Boromir sparred with Pippin and Merry as Buffy walked with Frodo.
"Frodo, I want to give you something. It may help. I know the ring is already heavy on your heart."
She pulled off her cross necklace fastening around his neck. The chain with the ring was underneath. Buffy moved it so it rested on top of the cross and he sighed.
Frodo looked at her in relief; he felt so much lighter, easier.
"Listen to what I say. If you ever need me, I will find a way to help you. There is always comfort, if you know where to look. Now let's go rescue Bor, from those two."
Buffy suddenly froze then grabbed Frodo up under her arm. She took off in a full run. "Aragorn help them. All of you move, now." She shoved Frodo into the rocks.
"Crebain from Duneland." Legolas shouted then rushed to help the others.
Boromir helped Pippin as Aragorn grabbed Merry. Legolas quickly moved towards Gandalf. Seeing Sam trying to put out the fire, Frodo moved to go after him.
"Stay here."
Buffy ran to Sam and hugged him close to her. Closing her eyes, she breathed out and once again a golden mist encompassed her. The others in the rocks couldn't see what was going on, except for Gandalf. Buffy and Sam winked out of sight leaving the ground beneath them undisturbed. The Crebain flew over the campsite. Once it was safe, Buffy and Sam reappeared. The others moved out of the rocks, checking to ensure everyone was safe.
"Sam are you? They didn't attack?"
"No Mister Frodo. Buffy stayed with me. They just flew past. They were terrible ugly."
"They would have taken you both Sam," Legolas stated.
"Gandalf helped us." Buffy looked at the wizard. Understanding passed between the old friends.
"I do what I can, when needed. We have problems that are more important. Crebain are the spies of Saruman. We have no choice now but to take the pass of Cardsharps."
They broke camp quickly as Pippin and Merry grumbled about food. She smiled thinking of them and Xander all together. Buffy's smile soon faded, as she knew what was coming.
Once the climb got to dangerous, they had to let the horses go. Sam was almost in tears about his pony Bill. Taking Silver aside, Buffy talked in his ears softly; she buried her fingers in his white blond mane. Silver's head bounced up and down as Buffy began to walk away he whinnied. She looked back and he reared up on his back legs then watched her slowly climb up the mountain. He waited until she reached a high peak and waved. The golden horse slowly turned and trotted off into the woods.
"What did you say to him?" Frodo asked.
"I told him where to meet me on the journey," she answered, mysteriously.
"But how will he know? How do you know?"
"That's a secret. I'll tell you someday. When this is all over." Buffy pulled him up a steep rock then turned to help Sam up. She stood on the top of the rock and put her hand down to help the next person up. Legolas took her hand. Looking at him, she pulled hard sending him flying up the mountain. She merely turned back to help Gimli. Buffy saw Legolas besides her helping Pippin.
"That wasn't friendly." He told her as they worked
"Didn't say I was your friend, Keebler. Just trying to get everyone up the mountain before it comes down on us. Since you have this. I will move on up to keep us going."
Legolas frowned then turned to pull Gandalf up. As they reached the snow higher up, Legolas ran on the top past the others. When he ran back by and Buffy snatched him as he went by. "Listen twinkle toes the others can't do that. So either grab someone and move them up or move further off," she growled.
He looked at her there were large clumps of snow on her and the others. He grabbed Pippin moving several feet over then ran up the mountain with him. Buffy grabbed Frodo stepping to the other side to do the same.
They had the hobbits up to where Gandalf now stood with Aragorn. Boromir wasn't far behind but Gimli refused to be carried. "No one carries this dwarf." He trudged up grumbling when they heard a rumbling sound.
"Gandalf the mountain is coming down," Buffy shouted.
"No it will not." His staff lit up and his voice boomed out. He held back the snow but their way was blocked.
After much debate, Frodo chose to go through the Mines of Moria. Buffy's heart grew heavier with each step they took. One among them would be lost, she would know who when she saw Moria. She was afraid she already knew and wasn't sure if she would be able to bear it.
As the others tried to figure out the riddle to open the door, Buffy blinked back tears. She knew damn it, why did she have to be right. She wasn't ready yet.
They entered the door after Frodo solved the puzzle. Gimli was dancing with glee to be this close to his relatives.
Buffy laughed at his dance. It was the dwarf version of the Snoopy dance. She ran back to the entrance when she heard shouts. Buffy saw Frodo being drug away by some creature.
Aragorn was slashing at it as Legolas shot arrows into it. Buffy joined Boromir on the other side hacking at anything that moved. Her eyes never left Frodo. She fought as if blindfolded. Guess I can thank Giles for all that practice.
Aragorn finally levied the deathblow. As the creature released Frodo, Buffy leaped for him. She caught him then twisted their bodies back towards safety. Her foot slipped at the last possible moment. Boromir grabbed her by her belt, pulling them both to safety.
She turned giving him a brilliant smile. "Thanks Bor. Didn't really want to take a bath in that." She moved Frodo safely inside the mines.
Boromir stood still as if elf struck.
Legolas glared at him stomping over. "She just smiled and thanked you Boromir. I knew it would be trouble having her with us. Come on we must catch up." He marched after her furious but not sure who with.
"She is an amazing woman. I admit I was wrong about the maid. She has the heart of a true warrior. Her true smile warms you when it is pointed towards you. 'Tis quite amazing. Do you think she would consider a match? She would make a fine mate and be of great help when I take on the stewardship of Gondor." Boromir walked past the golden haired elf; a look of wonder on his face.
As soon as they cleared the entrance, it caved in sealing them inside. There was no choice but to move forward.
Legolas was the last to enter barely making it inside, his thoughts on a tiny blonde. She filled his thoughts every moment perhaps there was magic at work here. Shaking his head in determination, he moved to catch up with the others.
With Gandalf in the lead, they ended in a side room. Gimli found the remains of his kinsman. It was heartbreaking watching the stalwart dwarf cry.
Pippin accidentally knocked over a skeleton into a well. It started a chain of events, which would change all of their lives.
Boromir stuck his head out of the door then shouted. "Orcs and they have a cave-troll."
"Everyone get ready, Hobbits to the back," Aragorn yelled.
Legolas drew an arrow then glanced over at Buffy. She was glorious with her sword drawn ready for battle anticipation glowed around her. The Orcs flooded into the room. In a single motion, Buffy was midair flipping straight into the heart of them. Her sword was already moving as she landed. She sliced, kicked, ducked and spun among the enemy. The others joined the fight with their own battle cries. The cave-troll broke through the door. Legolas' arrows sang through the air. Aragorn battled two Orcs at once. While Boromir began to hack at the troll. Gandalf's staff and sword were in constant motion killing any Orc in his path. Legolas grabbed the troll's chain, trying to stop it but couldn't hold on; It was on a single path to Frodo. Buffy was on her way to help when she saw Boromir and Pippin were in trouble. Left with no choice, she ran over hacking at the Orcs from the outer edges working her way towards the two.
"Aragorn," Frodo screamed.
"Frodo!"
The troll dragged the tiny hobbit as Aragorn tried to help. Legolas jumped until he got to the trolls head. He shot straight into its brain, finally killing it. But, not before it skewered Frodo with a pike. They all gathered around Frodo only to discover his shirt of Mithril.
Everyone felt relief until Gandalf realized Buffy wasn't among them. "Where is the Imp?" Legolas searched the room frantically when she walked out from behind a column.
"Stupid Orc, tore my shirt. Don't have time for this and nowhere to change. Don't even know how to sew." Laughing, the elf grabbed her up spinning them around. "What are you doing Keebler?"
"I thought something had happened to you. Just happy we are all safe. I would have picked up whoever was the last one found, even the dwarf."
"Come we must be away before more come," Gandalf ordered.
"Gandy, will you take something of mine. I want you to have it. I realize I have to let go of my other life. I'll always hold the memories in my heart. I just can't hold on to my treasures anymore. If you wear it with the heart pointing in it means you belong to someone. It was given in a different kind of love but I want you to have it now. You belong to me Gandy and I am not losing anymore of what I love if I can help it."
Buffy slipped her claddagh from her hand onto his little finger. The heart was pointing in as she kissed his cheek. "For luck, now let's get out of here."
It wasn't long after that they were from a Bal Rog. Buffy's heart pounded in her throat. She was about to lose her friend. As they moved across the bridge, it began collapsing in pieces. Buffy, Aragorn, Frodo and Gandalf stood on one side. Gandalf looked at Buffy. He stood proudly with his staff glowing. He smiled at her in determination and understanding.
Aragorn ordered Buffy to jump. She told him to send Frodo, first. He easily tossed the little hobbit to safety. "Now you Buffy."
"No, you first big guy. I'll be right behind you."
"No you stubborn woman. Do as you're told."
"Aragorn go. Do as she asks. It will be well," Gandalf's said calmly.
Aragorn glared at her but jumped. He hoped they knew what they were doing. She could see Legolas yelling at Aragorn, as soon as his feet found purchase. "Give him hell Gandy. Love you. Oh, I'll see you on the other side." Not waiting for an answer Buffy flew across the gap. She landed right on top of the still arguing, Legolas. "Were you worried about me, Keebler?" She asked from her place astride his chest. Looking up at her his mind blanked for a moment. His body reacted to her closeness and their position.
"GANDALF!" Frodo screamed as Aragorn grabbed him.
They all watched the gray wizard face battle the ancient fire demon. He seemed to grow ten feet tall in front of their eyes as his voice boomed. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" For a moment, breaths were held. It seemed as if he would win to continue the quest. Gandalf told them to continue as he fell away saving them all.
Frodo was heartbroken. The other hobbits were crushed as well but not to the extreme of the little ring bearer. They now realized any of them could fall for this fellowship. Only Buffy knew what was coming. She moved to Frodo and wrapped her arms around him as he cried. The other hobbits huddled together. Buffy welcomed them, as a mother would her children.
Frodo stepped away. When Sam went to follow, Buffy stopped him. "Sometimes you just have to gather the pieces of your heart Sam. No one can help do that."
Aragorn pushed to move on as Boromir argued for time to grieve. "I loved him Bor but we have a long way to go. We have to reach a safer place. Gandy told us so himself. Moving your feet or sitting in this snow isn't going to make the sorrow lessen." Buffy walked up to Frodo putting her arm around him. The two of them began to walk as the other hobbits followed close behind. She led them on through the snow.
"You think she can grow any hair on her face. I mean if she tried?" Gimli asked watching her. "She is everything you could want in a woman except for that. Well and a little more meat on her bones."
"Her bones look fine to me. In fact, I don't see anything I would change" Boromir added. He admired the woman who was equal parts hard and soft, when needed.
"Less talking more walking," Legolas snapped, moving past them. The two men looked at each other and grinned knowingly.
After several days, they finally entered the woods of Lothlorien. No one could help but smile at the glow on Buffy's face. They thought it was from the wonder of the woods. Her body hummed being this close to home. The place where she was born so long ago.
Gimli stalked through the forest. "Stay close, young Hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell? Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox."
Elves suddenly surrounded them pointing arrows at them from all around. It was as if they appeared from shadow. The leader, a tall handsome elf with a waterfall of white blond hair and large blue eyes, stepped forward. "That dwarf breaths so loudly we could have shot him from miles away."
Buffy appeared behind him holding a knife to his throat. "But then I would have to hurt you and all your pretty friends," she whispered in his ear.
"What manner of sorcery is this?"
"Buffy, put down that blade. We come in peace to this forest, seeking shelter," Aragorn ordered. He hoped that for once she would listen to him. They couldn't afford to start a war with the woodland elves.
"We are just going to step over here have a little powwow Striderite. Keep your pants on." Buffy backed the much taller elf up her knife still at his neck. She leaned up and licked his ear causing him to shiver.
"What's the matter Hali not happy to see me?" Buffy stepped away grinning as the elf spun eyes widened in surprise. Looking at her closely, he quickly closed the distance between them to hug her close.
"Rie, it's you. You came back. When? How? The Lady said nothing to me," Haldir smiled. Before him stood his childhood friend the same light of mischief shown from her eyes. He was just a small boy of seven when she went away at the tender age of four. Elven children came into their knowledge and learning early. The two were inseparable, much to their parents chagrin at times. Buffy though younger was the ringleader of all their pranks and treasure hunts.
"I have been here since just before the fellowship was joined. They sent me to Gandalf. Oh, I have missed you Hali. I would cry and look everywhere for you." Tears ran down her face at the remembered ache.
"You are home now. You never have to leave again. Your parents will be so happy to see you. I can't believe the Lady said nothing to me."
"She doesn't know Hali. Only the ones within real sight can see me. You will understand now go back and be nice." She swatted his arm.
Haldir pulled her to him kissing her. Buffy's eyes grew wide as her mouth opened to him. He grinned down at her, "You grew up nice Rie even if you are short."
Buffy walked beside him pouting. "I am just the right height not my fault you are a giant."
When they joined the others Haldir said formally. "I am Haldir, the Marchwarden of Lothlorien. The Lady of the Wood welcomes you to her forest. Follow me as she waits to greet you all."
Buffy looked at her childhood friend, who had grown into a handsome man, elf. "What do you think of our forest lady?"
"It is so beautiful almost like coming home," she laughed.
Legolas glared at the two as they talked like old friends. Buffy became nervous the closer they got to this final meeting. Haldir thought of all the times he and Galadriel would talk of Ariel, when they were alone in the private glade. They repeated stories and often wondered if she would ever return. If she did, would they still be there to greet her. He couldn't wait to hear the whole story from her.
Celeborn and Galadriel walked down steps as if bathed in light to greet them. Aragorn bowed in front of her, as did Legolas. The hobbits looked on in awe. "I am Galadriel this is my husband Celeborn. We bid you welcome."
Buffy watched as her mother looked from one to another. She knew Galadriel was speaking to some of them in their minds.
"Nine of you left on this fellowship yet one of you is not here. Where is Gandalf the Grey? I wish to have words with him," Celeborn asked.
Aragorn looked puzzled as he caught Legolas' eye. There were ten in the fellowship before they lost Gandalf.
Galadriel told them the dangers the fellowship was under. Then she caught sight of something, which startled her. "Who else is with you, young Prince of Mirkwood? Who is that behind you?" Fear caused her voice to shake. Galadriel hadn't seen another in her mirror.
Buffy stepped forward and looked up at the royal couple. "Hello mother, father." Her voice was quiet as a whisper.
Galadriel paled and Celeborn caught her when she stumbled. Pulling away to run down the steps, she caught Buffy up in her arms. Galadriel kissed her face. Tears and laughter mixed on her beautiful face as she looked on in wonder at the tiny one in her arms. They made a beautiful sight. Both women seemed bathed in a golden glow not from any light but from inside. Celeborn walked down the steps slowly not believing his firstborn returned to him once more. He approached almost as if she was a wild animal or a ghost.
Buffy turned still in her mother's arms the dove at him. "Poppy."
Tears flowed down his face like streams of sliver as he held her close. "My heart you are back."
Haldir moved the fellowship away showing them to their quarters. They started asking a million questions.
"The Lady and her family will tell you all you need to know. Rest and be at ease."
Left to themselves, they listened to the elves sing a lament to Gandalf. "How can she be their daughter? I do not understand," Sam asked.
"I knew there was something about her," Gimli said.
"Don't matter to me she is just Buffy" Pippin happily supplied.
The others keep their own counsel.
"Are you well daughter? Why couldn't I see you?" Galadriel asked.
"I can't be seen unless there is a need. To keep me hidden, from Sauron's eye." Buffy hoped the matter would be left at that.
"Do you get to stay for a while, Ariel?" Her father asked.
Sadness entered her eyes, "Only as long as the fellowship does. My fate is tied to theirs Poppy. When Sauron is defeated we will have plenty of time I promise." Buffy climbed onto his lap as she did as a child. "Tell me a story Poppy."
Celeborn smiled brushing his fingers through her hair. They looked out the balcony as Galadriel looked on tears in her eyes. "One special night a princess was born. She was so special the stars in the sky danced in joy. When she laughed the birds would stop singing just to listen to her." Galadriel slipped away leaving them alone.
Frodo couldn't sleep something called to him. He wondered down steps to an alcove. Stepping out of the shadows, Galadriel spoke to him. "What troubles you little hobbit? You carry a heavy burden would you look into my mirror?"
"If you asked I would give it to you." Frodo offered her the ring.
Buffy watched as her mother's hand stretched towards the ring. She prayed Galadriel would win this inner battle. When she stepped away, Buffy walked forward. "I knew you could do it Mother."
"You knew I would be tested?" She asked looking at her daughter closely.
"Yes" Buffy whispered. "Frodo look into my mother's mirror. You are stronger than you think."
The little hobbit moved forward scared of what he saw. His eyes large and haunted as Buffy walked over to him.
She took his face in her hands. "Look at me Frodo" her voice stern.
"Ariel!" Her mother scolded.
"Don't interfere, mother. Look at me Frodo. Look into my eyes. I know what you saw. I lived it. Now the choice is yours. Is that the future you want? Or do you choose to fight it with everything you have, everything you are?"
"I will not let that happen to the Shire," Frodo's voice firm.
"Then fight for it Frodo. Everyone can fight no matter their size. It's how much you're willing to sacrifice for the goal that decides the outcome."
Kissing his head, she walked away. Her words hung in the air like a living thing.
Frodo looked at Galadriel then back at the path Buffy walked down.
"Lady your daughter is a wondrous being. I'm proud to be her friend."
"Yes Frodo she's quite exceptional. Go and rest your true journey is yet to come."
Galadriel found Buffy exactly where she thought she would be, their private glade. Buffy swam through the water like a mermaid. She sat by the quickly discarded clothes watching her daughter. Galadriel wondered of her life, of all the things she had missed. Fearful most of all that her daughter in someway hated her for sending her away.
"Penny for them." Galadriel jumped. "You were so deep in thought. What do you want to know mother? I'll tell you what I can."
The glade with its deep clear pool of water was a secret place only family could enter. It had always been Buffy's favorite place as a child. Buffy came out of the water to lie beside her mother.
"Were you treated well?" She combed out Buffy's wet hair. It brought back memories for them.
"They didn't treat me badly. It was just not a warm place. The Powers only know duty, destiny and fate. There is no understanding or place for comfort, love or warmth. I cried a lot at first but years pass faster there; so my childhood faded away. They trained me to be ready for now, this battle in the way they thought best." The California easygoing teenager was gone. Her body was straight and proud as an Elven princess as she looked out over the pond.
"So, all this time you knew no love?" Galadriel's heart broke. She never imagined her child would suffer so when she gave her up.
"No, twenty year ago they sent me to be born into this body. I was human, well somewhat human. It was their last piece of training for me. I was a slayer. An empowered warrior who fights their war on a different world. They wanted to ensure I was ready to return plus it saved them the trouble of losing another of that world's warriors. I fought and bled for them even died one other time. They set up my fate. There was no choice but to sacrifice myself. My sacrifice saved that Earth and my sister. Now I see realize that they had planned it that way all along. It was their way to get me home. As I fell through the portal, everything came back to me - you, Poppy, Gandy, Hali, 'Them'. Everything from before my time on Earth. They tried to rip my memories from me. The only love and comfort I had known since being here."
"By the Valar," Galadriel said.
"Oh yes mother, by the Valar indeed. They are not wonderful caring protectors. They are cruel, hard, our world and many others are game pieces for them. I would not allow them to take anymore from me. See mother they trained me well, perhaps too well." Buffy's eyes grew hard and cold. The slayer was alive looking out at the Lady of Lothlorien, holder of the Elven Ring of Power.
Galadriel felt a moment of fear as a cold shiver went down her spine. "Ariel what did you learn from them?"
"I know you named me Ariel but I prefer Buffy. It was my name. The name that helped me become whole and back to you." Galadriel nodded. "They taught me dream walking, magic, knowledge of much I can't speak of to any. Your sight is different in me for I see it all in dreams, and had to learn when I can interfere, and when to allow matters to unfold. That was the hardest lesson to learn. I have trained my mind for many long years to recognize the truth, and see to heart of matters. The price I pay for the magic stuffed into me was another reason they put me into such a strong body. It costs me pieces of myself to power the magic. My slayer healing can replace what I give, but I still have to take care. I'm immortal, but if I use too much or for the wrong reason, I pay a heavy price."
Galadriel gathered her close in her arms like a small child. "I love you and have missed you every day. Haldir and I would come here to speak of you remembering your laughter. Your father couldn't speak of it but I would catch him some night sitting at the balcony. He would whisper your story, crying quietly to himself. Haldir will protest your leaving, Buffy." The name felt foreign on her tongue.
"I know but he will have to understand. He kissed me and it was wonderful. But I am not sure what I feel for him or anyone."
"Would anyone be a Prince of Mirkwood? His eyes were hot with anger toward your Hali. I noticed they held other emotions when they wandered toward you." She laughed at Buffy's blush.
"He's handsome but kinda full of himself."
"Daughter, what elf in his prime is not? Never have a docile man. Our blood's too strong to be satisfied by one."
Buffy thought of Riley, almost slapping her head. Now, she tells me. Well, it makes sense to me - now.
Elves were passionate people. They would take many lovers during their long lives looking for a mate. Once they married though, they remained faithful. There was not even an Elven word for affair or divorce. With such long lives, elves wanted to be sure to pick the right one, to spend their final years with.
"Come let us go back. I want to enjoy having you home, while I can."
"I'll come back later on; I'm still too wired to sleep. Thinking about swimming a little longer."
Buffy surfaced from the cool water to see Legolas sitting on the grass watching her.
"What are you doing here? How did you even get in here?" she demanded.
"Your mother," he spat, "showed me into the glade. She said you were down here by the pool. Why didn't you tell us, tell me who you were? Did Gandalf know at least?"
Buffy raised an eyebrow at his tone. She didn't say anything as she walked out of the pool. Water fell from her body, while Legolas' eyes followed the crystal drops race across her golden skin. Buffy ignored the elf as she bent to grab her dress. She pulled it over her head in one smooth movement.
"Why would I tell you, Keebler? You like to jump to conclusions. You judge people by what you see not whether it is true. Gandy has known me since the day I was born. I only returned from where I was for the fellowship. That's all that you have earned the right to know. Not once have you said a kind word to me or asked a simple question of my life."
Buffy glared at him, her temper high.
Legolas grabbed her and kissed her. Her mouth opened to yell at him as his tongue swept into her mouth. For moments, their tongues dueled for dominance, before she pushed him away.
"What was that for?"
"You seemed to understand, well enough. I haven't talked to you, because you're on my mind too much already. You're driving me crazy, woman. Feel what you do to me."
He pulled her so their bodies were once more flush, and tried to recapture her lips.
"Legolas, Stop!"
He stepped away breathing deeply. Shocked at his own passions riding his back.
"If we are ever to become lovers, I'd have to know you. Yes, I find you attractive. My body responds to yours. That's plain to see. But, I've never taken a lover I didn't know, except once. I swore afterward it would never happen again."
"What of the Marchwarden? You met him for five minutes and returned from the woods with kiss stung lips?" he growled.
"Listen Prince! Gorgeous or not you're starting to piss me off. Hali and I have known each other since we were children. Goodnight, Mr. Green Jeans. If you ever decide to grow up, call me," she growled, stomping out of the hidden cove.
"The nerve of that stupid elf."
Then she laughed at herself, she was an elf. She may not look it, but she was to the marrow of her bones.
Buffy enjoyed her home for the few short days they had to rest. She renewed old friendships, but mostly spent time with her parents and Haldir. It was the last night and her parents had thrown a huge feast thrown in the fellowship's honor. She dressed as an Elven main in a dress of rich cream. The soft color complimented her skin causing it to glow with health, while her eyes sparkled with mischief. Buffy danced every dance, swallowing cup after cup of golden Lothlorien wine. That night led Haldir led her to the glade, while Legolas watched with eyes full of jealousy. There was something deeper hidden in their gray depths, as well.
In the glade, a bed of blankets lay on the ground with soft pillows strewn about.
"Pretty sure of yourself weren't you Hali?"
"No Rie, just hopeful. If not me, I thought you and Legolas would appreciate the gesture."
"I'm not sure where this will all lead Hali or what my heart needs."
"As long as I have a chance Rie, I'll take it. Give me tonight to send you off with memories to think of, before you choose."
Haldir slid his hand into her hair. He kissed her upturned face, while his free hand untied her dress. It pooled at her feet as she stepped out of it. Buffy unbuckled his tunic, pushing it off his shoulders. Bending her head, her tongue snuck out to tease his sensitive skin, while her hands smoothed over alabaster skin. He moaned at the warmth of her tongue, and strong small hands gently caressing him. Buffy pulled the laces wide, before she moved the cloth down his firm muscular legs. Haldir shook his feet free of his clothing. He stepped forward to press his body against hers.
Bending his knees so she could wrap her legs around him, he moved them toward the pallet. Buffy slid downward as her body welcomed him. They moaned in harmony. He pulled her closer as they moved together.
Looking up at the stars afterward, "Kinda different from the last time we did this," she giggled.
The sun woke them the next morning. Their bodies sore, but wonderfully languid as they smiled at each other.
"I won't forget Hali. I promise. I haven't forgotten you all these years. I won't start now."
They dressed in the clean clothes left by her mother, Buffy guessed. Late last night, Galadriel had covered the two lovingly whispering "My love goes with you daughter as always." They moved to join the others coming down from a staircase as if from the main quarters. Buffy had dressed in a set of Loren Elf leggings and tunic. They fit her tiny frame perfectly, bringing out the green in her eyes.
Legolas realized her eyes were Lothlorien green, when she was happy. He was still unhappy about her night with Haldir. At least the other elf wouldn't be joining them. He still had a chance to become Buffy's lovers. He looked at her flushed happy face determined to put just such a look on it another morning.
"I take it back she needs no hair on her face." Gimli looked at Buffy in her tight leggings and short tunic. Her hair was in a long braid down her hack.
"Like I said before no improvements needed," Boromir said.
He was leering the view at her legs and backside. When she turned to hug her father, the short tunic rode up to show a hint of Buffy's shapely rear.
"Everyone needs to get their belongings together. We're ready to go," Legolas growled.
The other two ignored him as they continued to stare up at Buffy, until he pushed them forward. Looking over their shoulders, they moved along slowly. Legolas cursed in several languages under his breath. Buffy walked up to stand next to Frodo as Galadriel had cloaks handed out to each of them. Legolas stood beside her and sent her sideways glances. Galadriel personally gave each person a gift. She placed swords, bows, knifes, or a rope in someone's hands. She gave each what would they needed most. Frodo received the light of Earendil, the Elves most beloved star.
Galadriel stood before Buffy last.
"There's but one gift I have, but it is yours by birthright. It awaits your return, as we do."
Celeborn stepped forward, joining mother and daughter to complete the family circle. They held each other, glowing gold and white in the sunshine. The glow quickly faded as the small family reluctantly let each other go. Those watching wondered if they had imagined it, or it was some trick of the light.
"I wanted to give you both a gift as well. Don't worry they said I could. I love you. Think of me and I will visit when I can." Buffy kissed them then waved good-bye.
"What does she mean dear?" Celeborn turned to his wife in confusion.
"I will explain all husbands; it is a long story. Our daughter has given us a great gift. You shall see. Come let us go to our glade, I feel in need of a swim and your skin next to mine."
They walked away hand in hand. Buffy smiled hearing their words.