Title: Preparation
Author: Beriaearwen
Crossover: Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Lord of The Rings
Characters: Buffy, Eowyn, Eomer, Thoedred
Rating: Suitable for people over 13
Word Count: 598
Notes: Summer=busy apparently, so another short one. This is set pre-Fellowship. Apologies for any inconsistencies and errors. Literally written and posted in less than 20 minutes - all the time I have before leaving again.
Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Mutant Enemy, etc. The character of Lord Of The Rings were created by Tolkein. All are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
“Good! Now again,” the strong, authoritative voice called out.
Theodred and Eomer exchanged a look. They had forgotten in the few years since they had been under the tutelage of this particular master, exactly how demanding and exacting the lessons were. It was why they were sparing with each other. Little Eowyn who had never been other than under this Master had roundly beaten them both in their spars, even after they started taking her seriously.
“What's wrong boys? Do I need to have Eowyn beat you again or perhaps you would prefer some roadwork.”
The cousins winced again. They knew what roadwork was and, frankly, while there were benefits, it had given them a greater appreciation for the luxury of a horse. Still, they knew better than to give anything but their all when under her watchful eye.
Finally, the panting, sweaty, exhausted young men were allowed to stop.
“It's good to see you haven't forgotten everything I taught you, but there is work to do.” Their training master stepped away from the wall where she had been leaning as she watched and evaluated. “Some days more than others I understand Giles' frustrations with me as a teen.”
All three were used to such references and knew something of the people in the stories. All three also knew why she pushed so hard for them to prepare. Time was short and getting shorter. The darkness was growing and with the King so lost, they were the hope of their land. They and Buffy.
The young looking blonde had arrived well before any of them were born. From what they were able to piece together, she arrived in their land sometime before the marriage of Theoden and Elfhild. She remained as Elfhild's primary guard and was claimed as sister and kin by all Elfhild's house. She was also the one Theodred called mother in his heart despite the fact the young woman had aged not a day in his lifetime and, from what the courtiers whispered, not a day since her appearance in their land.
That was the truth Grima Wormtongue had managed to use to his advantage against her. It was why she kept herself well away from the king, though she hadn't at first.
From what the records show, she was once one of Theoden's trusted advisors, his answer to his father's Thorongil. During that time, Rohan was strong, the shadow feared them, the wild men could not come close to their people. It wasn't until the death of Elfhild that things began to change to their now sorry state.
Buffy had told them the story many times when they were young. With the loss of Elfhild, the fire seemed to be quenched within Theoden. He lost interest in every aspect of ruling, in most aspects of life. The only time he showed interest was when Theodred came to visit him, but even that time was limited since he both loved his son and blamed him for the death of his wife.
Still, years had passed, the darkness had grown and the easy way Grima had coaxed the king down had left them vulnerable.
All four of them knew it would be worse before it was better.
“Strategy tonight?” Eomer asked, his voice hushed, knowing that, should any faithful to Grima find out about their meeting, they would all be executed for treason.
“Tonight after he retires,” Buffy confirmed.
“The usual spot?”
“Yes.”
The four warriors exchanged a look, reaffirming their silent vow to ensure Rohan wouldn't fall.
End