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: Hi, sorry for the slight delay, but I really am swamped. I will try to update regularly but I am afraid that I might not be able to hold to it. My exams start in six weeks and the revision and homework workload is getting heavier by the day. I will try to update once a week but if I miss the deadline, I will try to get the chapter up as soon as I can.

Review responses:

AidanPryde - welcome and thanks! Thanks for all your feedback!

Arcrose - not yet forever. And if I told you Éowyn's fate, where would the fun be in watching you wonder? And don't worry, the drabbles take a back seat to FK. I tend to write them when the scene I would really like to write doesn't fit in with my story. And they have to convince Gríma to come down before they can do anything to him. Highly unlikely to happen. And you find out where Buffy is going in this chapter! And Faramir did know that his charge was suicidal, but his father ordered him to do it.

Boo - thanks! Saruman is after any ring. But the One ring most of all. He was jealous of Gandalf for millennia because he felt that it should have been him who had the Ring of Fire, so when he saw that a mere mortal had it…. Greed is one of the seven deadly sins you know…

BuffyandDracoLover - hopefully, never.

ChibiChibi - thanks! Buffy and Aragorn's talk is this chapter. Éomer…. I am leaving you guys guessing.

D347hbyp45510n - You will have to wait and see…

Hermoine21 - welcome and thanks! Buffy is going to have to make a choice, yes. And as for the rest, that will be sorted out at the end of this fic.

Lady Meridia - this chapter!

Lali-chan - thank you! Buffy/Aragorn scene in this chapter! Minas Tirith is going - well, not exactly according to Tolkien. The bad guys are going to get badder. Welcome to the Asha's Evil Muse Horrific Plan For the Pelennor…. Beware…. But no bunnies. And I have plenty planned for the battle in front of the Black Gate… Be scared….

Light Spinner - thanks a lot!

Lisette - I admit it. I like Faramir. And I would have called Buffy 'terrified.'

Mari - thanks! And Gandalf NEVER stops. Never ever. And no, no other Rohirrim women will be going to the Pelennor. They have to be the last defence if the riders don't return. No, Aragorn doesn't know about Buffy's nightmare. And I thought Aragorn killing Saruman was an ironic touch. You know, the 'scruffy exile' kills Mr Superior Wizard. And Elrond's children live to give him heart attacks. He knows the Three are free but hasn't copped onto the fact that Vilya is sentient. And need is a big key. Galadriel razes Dol Guldur at the end of RotK war sequences.

Phoenix83ad - The Dodo died slowly. I never realised so many people wanted to see Denethor get what's coming to him… it touches me, it really does….

Talina - thanks! Ah, the powder…. Something nasty. Very nasty. And yes, my muse likes complexity.

Tenshikoneko03 - Arwen shows up in RotK.

Tsuki no Yasha - Fluffiness in this chapter!

viggolover - Buffy and Aragorn get a heart to heart this chapter. And can't say anything about Denethor yet..

XinnLajgin - talk - this chapter. Éowyn - can't say.

And major thanks to:

Catgirl Elf Princess, CharmingStar, Dreamer Child, Goldenshadows, Jaguarmoon, jumping-jo, Lunawolf, Selene, Sukera, The Great and Powerful Oz, The Greymalkin, The Lady Reaper of the Shadows, Wild320,

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT: LIE TO ME

Giles: "You mean life?"
Buffy: "Yeah. Does it get easy?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"Lie to me."

"Yes, it's terribly simple. The good guys are always stalwart and true. The bad guys are easily distinguished by the pointy horns or black hats. And, uh, we always defeat them and save the day. No one ever dies, and everybody lives happily ever after."

"Liar."

Buffy and Giles, 'Lie to Me', Season 2.

Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 11.

For a man thrown into the unexpected role of King, Buffy thought that Éomer handled it admirably well.

Though saddened at Théoden King's passing, the crowds that gathered in Edoras to welcome Éomer's entourage were just glad to have escaped Saruman's wrath alive and with their capital intact. And Éomer was held in high esteem by all that knew him, and also by many that did not. Though young and fiery, he was sensible and they knew that he would do what was best for Rohan.

And to his credit, the new young King did not falter under the gazes of the throngs that lined the street. He was one of a rare breed, a man who was a natural leader and seemed almost born to be king. She had seen it happen only seldom in her time in Middle Earth. And the other prominent candidate for it rode alongside her, his eyes often straying to her.

She knew that she and Aragorn were overdue a talk and she dreaded it. Throw in the undisclosed bond, Narya and the scene at Helms Deep and it was not a recipe for good things.

She only hoped that she could stand fast.

Dismounting outside the Golden Hall of Meduseld, they were greeted by Éowyn, who informed them of the celebrations made ready for them. It was not the way of the Rohirrim to mourn the dead dolefully. They preferred to celebrate their life instead of their death. Buffy found she tended to prefer their method.

Following the Shieldmaiden into the King's halls, Buffy was surprised when the woman drew her away down a shadowed corridor and kept moving until they were safely ensconced a set of rooms. Even as Buffy waited for an explanation, Éowyn fidgeted softly before finally speaking, "Buffy…" she began uncomfortably, "I have to apologise for my actions. They were shameless and I never considered the hurt I caused you. My only defence is that I did not know of your betrothal to Lord Aragorn."

Buffy blinked, not expecting Aragorn's little trick to rear its ugly little head and she mentally cursed him for it. But she knew that could not say otherwise to Éowyn. She could not let the young Shieldmaiden moon over a guy who did not return the crush.

"Éowyn," Buffy said awkwardly, "It's okay. I'm not mad or anything."

"But I transgressed most heavily against you," Éowyn said, "And against your betrothed. How can you not be angry?"

"Practice." Buffy said, "That man is so infuriating that it's a skill one acquires around him."

"Well, I have done my best to make amends for my folly," Éowyn said, ignoring Buffy's almost cringe as she went on, "Your rooms are located close to Lord Aragorn's, and I took the liberty of finding you a proper dress for tonight's festivities."

"That is very… generous of you, Éowyn," she replied, "But I really had no intention of doing anything but sleeping tonight."

"But it is all arranged. And your aid at Helms Deep was invaluable. Rohan owes you a great debt. You must attend!"

Buffy smiled wanly, and then reconsidered on the basis of not leaving Gandalf unsupervised. Who knew what else he would say? "Well, if you put it that way…" she said.

Éowyn smiled gratefully, and crossing to the chair, picked up a dress that had been placed there and pushed the fabric into Buffy's hands. "Then I shall leave you to get ready," she said, "The funeral starts in an hour and the feast after that."

The Shieldmaiden made to leave but then turned around before she reached the door, "And Buffy?" she said softly, "You were right. And I no longer begrudge you your words of caution. I understand them now. And I thank you for telling me what I had to do. I shudder to think what would have happened in the caves if we had not been armed… Thank you."

"Éowyn…." Buffy began, acutely feeling the awkwardness of the situation but the Shieldmaiden was already gone.

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Gathered at the burial mounds outside Edoras, the people of the city waited solemnly as Éowyn and Éomer went to the front. Théoden's body had placed in its final resting place, next to his son and the time was come for the eulogy.

"He was a good king," Éomer began, eyes strangely misty, and with Éowyn standing by his side, "And a good man. He did his best to safeguard Rohan and though he may have faltered, it was through no fault of his own. His son died before him, slain by the same power that threatened our land. But though he grieved, Théoden King still led his people to safety. And even when he took a mortal wound, he still led out a final charge. But he died fighting, as a warrior, and I shall respect his decision to do so and so shall he travel to the halls of his fathers. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Hail Théoden King!"

The crowd roared back a hail as the final layer of clay was piled upon the mound. And even as the crowd began to make its way back into the city, Éowyn and Éomer lingered for a while at the grave of their uncle.

Knowing how hard it was to lose someone who had been as a parent to you, especially unexpectedly, she felt the need to give them their privacy to mourn.

Tugging on Legolas's arm, she whispered the need for them to go and he nodded, passing along the message to Gimli and Gandalf. Beside her, Aragorn looked at her with understanding. But she did not look at him.

She could not trust herself to.

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"She's a lovely girl, but we're afraid she has a homicidal streak."

– High Society.

Clad in the russet green dress that Éowyn had found for her, meticulously embroidered with golden thread, Buffy uneasily made her way into the great hall of Meduseld. She had felt Aragorn's gaze alight upon her since she entered and knew that the time was approaching for a long overdue talk and one that she dreaded with every fibre of her being. But was also preoccupied with the strange feeling that she had gotten from Éowyn since she had come to Edoras. The Shieldmaiden was up to something and she was determined to find out what.

Éomer was to be crowned formally in the morning, she knew. Tonight was to be reserved for celebrating the survival of Rohan. As she lurked in the shadows, Éowyn went to where Éomer stood on the raised dais, a cup in her hand. As Éomer took it, everybody seated stood. The young man raised the cup, "Tonight, we remember all those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!"

The gathered crowd raised their cups in turn, and the returned 'Hail' nearly deafened the wincing slayer.

But as she circulated through the admittedly noisy room, smirking at the antics of Merry and Pippin who were entertaining the Rohirrim by dancing drunkenly on a table, she finally found Éowyn seated at a small table.

Going over to the solitary Shieldmaiden, she threw herself into the seat beside her without any warning. Looking at the surprised expression on Éowyn's face, Buffy leaned in, and foregoing subtlety, asked, "What are you up to, Éowyn?" she said, "And don't try to deny it. I know you are up to something. You might as well tell me what."

"How can I guarantee that you will not try to foil my plans?" Éowyn asked in return, a golden eyebrow arching in question.

"Because I'm not stupid?" Buffy ventured jokingly and then sobered up, "Listen, I don't want to see you get in over your head. I only want to help you. And I happen to know you're plotting. You had the exact same look as you did when you deposited that spider in your nurse's bed."

Éowyn laughed softly, "I am surprised that you remember that," she said fondly, "But I shall not tell you anything nor admit to anything unless you promise that you will not try to stop me."

Buffy mentally weighed up the pros and cons of the dilemma. Knowing Éowyn, not much was going to stop her anyway. And whatever she had up her sleeve, she would rather steer Éowyn in the right direction than have the woman going off with no help. Sighing, she agreed. "Fine, I promise not to try to stop you. Now, tell me what's up."

"I am no fool, Buffy," Éowyn said, "I know we have not seen the last of war. Saruman may be dead, but he was merely the lesser of two evils. I know that the rumours say that the Nine have crossed the river, that Sauron is to attack Gondor. Gondor's cavalry is near non-existent and what they have is weak. The Oath of Eorl will demand fulfilment. The Steward will send the Red Arrow, and call us to war. Perhaps the last war we will ever see. The fate of Rohan is tied to the fate of Gondor. Can you honestly tell me that Rohan will be spared if the Mundburg falls?"

Buffy's eyes were sad as she looked at the younger woman, "No, I can't. And I won't even try to. We both know better. You are right. Sauron will come for Rohan if he wins in Gondor. There can be no doubt about it. I wish I could lie to you and say that your losses were over but I'm afraid that they are only beginning."

"What do you know, Buffy?" Éowyn asked, seeing a flicker of dread in the slayer's expression, "Do not deny it. You know or suspect something. What is it?"

Buffy sighed and leaned forward in her seat and her voice was quiet, "What Saruman sent after you at Helms Deep is but a fraction of the armies that Sauron commands." she said dispassionately, eyes fixed on the tabletop, "I fear that his armies do not number in the tens of thousands but the hundreds of thousands. And the Ringwraiths themselves are deadly enough to scare an entire garrison of men with ease. Éowyn, Sauron sent a Balrog to Helms Deep and on the scale of importance, Helms Deep is nothing compared to Minas Tirith. If Sauron wins the Guarded City, then he overcomes the last defence in the west. If he wins there, he will sweep through Rohan and Eriador with ease because there are no other armies left to stand against him."

"But what of the Elves? Is Prince Legolas not from some mighty woodland realm?" Éowyn asked, her own voice hushed.

"Éowyn, Legolas's home has a bastion of the Dark Lord - Dol Guldur - in the middle of it. They are going to be attacked by an army and there are few who don't know it. Legolas's father, King Thranduil, will be lucky to even survive, let alone drive them back. And all of the Elven realms have waned due to Elves taking ships West. As Lord Elrond put it, they may have the power to hold him back for a while, but not enough to win. The task falls to Men."

"Then we are on our own?" Éowyn said with dawning realisation.

"That we are," Buffy said, "Now what have you got planned, Éowyn?"

The Shieldmaiden sighed, "I know my brother, Buffy. He knows the importance of holding Gondor. He will go to their aid. And he will try to leave me behind. But I am not staying. I wish to ride with the Rohirrim."

"Well, I have to hand it to you, you consistently come up with the surprises," Buffy said after a moment, "But I understand why you want to. And though if Éomer finds out, he'll kill me for it, I'll help you."

"You will?" Éowyn said in shock, having expected Buffy to try to deter her.

"I will," Buffy repeated, "Us girls got to stick together and all that. Now, if you're serious about this, here's what you have to do…."

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Even as Buffy was talking to Éowyn, another important discussion was taking place between a wizard and a king.

Pretending to watch the antics of the irrepressible duo that was Merry and Pippin, they talked quietly of war, of hopes, of trouble.

"Why did you not tell me sooner?" Aragorn asked the wizard, "And would you even have told me if she had not used it?"

"It was her secret to reveal, Aragorn," Gandalf replied enigmatically, "I fear she is mad enough with me as it stands."

"Possessing one of the Three is to be hunted," Aragorn said tightly, "I protected Frodo, did you not think I would not do the same for my heart?"

"She is a stubborn girl," Gandalf said with a wry smile, "I had not intention of letting her burn my beard. She has some very inventive threats."

Aragorn's eyes narrowed, "I remember," he said dryly, "I do not suppose that you have any brilliant plans for sorting this mess out, do you?"

"Not any that I am willing to share," Gandalf replied, "This is between you and your bereth, Aragorn." (spouse)

The ranger growled at that but then got a wicked idea as he spotted Buffy leave her place with Éowyn, "Excuse me, Gandalf," he said with a distinctively dangerous air, "I believe I have a bereth to collect."

Stepping out into the dance floor, he crept up behind Buffy and before she could react, grabbed her and yanked her onto the dance floor. "Aragorn!" she exclaimed as he put his hands around her waist, "What do you think you are doing!"

"Dancing with you," he replied, "Hardly a crime, is it?"

"Depends on whether you ask first," Buffy growled out, realising that she couldn't escape him without causing a nice scene, "I repeat - what do you think you are doing, Aragorn?"

"You cannot avoid me forever," he replied, even as they began to move to the music, Buffy following his lead reluctantly and doing her best to try to stomp on his toes. "I may have been raised by the Elves, but I do not have their patience. We need to resolve this, meleth." (love)

"Stop calling me that!" Buffy hissed, eliciting a wince from him as her foot met its target, "It was a major stroke of bad luck that's all! That does not give you the freedom to harass me!"

"We are all but wed," Aragorn said, "I know not why you try to make your heart so cold but I will find out. You can run. But I will catch you. Did I not tell you this? Why must you fight this? Happiness lies within your reach, why do you always reject it?"

"Because I don't do happiness, Aragorn." she snarled, "All I get is the opposite. You say you love me. Fine. But sometimes that just isn't enough. You are going to be a king, Aragorn. The king of Gondor for crying out loud! I am not cut out for public life, and you know it. You know what I am. You're going to be king newly on his throne, you need alliances not dissention. And you need an heir. Do you really think I could play mommy? I am a Slayer. I kill for a living. It would never work out. And I'm not about to have my heart broken watching you delude yourself with pleasant lies."

"You insult me with your words, Dagnir." Aragorn hissed back, "Do you think I care about that? What do you think I am? Some shallow fool who desires only power? I do not. I know you have been hurt in the past but you should not make me suffer for others' mistakes. I am not him. Stop confusing us. See me for me. I would not willingly give you up for anything."

Mercifully, the music ended before she could reply and she took her chance to draw away. He let her go, knowing this was not the forum for this discussion, "Later," he said sternly.

She did not reply and instead went to Gimli to take her mind off what trouble was to come. Of course, the cheerfully inebriated Dwarf did not help matters much by teasing her mercilessly at being dragged out to dance and being caught off guard. And after at least a dozen or so comments, Buffy smiled sweetly, turned to the chortling Dwarf and said, "Toss me."

Gimli choked on his ale, "What?"

"You heard me, Gimli," Buffy said, watching Legolas's eyes light up with glee, "I know of the 'tossing' incident with Aragorn. You're not as quiet as you think you are."

Gimli stared at her in horror and then his head snapped around to look at his Elven friend, who was practically bouncing in devilish excitement.

Even as Buffy stood up gracefully, Legolas pounced. "Toss me?" he said gleefully, "Did you get Aragorn to throw you, Master Dwarf?"

"Now, listen here squirrel boy," Gimli spluttered in his defence, "She is lying. The lass is only joking!"

"Oh, I do not think so, Gimli," Legolas said with vindictive pleasure, "So, tell me, how far do Dwarves fly nowadays!"

It was to the sound of their increasingly loud argument that Buffy left.

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Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 11. - night.

Having decided to try to walk off his frustration outside, Aragorn was soon joined by Legolas, who had had the time of his life tormenting Gimli until the Dwarf stormed off.

"Twill be well, Aragorn." Legolas said, trying to soothe his friend, "These things have a tendency to work out."

"Says the Elf who has already wooed his partner," Aragorn grumbled, "And never was it easier compared to mine."

"'Tis the effects of forty years of cluelessness." Legolas replied, "Just concentrate on what it could be, Aragorn. Think of the many years you have ahead of you when this war is won."

"What good is it if Buffy runs from the very sight of me?" Aragorn said in despair, leaning over the railing.

"Past demons are hard to dispel," the prince said softly, "I think that in her heart she knows, but she is afraid. Very afraid. The only thing you can do is to keep pushing her. I do not think that anybody has done so before. If she does not kill you for it, she is yours."

"Ai, I am poor company indeed," Aragorn said wryly, "To talk of my woes for so long. Let us talk of happier things. How goes it with Arwen? Will Thranduil have a new daughter to coddle?"

Legolas smiled at the thought of Arwen, "You would be assuming that my father did not kill me for our little escapade first," he reminded the ranger.

"Do you not intend to wed her?"

"Elrond would have my head if I did not," Legolas drawled, "But she has chosen immortality. The whole of eternity is before us. There is no rush."

"But does she not have to travel with her father when he goes West?" Aragorn asked.

"I know. 'Tis why I delay," Legolas said with a sigh, "All that can be is a betrothal, if she agrees. I do not yet have the desire to go West. And I fear that my father shall need me to help rebuild the Wood."

"You think things will be that bad?"

"I think that Dol Guldur is on our doorstep with a grudge against my adar. Yes, I think it will be bad. Even now, the Shadow stirs. I fear for him, for them. I can feel it, Aragorn. Even now, the stars are veiled from me. Something stirs in the East… A sleepless malice."

"Sauron?" Aragorn demanded, looking at his Elven friend.

"I do not know," Legolas replied, his gaze locked on the horizon and then suddenly he jerked and Aragorn grabbed his arm in alarm.

"Legolas? Are you well!" he asked, shaking his friend lightly.

Silver-blue eyes locked onto his, almost unseeing, "The Eye of the Enemy is moving…." the Elf whispered, foresight taking him in front of Aragorn's shocked eyes, "He is searching…. Searching….. He is here!"

Even as Legolas came back to himself, Aragorn was shaking him, "Who is here, Legolas? Who is here!"

The Elf paled, "Sauron…."

Almost as one, the two wheeled back into the Golden Hall, hoping that they were not too late….

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At the same time that Aragorn and Legolas were talking, in the room that Merry and Pippin were sharing with Gandalf for the reason that the wizard just did not trust them not to cause all sorts of mischief.

While Merry and Gandalf had fallen asleep easily, lethargic from full bellies and full pipes, Pippin found himself in a state of insomnia. He just could not rest easy, no matter how hard he tried. Every time, he closed his eyes, his thoughts kept drifting back to the strange glass ball that he had found and that Gandalf now zealously guarded.

He lay there for the better part of an hour, before he realised that he would get no rest until his curiosity was fulfilled. Carefully peeling back the covers atop him, he padded quietly towards Gandalf, but Merry, sleeping beside his friend, woke up when Pippin nearly stepped on his arm.

"Pippin!" Merry hissed, "What you doing?"

Pippin shook his head to try to quieten Merry and did not say a word, instead going to Gandalf. The wizard slept with his eyes open, just like Legolas, and Pippin had always found it eerie. After all, how could you ever tell if they were truly asleep? He had nearly gotten the fright of his life the first time he saw an Elf do it.

Cautiously, he waved his hand in front of Gandalf's face, but the wizard did not even blink, did not react at all in fact. It seemed that he was asleep. From across the room, Merry hissed at him, not understanding what he was up to, "Pippin?"

Pippin jumped and shot a filthy glare at Merry for scaring him. Again, he held his finger up to his lips for silence, causing Merry to glare at him. Grabbing a nearby vase, Pippin started the delicate process of switching the glass ball for the vase, seeing as Gandalf was cradling it to him as if it was a baby.

As Pippin grabbed the glass ball, Merry sat up in his bedroll, "Pippin, are you mad?" he hissed, "Gandalf will kill you! Put it back!"

Pippin just unwrapped the cloth covering the ball, "I just want to look at it., Merry" he said, "Just one more time."

Merry made as if to stand up, "Put it back!" he whispered furiously, eyeing the sleeping wizard warily. "I do not want to be doing dishes until I am eighty! You do remember the last time you stole something from him, do you not?"

Pippin pointedly ignored him, and looked into the glass ball. He watched fascinated as images started to flicker across the surface, but by the time he realised the danger, it was way too late.

Even as the Eye of Sauron flared to life in the Palantír, Pippin felt his mind being ensnared by the strange force and as terror flooded through him, he found himself helpless to pull away. Merry's shouts in the background barely even registered.

'I see you….' an insidious voice whispered, echoing painfully in his head as the fire seared through him, 'I see you halfling…. Where is my Ring! Tell me, little fool…. Where is it?….'

Merry staggered towards his friend as Pippin screeched and writhed on the floor in agony, "Pippin!" he shouted, "Help! Gandalf! Someone help him!"

Even as Gandalf snapped awake, Aragorn and Legolas burst into the room, with a rumpled Buffy falling in behind them a second later. Aragorn lunged for Pippin and wrenched the palantír away from him, and nearly collapsed from the force of it as it tried to inflict the same thing on him as it had done to Pippin.

But as he threw his own will into pushing Sauron away, he felt the bond between him and Buffy flare and strength that was not his flood into him. The image of the Eye faded away, to be replaced by images of Buffy, much younger in some of them. Fighting monsters…. A swirling vortex of some sort as she rammed a sword through a man that reached out to her… Her desperate attempts to save a blonde woman…. Fighting with a brunette that seemed to match her abilities…. Raging with fury, sending him flying backwards as she yelled at him in betrayal…. Running away from something…. A circlet falling lopsidedly from her head as she clutched a young boy to her…..

He felt the Palantír dropping out of his grip and falling to the floor, even as Legolas caught him as he staggered back. Buffy grabbed a blanket and tossed it over the palantír before kicking it away and dropping down beside Pippin.

"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf swore as he tried to reach the frozen Pippin, "Get it out of here, Buffy!"

The slayer nodded, and reached for the cloth covered orb, handling it as one would a dangerous, biting snake. "Where?" she asked.

"Your room for now. But whatever you do, do not look into it or touch it!"

"Got it." Buffy said, leaving the room, holding the palantír away from her. She sternly ignored the rush of images that seemed poised to cascade through her if she let it in.

Legolas helped Aragorn up as Gandalf bent over Pippin, who after many attempts, finally awakened, panting in fear. Wide, terrified eyes looked up at Gandalf, "He is coming…." he gasped out.

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Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 12.

The next morning, they all met in the hall, Éomer having been filled in about last night's events.

Gandalf held the palantír in his hands, unwilling to take the chance of leaving it out of his sight. Setting the cloth covered orb down on a table, he addressed the tense group. "Sauron did not find out about Frodo," he said, to audible sighs of relief, "There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. Instead, it seems that Sauron now believes it to be Pippin that has the One Ring. A bad stroke of luck for Pippin but one that we may turn to our advantage."

"He's going to hunt Pippin now, isn't he? Not Frodo." Buffy asked from her position, leaning against one of the pillars.

"Yes," Gandalf agreed, "But we have been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the palantír a glimpse of the Enemy's plan. And where before we knew nothing of what he planned, we at last know for sure what he means to do. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. Saruman's defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing... He now knows that the Three Rings of the Elves are free, and now knows of one who possesses one. He also knows that Buffy has returned to war, instead of prowling the north. And he knows the Heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as he supposed all these years. There is courage still… Strength enough perhaps to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He remembers the Last Alliance all too well, just as he remembers the blood of the one who denied him of the One Ring. There are few lines he hates more than the line of Elendil. He will not risk the peoples of Middle-earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Men. If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."

Éomer was silent, "I know of the peril that Gondor now faces, though I did not realise it was so great. My uncle would have said why should we ride to the aid of those who never came to ours, but I know better. I have spoken with Boromir of Gondor ere he left for the north, and I know that they are hard pressed to hold what borders remain to them. If Gondor falls, Rohan will not last much longer. The Rohirrim will ride to Gondor. If the beacons are lit, Rohan will answer."

"They must also be warned," Aragorn said, envisioning his promise to Boromir, "I will go to do so."

Gandalf glared at him, "No!" he said firmly, "You must not."

"They have to be warned, Gandalf," Aragorn protested. "Denethor knows nothing of this!"

The wizard held up a hand in a gesture of peace, "They will be, Aragorn." he said and then dropped his voice to a whisper, "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. One that was foretold long ago. Follow the mountain to the river, and look to the black ships."

As Aragorn stared at him, Gandalf surveyed the small group and spoke loudly, "Understand this, things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I will not be going alone." he said, looking at the hobbits, and then at Buffy. "But first, someone must take charge of the palantír. Will you Aragorn, take the Orthanc stone and guard it? It is a dangerous charge I know."

"Dangerous indeed, but not to all." Aragorn replied, "There is one who may claim it by right. For this assuredly is the palantír of Orthanc from the treasury of Elendil, set here by the Kings of Gondor. Now my hour draws near. I will take it."

The wizard bit back a smile at the kingly tone and knew that Aragorn was coming into his own, and picking up the palantír, he bowed as he presented it to the ranger. "Receive it then, Lord!" he said, "In earnest of other things that shall be given back. But if I may counsel you in the use of your own, do not use it - yet! Be wary!"

Aragorn arched an eyebrow at him, "When have I been hasty or unwary, who have waited and prepared for so many long years?" he said wryly.

"Never yet." Gandalf said cheerfully, "But do not stumble now, at the end of the road. Now, place that somewhere safe. I would not have another exposed to its malice."

As the crowd dispersed to take care of their business, Éomer to prepare for war, Aragorn to do the same if in a different way, and so on, Gandalf went to Buffy. He looked at her and she knew what he wanted, "Your path lies before you Buffy," Gandalf said, "But to step upon it will be your choice. To go with the Rohirrim and Aragorn or to help me hold the White City?"

"I do not know," she said heavily, "When do you leave?"

"At dawn." he replied. "If you are not at the stables in the morn, I will know you are not coming. Choose wisely, Dagnir."

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When Buffy trudged into her rooms, later that day, having been helping Éowyn to make certain clandestine preparations, the last person she wanted to see perched on her bed was Aragorn.

Taking off her sword, she threw it onto the chair in anger, "What are you doing here, Aragorn?" she demanded.

He was not in the least bit phased by her temper, many decades of friendship leaving him well acquainted with her mercurial temper. "It is past time we talked, Buffy," he said calmly, "You know it as well as I. We have a lot of things to discuss."

"You just want to sort things out before you travel the Paths of the Dead," Buffy stated, "And don't give me that look. I'm not stupid."

"And where does your sword travel?" Aragorn asked, unsure if he wanted her to dare the dreaded Paths of the Dead with him. She laughed lightly, "Swords?" she repeated, "Oh boy. Aragorn, what good are weapons against disembodied spirits? They have no ass to kick. A chunk of metal isn't going to do much good. And I hear they like killing people. Think of it as revenge from beyond the grave. You're going to need a little more than a sword."

"They broke their oath." Aragorn said firmly, "Their oath to Isildur, Elendil's son. And to his heir they now must answer."

"I'd be careful with them if I were you," Buffy warned, "Ghosts are nasty. They quite like to possess people actually. It's one of their more annoying traits. And oh yeah, any of them who are trapped in the world between the living and the dead, tend to hate the living big time. You do remember Moria?"

"Very well, I assure you." Aragorn said with a grimace, "But what about Narya? Why did you not tell me?"

"Because it wasn't my choice to hold it," Buffy growled tiredly, "Gandalf thought that he would fall in Moria and so asked me to mind it and carry it to Galadriel. As you know, things didn't exactly work out the way either of us expected and so I got stuck with it. I wasn't about to advertise the fact that I was a walking time bomb to anyone."

"I would have helped you."

"I didn't want your help." Buffy said, "All I wanted was for Gandalf to take it off my hands. I only used it at the Deep because I needed to. A literally life or death situation. Still doesn't mean that I want the damn thing. I mean, I might as well paint a bull's-eye on my back now."

"All the more reason you should have told me." the ranger insisted, "Saruman nearly killed you for it."

"Hence, why I didn't say anything." Buffy snapped, "Look, all I got to explain this thing was some major cryptic from Galadriel and Gandalf, which, as per usual, only has any meaning after the fact. So the last thing I want to talk about is the thing that is about to have me hunted down like an animal."

Aragorn nodded and then he crossed to Buffy and taking her arm, drew her towards the bed, until she was sitting down on it beside him. She made no protest. She knew that there was no avoiding this now. And she felt so weary of fighting herself. She would reserve that will until the morn, when she would need it anew.

"Buffy," Aragorn asked, softly and earnestly, in such a way that cut into Buffy's heart, "Why do you run? You give me paltry excuses but I know that they are not the full truth. Buffy, when I held the palantír, I saw… I saw you. The crown of the Queen of Gondor was on your brow and you clutched a child to your breast as you ran."

He heard Buffy's shaky intake of breath and knew that he had hit on something, "You saw it too." he said, more a statement than a question.

"I did," Buffy said, "Don't you see? We're only going to cause each other pain if we continue upon this course! I saw Gondor burning, Aragorn. Do you think that I could bear to be responsible for that?"

"Why do you think it is your fault? How do you even know it is true?" Aragorn demanded, taking her trembling hand in his, "Sauron has held the palantíri in his control for a long time. How can you be sure it is true?"

"Because I can't take the risk that it is not," Buffy said, voice shaking as she started but gaining strength, "How could I have that hanging over my head? Gondor needs to be strong. Not dead."

"Buffy…. Why can you not trust me?" Aragorn whispered, loosening the braid that she wore until her hair fell loose, "Why can you not trust in me to prevent it? I am not going to leave you, meleth. It would tear my own heart in two. Visions often come to be prevented, why can you not fight for the future? For us?"

"Because I've tried before," Buffy said, casting her eyes down, "It's always the same. I lose."

"Why can you not even try? Is this," he said, pressing her hand to his chest, over his heart, "not worth it? Buffy, if you can look me in the eye and honestly tell me that you do not love me, then I shall walk away and bother you no more. Can you do this?"

She tried. Eru knew she tried. But every time she tried to form the words, they caught in her throat. At last, she gave up. "I can't."

Gradually dawning exultation was evident in Aragorn's eyes at her admission but knowing his love, he proceeded carefully. "Then why can you not give this a chance?"

"What happens if this doesn't work out, Aragorn?" Buffy asked tiredly. "What happens if we try this and it fails?"

"Then at least we tried. We would not have to live with the spectre of regret over our heads for the rest of our lives. Please, Buffy, at least give us a chance."

She looked into intent grey eyes, and saw a need there, a need for some certainty in uncertain times. He did not want this unresolved when they went to a war where the odds were stacked against him.

Releasing her hand, he pulled the Ring of Barahir off his finger, and placed it in her palm, furling her fingers over it. She knew what it meant. He had once nearly given it to Arwen... "Aragorn…" she began awkwardly, not meeting his eyes.

He shushed her, and urged her to take the ring, although it was too big to fit on her fingers. "Please, take it... If only as a promise to return it to me."

She hesitated and then knowing that he needed this, that she needed this, she nodded and hung the ring from a chain around her neck. His answering smile was breathtaking. Stroking her hair, he asked, "Is the running over, meleth?"

She sighed and then relaxed into his touch as he drew her against his chest, "It's over," she said quietly, silently letting him know that her heart was in his keeping. She did not expect to live past the battle in Gondor. She had a good reason to believe so, but he did not need to know that yet. "Nothing's settled yet, ranger," she said softly.

"I know," he replied, "But it is a start. And more of one than we have ever had."

Turning to face him, she let him draw her into a sweet kiss and she responded eagerly. She needed this succour too. Before she rode to war. And death.

They kept it innocent, mere kisses and caresses, for Aragorn was the honourable type and nothing had been settled between them. Buffy had agreed to give them a chance, nothing more.

And then they fell asleep in each other's arms; Buffy for once feeling secure in another's hold. But long after Aragorn had fallen asleep, holding her tightly, Buffy lay staring at the ceiling, wondering why life had to be so damn hard.

Because Aragorn had a point, she would have regretted not letting him know how she felt. The only problem was, this would be their last night together. Forever. Aragorn had to go his path and she had to take hers. Even if she did not survive it.

But as her heart was currently swimming with warm, cosy, and happy feelings, and was cheerfully beating her head into submission for this night, she gave in to it and snuggled closer to Aragorn, feeling his heart beating reassuringly underneath her ear. And with a silent solemnity, she said her final goodbyes to Angel and let Aragorn in, for the hours they had left to them.

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Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, 3019 TA, March 13 - dawn.

Gently untangling herself from Aragorn's somnolent hold, she brushed a light kiss on his brow and said goodbye for the last time. She did not think that she would see him again. "Namárië Aragorn… Namárië nín meleth," she whispered and then picking up her pack, silently left the room.

And so it was that when dawn's early light flooded through the stables and Gandalf, Merry and Pippin entered at speed, Buffy was there waiting for him.

The wizard regarded her silently for a moment, "You have chosen then?"

She took a deep breath, "I know Denethor. And his idiocy. The city is probably on the verge of collapse. Whatever legend my name has given me, I have to go. I am the only one who can go who has any blackmail material on the despicably lovely steward. I will ride to Minas Tirith. You never know, the sight of me after all these years might just be enough to give him a heart attack! Solve all our problems."

Gandalf looked at her knowingly, "And have you said your goodbyes?"

"All those that needed to be said," Buffy said, knowing what he was implying. Well, it was her choice and she had made it. It was better that Aragorn did not find out until after she was gone.

Pippin looked between them, oblivious to the undercurrents, "And how far exactly is Minas Tirith?

Gandalf gave him a long suffering look, "Three days' ride, as the Nazgûl flies, and you had better hope we do not have one of those on our tail."

"Are we all taking Shadowfax then?" Buffy asked, "Can he handle three of us?"

"He is Lord of the Mearas. Of course he can," Gandalf said snappily.

And so it was that even as Merry and Pippin said their goodbyes, Buffy mounted behind Gandalf, holding onto the wizard. Slayer and wizard politely pretended to ignore the two hobbits' words. But then Gandalf could wait no longer, "Run Shadowfax!" he called, "Show us the meaning of haste!"

Pippin called out for Merry even as Shadowfax broke into a canter, which bore them away from Edoras.

"And so we fly," Gandalf said, as Shadowfax smoothly raced across acre and acre of grassy plains, "Not from danger but into greater danger. Every stride of Shadowfax bears you nearer to the Land of Shadow. Let us hope that it is not in vain…"

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And in the courtyard outside the stables in Edoras, some scant twenty minutes after Merry lost sight of Shadowfax over the horizon, a dishevelled Aragorn careened into the area.

"Where is she?" he gasped as he surveyed the courtyard.

Merry looked at the man with sympathy, knowing what it felt like to be left behind too. "Gandalf, Pippin and Buffy have left for Minas Tirith." he said simply.

"Without telling anyone?" Aragorn said soberly.

Merry nodded and left the ranger to his privacy out of respect for him. For his part, he missed Pippin already.

And as for Aragorn, he stared at the horizon for no few minutes, trying to reconcile Buffy's actions with her words the night before.

Remember your promise, he thought desperately, and come back to me, Buffy….

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A/N: So? What do you think? Enough fluff? Enough angst? RotK starts in the next chapter so get ready! Please READ and REVIEW!

Next chapter: Consequences… Choices…. Meetings… Reactions…. A coup d'état…. And Gondor comes under the first wave of attack….

Elvish:

Bereth - spouse

Meleth - love

Dagnir - slayer

Adar - father

Namárië - farewell

Nín meleth - my love

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Dol Guldur - 'Hill of Sorcery'. A treeless height in the south-west of Mirkwood, a stronghold of the Necromancer before he was revealed as Sauron returned. Houses three Nazgûl, led by Khamûl.

Dunharrow - Fortified refuge in the Ered Nimrais. It is the mountain refuge of the people of Rohan. And the entrance to the Paths of the Dead is there.

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.

Istari - the Maiar who were sent from Aman in the Third Age to resist Sauron. Sindarin: Ithryn.

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.

Mundburg - 'Guardian Fortress'. Name in Rohan of Minas Tirith.

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.

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

Osgiliath - Was once the capital of Gondor. But during the War of the Kin-Strife (a rebellion during the time of kings around the 1430's.) it was laid siege to by the rebels and burned to ruins in 1437.

Palantír - one of the seven seeing stones that were scattered throughout Gondor and Arnor during the reign of Elendil. For the last few centuries, they have been considered unsafe to use as it is believed that one of them is in the possession of Sauron.

Red Arrow - the 'war-arrow' sent from Gondor to Rohan as a token of the need in Minas Tirith.

Ring of Barahir - Heirloom of the House of Isildur.

The guarded city - Minas Tirith. The city was once called 'Minis Anor' - 'Tower of the Sun' but it's name was changed when both Minas Ithil and Osgiliath fell.

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