28. Duty
"Sometimes, pain is all that lets you know you're alive."
-Lews Therin Telamon- The Wheel of Time Series-Robert Jordan
Imladris (Rivendell) September 18/ 48 Yavie 3018 III Age
The library was quiet and calm, the scent of parchment and leather binding was something that soothed him as greatly now as it had as a child. For at this moment part of him needed to be soothed. His worries and fears about the future were weighing heavily on him. Time was running short, Sauran's power was rising and soon open war would begin again. A war he feared that they were not prepared to face. The old alliances were long gone and the elves placed no faith in the strength of men any longer.
His head turned quickly as heard shouts calling through the halls. Recognizing the voices of his foster brothers he moved without a seconds hesitation. The gwenyn were to be meeting Buffy not two days before and their shouting could mean only one thing.
His legs moved quickly through the halls of the Last Homely House, skidding around corners until his eyes fell upon the sight of his adar moving swiftly with Elrohir and Arwen at his heels towards Buffy's room. Their arms were full of yhings used for healing and his pace increased to a dead run. The door was open and as he ran forward he could see Elladan removing Buffy's clothing carefully with Arwen's help as their ada began assembling what he would need.
Before he could make it through the door though Elrohir's strong grip caught him. He tried to push past to reach the woman he loved but found his foster brother wouldn't move.
"Be still Estel. You cannot help her now. Let ada treat her wounds. As soon as he has finished you may sit with her but now you would only be a hindrance."
"What happened to her?"
"Orcs, almost thirty five of them. Two parties from what we saw. She was too busy with one to see the others coming. An archer shot her twice and she has a sword wound at her side. The sword wound stopped bleeding but must be stitched. The poison has been in her for two days Estel and she lost far too much blood. I have faith now that she will live but it will take her time to wake and longer to heal."
Aragorn listened even as he watched their ada work. He had already seen to the wounds from the arrows and was now removing the binding from the wound in her side. It was long and deep, cutting from just below her left breast near her sternum until it reached her left hip. From his place outside the door he could see muscle and bone and the sight of it made him hurt. On any other it would have meant almost instant death but he lad long ago been told of her healing. A wound that would kill a mortal man instantly would heal completely in a matter of weeks but the knowledge did not make the pain of seeing her in such a state any less.
Looking into his foster brother's worried gaze he nodded. Right now he could not help her but that did not mean that he intended to leave her. Elrohir moved aside and both entered the room, standing on either side of the door as they watched their adar sew the wound closed with deft fingers.
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It was very late at night and yet Elrond found himself standing at the door of Buffy's room. Though her fever had broken broken only two hours before she still looked pale and drawn. A sight that did not surprise Elrond in the least. The arrow wounds in her shoulder and side were already half healed and despite his initial worries of the poison in her, she seemed to have broken its hold on her within an hour of her arrival.
The sword wound would take at least two weeks to fully heal. Before she had received Narya it would have taken well over a month, but the ring seemed to aid her already remarkable healing powers. Elrond did not expect her to wake this night nor until late tomorrow at best. She had lost far too much blood in too short a time to simply come back in three days after being poisoned.
Looking about the room he noted his children who kept silent vigil over the Wilwarin of their people. Estel sat on one side of the bed with her hand in his while Arwen sat on the other doing the same. The gwenyn sat across the room, Elladan on the divan asleep while Elrohir dozed in a large chair. None of them would leave her till she awoke and Elrond was once again struck with the force of the bonds Buffy shared with all of his children.
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A small hobbit, one she had never seen before with deep blue eyes and dark brown hair walked across a field with another hobbit with strawberry blonde hair. The brown haired one kept moving as they crossed the boundry into another field even as the other stopped. They both were dressed for travel and Buffy was forced to listen as the one who had stopped spoke.
"This is it."
"This is what?"
"If I take one more step it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been."
There was a flash and then Buffy was somewhere else. She was standing atop a hill looking out upon the rolling hills outside the shire. It was dark and beautiful beneath a cloudless sky full of stars. Buffy soaked up the beauty of it until she heard the shriek. The unmistakable shriek of the Nezgul. Turning swiftly she tried to identify where it had come from only to be met with an enveloping darkness as the sight faded away.
She stood in the sunlight watching as a man with red hair walked through the forests. He was dressed as a man of Gondor with weapons and shield. The sight struck her as odd for no man of Gondor would normally be in this area of forest. She knew as well it was just under a weeks ride on an elven steed but more than a months walk to Rivendell. Buffy didn't know why but she knew he was on his way to see Elrond. A dream drove him though it was not his own. As she gazed upon him she could see it. A darkness crept from Mordor across the land and the whispered words of Isildur's Bane. The darkness enveloped her and again she saw nothing.
The was light again and Buffy looked around her to see nothing but light. It was almost blinding and as Buffy tried to get her eyes to focus in the light she realized that she held something in her hand. Opening her palm she saw a band of gold, it was plain and unassuming but the evil that radiated off of it caused Buffy to feel week. Waves of nausia swept over her and she could hear softly spoken words float across her brain.
"Protect the one who carries it. The ring must not be taken. The black riders approach. The wizard cannot help them."
The ring began to burn her hand, quickly radiating up her arm. She tried to drop it but she could not move, it felt as though it would consume her and with a sharp intake of breath she closed her eyes and then began to scream.
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Elrond began to turn from the door to return to his study when Buffy's voice sang out with a strength and force that stopped him in his tracks.
"Protect the one who carries it. The ring must not be taken. The black riders approach. The wizard cannot help them."
No sooner than he had turned to face the room again than a blood curling scream cut through the air from Buffy. Instantly all four of his children were on their feet, Estel and Arwen looking down on Buffy with worry as Elladan and Elrohir rushed across the room.
Buffy's scream stopped before he could even reach the bed, her eyes shot open and instantly focused on him.
"The halflings must be found. One carries the One Ring. The Wraiths are hunting him. I need to go Elrond. I have to protect him." Buffy made a move to rise but Elstel's hand held her in place.
Elrond's mind worked in a frenzy. The One Ring had been found and Sauran knew it. He could not get the ring that much was certain. Some one would have to find the ring bearer and quickly.
"You are not well enough to go melleth. I will take you place. Do not fear. I will find the halflings." Came Estel's reply.
Elrond weighed his words and saw the sense in them. He would go and Buffy would stay and heal. The halfling had to be protected and Estel was the best one to find him. The gwenyn would draw far too much notice and Estel knew the wilds well enough to find the halfling.
"Yes he will go and you will heal. Do not attempt to argue Wilwarin, you are not well enough for such a journey yet."
Buffy looked up at all of them from her place among the pillows, he could see her wanting to argue but it appeared as if she had not the strength. Her head nodded slightly and she closed her eyes. Estel bent over her and kissed her brow then straightened, moving towards the door with determination.
Elrond turned his gaze to his three remaining children and saw their solemn faces. Elladan and Elrohir both nodded and followed their foster brother out the door, intent on helping him prepare. Arwen returned to her seat next to Buffy's bed and took the her hand into her own. They shared a look before he turned and made his way out.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 3/ 6 Quelle 3018 III Age
The leaves were falling around her as she lay on her favorite boulder in the soft golden afternoon sunlight. The scene was peaceful and serene but Buffy felt anything but at the moment. For two weeks Elrond had refused to allow her out of bed and it was only today that she had been granted her freedom. Her side had healed completely as had the two arrow holes. She carried a long scar across her abdomen but she was sure it would fade like all of her other ones, only truly visible if one knew where to look. She still felt slightly sore and stiff where the muscles had knitted up but in a few days that would end and she would be back to her old self.
Which was exactly why she was anything but peaceful. Elrond refused to allow her to go in search of Aragorn and the hobbits, stating that she was not well enough and that Aragorn was more than capable of the task. He had gone so far as to order Glorfindel to keep watch over her lest she try and sneak away. Buffy was sure she could take him but it wouldn't be a fight she could come away from without ingury and she would be of no use wounded again.
She wasn't in the shape yet to leave to find Aragorn but in three or four days she would be and then all she had to do was find a way to get out without being caught.
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Aragorn kept his hood up as he sat smoking his pipe. He'd been in Bree for two days now at the Prancing Pony waiting to see if the hobbits would show up. If they did not by tomorrow he would return to the wilds in search of them. Buffy had apparently long ago made her mark on the place and most now viewed Rangers as dangerous. Trust the woman he loved to end up with a name here even more strange than his own. They called her Silence and Aragorn had a fair idea of how she had come by that name. Trust Buffy to spook the people of Bree with her stealth and tendency to remain close lopped when out of the elven realms.
Keeping his eyes on the groups of men that filled the place he thought on Buffy. It had been two weeks since he saw her last and if she healed as fast as expected she would be out of bed in a week. The knowledge soothed him little for he knew that truly dark times were upon them. Isildur's Bane had been found and Sauran would not stop until it was his. Isildur had been wek and allowed the ring to remain undestroyed and he would do all he could to see the bane of his forefathers ended.
His eyes caught sight of something, four hobbits had entered and ordered drinks. The name Underhill was spoken by one and Aragorn placed it into his memory in the case that one og the four was the hobbit he sought.They sat together drinking and talking a bit before one returned to to the bar. After a moments discussion another one of the four left, leaving the troubled looking brown haired one to sit and speak with another. Aragorn studied the brown haired hobbit, his posture and evident wearieness made it apparent that he carried a burden. And Aragorn was fairly certain he knew what it was.
He kept to himself as the events unfolded before him, only rising the instant that the young hobbit disappeared. He couldn't see where he was but years amongst the elves and in the wilds had trained his hearing to be far better than most. As soon as the hobbit appeared again he grabbed him, pulling him up to meet his gaze.
"You draw far too much attention to yourself Mr. Underhill." he said as he began to move. He had placed the ring on his finger and now the Wraiths would know. Making for the stairs he shoved the hobbit ahead of him and into his room. There was a fire in the fireplace to fight off the winter chill and candles lit. As the hobbit stood Aragorn moved to where the candles were lit by the window.
"What do you want?"
"A little more caution from you...that is no trinket you carry." Aragorn replied.
"I carry nothing." came the hobbit's retort.
"Indeed? I can usually avoid being beign seen if I wish, but to dissappear entirely...that is a rare gift." Aragorn replied pulling back his hood.
"Who are you?"
"Are you frightened?" Aragorn couldn't help but ask.
"Yes"
"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you."
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"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage."
-Lao Tzu
Imladris (Rivendell) October 13/ 16 Quelle 3018 III Age
Wraiths rode across the distance hunting, five in all. The area she knew well, it was not far from Amon Sul where she had been ingured. She could feel something in the air around her. They were getting close.
Buffy's eyes snapped open as she stared into the ceiling of her room. The Wraiths were almost upon them and that meant that there was no time for her to delay. She had to find a way out of Rivendell now.
Almost jumping out of her bed Buffy made her way to her closet. Elrond had ordered all of her Ranger clothing and even her elven pants to be removed to prevent her from leaving. They had left her weapons though, none were brave enough to try and seperate her from them, not even Elrond.
Looking through her closet she noticed something she had long forgotten she had. A dark creme riding dress and matching blue gray coat. Deciding that it was better than riding out in a gown she grabbed them both as well as her boots. The dress had split skirts and within moment she had both it and the coat on, her mithril vest in between. Ironically enough the coat laced itself into an ornimental buffterfly, something that Buffy had to almost smile at as she moved around the room. Her hair still bore the three braids that she had fallen asleep with and years of experience told her that they would hold for several days.
Picking up the packet of lembas she had managed to hide along with her gloves she sat them on the bed as she slipped a knife in each of her boots before pulling Ruin from her belt and grabbing the strap that would allow her to place it on her back. Threading ti thourgh she quickly strapped it on and made for her door.
She moved silently through the halls, years of pranks with the gwenyn making her more than adept at getting to the stable without incident. In less than fifteen minutes she had Asfaloth saddled and ready. She silently thanked Glorfindel for her newest horse, the white stallion was the fastest horse in all of Rivendell and she suspected Lorien as well.
Digging her heels into his flanks she urged him on into the night.
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6 days walk from Rivendell October 15/ 18 Quelle 3018 III Age
Buffy had been hunting for them for two days. She had little to no doubt that Aragorn had found them but if she knew him then he was taking them on foot. Which meant that they couldn't out pace the Wraiths. She had to get the ringbearer to Rivendell quicly before the Wraiths found him.
Turning her head slightly she heard sounds in the distance. Urging Asfaloth in the direction of the sound she came closer. After several moments she stopped and dismounted, turning to her well trained white stallion she gave him orders.
"Dar si" The horse obeyed without any noise and once again she thanked Glorfindel for giving him to her. (stay here)
Moving silently she unsheathed Ruin. There were dangers besides Wraiths in the wilds and she would not let herself be wounded again so soon.
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Frodo was wounded and fading fast. There was little that Aragorn could do to stop it.
"Is he going to die?" Pippin asked his voice frantic.
"No. He is passing into the shadow world. Soon he will become a Wraith like them." Aragorn couldn't make it easier for them. There was little he could do excet try and slow the change.
"They're close" came Merry's worried voice.
"Sam, do you know the Athelas plant?"
"Athelas?"
"Kingsfoil" Aragorn clarified.
"Kingsfoil. Aye. Its a weed."
"It may help to slow the poison. Hurry!"
Sam took off in search of the plant and so did Aragirn. After a few monts of searching he came upon some and pulled his knife intending to cut some free.
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Buffy made her way in silence, surprised when movement came in her direction. It was Aragorn and he was moving qickly and alone. Stepping up behind him as he knelt down to cut free a plant she couldn't help a smile. Normally Aragorn would never have let her get this close without noticing.
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Aragorn felt the blade come up to his neck and froze. Silently cursing himslef for letting his guard down for even a moment.
"What's this? A Ranger caught off his guard." A very familiar voice said from behind him as the blade made is way back across his throat slowly. Turning his head he saw the woman he loved and felt his body relax.
"You should not be here." He said as he pulled the Athelas with him as he stood.
"You needed help and I am well. Where are the others?"
"Not far from here. The one who carries the ring has been wounded by a Morgul blade."
Buffy stiffened and shiethed her sword.
"I will get my horse and meet you there. Hurry." she repiled and moved away more quicly than he could follow. Turning quicky he began to make his way back to the others.
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Buffy was back to Asfaloth in less than a minute and on his back. Urging the stallion forward.
In less than two minutes she came upon them huddled together. The one who she had seen before lay on the ground breathing hard as the others held torches. Dismounting quickly she decided to try something she had learned from Elrond to try and buy much needed time. Concentrating she focused the elven presence now within her body and moved to the ingured hobbit. As the light filled her she felt her naneth's knowledge float across her mind and she knew the hobbit's name was Frodo. Buffy wasn't very good at concentrating her elven presence even after years spent training with Elrond but she had little choice.
"Frodo, in Raina. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolo dan nan galad." she said. She felt rather than saw Aragorn rush up beside her and she felt the power leave her. Kneeling down next to her beloved she looked over Frodo, who had turned his head away from her now.
"Who is she?" she heard one of the others ask as she looked over Frodo with a critical healer's eye. She couldn't heal him, she didn't have the strength of pure elvish blood to heal one this far gone into shadow.
"Frodo!" She called out to him, hoping for a response, she received none.
"She's an elf."
"He is fading...he's not going to last. I must get him to Elrond." Buffy told Aragorn with certainty. The Ranger didn't hesitate, picking up Frodo and moving him over to her horse quickly. She followed him speaking as she went.
"I have been looking for you for two days" she told him as he sat Frodo on Asfaloth.
"Where are you taking him?" came an alarmed voice behind her. She didn't have time to give explainations to Frodo's friends. The Wraiths were coming and she needed to move.
"There are five Wraiths behind you. Where the other four are, I do not know." she told Aragorn. She didn't have time to argue with him and she'd make him see it even if she had to knock him out.
"Dartho guin Berain...rych ie as tolthathon." Aragorn told her grabbing Asfaloth's reigns. (stay with the hobbits...I will send horses for you.)
Buffy really didn't have time for this but she'd try reasoning with him before she resorted to hitting him.
"Hon mabathon. Rochoh ellint im." (I'll take him. I'm the faster rider.)
"Andelu I ven." he countered and Buffy had to suppress the urge to snort.(The road is too dangerous)
"Frodo Fir. Ae anthradon I hir, tur gwaith nin beriatha hon." she countered. She really didn't want to argue with him and especially have to in elvish at the moment. The language was just no good for arguments. (If I can cross the river the power of my people can protect him.)
"What are they saying?" Buffy heard one of the other hobbits ask from behind them. She just needed to reassure him that she could do it. She wasn't planning on fighting the Wraiths, especially not five of them so soon after being hurt. Moving her gloved hand over to Aragorn's she said the one thing she knew would make him let her go with Frodo.
"I don't fear them." She replied and looked deep into his eyes. She could see that he knew she was right but was afraid for her.
"Be iest lîn"he replied with a nod, she moved and mounted behind Frodo, leaning into Asfaloth. (as you wish)
"Ride hard. Don't look back." he told her, his worry apparent in his voice.
"Noro Lim Asfaloth, Noro Lim." she urged. The stallion didn't need any other urging and broke out into a gallop, leving Aragorn and the other hobbits quickly behind.
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Aragorn watched as Buffy galloped off with his fear and worry doing battle with his confidence in the woman he loved. Her years among the Rohirrim had made her an exceptional rider and her horse was the fastest in Rivendell. If anyone could out ride the Wraiths it would be her.
"What are you doing! Those Wraiths are still out there!" Aragorn heard Sam shout behind him. Turning to them he put aside his fear for the moment and took the situation in hand.
"If anyone can out run them it is her. Gather your things. We keep moving."
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Rivendell October 15/ 18 Quelle 3018 III Age
It was the dead of night as Elrond strode through the halls of the Lat Homely House to his study. Gandalf had arrived and there was apparently much to discuss. For two days Elrond had slept little, Buffy had managed to slip out in the dead of night despite his best efforts to keep her in Rivendell. His children were worried as was he, he still did not feel that she should be out fighting Wraiths so soon no matter how fast she healed.
Striding into his study he was slighly taken aback by the state of Gandalf. The wizard was filthy and looked far more worn than usual. Something had most definitely gone wrong.
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Why was I one of the chosen ones?
Until the fight I could not see
The magic and the strength of my power
It was beyond my wildest dreams
Dark wings they are descending
See shadows gathering around
One by one they are falling
Every time they try to strike us down
Don't you die on me
You haven't made your peace
Live life, breathe, breathe
Don't you die on me
You haven't made your peace
Live life, breathe, breathe
As they took your soul away
The night turned into the day
Blinded by your rays of life
Give us the strength we needed
Dark Wings- Within temptation
South West of the Ford October 17/ 20 Quelle 3018 III Age
For a day and a half she had managed to keep ahead of the Wraiths but they were closing on her fast. There was less than mile to the ford and if she could get across it then the power of the elves could protect the. Frodo was fading more quickly than before and she could feel the Wraith's pull on him.
Winding Asfaloth through the trees she saw them riding next to her. Urging Asfaloth to go faster she saw the ford. Breaking across the plain she reached it and turned her mount to face them. She was more than tired of running and they weren't going to get Frodo until she was dead. Calling out with her mind to Arwen she spoke one sentence and didn't wait for a reply before breaking the connection.
"Send help to the ford!"
The Wraiths faced her and she refused to show them any fear. They could kill her but she wasn't going down without a fight. She had faced the First, she could face them.
"Give us the halfling, she elf."one of them demanded
Pulling Ruin from her back she challenged them. "If you want him come and claim him!" She couldn't beat them with a sword she knew so she began to concentrate as Elrond had taught her, pulling all of the power her elven blood had in it. The Wraiths drew their swords and Buffy felt Narya begin to pulse on her hand. If there was any time for the ring to help her this was it.
The Wraiths began to move forward from the banks of the Bruinen twards them. She was really going to suffer for this later but she didn't have a choice.
"Nin o Cithaeglir lasto beth daer; Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer" she chanted, calling to the water for help. Hearing a sudden rush she whipped her head over to see the waters rushing. She only had a moment to move before she was taken with the waters as well and apparently Asfaloth knew it too and began to back up.
The water came rushing over the Wraiths and as soon as it was upon them, appearing as wild horses galloping, Buffy was on the shore. Feeling the evil of their presence fading rapidly she dismounted and pulled Frodo with her. He only had moments left.
"No, no, no Frodo no! Frodo do not give up on me, not now!" She chanted She was desperate. Frodo didn't deserve this, he'd done nothing but try and save the rest of them by getting the ring somewhere safe. Feeling Narya pulsing on her hand she called to it, hoping against hope that the ring would do her will.
"What fate has given me, let it protect him. Let him be spared. Save him Narya." she pleaded with tears in her eyes. She would not lose another innocent. Not like this, not when she could do something about it.
Buffy felt the warm glow begin to envelope her and Frodo, his shuddering began to slow and Buffy knew that she had pulled him back. Narya couldn't heal him but she could pull him back far enough to get him to Elrond.
Suddenly Buffy felt faint and deep in the back of her mind she knew she had pushed herself too far. Her arms still around Frodo she collapsed onto her side as the world faded away.
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Arwen had been walking in the garden when she felt her mind suddenly intruded upon. She knew the mind even before Buffy's voice screamed at her.
"Send help to the ford!"
As soon as the words were spoken Buffy was gone and Arwen began to run. Her ada was in his study with Gandalf and Buffy needed help now.
Bursting into the study less than a minute later she didn't even bother for expinations or decorum.
"Buffy is at the ford. She needs help! Hurry! Someone is wounded!"
The two sitting were up instantly Gandalf saying Frodo even as her ada rushed from the room giving orders to those in the halls as he went.
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In less than half an hour Elrond saw Buffy's horse as he approached at a full gallop, the others riding behind him.
Pulling up and dismounting he saw Buffy laying on her side with Frodo in her arms, Asfaloth seemingly standing guard over his mistress. The temperamental stallion allowed him to approach and within minutes he has discerned that Buffy had merely fainted and that Fordo was falling into shadow. Signaling to his sons and Glorfindel they began to move them. Glorfindel picking up the Wilwarin's unconcious form as the gwenyn helped move the hobbit to mount before him. In less than two minutes they were on their way back to Rivendell, moving as quickly as possible.
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It was dark out when Buffy awoke. Her body felt as though it had been hit by a cave troll and her heard hurt to no end. Opening her eyes slowly she turned her head to see Arwen sitting next to her bed looking at her with a worried and stern expression.
"Frodo?" Buffy asked.
"He will be well. Ada has seen to him. You should rest."
Buffy couldn't help but feel relief. As long as Frodo was ok then it worth it, even if she felt like she'd been hit by a bus or a troll. But she had other concerns as well. Someone had to be sent for the others.
"Someone needs to go find the others."
"It has already been done pen vell." Arwen replied. "Now sleep. You should be well enough to get up in the morning. I will scold you then."
"Great. So long as its you and not Elrond." Buffy muttered as she closed her eyes.
Buffy was already asleep when Arwen replied. "Oh he will scold you as well."
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 18/ 21 Quelle 3018 III Age
When Buffy awoke next neither her body or head ached and for that she was grateful, there were times when slayer healing was the greatest thing in existence in her opinion. Sitting up she looked out the window and realized that it was already late morning. Another thing she realized was that she was starving. But before she could even get out of bed Arwen entered her room followed by several elleths carrying water.
"Good. You are awake. Your bath should be ready now. Go, I will have food brought for you for when you are finished." She said with a smile. Buffy knew better than to get her hopes up about not being yelled at for disappearing and ending up in trouble again but she wasn't near stupid enough to push Arwen.
Standing up she made her way to the bath and got in. Now wasting time with simply soaking when there was an angry Arwen in the other room. She washed her hair and body quickly and when she was finished padded out into her room to face the one female that could scare the living daylights out of her on occasion.
Arwen didn't say a word as she held out an under dress for Buffy to put on. Deciding that her not speaking was better than being yelled at Buffy took the garment and slipped it on along with the blue and white gown she handed her next. Following long tradition she made her way over to her dressing table and sat as Arwen brushed and braided the front of her hair back from her face before setting a simple circlet on her brow.
During the entire time Arwen said nothing and it was beginning to make Buffy nervous. Deciding that it would in fact be better to just get it over with she turned to the elleth behind her.
"Go ahead and say it. I did something stupid by going out before I should have, I know. But if I hadn't the Wraiths would have gotten Frodo or he would have passed into shadow. Either way we would have been screwed if Sauran had gotten the ring. Yeah I pushed myself too hard and yeah I paid for it but I didn't have a choice, it was either do it or we all end up dead. I'm not sorry Arwen. I had a choice and I made it."
"I understand. But next time please warn one of us so that we do not worry over you." Was all she said before turning and making her way to the table near the window that was covered in food. Buffy rose and joined her and in lless than half an hour both of them had eathen ahd made their way into the gardens to enjoy what little sunshine was left before winter truly set in.
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Buffy had almost an hour of peace with Arwen in the garden before Elrond found out that she was up and requested her presence in his study. Knowing what was coming Buffy tried to drag her feet but Erestor apparently had other ideas. She soon found herself ushered into Elrond's study to see the the elf Lord himself sitting behind his large desk looking at her with a critical eye.
"You left without telling anyone of where you were going. You endangered yourself and you disobeyed direct orders I gave you in regards to your health." he said
Buffy tensed up for a moment before she felt her anger begin to rise.
"Yeah I did but I wouldn't have if you would have trusted me. And direct order my butt. I'm fine now and I was then. You keep forgetting that I'm not like any of your other patients. And as for my endangering myself. Hello I'm the slayer. I endanger myself every day, its what I was born to do. I saved Frodo and I didn't even get wounded. Stop complaining about it. We managed to get the ring to safety and the only ingury was one that was inflicted before I left." Buffy ranted.
Standing up she turned to the door.
"Now if you'll excuse me I have to go check on Frodo."
"You used Narya to save the hobbit and Sauran knows of you now. You are no longer safe here. You will be hunted." Elrond's words stopped her in her tracks. Turning back to face him she processed this new information. She was now going to be hunted just as Frodo had been. She looked down at Narya and silently cursed the ring on her finger, in response it began to glow and pulse and Buffy heard own voice float across her mind, it sounded different than her voice now, stronger and pitched differently.
"The One Ring must be destroyed. No hiding. The time to fight back is approaching and together we will."
Buffy left her eyes on Narya as she considered the words. Yes, the One Ring had to be destroyed and she would do everything in her power to see it done. Her time of reprieve was over now and the apocalypse was bearing down on them, now was her time.
And now it was Aragorn's as well.
She wouldn't run or hide from this, no matter who or what came for her or the One Ring. She had been given a mission and now was the time to see it done. She would not fail, the era of the Wilwarn was now over.. The time of the slayer had returned.
Looking up with determination in her eyes her gaze met that of Elrond. She could see the understanding in his eyes but she spoke anyway, there could be no room for miscommunication.
"The time has come Elrond. This is what I was sent here for. I will be hunted yes, but apparently Narya doesn't want to go back to Sauran without a fight. Make your decisions about what you need to, then I'll make mine."
With those words she turned again, her decision was an easy one. The going about of it was going to be the tricky part. She left the room and Elrond to his thoughts, she had Frodo to check on.
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The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you
Yeah
I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide
I'm quiet you know
You make a frist impression
I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find
You and I collide
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to ryhme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide
You finally find
You and I collide
You finally find
You and I collide
Howie Day-Collide
Imladris (Rivendell) October 19/ 22 Quelle 3018 III Age
It was early in the morning when the six of them rode into Rivendell. The gwenyn had come to fetch them and brought another horse for him to ride. Each took a hobbit on with them rode as fast as they could. Despite the gwenyn's assurances that Frodo would live Merry, Pippin and Sam still worried.
The gwenyn had informed him in low tones in the language of the elves that Buffy had indeed made it across the ford and escaped the Wraiths without resorting to using her sword. For that Aragorn was grateful, the possibility of Buffy being wounded again so soon made his temper flare.
Aragorn watched as the gwenyn led the hobbits in the direction of Frodo's room. Merry and Pippin were clearly in awe of the beauty of Rivendell while Sam seemed solely intent on seeing that Frodo was well. As they turned the corner to Frodo's room Aragorn kept going straight, heading for Buffy's room to ensure that she was indeed alright before he went to his own to attempt to sleep for an hour or two.
As he entered he saw her sleeping peacefully and she couldn't help smile. She looked well, a faint rosy tint to her more pale and elven like complexion. Deciding to let her sleep she began to turn to leave.
"Daro, Stay with me." Buffy said softly and Aragorn turned around. Her eyes were open and looking at him, her hand held out. Moving slowing to her he replied. (stop)
"I can not stay. It is not proper."
"I don't care about proper Aragorn, Lay with me and sleep."
Aragorn wanted to protest but couldn't bring himself to do it. He began to remove is coat and vest followed by his weapons and boots. As he undressed she moved over to make room for him and soon he found himself laying on his back on her soft mattress with her head on his chest as she curled up next to him.
He closed his eyes and within moments sleep overtook him.
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Arwen was crossing the threshold into Buffy's rooms to bring back her Ranger clothing when her eyes settled on Buffy's bed. The among the pillows and blankets lay Buffy and
Estel sleeping peacefully, Aragorn on his back and Buffy with her head tucked into the crook of his shoulder.For an unmarried couple to be in bed together was highly improper but it seemed as though they had done nothing but sleep. And as much as one part of her mind found the scene as wrong the other reasoned that both had had little peace in the last few years and would find even less in the time to come. She was content to let them sleep and so she quietly deposited Buffy's clothing onto her divan before retreating from the room, careful to leave the door open lest others think that they were behaving in a manner unbecoming the foster son of the Lord of Rivendell and the daughter of The Lady of the Golden Wood.
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Legolas Greenleaf was not exceptionally pleased as he made his way to Imladris and all who traveled with him knew it. They kept their peace from him now as they had for the last three weeks of travel. They were only four days from their destination and part of Legolas dreaded the reaction to news he was bearing.
The other part of him however reveled in seeing the Undómiel once again. He had not set eyes on her since he had left Lorien after Buffy's adoption. His love had not wavered and he knew it never would.
Silently urging his stallion forward he considered all those he suspected would be in residence when he arrived and could not help a faint smile touching his lips.
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Aragorn awoke to find Buffy gone. Turning his head he gazed out the window to a surprising sight, it was early afternoon. Getting out of the large bed he gathered his belongings and strode through her door, intent on returning to his room to bathe and dress.
Two hours later he had bathed, dressed and eaten; part of him wanted to find Buffy but the other knew that to spend so much time with her was to encourage the displeasure of his ada. Deciding that his time was better spent reading he made his way to the library.
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Now that Buffy had made her decision she needed to be ready for the consequences of it. Recruiting Elladan and Elrohir to help her train had been remarkably easy and after two hours with them she felt vastly more confident that her body was almost back to normal. They had agreed to training with her for as long as she needed and she was more than grateful for their assistance. She was also intent on getting Glorfindel to help her as well, there were none in Rivendell who could match in with blades besides herself and training with him would help her to ensure that she was in top form.
Sitting on her favorite boulder Buffy attempted to clear her mind. There were now three more hobbits in Rivendell besides Bilbo and Frodo and two had already begun to explore. The two explores in question hadn't managed to find their way down to her hide away spot yet but if their energy was indication it wouldn't take them long.
Bilbo hadn't really bothered her since she had come back eight years ago but Buffy knew that that was mainly because Elrond had warned him to leave her be and then she hadn't been around to question. She doubted he even knew who her naneth was, elves kept information such as that very close to their chests and Buffy guessed that Elrond didn't want the inquisitive hobbit pestering her with questions or knowing too much.
Buffy let her mind empty under the late afternoon sun as leaves fell around her.
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We belong together
Like the open seas and shores
Wedded by the planet force
We've all been spoken for
The hammer may strike, me dead on the ground
A nail to my hand, a cross on his crown
We're done if we're undone
Finished if we are incomplete
As one we are everything
We are everything we need
We belong together
Like the open seas and shores
Wedded by the planet force
We've all been spoken for
What good is a life, with no one to share
The light of the moon, the honor of a swear
We can try to live the way of which you speak
Taste the milk of your mother earth's love
Spread the word of consciousness you see
We are everything we need
We belong together
Like the open seas and shores
Wedded by the planet force
We've all been spoken for
All this indecision
All this independent strength
Still, we've got our hearts on save
We've got our hearts on save
Someday when you're lonely
Sometime after all this bliss
Somewhere lost in emptiness
I hope you find this gift...
I hope you find this gift...
I hope you find this gift.
We Belong Together-Gaving Degraw
Imladris (Rivendell) October 20/ 23 Quelle 3018 III Age
Buffy stood on one of the many terraces that overlooked Rivendell. It was early afternoon Buffy could feel a slight breeze through the lavender and white gown she wore. Her mind was heavy, her time and that of Aragorn had come. If she managed to survive she would have to face hard choices, one she didn't think she could make.
Her ears picked up on a sound she knew only too well, Aragorn approached from behind her though she refused to pull her eyes away from the scene before her. She knew she might not make it back to Rivenrell again and she wanted to memorize it.
"Min lu pennich nin i aur telitha." he said softly as he came up beside her and shipped her hand into his own. (you told me once this day would come)
"Amin gul" Buffy replied just as softly. The warmth of his hand reassured her but she knew that right now it wasn't her time to seek comfort. Right now she had to make him understand. (I know)
"Dolen i vad on nin." he replied turning to her. Turning to face him Buffy could see the uncertainty in his eyes and it only steeled her resolve. He would be king and she would face her fate. Destiny wasn't something they could fight and she would see to it that he made it through. (my path is hidden from me)
"Si peliannen i vad na dail lin. Si boe updhannathach." She said. She would make him understand. (It's already laid before your feet. You can't falter now.)
"Nin Wilwarin" he began (my butterfly)
"No. Listen to me Aragorn. We were both given destinies and we both must face them. I will not run and now neither will you. Your time has come. Face it, embrace it or this world will fall. Fear is your enemy Aragorn, strike it down. You were born to lead." Buffy interrupted with quiet ferocity. She knew his time had come and she would see it through no matter what Sauran threw at her.
Turning swiftly she pulled away from him and made her way inside. She needed to change. It was time for her to train with the gwenyn. Darkness was coming and she would not let it take this world while she still drew breath.
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Aragorn stood in the gardens in silent contemplation of what what Buffy had said to him earlier. Part of him knew she was right but the other was still afraid.
"She has her own path just as you do Estel." came his adar's voice from behind him. "Our time here is ending, Buffy's time is ending. Let her go Estel. She is not meant to follow your path but one of her own."
Before he could turn and face him however his adar was gone again.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 21/ 24 Quelle 3018 III Age
Boromir was making his way through the archway to enter Rivendell when he heard the sounds of hooves behind him. Turning his head slightly he watched as a woman on a white stallion rode past slowly.
She seemed small atop the large horse and the first thing that struck Boromir was her beauty. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back and framed her face, her eyes were large and green and sat atop features that were highly similar to those he had seen earlier among other elves. Her skin was pale but the faint blush of her cheeks spoke of hard riding not long before. Her clothes intrigued him, she wore the brown leathers of a Ranger. Her coat bore intricate patterns of vines scored into the leather and in general all of her clothing seemed much finer than one would normally see on a Ranger of the north. Her weapons were similar, a bow and quiver sat over the blades of two long knives, the handles of which he could see sticking out. She wore a sword strapped to her hip in an intricate scabbard.
As she came upon him she slowed her horse to a stop and looked down on him with critical eyes, a look that caused him to stand straighter and with more dignity. He was the son of the Stweard of Gondor and he would let no mere woman, especially a Ranger, make him feel inferior.
"Why have you m come to Rivendell, Lord of Gondor?" she asked him.
"I seek the council of Lord Elrond." he replied. He would not give her any information that he did not have to. She was a mere woman and the concerns of men were not hers.
"Ahh. Seek out the Lord Erestor then. He will see to it that you receive audience." she stated before moving her stallion forward with her heels.
Boromir watched her go, her mane of golden hair shining in the afternoon sun as she went.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 22/ 25 Quelle 3018 III Age
It was early afternoon and Buffy was dressed in a gown of sky blue with long trailing sleeves of silver. Silver embroidery adorned the upper sleeves and neck and she wore a circlet of silver with a stone the exact shade of the gown on her brow.
She had just opened the doors of the Last Homely House when she saw riders approaching. As she moved to the steps she recognized Legolas and she broke out in a run.
The elf Prince had barely dismounted from his horse when he saw her racing to him, a mass of blue, silver and gold. He braced himself for the impact as she launched herself into his arms and he found him smiling broadly as he spun her laughing in circles.
'What in Arda are you doing here Lasseg?" she asked "No wait I don't care at the moment. You're here and that's all that matters. Come on let go. I'm sure you need to see Elrond and I'll go find Arwen while the two of you talk."
Legolas didn't get a chance to protest as his best friend began to drag him back the direction she had come from.
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Boromir watched with interest as the woman he had spoken to the day before rushed at the pale haired elf who had just rode in. She launched herself at him and he began to spin her in circles as she laughed, setting her down gently she began to speak as the elf smiled down at her before she took his hand and began to pull him to the doors of the Last Homely House.
He had watched her the day before with interest as she had joined Lord Elrond in meeting a group of dwarves who had arrived. He did not know her name or reason for being in the elven realm but the ease with which she seemed to interact with everyone made him think of the tales of Queens of old.
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Buffy sat with Elrond, Gandalf, Legolas, Aragorn, Glorfindel, and the gwenyn as they pondered the implications of the news Legolas had brought. The creature Gollum had escaped and none knew where he was. Deciding to get the ball rolling Buffy voiced her thoughts.
"Forewarned is Forearmed. Now that we know he is free and hunting for the ring we can be prepared for him. Yeah this may complicate things in the long run but at least we won't be caught unaware."
"She is right. There is little we can do for now." Agreed Gandalf nodding his head in Buffy's direction.
"I agree. This meeting has ended. Go find your rest before dinner." Everyone stood to leave the room except Buffy and Gandalf. The wizard had caught her eye as Elrond spoke and she knew they had other things to discuss.
After everyone had left and the doors had been closed behind them Gandalf spoke.
"So it seems that you have made your decisio then, dagnir?"
"Yes I have. All I'm waiting on is what the two of you decide to make my plans." she replied calmly.
"And what of Aragorn?"
"His time has come. He hesitates but he will not falter." Buffy told him. She turned to Elrond to find him deep in thought behind his desk. She was going to push him unyil he listened to her. Just like she was pushing Aragorn.
"All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost. The old that is strong does not wither. Deep roots are not touched by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring. Renewed shall be the blade that was broken, the crownless shall again be king." Buffy recited as she stared at the Lord of Rivendell.
"His time has come Elrond. Reforge the sword. We do not have time to wait with this. The end is coming and he is part of what stands between it being the end of us or Sauran." Still Elrond did not look up and Buffy lost her patience. Turning on her heel she strode from the study. Fuming at the elven lord in her mind. He was so stubborn it hurt sometimes and his tendency to brood made her want to chuck something at his head.
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Imladris (Rivendell) October 23/ 26 Quelle 3018 III Age
The dining hall was packed with bodies though Buffy noticed two very conspicuous absences, both Legolas and Arwen were late and she had no doubt that they were together.
Smiling down at her plate she began to eat, only lifting her head momentarilly to smile sweetly at the gwenyn who were obviously scanning the hall for their sister. They still didn't know about Legolas and Arwen and she was seriously looking forward to telling them. Returning back to her food she ate in silence, better to not speak at all then to end up doing something very stupid verbally.
Sensing movement beside her she turned her gaze to see Arwen coming to sit next to her. She smiled conspiratorially at the elleth who beamed at her. She was about to ask her about her day when she heard the unmistakable voices of the dawves further down the table as Legolas strode past them. Buffy knew of the history of the dwarves and elves and their mutual dislike but she didn't quite understand why they were reacting this strongly to Legolas. As far as she knew he hadn't done anything to them.
And then she remembered, Thranduil had many years ago started some sort of huge fight when he locked a group of dwrarves up in the dungeons. Obviously they remembered and Buffy knew that dwarves held grudges. She didn't have the animosity toward them that most elves did but she knew enough to have a basic idea if she filtered through the crap.
Legolas took a seat on the other side of Buffy and they began to eat, completely ignoring the apparent displeasure of the dwarves.
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"Duty is heavy as a mountain but Death is lighter than a feather."
-Japanese Proverb
Imladris (Rivendell) October 24/ 27 Quelle 3018 III Age
Buffy sat on a lounge in Elrond's study listening as Elrond and Gandalf discussed Frodo. The young hobbit had finally woken up much to the joy of the one called Sam and his Uncle Bilbo. Buffy was glad that Frodo was awake but kept her peace as the two older men spoke to one another.
"His strength returns."
"That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it for the rest of his life." replied Gandalf. Buffy knew he was right and it bothered her that someone so innocent would bear the scars of something as evil as a Wraith.
"And yet to have come so far still bearing the Ring...the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil."
"It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo."
"Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the east. His eyes id fixed on Rivendell. And Sauruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin." countered Elrond. Buffy's eyes locked on the two of them as they faced each other. This was news to her and not of the good kind.
"His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft, Saruman has crossed orc with goblin men...he is breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the ring." Gandalf's voice was grave and Buffy felt a chill crawl up her spine.
"Then we protect the ring. Keep it moving. If he doesn't know where it is he can't find it. It has to be destroyed." Buffy stated. Elrond nodded in agreement and turned to Gandalf again.
"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard. Gandalf, the ring cannot stay here. This peril belongs to all of Middle Earth. They must decide how to end it. Not just for themselves but for those who come after. The time of the elves is over. Our people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when we have gone? The dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others."
Gandelf turned his head from Elrond and faced Buffy, a look of determination in his old eyes. "It is in men that we must place our hope."
Buffy nodded at the wizard, the look of determination in her eyes matching his own.
"Men? Men are weak. The race of men is failing. The blood of Numenor is spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of men that the ring survives." Elrond replied with disgust in his voice.
"Then it will be because of men that we survive. I was sent here to help the race of men find its leader and I will not fail. Neither will he. Reforge the sword Elrond, his time is here. We will see the ring destroyed." Buffy's voice held conviction. She had failed once before, she would not now.
"I was there three thousand years ago when Isildur took the ring. I was there the day the strength of men failed."
"Then it is a good thing that he is not Isildur and that he will have me there with him. I will not see another failure Elrond. This ends now." Buffy hard reply caused both to look at her. Ignoring them both she stood and strode from the study. She would not fail in this, she could not.
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