Title: A Promise to His Lady

Author: Mrs Muir

Rating: NC-17 / The story is overall an R

Disclaimer: All characters, situations, and places related to BtVS belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Fox. Moralynn and its inhabitants are mine.

Author's Note: Moralynn is a world of my creation. Although it is based on the Middle Ages in Europe it is not meant to be that time period. Therefore any differences between that period and Moralynn is a deliberate change on my part. These changes were made for Buffy's comfort and story content. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prologue

The wind came down from the mountains with mighty howls casting a chill on everything that it touched. It swept through the small village leaving no person or cottage untouched before it went out to sea. Darkness of night followed swiftly on its heels leaving a feeling of dread and nightmares to come. Children were quickly hustled into the safety of their homes. Doors and shutters were closed to try and keep the icy air out. Fires were built and gathered around as the villagers huddled with their loved ones. Winter was descending without mercy on Moralynn.

A lone figure moved away from the safety of the village and headed toward the cliffs. He hesitated momentarily to wrap his cloak tighter around his slim frame and to reposition the satchel that he carried before he began the steep descent to the shoreline below. The satchel repeatedly banged against his leg on the almost slide down the path. But it had to be brought with him. It was part of a promise that he had made to his lady. And this time nothing would allow him to break the promise and bring shame to his name. The lady's memory would be honored.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and a warning chill ran through him as a pebble was dislodged somewhere above him. Something or someone was following him. He jumped the last few feet onto the sands of the beach. He turned back to face the cliffs.

"Who goes there?" He called out into the gloom.

When no one answered him but footsteps continued down the path, he pulled his knife from the sheath on his hip. His features contorted until the demon was in control. He crouched down to prepare to fight when a laugh came from above him.

"Grandfather who else but us fools would be out on night like this? Even the beasties are tucked away trying to keep warm." Zaira laughed as she came to stand in front of him.

He glared at her as he shook the vampire features from his face.

"And why are you not tucked up in your bed dreaming of your young man?" He knowingly baited her.

"You know why." She softly said.

Zaira turned from him and made her way down the beach. She shook the blanket she had brought with her and laid it out onto the sand.

"Come and sit."

He knew that he could not make her return home. Zaira would do as she wanted. She was as headstrong and determined as her great-grandmother had been. He approached the blanket and took a seat beside her. For a while they sat there side-by-side letting their emotions settle as they stared into the angry sea crashing on to the shoreline.

"They were worse tonight. They were all badgering me to set a date. As if by marrying I am going to turn into who they want me to be. I couldn't stay and fight with them about that when I knew that you would be here. Waiting alone." Zaira explained her presence.

She reached a hand out to him and he responded by taking it. The he brought it to his lips and kissed the back of her hand softly.

"I wish she could have known you." He gave her the greatest praise that he could offer.

Out of their children and grandchildren and now great-grand children she was the one that most had her beauty and fire. And somehow the fates had also bestowed her Slayer gifts on this child. She would never fit in here. Just as Buffy had never really fitted in. She had made her peace with this world but had always desired to go home. And death had taken her before her wish could be granted. That the portal would reopen and allow them to leave Moralynn and return to Sunnydale.

His free hand reached out to lovingly caress the satchel that he had brought with him. Inside were her journals and letters to Dawn and her friends. And the portraits he had drawn of her marking the passage of time. Even if she couldn't return to them, they would know what happened to her. And this time they could let her go.

He sighed and wiped away the tear that fell down his cheek. After twenty- nine years of being without her it still hurt to think of her. And their life together.

A bright blue light appeared on the beach. It slowly grew from a small dot to the size of a doorway. Grabbing the satchel he stood and hurriedly headed toward it. It was time. Time for him to return to Buffy's world. A hand tentatively reached out to stop him. He had forgotten that Zaira was with him. He turned back and quickly pulled her into a hug.

"I'll never forget you. You have my love, Princess." Then he turned away from her tear-streaked face and walked into the light.

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Chapter 1 - Satin and Lace

Buffy stood before the open door of the refrigerator perusing the nonexistent contents. Except for a few dried up pieces of pizza and bottled water there was just empty shelves. She thought that sometimes it would be nice just to have a grocery fairy that would magically fill the place with lots of good munchies. She sighed knowing that she would end up being that fairy. If the shopping was going to get done it would be her. Like she did all the cleaning. Closing the door with a bang she turned back toward the rest of the kitchen. Dishes were piled high in the sink and the counters looked like they were turning into mountainous terrain from never being wiped down.

Well at least her Saturday's were filled with productive work and not doing silly things like going to the movies or hanging out with friends like the rest of her housemates. Willow and Tara were getting ready to go and see a new movie and Dawn had gone to Janice's house for the day. It didn't seem like any of them were really concerned with the ways things were. If her mom could see the way her house looked she would definitely be upset. The house had always been clean and there was always food. Buffy put the plug in the sink and turned the water on to fill it up with soapy water.

She turned as the back door suddenly opened and Spike came barging in. She never could understand why he insisted on traveling about in the day. It was kind of suspicious looking for him to wander around town with a blanket covering him. One of these days somebody would stop him and he would go up in flames. Hmmm, maybe it wasn't such a bad idea for him to about in sunlight. Then she wouldn't have to keep making excuses for not staking him. But no that wasn't really fair because he had been a good friend to her lately.

He looked over at her and smiled.

"Hello, Goldilocks!"

"Spike and what exactly are you doing here?" Buffy was trying very hard not to smile at him. He had this effect of making everything easier lately and she was finding it hard to fight this attraction to him.

"Was bored. Just thought I would visit my favorite family. So, what are you up to?" He asked nonchalantly as he walked slowly over to Buffy.

It was the predatory walk of his that made Buffy finally smile. He was like a jungle cat stalking his prey. And her stomach was slowly being tied into knots as he approached. It was so much easier when he had just been the enemy. Not so confusing as now when he was the only one that could make her feel something besides numbing depression at being back.

"Made ya smile!" He leaned in real close and whispered in her ear.

She pushed him away from her as the vibrations of his voice tickled her ear.

"Yeah, and your point." She frowned again and turned back toward the sink.

Spike moved away from her and went to sit on a stool at the kitchen island as she started in on the mountain of dishes. He hated seeing her acting like some damn housewife or something. She was meant for greatness not drudgery. He wished he could he take her somewhere where she wouldn't have to deal with this. Take her to the greatest cities in the world and dress her in satin and lace. Let her see everything the world had to offer and then make love to her all day. But it would never happen. Not in this lifetime anyway. She was committed to her family, friends and Sunnydale. And he was the only one who knew she was miserable because of it.

Willow came hastily through the kitchen and headed toward the basement door.

"Have to get my clothes out of the dryer. Tara and I are going to be late if I don't get a move on. Hi Spike." She explained as she disappeared down the steps.

"Why don't they help with this mess?" Spike asked Buffy as he watched Willow disappear.

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and continued with her chore. It was something she was wondering herself. But she felt enough guilt at her lack of gratitude to push the issue. She was afraid that in the middle of an argument her unhappiness would slip through and her friends would be hurt. So, she kept quiet and kept taking care of everything.

"Help, Buffy, Help!" Willow screamed from the recesses of the basement.

Spike followed Buffy down into the cellar where a demon was about to attack Willow. Buffy jumped over the railing to pull it away from her friend. In the corner of her eye she could see a blue light shaped like a door on the back wall. This must be where this beast had come from and in her opinion really needed to go back into. As she pummeled the creature she tried to make it move back toward the portal. Spike moved on the other side and tried to help Buffy contain it. Then it moved suddenly knocking Spike backwards and headed for the stairs at a run. Buffy reached up and grabbed the demon by the belt before it got far and pulled it back. Spike recovered and advanced toward the two prepared to help make this demon go in reverse.

Grabbing the other side of the demon's belt the two of them were able to drag it back across the basement. They gave one giant tug at the same and pushed it back into the portal. But as they went to move out of the way the demon grabbed onto to them and pulled them with him.

"Buffy!" Willow shouted for her friend as she disappeared into the blue light with the demon and Spike. Moving toward it she was prepared to reach through and try to pull her friend back. But it disappeared as quickly as it came. The portal had closed with her friend on the other side.

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Chapter 2 - Spoken For

The trio came tumbling out of the light landing in a heap onto the ground. The demon was angry at being taken out of the new place and pushed at the two humans on top of him. Buffy and Spike found themselves a few feet away on their butts as the demon recouped and charged toward them. They quickly scrambled to their feet and separated so that the demon ran between them. As it passed Buffy tripped it and as it landed on the ground Spike kicked it soundly on the side and then the head.

"Just kill it already!" Buffy muttered to the vampire as she bent to grab the demon by its head and quickly snapped its neck.

She turned back toward where the portal had been and realized it was gone. Wherever they were they were stuck. There was no way home. Spike came up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry we'll find a way back." He tried to reassure her when he actually had no clue what they should do now.

Buffy turned back to him and really wanted to wail. But instead she pushed Spike down onto the ground as another demon was about to take his head off with a double-edge axe. She bent down and then came up to punch the demon in the stomach then across his jaw. As she fought with this one several more appeared around them and they both took to fighting them off. But as the demons grew more numerous, humans also appeared. It seemed they had managed to land in the middle of a battle between humans and demons.

Buffy felt exhilaration surge in her as the fighting continued and the humans were winning. Back home she was the one to do most of the fighting and it felt good to be in the company of people who could fight this good. This was being alive she thought. She looked for Spike as soon as the fighting slowed down and saw him finishing off one the demons. Their eyes met as he felt her watching him and she saw the same feeling mirrored in his eyes. Her body responded to the electricity generated between them and liquid heat began to pool between her legs. Afraid that he would read her thoughts she quickly looked away from him.

A large man with flowing red hair approached her. Spike hurried to her side. Until he was sure that these people wouldn't hurt them he didn't want to be far from her.

The man grinned and thrust a hand toward Spike.

"My name is Eachann. And what are you called?"

Spike accepted the handshake.

"I'm Spike and this is Buffy."

Eachann looked Buffy over with approval in his green eyes.

"Pretty little thing isn't she. She belong to you?" Eachann questioned Spike. He didn't want Buffy himself but it was never too early to establish territory with his men always looking for someone to warm their bed.

Spike had a pretty good idea what this man was doing. He could see the look in some of the men's eyes that now stood behind Eachann. He just hoped Buffy would play along and not make them have to defend her honor. But he could feel her bristling at this man and knew that she wouldn't keep quiet long. But before she could do anything a woman pushed her way from the back of the group toward them.

"Do you men ever think with anything other than what's between your legs?" She loudly asked them.

She came to stand in front of Buffy.

"My name is Saoirse. Their good men," She gestured with her head toward the group. "But still just men. And we have been on the road for a long time."

Saoirse said the last part softly so only Buffy and Spike could hear. Buffy looked at the woman standing before her. She was almost six feet tall and broad through her shoulders. Her dark hair was braided and fell almost to her waist. She also had the kindest eyes Buffy had ever seen.

In response to the dynamics going on around her and to answer everyone's question she placed her hand on Spike's arm and stepped closer to him. The tension melted away. This one was spoken for and was to be left alone.

Eachann turned back toward his men and began to shout orders.

"Night is going to be here soon. Get the horses rounded up and prepare to burn the bodies of the dead."

The fighters quickly began to work. This was something they had done often. Everyone knew what was expected and did it without question. Saoirse told Buffy that she would return soon and moved off to do her duties.

Eachann faced the pair again and began to question them. Where had they come from? Why were they here? Did they bring anything with them? Any weapons?

Buffy allowed Spike to answer him. She watched as the bodies of the fighters and the demons were brought into one pile to be burned together. The area was cleared around it so the forest wouldn't burn too. The weapons of the dead were also thrown into one pile and the horses rounded up.

"Bring the newcomers a horse! And make it a decent one" Eachann shouted at the young man that was holding the horses together. Then he turned back to Spike and told him to select weapons for them.

Buffy followed Spike to the weapons pile and helped him sift through them to find ones they would be comfortable with. As they knelt there he told her in a low voice that Eachann was taking them with him and his men. That they would talk about the portal when they made camp tonight. And where they were. As she started to protest that they needed to stay here so they could leave when it opened again, he told her that this battle was only the beginning. That this forest they were in would soon be overrun with demons.

He reached out and stroked her hair as he saw the tears gather in her eyes. She didn't deserve this! To be pulled from one world to another without time to adjust. She had been pulled from heaven and forced to crawl out of her coffin. Then thrust into this strange land. He wondered how long her emotions could take this. Buffy pulled away from him and stood.

"Don't think that just because I am letting them think that you're my boyfriend or something that you are!"

Spike gathered up the weapons he had chosen and stood.

"Of course not, Slayer" He cocked his head and turned away from her.

But not before she saw the hurt in his eyes. Looking around her in the falling dusk she could see the beauty that was still there in aftermath of the battle. She tilted her head to catch the last rays of the sun and gasped as she realized there were two of them. Two suns! And Spike had been standing in direct sunlight. Not taking her eyes from them she plucked at his coat sleeve. He turned to look at her then followed her gaze into the sky.

As he looked at the suns that were dipping low into the sky he realized that they had traveled to another dimension altogether. He had heard tales of beings crossing between worlds but had never thought that he would. Buffy's small hand curled into his. He sighed. He knew that she only did it because he was the only familiar thing around. She never would admit it but he knew that she was frightened.

"Let's go you two."

Eachann was already on his horse as was everyone else. It was time to move on.

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Chapter 3 - In Your Bed I will Sleep

Spike had chuckled as Buffy had swung herself up behind him on the horse. There was no saddle and she had clung to him. Never having been on a horse before she was afraid of falling off the animal. In a way he could get used to the Slayer depending on him like this. And there was none of the Scoobies and Giles to tell him to stay away from her. Yeah, if they wanted their Buffy back she would have to cling to him.

But in the end it was him that was tortured. Her arms were around his waist, her hands splayed on his chest and stomach. Her breath caressed his neck as she looked over his shoulder and her breasts were plastered to his back. Her nipples had turned to pebbles from the friction of rubbing on his back. Every time the horse moved her legs rubbed against the back of his and her womanhood was grounded against his butt. He was so hard that he hurt.

As they traveled through the approaching darkness she relaxed a little and leaned her cheek on his back. Her fingers kneading at his shirt like a cat. He reached a hand up and caressed her fingers. He gave them a gentle squeeze. He didn't really want her to be weak and clinging. Buffy in full Slayer mode was what he loved. Had from the first time he had seen her fighting at the Bronze. Wanted her from the second he had seen her dancing and loved her from the first fight. She was truly a warrior and a woman. His woman. Though hell would probably freeze over before she would admit it.

The troop slowed to a halt at a small clearing at the base of a mountain. Everyone dismounted and set about to make camp. Eachann came to them with blankets and told them to choose a spot for sleeping. He warned them to make sure they stayed within the fire's light. Spike chose a spot at the base of a huge tree. That way he could keep Buffy cocooned away from the gazes of the others.

Saoirse came over to them and told Buffy to come with her. She led them a little ways into the forest. Smiling she explained that it was so they take care of personal business away from the men. Buffy was relieved because she was wondering where to go and it was nice to have Saoirse rather than Spike. Not that squatting in the forest was okay but if she had to do it, it was better without men around.

As they made their way back to camp they could smell the beginning of meat being roasted. Buffy's stomach growled it seemed like years since breakfast. She settled down next to Spike on the blanket and waited for dinner to be ready. Eachann sat next to them and made himself available to their questions. Saoirse also settled near them.

He explained that the land they were in was called Moyalynn. A small region of a world overrun with demons and cruel overlords. The overlords were planning an invasion of Moyalynn to gain more workers for their fields and mines. The demons they had fought that afternoon was one of their scouting parties. That this was only the beginning. Eachann explained that they would not go down without a fight. That this was their world too.

The conversation turned to the topic of them returning home. Eachann and Saoirse told them they knew little of the magic needed to open portals. But they told them of a witch that lived near the village that could probably give the information they needed. Eachann offered to guide them to her after they reached home.

Plates of food were being passed around and they ceased talking as they satisfied their hunger. Spike accepted a plate that was heaped with roasted meat and bread. His stomach rolled in hunger but it was not for what was in front of him. He could feel Buffy looking at him but he refused to look at her. There was no way he would look at the amusement in her eyes at his discomfiture. As the others around him starting eating he picked through the food slowly. He would have to find blood to drink soon. At dinners end everyone moved off to their blankets. Tomorrow would be a long ride and everybody needed rest.

Buffy curled onto the corner of the blanket then sat back up. The thing smelled horrible. Spike pulled his duster off and wrapped it around her so she wouldn't have to sleep directly on the blanket. As soon as she was settled he lay next to her on his back.

"Spike, what are you going to do about blood?" She asked him quietly so no one around them could hear. He could almost believe the sound of concern in her voice was for him. But he knew it wasn't.

He told her that he would try to find a small animal to eat tomorrow. That he would be okay until then. She knew that he was putting on a show of bravado but she let it rest. If she had to she would find a way to help him. Thus deciding the matter was settled she drifted off to sleep.

Spike lay awake for a while staring at the large red moon that hung over the land. He just hoped that tomorrow he would be able to feed before the hunger started to drive him mad.

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Chapter 4 - Hunger

The next day they began to travel at first daylight. Buffy began to relax on the horse and to loosen her grip on Spike. He wasn't sure if it was easier or if it was worse. As she twisted around to take in her surroundings her hands moved around. They moved from his waist to his hips back to his stomach and sometimes across his back. Between the gnawing hunger and her movements he felt that the might go insane.

As they took a break for a quick bite and to handle personal business Spike wandered into the forest to try to catch a rabbit or something but had no luck. But the men bagged a deer for their supper tonight. When he saw the blood running down its back from an arrow wound he started to salivate. Buffy watched and worried about him. She wasn't sure what happened to a vampire if they were denied blood for a long period of time. Spike tried to get close to the deer without anyone being aware but Eachann called for them to mount up. His chance was lost.

Eachann led them at a grueling pace for the rest of the afternoon. It took all Spike had to concentrate on leading the horse. He was thankful for the distraction and was almost able to block everything out but the movement of the horse below him. Buffy stayed quiet and as still as she could be as they pounded out mile after mile.

When they finally stopped for the night Buffy took Spike's hand and pulled him away from the others. The confusion that occurred as the camp set up would mask their absence for a while. Buffy came to a stop about 50 yards into the surrounding forest and pulled them behind a tree. His heart almost stopped at the look in her eyes. If he were a fool he would say it was love that shone in her eyes. Her hand came up to caress his cheek.

"Feed from me." She spoke the words so softly he barely heard her.

He took a step back in horror. How could she of all people suggest that! He knew that Angel had fed from her to save himself. But he wouldn't. He couldn't. It would cross a line that could never be uncrossed. A part of her would be lost to him.

"I can't Buffy" His words reflecting the feelings coursing through him.

Buffy thought he was afraid of the pain from the chip.

"Spike, you can't go without.food. Maybe if the person is willing it won't hurt as much."

She reached down and pulled her knife from its sheath. Before he could stop her she had pulled the blade across her neck. Just a small cut. Just enough to draw blood. The copper scent teased his nostrils. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes never left his as she moved closer to him. Then she pulled his head down into the crook of her neck. A sob escaped from him as he realized he wouldn't be able to resist and Buffy felt his tears fall onto her skin. His tongue ran gently over the cut giving him a taste of what he craved. She softly ran her hand through his hair and crooned to him that it was okay. A growl escaped from him as the demon took control. She braced herself for the bite as his arms pulled her closer.

But as he was about to bite her he was pulled from her and thrown back on to the tree with a knife at his throat.

"What kind of creature are you?'

The man that held the knife to Spike was the same one that been eyeing Buffy all along. He had been looking for an excuse to get rid of him so that he could claim his woman. Buffy kicked the man in his stomach causing him to fall. As he did Spike took his knife away from him. By then half the camp was there and watching. Eachann and Saoirse made their way to the front.

Their attacker stood and told Eachann and the others what he had seen. But it was evident. Spike's vampire face was still in place.

"He's a vampire. He needs blood to stay alive." Buffy came to stand in front of Spike ready to fight off anyone that tried to hurt him.

"I have heard of people with this affliction but from other worlds not ours. Would he have killed you girl?" Eachann looked down at Buffy. He was confused because he had been told these vampires were monsters that took the lives of humans. His new friend looked like a demon now but yet his woman defended him.

"He's starving. He hasn't eaten in two days. I was forcing him to feed from me. He didn't want to." Buffy explained. She could only hope that the others would believe her.

"Don't listen to her. This creature needs to be killed now before he kills us all." The man turned to the others to try to garner support.

Saoirse turned to the men behind her.

"She did what any woman would do for her man. She will give everything she has to keep him safe. Would you expect less from the women you have waiting for you? Would they expect less from you?"

The men settled down a little and waited. They had never seen a vampire before and had only heard tales from men that were known for stretching the truth. They trusted Eachann's judgment and would follow his lead.

"Does it have to be human blood or would any blood do?" Eachann questioned Buffy.

Buffy told him that animal blood would do. Eachann turned to the men and told them to go about their business. Gesturing to Spike to follow him he headed back into camp. Buffy and Saoirse followed behind them. Saoirse pulled Buffy to a stop as the men approached the deer that would soon be butchered for supper. Eachann gave the orders for the deer to be strung up then called for a bucket and a ladle. Pulling his knife he sliced the animal across the throat. Blood poured from the wound into the bucket. As it was nearing the top Eachann pulled it away from the stream and then led Spike away from the prying eyes of everyone.

Buffy started to follow but Saoirse stopped her.

"Leave them be. Man talk." She led Buffy toward the fire.

As they settled onto a blanket she reached for her pack and rummaged through it. She pulled from it a piece of leather and a comb handing both to Buffy.

"I thought you might want to pull your hair back." Saoirse explained to a surprised Buffy.

"Thank you." Buffy started to comb through her hair. "Saoirse why do you travel with them and why do you fight?"

Saoirse told her of the man she was to marry. That they had grown up together and had known from the beginning that they were meant to be. Of how he was killed by the demons almost a year ago and her life had been taken from her. She knew that she could never marry another so had joined the fighting. "And why do you fight?" There were few women that would take up the arms of battle. Most of them were in Saoirse's position but Buffy seemed too young to be in that position.

"It is my destiny." Buffy said softly.

Before Saoirse could question her further they saw Spike and Eachann walking toward them.

Eachann led Spike down toward the river near camp and sat on a fallen log. Spike cautiously sat next to him. He wondered if it was a trap of some sort. Buffy was still up at camp somewhere and he didn't like being separated from her. But his hunger for blood was beginning to eat at his reasoning and so he followed his strongest need at the moment.

The bucket was placed in front of him and the ladle handed to him. Spike dipped the ladle and pulled it to his mouth. As the first drop reached his mouth he quickly began to gulp the vital fluid down. After several ladles full he slowed to a stop. The world was clearer now and he felt sated. Eachann still sat beside him looking down to the river.

"I don't understand your kind" Eachann began to speak. "But for the short time that we have been acquainted you have proven yourself. To be a warrior and a gentleman in the way you protect that girl. As long as these are your true colors I can live with your affliction. I will see to that you are taken care of in your needs as I would of any of my men. But the first time there is betrayal I will kill you myself. Understand?"

Spike looked in amazement at his companion. He was going to accept him at face value. After only a couple of days this man saw more in him than Buffy and her friends had seen in years. And he vowed in his heart not to let this man down.

"I understand."

Without further words they made their way to the camp.

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Chapter 5 - A Whole New World

The next day they arrived back at the village that these fighters called home. Everyone had been pushing themselves and their horses to get back home. The closer they got the quieter Buffy got. She wasn't going home and didn't know if she ever would. Spike could feel her tears as they fell onto his back.

The edge of the forest was now in view and even the horses lunged forward. But then they stopped right there at the edge. They looked down at the valley that was their home with wonder and joy. Spike nudged his horse forward so that he and Buffy could see their destination. The forest stopped at the top of a hill that dipped down into a large valley. They could see the homes and the fields that made up the landscape. A river wound down from the mountain through the edge of the village before emptying out to the sea. Fields were on either side going on for miles. In the center of the town was a large building with a market area around it. Buffy and Spike stared in awe at the sight before them. It was a really beautiful place.

"Spike, look!" Buffy gasped.

She was pointing toward the sea at the far end of the village. He followed her gaze and it took a moment for the sight he was looking at to register. The water was lavender in color and was so clear that you could see the bottom.

The more they traveled this land the more wondrous it became.

Then one of the men let out a whoop and started to ride down the mountain and the others began to follow. Soon all the fighters were yelling and letting out loud war cries as they headed home. Someone in the village started to ring a bell and people came pouring from their homes in response. They ran toward their returning men. Kisses were shared and hugs were all around.

Buffy slid from the horse and waited. Spike followed and stood beside her. They watched their new friends and comrades being welcomed by their families and felt homesick. She reached out to hold Spike's hand. She was amazed at herself at how quickly she had become comfortable with touching him. It was like he was a part of her. The only part that made home still seem real in this new place.

Eachann turned to approach the couple, his arm around a woman that could only be his wife.

"My friends, I wish you to meet, Hannah, my wife. And Hannah these are new friends, Spike and Buffy."

Hannah approached them with a smile on her face and hugged them both. Any friends of her husband were welcome. They invited the couple to go to their home and stay until things could be sorted out.

Buffy and Spike followed them to their cottage that was on the far side of the village close to the sea. They weren't quite sure what to expect inside but found it was comfortable. Although void of the things they were used to, like electricity and running water, it wasn't too bad. The floor was made of stone and there was a huge fireplace in the main room to heat the cottage. Off of the main room was a kitchen with another fireplace and what looked like a wood burning stove. There was a pump to bring water into the home.

After they had been shown around the small house Hannah took Buffy into a small room behind the bedrooms. It wasn't the kind of bathroom that Buffy was used too but it would do. There was a pump there and a small tub to stand in to allow the water to run over her. It was icy cold but yet it felt wonderful to her. Two days of traveling grime and dust covered her and she had never felt so dirty in her life. Hannah had also brought a dress and some underclothes for her to wear until her things could be washed. Buffy chuckled as she put on the underclothes. There was no elastic and they had to be tied around her waist. The dress was a little big on her but she could tie it in the back and make it tighter on her. It was of soft blue and reached down to her ankles. She walked to the front room again. For some reason she felt shy as Spike looked at her with approval in his eyes. She quickly pushed the feeling away. This place was seriously beginning to mess with her head if she was looking to Spike for approval on her looks.

She turned from everyone and went to kneel in front of the fire. Using the comb that Saoirse had given her she began to work the tangles from her wet hair. As she struggled to pull it through the tangles she felt a hand take the comb from her. Spike knelt behind her and began to work the comb through her hair. Gently separating the knots with his fingers and then letting the strands flow over his hands. She relaxed as he took care of her. It felt nice to be pampered for a change.

"Thank you." She turned to him as he finished.

It was then that she finally noticed that he had cleaned up and changed to. He was wearing dark brown leather pants that laced up the front. And a white shirt that also laced up the front but he had left it open giving her a view of his muscled chest. She took her eyes from his chest and moved up to meet his eyes. Even his hair was different. Not having gel to plaster it to his head, it was softly curling against his scalp. Spike had never looked so good. Their eyes met again and she looked into the depth of his blue eyes. And felt out of her element as she saw only love there.

Before either could say or do anything Hannah called for everyone to come to dinner. Eachann explained to her about Spike. Like everyone else here she reacted with neither fear nor disgust at him. She just quickly sent her oldest son to the butcher to acquire blood for Spike.

The rest of the evening passed quickly as they talked of Moralynn and the fight to come. Eachann had promised to take them to someone tomorrow who might be able to help them home. Hannah brought out blankets and pillows for them. They piled the blankets on the floor in front of the fire to make a bed for them. Buffy was just grateful that these were at least clean and smelled good.

Like she had for the past two nights Buffy curled on her side with her back to Spike. He lay next to her and stared up at the ceiling. He would wait until he knew that she was asleep before he would relax enough to sleep himself. Then he heard a small sob coming from Buffy. He turned to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Buffy, you okay?" He asked her softly.

She shook his hand from her shoulder and didn't answer him. He laid back down on his back. It hurt that she couldn't even turn to him when she was in pain. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the sobs that were growing in strength. When suddenly Buffy turned and curled herself into his side. She wrapped her arm around him. Spike went still in astonishment then when he realized it was real he moved to cradle her against him.

"Spike, what if we never get home? I miss them so much. It's only been two days but it feels like forever. What is Dawn going to do? It's going to tear her apart. With both of us gone." She got the words out between sobs.

Spike held her and rubbed her back. He waited until the sobs had diminished to sniffles before he spoke.

"Buffy, tomorrow we'll start looking for a way home. And I won't give up until we do." He cradled her face in his hands wiping the tears from her cheeks.

He gently kissed her forehead and pulled her closer to him. They fell asleep curled together. Buffy clinging to the only lifeline she had. Spike was holding onto the woman that he loved and vowed to protect.

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Chapter 6 - Play With My Emotions

There was something hot and sticky covering him. Whatever it was it covered his torso and left him feeling suffocated. That is if he could be suffocated. Spike shook his head in an attempt to come to full awareness. He realized it was Buffy when he attempted to eradicate himself from the heat. She was burning up and a gleam of sweat covered her skin. Rolling her onto her back he tried to wake her by calling her name. When she didn't respond to him he tried shaking her. Weakly waving her hand she tried to roll away from him but didn't have the strength. Spike felt the fear clutching at his heart as he called out to Eachann and Hannah to come and help.

Hannah came bustling into the room with Eachann on her heels. Quickly moving Spike out of the way she knelt beside Buffy and began to administer to her.

"What are you looking for?" Spike asked as she began to pull Buffy's nightgown aside so that she could look at her legs and arms.

"A scratch mark or blister. Do you know if she has any or if she was bitten by something?" Hannah quickly looked at Spike when she asked then turned back to Buffy.

"She has a scratch on her other arm. She was complaining that it itched."

Hannah pulled up the gown on her arm and took one look at the angry infected would and started issuing orders.

"Eachann start boiling some water. Spike get her up on the table so I have room to work."

Hannah explained that it was from a Lagonin berry bush and was poisonous. She quickly added that it was treatable. Spike stood back and watched as she lanced the wound allowing the poison to drain out. After cleaning the wound she applied a poultice and wrapped it tightly in a clean cloth.

Buffy continued to drift in and out of wakefulness as Spike gently stroked her forehead.

"Is she going to be alright?"

"Yes, by this time tomorrow she should be fine." Hannah went into the kitchen to prepare a tea to bring Buffy's fever down.

Later in the morning Buffy was feeling better and was sitting in a rocking chair drinking a cup of tea. The others were sitting around the table when the discussion turned to the portal. They had arranged for Eachann to guide them to the witch that lived in the dark forest. But with Buffy being ill it seemed that it would have to wait.

"But I am feeling better." Buffy protested about waiting until the next day. "We'll go, all I am going to be doing is riding anyway."

Spike snorted in response to her protest. "Buffy, just an hour ago you were on death's door. You can't be on the back of a horse riding all day! Like it's going to do you any good to get back home dead or something. again!"

"They'll just bring me back again!" She glared at Spike who was glaring back at her. What right did he have to giver her orders. She was the Slayer and he was the.well, whatever he was.

Eachann and Hannah gave each other amused smiles at their squabbling. Eachann cleared his throat to get their attention. Two blond heads swung in his direction.

"Excuse me, I hate to break up the little lover's quarrel but I have an idea."

Buffy quickly interrupted his suggestion with, "We are not lovers! I just said that so there wouldn't be a problem out there." She gestured with her hand in the direction of the forest.

Eachann smiled at her as if he didn't believe her and continued. "Umm. Anyway, why don't Spike and I go ahead and go up there today? And you can stay here and rest."

Buffy eyes widened at his suggestion then gave him an emphatic no.

"Why ever not, girl? If you're in an all fire hurry to return then that would seem like the best solution." Eachann queried of her.

When Buffy hesitated Spike answered for her. "Because she doesn't trust me." He bent his head to stare at his hands on the table. It hurt that Buffy would deny their 'relationship' she had used for protection only two days ago and that now they would know that she didn't even trust him on top of that.

"Spike, it's not that. I just want to hear for myself." She saw his bent head and the look on his face. Why did he do this to her? Turn her from anger to caring all within a few minutes. Then she remembered Glory and what she had done to this vampire. And he hadn't betrayed her. Wouldn't he want to go home too? She sighed and gave in.

"Go."

Spike looked up at her with wonder in his eyes. She was going to trust him with this. A grin stole across his face. When Buffy saw the delight on his face she laughed and rolled her eyes. There he went again playing with her emotions.

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Chapter 7 - Sealing Her Fate

The woods were heavy with a dank sinister air. It was barely noon and it was as dark as midnight. The silence was only broken by an occasional screech from a bird or other animal. The further the two riders went in the denser the underbrush became. Eventually they had to travel single file. Spike followed slowly behind Eachann as their horses carefully picked their way along the overgrown path. Then from out of nowhere there was a clearing that held a small cottage. The cottage seemed to be growing out of the woods surrounding it. Like the forest had grown the small dwelling when it grew the massive trees that surrounded it. Floating toward the treetops was a small trail of a bluish purple smoke that drifted from the chimney of the cottage.

Eachann stopped his horse as soon as he had cleared the way for Spike to come through. The two men dismounted and turned to look toward the cottage. Spike was really wishing for a cigarette at this point. Not that he was having withdrawals but because it would calm the uneasy feeling churning in his stomach.

"I will wait for you here." Eachann told him as he reached for the reins of his horse.

Spike approached the dwelling cautiously. Supposedly a witch lived here but who only knew what other beasties might dwell with her. As he neared the front door it swung open before him. The inside was dark and the scent of strong herbs and incense drifted toward him. He stepped through the doorway into a small room that was surprisingly clean and comfortable.

"Come in, Come in, I have been expecting you." A small bent over elderly woman came from a back room carrying a tray with her.

"You have? And just how did you come by that news?" Spike sarcastically asked her.

"Humph, your aura has preceded you. I could smell your essence from halfway down the mountainside." As she answered him she sat at a small table by the fire gesturing him to sit across from her. On the tray she had two mugs of tea. She picked one up and sipped from it indicating that Spike should help himself to the other.

He studied the woman across from him as he took a sip of the drink. She was so old that you couldn't put an age on her. The wrinkles across her face fell one on top of the other. Her hair was completely white and her hands were gnarled as she held onto her drink.

"And what conclusions have you come to?" She asked him with a laugh in her voice.

"That you are an old crone who has probably been driven insane from living alone!" Spike told her. She was just a little too stereotypical of a fairy tale witch for him. She probably had no gifts at all.

To his surprise she threw her head back and laughed at him. Then before he could blink she had transformed herself into a beautiful woman. With long black hair and sparkling green eyes and a body that any woman would kill for. She reminded him of a long sleek black cat.

"I am whoever you need me to be. I am whatever time calls for me to be. I am everywhere and nowhere. And I am always alive from the beginning to the end." She leaned toward him laughing at his surprise. Spike's eyes grew wide at her transformation. Then she transformed herself back into the old hag.

"So, what can I do for you? A love spell right." She asked with a half smile.

"And what makes you think that I need a love spell?"

"Ummm, I told you I could sense you. Your aura screams of a broken heart and your essence is that of a great sexual frustration. I can give you a potion that will make her crave you the way that you crave her. She will need you always and give you whatever you want." The crone offered.

"Really?" Spike considered the offer then remembered the fiasco of the Buffybot. And the kiss that Buffy had given him for his loyalty. He preferred the real thing and would wait until it was offered. He declined her offer then explained the real reason he was there.

The witch stared into the fire for a moment then looked at him with pity in her eyes.

"The safest way for you to return would be to have the portal reopened at the site it was originally opened. But it will need to recharge itself and that can take time."

She went on to explain to him that she could give him an incantation to open a gateway but it wouldn't necessarily open where they wanted it to or at the time they wanted it to. Moralynn was a world that was easy to get into but not out of. The overlords had protected the boundaries of this world so their 'slaves' couldn't leave. After protecting the dimension walls they had gone on a hunt to destroy anyone of mystical or magical tendencies. The result was when the words of the incantation were spoken the gateways were distorted so that the destination was unclear. Sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't.

"So, we just need to be where the portal opened the first time and wait for it to open again. So, how did it open in the first place?"

"There had to have been an incantation or a chant to have it open. Was anyone doing it from where you were?"

Spike thought back and remembered that he had heard Willow singing something in the basement before she had screamed. So, she had to have been the one to open it. And Willow would figure it out and open it again. He explained this to the witch.

She reached for his mug then asked for his hand. Holding his hand over the tea she sliced his finger and let a drop of blood drip into it. She swirled the mixture around speaking an incantation then threw the liquid into the fire. When it hit the flames there was a loud popping sound. She waved her hands and a cloud appeared above the fire.

"You will be disappointed. The portal will open again but she will not have it just right. It will open on the beach and she will do it within eight minutes of your time."

"Eight minutes then we missed it." Damn it maybe he should have listened to Buffy and stayed back in the woods. She was going to kill him when she found out they had missed it. Maybe Willow and the others would come looking for them or keep opening the portal till they got there.

The old crone looked at him and spoke the words that would seal Buffy's fate.

"Time moves differently in our world from yours. Eight minutes there is eighty years here."

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Chapter 8 - The Best Thing

Eachann was sitting on an old tree stump staring down the mountain at Moralynn. He knew more about portals than he had told Spike or Buffy but realized that they would have to discover the truth for themselves. This world had once been a powerful mystical realm full of good and dark magics. But as the overlords had taken more control the witches and warlocks had been hunted in an attempt to destroy their power. The witch that lived here was one of the last powerful one. Her mountain surrounded by a field of magic that would allow only those she wished to see in. The others were hopelessly lost in a forest filled with unimaginable horrors.

Spike approached Eachann and sat beside him. The witch had told him all that she knew and had given him the words of the incantation that would allow them to leave this world. But only the fates would know where they would go. The knowledge that Buffy would die of old age before they could get home weighed heavy on his heart. Buffy would be dead before they ever knew she was gone! Should he give her the words he held and cast them to the whims of fate? He looked down at the village below. He knew of demon dimensions and the horrors they held. To think of Buffy suffering in one made him want to scream at the heavens. It just wasn't fair that this should happen to her. The decision was his. He held their fates in his hands.

"I have heard tales of people passing through the portals. Sometimes they return as old man on the verge of death when they have only been gone an hour. Sometimes they return to find their families already passed on. Or they return insane unable to function at all. And sometimes they never return." Eachann told Spike. He knew that Spike was weighing the news he had been told. And it would tear his new friend up no matter which way he decided to go.

Spike looked at the man beside him with tears in his eyes.

"What do I do? She will want to start portal jumping because it's what she should do. She should go home. It is her duty to protect them." Spike was pleading. He didn't want to make this decision. Because somewhere inside him was a selfish man. A man who knew that if they stayed here Buffy would be dependent on him. Without the others around she might let him into her heart. And he wanted to give in to it so badly.

All the words and all the roads lay before him. He knew that what he should do is go to her and tell her everything and let her decide her fate. And it would decide his fate because if she went through a portal he would be right behind her. But in a way he didn't want to leave. He had a chance for a new start with people who didn't think he was a monster. Who looked on him as a friend.

The confusion was causing a war between the man who was still there and the demon that had taken control. He put his head down into his hands and tried to control the thoughts that ran through his mind. Buffy would never forgive him if she found out that he had not told her everything. He stood and let out a scream. Damn it. Spike strode to his horse and mounted it to head home.

"Your not going to tell her everything, are you?" Eachann asked as he followed Spike.

Spike stared down at the village. The decision had been made. For selfish reason or to protect her it was done. Buffy would never know of the incantation to open the portal. They would stay here and build a life. She would be better off staying here than jumping from one world to another. He ignored the voice that said there was a chance for them to make it home. It would be all right. He would find a way to make her happy and to make her love him. There wasn't anything or anyone standing in his way now.

When the two men approached the cottage Eachann realized his home was too quiet for late afternoon. His sons did not come running out to meet him and the shutters were drawn on the house. He opened the door quietly and took a look around. Buffy was sleeping curled up on hers and Spike's makeshift bed. Hannah was in the kitchen starting to prepare the evening meal. She whispered that she had sent the boys to a friend's house to play so Buffy would be undisturbed.

Spike remained standing inside the door. His expression was one of a man in agony and his eyes stayed on the sleeping slayer. Eachann reached out and patted his shoulder and told him that Hannah and him were going to leave. This would give Buffy and Spike an opportunity to talk alone. After they left Spike moved to kneel beside Buffy. Reaching out a hand he gently shook her shoulder and called her name.

"You did that this morning." She rolled over to look at him and frowned when she saw the look in his eyes. "When are we going home, Spike?"

He couldn't look at her. His eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill over. How could he tell her? But she knew something was wrong and sat up.

"Spike, when are we going home?" He was scaring her. Why was he doing this? They had to be going home. Didn't they?

"Oh, God, Buffy, I'm sorry. All we can do is wait for Willow to open it again."

"So, we need to be back in the forest, right? We need to get back there." Buffy started to stand but Spike pulled her back down.

"She said that the portal would follow the energy of the person that went through it. And when Willow opens it, it will be near us since the demon is dead." Spike was thinking fast. The lie just came, naturally and with ease. "And if we are separated then it will open near you because I was the last one through."

"Well, how soon do we have to wait?"

"The portal's energy needs to recharge before she can attempt it." He hesitated because he didn't want her to wait forever. For her to just hold onto a hope and never attempt to have a life here. He turned to look her in the eyes. "But time moves differently here, pet. It moves faster here. What is minutes at home could be years here."

"Are you saying that I will never go home?" She asked him in disbelief.

"I don't know. We can only hope that Willow hurries."

Buffy seemed to crumple within herself but she didn't cry. It was worse than she had ever though it could be. She laid back down curling into a fetal position and stared into the dying fire. How could this be? That she was stranded in this world. That she was stranded with Spike. The faces of Dawn and the others went through her mind. If what Spike said was true than with the exception of Willow they probably didn't even know she was gone. They had just brought her back. And now she was gone again. She almost laughed at the thought of her being a human yo-yo. Being pulled from Earth to heaven to Earth to this place. If you thought about it, it was kind of funny.

She could feel Spike still beside her. He was probably waiting for her to fall apart so he could take care of her. She decided not to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry over this. She was stronger than that. But it was so hard. What would she do here? Where would she live? Would Spike leave her alone?

Spike reached a hand to touch Buffy. She was so still and quiet and it was frightening him to see her like this. He had expected for her to scream and demand to be taken to the witch herself. That she would punch him or blame him. Maybe even to cry but not this silence. When she didn't shake his hand off he slowly rubbed her back. Like he had on that night on her porch so long ago. He sighed and laid down behind her. Pulling her to him so that she was spooning him he put his arm around her and held her close.

Buffy knew that she should push Spike away. But he wasn't attempting anything or trying to act the big man like she expected. He was just holding her and it felt good. Like the world couldn't get to her. Like she was safe as long as she was in his arms. And tomorrow when she woke this would be all a nightmare and she would be in her bed.

But tomorrow never comes.

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Chapter 9 - Make Me Proud

Night had fallen on Moralynn. The only sounds were of the ocean crashing onto the shore and an occasional night bird singing to its mate. The residents of the village were tucked away in bed dreaming of a better tomorrow. Buffy was once again sleeping in Spike's arms. After Eachann and Hannah had returned the four of them had talked. Eacahnn said to trust the fates and that everything would work out. He volunteered himself and Hannah to help them become adjusted to this place. And he reminded her that Saoirse would be there for her also. She was still unhappy about being here but she felt more secure.

At bedtime she had waited until Spike was already lying down before she joined him. She went into his arms and pulled the blanket around them. It wasn't until she realized that he wasn't going to be a jerk that she allowed herself to relax and drift toward sleep. When she had come to lie against him he had been surprised and touched at her gesture. He was getting his wish but at what price.

It was almost dawn when everything changed for them once again. A pounding on the door to the cottage woke them up and in the background they could hear the town bell ringing hysterically. Eachann hurried to the door and swung it open to find one of the fighters on the other side.

"We have to get everybody together. The demons are attacking on the far side of the village. They're killing everybody and burning the fields." The man panted the words out.

Eacahnn swore and ran back to his room to throw clothes on. Spike and Buffy were quickly dressing to join him. Buffy had run to the kitchen to have some privacy. She was glad that her jeans and shirt were clean again so she wouldn't have to fight in a dress. After they were together they grabbed weapons and followed the men that were already on their way to the fight.

The battle raged until far into the day. The demons just seemed to keep coming and the men were fighting their fatigue. Every man but the old and the young joined in the fight. The women tried to keep the fires controlled. If the crops all burned then they would starve. Spike never left Buffy's side and they fought together always anticipating the others move. And together they took out demon after demon.

By afternoon most of the demons were dead and the fires were flickering out. They stood together in the field and waited for Eachann to tell them what to do next. The people were exhausted and confused. They needed direction. Buffy had seen dead before but not like this. Men, women and children laid out next to each other. Entire families wiped out and she swore that she would help these humans fight back against the demon hordes. It seemed her destiny even had purpose here.

Eacahnn called to them and said the time had come to fight. That it was time for war. His people cheered him. He told them to go home, to rest and clean up. That tomorrow morning they would start planning strategies.

Slowly people started to return to their homes except for those who would patrol the borders until morning. The dead would also be attended to during the night. Those that had lost their homes were invited to stay at the homes of relatives and friends.

When morning came Eachann woke Spike and brought him with him to the meeting at the common room in town. Slowly, other men came in grim faced and ready to fight. The talks began of who would command and who would fight with them. Then Saoirse and Buffy walked into the room. Every voice fell silent and every eye watched them as they approached Eachann.

"We are here to sign up." Saoirse said loudly so that everyone could hear her.

"Saoirse, I know you have been with us in the past on smaller battles but this.this is large scale. It would be better if you and Buffy stayed out of this." Eachann tried to explain to them.

"This is my fight, too. We are both trained for this and can handle it." Saoirse was not giving up.

From the back came the voice of the man who had tried to kill Spike. He didn't like these newcomers and he thought that women had only one place.

"If they think they are so ready for this let the little blond fight me. If she can beat me I'll let 'em in." He swaggered to the front of the room confident that he would win. He would give the concession that Buffy could fight but he was twice as big as her and strong as an axe. Just a few seconds of fighting him and she would be running to hide.

Buffy walked up the arrogant hulk. She tilted her head back and put her hands on her hips. She looked him in the eye and asked. "You think you can fight me and win?"

"Yeah, and why don't we put a side wager on this. If I win, you warm my bed and if you win, I will let you be my commanding officer." He leered down at Buffy. The guy obviously thought he was something else on the battlefield and in bed.

"Okay."

Saoirse tried to stop her but Buffy smiled at her and told her it was okay. The men opened a space for the two of them to fight. Spike moved so that he was closer to Buffy. She gave him a quick glance before moving into the circle. He smiled at her and gave her the thumbs up. He couldn't wait for her to kick this guy's ass.

When the two of them were facing off going around in a circle trying to find an opening move, the man made his first mistake by looking away from Buffy. From there on he was on the losing end. Buffy quickly brought him down with her boot on his chin. Everyone in the room knew that all she had to do was make one move and she would snap his neck.

"As your commanding officer I think the first thing you should do is learn how to respect women." She looked down at him then stepped away.

He stood and faced her. "Yes, of course."

Spike started to laugh at the sight of this huge man taken down by Buffy. Then he started to clap for her and the men slowly started to join in until they were all cheering her. She walked off the floor feeling a little embarrassed at the adulation but it felt good. When she reached Spike he bent down to whisper in her ear.

"I'm proud of you, baby."

Which caused Buffy to blush.

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