Author's note: I've revised the first chapter so that Saber has her prana burst and prana channeling abilities as well as Excalibur Prototype (which means she has Invisible Air and Excalibur blasts, but the blasts are sealed). I messed upon the canon a bit so I've adapted and yes she will be superhuman. She did destroy two Nazgul and they are not exactly slouches in swordsmanship. Before anybody starts raging though, that doesn't actually rule out that power. I have a plan, it will be added back in along with a whole host of other servant abilities, trust me on this.
Also, I'm rather surprised so many people favorited the story so quickly. Hopefully there are more because this will be a long work, though I'm mostly doing this for fun, I like reviews follows and favorites, so please oblige :D
Without further ado, the next chapter.
Chapter 2: Rivendell
They had travelled nonstop through the night. Frodos condition had improved slightly, but Saber's was worsening. There was now a noticeable red blot that marred the white of the bandages.
"Halt. We need to give Arthur her scabbard back. Besides, we are but six days from Rivendell and the elves," said Strider in a firm tone. The Hobbits nodded, as tired as they were, even they could see Saber was on the verge of collapse.
"I'm fine," snapped Saber leaning heavily on Pippin and Merry, who had begun to shoulder her up a few hours ago.
"Not for long. And thanks to Avalon, much of the poison's strength has been reduced to the point that it is no longer life threatening. I can slow the poison down even further with a poultice." Taking the scabbard off Frodo, he turned to Sam. "We need to find a weed called Athelas, it's also called Kingsfoil. It has white flowers." Sam nodded and scurried off.
Saber grunted."I'm fine, Strider."
Strider narrowed his eyes and bent down so he could look Saber in the eye.
"You Arthur, are nearly dead on your feet." Striders expression softened. "And it pains us all to see you suffer."
Saber looked away. "I am a knight."
"You will be no longer if you destroy yourself in the process," retorted Strider. He thrust the scabbard into Saber's hands right there and then, ending the argument, and ran into the woods to search for the Kingsfoil.
With Avalon's curative powers suppressing and healing her wounds, Saber managed to straighten herself and stop leaning on the Hobbits. Just as well because Merry and Pippin were getting tired, and quickly fell asleep alongside Frodo. Saber managed a small smile as she stood guard over them.
"Golden light," whispered a voice. Saber turned to see Frodo, his eyes open and bleary, but focused on her.
"Frodo, are you feeling better?" asked Saber, crouching down to touch Frodo's forehead. It was slightly warm and wet, but he was not longer shivering.
"Much. You… at the weathertop. I could see you," croaked Frodo. Saber squeezed Frodo's uninjured shoulder comfortingly.
Poor thing, he must be delirious.
"I saw… the golden light from your sword. I saw all the spirits flock to it like fireflies to a lamp, and I saw you release them into the Nazgul."
Saber stared at Frodo. Her sword had been coated within Invisible Air throughout the entire battle! It had flared briefly when it made direct contact with the Nazgul, but nobody would know about her prana burst attack, especially when it was still bound by the 13 Restraints of the Round Table.
Saber suddenly twisted to draw her sword, meeting a curved, single-edged blade with a clash. It was from a woman with tall and dark hair. The strength in her blow was surprising, but her figure was slender and elegant. For a second, Saber couldn't help but feel slightly jealous.
"Impressive, I didn't hear you until a few seconds ago," said Saber, tightening her grip on her wind-sheathed blade and summoning her prana, getting ready for battle.
"An elf," gasped Sam. Saber blinked. elf? One of the fairy folk? She didn't remember them being this tall. Yet another strange fact of this world.
Strider was on the scene an instant afterward, and he quickly grabbed the hands of the two women, pulling them down.
"Arthur, Arwen is an elf, and a friend to Lord Elrond of Rivendell. She will take Frodo to Rivendell. Arwen, Arthur is a friend. She fought the Nazgul with me on the Weathertop and it was her scabbard was what kept Frodo alive," explained Strider. Arwen's brow furrowed slightly, but she sheathed her sword, Saber following suite.
"I am sorry for my hasty action, I have been looking for Strider's party for two days and was worried the worst had befallen them. Will you let me examine Frodo?" Saber merely nodded stepped aside, hand still on her sword. Arwen, knelt beside Frodo, examining him. The Hobbit tried to smile, but only managed to twitch his lips, but that alone made Arwen smile.
"It is as you said, Aragorn. He was wounded, but much of the poison's power has been banished. What remains weakens Frodo, but he is in no danger of fading." She glanced at Avalon. "The magic of your scabbard is indeed a wondrous, Sir Arthur."
"It is my most valuable possession, even above my sword," said Saber.
Arwen nodded as Strider gently hoisted Frodo onto the horse.
"There are seven wraiths closing behind you, where the other two are, I don't know," said Arwen.
"I dispatched two of them," said Saber.
Arwen stared at Saber. "What? Even with fire and water, it is not possible to dispatch a ringwraith!"
Saber sighed. "Lady Arwen, now is not the time to talk about my sword. Whatever the reason for why the Nazgul want Frodo dead, we need to get Frodo to a safe place."
"She's right." Aragorn grabbed the reins, saying something in a strange language to Arwen. "Dartho guin Berian...rych le ad tolthathon." Saber didn't recognize it, but it sounded… welsh?
" Hon mabathon. Rochoh ellint im," said Arwen, taking the reins from Aragorn.
"Andelu I ven," retorted Aragorn, looking worried, his hand clasping Arwen's. Saber blinked. Ah, it appeared Arwen and Strider were both in love. It was obvious from the adoration and concern they held each other with.
"Frodo Fir. Ae anthradon I hir, tur gwaith nin beriatha hon," replied Arwen
"What are they saying?" asked Pippin. Saber shrugged.
"I do not fear them," finished Arwen. Strider hesitated for a moment, before he embraced Arwen. She returned it furiously, before leaping on the horse and galloping away.
The House of Elrond, Rivendell, as Strider called it, was the most beautiful place Saber had ever seen. Camelot had been grand with its tall towers, massive halls, and grand pennants. Yet, the Elvish city with its gracefully arched wooden balustrades and waterfalls took Saber's breath away.
The party, mounted on horses that the two escorting elves had brought, entered the valley in a state of awe, six days after Frodo had departed. As they dismounted, they were greeted by another elf, dark haired like Arwen, but while his arms were open in hospitable welcome. Saber immediately identified him as figure of some authority, and noted that he exuded an aura of wisdom, but also kindness.
"Greetings Lord Elrond," said Strider, embracing the elf.
Elrond smiled sincerely. "Estel, you are always you would be glad to know that Frodo has almost fully recovered." Elrond's sharp eyes finally rested on Saber, who did not flinch. "Thanks to your friend's scabbard, the poison's effects were contained and all I had to do was purge the remnants. He is waiting for you in the room by the waterfall." The Hobbits scampered eagerly off.
Saber inclined her head. "I only did what was righteous, Lord Elrond."
A rather serious expression came over Elrond. "Never downplay the difficulty of doing what is righteous, good knight." He turned to Strider, "Go to my daughter, Estel. I wish to speak to our new friend." Strider, or Estel, bowed before hurrying off, an eager spring to his footsteps.
Saber tensed herself as Elrond placed his hands in front of him, one over the other, and approached her.
"I have heard you were wounded in the battle and lost much blood. If you would follow me, I will examine your wound," said Elrond calmly.
"Many thanks, Lord Elrond," said Saber striding after the elf.. Avalon would heal all her wounds, but even she knew better than to refuse the aid of a master healer.
"So, where do you hail from, Arthur?" asked Elrond as he examined the scab left over from the Nazgul's strike.
"Camelot, in the Kingdom of Briton, Lord Elrond," said Saber. She had undressed herself and was lying on a bed, her back up, the lower half of her body being covered by a blanket. Elrond had had her dress and armor taken away to be repaired and cleaned. Excalibur and Avalon though were leaning against her bed.
Elrond frowned. "I have never heard of the place. Who rules there?"
Saber had been almost tempted to fall asleep as the bed and the sheets had been so soft, but the elf's questions brought back memories… of a field of broken swords and bloodied, battered armor-encased bodies.
"It fell," she said shortly.
"Ah, I am sorry for your loss. How did you find your way to Middle Earth?" asked Elrond.
Saber blinked. So this world was called Middle Earth? All right, she was definitely not in her world, but why here? Where was she and for what purpose had she been brought here? She needed answers, especially with such dangerous and evil creatures like the Nazgul roaming around. And the best way to get answers...
"Lord Elrond, if I were to tell you that I'm almost certain that I am not from Middle Earth, that I am probably from another world altogether, and that I should be dead, how would you react?" asked Saber slowly.
Elrond paused, surprised, but more curious than shocked. "I would say you are mad, but that explanation would answer the many questions I have about your sword and your scabbard."
"In exchange for your hospitality, I will answer any questions you have, provided you answer mine," said Saber.
Agreeing, Elrond started with his first question as he applied a cold unguent to the scab. "Your sword and scabbard were crafted not by the hands of men, but not by the hands of elves. Who made it? And if it, and you, are not of this world, where do you come from and how did you get here?"
And Saber told Elrond the story of how the Lady of the Lake gave her Excalibur. She had decided long ago though, not to reveal that she was a king, and instead explained that she had been a knight that served the King of Britain, before supposedly dying on the last battle and being summoned as a servant in the Grail War, where she wished to save her kingdom. The actions of some of the masters like Caster prompted Elrond to scowl in disgust. She went on to describe what she knew about the final days of the Grail war, the actions of her own master in dishonorably, but rather shrewdly tricking and killing Lancer and his master, and then of the final battle, where Kiritsuguru ordered her to destroy the Grail.
"I ended up here, near the watchtower, where I then came across the Hobbits." She was sitting now in an armchair, dressed in a white dress that Elrond had provided. Elrond himself was listening quietly.
"A fascinating, but tragic tale," said an unfamiliar voice. Saber spun around and seized Excalibur, her eyes narrowed as they rested on an old man with a pointed cap, smoking a pipe.
"A wizard?" queried Saber, recalling Merlin and his always cryptic advice.
"Indeed. Gandalf the Grey at your service. Have you met our kind before?" asked Gandalf.
Seeing the friendly, but also warm, patient light in his eyes, Saber relaxed, slightly. "Yes, one known as Merlin. I don't think you've heard of him though."
"In fact, I do know of Emrys. From what I recall, he was sent by the Valar to another world to raise a king, many eons ago," said Gandalf.
Saber froze, but Gandalf nonchalantly puffed on his pipe. "I don't recall the king's name though, Sir Arthur." The fact relaxed her shoulders, until Gandalf frowned. "Do you mind if I call you Arturia though? You need not hide your gender, so why go by Arthur?"
Arturia, the name was so unfamiliar to Saber. She had never used it since she had pulled the sword from the stone. Ever since that fateful day, so long ago, she had always answered to Arthur in order to give the impression of a male king. But then again, she was a knight first, so her gender didn't matter, and thus, the form of her name.
"It is of little consequence. Call me as you wish," said Saber stoically. She knew better than to deny a mischievous wizard's request, even if he did appear better natured than Merlin.
"Fine by me. Do you have any questions that we can answer?" asked Gandalf cheerfully.
"Yes. What are the Nazgul and why are they so keen on killing or capturing Frodo?" asked Saber. Gandalf and Elrond glanced at each other, before Gandalf nodded very slightly, so Elrond began.
"It began… with the forging of the great rings. Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest...fairest of all to the Dwarf Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain Nine...nine rings were gifted to the race of Men who, above all else, desire power.
"For within these rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived. ...for another ring was made.
In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a Master Ring to control all others. ...and into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life.
One Ring to rule them all…
One by one the Free lands of Middle earth fell to the power of the ring. But there were some...who resisted.
A last alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor. On the slopes of Mount Doom they fought for the freedom of Middle- Earth. Victory was near! But the power of the Ring could not be undone.
It was in this moment..when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the king, took up his father's sword.
Sauron, the enemy of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, was defeated.
Elrond sighed, as he seemed to grow older all of a sudden.
The Ring passed to Isildur...who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of Men are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own.
"I tried to stop him, but he took the Ring. He died, ambushed by a group of orcs, and drowned in the river," said Elrond sadly.
"Wait, how long ago was this?" demanded Saber.
"The Second Age, more than 3000 years ago," said Gandalf.
Saber stared at Elrond in shock, before recovering herself. "You're immortal?"
"As are all elves, but that is another tale. What happened was that the ring passed into Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's uncle, after he took it off of a creature known as Gollum. We needed Frodo to deliver the ring to Rivendell, where a council is to meet in order to figure out a way to deal with the ring," said Gandalf.
Saber nodded but noted Elrond's solemn features. "Lord Elrond, your opinion on the matter?"
The tall elf sighed. "There is only one option and that is to destroy the ring. As to how it can be done, I will explain during the Council." He turned to Saber. "Will you be joining, Sir Arturia?" asked Elrond.
Briefly, Saber pondered on what she had found out from Elrond and Gandalf. She was in a world, with no idea how to get out or how she got in, but she was alive. Yet, there was a great evil threatening the land and laying it to waste.
However, if Strider, Elrond and Gandalf were any indication, there was a group of honorable warriors she could join in order to fight this evil and protect the innocents. Warriors nothing like Kiritsuguru or his ilk.
Yes, she did not have a kingdom to return to, but a knight does not run from evil, or from people in need. She annihilates it where she can.
"Yes, Lord Elrond, I would very much like to join your council."
"So what do you think of our newest visitor?" asked Gandalf to Elrond. The two had just finished discussing Isildur's Folly and Aragorn's potential, and had turned to more recent topics.
"She is no ordinary knight. Her virtue in unsurpassed and her dedication to her knightly code is unshakeable," said Elrond. He pursed his lips. "I have never met a man or woman more noble or incorruptible than she. You can almost call her an elf."
Gandalf sensed a "but" so he prompted it. "But?"
His solemn mask cracking, Elrond winced. "I fear for her life, Mithrandir. Men were not meant to live like she forces herself to. Magical scabbard or not, she is killing herself."
"I agree, but I think, that that is the reason why she was sent to us by Eru in all his mercy," said Gandalf.