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, that he now knows? What has Arwen planned? And 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? And what path does Boromir now follow?

Author's notes: Ah… the great debate begins… To kill Haldir or not to kill Haldir? That is the question…. I do wonder what I will do….. (Cackles)

Review responses:

Alliana Greenleaf Halliwe - thanks! Kill Wormtongue? I am not finished tormenting him yet!

Anya Observian - Didn't get any of that. But thanks anyway!

Anyanka of the Ocean - Thanks! Sorry, glad to see that you're revived now. Ouch about the elbow! I sympathise!

Arcrose - wow! I'm flattered! Thanks! And no one is getting a word about Haldir out of me! I'm going to give you a hint. Saruman's little helper is already crispy… one of them anyway… and why would I want to stop stuff going boom? I like it when things go boom… update on the hobbits will be soon enough, when they reach Ithilien. And no, it was not the Valar interfering in Aragorn's dreams…. Say more like meddling relations…

Boo - considering what I have planned, both.

BuffyandDracoLover - Éowyn gets a wake up call, don't worry.

Dreamer Child - thank you! Helms Deep should be good indeed! (Laughs madly) Interesting scenario on Aragorn and Buffy's reunion. But I hope you like my version! And you sound like your health has had an extreme amount of bad luck.. But hey, I certainly can't talk!

FallenStar2 - Of course, I'm Evil. I aspire to it. And you might be right about Éowyn's future lover…. And I hate to break it to you, but you don't have to jinx Buffy… my muse does enough of that… and the very image of Sauron handing Buffy kegs of beer just makes my head spin….. And Éowyn confronts reality in this chapter… and how did you guess about the Reunion? Maybe, I'm getting predictable… (Author ponders. Then smiles. Light bulb goes off over her head. Hmmm, who can I kill spontaneously then? She wonders…) And let's just say that Arwen has other places to be… (looks everywhere but at the readers….) As for the giant Balrog pit that is school, I have 14 weeks until exams. Then a month of having my brain fried by said exams. And only then am I free…. (Asha begins to scream hysterically…) Someone save me!

Haley - thank you! You're not wrong. He wasn't poisoned in the books, and yes the matchmakers (both of them) were the ones meddling with dreams.

James - (looks mysterious) Could be…..

Kit-Kat - thanks! And you're right about Galadriel! And Buffy assumes that Aragorn is dead because the bond has snapped and Legolas trusts her judgement because she's always known in the past. I honestly don't know why they didn't look in the movies, but hey, that's Peter Jackson's problem.

Light Spinner - thanks! I suppose it can be confusing but if you've got this far into the story in the first place, I think most people will have gotten it.

Liit06 - thanks! And Buffy didn't search for Aragorn because she thinks he's really dead as their link went dead. And Aragorn was kinda caught up with other concerns when talking with Éowyn, so he wasn't really in devious mode right then. And Buffy finds out the whole charade in this chapter!

Lindiel Eryn - thanks! And you are right about the Three. And definitely not malicious! But you do make a very good point…

Loki2525 - very soon…

Lunawolf - thank! And as I've said before, no word of Haldir's fate shall reach my keyboard. And no, Aragorn was not poisoned in the book. That was my own invention. It leads up to something… you'll see in this chapter!

Mari - hi! And no, nothing similar to Dawn. (Muse snarls at Key) And you know I can't tell you where she's going to end up! And yes, the twins are Trouble…

Pamie884 - thanks! And the twins should have an interesting impact on certain characters' sanity…. And oh yes, I definitely can imagine…

PrecariousPersonata - thanks for the review! Well ,I suppose you do kinda feel sorry for Éowyn but then think of the guy she ends up with!

Sabia - thanks! And should I be worried? The Wrath of Sabia sounds ominous….

Shabopo - thanks! Glad to see that I've converted you to my fic anyway! And Buffy's past… Well, let's just say that Aragorn is going to get a crash course….

ShawThang - hi! And it's Buffy's bond with Aragorn that makes her think he's really dead. It's dead to her, so she thinks he's dead too. And I suppose I can throw in some fluff… as for Boromir, I honestly don't know but I can tell you that I'll be bringing back Faramir soon!

Star - Thanks so much! And that is the question isn't it? Don't worry, the answer is in this part! And you're definitely going to see some Narya action soon! And yes, I have something planned for the reunion! And the part was Galadriel's letter was backdated to February 14 so it reached Rivendell before the Fellowship left Lórien. I just had to put the twins in!

Talina - I was in hospital. No computer access. So stop sulking! And you may have a point, but then again, you may not. Hmmm, what could be crossing my evil little mind? And Buffy just knows… she doesn't really get how she knows, (she's a little too mad) but she knows…

Tenshikoneko03 - (pouts) I thought you were my friend! No, seriously, I'm not saying anything about Haldir yet.

Wild320 -I think everyone is hoping that!

XinnLajgin - depends…

And major thanks to:

Athene Saile, Balinese, General Mac, GoldenRat, Imp17, jumping-jo, Night-Owl123, slayergirl, Sukera, The Lady Reaper of the Shadows, Tommy14,

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: DESPERATE HOURS

What though the field be lost?
All is not lost - the unconquerable will,
And study of revenge, immortal hate,
And courage never to submit or yield:
And what is else not to be overcome?

- John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book I

Helms Deep, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 5.

Éowyn paused to wipe her brow, careful to keep her face impassive. She looked at the men with her, "Where is the rest?" she asked, unable to believe that this was all the supplies they had with them.

The man's face was grim as he answered, "This is all we could save, my lady."

She nodded, surveying it and knowing it to be too little but she withheld her sigh and did what she had to do, "Take it into the caves." She opened her mouth to say more but the sound of the horn blowing through the fortress forestalled her and even as she whipped around, she could hear the sounds coming from the gate, "Make way for the King!"

Lifting her skirts, she raced towards the gate to meet with her uncle and his warriors. Dodging the crowds of people intent on doing the same, she made it to the level of the gate just as the guards were trying to clear a path for Théoden.

"Make way for Théoden! Make way for the king!"

Coming to a stop near the horse of her uncle, she studied the ragged train of men following him in, and with horror, she noted how many were not there. "So few…" she said, composure slipping for a moment, "So few of you have returned…"

Her uncle looked weary and grim as he climbed down from Snowmane, "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives." he said gruffly. But there was something in his tone that alarmed her. And worried, her eyes quickly scanned the survivors, looking for him…

Spotting the small figure of the Dwarf, she went over to him, "My lady…" he greeted her but she was in no mood for pleasantries.

"Lord Aragorn, where is he?" she demanded.

"He fell…" a voice as cold as the snows of Caradhras informed her and she turned to find a strangely unanimated Buffy looking at her. The Elf walked beside her, concerned eyes trained on her figure. "He is dead." The blonde head dispassionately looked at the crowed gathered, "Where's the rest of the cavalry?" she asked with no emotion, "Or is this it?"

Éowyn, visibly shaken, tried to answer, "Lord Erkenbrand suffered heavy losses it is said. Alas, he has not made it here yet. But some of his men were left to hold the Deep. Though many more are wounded." She tried to meet Buffy's eyes but could not hold that gaze. Those hazel eyes seemed dead, and yet some unholy light seemed to flicker in their recesses. One that chilled her to the bone. She could not bear to look into those dead eyes, blank save for that dangerous fire.

Legolas noted her discomposure and knew it for what it was when she dropped her eyes. Even he had never seen the slayer like this. For that was what she was. It was if all that made her human, all that made her feel had been ruthlessly repressed and it was only a killing machine that remained. As cold as ice and deadly.

"I am sorry, my lady," he said with some sympathy, looking at the young Shieldmaiden, "But he fell. I am afraid that Buffy spoke true. And now, I must leave you." Taking the slayer's elbow, he led the woman away like he never could have when she was in her right mind. For she followed him without protest, with a concerned Gimli making up the rear.

Legolas did not want anyone around when the storm that was Buffy's temper broke. She had been like this most of the way to the fortress and he did not trust it to last.

As he left with the changed woman in tow, Éowyn stared after them with dawning realisation. Buffy had cared for him too. It was if all the pieces of a puzzle had fallen into place. At once, she left in search of her uncle.

She found him upon the battlements, giving orders to Gamling, "Draw our forces behind the wall. Bar the gate, and set a watch on the surround."

"But what of those who cannot fight, my lord? The women and children?" Gamling asked, neither noticing her presence as she ran up the steps.

"Get them into the caves." Théoden said, slowing his stride as he spotted his niece, "Saruman's arm would have grown long indeed if he thinks he can reach us here. Éowyn, what brings you here?"

She was too upset to bother with formalities, "Lord Aragorn?" she said, "And Buffy? What has passed between them? For they tell me he is dead and she moves as if all compassion has fled her!"

Nodding to Gamling, who departed to give his liege some privacy, Théoden put his arm around her, "Lord Aragorn was betrothed to Buffy," he admitted, unwilling to lie to her face, and knowing the rumours would reach her ears sooner than later, "I think she has taken it hard."

Éowyn's hand flew to her mouth, "Betrothed? But that cannot be!" Her quick mind suddenly saw how her behaviour must have looked to Lord Aragorn and her old friend. And shame filled her. Oh, the pain she must have caused her! To chase so blatantly after a man who was not free! And her own folly! Was there no end to it? Was every glimpse of freedom to be denied to her? How could she have acted so? And what must they think of her!

Her uncle seemed to sense that she wanted to be alone, and gently shoved her towards the steps, "Get into the caves, Éowyn," he said and lost in the aftermath of this revelation, she, for once, did what he said.

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Legolas only left her alone when Théoden entered the room, and he visibly flinched at the cold, cold gaze she levelled on him.

Théoden had made sure that a room had been given to Buffy in the crowded fortress but though he would have much rathered planning for the coming battle than face the woman who seemed to have had her heart replaced with unyielding ice, he knew that he had to pay his respects.

"Théoden," her cool voice greeted him, an unknown quality in it sending a chill down his spine, "I assume you are here for a reason?"

"I came to say how sorry I am for Aragorn," he said awkwardly, "He was a good man."

Something flickered in those glacial eyes, but almost as soon as it had come it was gone, "He was," she said softly, playing with her gilded braid.

He felt pity for her, and for a great man fallen, "I am truly sorry. Widow's black does not befit one who looks so young."

"Widow's black?" she repeated, "What do you mean?"

"I know that you were not yet married, but he was your betrothed husband," Théoden said placidly, and her face remained impassive at his words, betraying no sign of the turmoil that lay under it, and he mistook her silence for awkwardness, "Do not worry, lady, the whole of Edoras knew ere we left and I daresay that the whole of Helms Deep knows too by now. Again, I am sorry for your loss, he had the potential to be a great man." And with that, he moved to leave.

"How soon do you expect them?" she asked, stopping him in his tracks and there was an undertone of cold steel under her words.

He looked at her, wary of her changed state, wondering how reliable she now could be, "I think that the grief wears on you, lady," he said soothingly, "Do not trouble yourself over it."

Icy hazel chips froze him to the marrow as she pinned him with her gaze, "You will not be sidelining me from this fight," she said, and it sounded like both a decree and an ominous promise, "I will fight. And you will not stop me."

"Are you threatening me?" Théoden asked incredulously at her imperious and dangerous look.

"Absolutely." Buffy replied airily, "And you're not exactly in a position to stop me."

"I am a king! You must obey me!" Théoden blustered and fell silent when he saw the faint tinge of amusement in her face. Like a predator's smugness when it knows that its prey is right where it wants it.

"Since when I have I given a damn about titles?" she replied, "And since you're obviously incompetent, someone's got to hold this fortress. And since I've got a bone to pick with a wizard, and the matter of a debt to settle, I'll be the one doing it."

Théoden's temper rose, "I am king here! This is my fortress! And nothing will change that!" he snapped, "What do you think you are doing!"

"Assuming control where you cannot." Buffy said, "It's not personal. Just a slayer thing. After all, I've got a score to settle. Can't have you getting in my way."

"But I am King here!" he protested again.

She walked past him, idly pulling out a dagger and testing its sharpness, "Perhaps," she agreed absently, "But I never did give a damn about authority."

"You cannot do this, you insolent wench!" Théoden hissed, grabbing her by the arm.

Instantly, faster than he could see, she had grabbed his own arm, wrenching it behind his back so hard that he could feel his bones grind together, "Listen carefully," Buffy said softly, sounding absolutely lethal, "Because I will not be repeating this. You don't tell me what to do, I tell you what to do. Because I'm good at it. Saruman went after the wrong person and I plan on giving him a very big taste of what a pissed off slayer is like. Then, I am most likely going to find him, and remove his head from his body. But first, I gotta win here. So let me do my damn job and I just might not have to hurt you."

With a brutal shove, she released him, careless of his absolutely shocked and somewhat scared stare, "Go." she ordered quietly and though he hated himself for his weakness, he did.

He could not bear looking at those eyes any longer.

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"Maybe we should go see her." Legolas said, after finishing his circuit of the room for what must have been the hundredth time to his Dwarven friend's eyes.

"What if she wants to be alone?" Gimli said, pragmatic as always. "She is not someone I would be crossing about now. Give her some time to grieve, lad."

Legolas looked at him and his gaze was thoughtful, "She is going to be alone a lot. Maybe right now she needs us." he said, "She has been alone for far too long in her life."

Gimli nodded dubiously, "Right," he said, but inwardly he thought that his Elven friend was misjudging the situation. Buffy may have been grieving but she was also murderous. Very murderous. And if there was one thing his father had taught him, it was not to get in the way of a female clutching her axe.

But still, he loyally followed his friend to Buffy's room and stood behind as the Elf knocked.

The door swung open silently, and Buffy looked at them impassively, "What do you want?" she demanded frostily and Gimli knew that he had been right.

"Buffy," Legolas began, "We came to see how you were." His silver-blue eyes widened as he spotted the array of weapons thrown carelessly on the bed.

The slayer did not open the door another crack, "I'm fine," she said tightly, "And getting ready for one helluva party. Don't you guys have something else to do? You know, elsewhere?"

Legolas would not back down though. "Buffy, I know not what has gotten into you, but this cannot be good for you. You cannot pretend that it has not happened. You said yourself that you were certain he is dead. Can you not allow yourself to grieve even for a moment?"

"Slayers don't have friends, Legolas," Buffy replied, with no visible emotion, but the canny Elf caught something flickering in the depths of those cold eyes, something repressed for the moment, but not gone. "They tend to die too quickly when they're around me."

"You always had them, Dagnir, and you still do," Legolas said strongly, "Please do not be this way to us. We share your pain. We mourn him also."

She smiled but it did not reach her eyes, "Somehow, I don't think we're doing it in the same way. And relax Legolas, whatever you've heard, I'm only slightly homicidal. Théoden just likes to exaggerate."

In truth, neither the Elf or the Dwarf had heard anything of the sort, but they both had a sinking feeling that something had obviously happened. "What did you do, lass?" Gimli asked cautiously.

"Something that is so none of your business," she answered and then gave Legolas a shove across the threshold, "Now go away." she said and shut the door in their faces.

Gimli looked at Legolas, who was glaring at the door in consternation, "Oh yes, I think the lass was in a lovely mood for company," he said sarcastically, "Any other brilliant ideas, you big squirrel?"

The only reply he got was the transfer of the Elf's molten glare from the door to him.

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And in a moment, the memories are all that remain
And all the wounds are reopening again.
-Iron Maiden-'Blood Brothers'

In the silence of her room, Buffy sat with her back pressed up against the door, her legs drawn up so that she rested her weary head on her knees. She had not liked to do that, but it was necessary. She wouldn't allow them to die through her carelessness as well.

She was in no mood for company anyway. Ever since Théoden's visit, her mind had been whirling. Her 'betrothed husband' he had called Aragorn, and apparently, the whole of Rohan was convinced that was the case. She knew who was responsible for that. It could only be Aragorn. Although, if he had known the true significance, she did not know.

She knew she should have been furious, but all she felt was empty. There was something missing. Something that she had grown used to without even realising it until now.

And she could not be mad with a dead man. Not yet.

He had played her, yes. Masterfully so even. Well worthy of his evil Peredhil relations… He truly had backed her into a nice little corner… But she just could not work up the energy to care. Why should she care what they thought? Even if it was wrong? He was dead and he wasn't coming back.

She knew it to be true.

Even in the darkest of times, even when they had been trapped in the bowels of the earth, she could sense him, know that he was alive. But mere minutes after he had fallen over that cliff, she had felt that link break and go dead. When she tried to reach out, there was only emptiness and she grasped at air.

Her heart had cracked anew when she felt that empty space where he had used to be, just like it had when she had stabbed Angel and therefore sent him to hell. But this time, she knew, there would be no miraculous return. Aragorn was mortal, not vampire. He had gone to whatever heaven this world had.

And she had failed.

Her duty had been to make sure that the King of Men made it to his throne alive. And she had failed him at the final hurdle. Just as his destiny was being realised, he had died because she hadn't been watching his back.

And she hated herself because of it.

The world of Men had lost its leader, its hope.

And while she knew that Boromir was out there somewhere, she honestly didn't know if he could pull off what Aragorn could have done.

But though her head was beating itself up for her failure, her heart was now shattered into thousands of bloody fragments. Why did everyone she love have to die? Was she cursed?

She rose heavily and after checking that the door was locked, went over to the bed, placing the weapons on the chair and cast herself down on the bed and alone, she wept. For herself, for him, for everyone.

She drowned herself in the only tears she would allow herself to shed until the oblivion of sleep overtook her.

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But though she slept, heart-sore and weary, 'twas not yet time to rest.

A warning had to be both sent and received…

She stood on the balcony of a tower. The light was dim but she made out two figures in front of her; one a skulking, shrinking man in a fur lined cloak, the other was a tall figure clad in white. She knew who they were.

They did not notice her as she sidestepped them and her eyes widened in horror as she looked out at the expanse that had once been the tree-lined Wizard's Vale.

A vast army lay assembled on the plains, more orcs and Uruk-hai than she had ever seen in her life, as well as no few Dunlendings, all roaring up at them. Saruman stepped right past her and silence fell. "A new power is rising…" he announced grandly, "Its victory is at hand!"

The army stomped and roared back up at them, even as Buffy realised what was going on. "This night, the land would be stained with the blood of Rohan! March to Helms Deep! Leave none alive!" he shouted, "To war!"

The army roared its eagerness to obey and Buffy took a deep breath as she counted the numbers that Saruman was sending against him. This was not an army just to win a battle, it was one designed to destroy a country….

As the army started to depart, Saruman's cold gaze travelled to the plains of Rohan, in the direction of Helms Deep, "There will be no dawn for Men." he sneered and behind him, Gríma just whimpered.

And Buffy closed her eyes in horror.

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Bolting upright, she wasted no time and staggered out of the room, racing through the halls and ignoring the many shocked looks directed at her.

"Legolas!" Buffy said breathlessly, when she found them, grabbing the Elf's arm, "Come Gimli!" she ordered as she dragged the Elf and the Dwarf into a deserted room. "I have had one of my vision dreams," she said without preamble, eyes wide, "Saruman's emptying the whole of Isengard against us... Ten thousand Uruk-hai and Dunlendings."

Gimli's mouth dropped open and Legolas's eyes widened, "Ten thousand!" the dwarf breathed. "Are you sure!"

"Positive," Buffy replied, "How the hell are we going to hold the fortress? There can't be more than a four hundred soldiers here at most! And we have maybe a thousand altogether if we gather everyone still able to wield a weapon! Now, I'm good, but I'm not that good."

"How is such an army possible?" Legolas demanded, "Are you sure about this, Dagnir?"

"Of course!" Buffy snapped coldly, "I'm hardly going to make this up am I? Now, anybody wanna tell me again how screwed we are?"

"We are doomed." Gimli said.

"Thanks," she said dryly, "Anybody got any ideas?" Panic and fear was starting to be replaced by the coldness that had plagued her since Aragorn's fall and she welcomed it. She did not need a broken-hearted woman, she needed a Slayer.

They looked blankly at her, "You must tell Théoden," Legolas said urgently, "He needs to know what he faces. When do they come?"

"I'd have to guess tonight," Buffy replied, "After all, why live tomorrow when you can die today, right?"

She was silent for a moment, weighing her options, "We gotta get everything ready," she said, "I and a handful of others fought and won against a whole Hellmouth of ubervamps. I'm not about to start losing now. Gimli, discreetly check the armoury's supplies. Tell them you've got a hankering to see how their steel is lasting or whatever. Legolas, eavesdrop on Théoden. Find out if he has any plans whatsoever or if he's just going by the seat of his pants."

They blinked at her orders, but they did not question her. This was not her first campaign and they had learned to trust her judgement.

But as she stalked off with an expression that promised death to anyone who crossed her, both of them realised that she had forgotten to mention exactly what she herself planned on doing…

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Sprawled out on a riverbank, a man lay unconscious.

Poison raged like wildfire through his veins, draining the life from him even as Hasufel stood guard over the injured man.

And far away, as a slayer tried to repress everything she felt about him, Narya flared to life. Its mistress was hurting, and her anguish passed onto the Ring that she had all but forgotten about. And feeling the bond between its mistress and this man, it reached and pulled….

In the Golden Wood, Galadriel stiffened as she felt… something… happen. Crossing to her mirror, she looked at Nenya in consternation. Sometimes she felt sure that they seemed to have a mind of their own… but how could that be possible?

As Narya wrapped tendrils of fire around and within the downed man, engulfing him in fire, Aragorn dreamed.

"May the grace of the Valar protect you…." Galadriel whispered….

He saw flashes of a life not his own… but that of Narya's mistress…. Saw what had remained hidden… saw things that he had never imagined existed… saw what Narya wished to show him…. For him to understand… to learn…. To know….

He gasped as he felt the bands of fire wrap around his heart and he felt like he was burning from the inside out as the poison killing him was nullified.

He saw Buffy as he had never seen her before… watched her run a sword through a man reaching out to her as some sort of swirling… thing…. opened behind him…. Saw her tears… felt her pain….

As Narya retreated from his mind, lifting him from the induced sleep designed to block out the pain of his healing, Aragorn opened his eyes. He knew what he had to do….

Hasufel nudged him in concern and he grabbed a hold of the horse's mane, pulling himself up onto the horse.

And together, they set out for Helms Deep and he prayed that he was not too late…

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Arwen kicked the pack under her bed as she heard the barely perceptible footsteps approaching and cast herself into the chair, staring out at the scenery as Elrond entered the room. He could not know what she planned.

"Arwen," he said softly and she turned to look at him. She knew what he wanted. And she could not give it to him. But his own meddling would provide her with what she wanted.

"Tollen i lû. I chair gwannar na Valannor. Si bado, no círar." he said, looking at her lovingly. (Arwen, it is time. The ships are leaving for Valinor. Go now... before it is too late.)

She knew she could not give in, not right away. His suspicions must not be raised. "I have made my choice." she declared, "I will not go."

Elrond's fists clenched, "He is not coming back." he said cruelly, "Why do you linger here when there is no hope?"

"There is still hope, ada," Arwen said, "He is one of the best warriors in Elvendom. If you trusted Elladan and Elrohir to go, why do you not trust him to come back?"

"Undómiel," he pleaded, seating himself beside her and taking her hands in his, "Please go before it is too late. He will join you in Aman if he lives. Go West, Arwen."

"Why must I go?" she demanded, "When everyone else stays here to fight? Are you worried that I will rescind my choice? It will not happen. I have made it. There is no going back."

"Arwen, please," Elrond said, "I could not bear to lose all three of my children… please…"

She looked at him and her eyes widened, "You do not expect them to win, do you?" she said incredulously, "You do not even expect my brothers to return? How could you adar? You set them on this course!"

"It was never anything more than a fool's hope," he said, knowing his words hurt her but unwilling to admit his true reason. That with Vilya acting so strangely, he might not be able to hold the valley when the assault came….

Long into the night they argued but when morning came, Arwen joined the group of Elves travelling to the Grey Havens.

As she joined the small procession, she looked at the sad expression of her adar and felt sorry for the hurt that she was going to cause him.

She could not let everyone else in her family fight in this war except her. And there was not one thing her adar could do to stop her now…

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Elrond heard the reproachful voice of Galadriel in his mind, but surprisingly, she said nothing about Arwen. 'The power of the enemy is growing…' she said, 'Sauron will use his puppet Saruman to destroy the people of Rohan. Isengard has been unleashed… The eye of Sauron now turns to Gondor, the last free kingdom of men. His war on this country will come swiftly. He senses that the Ring is close… The strength of the Ringbearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand. The quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took.'

'It was,' Elrond agreed, 'But the choice was made. There is nothing we now can do for them.'

'Is there not?' Galadriel asked, 'Is there really nothing? In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back into the hands of men… Men, who are so easily seduced by its power. The young captain of Gondor has but to extend his hands, take the Ring for his own and the world will fall. It is close now… so close to achieving its goal. For Sauron will have dominion of all life on this Earth, even until the ending of the world. Do we leave Middle-earth to its fate? Do we let them stand alone? I had expected better from you, Elrond.'

'What can we do?' Elrond said in frustration, "Our time, the time of the Elves is over!'

"No, it is not,' Galadriel said, 'Our time is waning, but it is not yet over. We are stronger than we have been in all this age. Do we do nothing?'

Elrond sighed, 'What is it that you want, Galadriel?' he asked.

'I wish to help them." the Lady replied, 'We must do something.'

And as she outlined her plan, Elrond agreed. Maybe their time was not yet over after all….

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Haldir arrived promptly at his Lady's summons.

She looked at him with those fathomless blue eyes, "Haldir, I have a task for you, if you chose to accept it."

"I am yours to command, my Lady," Haldir said with a bow.

"The land of Rohan stands on the brink of destruction," she said, looking at him, "Lord Elrond and I have decided that the Elves must help the Secondborn and fight alongside them once more. I would have you lead them. Will you do this?"

"I would be honoured," Haldir said, "There are still those of us who remember the better times of the Last Alliance."

"You will lead two hundred Edhil to the fortress of Helms Deep." Galadriel ordered, "Full armour is waiting for you. My husband sees to it as we speak. Seek out Legolas Thranduilion when you get there. He will tell you where to strike."

Haldir bowed again, "I will see that it is done," he said. And as she looked at him, she knew he would see their work done.

"Then may the blessings of the Elves go with, Marchwarden," she said, rising to her feet, "And may we see you safely home when it is over…"

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When Aragorn, son of Arathorn, rode into Helms Deep, it was to the amazement of all.

Even as someone raced away to get Buffy and Legolas, Gimli started to shove his way through the crowd that was quickly gathering around the man. "Where is he? Where is he? Get out of the way! I am going to kill him!" the Dwarf boomed and then he was in front of a bemused Aragorn, and much to the man's surprise, he hugged him, "You are the luckiest, the canniest and the most reckless man I ever knew! Bless you, laddie!"

Buffy approached next, standing frozen in shock for a long moment, but as their eyes met, something fizzled between them, breaking her out of her daze and she hugged him too, "You're not dead!" she exclaimed unnecessarily.

Aragorn winced, "No. However, I am still in some pain."

Immediately, Buffy pulled back and everything in her demeanour changed. She could not believe the conflicting emotions running through her, the euphoria and delight mingled with the furious and confused but she did know one thing. - It was all his fault.

"Aragorn Elessar!" she began furiously, as Gimli backed out of her way, and Aragorn's eyes widened in alarm, "How dare you? What were you thinking! Are you trying to get yourself killed! Oh, wait a minute, of course you are! That is your job after all! Do you have any idea what you put me through, you big inconsiderate ape! Do you realise what Elrond would do to me if you died? Do you? And what about your brothers? And not to mention… umph!"

Aragorn, recognising the beginnings of a full fledged slayer rage, did the only thing that sprung to mind to silence her. - He kissed her.

She allowed it for a moment ere she pushed him away and noticing his wince, she grabbed his hand, "It's time to patch you up, buddy." she said leading him away, and never noticing Éowyn's pained eyes following them…

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Buffy struggled to retain her calm as she bandaged Aragorn's wounds. The man had been strangely silent since they were left alone and she was of no mind to break the silence. She did not know what to say. The bond had been dead. How could she have been wrong? And yet, the minute she had set eyes on him, she had felt the bond flare back to life. She did not understand it at all. But she knew that she could not afford to blubber and so tried to stay behind her mask of the icy slayer.

But she did have one bone to pick with him now that she could see for herself that he was alright….

"Aragorn," she began, "What the hell have you been telling people about the non-existent us?" she demanded. "Because we are not betrothed!"

Aragorn looked at her and knew exactly what she meant. "I never said that we were!"

Her eyes narrowed, "I don't believe you for a second," she hissed, "Did you think it was funny or something?"

"You gave me your permission," Aragorn pointed out.

"To pretend to Éowyn. Not the whole of Rohan!" she cried, "To pretend! Instead, I had Théoden in here being all patronising about the loss of my 'betrothed'. What were you thinking? Or were you just looking for me to beat you up?"

But he was not in the mood to dance around this issue, "Who is Angel?" he asked and silenced her immediately.

"What do you mean?" she asked tremulously, images of her running Angel through coming to her mind.

"You stabbed him, did you not? Your first love?" Aragorn said, standing up and backing Buffy up against the wall, "And do not lie to me."

Her eyes were haunted, "How do you know about that?" she demanded softly.

"I know more than you dream I do," Aragorn replied, "Just as I know that you have lied to me."

"Yeah?" Buffy snarled, "When? You're the one poking about in my business!"

His eyes were intent and challenging, his expression determined, "I find it interesting when my wife neglects to tell me that we were ever married." he said levelly.

She froze, unable to believe what she had just heard. "You've got to be kidding me, Aragorn," she said, trying to bluff, "We are so not married. In fact, we're not anything."

Aragorn grabbed her arm to prevent her moving away, "And now you lie to me again. Buffy, I know everything… Did you really think that you could keep it from me forever?"

She knew that she was busted and she felt panic welling up within her but she ruthlessly forced it down. She had to be cold. "Considering it wasn't an intentional thing, I figured time would make it a divorce." she said, "We are not married. We are nothing to each other. You've got the wrong idea."

"I do not think I have," Aragorn hissed, "I love you and I have told you so repeatedly. I know you return my feelings and then I find out that on nearly every level, we have been married, - bound, - and you kept it from me. Deny it all you want, but according to those that have studied these things, I am your husband and you are my wife. And yet, you still persist in this denial!"

She forced herself to look into livid grey eyes, "I had my reasons," she said, "I still have my reasons. This changes nothing, Aragorn."

"This changes everything!" Aragorn exclaimed, "Everything!

Her eyes widened as she felt the bond pulse with something and the stunned expression on his face told her that he felt it too. "Aragorn, stop. Please." she said quietly, "Don't do this."

"Don't do what? Clear the air? Ask for the truth?" he demanded, "Which is it Buffy? What about me do you find so repulsive that you must run from me?"

Her heart skipped a beat, "I don't find you repulsive," she said quietly, "The reasons are mine. They have nothing to do with you."

"So Arwen was just a convenient cover for you to hide behind?" Aragorn said, his grip on her arm tightening ominously, "Is that it?"

"Aragorn, I never meant to hurt you!"

"Well, you have failed then, Dagnir," he ground out, "Do you really think that I will give up now? I can feel you! Everywhere. I know when you are in the room; I know that you are hurting; I can feel your love! And yet you withhold it from me for no good reason!"

She pushed him, sent him reeling, "I am the Slayer." she hissed, "I am a killer. I am not what you need me to be. You are going to be King, Aragorn. Don't give me that crap about love. I know the real world doesn't work like that! You think that we ever stood a chance! That this would ever work! I kill people for a living! Everyone I love dies! Do you really think that I would ever let you be the next one? I've made the mistake of being a fool for love too many times before. It always ended the same way; - in heartbreak and tears. And on your side, usually a tombstone or a one way ticket away from me. Do not stand there and preach at me! Because you have no idea what my life is like!"

"I know what your life was like!" Aragorn shouted, "I saw it! I do not know how, but I saw it, Buffy! I know what you were, what you are! Do you really think I care! I love you!"

"Sometimes that's just not enough," Buffy said quietly, "Sometimes it's never enough."

He moved forward and caught her again and saw the resolution in those hazel eyes, "I cannot accept that. I do not accept that. Some things are meant to be, Buffy."

And with that, he leaned in and captured her lips with his own. Surprised at the move, and with her own emotions raging, Buffy felt herself give in unwittingly as heat flared between them both and the bond pulsed brightly in both their minds.

When he pulled away, he placed one finger on her lips, forestalling the hard words she would say, "I know what it is you would say, and I do not want to hear it," he said, "I am not going to give up, Buffy. We are married. Bound. Do you ever think I could wed another? I hear what you say, and I deny it all. Some things are meant to be. We are meant to be. I will not hear anything else. Time is against us now, but let me make this clear…. After this battle is over, I am coming for you. And we will sort this out once and for all. You cannot hide your heart forever Buffy. Not when you are mine and I am yours."

Fear was reflected in those hazel depths and the slayer trembled slightly. How was she to drive him away now?

He kissed her cheek, "Be safe, nín hervess, nín meleth," he said softly, caressing her cheek, "Because this is not over."

And with that, he stalked out, leaving a panicking slayer to figure out what the hell she was supposed to do now….

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A/N: So? What do you think? How was the reunion? Opinions please! Please READ and REVIEW!

Next chapter: The Battle of Helms Deep begins… more Haldir!… Arwen launches her own plan… and Saruman's forces have surprises the defenders have never imagined…

Elvish:

Dagnir - slayer

Peredhil - Half-Elven (Plural)

Tollen i lû. I chair gwannar na Valannor. Si bado, no círar - it is time. The ships are leaving for Valinor. Go now... before it is too late.

Ada - dad

Undómiel - Evenstar

Adar - father

Edhil - Elves

Thranduilion - son of Thranduil

Elessar - Elf-stone

nín hervess - my wife

nín meleth - my love

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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