A/N: Chapter title: "Reinventing Your Exit" by Underoath.

Innocence & Instinct: Chapter Seven

-Kathryn-

Like most days in Rivendell, the sun beating down on the back of my head through the windows was what woke me up in the morning. It wasn't hot or anything, just uncomfortably warm for your average November day. I cracked my eyelids open, seeing nothing but blackness from being facedown in my pillow. "Oh, God..." I groaned and rolled over in my bed, brushing a mess of dark hair out of my eyes and staring up at the ceiling. Why does it feel like something important was happening today?

After about thirty seconds of peaceful stillness, it hit me. "Shit!" I immediately burst into activity, jumping out of bed and running to the chair my traveling outfit was draped across. Today was the day the Fellowship would leave and begin the quest to Mordor. Gandalf had specifically told me last night to be ready by noon today to leave, and I had no idea how late I'd slept in. In any event, I grabbed my stuff, ran into the bathroom, and relished taking the last bath I'd get for a long time. I didn't even want to think about how disgusting and smelly I'd be by the end of our journey. Once I'd cleaned myself up until I sparkled, I took a knife to my hair, cutting it back so that it hung just above my shoulders in a long bob. Can't have it getting in the way when I've got to be doing all kinds of cool fighting stuff. I quickly dried it as best as I could, then hurried back into my room to get dressed. I was sticking with the standard brown pants and comfortably loose red tunic I'd worn when traveling here from Rohan. The signature brown and gold detailing on the cuffs of the sleeves and neckline had always reminded me of home in a comforting way. I threw a white undershirt on before pulling the tunic over my head for an extra layer of warmth, and slipped my fur-lined boots on my feet. A belt holding three throwing knives and another small sword hung at my waist, and I strapped on some leather wrist guards as well. The final piece to my ensemble was a deep green shawl thrown over my shoulders, also bearing some Rohirric embroidery along its edge.

I looked myself over in the mirror, smiling. People would definitely be able to tell I was from horse land in this outfit. At least with all these layers I might not freeze to death when we hit the big snowy mountain. I grabbed my travel bag, giving it one last comb through to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything important, and was out the door a few moments later. I made it down to the dining room just in time to see several elves cleaning up the large table. Oh man, did I miss breakfast? I ran up to the table and managed to grab a loaf of warm bread and a bright red apple before the elves cleared it away. Not waiting any longer, I ran outside, frantically looking around for anyone who could tell me where my group was. I felt like a five year old who'd lost her mom in a Wal-Mart.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice. "Kathryn!"

I turned, relieved to see my best friend standing not too far away from me, with Aragorn also nearby. I ran up to her quickly. "Oh, Erin! Thank God you're still here! I thought I'd overslept!"

"You did," she laughed. Erin was also dressed and ready to go, wearing an ensemble that would've made me think she was an elf if I didn't know any better. She'd picked out a tunic in a deep teal color, with intricate silver patterns across the chest, shoulders, and the ends of her wide sleeves. Overtop of that, she wore a jacket of a sturdier, almost leathery material which was dyed such a deep plum color it almost looked black from a distance. Dark brown pants, boots, a belt holding her weapons, and her cloak completed the look. Her brown hair was pulled back into a braid, hanging down to the base of her shoulder blades. "Everyone's already eaten, and Aragorn just told me that Gandalf wants us to leave within the hour." She pointed to the ranger as he walked up to stand behind her.

I smiled politely at Aragorn. "Sounds good. So...we just do whatever until then?"

"Yes," he said. "We are to meet under the south archway for our departure." We nodded, and he walked off, leaving us girls on our own.

"So..." Erin said, rocking back and forth on her heels. "What should we do?"

"Eat," I said as I took a bite of the still warm bread in my hand. "I'm starving."

Erin laughed. "Get used to it, Kathryn. This is the last legitimate meal you'll get for a long time, you know."

My eyes widened mid-chew. I'd forgotten about that. "Fuck," I muttered over a mouthful of bread. "That just ruined my morning."

"Same," Erin replied. "Like, if you can get your hands on more food than that, do it. Who knows when we'll be eating good, solid food again after we leave?"

I glanced up at her. "Yeah...I think I'm going to go look into that. See you at the gate, loser." I gave Erin a friendly wink as she laughed again. Not waiting for her response, I then turned and sprinted back up to the kitchen, ready to beg anyone in sight for as much food as my stomach could handle.

–

-Erin-

I stood by Kathryn in the middle of our cluster, hovering just inside the stone archway dividing the safe haven of Rivendell from the rest of the outside world. The time was nearly upon us now. We were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. I was about to begin living the story of Lord of the Rings for myself. A nostalgic smile threatened to grow on my face as I briefly thought of my dad back home on Earth. He was the one who got me into Tolkien to begin with. Man, he'd be so psyched about me doing this... A tight ball of excitement, nerves, and utter joy buzzed inside of me, but I didn't mind. It was almost...euphoric, in a sense. I was ecstatic beyond any doubt - who wouldn't be when they were given an opportunity like this? I watched as the rest of the members of the Fellowship gradually came down and stood with us, Frodo being the last one to arrive. He looked really worried, so I gave him a reassuring smile as he approached us, and he smiled back before turning around. A few elves of Rivendell were gathered before us and in buildings not far off, Elrond and his family included. I kept my eyes fixed on the elven lord as he began our farewell speech.

"The Ringbearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom." His gaze was somber, eyes sweeping over each of us in turn. "On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will." I glanced around at the others, who all had similarly grave expressions. None of us really wanted to leave Rivendell behind. Hell, even I was sort of sad about it. But it had to be done. We had a Ring to destroy, and a world to save. "Farewell...hold to your purpose...and may the blessings of Elves, and Men, and all Free Folk go with you," he finished quietly. His eyes met mine and Kathryn's briefly, and we both gave him subtle nods of reassurance as he dipped his head and extended a hand towards us in peace.

It was silent for a few seconds as Elrond's words hung in the air. Eventually, Gandalf was the one who broke it. "The Fellowship awaits the Ringbearer."

Frodo paused, casting one last look at Rivendell's beauty before he turned away from it for the last time. He looked at each of us, still seeming quite unsure of himself, then went ahead to pass under the archway, first in line. My gaze flicked off to the right for just a moment, meeting the gazes of Elrohir and Elladan once more. I gave the former a curt nod to say goodbye, but only looked in Elladan's direction for a millisecond before turning away. Good riddance. One by one, we all fell into step behind Frodo, and I ended up between Kathryn and Sam. As we took our first steps out of Rivendell, I heard Frodo whisper to the wizard behind him with uncertainty. "Mordor, Gandalf...is it left or right?"

"Left."

I smiled in amusement, my hand settling comfortably on the familiar hilt of my weapon as we officially made our exit from the safety of the elven realm. And so the adventure begins.

–

-Kathryn-

The first few days of travel were pretty surreal. It didn't feel like we were going out on some big, epic quest or anything... more like a short little field trip to the next town over. For awhile it was quiet, with minimal small talk going on between those of us who'd never met before. Me being me, of course, I stuck close to Erin initially, intimidated by a lot of the other guys and not talking to them too much. As we began our journey south, however, I felt a sense of friendship slowly begin to build between the different members of the Fellowship. We all started warming up to each other within the first week, which was nice. Nothing too crazy happened in the beginning, which allowed some quality bonding time between the eleven of us.

The first people I felt brave enough to branch out to first was Merry and Pippin, mostly because of their generally upbeat and carefree attitudes. Not a day went by that I didn't hear them playfully bickering about something, or complaining about food, or cracking stupid jokes (all things I also did constantly). As cliché as it sounds, their smiles were sort of infectious, so more often than not I found myself walking with the two of them. They were certainly my primary source of entertainment, especially on days like today. Although they didn't know I was from another universe, both of the hobbits were fascinated by some of the weird Earth things I'd say in natural conversation. That was today's subject of discussion, apparently.

"Pippin, you know it isn't possible for pigs to fly!"

"Of course I know that, Merry! I'm saying, what if it were possible?"

"But it isn't!"

"Not now, yes! But what if it somehow were?"

"It never will be! Pigs can't fly!"

"You don't know that!"

"Have you ever seen one?"

"Well, no..."

"HA! See? I told you so!"

I laughed as the two hobbits went back and forth with each other. They'd been arguing about this for quite awhile, and it was quality entertainment for me. "Have you ever seen a real Orc, Merry?"

The blonde looked up at me. "No."

"Then how do you know those exist?"

"Well, that's not...er, you can't say that..."

Pippin's eyes went wide, sparkling with excitement. "See? It is possible. It has to be!"

"No it doesn't!"

I laughed again and shook my head. "You two are both impossible."

But then Pippin turned back to me with a confused frown. "What? But we're standing right here in front of you!"

I rolled my eyes. "Oh my God. I mean, you're both insane. I don't think I've ever seen two people debate flying pigs so much."

Pippin grinned. "Oh, that's nothin'. You should've seen the time Merry tried to convince me there was no such thing as a real "Green Dragon."'

"Because there's not!" Merry exclaimed, now utterly exasperated with his friend. "I've read plenty about all kinds of dragons, and I've never seen anything about a green one!"

"Maybe it's just been in hiding all these years," I offered, knowing it would only encourage them. "Like, a secret dragon. You guys should go looking for one someday. You could be famous!"

Pippin shook his head. "I only need one Green Dragon," he said. "And not a real one."

"That's the truth," Merry agreed.

I smiled, turning to look ahead again. "You guys should talk to Erin about this sometime. She loves dragons."

"Really?" Pippin asked. "Has she seen one?"

"No, I don't think so," I said, my smile shifting into a knowing smirk as I watched her walking side by side with the elf in our company. "But you could ask her." If she's ever not carrying on with Legolas, that is. I chuckled to myself. Those two were definitely my other main source of entertainment.

–

-Erin-

I squinted at the elf, taking mock offense at his words as we walked over the rolling hills together. "So you're telling me that you don't think I could beat you in a sword fight?" I asked incredulously.

The prince rolled his eyes, knowing I was taking things out of context. "I never said that."

"You implied it, Blondie!" I said, laughing as he shot me a glare for using the nickname.

Legolas kept walking. "I am sure that you could normally hold your own quite well."

I scoffed. "And you're not normal, is that it?"

"Well I am captain of the archery division in Mirkwood," he teased.

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. "Too bad I was talking about swords, smart one. And I'll probably be captain of something too one day. Just you wait."

He laughed quietly to himself. "I have no doubt you will find your place in the world soon enough."

I shrugged. "Or I could just be a useless piece of trash forever. I mean, it could go either way."

Legolas looked over at me with a slightly more serious expression. "You do not honestly believe that, I hope."

I shook my head. "No, of course not. Just my sense of humor." But then I grinned again. "Don't worry, I still know I'm way better than you."

He sighed, but was still smiling. "You are the most unconfident, yet blatantly egotistical person I have ever met."

"Ouch!" I laughed, putting a hand over my heart. "Way to cut a girl down! Thanks, Legolas, I'll just go cry myself to sleep tonight."

"Oh, please."

"I mean it!" I warned him. "You've done me in. I'm going to go tell everyone in the Fellowship that you made me cry and you hate me."

He looked entirely taken aback. "Hate you? I have never once said that."

"Well, apparently you just love to make me cry, so I wouldn't put it past you," I joked.

But then, for whatever reason, his lighthearted tone disappeared, and he looked at me with heavy sincerity in his eyes. "I could never hate you, Erin," he said. "I do hope you know that."

I paused at the unexpected change. "Of course I do," I said with some hesitancy. Then, in an effort to brighten the mood again, I smiled. "Because I'm the most amazing, wonderful woman you've ever known, right?"

Legolas smiled back before facing forward again. "Yes, you truly are."

A small part of me screamed on the inside, even though I knew he wasn't being that serious. "Aww, thanks. I'm flattered."

"You should be. It is a rare compliment to receive."

I laughed a bit, although the way he said it was strange. He seemed like he was joking, but then...not? Those elves and their stupid crypticness, man. Gets me every time. For a short time, we fell into silence, following Aragorn, who was a short ways in front of us. As we walked, I caught myself glancing over at the elf way too often for my own good, scolding myself for it. At this point, I'd completely given up with trying to cure myself of Legolas Disease. Now my main goal was to just not make it super obvious to everyone else, especially him. The last thing I wanted was for things to turn awkward between us while we were on this quest together. Spending month after month pretending like I hadn't fallen face first for this idiot sucked, but it was at least doable. If he found out, though...God. I'd be in a whole new level of hell. It would ruin everything we had together now, even if it was just friendship. I could live with friendship, at least. Better than nothing at all.

"Erin!"

I jumped as his hand touched my arm. "What? What?!"

Legolas looked rather amused by my reaction. "I asked if you were familiar with these parts."

I blinked. "Oh! Yeah, I recognize it." My gaze swept around the area we were currently traveling through. By Gandalf's orders, we were to just follow the Misty Mountains south until we reached the Gap of Rohan, then turn east towards Mordor. For now, we were spending our time surrounded by open plains and rolling hills, dotted with the occasional rock or boulder. "Within a week, we'll be coming up on the area of Hollin," I told him.

He nodded, then paused before he spoke again. "May I ask if we will be safe until that point?"

"Yeah," I said. "As safe as we can be, anyway." His question reminded me of something else I'd wanted to chat about, though. "Hey, can I tell you something?"

"Yes, of course."

I let out a breath, looking up at him seriously again. "I just...I wanted to say I'm sorry for not telling you what I knew would happen at the council. I wasn't keeping it a secret because I don't trust you. I was just worried someone else would overhear somehow, and then we'd have a huge mess on our hands." I stopped for a moment, then started rambling. "I mean, it's bad enough if the Enemy finds out I know stuff about the future, but if he knew that I'd told you all that stuff, then you'd be in danger. And I don't want people coming after you for it, because if you ever got hurt because of me, I'd feel awful - I mean, not that I think you couldn't defend yourself perfectly fine against a bunch of Orcs, I just don't know what Sauron might throw at you if he knew-"

"Erin."

His hand shifted upwards to rest on my shoulder, and I froze, looking up to meet his brilliant blue eyes with my own soft hazel ones. "I just don't want this to be your burden, too," I whispered.

Legolas' gaze was soft, his words just as gentle as he spoke. "I understand. You've no need to be sorry, Erin. There is nothing to forgive." He smiled the tiniest bit, and I wanted to etch that smile into my memory forever.

"You're the best," I said, smiling back at him as well. "Have I told you that lately?"

He laughed, and was about to say more, when suddenly we were interrupted by a shout from Aragorn up ahead, calling Legolas forward. He turned back to me, but then his gaze landed on his own hand which was still on my shoulder. Quickly, he retracted it, sobering up again. "I must go."

"Yeah, sure!" I said, watching as he turned and hurried to catch up with the ranger several yards away. His hair shone like pale gold in the afternoon sun, and I almost wanted to run after him again-

"Aww, how sweet!" I felt a hand on my back as Kathryn came up from behind, grinning widely. "You guys make my heart all fuzzy."

I shot her a look. "Oh, shut it. This isn't some sort of soap opera like you want it to be."

"Close enough," she laughed. "I mean, did you see the way he looked at you? Classic."

"Kathryn, I'm serious," I said. "It's not going to happen. Though I appreciate your support."

Still, a smug smile remained on her face. "Don't give up on love, Erin," she said, faking a dramatic swoon as I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes. "You can't deny something so real and pure!"

"You're a freak." We both laughed as I smoothly attempted to change the subject. "If you think that's what true love looks like, then you, Merry, and Pippin must be due for a polyamorous wedding any day now! You guys were having a blast back there, I heard."

She gagged. "Ew, no. God, they both look like they're twelve."

"They're not, though," I pointed out. "So, theoretically, it could happen."

"Or I could find a cute girl instead of a couple of hairy boys."

I laughed again. "Hey, they've both got longer hair, so with the lights off..."

She smacked my arm, looking absolutely horrified. "You're disgusting!"

–

-Kathryn-

"We will camp here for the night."

My shoulders sagged with relief as Gandalf made the announcement to us once the skies had gone dark. We were only about a week into our journey, but already I was starting to feel the effects of constant travel. God, I'm out of shape, I thought, throwing my bag onto the ground and beginning to pull out what I needed for the night. All we've done is walking, and I'm exhausted. I tried not to let it show, though, for fear of judgment from the others. Every day was roughly the same - on our feet and moving from sunrise to sunset, with minimal pauses for eating in between. Gandalf had sort of established himself as the leader of the group, and he'd planned a pretty strict schedule for us to stick to. Forty days south, and then maybe less than that east, and then we were in Mordor and the Ring was destroyed. I mean, I knew things wouldn't actually play out like that, but whatever. I'd let the wizard live his dream.

For as tired as I'd been during the day, though, I couldn't seem to take advantage of it once we stopped. Whatever soup Sam made us for dinner must've had the Middle-Earth equivalent of a 5 Hour Energy thrown in there, because after we ate, I felt super awake. This is the absolute worst time to get a second wind, I internally groaned as I stretched out on my bedroll an hour or two later. I laid there in silence for a long time, watching as everyone else settled down and fell asleep. It did nothing for me. Soon enough, I was laying there alone in the dead silence of the night, already knowing I'd suffer the consequences in the morning. Eventually, though, I got frustrated trying to keep myself occupied by thinking about nothing, so I decided to get up. Maybe if I go do some jumping jacks or something I'll wear myself out.

As I sat up and threw back my blanket, I looked around the campsite, noticing one broad form leaning back against a boulder at its perimeter. Boromir. I stood up, stretching and walking over to stand beside him. Hopefully he'd make decent company. "Hey."

The Gondorian glanced in my direction, though his expression remained stoic. "Are you to join me on watch?"

"I couldn't sleep," I explained. "Thought I might as well." He didn't respond, and it was silent for a moment before I said something else. "Have you seen anything suspicious so far?"

"No," he shook his head. "These lands are quiet. There is not much to be worried for here."

"That's good news," I said with a nod. Sometimes I couldn't tell whether or not Boromir still liked me. Obviously, he'd been a real dick at the council, but when we'd first met in Rivendell, he was much friendlier with me. I wondered which side would be the more permanent one.

As I struggled to think of what to say next, however, Boromir then jumped in for me. "You said you are from Rohan?" I nodded. "Will you return home once we come to Théoden's realm?"

For a second, I was confused, but then I remembered the Fellowship's original plan had been to go through Rohan way before any of the Two Towers stuff ever happened. "Um...I don't know," I answered honestly. "I haven't thought about it yet." I looked over at him. "What about you? Will you stay until the end?"

He hesitated. "I am also unsure. In truth, I do not wish to enter Mordor. No man with any sanity left in him does. But I would be a coward to abandon Frodo at the first sign of danger."

"Yeah, I guess that's true." Another short moment of silence. "Have you ever been to Rohan?"

Boromir nodded. "Many times. Though my brother, Faramir, travels more often than I. He's always the one to handle diplomatic errands with other kingdoms, so he knows those lands well."

"Have you ever met Theodred?" I asked. "I'm not sure if he's ever mentioned you or not."

His eyes shifted, now showing interest. "You know the king's son?"

"Yeah," I said. "We're really good friends. I work in the Golden Hall, so I see him all the time."

The redheaded man smiled a bit. "There is more to you than I expected, then."

I laughed. "You bet. I'm full of surprises." But then my curiosity caused me to switch gears. "Can I ask you what Minas Tirith is like, though? I've never been there. Actually, I've never been to Gondor at all."

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, Boromir's face lit up like a tree on Christmas Day. "It is the most wondrous city of Men," he described, "full of splendor, majesty, and the wisdom of the kings of old. I have lived there all my life, and yet never tire of seeing its white walls glimmering like pearl and silver in the sun, calling me home."

I smiled. "It sounds beautiful. I'd love to visit someday."

"If all goes well on our journey, you may yet get that chance," he replied.

"What's the thing you love most about the city?"

He hardly even stopped to think about it. "Its people. My people. I have never met any so kind, and filled with an endurance that persists even in the face of Mordor's darkest shadows." His gaze dimmed slightly. "We have faced hardship as Sauron's power grows. I fear for their safety, should this quest fail. I would see the glory of Gondor restored in full, if it were up to me, not have the greatest kingdom of Men cowering in fear of such evil."

"Well, from what I hear, you guys aren't cowering at all," I offered. "You've been fighting back against Sauron for years now, and managed to keep him contained in Mordor for a long time. Not everybody can say they've been brave enough to do that."

Another smile from Boromir. "Yes...we are certainly hardy people."

"See? There you go. Nothing to worry about." Boromir laughed a bit, but then my own tone sobered. "I can relate, though. We've been...struggling, I guess you could say, in Edoras lately. Théoden isn't the same man he used to be." I wasn't sure how much I was allowed to tell Boromir about the situation with Wormtongue, so I tried to keep it vague. "I worry about them," I said, my mind drifting as I remembered Theodred and the others. "Even though I want to be here with the Fellowship, I also feel like I kind of abandoned them when they needed me most." I paused. "And I'm afraid they might not all be there when I get back."

Now it was Boromir's turn to listen with sympathy. "Many of your people are great warriors," he said. "And those who are not are still deeply defensive of their homes. The Rohirrim will not go down without a fight."

I smiled sadly. "I guess that's also what I'm afraid of. I hate the idea of coming home to war. War in general just...isn't my thing."

Still, he seemed optimistic. "There may be war, but that does not mean your people will be destroyed entirely. Every realm suffers from the shadow, but hopefully someday that will change." His gaze turned to the inky blackness of the night around us. "I do not believe this darkness will endure. For the sake of my people, I have always done my best to remain hopeful." He glanced back at me. "Perhaps you should, too...for the sake of your own."

I looked back to Boromir, my smile a little bigger than before. "Thank you, Boromir," I said. "I'll try and remember that."

He nodded, then nodded in the direction of the camp. "You should rest. You'll need it for tomorrow's journey."

I sighed. "Yeah, I guess so. Good night, then. I'll talk to you tomorrow, maybe."

"Good night, Kathryn." The redhead offered me one last encouraging smile before turning back to his watch again, leaving me to my own devices. I worked my way back to my bedroll quickly, now feeling the weight of my exhaustion beginning to hit me as I finally settled down. The smile remained on my face ever as I fell asleep that night, happy to have made another friend. Boromir was a cool guy - definitely more than the villain the movies made him out to be. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.