A/N: For those of you die-hard LotR’s fans, and the rest that were swept away by the movies: The next few chapters take place before the first film, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and most information is pulled from the books preceding that event; although, obviously I’ve manipulated the storyline to suit my needs. I’ve been deliberately vague in explaining the identities of the characters in these next few chapters so that people that have not read the books or seen the movies will just feel like they’re original characters in my fic. True fans will know exactly who I’m referring to. Also, once we get into the setting of The Fellowship, Aragorn’s behavior will be reflected more by the characterization in the film, than what may have been perceived from the books.



“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.” – William Jennings Bryan

******************

Heat. A pleasant sensation that bathed his face in warmth. Like the skin of the slayer beneath his fingertips, its soft caress soothing. Lulling him to sleep just a tad bit longer. A warm blanket enveloping his frame…

Spike bolted upright, scrambling upon the ground as he tried to race towards the shade. Before he realized that he wasn’t going up in flames.

‘What the bloody hell?’ he questioned silently, his hands raised in the air, flipping it back and forth as the light seemed to reflect off his pale skin. He stared in awe as the sun’s rays had no harmful effect on him whatsoever.

A noise off in the distance cut short this new discovery, and he jogged towards the rustling coming from the brush in the distance. When a childlike cry rent the air, his jog turned into a flat out run, his vampiric speed carrying him across the barren expanse of land and into the trees beyond.

His blue gaze took in the scene before him but a moment before he thrust himself into action, ripping the strange demon off the young boy and hurling it some distance away. Spike shoved the kid behind him, the harsh movement causing him to fall to his back as the vampire momentarily forgot about his enhanced strength at the coming fight. He glanced down, making sure the boy was alright, before positioning himself in front of him as the beast charged. The fleeting thought that the chip hadn’t activated did nothing to sidetrack him from the demon hell bent on his prize. As the beast charged, Spike waited until the last possible moment before sidestepping, using his booted foot to trip up his foe. When the creature landed face first on the ground, he pounced. With his back to the boy, the blond-headed vampire allowed his demonic features to come the fore and used claws and fangs to quickly dispose of the demon that had dared to attack the small child.

Afterward, Spike pushed himself up off the dead…whatever it was, human mask firmly back in place as he went to check on the kid.

“You al’right?” he asked the shocked boy, kneeling down beside him where he still lay, stunned, sprawled upon the ground.

The boy just nodded at the strangely dressed man, too shocked to speak. He’d thought he was going to die, and just knew that Elrond wasn’t going to be pleased when he found out that he’d ventured outside the protective boundaries of Rivendell. It was a good thing the stranger had come along.

“Well, come on. Le’s get you home then,” Spike told the kid, helping the boy to his feet as he stood up himself. “What was tha’ thing anyway?”

“It was an Orc. You talk funny,” the dark-haired boy replied. “My name’s Estel.”

“Spike.”

“Spike? What’s a spike?”

“’s my name. Spike’s my name.”

“Oh.”

Estel walked off and Spike was left with no choice but to follow. The barren land quickly gave way to lush landscape. In the distance, he could hear the sound of running water. Soon they were on a path that led to a huge city. Tucked inside steep mountains, numerous waterfalls cascading down around its structure, Spike thought the stone creation was the most beautiful piece of architecture he’d ever seen. As he continued to climb the winding path leading toward the city proper, he felt a peace envelope his being, soothing him.

As the pair began to encounter people – he wouldn’t say humans, what with the pointed ears and all – he was surprised that no one moved to stop him. Just allowed him to walk freely amongst them. Strange.

Even stranger was the person he was finally led towards. Straight brown hair, wearing a silver headband reminiscent of a crown, his flowing robes doing nothing to detract from his regal bearing, the man – elf he was later to learn – just looked into his eyes as if they could see into Spike’s soul, or would if he’d had one. As quickly as the intense look began, it was over, and he watched as a slight smile played about the man’s lips as he gestured for them to sit.

“You’re not of this world, are you, my friend?”

“Don’ rightly know. Not sure where here is exactly,” Spike replied.

“You’re in Rivendell, home of the elves. My name is Elrond. And you are?”

“Spike.”

“Spike?”

“Yes. Spike. Used to be William, but I gave up that poncey name once I was turned. Struck more terror in the heart of me victims…not that I do that anymore. But, been Spike ever since. See no need to change it now.”

“Very well…Spike. What brings you to Rivendell?”

“Like I said, don’ rightly know. Last thing I remember was jumpin’ off a tower to save Bu— Well, to save the world. Nex’ thing I know, ‘m here.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that…”

“You are,” Spike asked surprised.

“Legend told of a stranger. A hero. One that would help unite man and see the end to Sauron.”

“Well…you got the wrong guy. ‘M not a hero. Jus’ a regular bloke.”

“Estel?”

“Yes, father,” the boy spoke meekly.

“Tell me how you came to be in the company of Spike.”

“He saved me from an Orc. Past the boundaries of Rivendell,” Estel replied honestly.

Elrond’s brow quirked, slim line arching in a pronounced vee, daring the stranger to deny the title of “hero.”

“Anybody woulda’ done it. ‘Twernt no big deal,” Spike protested.

“If you insist. Although, many would probably resist their destiny…” Elrond turned away, gaze intent upon the young boy that had moved off to play with a few other children, having been dismissed with a look from his “father” after his brief explanation. He roused himself a moment later, gifting the newcomer with a polite smile. “You will stay with us. Estel will show you where you may sleep. Relax. Let the peace of Rivendell flow through you and calm your demons.”

Spike didn’t respond verbally to the other man’s good will. Just nodded and rose to his feet. He was tired, and confused. His body still felt like it had been run over by a freight train and he wanted nothing more than to sink back into oblivion and pray this was just a nightmare.

********************

For the first time since he’d been turned, Spike slept through the night, and woke with the sun. He almost jumped out of his skin as the morning rays shone on his bed before he remembered that the sun had no harmful effect here. A less cynical person might have marveled at the fact that he’d given up being around the slayer – his only means of being bathed in sunlight – to be rewarded with it here. In Rivendell. Wherever Rivendell was. He’d have gladly given it all up just to be back with her, but never at the expense of her own life. Better him than her. Just knowing that she lived…

No. It was better this way. He was comforted by the fact that he’d kept his promise. Had saved Dawn…and the slayer.

Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he noticed a change of clothes lying over the back of a chair. Muted colors. Something not overly ostentatious, even if the cut left much to be desired. But, he wanted to fit in, so he slung the garments haphazardly over his shoulder and went in search of a shower.

Spike walked out of his room and encountered the young boy he’d saved. Estel. When the vampire enquired as to the location where he could freshen up, he was led by the boy to a pool of water that, surprisingly, was rather warm. He stepped behind some shrubs and quickly divested himself of his clothes, not at all concerned about his nudity, and waded out into the water. Estel had left as soon as he’d shown Spike the location, but soon returned with fragrant soaps – not the least bit feminine in scent – and some clean cloths to dry off, grabbing Spike’s discarded clothes when he left the second time.

He grumbled under his breath about bloody thieves stealing his togs, but soon dismissed the lad from his mind and resumed his bath. When he’d finished washing up, Spike swam a few laps, reveling in the invigorating warmth of the pool. The whole area seemed enchanted, as if touched by magic – but not the kind that set his skin on edge. Rather, he found himself lingering, long after he’d finished, just so he could bask in the peace that permeated from the place.

A snapped twig to his left had his vampiric countenance rushing to the fore as he tried to ascertain who it was that had invaded his sanctuary.

“Be easy, golden warrior, I’ll cause you no harm,” the soft, melodious voice came to him.

Spike moved towards the sound of the voice, pausing when the water was waist high. “Easy enough for you to say, luv, but I’ll reserve judgment for now.” His head cocked to the side, waiting to see if he’d get to put a face to the voice that had drifted out of the forest. His whole body tensed in anticipation.

His ears picked up no further movement, and he was just about to dismiss the creature from his mind and gain the rocks that held his borrowed clothes when she stepped from behind the bushes. To say she was a vision was an understatement. An ethereal beauty, she was. Dark hair, pale skin, a flowing purple gown that just enhanced her radiance.

“I’m Arwen, daughter of Elrond. And, you are Spike, a stranger to our land. The one the legend foretold.”

“You got the name right, don’ know ‘bout that whole legend nonsense,” Spike replied, ridges and fangs receding as the perceived threat disappeared.

“No. You wouldn’t see. But, I see it. All around you. Such vibrant colors proclaiming your status. In time, you too, will see.”

He stared hard at her, trying to decipher if she was real or not. When she seemed to practically disappear before his eyes, he put the matter firmly from his mind. Chalked it up as a dream, a byproduct of his delusional mind. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he turned and exited the pool, drying off with the cloths and slipping into his new clothes.

********************

From his spot on top of the bridge, Spike stared down at the scene below. The boy, Estel, was engaged in a mock hand-to-hand battle with another boy. An elf. Not a human. And, unfortunately, the elf was winning. Something. A driving urgency of some kind, was telling him to go down there and…

“You would not know it, but he will be a great warrior someday. A leader among men,” Elrond commented as he came to a halt beside the newcomer.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t. Boy keeps droppin’ his shoulder,” Spike commented. “Where’s ‘is family? Seems a bit outta place, you bein’ with the pointy ears an’ all ‘an him not. Smell different too.”

“Smell diff—” he asked confused, but was cut off as he watched the man before him transform his face into something resembling an Orc. Only not. “What?”

“Vampire, mate,” Spike told him, tapping his nose. “Can smell the difference.”

“Vampire?”

“Yeh. ‘M a demon. Only ‘m not evil.” Spike’s eyes widened comically at the slip, pushing away from the edge to begin an agitated pace up and down along the bridge. Elrond watched him, equal parts amusement and confusion playing on his face.

“What am I sayin’? Of course, ‘m evil. ‘M the Big Bad! Ain’ got no chip in me head to tell me nay anymore.” The blond vampire continued to pace, oblivious to the elf lord as he argued with himself. “Oh, who ‘m I bloody kiddin’? ‘M still a neutered vamp, even with the chip not workin’.”

He paused, about ten feet separating the two as he told the other, “She’s ruined me, she ‘as. Lovin’ her. It’s changed me. Jus’ can’ see me’self goin’ back to bein’ all with the blood ‘n mayhem. Although, was kinda fun fightin’ that…whatcha’ call it? Orc?”

“The creature that attacked Estel? Yes, that was an Orc,” Elrond confirmed.

Spike walked over to the man, his forearms once more relaxing on the rail as he eyed the human boy. “So, what’s the story with him?”

“Estel?”

The vampire just nodded, eyes locked on the dark-haired boy.

“His name is Aragorn. He’s Isildur’s heir, a descendent of kings. When he was two, his father was killed by Orcs, making him the Chieftain of Dunedain. The boy’s mother, fearing for her son’s life, brought him here. To me. I took him in, like he was my own. Changed his name. I have spent the last four years protecting him, his identity. In time, he will know his path. Now, all I can do is mentor him in our ways.”

Spike grunted, wincing as the boy fell yet again.

‘Plucky li’l bastard,’ he thought.

Elrond watched the newcomer, waiting. He’d known, being gifted with “the foresight,” but he’d wanted the other to choose his own path without persuasion.

“Give him to me.”

“I’m not sure—”

“I’ll train ‘im. ‘S what I do. ‘S what I know.”

“Why would you—”

“Dunno, mate. See a bit of me’self in ‘im. It's what ‘m here for, right?” Spike rationalized. “Besides, ‘m gonna need somethin’ to keep me busy.”

“It will be as you say.”

*********************

And so it began.

The years slipped by for Spike.

Welcomed into the home of the elves, he adapted to their ways. Learned their language. Created a new life for himself. The bleached hair grew out, giving way to the honey brown curls of his human days. These were eventually tamed as his hair continued to grow in the manner of the elven males.

The boy became a constant companion at his side. And Spike took his pledge to heart, training the youth, molding him into a fierce warrior. The vampire taught Estel the fine art of wielding a blade, and Elrond taught Spike the skills of the bow.

The moniker “Spike” eventually faded being replaced by another. Gifted by Elrond. Kriger. Warrior.

And even though thoughts of the blond slayer never completely left his mind, he was happy. Having finally found his niche.

Then, Estel gained his twentieth year, and the peace and tranquility Spike had grown to appreciate while living at Rivendell came to an end.