Buffy, Galadhon and Beleg arrived back at Menegroth just before dawn, utterly exhausted. They had ridden all through the night with only very brief breaks. The passageways were swelled by many new people who sought refuge here due to the growing rumor of war. Buffy ignored the masses and went straight to her chambers where she collapsed into a dreamless sleep.

“Bellaseth. Bellaseth.” Buffy heard her name being called. “It is time to wake. Bellaseth.”

“Go away,” she protested as she rolled over facing the opposite direction of the voice.

“Come now. Thingol has summoned his entire Household for a counsel. That includes you.” Buffy could feel someone tugging at her quilt. She was still in the stage of sleep where she could easily fall back into a deep slumber if only she were left alone. It seemed to her that she had only gone to sleep a few minutes ago. “Well,” said the voice. “You leave me no choice.” Buffy felt the bed clothes being pulled off of her.

“Damn it,” shouted Buffy as she sat up in bed and for the first time realized that it was Melian who had pulled said stunt. “Oh,” Buffy said once she realized the Queen was staring down at her. “Sorry Melian. It’s just that… I’m so tired.” Buffy felt slightly embarrassed by her conduct.

“I know child,” she replied as she rolled up the linens and placed them on the trunk at the foot of the bed. “I did not desire to wake you so, but you did not answer when I knocked. I had no alternative.” She added that last part with a mischievous smile.

“What’s the counsel about?” asked Buffy as she got out of bed and went to her wardrobe to choose what she would wear.

“That seems a silly question to ask, do you not agree?” asked the Queen with the same sardonic tone she used before.

“You’re all with the comedy this morning. What gives?” Buffy asked as she pulled on a velvet navy blue dress.

Melian sat on the edge of the bed. “I do not know. War is coming Bellaseth. I know what Melkor is capable of. Our last war with him, which was ages ago, required the strength of all the Ainur. It was a terrible battle in which the lands were broken and changed.” Buffy glanced at Melian and could tell that she was frightened by the prospect of the upcoming war. “I do not want to experience that again.”

“Who’s Melkor? And what’s the Ainur?” asked Buffy as she sat beside Melian, pulling on her boots.

Melian looked at her with that ‘disappointed’ expression that she had witnessed many times before with Giles and her own mother. “It is obvious that you have paid little attention to my teachings of Valinor. Melkor is the one that we call Bauglir in the Sindarin tongue. Your First. Melkor was his given name. The name given to him by Eru Ilúvatar, the All-Father, the creator of both the Maiar and the Valar, including me. The Ainur you call the ‘Powers That Be.’”

“Oh,” Buffy replied. “So are you saying that we don’t have a chance without the Ainur?”

“No. Not specifically. I have had no communications with any from the Blessed Realm, Valinor. That troubles me deeply for I have always sent and received messages from those whom I love that dwell in the West. My attempts have been fruitless. And the Mirror shows me naught of what may be taking place in those regions.”

Buffy patted Melian on the leg attempting to comfort her. “You never know Melian, maybe the Powers sent me here instead. I’m beginning to think that it’s no mere coincidence that I happened to have… fallen into this world by chance. I think I was sent here for some reason; maybe to help with the war. Slayers don’t come around every day.”

Melian faced Buffy. Her eyes were welled with tears. “Protect him, Bellaseth. Protect my beloved Elu. He is both valiant and wise, but he has no experience in warfare. None of the elves do. You are the only experienced warrior who resides in these lands. Fight by his side… See to it that… ”

“It’s okay, Melian,” Buffy said as she pulled her into her arms. “I’ll protect him. Don’t worry. I’m a knight in his Household. I can’t leave him. And I wouldn’t. I swore an oath of allegiance to him and I’m not about to break that.” She pulled Melian away from her and looked into her deep gray eyes. “Besides, your old man is one hell of a warrior. I’ve sparred with him. He’s pretty damn good.”

Melian laughed as she wiped her tears away. “Speak not of this to the King. He would liken my behavior to that of some child.”

“Your secret’s safe with me. Now we better get a move on before Thingol throws me in the dungeons for my tardiness.” She got to her feet and quickly ran a comb through her hair. “You know,” Buffy started as they headed towards the door. “Some times I think that your husband canÂ’t stand me. WhatÂ’s up with that?”

“I think Bellaseth, that he sees a lot of himself in you.” With that, they headed off to Thingol’s chamber, making a pit stop at the lavatory along the way. Melian had chided Buffy for her not paying attention to the history of the world. “It is of the utmost importance that you learn from history; otherwise you will be doomed to repeat it.”

Buffy laughed heartedly at that. “You’re very wise Melian. Ya know, in my world, you could be a college professor or something. I, on the other hand, am not a great fan of history. All those weird people, with weird names living in weird places… ” She glanced at Melian who was shooting her a reproachful look. “Not saying that you guys are weird or strange or… ”

“Yes,” responded Melian in a dignified voice. “And the name Buffy is such a sophisticated… beautiful… elegant… ”

“There you go with the sarcasm again! Okay, okay.” They both fell into a fit of giggles. “I get the point. I promise to pay closer attention to your history lessons from now on. Deal?” Buffy held out her hand. Melian looked at her strangely. “You take my hand, like so.” Buffy clasped her hand and shook it. “This is a pledge that we make in my world that we call ‘shake on it.’ Sort of like an oath. But with a whole lot less ceremony.”

They finally reached Thingol’s chamber and the room was full with many people. Melian made her way to the dais as Buffy took a seat between Elmo and Beleg. “You arrive at last Bellaseth,” began Thingol. He was not pleased. “Why is it that I have summoned all my Household to a counsel and you, once again, are the last to arrive?”

Buffy looked around as all eyes were on her. “That’s obvious. I’m a woman! Women take longer to get dressed and stuff… ”

“That is no excuse!” retorted the King. “Next time I will put you in fetters and lock you in the dungeons. I loathe tardiness. There is no excuse for it. Understand?” Thingol was obviously in a touchy mood. Melian gently patted his hand, which seemed to have a somewhat calming effect on him.

Buffy stood up. “I apologize for my tardiness, my Lord,” she said in her most dignified voice. “I will see to it that it never happens again.” She bowed slightly and then took her seat. She muttered ‘asshole’ under her breath but when Elmo looked at her she quickly started coughing. “Something in my throat,” she uttered as Elmo immediately refocused his attention back on his brother.

While the King had pulled out a large map and went over every minute detail of his strategy, Buffy was desperately trying to fight off sleep. One thing about elves is they have very little reckoning of time. They are an immortal folk, so time means very little to them. He explained his whole stratagem which went on through the morning until one oÂ’clock in the afternoon. Boring. When they were heading to the afternoon meal, Buffy was speaking to Beleg and Celeborn. “…All I would have said was kill anything that movesÂ… as long as itÂ’s not an elf, a dwarf or me! ItÂ’s pretty easy to get straight to the point. ThereÂ’s no need for all that bla… blaÂ… blaÂ… ”

“Is that so?” Buffy immediately recognized Thingol’s voice behind her. She closed her eyes for a moment dreading another confrontation with the King who was already quite testy nowadays. Slowly she turned around and faced the enormous elf. “I was just… jesting with… ”

“War is not a matter of jest! I am amazed that you were ever able to defeat any of your foes with that attitude of yours.” That was all he said as he began to walk on.

“Well,” started Buffy defensively. “You people still consider me a child don’t you? I’m only twenty-five for god’s sakes! Gimme a break.”

The following morning, Thingol’s troops would be departing Menegroth. Buffy had gone to bed right after the evening meal and slept until 5:00 am. She pulled on her breeches and a tunic with a sweater over that. It was still pretty cold outside especially when the sun wasn’t out. She heard a knock on her door as she pulled her hair into a pony tail. “Come in.”

Mablung was standing there, his arms laden with gear. “I hope you slept well, Bella,” he said as he came into her chamber. “The King has asked me to bring you your gear.”

“I didn’t ask for anything. He already gave me an axe. So I’m all set.”

He laid the items on the bed. “Thingol requires all members of his Household to wear armor. This was wrought especially for you. Here is your body armor, shield and helm.” Buffy looked at the items. The body armor was actually made in the form of a woman’s figure. It was shiny and silver and looked brand new. It reminded her of something a dominatrix would wear, not Buffy. At least not in public!

“That armor has breasts, Mablung. I’m not wearing that,” she said in a disgusted tone.

Mablung smiled at her. “Elu Thingol, Lord of Beleriand commands you to wear it. I advise you, my friend, to follow his orders as his patience with you runs thin. He does not jest when he says he will lock you in the dungeons. Prove to him that you are the mighty warrior that you claim to be.”

Buffy picked up the armor. “But it has boobies.” It really looked freaking weird.

“It was made to fit your… body. Let me help you.” The armor had straps at the side, very much like a belt. Mablung slid it over her head and began to tighten the clasps on either side. “No weapon can penetrate this for it was wrought by the dwarves of Nogrod.” It felt uncomfortable. Buffy had never ridden her horse with this robot gear on.

“What’s this?” she asked as she pulled on some blue material.

“Do not pull on that.” He slapped her hand aside. “The armor had a cloak made into it.” Before Buffy could make some comment he continued, “It serves no purpose other than adding to its beauty. Of the armor, I mean,” he added as his face turned a deep shade of red. Mablung placed the helm on her head. It, too, was very uncomfortable. She had to undo her pony tail in order to wear it more comfortably. On the top was a tassel of white silk. The shield was nearly the size of Buffy (it must not have been customized for her) and etched into it was the device of Thingol; a winged moon with four stars with a sable background.

Buffy stepped in front of the mirror in order to survey her new duds. She liked the way that the cloak and tassel billowed behind her when she moved around. It made her look more important than she was. But the helm was going to take some getting use to. Even though it had a beauty all its own, she couldn’t help but think of the Coneheads when she looked at herself. “I don’t know about this,” she finally said to Mablung. “I look like… a robot. Oh my god, I’m the prototype of the Buffybot!” Buffy exclaimed.

“What is a robot or this Buffybot you speak of?” inquired Mablung.

“That… ” she began as she pulled the helm off her head, “is a story that I’ll share with you at another time.”

“Since your armor seems adequate, I daresay that we should hastily join the others,” Mablung said in an anxious voice. Buffy grabbed a satchel containing an extra set of clothes before following Mablung out the door.

The armies of Thingol congregated on the western bank of the river Esgalduin. He would send out three troops of men. One to the north (that included the King’s Household), one to the west and one to the east. Since the forces of Bauglir would come from the north that made the most sense. Buffy kept her promise and stayed close to Thingol as they made their way on horseback. Their train consisted of the strongest warriors upfront with the wagons loaded with gear and food in the middle and additional warriors at the rear. This was the first war for the elves, but it was also the first ‘realÂ’ war that Buffy fought in. She never went to war with wagons laden with food, tents and other provisions. This was the real deal. Like the real wars fought in ‘modern’ times.

Thingol had sent several scouts that went further ahead of the caravan. Buffy desperately wanted to be among them but the King forbade her from doing so. She was to remain with him and his Household. It seemed to take forever to advance through the forest of Neldoreth. With so many people, the pace was quite slow. They made their encampment close to the dwellings of Beleg and his men. That was the first bit of civilization in the northern parts of the woods. Buffy had hoped that she could enjoy the comfort of Beleg’s bed, but that too was shot down by the King. She would sleep on the ground in her own tent like the rest of the men. No favoritism allowed! Now the King on the other hand, got to sleep on a soft mattress and had many comforts of home. That’s what Buffy called ‘crappy!’

It was nearly three in the morning when the scouts reported that the yrch had entered the forest and were quickly heading south. The King called forth his men and soon the woods were filled with hundreds of elves. Some took positions in the trees, others behind them on the ground. One could distinctively hear the rumblings of the earth as the yrch iron shod feet beat against it. The first assault happened nearly an hour later. The elves advanced on the yrch and soon the forest was filled with the noise of arrows flying from all directions. Many of these met their mark; others merely bounced off the shields or armor of BauglirÂ’s beastly minions. This was quickly followed up by sword play. In a matter of a couple of hours all the yrch were killed.

But something wasn’t right. Buffy saw a lot more yrch in the Mirror than what they actually encountered in Neldoreth. They had only dealt with maybe a thousand of these demons when they were expecting thirty times that. It was something that the elves picked up on too. Thingol called for all his chieftains to a counsel in his tent after what they deemed was a minor victory. He was sitting upon his exquisite chair when Buffy entered his tent. She made sure she wasn’t the last. “It seems to me that Bauglir has given more forethought to this war than we anticipated. We elves assumed that he would send his armies due south as that would be the shortest road for the enemy to take. My heart tells me that we have been deceived. I believe that the greater force has been sent further east. East of Menegroth… ”

“They may have crossed the ford at the river Celon,” interjected Mablung. “Which means that they have entered Nan Elmoth or… ”

“No,” replied the King. “They would not dare enter Nan Elmoth. Melian’s spells from long ago would deter them from entering that Forest… ”

“But Thingol,” interrupted Buffy. “If these yrch shun the sunlight, wouldn’t that be the perfect place for them to go? I mean, I hear those trees are so tall that sunlight can’t pierce through their boughs.”

“Perhaps,” answered Thingol. “I believe that we have been foiled by the enemy. His intentions it seems to me are to attack from the south where we have not reinforced our borders. We must break down camp and depart the northern marches at once.”

Immediately everyone got to work dismantling the camp. Buffy knew that Thingol was right. They had anticipated BauglirÂ’s armies attacking from the north. No one thought that he would send them so far to the east and then south again. But if you look at it through BauglirÂ’s eyes it made perfect sense. Expect the unexpected. The words of Ulmo reverberated in BuffyÂ’s mind. She could kick herself for not seeing that coming!

It would be a couple days journey to reach the southern marches of ThingolÂ’s realm. Apparently BauglirÂ’s emissaries were quite aware of the existence of Denethor and the green elves of Ossiriand. With one stroke he could eradicate either force if positioned just right.

The company finally reached their destination after two days and made their encampment along the southern borders of Region, just south of the river Celon. With very little rest, the scouts came back informing Thingol that the armies of Bauglir were heading towards Amon Ereb (The Lonely Hill), which was just east of the area called Ramdal and slightly north-west of Ossiriand. Unbeknownst to Thingol at the time, that was the precise location that Denethor chose to make his stand against the enemy. A great number of the green elves were already assembled there.

It was already night when the armies of Thingol were finally fed and ready to march southwards. Some were on horseback, some on foot. The Calvary were at the forefront of the expedition. The sounds of the yrch were heard long before they were actually seen. The earth shook from their feet and the sounding of their drums could be heard throughout all of eastern Beleriand. This region was hilly and rocky and consisted of lots of huge stone formations which could actually work in their favor. It was Buffy who approached the King with her plan.

“Let’s use the topography of the land to our advantage, Thingol. We can conceal ourselves behind the stone formations and hills and utilize the guerrilla warfare techniques that we’ve been practicing. Once their train passes, we can attack from the rear. They won’t see us coming until it’s too late.”

Thingol was in agreement as were the other chieftains of his regime. It was decided that the Calvary should hold back in case the horses neighed – that would be a dead giveaway to the enemy. In order to apply the rule of stealth, one should be on foot not horseback. Thingol and many of his Household dismounted off their steeds. The elves had extraordinary eyesight and hearing; and no one could be any stealthier than an elf. Quietly they crept closer and closer to the hosts of Bauglir. The hills and rocks formed a natural shield and barrier from the enemies’ eyes.

Buffy and the elves were in a most excellent position. They were only about one hundred yards from the horde of demons as they watched them pass their concealed position. Great was the number of yrch that Buffy saw marching past them. She had never encountered forces so great before (except for the über-vamps and the amulet was key to their defeat.) The legion of yrch had nearly passed them by when all of the sudden Thingol had Pédacar sound his horn and the marching of the enemy stopped. Buffy gave the King a look of disgust as the captain of the yrch began shouting out instructions to his forces.

“Nowhere in guerilla warfare does it say sound your horn so the enemy can find you!” she whispered through gritted teeth. “What part of stealthy do you not understand?” she added with an air of disdain.

“No more,” said the King loudly. “The time has come for us to face our bitter foes… and fears as well. It is time to engage the enemy. No more stealth. The time has come for bloodshed and death.” He ordered Pédacar to once again sound his trumpet. Soon many of the other elf captains sounded theirs as well. The sounds of the elven trumpets reverberated from stone to stone. And their challenge was answered by the drumming of the yrch.

At the King’s command all the elves emerged from their hiding places. The torches of the yrch were moving closer and closer. The whizzing sound of arrows could be heard coming to and fro. Buffy heard one collide with her helm which made her very grateful that she was ordered to wear it. The lines of the elves were quickly formed as they quickly advanced towards the yrch. The elves adrenaline was running high and they screamed as they met the forces of Bauglir.

Buffy thought how weird it was to fight in such a manner. It reminded her of the battles throughout early history when the bad guys lined up on one side and the good guys on the other. Each running towards each other until the inevitable clashing one hears as weapons meet weapons or shields. And thatÂ’s exactly what happened in this instance. Buffy too, felt compelled to yell as she ran at their adversaries. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. Wielding her axe like an old pro she broke through the enemy lines along with the elves and slashed at every orch that was within reach. She made a point to stay close to Thingol, who towered over the yrch considerably. That definitely gave him the upper hand.

It did not take long for the hordes of demons to notice the onslaught that was taking place on their rear guard. Soon swarms of the yrch did an about face and came hurriedly in the direction of the conflict. Thingol ordered the Calvary to move in and he was once again upon his mail covered steed. Buffy wasnÂ’t as lucky and was unable to leave the fracas she now found herself in. She stood her ground and hewed at every orch that her weapon could reach. Soon the rocky ground was slick from the blood of the enemy and Buffy slipped onto the ground, landing on a mutilated leg, which grossed her out. While on the ground, another orch swung his scimitar towards her neck. Quickly she picked up the dismembered leg and the blade of her enemy collided with the iron boot it wore. Getting back onto her feet, she smashed the leg into the face of the orch. Blood soon spurted from its nose. Buffy kicked his knee which sent him to the ground. Now on his knees, he came face to face with the Slayer. She easily took off his head and he fell onto the ground in a heap.

Buffy resumed fighting. She had lost sight of Thingol and was cursing herself for allowing that to happen. She could see many of the CalvaryÂ’s horses colliding with the minions of Bauglir. Long were the spears and swords of the elves enabling them to stab them from their horses. The smell of death and sweat wafted in the air. Many torches lay on the ground still burning; their former possessors lay dead next to them. Buffy was soon surrounded by many yrch and was having a hard time fighting them all. It was Mablung who came to her rescue. Galloping on his steed, he swept by pulling her up onto his horse.

“Thanks,” she stammered as an arrow became embedded in the leather strap of her armor. She pulled it out and threw it at an orch; hitting him in the eye.

Buffy was determined to kill as many of these nasties as she could.

“They cannot all be killed in a single day,” Mablung informed her as they rode to where her horse was tethered. “It will take many days or weeks even before we can overcome the enemy. Thingol wants you to continue fighting on horseback as you were trained. There in no need for stealth.”

Mablung sure called it right. This was the first war that Buffy fought in that actually required breaks. Breaks to eat. Breaks to sleep. And the thing that amazed Buffy the most was that the battle never ceased in all that time. The yrch definitely preferred fighting at night while the elves didnÂ’t give a damn what time of day it was. They were out to eliminate every single orch they could lay their hands on.

The battle raged on for two weeks. ThatÂ’s two weeks of non-stop action. On the final day of the battle, ThingolÂ’s men were even further south. They had literally fought all the rear guard and were working their way to the remaining front line of the yrch. They were nearly at the foot of Amon Ereb. Denethor and his men were besieged by the enemy at this point. Although the hillside was steep, there was a path the meandered its way up to the apex of the hill. The top was not fortified by walls or any other natural barriers. The hill itself was what Denethor hoped would be enough to dissuade the enemy from approaching. The green elves were most proficient with their bows and arrows, but had no spears, swords or axes. Other than their bows, they carried small knives, weapons that are rarely effective in major warfare. Nothing could have prepared them for the slaughter that was about to take place.

From the bottom of the hill, Buffy utilized her cross bow. She had the elven smiths modify the weapon so that it held many arrows that could be fired much like a pistol does in our ‘modern’ world. It automatically reloaded itself after an arrow was fired. Apparently, the yrch realized that their doom was soon at hand as many attempted to flee towards Ered Luin (The Blue Mountains) and escape back to Angband. It was a futile endeavor as the dwarves from Belegost were there to greet them with their axes. Although the dwarves are a short and stout people, they are ever aggressive in their ability to fight. Not a single orch got by the dwarves.

Screams of pain and agony could be heard from the top of Amon Ereb. Those cries drove Thingol and his Household on feverishly in their attempt to master the hill. Many of the yrch were using the large rocky formations as cover. It was only when their heads popped up that the elves were given a chance to shoot them with their arrows. The yrch had the advantage by their positions, but the cries from DenethorÂ’s people motivated the elves to fight harder and more effectively than the yrch.

Buffy never let Thingol out of her sight since that first night. She was on his left while Mablung was on his right. They had dismounted from their horses at the base of the hill and were making their way up on foot, cleaving the yrch along the way. As they made progress and were half way up the hill, the yrch began hurling dismembered body parts from the top of the hill. Buffy got creamed in her left shoulder by a severed head of a blond haired elf. It really freaked her out as it was a fresh kill and the mouth was still moving and one of his eyes was dangling from its socket. It was at the moment that Buffy realized that although the elves are an immortal people, they could still die, especially by weapons. And knowing how much pain and agony this elf must have gone through. There was no way any of the yrch were going to escape.

Slowly they reached the top of the hill. The ground was littered with bodies of elves and yrch, but mostly elves. The yrch had literally killed every single elf on the hill. They were in the process of mutilating all the bodies when Thingol’s Household arrived. They say ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ and it was this sight that made it all too true for the Slayer. Screaming like a banshee, she quickly began hacking at every orch within close vicinity. There was no escape. Thingol’s men now had the entire hill surrounded and many of his men were still climbing the stony trail to the top. And if you thought Buffy was angry, you should have seen the elves. Denethor was a part of Thingol’s people – the Teleri elves. That’s the ‘sea elves’ to you and me. And nothing says retaliation more than annihilating all of the enemy who took pleasure in dismembering those whom you love.

Thingol and his men made mincemeat of the last yrch. All were now dead. But at a great price. All of DenethorÂ’s Household perished in that battle. To see all those beautiful elves killed so cruelly. Buffy was at ThingolÂ’s side when they found the remains of Denethor. He literally had all his appendages cut off and he was mounted on a spear. It was so horrific that Buffy ran from the gory seen and vomited. While she did not know Denethor, she came to realize that he and his people were not any type of warriors. None had on any mail or armor. They were unaware of how to fight a war of this magnitude. Mablung was soon at BuffyÂ’s side. He handed her his water skin once she finished retching. They soon heard Thingol himself sing a song of lamentation for the fallen King.

Buffy couldnÂ’t help it, but tears streamed down her cheeks as she heard ThingolÂ’s song. It seemed to reverberate throughout the entire region. A mass burial was soon to take place. Buffy didnÂ’t want any part of that. The elves of ThingolÂ’s Household soon left Ereb Amon and congregated at the bottom. There were other elves around who were dealing with the bodies of the elves. Thingol didnÂ’t give a damn about the yrch.

“Let the carrion fowl have them,” he had declared through gritted teeth. “I care only for those of my kindred.”

Since the green elves were utterly slaughtered, it was decided that Thingol would deliver the news to those who were still in Ossiriand. As they were mounting their horses a messenger came from Círdan.

“My Lord,” he began as he spoke to Thingol. “My name is Baraon son of Baron, and I have been sent by my Lord, Círdan. Our people are besieged and can only hold off the enemy for so long. If you have men to spare, my Lord, Círdan would be ever grateful for any aid you could give us.”

Buffy wasnÂ’t thrilled by the prospect of going into yet another battle so quickly, but volunteered nevertheless. The King wasnÂ’t about to send her or any of his Household at that time.

“Baraon, my men are weary from battling the yrch for two weeks straight, but I will not forget my alliance with Círdan, the Shipwright. None of my Household will I send at this time, but many other men I will command to go with you. Of these, Beleg shall be appointed the leader… ” And so it was that many of the elves from Region and Neldoreth left with Baraon to go to the Falas and help with their war.

The King’s Household continued on their trek to Ossiriand. Although they had won, it was at a very great price. And none of the elves sang any songs of victory. Their train was more like a funeral procession than anything else. Denethor was buried on the summit of Amon Ereb. Thingol decided that was better than bringing him home in pieces. It would be way too much for the green elves to bear.

Despite the sorrowful trip, Buffy was amazed by the land of the seven rivers that is called Ossiriand in the elvish tongue. The temperature was much more pleasant (even though it was still winter) and the air was very fragrant and the grass was green. It was such a beautiful place. Even more so, was how the green elves lived. They didnÂ’t build their houses on the ground like the elves of Eglador. Instead, they built them high in the treetops. There were rope ladders that one used to reach their dwelling places or in the Kings case, a make shift elevator. Swiss Family Robinson was nothing when compared to Ossir.

Buffy knew that many of the elves would soon learn of the slaughter of Denethor, but she couldnÂ’t help but smile when she reached the boardwalks in the tree tops. These boardwalks were used very much like we would use a normal road on the ground. Each going in different directions throughout their country. It was phenomenal. Buffy could never have even conceived of such a place. In some places along the boardwalk, one could see for a long way. The trees were actual living towers to these elves. Since they have impeccable eyesight, many of the green elves were aware of the loss of their King before Thingol arrived.

Thingol and his men were being taken to Orchal, who was left as Regent for Denethor when he went to battle. They were taken to the house of Denethor, which was a magnificent palace. It was a huge wooden mansion that was built in and around at least a dozen mammoth trees. The boughs of the trees actually held the house up. Not one dowel was set within the tree itself. The green elves were masters of wood craft and their attention to detail was superb. Buffy hated the fact that she found this place so intriguing especially since they were delivering such tragic news.

They were taken to a porch where Orchal was seated. It overlooked the river Gelion and from this perspective one can clearly see Amon Ereb. Orchal who was sitting on a magnificently carved chair and his eyes were red and puffy. It was quite obvious that he had heard the news. Other than Thingol, there were only twelve members of his Household who came to deliver the news (Buffy included). They were bidden to take seats and Orchal actually gave his seat to Thingol. Buffy was surprised by ThingolÂ’s reluctance, but Orchal insisted any way. As Thingol recounted the tale of the battle, Orchal sat there in silence, tears streaming down his face.

When Thingol finished his story, Orchal sat quietly for a few minutes. There were other members of DenethorÂ’s Household present; councillors and healers mostly. Unfortunately for Denethor, there were no mighty warriors counted among them. Orchal raised his head and looked at each individual of ThingolÂ’s Household. His eyes stayed on Buffy for several minutes.

“Alas!” he finally said. “That we have come to such times where even maidens of the mighty Thingol must go to war.” He shook his head in disbelief.

“Bellaseth Dagnir is no mere maiden,” stated Thingol. “She has journeyed far from her home to aid us in our battles with the enemy. It is by the grace of the Valar that she is with us. She is the only maiden among my company. She possesses great skills.” He looked at Buffy proudly. “And has a great mind for warfare. Many yrch lay dead by her hands.”

Orchal and his men looked at Buffy in a different light. “Indeed, I see that you speak the truth, my friend. One would not expect such a great warrior to be so… small.” Orchal quickly changed the subject much to the relief of Buffy. Recounting her story yet again was not on the top of her list of priorities. More like a hot bath and decent food. Yes, Buffy Summers had gone nearly three weeks without a bath. Nothing more than a sponge bath any way. Her hair felt greasy and was streaked with a combination of blood and orch guts.

Orchal ordered one of the servants to bring them wine. “Let us drink to our fallen King,” he had said once his servant returned. The amber fluid was poured into wooden bowls, not cups or goblets like in the Halls of Thingol. They all raised their bowls in honor of Denethor and drank in his memory. After that Orchal continued, “We have already discussed the fate of Ossir. We all followed DenethorÂ… for ages he was our leader through many perilous journeys. Though I was to be his successor, I forfeit any claim that I may have had. No other lord can replace him.” He looked keenly at Thingol. “You will always be a friend to us Thingol but we will no longer fight in any of your wars. Ill equipped were we whenÂ… well, you understand our situation. We will trust in Ulmo to protect our borders,” Buffy’s ears perked up at the mention of the Vala, “as he has done for us thus far.” OrchalÂ’s voice was beginning to crack again.

Buffy carefully watched ThingolÂ’s reaction to that statement. Losing an ally is a big deal. But Thingol took it gracefully. Thingol was upset by the slaughter as well.

“I too account you as friends, my kin. But I must make you aware that we have only seen the beginning of these wars. Bauglir has been released from his prison and will continue waging his war against us until we are all dead and pass to the Halls of Mandos or are his thralls. Neither option appeals to me nor my people. I can only pray that the powers of Ulmo protect you and your people.”

Orchal proposed that Thingol and company go ‘refresh’ themselves and rest. A word that brought tears of relief to Buffy. The green elves bathed in hot springs scattered all over this region. They had designated spots for the men and women, each were separated by great stands of trees. The spring in which Buffy was led was unoccupied. She had the whole spring to herself much to her delight. The women of the House offered her clean clothing which was nice since her clothes smelled terrible and were filthy.

After scrubbing herself raw, Buffy found a flat rock to sit upon and the hot water bubbled around her. It was like being in an outdoor spa. Now she could relax and reflect on the war she just fought in. When people think of immortality they tend to think that one will never die. Just like the elves. But this battle showed her that the elves could perish as well. And even worse, was that once they die, they are sent to the Halls of Mandos (sort of like a holding place for spirits), where they must abide for a certain amount of time. Once they are given life again, they are to remain in Valinor. They canÂ’t come back here and enjoy the freedoms that they once had. Not saying that one isnÂ’t free in Valinor, but they canÂ’t come back to Middle-earth. Buffy looked at the elves in whole new light. Time was as precious to them as it is to mortal beings. Although they viewed time somewhat differently because of their immortality.

The Household of Thingol were to stay in Ossiriand for a couple of days before beginning the march home. It was later that night after reflecting on mortality for most of the day that Buffy found that she couldnÂ’t sleep. Many elves were still singing their songs of lamentation under the starlit sky. BuffyÂ’s heart pounded in her chest and she feltÂ… alone. She was different from the elves yet not so much. She was mortal, yet here she was still living and breathing even after dying twice.

Buffy found herself climbing out of her bed and staring out the window. The moon wasnÂ’t out tonight and she could see the thousands of stars overhead. She pulled a robe over her white nightgown and left her chamber. She walked down the two flights of stairs until she was standing outside the door to MablungÂ’s chamber. She bit her bottom lip and hesitated. She then knocked on the door.

“Mablung, it’s me, Bella. Open the door,” she whispered.

After a few moments, the door swung open. Mablung had pulled on a pair of breeches and nothing else. That sight almost took her breath away.

“Is something wrong? Do you not feel well?” Mablung always showed concern for her well being.

“I need to talk to you,” she said as she looked into his green eyes. He opened the door even wider allowing her entry. “Thanks,” she added as she entered his bedroom.

“I would offer you a seat, but… ” Looking around the room there was none. Only the bed. Buffy instinctively sat on the edge of it. “You’re more than welcome to sit on my bed,” he now completed his sentence.

Mablung took a seat next to her. He was about to speak when Buffy held her hand up.

“No. Let me speak.” She got up and began to pace. “You know I’ve been doing a lot of thinking today.” She was nervous and was wringing her hands as she spoke. “I guess I assumed you guys were like immortal immortal. You know, that you can’t die. Period. These last couple of weeks, well they showed me otherwise. You guys can die. Just like me… ”

“Please Bella,” he said as he grabbed her arm. “You are making me dizzy from all that pacing.”

“Sorry.” Buffy stood before Mablung. They were at eye level with one another. His hand still grasped her forearm. “I know I’ve been avoiding you since… since… ”

“Since I kissed you,” he said softly.

“Yeah,” she replied. “It just really freaked me out at the time. And I think some of the points you made were valid. IÂ’ve been to Hell and IÂ’ve been to Heaven and everywhere in between,” she said with a slight chuckle. “But thereÂ’s something about this place that I really like. Maybe itÂ’s because the weight of the world doesnÂ’t rest solely on my shoulders. I donÂ’t know. IÂ’m still confused by everything thatÂ’s going on. But thereÂ’s one thing that I know for sure. And thatÂ’s you. You have been my friend since day one. And yes, I do have feelings for you. I tried to pretend that I didnÂ’t… but I canÂ’t make you any promises Mablung. I canÂ’t even say for sure how long IÂ’ll be in this world. But I know one thing: I donÂ’t want to live in this world without you. No one makes me feel the way you doÂ… ”

Mablung now took both of her hands into his. “We are destined to be together, Bella. I knew that from the moment that I set eyes upon you when you were staying with Beleg.” He smiled. “Perhaps it is your youth that prevented you from seeing the obvious.” They both laughed. Mablung pulled her into a close embrace. “But as you see, I am a patient man.” He kissed her softly on the lips like before. Looking into his eyes, Buffy’s passion was now awakening. She kissed him hungrily falling into his strong arms. He pulled her into his bed. “No more waiting,” he said as he blew out the flickering flame of the candle…