Arwen and her newest companions were lounging by the river, taking advantage of yet another beautiful summer day in Imladris. Despite the Guardians' regimented training sessions, time had taken on a lazy, meandering cast --- as it is wont to do in Elven safe havens. The pervading impression was one of peace, though it was a peace edged in darkness. They all knew that their respite was coming to an end; there were decisions to be made, and a war to prepare for.
The Elleth was perched against a tree watching Buffy and Willow comb and braid each other's hair. In keeping with their plans to out-maneuver Elrond's children, they'd decided to provide Arwen with as many hints as they could about their blossoming relationship without coming out and…well, coming out.
Needless to say, Buffy needed no prompting to run her fingers through Willow's hair under the pretense of detangling it. She allowed her fingers to caress her girlfriend's neck, struggling to make it seem like she didn't realize what she was doing. Meanwhile, the Witch trembled at her touch and retaliated by letting her hands rest on Buffy's thighs, knowing that each minute movement would be felt with her Slayer senses.
Buffy shivered and tried to focus on Arwen, who had apparently asked them a question. "Hmm?" she murmured, not bothering to cover the slight blush that stained her cheeks.
The Elleth gave them a knowing smirk, but merely repeated the query. "What are your plans?"
Noticing that Willow seemed incapable of words due to the fact that her hands were gently massaging the Witch's head, Buffy took pity and spoke up. "We're gonna tag along with 'Stel and the twins. They were planning to go on another of their orc hunting adventures. That's still basically the plan, so Tas and I can get better acquainted with Arda, but we also have a few specific goals that we thought up during our planning session."
Finally joining the conversation, Willow added, "As in, we're definitely going back to Hollin to search for any signs of the wargs and that Beastie. Plus we're gonna do a little recon around Moria."
"Be you wary near the mines," Arwen warned, her musical voice growing low and sibilant and filling the space around them with power. Two heads turned sharply to regard her with concern, noting the slightly put out look on her face.
"Is it me or did you just channel Galadriel?" Buffy asked.
The Elleth looked sheepish. "I hate it when it takes me unawares like that. Tends to freak people out." She gave a brief grin to ease the tension.
"What WAS that?" Willow was now sitting ramrod straight, using her magickal feelers to probe the air around them.
Arwen sighed. "It was the Sight. At times, I am merely the vessel and it moves through me without conscious thought."
"Like a vision?" questioned Buffy.
She shook her head briefly; raven colored locks tumbling about her face. "More like a sudden knowledge or foreboding. To have a full vision I need to slip into a trance, or use Galadriel's mirror."
"So something bad's gonna happen at the mines, then?" Willow attempted to put the pieces together. "Just in general, or is it specific to when we're there?"
The Elleth closed her eyes and bent her head, focusing all her senses on the premonition. "I know only that when you go there, you will be in danger." She let out an exasperated breath. "Which is not very helpful as we already KNOW that Moria is dangerous."
"Not your fault, Wen," Buffy reassured her. "We always had a hell of a time interpreting my Slayer dreams. They usually only make sense after the fact. Plus it's still helpful. Do you think it was meant to keep us away?"
Arwen's eyes were dark and troubled, not wanting to give the wrong advice and bring harm to her friends. "I am not certain." She sighed heavily.
Buffy reached out and took the Elleth's hands in her own. "Shh, it's OK. It's a huge burden, knowing how much your words influence the actions of others. Here's what I think the warning means. We were right about Moria, something big is going down there that we need to know about. So we have no choice but to go, which is what we were gonna do anyway, only now we'll be uber careful when we do."
"I agree," the Witch chimed in. "Without your warning, knowing us, we probably would've just wandered in to explore without a battle strategy or backup plan."
The Guardians exchanged a relieved look when Arwen began to look a little less distraught. "I am happy to help," she murmured finally, gracing them with a wan smile.
"That's the spirit!" Buffy chuckled. "So, hey, what are YOU gonna do next?"
"Oh, you should come with us!" Willow exclaimed excitedly. You can fight pretty well, plus you've got the whole elven reflexes and speed thing going for you…"
Arwen shook her head sadly. "Part of me would love to go with you, but I should be here. Adar and I need time to mend, and now that he has taken me into his confidence, he will need my foresight in the coming days. He has many painful decisions to make."
"We understand," Willow assured her with a smile. "But we'll miss you! We've been together nonstop for over a year."
The Elleth's beautiful gray eyes glimmered with unshed tears. "I will miss you both, as well. You are, after all, my sisters." Willow and Buffy exchanged a mischievous look and tackled their weepy friend down the slope and into the river.
The Slayer tried to pull back at the last second to keep herself from getting wet, but Willow growled, "Oh no you don't," and threw her arms around Buffy's waist. The three of them tumbled ass-over-teakettle into the water. Feeling vengeful, Buffy took advantage of her close proximity to Willow to press her body flush against the Witch's. Then she ran her tongue from the base of Willow's throat to her ear and gently bit it. When they surfaced an instant later, Buffy was laughing, and the redhead was gasping and flushed. Arwen watched them shrewdly, attempting to look casual.
Estel found Arwen deep in thought by the river. Buffy and Willow had recently left to change into dry clothes, but Arwen had made an excuse to stay behind, figuring that the more she left them alone together, the better. She was trying to figure out why the twins looked so sure of themselves today. If anything, the truth about their mutual friends' relationship was becoming more and more apparent with each passing day. But they had acted as though they were privy to information that she didn't have.
"Arwen," Estel greeted, dropping to the ground beside her.
"Well met, Estel," she replied absently.
He noticed her lack of attention immediately. "Something on your mind?" he inquired, knowing that he had to play this just right.
Finally taking notice of him, she smiled somewhat sadly. "Nay, I am just thinking about how much I will miss you all when you leave." It wasn't completely untrue; she did think about that a lot, it just wasn't exactly her focus at the moment.
Estel stifled a grin, knowing PRECISELY what she was thinking about, having seen the way the twins had been acting ever since his conversation with them. "Ai, we will miss you, too," he replied seriously. "Is it not possible for you to come with us?"
"Nay. Aarion and Tasere assured me that I was welcome, but I feel that it is my duty to remain here with Adar. He needs the benefit of my Gift."
"He needs YOU, too," he pointed out astutely.
She smiled at him. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."
Estel cleared his throat. When Arwen Undomiel truly smiled, it made one's heart swell with joy. For a brief instant, the sun was brighter, the sound of the birds more cheerful, and new blossoms opened up around them. Trying desperately not to revert back to the tongue-tied idiot he'd been when they first met, he stuttered, "I actually came here looking for you."
"Oh?" she prompted, kindly not taking notice of his sudden fluster. She was usually in more control, and didn't allow her every facial expression to affect the world (and people) around her. But his simple words had made her so happy that she couldn't help it.
Estel gathered his wits. "I know about the bet," he said finally, watching her reaction carefully.
"Bet?" she questioned, not giving an inch.
"Ai," he replied firmly. "The one between you and the twins about whether or not Aarion and Tasere will declare their love by the time we leave Imladris?"
She grimaced slightly. "Ah, that bet. What is it that you want?" she demanded, assuming that this was some form of blackmail to keep him from telling their friends about it.
"Want?" he repeated, confused. "I want you to win."
She stared at him, measuring, but his gray eyes gave away nothing. He had a very many Elflike qualities that were quite startling on a Man. "But you have been on their side all this time."
"Ai, I have. But I have my reasons," he hedged.
"What is it that you suggest?" she asked. "It is already certain that I will win."
He smirked. "I want them to lose twice. Once for you, and once for me." Off her incredulous look, "I owe them for a recent humiliation that I would rather not share."
Eying him shrewdly, she replied, "I believe I will need details ere I can make an educated decision whether or not you are trustworthy."
"You have been spending too much time with Aarion," he muttered. "Fine. I lost a bet that they rigged, and the price was severe. Let us just say it involved a tavern, a dress, a wig, and a bar dance."
The Elleth burst out laughing at the image. "By the Valar!" she gasped, trying to catch her breath, and then seeing it in her mind all over again.
"Quit picturing it!" he commanded, swatting her shoulder.
"But… but," she protested breathily. "What color was the wig?"
Annoyed that he couldn't resist her, he admitted, "Blond."
Arwen set off on another gale of giggles. When she'd finally calmed, she peeked over at him. "I can see how that would drive you to revenge."
"Ai, and I have it all set up. I told the twins that Aarion and I have professed our love for each other in private, and that we are going to pledge our troth publicly at the leaving feast."
Arwen slapped her forehead. "That is why they have been acting so smug!"
"They are now in position to win the bet, but there is one problem," said Estel.
She thought about it. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "Even if they win, I will not be punished, because once you make your announcement, I cannot tell Adar that you and I are pledging OUR troth."
"Exactly," he grinned. "So this is what you are going to do…" As Arwen leaned closer to listen to his plan, it didn't even occur to her to ask how he had learned about the bet in the first place.
Aarion and Estel were in the midst of a swordfight in the center of a large field. It was dusk, and the waning sun's rays gleamed in orange and gold reflections off their clashing blades. They had been going at it for over an hour, and they had drawn quite a crowd. After three months of training together, they knew each other's styles very well, so the fight was more of an intricate dance. Especially since neither actually planned to dole the killing blow.
As Arwen watched them from the branches of a tree, she felt her brothers climbing up to join her. "Well met," she murmured, distracted by the sight before her.
The twins exchanged knowing grins. "Enjoying the view, dear sister?" Elladan inquired.
"Ai," she replied evenly. "They are well matched at swords."
Elrohir watched the scene thoughtfully. "It is like to a dance," he murmured.
"Or a mating ritual!" Elladan added with a smirk.
She smiled beatifically. "Think what you want. I know the truth."
"Still so certain of your win?" asked Elrohir, exchanging a glance with his twin. Their plan might work after all. Their conversation with Estel assured them the win, but it also necessitated a change in strategy.
Arwen fought back a knowing smirk. "Absolutely," she said seriously. "They were brushing each other's hair again today," she taunted, knowing that for them to believe in her willingness to add a second bet, she would have to look certain of her victory. Which was rather easy.
"Well," Elladan murmured smoothly. "Someone is awfully sure of herself."
"How sure?" Elrohir added, the classic opening gauntlet that led to all their bets.
Meeting both of their eyes, she murmured, "Very sure," allowing the sibilant tone of her visions to take over.
"Sure enough to add to our wager?" Elladan asked.
"What did you have in mind?" she questioned, keeping her voice deliberately cautious.
The twins exchanged hopeful expressions. "A counter bet," Elrohir explained. "Our original bet is whether Aarion and Tasere will publicly, and of their own free will, announce their love before the three month deadline occurs. We would like to add a second bet."
"What is your bet?" she asked, already knowing exactly what he was about to say.
Elladan smirked. "That Aarion and Estel will pledge their troth by that same deadline."
"Terms?" she demanded, allowing herself to look both worried and thoughtful.
Elrohir cleared his throat. "If we win, you must confess to Adar that you are pregnant with Legolas Greenleaf's child. The ruse must be maintained for one month, in which a letter must be sent by either you or Adar to King Thranduil to apprise him of the situation."
Arwen thought it through rapidly. Legolas was probably the worst person (second only to Estel) that she could tell Adar she was involved with. And King Thranduil would go through the roof. However, it was hardly a consideration since she knew that she would win both bets.
"I agree," she said finally.
"Your terms?" Elladan prompted.
Pausing to consider, she said, "The next time you go to Gondor, you must stop in every tavern and dance on the bar." She paused. "Dressed as Elleths."
Elrohir glared. "Did Estel tell you…"
"Hmm?" she murmured innocently. "I might have overheard him telling Aarion about it," she hedged. "Do you agree or no?"
After exchanging a final glance, the twins nodded. "We agree." Since they knew they were going to win, they didn't need to worry about the price of losing.
The day of the leaving feast came more quickly than anyone wanted it to. While they knew their destinies lay elsewhere, their time in Imladris had been exactly what they needed for their first journey outside of Lothlórien. They couldn't help but wish that the carefree time spent here could last forever.
Buffy, Willow, and Arwen were fitted for elaborate gowns designed for the occasion, although Buffy in particular had trouble standing still for each session. The end result was undeniably beautiful, however, and she couldn't begrudge herself one last opportunity to dress like a princess before they entered the cold, hard world.
They had each dressed separately in their rooms in order to surprise each other. Arwen floated out into the sitting room first, sporting her trademark silver, having had centuries to get accustomed to the complicated style of clothing worn by Elleths. Willow came second, nervously patting the layers of her purple and gold gown into place. Finally, Buffy joined them, looking distinctly uncomfortable in her green and gold dress. Unbeknownst to the duo, Arwen had purposely had their dresses designed to compliment each other.
"Where is it?" Arwen demanded with a glare, after watching the Slayer fidgit.
Buffy tried to look innocent. "Hmm? Where's what?"
"Your stake."
"Stake? What stake? I don't know what you're talking about," she mumbled, shifting awkwardly as she tried to adjust something under her dress.
Arwen held out her hand for the offending stake. "You do not have to wear a stake to the leaving feast, Aarion. There are armed guards, you know."
Buffy stared her down, expression belligerent. "A Slayer must never be without a stake. It's rule number two in the Slayer's Manual."
"How would you know?" Willow teased, "You never got a manual. What did Giles say? Oh yeah, he didn't think it would work in your case."
Turning to her girlfriend, she threatened, "You'll get yours later, traitor. The point is, a Slayer is never without… well, something pointy."
"What is the first rule?" Arwen asked curiously.
Buffy smiled grimly. "Don't die."
"Good rule," the Elleth conceded, and then gave in. "Fine, if you want to spend the evening with a stake dangerously close to your unmentionables, I will not stop you."
"Thanks!" the Slayer responded brightly, and then frowned. "I think."
"Well, you both look lovely," Arwen continued smoothly, her words having the desired effect of making Buffy and Willow face each other.
"Hey, we sorta match," Willow said softly. Buffy looked breathtaking, quite literally. She felt little shivers run up and down her spine when her girlfriend's hazel eyes met her own.
"Wen's right," the Slayer murmured, voice low and throaty. "You look stunning." She decided that she'd rather skip the leaving feast, thank you very much, and have the redheaded goddess all to herself.
Willow's whole body tingled at the compliment. She watched Buffy's eyes darken, and wondered what she was thinking. If her expression was anything to go by, it was something naughty. "You look like a princess," she replied, and they shared a smile at the private joke.
Arwen sucked in a breath. If those two weren't madly in love and bursting to tell the world, her hair was platinum. "Well, ladies, shall we go?" she asked with a satisfied smile, grandly holding out an arm for each Guardian to take. They obliged, exchanging a mischievous smirk behind her back.
They were finished with the multiple course meal, and waiting on dessert, when the show started. Willow was regaling Elrond's children with a story involving a horny, wooden dummy and a talent show. Estel stood suddenly from his place, looking nervous but determined. Moving to Buffy's side, he knelt at her feet and took her hands in his own. Seeing as how this was the plan, she allowed it.
"Aarion," he addressed her, making sure that his voice as loud enough to carry. "We have gotten to know one another well over the past three months, and every day has brought you closer to my heart."
"Oh Estel," she replied tremulously, peeking from between her lashes at their audience.
Arwen, along with the rest of Elrond's entourage, looked shocked at this development, and had to be held back from intervening by Elrond. The twins looked smug, and Willow was wearing a practiced expression of jealousy and rage. Or maybe not so practiced, considering the way Estel was running his hand up and down Buffy's forearm.
"My love for you will continue to grow for all the days of my life," he continued earnestly, and Buffy couldn't help but blush at his intensity, imagining what it would be like if Willow was in his place.
She allowed a few tears to run down her face. "As will mine," she responded, following the script they'd memorized. The entire hall was silent and listening avidly to their declarations.
"I would be honored if you would allow me to pledge my troth, here, with the court of Imladris as our witnesses."
Buffy stole a not-so-furtive furtive glance at Willow, a flash of sadness for all to see gracing her face before she turned back to Estel and smiled. "I agree."
Estel stood, pulling her to stand facing him. "Aarion Teluhmetar, champion of the Valar" he intoned formally. "I, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir to the throne of Gondor do pledge my troth to you, here in the court of Elrond, King."
Tossing a last glance at Willow, she responded, "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, I, Aarion Teluhmetar, champion of the Valar do pledge my troth to you, here in the court of Elrond, King."
Arwen was riveted to her seat in shock. She had lost. How had she lost? Why in Arda would Aarion and Estel pledge their troth? With the longing looks that she kept giving Tasere, it seemed obvious whom she really wanted to be with. She was about to put up some sort of protest, when Willow leapt from her seat, storming over to the newly pledge couple.
"Aarion, how could you?" she demanded tearfully.
Buffy turned away from Estel to regard her friend sadly. "What do you mean? Aren't you happy for me?"
The redhead gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. "Happy for you? How could I be happy that you're pledged to HIM?" she cried.
"Well, YOU don't want me, and Estel does," the Slayer replied coldly. There were loud murmurs from the crowd at her words.
Willow looked shocked. "What? Does that mean YOU wanted ME?"
Buffy sighed weightily. "It doesn't matter now. I won't bother you."
"But it DOES matter!" the Witch insisted, grabbing hold of Buffy's hand. "Aarion, it DOES matter! And I DO want you, I always have!"
The Slayer stopped short, looking through tear streaked eyes at her oldest friend. "What?" she whispered, looking afraid to hope.
It was the twins' turn to sit up straight in their seats, concerned. They hadn't been expecting this turn of events. Was Arwen right about these two? It was impossible. How had everything gotten away from them in this way? Meanwhile, the Elleth was praising the Valar that she wouldn't lose BOTH bets, while still frantically trying to figure out how she'd lost even one of them.
"Aarion, I love you," Willow said, her voice choked with emotion that wasn't faked in the least.
Buffy's smile glowed brighter than the sun. "Tas," she whispered helplessly, reaching out to place a hand on either side of Willow's face, cradling it gently. "I love you, too."
While Elrond's birth children tried frantically to think of ways to avoid their punishments for losing, Estel spoke up. "Hey, what about me?" he asked petulantly.
Buffy winked at him. "You can join us if you like." The Sunnydalers opened their arms for their friend.
"Oh yeah, I LIKE!" he shot back lecherously, and then smirked at the distraught Elves as he stepped willingly into the embrace of two beautiful women.
Elrond surveyed the trio shrewdly, and then smiled, having worked out that his children had been somehow been bested at their own game. "I hope you three will be very happy together," he intoned, and waved for music to fill the hall. "Let us dance!"
They stood in a small circle with their arms around each other, swaying to the music. "I can't believe we pulled it off!" Willow exclaimed.
Estel grinned. "You two were brilliant. I nearly shed a tear."
Willow stopped swaying to kick at his ankle. "You were, too. A little TOO convincing if you ask me," she added with a fierce glare. "Nobody gets to brush Buffy's forearm but me."
"Noted," he replied somberly, and then kicked her back.
Buffy rubbed her girlfriend's back soothingly. "And hey, we lowly humans managed to out-sneak the sneakiest Elves ever. Yay us!"
"Do you think we should tell them?" Willow asked, leaning into her touch.
"Nah," Buffy decided. "They're smart-types, they'll figure it out."
Meanwhile, back at the table, the Elven trio sat dejectedly, trying to work out how they'd ALL managed to lose.
"Do you get the feeling that we have been 'had'?" Arwen wondered, staring suspiciously at the happy group on the dance floor.
"Definitely."