In a secret cave, on an island unknown to man, a body lay still as death. Sunlight streamed down on the body during the day as the moon caressed it at night. It had remained hidden from human eyes for thousands of years, yet never changed. It was a woman, with long golden hair that reached down to her knees, dark lashes graced cheekbones of pale golden skin, a blush of rose in their shadows and plump pink lips. They looked as if they just tasted a sweet berry. She wore a gown of shimmering white sprinkled with diamonds. On her brow sat a crown wrought of intricate vines and leaves of the purest silver and gold. A pin with a large pearl surrounded by leaves graced her breast. A beautiful necklace surrounded a delicate neck. Created from the finest silver with large diamonds on either side, it came together in an intricate swirling sliver cage that held a glowing stone.
Unusual rings graced her hands, on the left, a bent arrow guarded a large emerald and the right, a flower which glowed a brilliant white. She clasped a sword whose hilt held a ruby the size of a baby's fist. The blade lay across her like a lover. Her left hand rested on her heart, as if guarding it in her sleep.
She was a tiny woman with finely boned features. One would think fragile if they only took her by her appearance alone. On a closer look, it became obvious how right the blade fit in her hand. Her eyes slowly started to open. They were an interesting mix of hazel - predominately green, Lothlorien Green to be precise, with touches of brown, blue and even a hint of gray. As if, a mix of everything lay in her eyes. How true that was she would soon find out.
Sitting up, Buffy sat her sword aside. She knew the wards kept her safe while she slept but couldn't shake a feeling of foreboding. She kissed the emerald ring. "Soon my love, I'll see you soon."
Buffy walked through a portal to stand before the Valar once more. She expected them to release her, so she could join Legolas on the other side.
"Welcome champion," the female Power greeted her politely.
Buffy's eyebrow quirked as her suspicions grew. Something's up. What happened to lower being this or insolent child that. They must really want whatever they're about to ask me. "I'm here to join my husband." Buffy threw out at them.
They bristled at her tone but chose to ignore it since time was of the essence. "Soon, champion, soon." The cryptic answer echoed in the white chamber.
"Just tell me the scoop and get it over with."
"One would think after all these years you'd learn patience, Imp."
Buffy's face broke into a beautiful smile. "Gandy, you're here, how?"
He hugged her tightly. "They thought you'd take the news better from a familiar face." Her face dimmed as tears pricked her eyes. "They could not chance it, Imp. He sends his love and says to hurry up; he tires of sleeping alone."
"Are you all together, safe and happy?"
"Yes, the only one missing is you. Your parents send their love, as do Arwen and Aragorn."
"No more kingly names over there, huh?"
"He's with her and happy. The Valar allowed them to journey over together." Gandalf looked away, not knowing how he to tell her what they expected her to do.
"Okay, Gandy spill it. What do I have to do?" Buffy's voice left no doubt she expected an immediate answer.
"Let me explain what happened to the world, Imp. It started when you destroyed Sauron. When he weakened, a chain reaction started on Middle Earth. Your magic mixed with the shattered pieces of Sauron changing it, molding it. The Elves left for the west but some stayed. The remaining magic changed Middle Earth."
"Gandy, what are you saying? The spell wasn't supposed to change everything. I have to clean up the mess, right. Damnit, that isn't fair." Buffy started pacing, which in and of itself was a sight to see. How does one pace on clouds?
"They didn't take everything into account. A Slayer has its own magic but its based in darkness. They looked for a champion to fight for the Fellowship and the Slayer was the only choice."
"It knows about magic and accepts it. The real issue is the fey. They are the result of this entire situation."
"Come on Gandy, on with the story." Buffy grinned at him causing him to laugh.
"Yes Imp, where was I, oh yes. The fey used to live on the island, at least their ancestors did. To shorten this some..." Gandalf started, taking a deep breath.
"Please do," she said under her breath.
"Imp! The fey fought great wars for power greatly reduced their numbers.
"How long did I sleep? What is the world like now?"
"The Valar say the world resembles your previous life."
"I'm going back to the twentieth century? Just how old am I, Gandy?"
"Imp, not even the Valar know for sure." His eyes twinkled with merriment. "The fey separated themselves into two courts, the Seelie and the Unseelie. They live somewhere called America. They are a secluded group where children are rare. The last one born was thirty years ago and is part human.
He paused trying to gather his strength to tell her the real issue. "The Valar want you to find your heir among the courts and leave them with a united kingdom."
"Hold it right there. Uniting the kingdoms sure I can do, but, what is this about an heir? I'm not their ruler." Buffy tilted her head, not grasping everything Gandalf was telling her.
"Oh, but you are Imp, You are. Without you, none of this would have happened. You're Galadriel's heir by the ring on your hand. You refused to take your rightful place all those years ago, but there is no other choice. Do not play dumb, Imp. The Valar's use of a Slayer's body set this in motion, but you're the rightful ruler. Though you have slept these many years, it is time to, how do you say it. Oh yes, get off your butt and clean house." Gandalf gave her a stern look.
"Gandy!" Buffy tried to look shocked, but only ended up laughing. "Fine. How do I find this heir?" She pouted looking at him with doe eyes.
"That's better, Imp. Don't pout it is unbecoming a woman of your great age." Buffy stuck her tongue out at him. "Nenya will guide you."
"I'm guessing that I'm not going to go knock heads together, force the two courts to play nice, find my heir and leave, right." She quirked an eyebrow waiting for him to say she was wrong.
"You heir must ascend the throne that you prepare them to take over.
"How long, Gandy? How long before I see Golas again?"
"A hundred Earth years."
"Fine what is another hundred but they have to swear to my face that I will be released. I do this and I can join my mate or I refuse. I will sleep until the Earth is a barren star," Buffy's voice grew hard.
She found herself standing in front of the Valar. "You would demand of us," the male roared.
"Yes, I would, this is it. I will do what you ask but then I join Golas and my family in eternal rest on the other side. I am not your toy to bring out to play with." She glared at them, letting them glimpse the pain hidden deep in her eyes.
"Very well champion, we so swear. Your ring will guide you, when it once again becomes as it is, then you're free to go." They spoke together in a single echoing voice.
"Champion, your mate sends a message," the female told her kindly. "He said not to wait out these years alone. If you can find comfort, take it. He promised to make you forget your parting once you're in his arms again."
Buffy nodded turning her back on the Valar to walk back through the portal. Touching the necklace around her throat, she remembered crying when it arrived with a letter from Arwen's son. Arwen wanted her aunt to keep it in remembrance of her and Aragorn's love. She thanked Buffy for helping them know the joy they shared for so many years.
"Buffy, it's time to get this show on the road." She walked over to get her cloak. It was opalescent white and soft as down. Buffy grabbed her sword, belting a scabbard to her back. It crossed over then wrapped in the front looking like a delicate belt, which hung low on her hips. A small dagger hung to one side. She pulled white boots from a chest. They weren't ordinary boots, encased in each seam were thin, deadly stilettos. The handles showed over the top looking like pearl bar decorations. She put on the cloak and carried her sword out of the cave for the first time in several millenniums.
Walking to a clearing, she opened herself to the Earth's magic, which joyfully welcomed her, like a lost child. Sinking the sword into the ground, it started to glow. The brightness grew when she blew on the ruby. A large circle moved up from the soil locking in place with the sword at its center. One side of the circle showed a panther ready to pounce while on the other golden lettering gleamed brightly.
"Pretty. So, eeny, meeny, miney, mo, looks like you won kitty." Buffy stepped into the circle sheathing her sword, then pulled up the cloak's hood. Her fingers rubbed the panther's head causing them to melt into thin air.
Merry sat at a table surrounded by her lovers, her stomach a tangle of knots. Her aunt, Andais, the Queen of Air and Darkness, ruler of the Unseelie Court, was holding a party to celebrate Cel's return to court. Merry prayed to make it out of here alive since she carried no child in her womb. She feared it would be the only reason to keep them from a duel tonight. She felt nauseous just thinking about one of her lover's injured trying to protect her from Cel.
Cel proudly escorted his mother into the room as everyone stood. Andais was beautiful as always. Mother and son looked like a matched set with their glowing Sidhe skin and long black hair. The queen had forgone her normal elaborate hairstyle, instead she left her hair hanging straight and long. Andais wanted to remind everyone of Cel's heritage. Who could ever doubt it? They only had to look at the cruelty gleaming from his eyes to know his parentage. Andais wasn't known as the 'lover of white flesh' for her sexual favors, rather for her other appetites.
When Andais took her throne, Cel remained standing beside her. "Welcome honored guests," she nodded to Kurag, the Goblin King and NicEven, Queen of the Demi-Fey. Before she uttered another word, a rumble shook the ground causing everyone to stumble.
A circle appeared in the center of the court's floor. It cast a blinding light keeping everyone from seeing a woman step out. She touched the side causing the circle to melt away. Silence ruled the Mound in that moment. The woman wearing a cloak of the purest white with a hint of blonde hair peaking from the hood stood waiting.
The Unseelie Court unexplainably bowed to the woman. Sidhe, Goblin, Demi-Fey and all the other fey flavors present found themselves on their knees, all except Andais. She sat in shock, trying to figure out who the woman was. The hood fell back to disclose a pale golden face. Huge hazel eyes looked out at the crowd, not once glancing toward the thrown. To everyone it appeared the woman found the queen insignificant, she did.
Buffy saw the different types of fey. She smiled at the Goblins reminded of Anya's brash ways. She liked how fair-minded they were, unlike other fey. The Goblins preened under her gaze, flashing their teeth.
The Earth told her all about this new world and this court. She didn't trust the Valar to provide the information. Looking deep, she read a history of blood, vengeance, war and survival. The Sidhe with their glowing skin descended from the Elves. Their ears were rounded, but if you knew what to look for you could see the truth of it all. The Demi-Fey fluttered their wings, flying around Buffy in a reverent welcome.
Andais' rage grew at what she saw. I am queen here. The throne is mine by right and might. Who is this intruder? "Everyone stand up immediately."
Hazel eyes looked the Unseelie Queen over while she undid her cloak. The cloak slipped from slender shoulders revealing the crown beneath. The Demi-Fey carried the cloak away to safety.
"You dare come into my court armed with a crown on your brow? Where is your kingdom? Where are your people?" Andais' voice shook with outrage.
"My kingdom is large but my people grow smaller. Where are they, right here on their knees, can't you see them?" Buffy's eyebrow rose in challenge.
"You're not the ruler here. I am, Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, Ruler of the Unseelie Court." She walked down the steps to enforce her words with her physical presence.
"Must be hard to fit that on a card, huh." Snickers sounded throughout the court.
"You challenge my right as queen. I accept." The words slipped from Andais' lips before she could draw them back. It had been over a thousand years since her last challenge.
"You sure you want to do that, Andy? I'm not here to fight you. I'll understand if you want to call it off."
"I am more than capable of fighting one such as you. What is your name so I can have it written on your grave?"
"Some know me as Ariel, other as Buffy, but after resting for many years the world gave me another's name. They call me - the Lady." Buffy's soft voice carried to every corner of the hall.
"That is a myth, housed on a legend. A lady who slept in a magic cave where none could enter. Few lucky ones could see in and find her lying there dressed all in white, a sword clasped in her hand." A voice from the crowd retold the legend.
"We are to believe you're her. Barinthus bring me, my sword. Bring me, Mortal Dread."
The court whispered while they watched the two women face off. Barinthus strode forward, his long multi-hued hair, a living blue cloak against his white Sidhe skin. He handed over Mortal Dread, before getting a closer look at the newcomer. His breath hitched in his chest.
"My queen a moment of your time," he asked, urgently.
Andais frowned but took several steps away to listen to him. They were unaware Buffy could hear every word.
"Your majesty, she is who she claims."
"Explain yourself." Andais glared up at the man who stood a foot taller than her.
"When I still ruled the oceans, I found an island, one I had never seen before. I explored it and looked inside a cave I found. A force prevented me from entering, but I saw her resting there. She looked the same then, as she does today. That is the Lady, be careful, Andais or you could lose more than your throne. You could lose your life. Tis said she is a true immortal. Nothing can kill her. She will not die unless she wills it so herself."
"I issued a challenge. If I back down, I lose my throne. Perhaps she came here to die. Mortal Dread can kill anyone." Andais clutched the deadly sword tightly, then moved back to Buffy.
"Are you sure, Andy?" The Unseelie Queen assumed a fighting stance. "Let's at least wear something a little less formal."
Buffy blew Andais a kiss replacing the queen's black dress with a leather catsuit. Andais looked down to see her body, displayed for everyone to see. The suit fit like a second skin as if someone painted her white skin black from ankle to wrist. Andais glared at Buffy, who wore white leather pants and a vest. Toned golden skin peaked out whenever she moved.
"Let's dance, Andy. First blood a winner?"
"To the death, Lady," Her temper once more overruled her head.
"Your choice. I say winner chooses."
Andais' anger fueled her blows as she hacked away at the much smaller woman. Buffy easily deflected each swing. She should practice if she is going to challenge someone. Her sword moved in a blur putting her opponent on the defensive. Andais scuttled away from the silver sword never considering Buffy more deadly than the gleaming blade. Buffy swept the feet out from under Andais, placing the sword's point at the fallen queen's throat.
"Do you yield?" "NO!" Buffy sliced Andais' chin. Blood dripped down her chest. "And now?"
"I yield," her voice a mere whisper. Buffy turned away to allow the other woman to pull herself together. Andais plunged Mortal Dread into Buffy's side. "To no one," she hissed. She waited for Buffy to fall down writhing in pain.
"That wasn't well done of you, Andy. Certainly, not queenly behavior, no wonder I had to wake up to fix this crap." Buffy's sword clattered to the floor. She pulled the blade from her side and looked at it. Everyone watched as the wound disappeared. "You ruined my top." Buffy complained with a pout. The sword lay across her hands. Taking a deep breath, she blew it out along the blade's edge. She smirked at Andais before bringing Mortal Dread down over her knee. The Unseelie Ruler's greatest symbols of power shattered into a million pieces. A small puff of air escaped plump pink lips causing the remaining shards to disappear.
"NO!" Andais screamed, rushing over to pick up Buffy's sword.
"Wouldn't do that if I were you, Andy."
Ignoring Buffy's warning her fingers wrapped around the sword, it threw her across the room to land in a crumpled heap.
"I didn't' come here to fight, but if that is what it takes to get you to listen, that is your call." Buffy announced to the court at large. Her clothes returned to her white gown.
Cel ignored his mother to strut over to Buffy. "Welcome Lady, to the Unseelie Court. I am Cel, Prince of Old Blood." He bowed and tried to kiss her hand.
"I don't think so, Skippy. Go help Mommy Dearest to a healer. I have no use for you." Buffy dismissed him as she peered into the crowd searching for something or someone.
"What offense have I given?"
"I know your crimes, Celly. Run along, You're pissing me off." She was already tired and it had only started.
Cel stormed over to a corner, while several Ravens carried Andais from the room.
"I came here on a quest to find my heir," Buffy announced to the court.
"But how?" Merry decided she might as well find out where she stood.
"I don't bite, well as long as you don't piss me off." Buffy smiled waving Merry forward.
Merry cautiously walked closer noticing they were almost the same height. Buffy thought Merry seemed alive with color from her hair, eyes and skin. She immediately liked the princess. Merry carried herself with an air of confidence, untainted by arrogance.
"What is your name?"
"Meredith NicEssus, Princess of Flesh and Blood."
"Man, you like the long gory names, huh? Just call me Buffy." She smiled, mentally trying to figure out what her name would be here. Buffy, the Lady of the Flame of Breath, Exploder of Eyes, Slayer of Vampires, Listener of the Earth. I don't think there is enough paper to scratch all this down. Bringing herself back to the conversation, Buffy asked Merry, "Do you dress up like this every night or was tonight a special occasion?"
"It was to welcome Cel back," Merry hedged mentally squirming.
"Oh, yes, from his punishment," Buffy nodded in understanding.
"How did you know about that?"
"The Mound told me before I arrived. It told me quite a lot."
"It speaks to you? But, how? I mean I have felt it welcome me back, but that is all."
"This world is older than even the fey know. It remembers everything that's scarred its shell. The trees hear every word spoken. They absorb them into their roots then down into the soil itself. I know a lot. It can be a real chatty Cathy once you ask the right questions, the right way. So, when are you due?"
"What!" Merry paled then started to sway. She couldn't have heard the other woman correctly.
"I'm sorry, was it still a secret or something? You're not far along and some people think its bad luck to say anything too soon. Can I?"
In a stunned silence, Merry nodded her head without realizing she was doing so. She tried to process what Buffy told her but couldn't get her brain to function.
Buffy gently put her hand on Merry's stomach causing the court once again to gasp in shock. Merry's lovers thought the strange woman was harming her. They rushed forward to intervene.
"Chill out boys, I didn't wrinkle her party dress. Do you need some water or to sit down? Back up, you're smothering the girl." Buffy easily pushed them aside. She sat Merry down on Andais thrown, it being the closest seat, ignoring the rules it broke.
"Look inside Merry, you will see it's true. A little you will be there looking back at you." Buffy noticed something else, but would wait until later to run it over in her mind.
Doyle stiffened when he overheard Buffy's words. Could it be true? How far along is Merry? Who is the father?