Full Circle

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: SOMETHING BLUE



When Buffy heard the words of Morgoth she was completely shocked. She glanced down at her belly as Morgoth continued to stroke her with loving tenderness. Her eyes were able to penetrate through her own flesh and she saw the tiny embryo growing inside her womb. Images of grabbing a sword from her belt and thrusting it deep into her gut killing the spawn of Morgoth flashed in her mind. But due to the spell of the Dark Lord, her reaction was quite the opposite. “This is what you’ve always wanted…what we’ve always wanted.” She corrected herself as she placed her hand atop Morgoth’s. “Our little progeny. Do you think it’ll be a girl or a boy?”

“I care not,” he replied. “Son or daughter…it shall be more powerful than any of my disciples. A true being that shall inherit our skills in inflicting vengeance upon this world.” He laughed. “Oh, how they will tremble when we unleash its wrath upon the world. But now it is time for you to meet my loyal subjects, for they shall now be at your beck and call at all times of the day. Whatever you need, they will see to it that it is done.” He got up out of the bed. “It is time for you to become familiar with my fortress and its occupants. I have much to show you.”

Buffy crawled out of bed. Much to her surprise, Morgoth already had many various types of garments made for her. All the clothing was either blue or black. No whites, pinks or purples. She decided on a flowing navy blue gown that resembled a Greek toga. As they left his chambers, Morgoth’s appearance totally changed. He was no longer the hot stud that Buffy had seen but a tall menacing figure that intimidated all those within this compound. He must have been at least twenty feet tall and his soft pale skin was now rough, thick and deep bronze in color. The only exception was his hands; they were still jet-black. Despite the changes that overcame him, in Buffy’s eyes, he still resembled the handsome Vala who delighted in pleasures of the flesh.

The many inhabitants of Angband gawked at the Slayer as she passed by during her tour. She assumed it was because she was the most beautiful creature within the confines of these walls. Morgoth’s disciples were, quite honestly, uglier than sin. True evil seldom wore a pretty face. Buffy could sense doubt and dread in the minds of many of his servants; they viewed her as the enemy. And the females, they were extremely jealous of her newly exalted position. She was the only one to ever win Morgoth’s affections.

An enormous feast was held that evening in one of the great chambers. Numerous demons were in attendance to celebrate the union of Morgoth and Buffy. Morgoth made the announcement about her pregnancy after the ceremonial sacrifice was performed. Two poor elves, one male and one female, were the victims of that savage ritual killing. Their blood and lymph fluids were extracted from their bodies and gathered into various drinking vessels. Buffy was disgusted by that ghoulish display but she was powerless to do anything about it since she was still under the enchantments of the Dark Lord. “My dear acolytes,” Morgoth began as he grasped a chalice of blood in his blackened hand. “Long have I been absent from my Halls of Hell.” He looked proudly about the room. “For three ages of this world I have been imprisoned, unjustly, in the confines of Mandos…under the ever watchful eye of Námo. I was condemned by the will of those who should be kneeling before me…begging for my mercy!” Morgoth still felt the shame of having to cower down to Manwë and the other Valar but those feelings had already turned into unbridled rage. “Alone I was confined in that impenetrable fortress; plotting ways to exact my revenge on those who have dared to supplant me from my Kingship.” The many creatures in the room made hissing noises followed by venomous words of blasphemy. “But know my good fellows that it was not all in vain. I have been bequeathed with greater powers and knowledge than my brethren and their jealousy of me shall be eternal. I am no blind fool like Manwë! I possessed the foresight to see that this day should one day come. The day in which I would be reunited with my beloved Melisse…and together we shall begin our rain of terror upon all the inhabitants of Eä!” A burst of applause echoed through the chamber. “Rise Melisse,” he said to Buffy, who was sitting at the opposite end of the table. Buffy got to her feet. “Come to me,” he instructed. She walked the length of the table and stood happily beside him. “This is truly a glorious day,” he started again. “Let it be known to all who dwell within these walls that I Melkor, King of the World, have taken Melisse as my wife. We are now bound together for the duration of this world but more importantly she now carries my seed within her womb.” Cheers and the sound of metal clashing upon metal reverberated loudly throughout the great hall. “To that, we shall drink!”

With one voice his minions raised their drinking vessels and shouted, “Blessed be the spawn of Melkor!” As his ‘people’ sipped from the cups, Buffy distinctively heard a loud crunching noise coming from the alter situated behind her. She glanced over her shoulder she saw two wolves devouring the remains of the sacrifices in a ferocious fashion. One of the beasts had just snapped an arm in two at the elbow and was eagerly chewing on the elven fingers. It would normally be a stomach turning experience for the Slayer, but in this instance she only looked away with a smile on her already elated face.

Morgoth then continued his speech. “My darling Melisse came to me by her own free will. Do not harness doubt within your hearts regarding her loyalty. We are bound together, my friends. She bears my mark upon her breast and I bear hers upon mine. Our love is eternal…no matter what boundaries separate us.” He placed his chalice on the table and clapped his hands twice. Immediately one of his cronies came forward carrying a black velvet pillow framed by a crimson cord. On top of the pillow was a circlet of gold that resembled skeletal fingers grasping an onyx heart. “I have wrought this especially for you my love,” Morgoth said softly as he took the crown off the pillow.

It was a creepy looking thing. But Buffy found herself saying, “It is a thing of beauty, my lord…but am I not worthy enough to receive a gem of greater value…say a Silmaril?” Buffy’s eyes glanced up at the iron crown upon his head in which the three precious jewels of Fëanor were set.

His facial expression turned from joy to anger at the mention of those jewels. His reply came in the form of a slap that sent her flying across the room. A hushed silence fell across the room…even the wolves stopped feasting on their delectable morsels. Morgoth was seething. “A hefty price I have paid to obtain these precious jewels. They are mine and mine alone! I will not part with them…not even for you Melisse.”

Buffy wiped the blood from her split lip as she crawled back to Morgoth. “Forgive me, Lord. I only thought…”

“It is not your job to think,” he sneered at her. “I will tell you when to think. Do not let that thought enter your mind again or you shall pay dearly, love. That is not a mere threat, but a promise that I intend to keep.” Buffy cowered at his feet uttering unintelligible apologies. The sight of that softened the heart of Morgoth. “Stand Melisse,” he instructed. Buffy rose to her feet with her head bowed. The occupants in the chamber remained completely quiet. He lifted her chin and looked deep into her eyes. “I reckon that I have made my point clear enough.” He licked the gash on her lip and immediately it was healed. “Do not broach that subject again or I will not show you the same mercy that I just have.”

“Sorry…I won’t Melkor,” she groveled. “I am ever grateful for your kindness. I was stupid and ignorant to even suggest such a thing. I am…beneath you.”

He smiled at her words. “That was not so bad, was it? You are forgiven.” He picked up the circlet and placed it on her head. It fit perfectly. “Let it be known from this day forward that Melisse is my Queen. A throne worthy of her honor shall be erected next to mine. Regardless of her audacious words she is still my spouse and shall be treated as such by all my people.” He looked grimly around the still silent chamber. “And let it also be known that none here shall call her by the name Melisse save myself. That is my name of affection for the Queen. You shall all address her as Inanna, Lady and Queen of Angband…and the World.” Buffy would later learn that the name was a corruption of the tongue of the West and meant ‘woman-gift.’ A name that Morgoth felt most befitting of her.

Once again, the demons raised their glasses and shouted, “Blessed be the Lady of Angband.” Morgoth then declared that it was time for the feast to begin. Buffy took her seat at the opposite end of the table from him; she could feel many eyes scrutinizing her. She turned to the gentleman on her left and started a conversation with the Maia called Luthor, one of the chief sorcerers of Angband. He was quite friendly and his outward appearance was that of an old man of great ability. His well manicured mustache and beard were streaked with black and silver and his eyes were deep gray and concealed his knowledge of many secret things.

After the meal, they continued the festivities in yet another chamber. There were three dozen captive elves chained to the walls within that room. A large marble table was laden with a multitude of various torturous devices. There were several contraptions for inflicting pain including a rack, cauldrons of boiling oil, giant hooks that gently swayed from the ceiling waiting eagerly for its next victim. Some things Buffy couldn’t figure out what they were until they were actually put to use.

She sat idly beside Morgoth and watching one heinous act after another. There were roars from the spectators whenever one of the victims cried out in pain. And the monsters that dwelled in this place delighted in their attempts to one up the other when it came to pain and torment. After an hour and a half of witnessing the gruesome entertainment Buffy excused herself and returned to Morgoth’s private chambers.

She changed into a black nightgown and glanced out the only window in all his rooms. It was pointless because a thick haze lingered all about that land. Not even the stars could be seen. Buffy had only been here for twenty-four hours, yet it seemed longer. She imagined being in her own home. A place where the air was clean and fragrant, blossoms of color bursting forth in the garden, the sweet tunes of the elves…It seemed like it was a distant dream. Her memories of those days seemed to vanish the instant Morgoth ambled into the room. She remained by the window as she heard the door close. “Your fey cries out to me…” he said softly. “You are being consumed by loneliness.” She didn’t respond. “I know what it feels like…to be all alone. To possess such power that none can understand…not even my closest colleagues. Because they are in fact, beneath me.”

Buffy turned and faced him. “Like me?” she asked angrily. He was leaning against the door. He wore a curious expression on his face. She took several paces across the room and was now face to face with the handsome version of Morgoth. “Let me tell you something…If you ever lay a hand on me again, you won’t have to worry about the pain they cause you, cause I’ll cut them both off!” Her feelings exploded out of her. “How dare you degrade me like that? I didn’t show my ass in front of your people, but next time…” He turned away fuming. She could feel her face burning hot. She walked over to the dresser where her circlet had been placed. “And this thing,” she said as she picked up and turned to him. “It’s revolting. Where is it written that evil can’t possess things of beauty? The Silmarils are beautiful, but you would have me wear this hideous thing with a black stone in it! I hate it. It disgusts me.”

He walked over to her smiling reassuringly. “And what is it that you desire, love?”

“Something beautiful.” She replied as she looked deeply into his eyes.

“If that is your wont, than I will see to it that it is done.”

“Fine,” answered Buffy.

“Now can we kiss and make up?” he questioned. She smiled at him; all was now forgiven…

It must have been really early when Buffy awoke the next morning. The room was dark except for a stream of soft light that swept through the slight opening of the door. Buffy could hear voices on the other side. Quietly, she climbed out of bed and listened by the partly opened door. “…we discovered this only a few minutes ago…” Buffy recognized the voice of Sauron. “I thought that it should be brought to your attention immediately.”

“So the chain was not broken?” she heard Morgoth ask.

“It is still intact. We found this on the crags. I thought you ought to see it. Buffy sneaked a peek and saw Sauron showing what appeared to be a severed hand wrapped in cloth to Morgoth. “My Lord,” he began speaking hesitantly. “I know you do not want to consider…It is too much of a coincidence that his escape coincided with the arrival of…um, the Lady Inanna. Do not let her deceive you…”

Morgoth interrupted him. “She is not deceiving me. She is under my thrall. Melisse played no part in Maedhros escape. She has not been out of my sight since she arrived…”

“My Lord Melkor,” she heard Sauron pleading. “Do not put your faith in her. The Lady has many allies in the world. Surely you are aware of that…”

“She is of no concern to you,” Morgoth replied firmly. “Give that to Carcharoth, my favorite of the wolves, as I deem he will savor the taste of the flesh of one of the Noldorin Princes of Valinor.” Buffy assumed the conversation was over as she started walking back to bed when she heard Morgoth say, “Oh, by the way. Any of those elves from Valinor that can be captured, bring them to me…alive. I have need for their skills.” Now the conversation was over. Buffy quickly slid back in bed before Morgoth returned to the chamber. She pretended to be asleep.

After breakfast, Buffy was free to do as she wished. Morgoth’s only command was that she could not leave Angband until after the birth of their ‘child’. Buffy had no desire to leave, but she was most interested in finding Sauron. She wanted to confront him about the conversation she overheard earlier that morning. He was trying to ruin her reputation and she couldn’t have that.

After several hours of exploration she finally found out his location from Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs. “You will find him Lady, in one of the subterranean vaults.” He pointed the way with his fiery tail. She nodded in appreciation and set off in the proper direction.

She found Sauron in an enormous chamber that smelled so foul Buffy thought she might be sick. He was busy at work tanning hides. There were many hides going through the various stages of that process, but there was a heavy stench in the air. It smelled like a combination of urine and feces. Very unpleasant. His back was turned to her as she approached. “Imagine that,” she said, startling him. “Funny I would find you in a place that smells like shit. It suits you to a tee!” She said sarcastically.

He looked over his shoulder as he continued dunking a skin in a large barrel containing some nasty liquid. “What brings you here, Lady? Are you in need of my services?” He asked in a sweet melodious tone. “Or is it your pleasure to insult me as I work?”

She walked into the chamber and stopped on the other side of his barrel. “Do you think I’m a fool Sauron?” she asked.

“With all due respect, I shall not answer that question. I do not want to have to contend with the anger of Melkor,” he replied as he carried a skin to a table and began rubbing something nasty on it.

“You won’t have to deal with him. Only me…” The smell was intense. “What the hell are you doing?” she asked.

“It is called bating. I am bating the skin with wolf dung…”

“No surprise there. You smell like you’ve been rolling around in it!”

He looked up, a combination of anger and frustration was on his face. “I am quite busy. If you want something, than get on with it. I am in no mood for your games.” He stared at her.

“I heard you this morning…talking to Melkor about…”

He interrupted her. “The elf? What about it?” His frustration was growing.

“I came to warn you. To warn you not to speak of me…the Queen of Angband, in that manner again. I should cut your tongue out so it won’t be able to spew such vulgarity again,” she said sternly.

He studied her for a moment. “If I truly speak my mind, will it stay between us?” He asked. Buffy nodded in agreement. “Very well.” He pulled off his elbow length gloves and threw them on the table. “I do not trust you…Inanna. Melkor has these perverse feelings for you and that is folly. I am more patient than my Lord. I do not need things done by a certain date nor do I follow any time tables. You will bring about his downfall, sooner or later.”

“You’re a liar,” she retorted. “I love him.”

“You love him not, you dim-witted fool! He has bewitched you! And you do not even know it!” he barked back. “You are being led around here blindly on a leash that he had put around your neck. And you…you have bewitched him with your feminine ways.” He shook his head in disgust. “It is a disgusting display. I am revolted every time he mentions you…it sickens me to no end.” He mocked Morgoth. “Melisse is the fairest maid in all of Arda…Melisse is incredibly powerful…Melisse is the only woman worthy enough to carry my seed.” He took a swig out of a goblet.

“Sounds like you’re jealous,” she replied maliciously.

He wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “Do I not have reason to be? I have served Melkor from the beginning. You have always flitted in and out of his life. He clings to you even when you have moved on…to the next fool.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here to stay whether you like it or not. So you might as well get use to it.”

Buffy noticed his facial expression changed. “And what service may I offer the Lady Inanna this day?”

Buffy turned and noticed that Gothmog’s enormous form was standing in the doorway. She looked back at Sauron. “Make me breeches made of leather,” she instructed. “And coats of varying lengths…And Sauron, I want them in black and red. A dozen of each should do. Do you need my measurements?”

He glared at her and than smiled kindly, “No, my Lady. I can judge that by sight. I shall bring them to you when they are completed.”

“That’s a good minion. Now get to work. Chop-chop!” She turned on her heal and went to Gothmog. “What’s up, my burning hell fire friend?”

“Melkor has instructed me to bring you to him.” They walked out of the chamber. “He said it was of great importance.”

“Very well,” she replied. “Lead the way.”

Gothmog led her to a smaller chamber than the one she was in with Sauron. It was located deep below the surface and the air was much cleaner. Morgoth began that day to teach her the various methods to his madness. She, in turn showed him many things from the End of Days. Whenever they combined their essences they exchanged knowledge of all things evil that happened to be in their memories. Unfortunately, Buffy was still blind to her ‘real’ past and only shared things that she experienced as Buffy Summers, the Chosen One. It was enough though. The knowledge that Morgoth obtained from their ‘adjoining’ spells were enough for him to bring into being creatures that Buffy had faced in her past. The consequences of these ‘trysts’ would haunt the Slayer forever, something she wouldn’t realize until the spell was lifted.

Together they brought several new races of demons into being. Morgoth showed her how he twisted and corrupted the forms of the Maiar who aligned themselves with him long ago. There were several key elements that were the foundation for his new devices. Firstly, size does matter. His most beloved creatures were grotesquely enlarged in order to serve his objective of being intimidating and frightening to lesser races. While Buffy was in Angband, Morgoth prized his Balrogs above all others. They were huge man-demons engulfed in flame that brandished whips of pain and torment. Most of the lower beings were unable to survive the heat alone and most things withered before them. They were the total embodiment of what Morgoth represented: fire and darkness.

The ability to be cunning was also a prized attribute to be found in his most devoted disciples. Of these, Sauron embodied that characteristic with perfection. He also exemplified the ability to be innovative and resourceful which scored major points with the Dark Lord. That earned him the second most coveted position of rank within this realm.

The thing that Buffy found to be the most remarkable about Morgoth was his talent to create beings out of his own thought. When she first witnessed that phenomenon she was reminded of that old adage ‘I think, therefore I am,’ by Socrates or some other philosopher from that time. She wasn’t powerful enough to accomplish that feat on her own yet but Morgoth assured her that she would soon master that skill.

As Buffy’s pregnancy progressed into her fourth month she underwent many changes. Her appetite was insatiable resulting in dramatic weight gain even in her early months. Her temper became extremely volatile and she killed several of the vampire handmaidens that were assigned to her. Buffy’s lustfulness for things amoral and wicked progressed much to the delight of Morgoth although Sauron told him that he was certain that it was only hormones and wouldn’t last.

It was at this time that Luthor became Buffy’s chief caregiver and companion. All the female occupants feared the Slayer’s wrath and refused to be left alone in a room with her. Luthor volunteered for that assignment in an attempt to elevate his ranking within Angband. But if he could not win Morgoth’s favor then perhaps he could win the Slayer’s as her ranking was now even higher than Sauron’s. It was Sauron who encouraged Luthor to develop a relationship with the Chosen One. Unbeknownst to Luthor, Sauron knew that the Slayer’s fate was intertwined with that of Luthor, and as a result he had no use for either of them. The time was drawing near for Sauron to make his move or his doom would come much sooner than even he anticipated.

Luthor had taken Buffy exploring throughout the many tunnels and chambers of that great fortress. He had taken her far north to Dor Daidelos where the land is nearly always under snowfall and the winds are freezing cold. But something that made the trek worthwhile were the numerous hot springs located throughout that area. And that had become one of Buffy’s simple pleasures in life. She had even talked Morgoth into joining her on those weekly excursions. She found it quite relaxing.

When Buffy reached her ninth and final month of pregnancy, she had already packed on nearly seventy pounds on her small frame. She spent most of those last weeks confined to Melkor’s private chambers. She would spend many hours lying in bed watching the movements of the child within her. Sometimes it looked like the Loch Ness monster now resided within her womb. In spite of her vicious demeanor, Luthor remained in her constant company.

The labor pains started late one night waking the Slayer out of a fitful sleep. The pain was agonizing and her contractions were still only thirty minutes apart. Morgoth did not leave her side; he wanted to deliver his child himself. He remained throughout the entire duration of her labor, which lasted seventy-two hours. “It is time Melisse,” Morgoth had said after examining her. “Your body is ready, but you must push. Push with all your slayer strength.” Buffy shouted out obscenity after obscenity while Morgoth tried to speak to her reassuringly. The ground then began to shake violently as a clash of thunder rumbled in the distance. It was an earth quake. Items began bouncing off the tables and shelves in the room, but that did not interfere with the delivery. “It is coming,” he said excitedly after a second push. “Take another deep breath and push…Come now Melisse…one more should do it…Make me a proud papa…” Buffy cried out as she pushed for the third and final time. She collapsed onto the pile of pillows as she heard the wailing cry of the newborn. “It is a girl Melisse,” Morgoth cried out. “We have a wickedly beautiful baby daughter. Blessed be this day!” Morgoth carried the infant to a prepared table where he carefully wiped her clean before wrapping her in a soft black blanket. “Time to meet your mommy.” He said as he handed the bundle to Buffy.

Buffy took the bundle and as she looked down at her child she understood that unconditional love that a mother has for her child. Now she truly comprehended the name Luinil, for that child’s hide was as blue as the sea. And instead of ten little fingers, she had ten tentacles, five on either side. Four small horns protruded from her forehead and claws similar to eagles were located at the bottom of her legs. Her eyes were the same shade of blue as her rock solid ‘skin’. Buffy cradled the infant in her arms. “I feel her power,” she said as exhaustion crept over her. “She has taken a lot of my strength,” she whispered in a hoarse voice to Morgoth.

“It is only temporary,” he assured her as he gently stroked one of the tentacles. “With some rest, you will be as strong as ever…Let me take the little one and you can rest in peace. She will need feeding soon.” Buffy accepted his offer; she was so tired. After the birth, Luthor gave her a dose of elixir and she soon fell fast asleep.

Morgoth took his little pride and joy to his great hall. It was time to show off his most precious creation. “Who’s daddy’s little hell demon?” he cooed to the infant as he made the typical faces and sounds that any new parent would. Morgoth walked up the twelve steps of the dais to his throne; the chamber was filled with his most trusted minions. “It is with great joy that I announce the arrival of my only child and heir to my throne,” he began with a grin on his face. “And as we have all witnessed, the earth trembled in despair knowing that a new evil has been born within Eä.” The throng cheered in response. “Both mine and Inanna’s essences run through this hell spawn and truly she has been gifted with our greatest traits.” He let the blanket fall to the ground as he displayed the demon child to his people. “Today, we celebrate the birth of my beloved daughter, Illyria.”