~*~ Part 2 ~*~
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 is how much you are willing to sacrifice for the goal that will decide the outcome." Kissing his head, she walked away. Her words hung in the air like a living thing.
Frodo looked at Galadriel "Lady your daughter is a wondrous being. I am proud to be her friend."
"Yes Frodo she is quite exceptional. Go and rest your true journey is yet to come."
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