4: If tomorrow never comes
The party finished in the early hours. Elves needed less rest so could party and celebrate longer. The dwarves and men amongst them were heartbroken. Buffy shrugged it off as the Dwarf King got what he deserved. After all, you have to be stupid to challenge Methos to a drinking game.
It was late but Arwen was restless in her sleep. Buffy could hear it from across the hallway.
Arwen reached out to Aragorn using their bond. She sensed something was wrong and wanted to find out what. She caught glimpses of shadows and could feel oppressive terror. There was a large hill and on top of the hill a figure, shrouded in black clothes. She looked closer at the figure, it was a Ringwraith!
Arwen awoke screaming, "The Ring is in danger."
The scream was enough to have Buffy, Elrond, and Adam all race towards Arwen's room. Buffy was there first because she was across the hallway. She needed more information but her priority to was to help Arwen. She hugged her young niece hoping to calm her. Elrond's arrival meant he could help his daughter. After all, she was a warrior. He was a healer. They stuck to their strengths. What Buffy needed was a target. Elrond should be able to find out, "Where are they?"
Elrond knew what she was asking. He used his own gift of sight, asking the land for the information. He got it. "They are atop Weathertop Hill. You only need to defend them to the river then I can act."
Buffy smirked knowing what trick he was referring too. She couldn't wait to see it occur to the wraith. In fact, one would describe her grin as vicious. If she was going to pick a fight with a Ringwraith there was only one person she wanted by her side. "Methos!"
Adam appeared ready for battle. Familiar twin swords strapped to his back. "Yes, dear."
Buffy ignored the affection in his voice in favour of the fight. She was still mad at him. She was as succinct as ever, "We are going to go and pick a fight with a ringwraith."
Others would have blinked, or maybe refused such an offer. Adam just smirked, taking it as a possible olive branch. "Oh, goodie something new."
Knowing time was of the essence, the elf couple left. They bypassed people waiting, leaving explanations to Elrond. He was the most diplomatic of the three anyway.
Elrond had done all he could for Arwen. The only thing that could help now was rest. He kissed his daughter's cheek wishing her restful dreams. He stood up to greet the well-wishers outside. He saw the first. Elrond asked, ever the cordial host, "How can I help Lord Boromir?"
"Are they going to fight the Wraith?" The Gondor Lord asked in disbelief.
Lord Elrond nodded, "Yes, they are. They will enjoy it. Do not fear for them Lord Boromir. If anything, I would pity the wraith."
Boromir watched as the Elven Lord left. Now, what had he meant by the cryptic statement? What was so special about the couple? He would have to observe and find out.
They'd found the party under besiege. Aragorn was stuck trying to cover a retreat of too many friendlies, who had no fighting skills. Buffy and Methos smiled at each other. No matter how mad they are at each other, they still understood each other. This would be fun.
They stood together in front of the bedraggled Ranger. Buffy ordered him, "Take your charges to the river Ranger."
She didn't know what Sauron knew about Aragorn. There was no reason to gift him with any freebies before they were ready. She didn't want Elrond to lecture her again. He was worse than Giles when he got going.
Buffy couldn't help herself, she indulged in bait the bad guy. "Hey ugly, why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
The Ringwraith hissed, "You dare defy me?"
Buffy would like to point out. She could not be held responsible for such an opening. It was too hard to resist. She purred, "Oh, but I do."
The Ringwraith didn't understand what he was facing. As a result, he was communicating with their Lord. They looked like Elf but they felt different
The Wraith growled, "Do not get between a Wraith and their Quarry Elflings."
Buffy chuckled but it was cold, lacking any warmth. "He thinks we are children."
Methos slipped both of his swords out of their holders. He wielded the swords like a second skin, much like Buffy. He shouted, "River now!"
Aragorn knew this was the best chance of safety. He hated the idea of leaving Eliza and Adam there but he had no choice. The ringbearer had been wounded. He needed his foster-father, Elrond, to help heal Frodo. He scooped up the other Hobbits. He trusted his horse to see Frodo to Elrond.
Merry seeing what was happening was outraged, "We cannot leave them there! They are too pretty."
Aragorn sighed, "I know, believe me, they are the ones to be feared."
They were making haste to the river. The river would be safety as the other side represented the lands of Imladris.
Buffy snorted as Aragorn got the picture. Now it was time to educate the Ringwraith. She was more than aware that by fighting the wraith. They were announcing their presence to Sauron. Well, she was always a fan of go big or go home.
The Wraith charged the couple. If they were in training mode they would tut. It was sloppy strategy and that was unforgivable. It happened, when a person relied on their brawn over their brain. Buffy smacked it on its back and Adam went straight for the neck. It was what they were trained to do after all.
The ringwraith hissed as its touch had not affected his opponents. This was unheard of. What the hell had happened?
The female elf continued to mock. "Are you okay? Is this one your first battles? Do you need a minute?"
The male snorted, "Don't you be mean El'. He isn't used to a foe who fight back."
"How?" The Wraith demanded again. He was not used to defiance.
Buffy rolled her eyes. It had to be stupid to think they would actually reveal their secret. "Sorry, you didn't ask me nicely."
The ringwraith felt something he'd never felt before. Well, not since he'd become a Wraith - fear.
When he looked at the couple, he saw his death. He did something new. He retreated.
Buffy watched in confusion as the creature shrieked ... And ran away.
Buffy grumbled, "I wanted a fight!"
Methos chuckled, "You just can't get the foe these days."
Buffy grinned, liking the light-hearted atmosphere between them. For now, she wanted to keep that, "You will spar with me, won't you?"
Methods sucked in a breath seeing that old devastating smile. "Forever and always."
