Book One/?
Class: Slash (This story is slash, if you don�t like Slash- dealing with male/male characters having sexual relations- then I guess you should leave since this is not your cup of tea.) It also contains some heterosexual content too.
Pairings: LaCroix/Nicholas, Frodo/Sam, Aragorn/Legolas
AU Cross over with Forever Knight, Lord of the Rings and Doctor Who and NO this is not a turning a Hobbit into a vampire story. Well sort of not...Just read it!
Disclaimer: I don�t own them, and I am NOT making any money from this and when the story is done everybody goes back where they belong. Ok happy?
Writer�s note(IMPORTANT PLEASE READ): I am sticking mostly to the adaptation of Peter Jackson and Tolkien�s world with it centering on the Lord of the Rings Movie. I said this story is AU so when I make alterations or changes please don�t email and say HEY this is not how it was written or put in the movie or this wasn�t even a character in the series, that is why I put at the top AU, meaning I am not sticking to canon. The number one alteration is Frodo�s origins. In canon, his parents died when he was twelve and then went to live with Bilbo in his twenties. In my world, Frodo winds up in the care of Bilbo as a toddler. I am also making up a sister to Primula Baggins that turns out to be a sort of thorn in her side, who is a Sackville-Bagginses. Last, but not least, I am also altering Saruman�s death. He did not die in the Shire by Tolkien�s world or by way of Peter Jackson in Return of the King. He survived and managed to escape to plan his revenge on all.
Alternate world one: Middle-Earth
Alternate world two: Our earth and universe
Vortex: Time and Space
I would also like to add that I do not believe in re-incarnation ( I do believe in life after death), but in hopes of making the story more interesting (or confusing) I will be adding that little dimension into the story.
Doctor Who is a British tv series that spanned more than 25 years before it was finally canceled. The Main character, the Doctor, is an Alien from the planet Gallifrey, and is also known as a Timelord. Timelords have the ability to travel through time to any place and any planet. They also have longevity for when their old body wears out they have the ability to regenerate. The Doctor is a rebel in his own world (He left because he was bored!). He travels the universe meddling in other people�s affairs, and of course, defeating evil. He is witty, intelligent and unpredictable, and sometimes childish in behavior. I am currently using the seventh Doctor (Played by Sylvester Mccoy) as key role. This story takes place shortly after the episode �Battlefield� in the Whovian universe.
Need more information on the series click here to this url: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/episodeguide/index.shtml
Concerning Forever Knight the tv series: Once again in my world, Human Factor was a dream and Last Knight never happened. Lastly, in �Ashes to Ashes,� Vachon did not die.
All those unfamiliar with the Forever Knight universe here is a link to give you a brief summary.
http://www.loftworks.com/FK/Show_Info/premise.html as well as an Episode guide.
http://www.loftworks.com/FK/Episodes/episode_guide.html
Forever Knight Theme: Nicholas was brought across in 1228, preyed on humans for their blood. Now he wants to be mortal again, to repay society for his sins. To emerge from his world of darkness. His Forever Knight.
Prequel:
Our Universe
Time: Present. Place: Planet Gallifrey
�My Lord, the Time Crystal of Othorne has been stolen from its hidden place.�
A young, well-dressed man stepped out of the darkness and addressed the elder who sat quietly in his chair, staring at various view screens before him. The Elder did not move from his position, but his eyes closed for a moment in obvious distress.
�I should have known. Who took it?�
�The White Wizard, who was once an Istari. Saruman from the planet Arda, also called Middle-Earth.�
�I should have spoken to the Istari long before they had chosen those who would be sent to help Middle-Earth, but at the time I had pressing matters with our universe. What other ill news have you brought me, Chancellor?�
�Time disruption has begun. An alternate line is already beginning to split the streams. We have been able to stop the chaotic part of the stream with some help from the Istari�s in Valinor, but the time line in Middle-Earth has been changed.�
He paused and then dramatically replied. �He has prevented the birth of the halfling, fated to be the Ring bearer.�
The Elder sat forward, resting his head in the palm of his left hand, the stress showing clearly on his face. �No!� He raised his eyes to meet the younger man.
�Can it be fixed at all?�
�Yes, Lord President. Even as we speak the Lady Galadriel has sent messages to one of her people, who still linger on Middle-Earth. She said that he will use the power of the star of Lorien to fix the damage done to the Bearer�s Time Line.�
�And?�
�But Saruman is still alive and still holds the Time Crystal of Othorne as well as one of the Silmarillion sight seeing stones.�
�I thought they had all been destroyed?�
�All but one, it was kept in Minas Tirith until it was taken by one of Saruman�s spies.�
�Saruman! He should have been dealt with after the death of his Master Sauron. I thought they sent Gandalf, a Maiar, to contend with him?�
The Lord grumbled. Finally looking up at the screens before him, he tapped his nearby command panel and the pictures of stars changed to reveal two blue-green planets aligned to each other. They almost looked like twins with the same formations: white clouds and blue oceans.
�Middle-Earth is not the only planet now endangered. Middle Earth and her twin, Earth, are linked and time looped together. See, already chaos is forming. Timelines have been altered, and not for the better.�
Angry now, the Elder hit more switches and various human faces appeared before him. One of the images showed a creature on his knees. He looked tearful and in pain. Nearby lay a beautiful woman, and standing over them, a pale creature stood preparing to strike a killing blow to the weeping man. (*Last Knight episode).
�No!� The Elder banged his fist on the panel and the view screen changed again. �That was not supposed to happen! He had yet to serve a greater purpose!�
�Lord President?� asked the young military officer.
The elder turned to him angrily.
�The time lines merge into each other! As you and all of us have been taught, time is but a circle of life and rebirth, dying and renewing itself. Chaos and order have always been balanced together. They are now unbalanced, thanks to Saruman. Each life is of vital importance. It must die only when it is intended and then to be reborn again. The Time lines must be put back in their proper place, at least as much as possible. Those that die before their time or are not born as they should be, will cause more then a disruption to time. This will bring a cataclysmic chain of events that will ultimately cause the end of the universe. And not just our own. Oh no, it won�t stop at our destruction, but of the other universes and alternate worlds.�
The younger man paled in fear and dismay.
�What shall we do Lord President?�
The Elder stroked his chin as he considered the problem. He looked up abruptly at the officer. �Allow the Istari and their people do their part and let us do ours. We need to find Saruman and retrieve the Time Crystal of Othorne, then see to the destruction of the Sightseeing stones once and for all. Do you know where Saruman is at this time?�
�We are still configuring his whereabouts, we should know shortly. Whom shall we send?�
�Let me think. None of us have much knowledge in dealing with a dark wizard. Except perhaps...� He turned his head and smiled. �Perhaps just one.�
The young military officer smiled slightly, already feeling more secure about the situation. He has never let them down.
�Shall I send a message to the Doctor, Lord President?�
The President nodded.
�Yes, quickly. We have not a minute to waste.�
The young officer bowed and hurried from the room.
Alone, the Lord President turned back to the viewer screen. He lightly flipped a switch, to see one of the blank viewers come to life. It showed a revolving planet, that changed as he watched to reveal a forest and mountains, before finally zooming in on the sight of a young human with blond hair, dressed in primitive clothing. He was riding a horse and seemed to be looking around as if he was lost.
***
Part One: Beyond the Boundaries 2
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
1227
Nicholas De Brabant rode quickly up over the hill and paused at the top to try to get his bearings. Once again he found himself confused; the landscape was unfamiliar He had to face up to it, he was lost, separated from his men and friends. He had gone ahead of the group to check out the area for any enemies of his King, and found in the process, an unfamiliar path that lead towards the mountains.
Nicholas knew no such path existed on his current map; curiosity got the better of him. Although he was concerned over a possible ambush, he decided to journey the trail.
He had been traveling for quite a while when he reined his horse to a stop. He listened intently; strange voices were coming from the distance. Singing? No, not quite, but the sound was almost musical, chanting, maybe, and the words were unknown to him. Keeping one hand tightly on the reins, he moved his other hand to the hilt of his sword, comforted by its presence.
He paused a moment before starting forward, and as he came around the corner of the pathway, the trees gave way to reveal a large canyon. His horse started as a light flashed brightly in front of him, momentarily blinded him. He petted the mare, calming her with his voice, and once recovered, opened his eyes to find he could see once more.
Glancing across the canyon, he saw a mountain top blanketed by a huge forest. It was a beautiful sight, and having come all this way, he felt inextricably drawn towards this unknown land.
Getting off his horse and holding tightly to the reins, he made for the enchanting forest.
Nicholas arrived at the opening of the forest just before the cover of night.
He could once again hear the voices, only this time they sounded sad. Nicholas walked into the forest and finding a small dirt trail, he made for the sound of voices.
The trees seemed to go on forever and soon the light of the sun was blotted out by the thick, green canopy of leaves. Nicholas lit a small torch and continued his journey.
The trees gave way suddenly to reveal larger trees which had been hidden from his sight. The view almost took his breath away: giant trees, their tops disappearing high into the air, and their girths as wide as a house. They seemed to loom in on him, ancient in appearance, and yet as strong and green as any sapling. The ground surrounding their great buttress roots was covered in a soft carpet of moss and the atmosphere seemed thick with the scent of river water and dew. The place was magical, drawing him forward as if he walked in a dream.
He was drawn by a bright light emanating from the center tree and approached it, unafraid. A staircase led upwards above the tree, a cluster of lights following the stairs upwards to guide him.
When he reached the top, Nicholas saw what seemed like a treehouse. The criss-cross of branches seemed to circle inward and outward at the same time, weaving a delicate pattern around its perimeter.
Though there was no visible roof or walls, it seemed to have a small archway that led into a gloomy chamber. Nicholas felt himself pulled further into the dwelling, as he held the torch out in front of him to light his way. He appeared to be in a hallway, and walking forward he could see another archway leading him on into another alcove. All around he could see old-fashioned, yet well preserved furniture, perhaps crafted by some mysterious, long dead craftsman.
Standing their, he suddenly felt as if he was in some small way trespassing. It was strange: one moment he felt welcomed here and the next he felt like an intruder.
The sound of a voice caused Nicholas to stop in his tracks. Alert, he took out his sword and moved towards the sound coming from beyond the archway. Cautiously, Nicholas passed through the arch and entered what appeared to be a small room. He gasped at the scene before him: the room was circular and had only one entrance, and was empty except for a large, white chair and its occupant. As Nicholas approached, the figure remained still, with his eyes closed.
Glancing upwards, Nicholas could see that there was no roof to the dwelling but that more luminous trees seemed to be hovering over this spot. It was as if whoever had made this special home had taken great care to not destroy nature but to actually become one with it.
Nicholas sheathed his sword. There was no danger here.
That was when he heard the soft musical voices once again.
It took Nicholas a moment to realize he was indeed being watched by someone else, and whoever was watching was ready to protect this strange being seated serenely in this chair. But Nicholas posed no threat.
He studied the being in the chair. It was a handsome male, with long blond and silver hair that barely covered the tips of his delicately pointed ears. The face was pale, the cheekbones and chin strong, and he was dressed in fine clothes of gold and silver. Around his neck hung a beautiful red and blue diamond amulet with curious markings that glittered in the aura of light that seemed to be emanating from the figure itself. It made him look unearthly telling Nicholas that this being was not altogether human.
Nicholas slowly bent down beside the chair and waited. He wasn�t sure why, but at that moment, he realized he�d been drawn here.
Who was behind this and why?
As if in answer to his silent thoughts, the being in the chair opened his eyes and stared at the blond haired-youth kneeling before him.
�Hello, Nicholas de Brabant. I knew they would send someone but I did not think it would be you. This incarnation. I still cannot believe it is so, even as I stare into your eyes. We are known to each other although you do not remember.�
�What is going on? What is this place? Who are you?�
Nicholas stared at the stranger, sure that they had never met, and yet...yet. The Crusader felt a prickling sensation in the back of his neck. The face was familiar and the eyes. Nicholas felt as if he was looking into a mirror.
�-In another day, another life...place...time. Ah, you are filled with promise and light, but there is great darkness within you, great evil. As there always has been. But then the one who saved us all was much like you. Full of light. In the end even that was corrupted. But he did return to the light, and you shall also. You have a destiny to fulfill even before your own. You do not believe you are worthy of this quest but it is not my choice or yours to make. Fate, as it chose the halfling, so has it chosen you. Take the amulet.� Nicholas watched, confused, as the stranger took off the necklace and slowly handed it to him. Nicholas stared at it, admiring its beauty, before returning his attention back to the man.
�Again I ask, who are you? What do you want of me?�
�My name is Legolas Greenleaf, and I are a few of the Great Elves that have, since the First Age, existed in this land called Middle-Earth. The others even as we speak are leaving these shores to another place, the Undying Lands.�
Nicholas stared at the man in awe. �Elves? You�re...�
�Out of myths and legends and time. I have come here now to stop the past and the future from being undone. To prevent HIM from stopping the destruction of the One Ring. Saruman has stolen the Time Crystal of Othorne, and the last of the sightseeing stones, and seeks to prevent the birth of the one that will save us all.�
For a moment, the mythical creature seemed to pause, his light dimmed slightly, and it was another moment before he took a breath and continued his speech.
�He has already changed the past, and he has killed the father that was to be the bringer of this child. I was able to stop him from causing any further harm to the timeline but... he remains alive.�
The creature smiled sadly, Nicholas saw him stare intently down at him.
He seemed filled with overwhelming sadness. The blond elf closed his eyes as if to shield himself from the pain.
�He escaped in the time portal and now is seeking entrance back into your world. I have done all that I can but it is not enough. I needed help. You have been chosen. You, who must take upon this monumental task. This is why I have given you this necklace, The Star of Lorien. It will lead you to the destiny of the one.�
The creature reopened his eyes and for a moment the deep burning light of this mythical being returned and he stared deep into his eyes. Nicholas felt as if his very soul had been touched, exposed, as if this creature, knew every memory and every dark secret he held in his heart. For a brief instant Nicholas wanted to run.
But then Legolas reached out to him. His white pale hand gently stroked his shoulder. The gesture was not sexual, but light, brotherly, consoling. Legolas� eyes narrowed and became more beseeching while his voice seemed to stammer and lose some of its vitality.
�Do not fail. Do not allow your fear to stop you from doing what is necessary. Do not allow the humanity in your heart to keep you from this quest. For if you fail, all will be lost. All that has come to be will be lost. All shall perish, all shall die, and the world you left behind will be no more, as will our own. Now, go.�
�I don�t understand.� Slowly rising to his feet, Nicholas shrugged his shoulders at the being, who at once seemed to pale and weaken before him. His light was growing dim. His time was near.
�I stayed behind to linger for a time with mortals, while the remaining Ancient ones returned to Valinor. But soon I must make my decision to go with the others or to remain here knowing to do so I would suffer the same fate as Lady Arwen, Daughter of Lord Elrond. To become a mortal. We are forever, Nicholas De Brabant, but my people are preparing to leave these shores, taking with them the light of immortality. They are aware of this new evil coming to Middle-Earth.-�
Nicholas watched as the elf took a deep breath and seemed to pour every effort into his explanation to him.
�They all thought they had done what was necessary to save it, but Saruman could not be stopped. HE would not die. Foreseeing his end he reached out his hand in one last attempt to prevent his own destruction. He searched and found one dark thread in your world. All lives are entwined and he knows all, with the help of the sightseeing stone. He intends to recreate and give life again to the young soul created in pure shadow, a creature of the night. In doing so, Saruman hopes to use her to get his revenge. Like him in so many ways, she truly is evil. Vile. Her heart as black as night. She chose even to kill her own master. She wanted to go her own way. But HE did not fail entirely in his plans. But even they are unaware of the even greater evil that will come, they shall unleash a power unlike any other has seen in this life or ever after. He will be unstoppable, the Nameless one. I saw the danger that was to come and though my messages were received by Galadriel, she could not physically help us. She could only give me this. The Star of Lorien and savior to our kind. And you. Our lives intertwined to each other.�
The Prince took in several breaths and, as if in trying to get control of himself, returned his eternal gaze to the human. His voice grew lighter and Nicholas had to strain to hear what the creature was saying.
�I should have gone with the others. But I know why I have stayed behind. Not to die, but to do this one last thing. Do not fear for me, though my light in this world is nearing its end, it will be reborn. Do not weep for me. I shall live on. Be brave, good Knight and Crusader.� Again, he paused and when he spoke it was filled with sadness and pain.
�A warning to you. Do not allow the darkness to take you. Stay in the light, stay and live as a mortal. For even in death, there is rebirth. Although you do not know it now, the path of your future is one that we shall come to regret greatly. Remember, even from evil there will always come some good.�
Finally, his eyes closed and he turned away. The light disappeared completely and Legolas, before Nicholas eyes, faded away.
Nicholas rose to his feet. Turning, he could feel the sudden change in the air: coldness, and with it the scent of evil. He hurried back to his horse and fled as fast and as far from the forest as he could.
When he reached the canyon, Nicholas turned back to look at the mountain. Instead he saw only a valley.
There was nothing else to do but to head back and search for his group of men. Nicholas made for the path, only to find that the way was now barred by a large river. Where had this come from? It had not been there before. Shaking his head to clear it, Nicholas looked over to see a large waterfall which seemed to disappear into a mountain. Perhaps this could take him to the other side.
Nicholas carefully made his way towards it. The falls gave way to an opening that allowed him and his horse to get through and all at once he found himself in the darkness of a cave. Relighting the torch, Nicholas walked, with great trepidation, inside.
Alternate world 1
(Time: By Shire reckoning 2967)
Without warning, he found himself transported to another dimension, to a world of light. Putting out his torch, he stared out at the valley before him. The land looked like a paradise. Rolling lush green hills and fields stretched as far as the eye could see. It reminded him in some ways of home. Nicholas thought briefly of his family and felt a wave of homesickness overtake him.
�Hello, excuse me, I must get past, big folk.�
A small, feminine voice made Nicholas turn around, but he saw nothing.
A tug on his coat got his attention. Looking down, Nicholas laughed at the sight of a little girl. She was dressed in rather plain clothing but was absolutely beautiful with her curly, dark brown hair and expressive, shining brown eyes. She was stunning, and yet the way she walked, and the shape of her body, suggested she was a woman. She was carrying buckets filled with water and currently smiling up at him.
�Hi.�
�Hello.�
Nicholas then realized the woman also had pointed ears, only slightly different from the Elf-Prince he had seen and...one other thing. She had no shoes on and her feet were huge and hairy.
�I�m a stranger around these parts. Ahm, can you tell me where I am?�
She smiled warmly at him and shrugged. �You�re in Hobbiton. The Shire. My cousin lives here. He is very wise about many things. He loves to travel. In fact he came back some years ago from a great quest. Defeated a dragon. Perhaps you have heard of him, Bilbo Baggins?�
Nicholas had to keep himself from laughing at this. A dragon? Obviously this little country girl did not understand that dragons don�t exist and that her cousin was exaggerating his quest a little.
�Ah, no, afraid not. Excuse my manners, my Lady. My name is Nicholas De Brabant.�
�Primula Baggins. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Brabant. Now, if you will please, I must get past. These buckets of water are getting a bit heavy to carry.�
Stepping aside, and before Nicholas could offer to help her carry the buckets, she had already set off at a pace. He could see that she was headed towards what looked like a small hilltop where....blinking, Nicholas wiped his eyes to make sure he wasn�t seeing things. Yes, a big round door was planted in the middle of the hill.
Now completely flustered, Nicholas followed the woman and caught up to her.
�I seem to be a bit lost. I was heading to Rysdale with my kinsmen and I guess I ah, got side tracked.�
�Rysdale? Never heard of it...must be past Bree, though, from the sounds of it. My, you are lost! Perhaps you should go to Bag End and talk to my cousin Bilbo. He knows so much more about travel and maps and stuff and could probably get you back on track.�
Nicholas looked at her blankly. She paused and nodded. �It is late, come. You may join me for supper and then you may sleep. In the morning, I will take you to my Cousin.�
Amused, Nicholas was yet to endure the tiny hole of her home which turned out to be quite a tight fit.
As Nicholas entered past the tiny door he was so caught up at looking at the small furniture that he did not see the low beam of the ceiling.
The little woman spoke as she entered her kitchen and started pouring her buckets of water into a large cauldron cooking over a stove.
�Watch out as you enter, the ceiling is a bit low for tall folk.�
Just as she was speaking, Nicholas stepped into what appeared to be a parlor and when he turned to follow the voice, his head connected against the hard two-by- four beam.
The next thing Nicholas knew he was on the floor, staring up into the face of the little woman who was looking on at him sadly.
�Sorry.�
Still seeing stars, Nicholas sat up and tried to hide the intense pain that was now throbbing on the top of his forehead. �It�s ok.� and smiled brightly at her. She only looked back with eyes that said she didn�t quite believe him.
In the end, Nicholas ate outside Primula�s door and slept out beneath the stars.
**
In the morning, Nicholas awoke, confused, and it took several moments for the memories to return.
Taking a look at the necklace that Legolas had given him, Nicholas was perplexed by the intriguing markings on it. It seemed familiar and yet, not, somehow. He thought about the elf�s words. Someone in this place had a destiny to do great things and someone else was trying to prevent it? Who? What was this world and what was he supposed to do? What difference had he ever made in this life?
�Hungry?�
Nicholas was jerked out of his reverie by Primula�s voice and turned to see her staring at him from her window.
Nicholas had been able to learn several things over the very hearty meal of last night. That the girl he had mistaken was actually a fully grown woman. That these creatures were called Hobbits or Halflings and lived in a world separate from humans, which they referred to as � The Big Folk.�
Glancing around the landscape, Nicholas hoped that it would remain so. Humanity had a habit of destroying everything they touched and this world looked like paradise. The laughter of children could be heard in the distance, and Nicholas soon realized the valley was filled with the little people doing the things they have always done, gardening, smoking pipe weed and playing. They seemed so gentle and innocent. Just like children. Quaint. Which made them more beautiful and more precious then any treasure Nicholas had ever seen. He hoped the hand of evil never came to this land.
Nicholas promised himself if he returned to his men safely he would keep this place a secret. He would come up with some story to keep this world from being touched by the corruption of man.
�Yes, Please. Thank you Miss Baggins.�
�You may call me Primula.� She smiled up at the man, and felt herself blush. He was handsome. Big, but handsome. She would have been lying if she didn�t find him attractive.
�Then please call me Nicholas.�
She blushed again and hurried back into the kitchen to cook breakfast. **
A little while later, Nicholas was eating a hearty meal of eggs, biscuits and lots of cheese and bacon. He was absolutely filled by the portions given to him. This land was not only untouched, but peaceful. He smiled at the woman and saw her blush once more.
Uh oh, the woman was falling for him. Nicholas had seen that look before. She was quite lovely, but she was so small, and well, it just wouldn�t be right to...no, he was going to be leaving soon. She would forget him in time and find herself a nice hobbit to love and marry and produce lots of little hobbits like...a hobbit should.
�I bet, you must be one of the most sought after ladies with this fantastic cooking you do Primula.�
The woman shyly and sadly lowered her eyes.
�Not really. The only one I loved...well...Drogo died rather strangely. Down by the lake. Drowned while fishing.�
Curious, Nicholas looked at her, waiting for an explanation.
�He had been fishing since he was a boy. Drogo could swim across any river or lake. Drowning just...didn�t seem... right. Anyway, he was my true love. We were betrothed and were married in the village. In our land it is custom for the man who is to marry, to present a dowry to the woman of his choice.�
Nicholas looked at her quietly listening to her story.
�We would have been happy I think. He loved my cooking, but after he died...I just well...rather lived alone. My sister keeps asking me to live with her but she is rather nosey and doesn�t mind her p�s and q�s. She is always fishing for news on Bilbo our cousin. She keeps hoping that he will leave again and this time leave Bag End to her. It is a lovely home, he has. Bilbo keeps it well maintained. Not like this one, it needs lots of work.�
Nicholas smiled at her, thinking that her home was just perfect.
Wistful, Primula looked off into the distance.
�Bilbo also keeps asking me to come live with him. He thinks that I need to be looked after. We have always been close. Not like with my sister-she�s a Sackville-Bagginses.� She paused as if that the name explained everything as she continued her story. �I would, but I just can�t seem to leave here. This was our home you see. Drogo made it. That was part of his dowry. To give me this home, for our children. Even though we were married only briefly, I miss him dearly. I do get lonely, but I just can�t leave it.�
A tear fell past her eye and without thinking, Nicholas wiped it away for her. Staring at each other for a moment, time seemed to stop. Then Nicholas, without thinking, moved in and kissed her.
His thoughts returned all too quickly and Nicholas pulled away from the woman.
�I�m sorry.�
Nicholas got to his feet shocked by his actions. This was wrong.
Turning away, Nicholas shook his head, trying to take out the cobwebs with it.
Then Primula reached for him. She smiled up at him and nodded to her hobbit hole. Their was a strange look in her eye and Nicholas recognized the need within them.
He had been alone for such a long time. Ever since...no, he would not think about her, Gwyneth. (Knight Episode: Queen of Harps. She was murdered by Sir Raymond, Nicholas superior, who realized Nicholas was falling in love with her). but even with closed eyelids, he could still see her virtuous face and the voice of an angel. No, he had sworn after her death he would never love again.
He tried to turn away and found he could not, so many emotions began to take over, he was so lonely since Gwyneth�s death.
He could feel Primula�s loneliness calling back. Opening his eyes, he saw Primula staring up at him.
She stared sadly at the handsome man. She knew what she was asking was wrong. Her Hobbit sense were telling her to stop and yet, for so long she had lived like an outcast. Day by day, the stillness and quiet were suffocating her. She had dreamed of a long and happy life with her Drogo, with children, many children in there home. Now all she had left were memories and what could have been.
She had been attracted to the human from the moment she saw him. His blond curly hair and sparkling eyes. If he had not been so tall she would have sworn he was a hobbit. Could this night, just for once be filled with more then just silence? Just to forget how alone she was in this world. She needed to remember again what it was like to be held, loved, cherished.
�You will be leaving soon, returning to your place. It would not be right. Would it? You have someone waiting for you?�
�No, there is no one waiting for me.�
She smiled then and started for the hobbit hole.
�Loneliness is such a terrible burden. One I have carried for so long. Please, for one moment in time...make me forget.�
Nicholas shook his head. �I can�t...you�re so small I would-�
She shrugged and with tears in her eyes she nodded and started inside.
�I will get my shawl and then we will head to my cousin�s home.�
She disappeared into the hobbit hole and Nicholas stared after her for a long time. His mind was in turmoil for so long he had walked alone and now here it was someone warm and loving. Someone to hold the darkness at bay.
Nicholas paused only a moment longer and then throwing caution to the wind he took a deep breath and bending, he entered the hobbit hole.
She was waiting for him, and in an instant Nicholas no longer felt big. As he clutched the necklace in one hand, he could feel himself diminish inside, as if his body was melting away to conform to hers. The Amulet began to glow. Slowly Nicholas body indeed began to grow smaller in stature, to a height more equal to that of the hobbit. With one touch of his hands against her body, all thought and feelings disappeared, replaced with need and desire. For one night, loneliness was cast out.
***
Hours later, Nicholas awoke and felt the small body next to his own. Warm and soft. Sleeping. He looked down and once more could feel the difference of their size. Worried he had hurt her, he checked her quickly but found no blood on the sheets. Only the sweet smell of roses and utter happiness seemed to surround her. She was even smiling in her sleep.
Feeling self conscious, Nicholas De Brabant slowly got to his feet and left the room. He paused on his way out of the hole intending to feed his horse and saw a piece of paper and a jar of ink with a feather in it.
Nicholas quickly scribbled a note to Primula begging her forgiveness and informing her that she was not to blame and that she was indeed the most wonderful woman he had ever met. But he needed to return to his men. Someday, he hoped to return and ask for her hand in marriage but he was a knight and he could not just simply leave his men. He would come back. He promised. The last thing he added was the necklace. To seal his promise. He placed it on the mantle by the paper.
Then Nicholas headed out of the hobbit hole (Carefully so as not to bump his head).
Outside, Nicholas was not surprised to see the dark cave had reappeared before him. Almost waiting. For a moment Nicholas was confused and then all at once the words of Legolas started to make sense and with it the knowledge that he had just been used for another�s purpose. He paused as he collected his horse and sadly looked back at the woman in the hobbit hole. She was going to be very important. She was going to bring a life into this world that would save all humanity. All life. A child that would be from his seed. A son or daughter he would never know. Never meet. Sad beyond measure, Nicholas paused, wondering if he could stay instead of leave. To see that child come into this world, to love it, and keep it safe as long as possible.
But to do so the world he had known would be forever lost to him. He would never see his Mother or sister again. Tears formed in Nicholas De Brabant�s eyes as he suddenly became torn between two worlds. Stay or go? If he left now, he would most likely, never be able to return and therefore he would never see Primula again. In that moment, Nicholas realized he had fallen completely and utterly in love with her. But to never see his world again, to lose all that he had come to know and was familiar with. The decision was his and Nicholas in the end chose the only path he knew. Lowering his eyes, he moved towards the cave.
**
She awoke to the bright sunlight streaming in by her window. She reached out for her bedmate to find only air. She did not rise from her bed. She knew without a doubt he was gone and she was alone.
Again.
***
It was days later when Primula ventured from her hobbit hole to seek out her cousin, intent on speaking to him alone, but Bilbo had been catering to Gandalf the Grey, The wandering wizard, who had come to visit Bag End. She smiled and putting on a brave face, told her story (leaving out her intimacy with the Big man).
Gandalf was quite taken by the story, though Bilbo seemed more worried about his favorite cousin being taken advantage of. In the end, Gandalf asked to see the necklace but when Primula went to hand it to him she realized that it was gone. She thought she must have dropped it on the way to Bag End.
She described the necklace to the wizard. Gandalf, his interest piqued, vowed he would try to find the whereabouts of the stranger. In the meantime, the Wizard tried to get Primula to remember the exact path she had taken from her home.
Trying her best to retrace her steps to Bag End, Primula with Bilbo and Gandalf searched for the elusive necklace to no avail. Seeing Primula�s disap2pointment the two old hero�s did their best to lighten her heart with hope and amusing stories. It was obvious to them both that the poor hobbit had fallen in love with the human.
Primula took to heart that Gandalf would find Nicholas and she let herself believe that Nicholas would someday return to her.
But as days passed into weeks, Primula gave up all hope. A month or so later Primula began to get sick, mostly in the morning and found it hard to keep anything down. A little worried that she had come down with an illness and knowing that Gandalf was still nearby she sent one of her cousins to ask him to visit her. Upon his arrival and when she described her symptoms Gandalf did not have to use any spells to understand what had happened. As gently as he could, he told her what she had dreaded all along. She was with child.
Swearing Gandalf to secrecy of her pregnancy by a human, she had the word spread quickly that though she was pregnant, it was fathered by Drogo before his death.
A few weeks later Clara, Primula�s sister, paid an unscheduled visit and while Primula had been out fetching water from the nearby well, she found the letter Nicholas had written to Primula. Angered by years of jealousy over her favored sister, she began to spread rumors that the child Primula�s carried was not by her husband or by another hobbit. Though many of her neighbors and family stuck by Primula, a few hobbits shunned her and whispers behind her back grew that the child she carried was nothing more then a bastard.
Upon overhearing this news and realizing who was responsible, Primula fled to the arms of her cousin Bilbo who made short work of the gossip and made it quite clear then if any more nasty words were spoken about Primula and her child they would deal with him and his famous Sting!
Needless to say the whispers stopped. Even Clara for a short time kept her silence.
Months passed slowly as Primula waited for any news from Gandalf about Nicholas. But when no news came, she found herself falling into a deep depression. Bilbo soon came to believe the only reason she kept on living was because of that unborn child in her womb. For it was all that she had left to remind herself of her human knight.
Primula never forgot Nicholas De Brabant. Like Nicholas, she realized too late that she had fallen in love. Her only consolation, nearly a year later, was the birth of her little boy.
�I should name him after his father, but then...then they would all know that he isn�t a true hobbit.� After pondering over the name for her son, she finally chose the appropriate name, Frodo Baggins. A name that had been from one of her forefather�s. She hoped with all her heart that he would be accepted and loved by her people.
Her fears that the baby would be too big or not look hobbit enough was soon laid to rest as Gandalf handed the baby into her arms. He looked to all others like any other hobbit small with his dark brown curls, rosy cheeks and big hairy feet. Except for one detail; unlike the other hobbits, whose eyes were brown, his were blue.
Her fears however that the child would not be accepted by the community soon came to light when her spiteful sister began spreading the rumors once again about the true origins of her child. Frightened for Frodo�s safety, Primula decided the best course was to leave the Shire. Packing her things she left her home and made her way to the far west side of Hobbiton.
Finding a small abandoned hobbit hole that had once belonged to one of her Great Uncle�s, Primula settled herself and Frodo near a small river. As months passed she quietly began to live her life in seclusion. The only visitors she received were Gandalf and Bilbo, who as always, tried to convince her to come and live with him at Bag End.
She politely, and with great gentleness, refused. The only other visitor to her small home was Bell another one of her cousins who often brought one of her sons, Samwise, to visit. It didn�t take long for the two youngsters to take to each other right away. When it was time for Bell to leave, Frodo and Sam would always wail in protest, and it took both persistent mothers to break the two apart.
For the most part Primula was happy. It was only late at night after Frodo was put to bed that she would look out her window and gaze up at the stars and wonder where Nicholas was and if he ever thought of her? In those moments, Primula�s sadness was so deep she would cry herself to sleep.
**
A few months later, Bell came to visit and seeing that Primula had lost too much weight and had grown pale, she took to watching Frodo with her son, Sam, and made Primula go out for a walk. When night fell and Primula did not return, Bell sent for her husband. As the days passed and the search parties returned with no trace of Primula, everyone began to fear that she had gotten lost or worse, had met her demise.
The search came to an end one week later, when the body of Primula was found, floating in the same river that had taken her husband Drogo. With no suspected foul play, Primula�s death was finally labeled an accidental drowning.
The now orphaned Frodo was left behind. Bell Goodchild and Hamfast Gamgee wanted nothing more then to adopt the small toddler, but already their hobbit hole was filled with children and they just had no room for one more.
Thanks to Primula�s sister, Clara, who once again began spreading the rumors that Frodo was a bastard and not a true hobbit, no other wished to take him in. Finally, Bilbo Baggins, who had just returned from a visit from the elves in Rivendell, in memory of his sweet cousin and love for the sweet blue eyed hobbit, took Frodo in and raised the child as his very own.
And to no one�s surprise and though it was said to spite the jealous and envious sister of Primula, who had for a long time desired to get her hands on Bag End, Bilbo made certain to legalize Frodo as his one and only heir to all that he possessed. Which meant that, when he departed this world, Bag End would go to Frodo Baggins.
Enraged by this, Clara left the Shire and no one ever heard from her again. ***
Alternate world 2
As for Nicholas De Brabant, upon leaving the cave, he found himself returned to his own world and time. Reunited with his men, the crusader was informed to his amazement that he had only been gone a few hours.
With no way to return to the enchanted world, Nicholas was left only the memory of the love of a beautiful hobbit. In time, sadness and longing filled him, and in doing so, it left him broken hearted and in despair. Nicholas soon forgot the words of Legolas, and when the darkness came, instead of running away, he embraced it.
Part Two The Star of Lorien
1994 (Sometime after Dark Knight Pilot episode to Forever Knight)
Alternate World 2
Place: Rome
He walked quietly along the concrete streets. Not many mortals wandered here but enough to present a small meal if he was inclined and hungry. However, at this late hour, he had already feasted and had intended merely to look around the city where he had been born two thousand years before. When he was mortal that is. Not much had changed or perhaps everything.
Pausing in front of a store, the Ancient vampire glanced at the mirrors presented on a shelf to see his dark shadowy form. He was draped in black with a long cloak wrapped firmly around him. All that could be seen was his pale white face hidden underneath a hood. His eyes were like sapphires staring out impassively at all around him. Turning away, he continued his walk, listening to the sound of his footsteps as if they were his only true companion.
Once he had not been alone. Once he had walked with two creatures he had allowed to come close to his heart. He would not say that he loved them, for he felt he was beyond such an emotion. Love, after all, was a mortal word and being not mortal Lucien LaCroix felt he was far above those that surrounded him. Not that he detested humans. In fact, he actually found them fascinating and pleasurable. A toy to play with and when finished...dinner.
LaCroix�s thoughts returned to his two children. His blood children, although he had brought many across, it was only Janette and Nicholas de Brabant that had captured his attention throughout the ages. Perhaps it was love that had LaCroix desire their company above all others. But not a sensual or pure love. He was unable to actually label what he felt for them. Only that he had no other wish than to have them stay by his side. Forever.
But, Janette had yearnings for more out of her immortal life and had flown off on her own to create what she said...her own way. As for Nicholas-his dear Nicholas. That one had been his greatest treasure of them all, and his greatest antagonist.
Once Nicholas and he were the terror of the night. They had endured the game and had played it well. But in the past few centuries his son had changed. He no longer killed. In fact, he no longer drank the blood of mortals. Instead he chose...
He grimaced at the thought. Bovine blood to feast upon. Why? Because of Nicholas�s guilt at killing. Nicholas had somehow developed a ...conscience and now was on a quest to redeem his soul. To save mortals and hopefully cleanse himself.
The Fool. In the process, whatever feelings Nicholas held for his Master and father were distorted and filled with hate. In fact six months ago, Nicholas� anger had hit its climax and had tried to take the life of his own master.
He failed of course. LaCroix was beyond death. No, he would live forever. In his own anger, instead of backing off, which it would have been the wiser thing and give Nicholas time to come to his senses, he had attacked back. LaCroix realized now that it was a mistake on his part.
LaCroix should have known better. Still, LaCroix couldn�t bear the thought of Nicholas trying to find his way back. To reject his gift of immortality and try to return to his mortality. Grimacing more, LaCroix felt the anger surge through him again at the thought of losing Nicholas to the humans.
Almost growling, LaCroix quickened his pace, turned a corner and stopped in mid stride. Something shiny caught his attention. Walking across the paved street, LaCroix paused to stare into the glass window of a jewelry antiques store. There, dangling on a chain glittering with red diamonds and sapphires, was an amulet. A strange amulet- oval in shape with strange markings around it. They seemed familiar. They should be familiar. He felt like he had seen them before and yet...not.
The store was closed and the lights were out. The only time the shop was open was during the daylight hours. That would not do. Pulled towards it, LaCroix almost smashed the glass to get to the strange object. But, his will was stronger. He shrugged his shoulders, dismissing the amulet. Was he in need of a trinket? A very materialistic thing. Not that he didn�t claim some rare and unique objects but this was silly. LaCroix glanced at the object once more and felt the pull. He wanted it. Something inside him, in the pit of his stomach felt a burning need. Want!
Shaking his head again, LaCroix forced himself away and tried to return to his thoughts of Nicholas.
Nicholas was currently residing in Toronto, Canada, living the life as a mortal, pretending to be a cop so he could help mortals, in the hopes of finding his soul and forgiveness of his sins.
LaCroix, would return soon to his child. He would not give up Nicholas. Not to the mortal world. One way or another he would get Nicholas back.
Glancing around and making sure that no one saw him, LaCroix took to the air. The light in the horizon alerted him that the sun would be rising soon. He returned to his current place of residence.
Before lying down, he glanced once more at his pale chest to see the huge bruise in the middle. He was almost healed. A few more weeks and the bruise would be gone. Then he would have his revenge. He would take everything that Nicholas loved or held dear from him and once Nicholas lost everything, then and only then, would LaCroix take his son back. When that happened, he would never let Nicholas go again.
As the day drew on LaCroix found himself unable to sleep, troubled by dreams and memories that were strange to him.
Turning in the bed, he could feel himself drawn deeper into the dream. He could see a small creature standing before him. A child? No and yet it looked like a child. So small. It didn�t even come to his waist. A male- a man- no, a boy. He was lovely to look at. His face pale almost white as snow with only a slight pink to his cheeks. Flawless and pretty, almost enthralling, with a spell of enchantment. His hair was curly and dark brown, resting on his shoulders. A lovely shade reminding him of the color of chestnuts. His eyes were the most incredible sight of them all. Blue eyes that looked unearthly and mesmerizing, no more then that, they were bewitching.
He wore colors of brown and red and though they were of fine quality it was obvious they had seen better days.
The odd thing was the large barefeet of the young child which did not seem to fit him.
The little creature looked nervous and confused. Fearful. Yes, you should fear me little one.
Yes, fear me.
Not knowing why, LaCroix felt drawn to the small one before him. He wanted him, wanted to taste his blood, to make the little creature his forever. Possess him, own him.
�Are you frightened?�
�yes...�
�Not nearly frightened enough.�
The scene changed and though he still saw the young creature before him, he knew that without a doubt that they were out in the open. In the brightness of sunlight. Strange, he did not feel the burning of his skin. He was also aware that there were others around him. Several tall men, one dressed in rags with long white hair carrying a staff, another dressed in royal clothing looking somber and having an ageless quality about him, as well as a tall blond fair looking creature just off to the side. They seemed familiar to him and not.
As he approached the small creature, LaCroix realized he was dressed in silk clothes of old. There was a ring on his finger....and it had a name.... but he owned no such ring. It had a Celtic like shape to it and yet not. Then the shadows cleared, and instead of seeing his own face, LaCroix saw a man with a beard having longish brown hair. The man was not him and...it was him. Wasn�t it? He had many names with this face.
He knelt before the small one, and with his hand pressed to his chest began to speak.
�By my life or death, I can protect you. I will. You have my sword....You have my sword...you have my sword.�
***
LaCroix awoke from his dream suddenly. He sat upright and tried to stop the shivering. It had felt so real. As if...no it was a dream. A foolish and silly dream. He was missing Nicholas and had conjured up a small child to indicate the emptiness without Nicholas. Ridiculous. He hated these feelings of need and want.
LaCroix rose from his bed and headed for the nearby kitchen. He had drank down two bottles of fresh human blood before the beast faded.
Able to think clearly once more, LaCroix sat down by his desk. He had some pressing work to do. His vast businesses called for his attention. Yet, as he scribbled on several forms, the face appeared before him. The face from his dreams. So beautiful. Yes, that was the only description for that face. It was beautiful. Too lovely to exist in this world. Pure.
LaCroix laughed. There was no such thing as purity in humanity. Yet, in those expressive wide bright blue eyes he saw it. A light that reminded him of someone.
Nicholas.
But who was he? What was he? He felt, he should have known that small one.
Confused, and realizing he was getting nowhere, he closed the books and got to his feet.
Once again he lay down and closed his eyes. Closing off his mind and pushing back all thoughts so he could rest.
But the dreams returned. A different dream. He was walking by a pond. He could see a tall figure sitting quietly beside it. It was looking up at a large falls just beyond the valley. Everything was green and filled with color. Picturesque beyond description.
The Figure turned to him and smiled. He was stunning. Strikingly, attractive young man that somehow seemed older then his appearance with his long golden hair and dark eyes and oddly shaped ears. He was dressed in green and a sheath of arrows and bow lay beside him. He seemed familiar, just like the small creature from before.
He held something up to him. At once LaCroix recognized the amulet that he had seen at the store.
�What is that?� �The Star of Lorien. It was given to by my Father by the Lady Galadriel and he in return gave it to me before I left Mirkwood. I hope to help the Ring Bearer and the...quest.�
�What is it exactly, Legolas?�
The blond only put the amulet around his neck and tucked it under his clothes. �Nothing that will help with destroying the One Ring. You were so brave standing before Elrond and The Council. So strong. I admire you so. How I have missed you!� The blond rose and moved towards him. Smiling, his eyes filled with....desire.
LaCroix was shocked at the blond creature embracing him, with a kiss to his lips. Then that shock changed to want and need. He had no desire to end the kiss and instead allowed the embrace and touch. He even started to respond to it when...
Breaking away abruptly, the blond sadly spoke, casting his eyes downward in shame. LaCroix could feel himself breathing heavily. The scent of this creature reminded him of a river. Fast, strong and never ending.
�Forgive me, I forgot my self. Lady Arwen is your betrothed. Forgive me.�
He reached for the alluring face but already the creature was walking away from him. The blond stopped but did not look back.
�Aragorn, she has your love now. All I�m left with...is a memory.�
***
LaCroix opened his eyes and hissed in rage. He downed three bottles of blood before he was calm once more. As night approached, LaCroix knew what he must do.
**
A quick call and two hours later, LaCroix arrived to see the owner of the antique shop waiting for him.
Darkness had come and he stepped into the shop intent on one purpose. Paying the amount the owner wanted, LaCroix claimed the amulet and then hurried away. ***
Two months later, LaCroix packed his belongings for the coming trip. The plane was ready to leave within the hour. He had everything he wished to take with him on his trip to Toronto. Except one thing.
It stood hanging over his bed. Glittering even in the shadows. It called to him and LaCroix for a moment thought he would just leave it behind. But then he picked it up. Holding it in his hands, he stared at it and then with one fluid movement put it over his neck and securing it under his clothes returned to his packing. Closing the suitcase, he picked it up and headed out the door. It was time.
I am coming Nicholas. Your Master is coming to reclaim you!
**
Part Three (Takes place after the episode Ashes to Ashes: third season of Forever Knight) Loss and Return
Alternate world 2 (Present day)
He watched silently as the body burned before his eyes. Soon all that would be left of his child would be ashes. Her evil would scatter to the four winds and where she would go was anyone�s guess. Hell perhaps? His eyes filled with tears and the pain once more drew him back to the past recalling memories he had hoped to forget.
�To live or die. What is your decision?�
�To live Divia, to Live!�
***
�But do you know what it's like to be betrayed by your own child? To be left alone in the darkness? Humph. I didn't think so. But you will know soon enough. As your friends die, and the fear of death drives those still alive away from you. Then you will understand how it feels to be betrayed and alone.
***
�Does it not trouble you to have killed your own Master?�
�Why should I be?�
�He was an ancient. His knowledge of our past, our very beginnings, was worthy of respect.�
***
�Let's do what must not be done. Make love to me, Father.�
�Divia, no!�
�Come, Lucius. Do what I say!�
�You're my daughter!�
�Daughter, mother, lover. Why can't I be all three? You need someone to love, Lucius, and I need you.� He bares his fangs. He grabs a scythe and turns around quickly. The shadow on the wall shows that LaCroix beheads Divia.
***
�Why are you here, Divia? To gloat?�
�Why not? I've won. You're alone. Now, perhaps, you can begin to feel what it was like for me. The centuries, I expected to spend loving you and caring for you, then to spend it in darkness, and isolation. You could not imagine the hatred I have for you. How could you have done that to me, Father? I loved you!�
***
�All that remains is to kill me.�
�And deny you the pain and loneliness? No, you must live forever, with the knowledge that you destroyed everyone that was dear to you. Your friends, lovers, daughter, mother and...now your son.�
He never forgot the sensation of fear and despair that hit the ancient vampire when he thought that Divia had killed his Nicholas.
�What do you mean?�
�Nicholas, I believe, was his name. One always recognizes family. But he was your favorite, wasn�t he?�
He remembered striking out at her. But the small golden child easily caught his hand and drove her father to his knees.
�Your son is dead! How does that feel? Tell me how it feels?�
Then he remembered the joy when he saw his son was alive and the pain as he watched Divia die in front of him once more.
�Father, please don�t let me die. Father!�
To watch the death of your child twice in even an eternal existence was almost too much to bear.
***
He watched as the body finally was reduced to ashes and began to slowly drift into the wind. Shattered in his grief, he turned away and took for the skies.
He had only just reached the Raven when he spotted the lone figure curled up next to the doorway of the entrance of the bar. Recognizing the figure, LaCroix hurried to the hurt vampire. The youth looked up painfully, holding out his hand and gesturing the stake that was still inside of him.
The young vampire was dirty and bloody. Wherever he had been he must have crawled all the way to this sanctuary. Pulling the stake out at once, LaCroix ignored the cry of pain from Javier Vachon, and then pulling the youth into his arms, carried him into the Raven.
It took some time to get the young vampire cleaned up and fed and ages before Javier finally succumbed to sleep as his body slowly began to heal.
He had known Javier only briefly but LaCroix had come to like the Spaniard who was slowly becoming friends with his son Nicholas. LaCroix had always hoped that the friendship between them would deepen and somehow lure Nicholas back to the life of a vampire.
Once Javier was asleep, LaCroix returned to the empty bar and ignoring the mess still to be cleaned up from the battle with Divia, he picked up a phone and made a quick call.
�Knight here.�
The sound of his beloved son�s voice had LaCroix catch himself. So reassuring in so many ways. How he longed to reach out to him and ask Nicholas to return to him. To come and comfort his father in his hour of need. LaCroix was sure Nicholas would come. The battle they have long fought was slowly fading and a peace was now growing between them.
But LaCroix was not ready yet for companionship. He needed time alone, alone to grieve. At least he and Nicholas could now speak to each other without going for one another�s throat. In many ways LaCroix did not wish to break this thread of peace. He was over two thousand years old and surprisingly, LaCroix had only in the past few years started to feel old. He couldn�t put his finger on it but he was beginning to feel his every age. Not physically of course but certainly mentally.
�I have some unexpected news.�
�LaCroix?�
Nicholas sounded nervous and worried on the other end. LaCroix vaguely wondered if Nicholas had just come out of the shower, but reaching out with his mind he could sense instead his son was in his loft cleaning up the destruction Divia had done to his home.
�Our young Spanish friend is alive and well and sleeping in my bed.�
�Vachon?� Nicholas voice was shocked and then changed to happiness at learning this news.
�How is he?�
�Healing. It will be some time before he will be fully recovered. Days, perhaps a week.�
�How?�
�I am not sure, but I thought you would wish to informed.�
�Have you talked to Tracy?�
Tracy was Nicholas� partner who did not know that he was a vampire. However she did know about Javier. The two had been steadily growing closer together these past few months. She had watched, in a fit of madness caused by Divia�s poisoned blood, Javier stake himself. As far as Tracy knew Javier was dead.
�Not yet, but soon. I will tell her instead that he simply went away and will return?� Originally, Nicholas had asked LaCroix to make her believe that Javier had simply moved on. As always, Nicholas sought to ease the pain and suffering of others. Especially for mortals.
�When Vachon recovers, let him make the choice.�
�Very well.�
Preparing to hang up the phone, LaCroix heard his son�s call.
�Lucien?�
�Yes, Nicholas.�
�Are you...Do you want me to?�
LaCroix smiled and was sorely tempted to use his son�s pity and concern to his favor but in the end he decided not too. �I am fine, I will call you in a day or so. Good day.�
And as LaCroix hung up the phone he could sense the rise of the sun. It was the dawning of a new day to some, but for him and of his kind it was time to rest.
***
He paced the room silently. LaCroix had checked in on the sleeping Spaniard and assured that he was in a blissful sleep, LaCroix had returned to his special office. Here he had tried to rest but found none. The Pain would pass, just right now everything seemed so...present.
LaCroix thought wildly for a moment of just going away to somewhere quiet. He even went so far as to open a few of his drawers to see what he would need for the get away when he stopped. His eyes caught onto something glittering in the corner of the draw.
He pulled it out with mild surprise on his face. The amulet? Oh yes, he had almost forgotten this little trinket that he had picked up two years ago while he was in Rome. He had thrown it aside shortly after his arrival in Toronto, too busy dealing with his wayward son. Funny, as he held it, he could almost sense a vibration coming from the necklace. Almost as if it was alive. Calling to him. It also had a strange kind of glow to it. For a moment the pain of Divia�s death vanished and he felt...he felt at peace. Odd. How very odd indeed.
Still holding the amulet, he sat down in the empty chair of the desk and looked it over. The strange markings were still there and the familiarity of what those markings meant.
Forgetting his wild idea of going away, LaCroix suddenly, without understanding, put the amulet on around his neck. At once the cold seemed to leave him and he felt...warm. Not a burning or hot feeling just warm. It reminded him of days long ago when he and Nicholas had been together. When they shared endless nights playing chess beside the fire or went out to hunt and feed. Days when he didn�t feel alone.
Covering the amulet under his shirt, LaCroix rose and headed to one of his other chambers. He suddenly felt as if he could sleep.
***
He could see the sunlight all around him. It should be burning him but it didn�t. Leaves fell all around him and the air smelled fragrant and tranquil. Rivers and falls covering large mountains could be seen far away. He thought for a moment a word to describe this place. Paradise? Home? Rive...Rivendell? What an odd name.
He felt himself sitting in a chair surrounded by different creatures. A short creature with a beard, holding an axe, an elderly old man with a long beard dressed in gray clothes, another man with royal robes of autumn colors with a metal crown around his head. A human standing in front of him, also having a beard dressed in clothes that reminded him of the Vikings. But it was the other two creatures near by that caught his eye. A tall elegant man with pointed ears staring fondly at him. He had golden long blond hair and was wearing a long flowing gown of gold. He knew this person, the one that had kissed him. There was also the other. The small one, the one that looked like a child. Beautiful, in every way. Not handsome exactly but more alluring. A face already festering pain.
He wanted to reach out and take the blond haired man�s hand and together take up the small child like-being and hold it close to his body. He wanted to possess them both, and claim them as his own.
There were words now being spoken and it took a moment for him to truly hear what was being said. As the conversation wore on he could hear himself speaking but in a voice he did not know. The face and body was not his and yet...yet.
(The Council, Fellowship of the Ring) World: Middle-Earth, Alternate world one
�You cannot wield it, none of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other Master.�
The Viking now faced him.
�And what would a Ranger know of this matter?�
The blond rose and spoke angrily at the Viking.
�This is no mere Ranger, he is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.�
Aragorn, Aragorn...yes, yes that was his name. And other names too. Strider, Elessar...but that cannot be right?
�Aragorn? This is Isildur�s heir?�
�And heir to the throne of Gondor.�
He felt himself turning to the blond creature and feeling proud and affectionate to the creature�s loyalty. What was his name?
�Sit down, Legolas.�
Legolas...Legolas...yes that was his name. Then just as quickly the face altered to reveal a blond creature more familiar this time. The image of his son Nicholas. Then just as quickly it faded away returning to the face of Legolas.
The Viking was speaking again.
�Gondor has no King, Gondor needs no King.�
The meeting LaCroix was at continued and slowly tore apart as the council members began to argue. All was in chaos and in an uproar. Then suddenly a small voice rang out catching there attention.
�I will take it. I will take it.�
He turned now to the little one. So innocent, so small. So child like. Helpless and yet not any of these things and still...LaCroix felt a surge of emotion hit him and once again he felt like scooping the small one up into his arms and hold him. Damn these emotions! Where had these weak feelings come from? He was a vampire! He needed no one! Yet as the fearful eyes stared at the men and creatures before him, LaCroix was compelled in surprise and pride to this one.
�I will take the ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way.�
The older man stepped forward and protectively put his hand on the little one�s shoulder.
�I will help you to bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. So long as it is yours to bear.�
Frodo Baggins? Frodo of the shire, Frodo of the nine fingers. Frodo? LaCroix almost felt as if he was spinning and could feel himself falling away even as he drew near to the small one and kneeled before him.
�If by my life or death I can protect you. I will. You have my sword.�
�And you have my bow.� Said Legolas.
�And my Axe.� Said the bearded stout figure.
***
Alternate world 2 (Present time)
LaCroix sat upright. He felt pale and hungry. Growling, he hurried to his stock and quickly put the beast where it belonged.
In control once more, LaCroix returned to the bar and sat silently in front of the counter. His thoughts all in a jumble. The faces standing once more before him. Vivid and real. The face of Nicholas that flashed back and forth into the blond, long haired creature who seemed quite handy with a bow, and last but not least that small blue eyed creature. Such a lovely face. In all the years he had walked this earth he had never seen such beauty. It was a face that anyone would die to possess or protect.
LaCroix suddenly wondered if he had. Aragorn? Who was this Heir to Isildur? What was going on? Was he losing his mind? Did Divia somehow even in death wished to drive him into madness.
�Could I have a drink?�
LaCroix turned and stared up at the pale vampire coming towards him. He quickly poured the young Spaniard a drink and gave it to him. Vachon drank it down in one swallow. LaCroix offered him more and the young vampire did not refuse.
�How are you feeling?�
�Like I was run over by a truck...five times!�
LaCroix smiled and vaguely rose to take his position away from the Spaniard.
�And the pain?�
�Gone...except for the memories.�
�I am sorry for the pain Divia inflicted upon you. It was her revenge upon me.�
�I know.� Vachon nodded at the puzzled ancient. �I kind of during my...near death experience was able to sort out the memories. She was your daughter?�
�Yes.�
�She packs one hell of a punch. Remind me never to go head on with her again?�
LaCroix did not raise his eyes to meet Vachon�s. �She is dead.�
�Wish I could say, I�m sorry.�
LaCroix waved his hand aside and seeing the empty glasses refilled his and Vachon�s.
�How did you survive, Vachon?�
�I don�t know. It�s a bit foggy. I remember Tracy...and being buried. Dark. Cold. Hungry. Then somehow I found myself at the Raven. Thanks for pulling out the stake and ah, taking care of me.�
�It was the least I could do.�
Vachon paused a moment and then stared at LaCroix with painfilled eyes.
�Urs is dead?�
�Yes.�
�When I woke up, I couldn�t feel her presence.�
LaCroix finally stared at Vachon, remembering briefly of Ursula, a young beautiful girl Vachon brought across. She was one of those lost little souls always searching for love. To be loved. LaCroix had taken to her and provided her a home at the Raven. A refuge. He had in some ways desired an intimate relationship with her but she was so young. So moody. Sad. Almost in a way innocent, even for a vampire. He found though he liked her he could not touch her. It would have felt like making love to his own daughter.
LaCroix shuttered at the thought. Remembering his downfall with Divia who had been his mortal daughter, and how after she had come across and then did the same for him, she had sought an incestuous relationship with him. LaCroix was from the days of the Roman Empire and though he knew of many that did harbor such relationships with their children, LaCroix found the demands Divia had made on him unthinkable.
Returning his thoughts to Ursula, LaCroix knew he would miss the gentle vampire who he hoped had finally found peace in death she never found in life.
�I�m sorry.�
Vachon shook his head and looked at his feet.
�When darkness comes I am going to leave for a while. I have to talk to someone first but...I need to go away. Think.�
LaCroix nodded.
�I have a villa in Rome, feel free to use it.�
Vachon nodded and got to his feet. Turning away, he glanced once more at LaCroix.
�Did you kill this evil child?�
�No, Nicholas did.�
�Tell him I said thanks.�
LaCroix bowed and Vachon left the room.
Alone, LaCroix reached for his drink once more when he paused. He felt the hair on his skin suddenly stand up, and a coldness went up his spine. For a moment he thought he could hear the laughter of a young girl.
Then silence. LaCroix picked up his glass of blood and emptied it in one gulp.
***
Place: Vortex of time
He was falling, ever falling into the swirling mass of death. He had to get out. To find his way back to some world of existence, no matter where it was. He could not survive this nothingness.
Clutching tightly to the medallion around his neck and using his other hand to hold tightly onto the crystal ball, he tried once more to cast a spell that would open a doorway out of this place.
Worlds echoed around him as he cried out over and over again in old Elvish tongue. The words were dark and enthralling and finally as he ended his speech a bright swirling mass of red light circled him. Blinded by the blood red colors he felt as if he was on fire. He screamed and then there was darkness once more.
Alternate world 2
He awoke and knew at once he was on solid ground. Still holding on to his artifacts, he dared to open his eyes and found himself to be in strange surroundings. Getting to his feet, the white haired old man with robes that had once been pure white, now gray and black, tried to get his bearings.
He seemed to be in what looked like a tomb. There were three altars in front of him. One of them was open. Looking within, he saw that the chamber was empty but even now he could sense evil had once existed. The markings on the walls were of an ancient tongue but to a Wizard, one brief wave of his hand, and he could easily read the words as easily as he read the common tongue. Tomb of Ah-hotep
Glancing around the tomb, again Saruman tried to understand where he was exactly. Bringing the sightseeing stone to his eyes, he looked deep into the ball. At once it began to glow and through the mists one could see images. Ancient worlds, places, pyramids, leaders and kings. He watched them born and watched them fall. While the sands of time marched on. Within those images he saw other things as well, creatures of darkness and one particular dark creatures life. A young golden haired girl with eyes of fire and ash.
He gasped in surprise. �I am no longer on Middle-Earth.� His eyebrows drew together filling with anger. He had to get back. He still had to get his revenge. There was still a way for him to win, even with the death of Sauron. He could still rule over all.
Standing tall, he began to cast a spell that he knew would help him in his quest. But nothing happened. Annoyed, he tried again, this time with a louder tone. This time something did happen. The sound of the wind filled his ears. He turned and saw a breeze fill the chamber and with it came a cluster of ashes that circled above the center tomb of the room.
Repeating his words, he stopped when the ashes began to form into what looked like the small body of a young girl. The form then darkened and became much like a shadow. Turning slowly around him, Saruman watched, mesmerized as the shadow creature solidified and became flesh once more. Flesh and blood.
Time seemed to halt and the creature stopped spinning and floated just a few inches off the tomb before it opened its glowing blood red eyes. Divia had returned.
END OF BOOK ONE