If only Buffy had realised that it would never matter if there was ever a Tuesday again. They were now permanent members of Middle-earth. The powers had realised should the couple remain on Earth then the precious balance would be over.
"Your Powers have released you from their service," Galadriel explained.
Buffy snorted perhaps it was her age but she was too cynical, "Whose service have we entered?"
Galadriel did not respond to the sarcasm. She did answer the question with honesty. "All warriors in Middle Earth fall under the Valar's protection."
Methos finally spoke, "So what happens now?"
Galadriel shared a look with her husband, Celeborn. Buffy smiled seeing the wealth of communication that took place in a mere glance. She had that type of relationship with Methos many moons ago.
Celeborn spoke, "You need to heal separately before you can repair your bond. You will reside with our kin in Imladris."
Buffy started at that, she was unsure why. She was in a new place, at least Methos was familiar.
Galadriel moved to reassure her, "Do not worry for your meleth nin (beloved). He will be with kin."
Buffy snorted, "It's been a long time since he has been my husband." She frowned realising that she understood what had just been said.
All that earned her was a look of amusement, "Young one, the bond may be frayed but it is still so bright. In the eyes of the Varda and Middle Earth, your bond is forever."
Buffy and Methos shared a long look which spoke volumes. It was full of hope, love, lust, anger, disappointment and resentment. Buffy sighed finally seeing what the blonde elf was trying to say. Her feelings whether positive or negative were telling in itself. If there was no bond then she would feel nothing.
Galadriel smiled, "The Valar are not cruel. They gave you the skills to adapt to this world."
Buffy thought about resisting the changes. Although it would be a useless resistance and achieve nothing. She was too old for stupid protests.
In reality, Galadriel's patient serene manner sapped Buffy's anger. Much to Buffy's amusement, she found herself being mothered by the older elf queen. Even more surprisingly, Buffy allowed herself to be mothered. She was obviously mellowing in her old age.
Galadriel had made the decision for Buffy and Methos. The pair would not be able to heal while they were in the same place. Methos was sent with the fun Genwyn back to Imladris. If they wanted to converse it would have to be using their bond or letters. Galadriel knew the two great warriors would help fight the encroaching darkness. What she hadn't confessed to anyone apart from her husband was Methos and Buffy would help turn the tide.
Haldir walked through the forest with a look of disillusionment. It had been six months since the arrival of the new heir. Although the title had only been officially conferred on Buffy three days ago. She had completed the adoption rituals and taken the Elvish name of Eliza Celebcal (Silvershine). He had yet to beat her in any training session. Still, she remained undefeated which was quite a feat.
Buffy had received a letter from her errant husband. In the letter, he explained he had also accepted a blood adoption. The blood brother adoption with Elrond had taken place. They still looked the same, they already had the grace of the Elves, as well as the immortality. The only real difference is they now had the ears of their adoptive people.
Buffy watched him storm off for his duty with a grin. "What did I do?"
Arwen her niece snorted, "You harm fragile egos. It good for him ... It will be character building."
Buffy smirked, "You should have been there when I sparred in a blindfold. The Lothlorien watch hated losing that day."
Arwen giggled, "Tell me more."
All watched as the Elven ladies strolled away to her hut. Arwen had been there and helped Buffy as she adjusted to being the Princess of Lothlorien. Buffy started to settle and become more confident in her role. Okay, she still struggled with the whole idea of being a princess. Buffy had grown fond of Celeborn and Galadriel. She knew a real familial relationship was growing there - It was not like they didn't have the time. It was why she was so nervous. She didn't want to let them down.
Arwen looked at her latest missive awaiting her. She chuckled, "Your Herven (husband) has joined with the Genwyn."
Buffy bit back a retort about Methos not being her husband. Instead, she settled for a mischievous grin, "Oh, we will keep them on their toes."
Buffy knew it wouldn't be long before she would be heading to Imladris. She had no intention of embarrassing her new parent or Lothlorien. She just hoped that the beautiful valley withstood her reunion with her husband.
