~*~ Part 3 ~*~
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 both.
"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. My fate was set up by them. There was no choice but to sacrifice myself. My sacrifice saved that Earth and my sister. Now I see, it was their plan all along. Their way of getting me home now that I am needed. 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. I was taught to understand when I can interfere and what must play out. That is the hardest to learn of any. The long years of training my mind to understand what's true and needs doing. The price I pay for the magic they stuffed into me. It was another reason to put me in such a strong body. I pay with a piece of myself it is what gives the magic power. My slayer healing can replace what I give but I still must be careful. I am immortal like you but if I use too much or for the wrong reasons the price will be heavy."
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 towards your Hali. I noticed they held other emotions when they wandered towards you." She laughed at Buffy's blush.
"He is handsome but kinda full of himself."
"Daughter what elf in his prime is not? Never have a docile man, our blood is too strong to be satisfied by one."
Buffy thought of Riley almost slapping her head. Now she tells me. Well it all 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 will be there in a minute I'm still to wired to sleep. I'll just swim 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 a word just walked out of the pool.
Water fell from her body as he watched the crystal drops run down her golden skin. Her nipples were hard and coral tipped in the cool night air. She bent down to grab her dress and 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 is 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. His hands came up to tease her already hard nipples. For moments, their tongues dueled for dominance she pushed him away.
"What was that for?"
"You seemed to understand well enough. I haven't talked to you because you were already to much on my mind. You are driving me crazy woman feel what you do to me." He pulled her so their bodies were once more flush and captured her lips.
"Legolas Stop!"
He stepped away breathing deeply. Shocked at his own passions riding his back.
"If we are ever to be lovers, I would have to know you. Yes, I find you attractive. My body responds to yours that is plain to see. I have never taken a lover but once that I didn't know and swore after that 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 are starting to piss me off. Hali and I were children together. Goodnight Mr. Green Jeans. If you ever decide to grow up call me sometime" she stomped off. "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 being home for the few short days they had to rest. She renewed friendships but mostly spent time with her parents and Haldir.
It was the last night and there was a huge feast thrown in their honor. She wore the dress of an Elven maid in a rich cream. It made her skin glow and her eyes sparkled with mischief. She danced every dance, swallowing cup after cup of golden Lothlorien wine. That night led Haldir led her off to the glade. 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 was laid out 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 enjoy 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 a choice is made."
Haldir slid his hand into her hair. He kissed her upturned face as the other 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 a small nipple while her hands smoothed over alabaster skin. He moaned at the warmth of her tongue and strong small hands gently caressing him as they moved towards his breeches. Buffy pulled the laces wide. Then she moved the cloth down his firm muscular legs. Haldir shook his feet free then rubbed his body against hers.
Bending his knees so she could wrap her legs around him, he moved them towards the pallet. Buffy slid downward as her body welcomed him eagerly. Each step he took, pushed him deeper inside her as her back arched. Her inner walls squeezed him as he lay her down and took her breast into his mouth. They moaned in harmony. Her full breast was held lovingly in his large hand as he devoured it. Her body clenched him again as she fell over the edge. Leaning up on his hands he began to move within her.
"More Hali," her voice husky.
Hooking her legs over his arms, he pulled her closer as they moved furiously together. "Rie so beautiful" he murmured. This time they found their release together.
Looking up at the stars afterwards, "Kinda different from the last time we did this," she giggled.
"Well if you want my choice, you have only to look and you will see your answer."
Looking down his gleaming white body with its sculpted muscles, she saw he was once again hard and ready. "My, oh my, is that for little oh me," Buffy said in southern accent.
Seeing the confusion on his face she laughed then began to kiss down his body. Haldir held his breath as he hoped for this pleasure from her. She didn't disappoint.
The sun woke them the next morning. Their bodies were sore but languid. 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 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 dressed in a set of Loren Elf leggings and a 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 leered at her legs and backside when she turned back to hug her father giving. The short tunic rode up showing a hint of Buffy's shapely rear, shortly.
"Everyone needs to get their belongings together we are 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 is but one gift I have but it is yours by birthright. It will be waiting for you." Celeborn stepped forward they held each other. The three of them glowed gold and white for a moment. Everyone thought it a 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.
The fellowship paddled down the river until they saw the great statues of the Argonarth. Buffy heard Aragorn's words of wonder to Frodo.
Legolas noticed Buffy getting still and quiet. "Are you unwell, Buffy? Can I do anything for you?"
She turned huge sad eyes to him. "No, Legolas, there is nothing any of us can do."
They made camp after pulling there boats onto shore. Aragorn told them Golum had been following them for days now. "The ring it draws him like a moth to a flame."
"Yes it will draw many burning all but a few." Buffy walked away from them.
Legolas followed her. He found her looking out at the water. "Is the ring calling to you? Are you having trouble resisting it?"
She laughed harshly. "I only wished that was my problem, Legolas. I would be happy."
He noticed she used his real name. Her thoughts must be heavy for no nicknames and I haven't angered her, yet. Maybe she is missing Haldir. Hating that thought, Legolas moved behind her to wrap his arms around her. "I would help if I could."
They had begun to talk on the river; rather he had begun to talk. Really, talk to her asking questions of her life or thoughts. Legolas was striving to win her friendship with a greater hope for more in the future.
"I know." She stiffened turning out of his arms. "Orcs, run the others are in trouble." She flew through the trees with Haldir's favorite bow on her shoulder. She also carried a sword and no fewer than six daggers on her body. Buffy's senses were on high alert. Her arrows flew without thought as she ran. She could see Legolas down from her doing the same.
Gimli found himself surrounded when daggers went flying past him. Looking to the side, there was Buffy sword in hand, spinning and slashing at Orcs. Aragorn made the clearing as Boromir died. He went on a rampage slashing like a berserker.
Buffy looked about already knowing Frodo was gone. "Go for Pippin and Merry over there." She yelled at Legolas and Gimli. They took off in a run to save the hobbits. Both men heard their screams.
Buffy threw another dagger at an Orc about to stab Aragorn in the back. Spinning he grinned at her, she worked her way over until they were fighting back to back. Minutes later not one Orc remained standing. Buffy went to recover her daggers.
Aragorn watched, as they disappeared on her body. "Where do you hold them lass?"
"Trade secret. Did Frodo make it away clean?"
He looked at her hard. "You have your mother's gift of sight."
"Oh no, Striderite. Something much worse. No gift at all. So is he safely on his way?" He nodded watching her. "He will be fine. Sam is a good friend and will keep him true to the course."
"Sam wasn't there. He must be with the little ones taken as well."
Buffy smile was all the answer he needed. "Let's join the others we have a friend to bury."
They found Legolas and Gimli with their shoulders down. "We couldn't save them the fellowship is lost" Gimli said.
"And I thought dwarves were big tough men?" Buffy looked at him.
"What do you mean Frodo and the ring are gone?"
"Yep, they are. Gone to Moira. Now get up off your sorry ass and let's go get Merry and Pippin." She grinned at Aragorn as she walked by him into the woods. She had just picked up Boromir's body on her shoulders, when she felt it taken away from her. She spun to see Legolas carrying Boromir's body in his arms.
"Where do you want him taken?"
Buffy walked over to where she had decided was a good spot. Laying the body down he stepped back when she bent to straightened Boromir's clothes. "Go in peace Bor, you did well in the end." She kissed his brow then began to stack rocks on his body. The others joined her and they all worked in silence.
Finally, finished Buffy spoke quietly. "Boromir of Gondor was a good man. He was brave because he faced his fears and won. His death was not in vain. His name shall be first among the heroes of this war. Many will fall but none in vain. I promise none in vain." Her voice rose, the ground trembled beneath their feet. Buffy walked away going to gather their things.
"I'm not sure if she blessed him or cursed our enemies. Just glad she is on our side," Gimli muttered. Aragorn and Legolas looked at each other and couldn't help but agree.
They had been following the trail for days, when Buffy finally had another dream. She woke up when Legolas touched her arm.
"Are you all right? You were talking in you sleep."
Buffy got up and walked away from the camp. Aragorn's eye opened but Legolas waved a hand at him to be still. He wrapped his hands around her and she leaned back in his embrace. All of them had become closer, bonding over their losses.
"Can you tell me? Did you see more of the future?" His voice in her ear made her shiver. Thinking her cold, he rubbed her arms.
"Yes, I saw Frodo he journeys on but the ring hurts him, so much. We should make some allies soon and see old friends again."
"Then that is good, why are you so sad? It is what you can't see isn't it?" She nodded snuggling into him. "Sweet let me ease some of your burden."
Looking up into his dark gray eyes, Buffy pulled his head down to meet her lips. Kissing him deeply, she sucked on his tongue; he moaned holding her tighter.
"Can you just hold me? Make me forget for a little while. I know we can't do anything else here and it is selfish. Just please Golas make me forget," she pleaded.
He devoured her mouth running his hands inside her cloak to rub her breasts through her tunic. They grew heavy and full as her nipples pebbled. Loosening the ties enough to move the opening over, he freed one breast. Legolas' hungry mouth feasted on her golden skin. He was all things at once, soft, hard, gentle then punishing. His hand moved down to touch her over-the-top of her leggings.
The friction between the material and his movement caused her breath to quicken. Her head lolled back eyes closed as she groaned deep in her throat. Legolas looked up at her; she was glorious as the moonlight played over her face. He caught her scream of release in his mouth and held her close as her body shivered in the afterglow.
Buffy looked into his lust heavy eyes. "Golas, I'm sorry I could."
"Ssh, that was for you. I found pleasure in giving you, yours. There will be time for both of us later, to pleasure each other." He carried her back to the camp laying her down wrapped in his cloak. Legolas kept her close as she fell back into sleep.
While tracking the Orcs, they heard horses and hid behind some rocks. The men stepped out when they saw that it was men approaching. Aragorn went to talk with them. After what Buffy could, only call a pissing contest, the leader Éomer told them they had killed everyone Orc they saw.
Buffy staid hidden while they talked. Aragorn and Legolas finally returned with two horses. Gimli was heartbroken until he found one of the hobbits belts. Aragorn started to follow the path Merry and Pippin took which showed they had fled into Fangorn Forest. They entered the forest following their trail. Legolas heard the trees protest and warned Gimli to lower his ax. Buffy walked behind them grinning from ear to ear. She stopped a little ways off and leaned against a tree.
"The white wizard approaches. We must attack quickly," Aragorn told them.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli found themselves easily disarmed as a voice still hidden in shadow told them the hobbits were safe.
"Saruman knows nothing of truth," Aragorn replied.
"Do you still not know me heir of Isildur? I have changed but still we have called each other friend over these many years." Gandalf lowered his staff so the light no longer cast him into shadow.
"By the Valar" Aragorn whispered.
"Took you long enough Gandy," Buffy smirked.
Gandalf looked at her sternly then grinned. She ran to him and threw herself into his arms. Laughing he caught her. "Imp, if I didn't know better, I would say that was one of your pranks." He smacked her bottom as he sat her down.
"You knew yet you let us grieve" Aragorn's eyes blazed. "What of Frodo, your friend? How could you do that to him?"
"If you ever want to have children I'd move back," she glared.
Legolas went to stop them but Gandalf shook his head.
"Listen, until you are ready to quit hiding from what you are. Don't tell me how to be what I am. I know what I did and why it was done. Someday, if you are lucky, I'll explain it to you. Until then, clean up your own backyard Aragorn, Elendil's heir of Gondor." Buffy marched out of the forest.
Aragorn whirled at Gandalf's laughter. "Has a bad temper my Imp, always has. She did what was needed, Aragorn. If she had told Frodo, would he have waited for me or continued. Think of it. Her burden is even greater then his or yours. Don't push at her. She has sacrificed much already and I'm afraid more will be needed before this ends."
Torn between whom to go to, Legolas looked at Aragorn. He had know him a longtime and called him brother. But, Buffy was fast taking up the spaces in his heart where no other had been. "Come brother we would not want to be left behind by a dwarf." Aragorn laughed as they walked back out into the clearing.
"We must ride to Edoras. Saruman has brought war to the Rohan" Gandalf let out a piercing whistle. A beautiful white stallion ran came over the hill running towards them.
"That is one of the Mearas," Legolas said in awe.
"His name is Shadowfax. He is lord of all horses and my friend through many dangers," Gandalf told them.
Hearing Buffy's laughter they looked over to see her being nuzzled by - Silver.
"Are these hills bespelled? Do horses just appear by magic?" Gimli asked as looked at the two horses that had just appeared.
Buffy easily mounted the golden stallion. He reared his front legs into the air. Her laughter rang out crisp and bright in the clearing. The others looked at Gandalf questioningly, for it seemed for a moment the birds stopped singing. There was no other sound save Buffy's musical joy.
"Well come on boys didn't I hear there was some asses to kick. If you don't hurry I won't leave any for you." She spun her mount thundering off towards Edoras.
"How does she even know where to go?" Gimli asked.
"It seems if there is to be fighting; Buffy always knows where to go. I have at least learned that much," Aragorn answered the dwarf. They mounted riding hard to catch up to her.
Legolas caught up with Gimli riding behind him. "Lass how did your fine horse know where to find you?" the dwarf asked.
"I told him silly. Sil is a smart horse aren't you boy."
"Lass, do you ever say anyone's given name."
"Only if I am upset or really pissed. Then they should run, hide or pray." Buffy smiled at him "That answer your question Golas?"
He smiled at her then looked at her lips hungrily. "Yes it did Sweet, it did indeed."
Gandalf watched the two then glanced at Aragorn who nodded to him. The Prince of Mirkwood would make her a fine husband. If he can go the distance. My Imp could try the patience of an Ent but she is worth the trouble. Perhaps, he can help ease her burdens. I am afraid they are only growing greater each day. Her shoulders are so tiny to hold so much on them.
As they entered the gates of Edoras, Gandalf felt the work of Saruman at play. He walked into the hall feebly begging to keep his staff. The rest had to remove their weapons or so they thought. Gandalf denounced Wormtail who ordered the guards to attack. Buffy pitched each of the others a dagger then headed for the target of the grease ball's affections, the king's daughter.
Jumping and flipping over the guards, she landed behind Éowyn putting a dagger to her throat. "Hey Wormy, call them off or the Princess Bride here goes night, night."
"Halt." Gandalf made it to King Théoden and whispered in his ear. The king returned to his natural years before their eyes. He stood then chased Wormtail out of the castle. Aragorn stopped him from killing evil councilor.
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