Gondor; the men will follow you where Théoden cannot lead them."

"I am a captain of nothing!" Buffy said, her vision clouded with tears she refused to let fall.

And as anguish filled her heart, and the bond she seldom used remained empty as it never had been before, she allowed Legolas to lead her away.

He was gone.

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As her devastation grew stronger at this loss, at her failure, so did her need for revenge. And so when the foresight came, 'twas with cold and malicious revenge that she saw the wizard's destruction.

She cared not who did it. As long as everything he had was ripped away from him piece by piece. The booming, chanted words of his imminent destruction echoed in her head and put a fell smile on her face.

'To Isengard! Though Isengard be ringed and barred with doors of stone,

Though Isengard be strong and hard, as cold as stone and bare as bone,

We go, we go, we go to war, to hew the stone and break the door;

For bole and bough are burning now, the furnace roars - we go to war!

To land of gloom with tramp of doom, with roll of drum, we come, we come;

To Isengard with doom we come!

With doom we come, with doom we come!'

Saruman would get what was coming to him.

The Ents would not kill him. But he would lose everything he had built.

And when she was ready….

She would take away his life just as he had taken away Aragorn's….

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

Next chapter: They reach Helms Deep… Buffy is in shock… Arwen and Elrond talk…. Preparations for war…. And Haldir comes back into this fic!

Elvish:

Meleth - love

Undómiel - Evenstar

Daernaneth - grandmother

Adar - father

Gwenyn - twins

Namárië - farewell

Meldiren - my friend

Mellon - friend

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Bruinen - translated: Loudwater. The river bordering the valley of Rivendell. It is under Elrond's sway and he can make it flood at need.

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

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.

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.

Gríma Wormtongue - Counsellor of King Théoden and agent of Saruman.

Háma - Captain of the household of King Théoden.

Hornburg - fortress in Rohan at the entrance to Helm's Deep

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.

Meduseld - the Golden Hall of Edoras, in Rohan. The residence of the King and the court.

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.

Númenor - Land of the Star. Translated 'Westland'. When Elros Half-Elven, Elrond's twin, chose to be of the Race of Men, the Valar granted him an island to rule over. It was prepared by the Valar as a dwelling place for the Edain after the First Age. Elros, granted a longer lifespan because of his Elven heritage, and the rest of the Edain who followed him were long lived as well, became Elros Tar-Minyatur, first King of Númenor.

Orthanc - the great Númenórean tower in the Circle of Isengard. Home of Saruman.

Vilya - the Ring of Air. Strongest of the three Elven Rings made by Celebrimbor. Borne by Elrond.

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