A/N: Here we are with another chapter, now that I've gotten a bit of a reprieve from school I can write some more! Also, just wanted to let you guys know I wrote a one shot so if you're interested in more of my writing check it out if you'd like (It's a Loki/OC and rated M) and let me know what you think! I'd be interested to write more of Loki, it's fun. As always thank you to everyone who has reviewed, they are really encouraging to read and I love hearing what you think about the characters! I'm messing around a bit with Kate's character, I've done this on purpose so I'm sure you'll be seeing some changes! She by nature a pretty self-assured, arrogant person…closer to being quite cold (A purposeful choice) and I think that made sense to me given that she had no family, aside from her aunt, and she puts all her value in her job, a career that mostly puts her on a pedestal. So, when she's thrust into ME it's a huge culture shock and she's having to really adjust what she knows to be true in her world compared to ME. It's an adjustment but I think that that is that beauty of people, we as a whole are resilient and adaptive and I hope that you all will stick around to see that growth and development in her, the way that Legolas will eventually see too. Also, there will be more Legolas/Kate moments in the coming chapters, promise! Hope you enjoy and keep reviewing!
Kate stood gasping at the edge of the woods, as the rest of the fellowship slumped to the ground out of sheer exhaustion, both mentally and physically.
"We will rest here for the night. We are close enough to the border of Lothlorien that we might rest a few hours." Aragorn announced, though it was clear no one had any intention of moving anytime soon. They had run the rest of the day after escaping Moria, through the night and all day again. Kate could hardly breathe with the pain in her ribs, and nearly passed out with every inhalation, but now…now she could rest. However, as she surveyed the exhausted travelers she knew that resting would be the last thing she'd do; there were wounds that needed tending to, seared skin that needed soothing, and tinctures that needed to be made to calm and to relieve any pain. This was what she was here for anyway, right? Best to make herself useful. She knew that she couldn't heal their hearts, the grief they were feeling after Gandalf was still fresh, but she could heal their bodies. She could wash their faces and listen if they wanted to talk, she could do that. Kate took a shallow breath and set about getting supplies ready, going to the nearby stream, she boiled some water on the small fire and eased herself to the ground.
"Can I help you with anything?" Legolas asked quietly from behind her.
"Uh…yea, once that water is boiling you can bring it around and set it here. I don't have any alcohol left, so I'll just have to work with what we have, iodine would be nice. Hell, I'd even settle for whisky, just to clean out the wounds, this will have to do until we get to Lothlorien. I should be able to restock there, right? Uhh and then just send someone over to me who needs tending to?" Came her weary reply. "What about you? Any lumps, bumps or bruises that need mending?" She asked the elf, too busy with the tasks before her to look up at him.
"No." Legolas replied softly.
"Oh, right, elf super powers." Legolas said nothing, watching the woman deftly choose calming herbs to prepare the tincture. "Who do you think needs to be looked at first? I think that waters boiled now." Legolas choose to ignore the imperious tone she used, knowing that this was often the air she took on when she was absorbed in her medical duties, and as irritating as ignoring it was he could not ignore he utter disregard for her own injuries.
"You." He replied, disregarding the unladylike snort she gave in response. "You are clearly in pain, it has not gone unnoticed, would you not allow me to help you?" Kate sighed in frustration. There were a lot of things she wanted to say in response but she knew he was trying to help.
"Well there really isn't anything I can do about it. After everyone is all set I'll take a bit of that tincture, no, the other one, it's an analgesic, and that will help with the pain but it makes you a bit tired so I just want to wait. I'd like to wash off in that stream, cold water might help. Like I said there isn't really anything I can do, just a bruised rib so It really just needs time and rest. No, Sam's face is pretty singed so I think I'll take a look at him first." Kate was soon satisfied, with her supplies organized and tinctures that just needed to be steeped, and then she looked up at Legolas who was frowning down at her. "I'm just being realistic, there is nothing that can be done for me right now; in the grand scheme of things it makes sense to take care of the others. If I was turning blue then I'd be first up. I promise, I'll drink that just as soon as I make sure everyone is ok. I know that you know this…but thank you for your concern. I do appreciate it."
"I will ensure that you do." He said, sighing in resignation as he sat down next to Kate. He did know this. This was how many healers operated, but there was a small part of him, a selfish, self–serving part, that needed to make sure she was alright so that he could rest. How could he rest when he knew she was in pain? He did not understand why it bothered him so, as she said before it was not a life-threatening injury. She was not the first injured friend he had seen. Certainly, he had seen far worse injuries, why was her minor injury such a priority in his mind? Perhaps he was sick after all? Perhaps a head injury? Legolas gave another weary sigh, he has known very few humans, even fewer human women, were they all as exhausting as Kate? It was a wonder that men did not fall out from worrying over their women every day. Legolas rubbed the back of his neck to rid himself of the thought. Kate was not his women. Perhaps he would need to sleep soon.
"You need to rest too, you know that, right? Elf super powers or not." Legolas gave her a tired smile. Her face softened and she looked him over, try as he might to conceal it she knew he was just as tired as everyone else. Had he even slept this entire trip?
"How can I rest when there is much to do? We are much alike in that respect, you and me." Kate shook her head and poured the calming tea into a small cup and placed it into Legolas's hands. "I need less sleep than the others so I do not mind taking watch."
"Probably, but you've been through a lot these past few days , and you've experienced loss." Kate touched his cheek, and shivered lightly when he covered her hand with his. "You need to rest, just a little. Drink this, it's a calming tea, it won't put you to sleep but it helps to calm the mind. Elrond showed me how to make that, so it's effective even with your super elf powers." Legolas smiled and tilted his cup in thanks. Kate smiled in return, satisfied that he was at least trying to relax she began calling over the fellowship one by one.
She calmly went through the process of gently cleaning each of their faces of dirt and soot, inspecting and cleaning their wounds, applying salve to the areas that had been burned by the Balrog's fire, soothing fears and grief the best that she could. She noted that Frodo said nothing, just a whispered 'thank you' or 'no thank you ma'm' here and there. Kate didn't know what to say to the hobbit to make it better, and she knew nothing would, so she said nothing while she wiped his face, quickly wiping his eyes to conceal any tears that fell. She inspected his ribs where the troll had nearly killed him, but like her he only had some bruised ribs. A very lucky hobbit indeed She thought, calmly applying salve to his seared skin. Kate instructed the hobbit about ways to help with the pain, and instructed him to continue to breathe normally and handed him the analgesic tea. Frodo didn't meet her eyes but he squeezed her hand in thanks when she gave him the warm tea.
"Some things just take time to heal, Frodo." She said in parting to the hobbit; she knew that he's understand she didn't just mean physical injuries.
Kate was pleased that most wounds were superficial, knowing it could have been much worse and more than grateful that it wasn't. She glanced over at Aragorn again, who had declined any medical assistance, and seemed content enough with the rise and fall of his chest to allay any fears of life threatening injury. He seemed well enough as he lay on his bedroll, hands tucked under his head, but how could she be sure if he wouldn't allow her to check?!
"I can feel you worrying." Aragorn muttered, opening one eye to peer in her direction, a lazy smirk of amusement on his face despite himself. "I am uninjured, Kate."
"Yes, that's what you say but how can I know? Your bravado could be just a way to hide serious pain, internal bleeding? People do that all the time. You said those orc blades were often tipped with poison, one could have cut you and I'd never even know it because you say you're fine." She argued. Aragorn sighed, closing his eyes again.
"I have been in many battles, Kate." He reasoned. "If I were cut with a poisoned blade, trust me, you would know of it."
"How would I know that if you won't let me be sure."
"You would know because I would be dead." He informed. Kate made an uncomfortable noise in her throat but nodded, satisfied with the answer.
"Fair enough." She muttered. The thought of him dead unsettled her stomach, after Gandalf, she realized that this was a very real possibility. Of course it was, what did she think would happen? It wasn't as if she hadn't been warned over and over about the dangers this journey would hold, the battles they would encounter. Evidently, Moria not even considered a large scale battle, she couldn't even imagine what it would be like to fight like this all the time, over and over. She had no idea what she had signed herself up for, and even now she still only had a small inkling of the horrors of war. It made her sick. Vivid memories of her hacking away at hordes of orc, their blood spurting out onto her skin creeped into the back of her mind, making her want to vomit even now. The worst part, the part that made her want to crawl out of her skin, was that she had hesitated for the briefest moment, that small bit of her that felt sorry for what she was about to do made her hesitate. She thought twice about killing an orc, even after all Boromir and Aragorn had warned her about, even after her first encounter with the orcs in the woods and she knew they were evil; that there was no redeeming quality in them, that they would kill her as soon as look at her, or do things that would make her beg for death. Still, she hesitated. She hesitated because she felt sorry. She shivered, bile threatening to rise again as she tried to suppress the thought. She knew it was rational to feel this way. She had been trained to help people, to treat injuries not inflict them, and the injuries that she did cause were for the greater good. She knew that there was nothing wrong in feeling this way, considering the life that she had led before, but she also knew that she had intentionally killed. That she would kill again, next time maybe people, anyone that would try to kill her or any member of this fellowship because that's what war was. It was not just a few action shots of blood, guts and glory…it was something entirely different…and Kate wasn't entirely sure she was up to the task. But she would be, she would get up and do it again and again because she cared for these people. Because she cared for Frodo. Because she believed that getting rid of this ring was truly important and that was what mattered. It was an odd thing, this new way of life. Kate had never in her life had to worry about being killed, had never had to defend herself this way, and yet her she was. Every day was a new threat, something was always trying to kill them and while everyone seemed to just accept it and charge ahead, weapons drawn, she sat here staring at her hands and pondering if it was acceptable for her to kill in battle. And she knew that it was because she too had accepted it. She had completely accepted being here. She couldn't even remember the last time she thought about home, or the comfort of her own bed.
A question began to gnaw at her, and the memories and faces of the orc she killed creeped into her mind once again.
"Aragorn?" She asked quietly, wondering if it wasn't too childish of a question. He opened his eyes and rolled his head to face her, the change in her tone grabbing his attention.
"Hm?"
"You said you've been in many battles." Kate looked down at her hands, self-consciously picking at the skin around her nails. "I was just wondering…how do you…does it ever…do you … how do you sleep again?" She asked. Aragorn let out a heavy sigh and sat up, running a hand through his hair as he tried to think of an acceptable answer.
"Give it time." He said, recalling her previous advice to Frodo. "Some things take time, Kate."
"…Do their faces ever go away?" She asked again, biting her lip to keep it from trembling because she knew the answer even before she asked it.
"No." he whispered. A loud shriek pierced the air, and though it was clear it was miles away, the company tensed, they knew that sound all too well. Orc "Time to move." Aragorn announced, and the fellowship began putting out the small fire and shouldering what little supplies they had left before running into the woods.
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By the time the sun had started to rise, Kate knew they had reached Lothlorien. She gawked at the massive trees around her, the evening sun casting a golden hue onto the forest, and a peace began to settle in her soul. It was the most beautiful woods she'd ever seen.
"This is like something straight off of my Pinterest board." She murmured approvingly. Legolas smiled over at her, not entirely sure what she meant, but pleased that she seemed to enjoy it.
"Lothlorien is famed for its beauty, I have long wanted to look upon the Mallorn trees and listen to what they would say to me." Legolas grabbed her hand excitedly, his elation making him forget his composure. "I am pleased that I might share this with friends." Kate smiled at him, and then gave him a puzzled look.
"You said what the trees would say to you? The trees talk to you?" She asked. Legolas chuckled.
"Of course. The trees have feelings, dear friend. They will speak to those who have an ear to listen." He explained, demonstratively putting a lean hand on the tree trunk. "Does this surprise you?" Kate shrugged.
"Talking trees? No. Honestly, nothing surprises me anymore." She declared, watching him gently touch the tree one last time in parting. "Can I try?" She asked, and then immediately regretted it when she heard the elf laugh. She frowned at him, arms crossed. I take it back she thought ruefully.
"I do not laugh at you, mellon nin! Truly, I do not!" He tried to explain in between laughs. She had really never seen him laugh like this.
"Sure seems like it." She replied, arms still crossed.
"No, I do not. Forgive me." He laughed, reaching to grab her arms in earnest. "I just…I have never heard a human ask this. The image was funny to me, I apologize, forgive me." He pleaded, in between bursts of barely controlled laughter. Kate rolled her eyes, relenting, but couldn't help but smile at him.
"Is that just another one of your elf superpowers?" Legolas shrugged his shoulders.
"To be truthful, I do not know. I have not heard of humans that can but perhaps, given your talents…We can try if you'd like." He said, scanning the woods for what Kate could only assume to be a particularly chatty tree. She chuckled a little as Legolas motioned her over, her ears picking up some of Gimli's conversation about an elf witch. She was about to try and listen to a tree, add an elf witch in? Yeah, makes sense. Just a normal day in Middle Earth.
"What do I do?" She whispered, feeling a little foolish as she pressed her ear against the trunk. Legolas stifled a laugh as he grabbed her hand and gently placing it on the tree, his hand lightly covering hers.
"Do not overthink it Kate, just listen." He instructed, and Kate tried to keep from sniffing at the vague instructions. Sure thing, sensei. Kate heard nothing, and for a moment she wondered if he was playing a trick on her, and then…she heard a familiar buzzing. Quietly at first and then loudly, sending waves of electricity through her, until her skin began to twitch and fear mounted within her. She ripped her hand away violently, and stared in shock. This was a tree?! Not a stone circle what was that?! "What did you hear, Kate?" He asked, concern etched onto his face. She shook her head, rubbing the spot on her hand that had scrapped against the tree.
"That's impossible." The moment she lifted her hand off the tree the buzzing stopped, but the aftershocks of it were still rolling along her skin, her body reacting as it always did when she was near a portal. "Did you hear that? Does it always sound like that? That doesn't make sense…" Legolas shook his, confused by what had happened and equally unnerved.
"No, it does not. I have never heard such a thing…except…you have heard this before?" He asked her.
"Yea, it's like a warning. I don't know how to explain it…but it…I need to stay away…I'm not-" He lifted her chin up so she looked into his eyes, effectively stopping her rambling.
"I believe, perhaps the tree was also warning you. Come, we should not linger behind." He said, moving his hand to her shoulder to keep her steady when suddenly he stood stock still. In the time it took for Kate to breath in and out Legolas had whipped out his arrow, notched it, and pointed it defensively at the several arrows pointed at them. Legolas rolled his and returned his arrow to the quiver and he and Kate were shuffled back to the rest of the group.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." An elf with a condescending voice spoke, sneering down at Gimli. Kate frowned at the continued display of elf vs dwarf racism. Weren't they past this? Aragorn learned forward, speaking to him in the elvish language. I need to learn elvish. Why didn't I learn elvish in Rivendell?! Kate mused. Gimli growled low and spit on the ground, much to Legolas's revulsion.
"Aragorn, these woods are perilous!" The dwarf warned. "We should go back!" The elf sniffed again, as if what he was about to say was common knowledge.
"You have entered the realm of The Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back. Come she is waiting." He said, turning on his heel and walking ahead.
"Guess we're going too." Kate muttered, moving along with the rest of them.
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Several hours later and an agonizing climb up a tree, of all things, the group was finally permitted to rest and Haldir, as Kate learned he was called, began to officially greet them. Legolas was greeted first, Kate assumed because he was an elf, and then to Aragorn. They spoke in elvish, leaving Kate to tune them out and eye the rest of the space they were on. Rather impressive architecture to get all this to work on a tree Kate thought, wondering if perhaps elves were a lot more magical than they let on. She glanced over at Boromir who was fidgeting nervously with his hands, growing more and more uncomfortable by the second, and gave him what she thought was an encouraging smile. He only glowered at her in response and Kate's heart sank. He'd barely spoken to her since Legolas had said what he did in the mines, and Kate hadn't gotten a chance to try and make things right since then. She hoped he might listen to her once things had settled down and they were able to speak privately, he had become such a dear friend to her and she missed his humor and companionship. She could not forgive herself if that friendship was broken over nothing. Gimli's voice shook her out of her thoughts. Evidently, the Dwarf was less inclined to wait patiently by.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of Elves!" Gimli scolded. "Speak words we can all understand!" Kate raised an eyebrow; the Dwarf was bold but he had a point. Haldir gave a thinly veiled look of irritation and he bent his head to look down at him.
"We have not had dealing with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." He replied, emphasizing 'Dark Days' like it was a swear word.
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Gimli retorted, standing taller. He spoke a language that Kate assumed was Dwarfish, and it did not sound friendly. Aragorn gripped the Dwarf's shoulder, hoping to stop him from speaking.
"That was not so courteous." The man reprimanded, though Haldir seemed unfazed. Either he'd heard it and didn't know what it meant or he had expected Gimli to respond that way. Kate had a suspicion it was the later and wasn't impressed that an Elf of his importance, a Marchwarden, would work so hard to vex poor Gimli. The Elf scanned the rest of the group, his eyes resting on Kate.
"You travel with a woman?" He asked, not in a condescending manner, it was a genuine surprise to him. Kate pursed her lips, and allowed Aragorn to intercede, before she pulled a Gimli.
"She is my sister's daughter, Kate, and our healer." Aragorn explained. Haldir rose an eyebrow, he did not think much of human healers.
"Forgive me, Aragorn, I did not know you had a sister." Haldir commented, with just the slightest bit of suspicion.
"She passed a long time ago, her husband as well." Aragorn informed, grief dusting each word.
"You must forgive me again." Haldir said, speaking what sounded like elvish condolences. "She is a healer you say? Under whose tutelage were you taught your craft?" He asked skeptically, finally acknowledging her directly. Kate lifted her head and crossed her arms not catching Aragorn's amused smile before it disappeared.
"Johns Hopkins." She replied evenly "Lord Elrond of Rivendell also taught me many things while I was in Rivendell, he's an incredible teacher." Ha! She thought immaturely. Haldir laughed while the other elves spoke amongst themselves.
"I do not know of this Johns Hopkins, but if Lord Elrond saw fit to teach you than you must be a skilled healer indeed." Haldir tilted his head slightly and acknowledged her in the typical elvish greeting. "Aragorn is a friend to the Elves, if you are his kin than we will call you Elf friend as well." Kate flashed a charming smile. She wasn't sure how to feel about him quite yet, given his treatment of Gimli, but she thanked him none the less. Maybe she could buy some good will for Gimli with this newfound title. Haldir continued his scan until he saw Frodo, inhaling sharply. "You bring great evil with you. You can go no further." The Marchwarden declared.
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Aragorn spent the next several hours pleading with Haldir in Elvish while Legolas stood by, always the sentient, trying to make him understand the importance of their quest and why they were carrying with them The One Ring of Power. It was a hard sell, to be sure, but Kate knew if anyone could do it, it would be Aragorn.
Poor Frodo. Kate thought, noticing how everyone stared at him now and then. If she saw it she was sure Frodo did too. She wondered if he knew that agreeing to take the ring would mean times like these. She was lost in her thoughts a few moments more until a familiar voice spoke up.
"Gandalf's death was not in vain." Boromir said. "Nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Do not carry the weight of the dead." Frodo said nothing, and Boromir had not expected him to, but Kate could see it had impacted him. Her heart swelled again, she really did miss Boromir. What could she say? Kate pieced together an apology, rejecting one idea after the other. When she finally gathered the courage to say something Haldir walked up and declared that they would rest here for the night and follow them on in the morning. The group gave a collective sigh of relief as Haldir promised water, food and a safe place to rest. It was all Kate could do to keep from crying in relief.
The Elves directed the fellowship to several different levels, Kate's was just above the rest of them, and they were able to eat, drink and sleep at their leisure. Evidently, the Elves were not concerned about any of the fellowship going rouge and attacking them in the dead of night, which Kate considered a huge win. She climbed up the ladder, the pain in her ribs making her sweat from the effort, she nearly cried again when she saw a small comfortable bed to sleep, and privacy screen with a chamber pot and bowl of clean water behind it, and by her bed a large pitcher of water and a few slices of bread and cheese. She eagerly dove into the meal, scarfing it down like it was a five-course meal, and thirstily gulped the water, moaning in delight as the cool water slid down her throat. It was the best meal she had ever had.
Relishing the little bit of privacy, she was allowed, Kate quickly tore off her clothes, grabbed a "clean" tunic from her bag, and took a washcloth behind the screen to wash off whatever she could. Kate was horrified by the color the small bowl of water had turned just from washing her face and hands. She stared down at the once white wash cloth and hoped she had not permanently stained it with her filth. There was no way she was washing everything and she foolishly realized the bowl was probably only meant to wash her hands after the bathroom. Disgusted with herself Kate gingerly put on the new tunic, deciding not to bother with the leggings until morning. She tried not to be too disappointed at the lost idea of a bath but…she knew that she must stink…like, really stink. She was getting a bath, even if she had to run naked to the river. There. It was decided, and now she could sleep she thought, hating herself just a little as she slid under the clean sheets. Would they still call her Elf-friend if she left an outline of grime on the sheets? Note to self: must ask Legolas if elves are horrified by human stank. Must also try not to be offended by the answer.
Thunk!
The sound of a human body rolling onto her platform shook her out of her self-loathing and she shot out of bed. She reached for her knife when suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist and the other hand clapped her mouth shut, shoving her back onto the bed. She tried to scream, swearing and writhing about until she heard her assailant chuckle.
"Would you calm yourself woman?" He urged, clearly amused by her fear. Kate wanted to bite him again, and he must have noticed she was inclined because he dropped his hand from her mouth. "I am not trying to harm you!"
"Boromir! Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ, what are you doing here?!" She hissed, punching in the arm as hard as she could. Why was he laughing? "This is not funny, what is the matter with you? You can't just come into my room unannounced." Boromir's face fell, all traces of humor gone.
"Why?" He asked, face contorting with suppressed rage. "Is it because you truly think you are of a higher rank than me? That one such as me could not possibly be in the same room as you?!" Kate's jaw dropped in shock.
"Absolutely not." She protested. "I never said such a thing! You can't be in here because I was sleeping and because…because I don't have pants on. I could have killed you, you know!" Boromir's face changed again, alighting with humor he waggled his eyebrows.
"No pants? How scandalous, perhaps I should whip you for your salacious behavior?" Kate's mind boggled at the breakneck change in attitudes. What was wrong with him?!
"Boromir! It's not funny. We need to talk, but not like this." She implored, shoving his hands away, hands that were a little too free to be completely joking. The man slumped back onto her bed, propping his head up on his elbow.
"You are quite sour this evening." He declared and Kate's jaw dropped again. "Fine! I am sorry, Kate, really. For everything, for scaring you and for what happened between us in the caves, for everything. Forgive me?" He implored. Kate softened and looked down at the hands in her lap in shame.
"There is nothing to forgive. I should be apologizing to you. I…I'm so sorry. I never meant for Legolas to say those things!" Boromir shrugged.
"Do you think you're better than me because of your status?"
"No! Of course! Please know that, Boromir!" Kate implored. Boromir slumped himself next to her, grabbing her extra pillow and tucking it under his head.
"Then there is nothing to forgive!" He declared, giving her a celebratory peck on the cheek. "Goodnight Kate." He declared happily. Oh, you big, red oaf! Kate thought in frustration. Why would you put me through all that then?!
"What are you doing?" Kate asked, blankly. Boromir huffed.
"Trying to sleep. You should try it, Kate."
"You can't sleep here, Boromir."
"Do not fret, your virtue will not be threatened. Go to sleep, Kate." The man continued, rolling his eyes. Kate wanted to scream. She started pushing him, trying to move the giant man out of her bed.
"No, seriously you really can't sleep here. This is a bed for one, and I, I stink, and Aragorn will absolutely kill you, and maybe me, and Legolas, oh my God, Legolas would lose his mind. No, no, no. You have to get out. Yea, you have to get out now, Legolas would really lose his mind." Kate rambled, all the while trying to push him out of bed, losing her sheets in the process. The cold air touched her legs, making her feel vulnerable and a renewed urgency to gain back her privacy rose within her. Boromir rolled his eyes, unbothered by the woman's attempt at forcing him out.
"I do not care what that elf thinks. Neither should you, why would you?" Boromir rolled over to face Kate. "You have been spending quite a bit of time together as of late. Is there something I should know?" He asked suspiciously. She didn't know why, but panic began to rise up in her, she needed to get him out, now. All she had to do was scream for Legolas and he would be here, he could take care of this. Kate wondered though… wasn't that being overdramatic? This was Boromir after all, they were friends. They had just made up, hadn't they?
"No, Legolas and I are just friends, you oaf. What is wrong with you?"
"Are you and I not friends as well? And yet you and the elf are far more familiar than is acceptable? You cannot touch him the way you do and call it friendship, Kate!"
"What are you talking about? I do not touch him an any disrespectful way. Legolas and I-"
"Stop saying his name, Kate! I will not have his name on your lips!"
"You need to get out, Now!" She yelled, and she was sure elves had to have heard by now. This was completely inappropriate. She hoped to God Legolas was not hearing this, but part of her hoped her was. Suddenly the man's face fell, and he crumpled, whimpering into her lap. What was happening? Was this what Legolas had been talking about? It couldn't be this bad? Surely, she would have seen this coming. A multitude of medical diagnosis were shooting off in her head as she awkwardly consoled the man. What could be wrong?
"Please do not make me go back to them, my friend, please do not make me go."
"Boromir, wha- the Elves? You are safe here Boromir, don't cry." Another convulsion of fear washed over Boromir and he was sobbing so intensely Kate wondered if he'd pass out.
"No, no, no. No! They see me! They see me, Kate! I will find no rest here! You must help me!" He pleaded, clutching her hands. Kate looked down at the broken man in her lap, her legs soaked in tears. What was he talking about? She wanted to cry and scream and fight she was so angry! This was not Boromir, this pitiful mass before her, this was not her friend! What had happened?! Never in her whole life had she been overcome by such rage and pity. Could the ring do this? Could the ring truly break someone this much? "Please, Kate, you are the only one I can trust. Help me. Help me!" He urged, racked with sobs. Slowly, she nodded her head a few times before she could get her mouth to speak.
"Y-Yes. It's fine. Yea, you can stay here." She nodded, slowly him off her lap and into a more comfortable position in the bed, bringing the blanket around his heaving shoulders. "Shh, you're alright. You're safe. Hush now, go to sleep. You're safe. Shh." Quietly she whispered soothingly words to the man, as if she would a child, until she was confident he had fallen asleep. She watched him for a while, twitching and muttering to himself in his sleep. She waited a few more moments and then cautiously climbed out of bed, grabbing the knife and crawling to the giant trunk of Mallorn tree. Resting her back against it she tucked up her legs and clutched the knife. Her body started shaking and the tears fell against her will. She didn't even protest when Legolas carefully took the knife out of her hand and cradled her to him. She was just so tired. Legolas said nothing, only a few whispered elvish which Kate hoped didn't mean 'told you so' he just let her cry.
Oh, if he only knew the reasons she was crying! Crying for Boromir, for how hurt and scared he was; crying because she did not think she would be able to fix him; crying because he had scared her, really truly scared her and that didn't make sense; crying for Gandalf; crying for the stupid orc; crying for those she would kill in the future; crying for the patients that died on her operating table and for the patients she never get to save in her world; crying for the ficus in her apartment that was most surely dead; crying for her Aunt Mandy who had tried so hard to keep her from this place; crying for that fateful day she landed here; crying because she wanted to touch Legolas as brazenly as Boromir had accused her of and crying because she absolutely hated crying. How pathetic she must look to him now!
Through all this Legolas said nothing, simply letting her cry, unbothered that she was soaking his shirt through, unbothered that she might smell bad, he simply held her, letting her cry until her body sagged from the effort and she simply could not cry anymore.
"Sleep now, Kate." He said gently, covering her bare legs with a blanket. "There will be no bad dreams for you tonight, sleep now."
A/N: Yeah, the ring's kind of got Boromir a little messed up, a lot more than Kate realized. Let me know what you think!
