Some people say that when you die you don't feel any pain that there is a light at the end of a tunnel. Let me inform you now, while I'm still in the troughs of memory lane. NOT ONLY WOULD SOME PEOPLE BE WRONG THEY PROBABLY FUCKING DIDN'T EVEN FLAT LINE. Now back to the story.
Hollin, 3019, TA. January 13
The first thing Kennonomoi was aware of when she awoke was the burning sensation in her chest and the dull throbbing in her temples. She didn't dare open her eyes. It would be too painful considering it already felt like someone had taken a hot butter knife to her retina.
So instead Kennonomoi did as she had always done and tried to process her surroundings without her eyes. Besides the pain that she felt Kennonomoi could feel the slightly uncomfortable ground through the blanket under her.
It was slightly moist not cold but not hot either. The youngest Espada could smell the grass and trees and could hear her 'brother' speaking to Boromir. Curious, she strained her senses to listen in on the conversation.
"How bad is it"?
Kennonomoi nearly choked at hearing the genuine concern that she heard in the Gondorian lord's voice. Was this the same guy she had classified as a chauvinistic idiot? She could hear Aragorn sigh and the telltale sound of a tired sigh painted a more than an adequate picture of what the ranger thought of her condition. Obviously she had taken more of a beating than she remembered.
"Her ribs nearly collapsed under the pressure, it will be very hard for her to breath for at least a month", "She was in the arms of shadow from the fever alone"
Unable to keep silent any longer Kennonomoi croaked, "what"!
Even as the fellowship crowded around her Kennonomoi regretted even opening her mouth. Her throat felt like it was on fire and her chest heaved weakly in a vain attempt to generate more oxygen. Not to mention her head felt like someone split a quart of firewood on her skull.
The youngest Espada still wouldn't open her eyes due to the tears of the pain that she was fighting back. She felt someone carefully prop her up on their lap and held a cup to her lips. Greedily she sipped the water ignoring the fact it tasted funny. Aragorn obviously put some kind of medicinal herb in it.
Once the cup was drained of its contents her unofficial nursemaid took the cup from her lips and set it aside. Slowly her throat began to loose the rough irritated feelings and her headache ebbed slightly. Kennonomoi cracked open her eyes and gazed tiredly at the fellowship that gathered around her.
Aragorn sat directly in front of her while Boromir sat to her left with Merry and Pippin. Gimli stood next to Gandalf and next to him were Samwise and Frodo. Kennonomoi spied a pale hand in the corner of her eye and knew it was Legolas's lap that her head now occupied. Each looked upon her with equal interest and worry yet each had a different way of displaying it.
Gimli grumbled under his breath while Gandalf gave her an intent stare. Sam and Frodo were silent yet close by should Aragorn had need of them to get more herbs. Aragorn eyed her critically like the trained healer he was supposed to be but the barely restrained tears were clearly visible in his steel orbs. Merry and Pippin watched her with wild curiosity, yet they did not dare to speak. Oddly enough it was Legolas and Boromir who were the most calm of the bunch calmly observing Kennonomoi as she lay.
"What is the last thing you remember Aaron?" the ranger asked
They watched anxiously as Kennonomoi's eyes briefly fluttered as if she were about to fall into unconsciousness again.
Suddenly she smirked weakly, "a mountain fell on me" she said dryly
All of them even Boromir snorted in amusement at her answer distracted by the fact that she was not completely honest. Kennonomoi could remember dealing with that old crackpot Saruman, but they didn't need to know that. She struggled to keep her half lidded eyes focused even as sleep tried to claim her. Aragorn moved closer to her and brushed thick sweaty bangs away from her face.
He cracked a small smirk, "close enough, now sleep young one you shall need the rest"
Kennonomoi nodded and closed her eyes too tired to say anything else.
Aragorn continued to wipe her brow until he was sure that she slept. Sitting back on his hunches the ranger watched as his elven friend eased his little sister back onto the bedroll.
"Will Aaron be alright Strider?" Frodo asked meekly
He looked at the curly haired hobbit to see that next to him stood Sam and his kinfolk Merry and Pippin. The halflings had grown quite accustomed to Kennonomoi on their journey and actually enjoyed some of her more 'eccentric personality quirks'. He turned away from Frodo trying to hide the worry that gnawed at the forefront of his mind.
"Yes she will be"
'I hope'
Frodo nodded seemingly satisfied with his answer made his way to his own bedroll intent on getting some much-needed sleep. Sam, Merry, and Pippin lingered only to have Gimli to cart them off to bed. Legolas climbed up a tree just a few paces away from Kennonomoi, taking up watch.
However Gandalf and Boromir remained where they were. Aragorn knew all too well why Boromir had not moved but as always the gray pilgrim's motives were mysterious.
"What"?
The son of Arathorn knew that he should be more diplomatic, Elrond had taught him better. However he found that he was too tired and agitated to be polite and that constant exposure to Aaron had made him pick up some of her more endearing qualities. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Mithrandir giving him a reproachful look but Aragorn found he starting to go by Kennonomoi's motto.
"Its not me enjoying being mean, its just I don't give a flying fuck"
Focusing back on the present Aragorn was confronted by the irate Gondorian captain. The eldest son of Denethor seethed quietly in front of him worry plainly visible in his dark eyes. His cheeks were flushed a light red and his fist were clenched as were his teeth gritted in repressed violence.
"Aragorn you must send her back"
"No"
Boromir was absolutely livid. He turned to Gandalf.
"This is no place for the injured let alone a woman can't you see that she will slow us down and that she might die from this folly" he hissed.
The old Istar gave the man a hard look," you would do well to remember your tongue lord of the west"
Before he could say anything else the wizard continued his words cracking like whip into the stubborn skull of the gondorian.
"Lady Maranwë hath proven her strength and valar by coming with us in this errand and keeping pace not to mention the fact that she defeated you quite easily upon the day of council, now seeing as she is not well I will nary say a word of your disrespect but one more word out of you Boromir son of Denethor and you shall pray for mercy"
Again he turned to Aragorn, "you would sentence your sister to death"?
"I would see her live" he shot back at Boromir's accusation.
He glared frostily at the nobleman willing himself not to impale the irate gondorian on his sword. Moving forward menacingly Aragorn spat out each word like it was poison and willing Boromir to understand his point of view.
"What would have me do Boromir, hmm? Send her back to Rivendell alone and without a guide and lets not forget the fact that she is still ill and injured"
The sarcasm was thick upon his voice only making Boromir angrier but he said nothing as his supposed sire continued.
"You are so set in your ways that you are blind to anything else, Aaron is strong had that been anyone else of the race of men they would have died instantly but there is the strength of a steadfast warrior in her and a cunning that could rival the kings of old, by the valor as injured as she is Aaron is probably more than aware of what is happening now while she sleeps"
He ran a hand through his dark stringy tresses, " I know that Aaron knows the odds are against her, that should we send her back she will have no chance of survival"
Once again he glared at Boromir for good measure.
"If she remains her chances of survival are slim but from what I understand I slim chance is a lot better than nothing"
Seeing he was defeated Boromir stomped toward his bedroll leaving behind the exiled king and his council.
"Do not take his words to heart Aragorn, Boromir was raised in thinking that women need protecting and that they were supposed to stay home with the children" consoled the wizard
Aragorn grimaced, "for his sake I hope he doesn't learn the hard way, Arwen is a willful woman but Aaron gives a whole different meaning to dangerous"
The wizard nodded understandingly and silence fell between them. Aragorn waited for the wizard to speak his peace and yet all the Istar did was watch him intently. For all intents and purposes the way Gandalf could stare down even kings was very discerning to even Aragorn. Yet the ranger was determined to hold his ground for a little bit longer.
Finally Gandalf decided to speak, "have you spoken to lady Maranwë of her caution to my council"?
Aragorn shook his head and sighed in slight exasperation. Would he ever learn?
"I did not, Gandalf you must let Aaron find her own way if it is truly her destiny to capture the heart of the next king of Rohan"
"Have you not noticed that she flinches when it comes to matters of the heart"?
"The greatest of warriors would falter in the presence of love" the ranger retorted, "Aaron is young and has known nothing save the bitter sweetness of a family that knew little of love or even affection"
Gandalf frowned, "she is eighteen Estel of courting age and her beauty could rival that of many an ellth, many will seek her hand should we win this war it will fall to you to fend off suitors and you cannot defend her forever"
Aragorn rubbed his face tiredly. He looked at the sleeping woman child that was his 'sister' and knew worry. Kennonomoi was fiercely independent and outspoken. In the world of men even Rohan this was an undesired trait. They were taught to protect their' women and to shield their' eyes from the carnage that was war. The fact that because Kennonomoi was his 'sister' she was of nobility didn't help either.
Why, you might ask? Well it was widely known that Gondorian noblewomen were usually married off at a young age. Technically Kennonomoi was crown princess of Gondor, thus making her a most coveted price of nobles.
For Gondorian princesses' marriage was mandatory so that the line would continue should the king and his heirs perish. In short if Aragorn didn't choose her husband the council of Gondor would. Seeing the thoughts of the ranger plainly on his face Gandalf placed his weathered hand on Aragorn's shoulder.
"You would not convict Maranwë to a loveless marriage Estel but she must learn to love and be loved in return less her wild spirit be her own undoing" he said plainly.
Hollin, 3019, TA. January 13 a few hours later
The next time Kennonomoi awoke it was to the sound of Gandalf and Gimli speaking.
"Well, here we are at last!" Gandalf said happily, banging his staff on the hard stone, "Here the Elven-way from Hollin ended".
"Holly was the token of the people of that land, and they planted it here to mark the end of their domain; for the West-door was made chiefly for their use in their traffic with the Lords of Moria. Those were happier days, when there was still close friendship at times between folk of difference race, even between dwarves and elves."
Of course, in everyone else's opinion he should have known to not say anything about the ruined relationship between the two races, and like everybody else Kennonomoi was not surprised when Legolas and Gimli were at one another's throats again.
"It was not the fault of the dwarves that the friendship waned," Gimli said dourly, with a menacing look at the Elf.
"I have not heard that it was the fault of the elves," Legolas retorted coldly and seemed about to say something else when Kennonomoi interrupted them.
"Would you two shut the fuck up, I don't care what the hell your races' beef with each other is we're here now so leave your' who has the bigger dick attitude where it's wanted, I have a headache roughly the size of a dragon's ass and I don't need you fucking bigots adding to the very long fucking list of what the fuck is wrong with the world we are trying to save" she snarled.
The fellowship stared at her. They were both shocked and relieved to see that to badmouthing brawler was awake. Even Gimli forgot to be insulted by her words. Gandalf was the first to rouse from his shock and he nodded his thanks to her. The youngest Espada however focused on the elf and dwarf, agitated to having to wake up to their' damn arguing. She glared at them with what little strength that she had recovered from her sleep.
"The next time I hear you two starting your bullshit, I will personally make Sauron look practically innocent compared to what I am most capable and more than willing to do to you two, do I make myself clear"?
They didn't even think to defy her, "yes milady"
She smiled in satisfaction and turned her head toward Aragorn.
"Where are we"?
Aragorn helped her down Bill the horse's back. As soon as her feet touched the ground Kennonomoi wobbled but she fought back the urge to fall. This was no time to give in to weakness. With that thought the youngest Espada forced herself into stability and ignored the burning in her lungs. Looking around Kennonomoi took in the rest of the fellowship. In short they looked like shit and she had no qualms telling them so.
"We will be at the West gate of Moria by night fall", "As to our state of being thank you for your concern sister dear"
Kennonomoi smirked, "your welcome brother dear"
Aragorn beckoned for Frodo to take her hand and follow Gandalf. The ring bearer moved forward and took her hand with a brief smile and did as the ranger bade him.
"Mines are no place for a pony. Even one so brave as Bill." he said with compassion.
Sam sadly reached up to pet the pony one last time, "Bye, bye, Bill."
Aragorn tried to be reassuring, "Go on, Bill. Do not worry Sam. He knows the way home."
The West-gate of Moria, 3019, TA. January 13 , - Nightfall
It was apparent that the fellowship would not be moving anytime soon. They had found the entrance yet Gandalf couldn't even remember the password. Kennonomoi wasn't surprised; she after all pretty much knew what happened in the trilogy. Looking over at Merry and Pippin who were throwing stones in the lake she absently wondered if she should stop them.
The decision was taken from her however by her brother. Striding across to the two unaware hobbits, he snatched hold of Pippin's collar just as the young hobbit was about to let loose a stone.
"Strider! Really!" Pippin exclaimed angrily, tilting his head backwards to glare at the ranger.
"Do not disturb the water." Aragorn hissed, dragging both of them backwards.
The hobbits looked between him and the seemingly innocent water, "Why?" Merry asked.
"Because if you value your hides you will not disturb the water." Aragorn replied brusquely, "Beware hobbits. There are older and darker things in the world than you can dream of."
Kennonomoi snorted, he sure had a way with words. She would have just asked the two little troublemakers if they wanted to die.
"Oh, it's useless!"
"I could have told you that a half an hour ago" Kennonomoi snarked
With a glare Gandalf stomped to a rock and plopped down upon it, sulking.
It was then that Frodo jumped to his feet.
"It's a riddle, speak friend and enter", "Gandalf what is the elvish word for friend"?
For a moment he only stared at him, "Mellon"
Kennonomoi sighed and stood from her perch. Merry, Pippin, and Sam were at Frodo's side. Aragorn and Boromir took point in front of her while Legolas stood next to Gandalf. Slowly the doors opened.
"Into the belly of the beast" whispered Boromir
Kennonomoi smirk almost viciously, "and straight out the demon's asshole"
With no small amount of unease, the fellowship entered the mines. Gimli however was practically skipping like a child who had learned Christmas was coming early as they entered, gladly telling all who would listen about the comforts they should expect.
"Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves! Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A MINE!"
Then Boromir looked down, "This is no mine. It is a tomb," he stated with horror
As Gimli saw the bodies of his kindred, rotting and covered in cobwebs to put it simply he lost it.
"No! Nooo! NOOOO!" he roared with his voice laced in pure agony
Legolas took an arrow out of a dead body, examining it before tossing it aside in disgust, "Goblins!"
Boromir would contend no delay, "We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here! Now get out of here! Get out!" he cried.
They only too readily followed his advice, but from nowhere as Frodo was exiting, a tentacle lashed out of the water and snatched up the Ring-bearer. Kennonomoi hung back away from the fight knowing all to well the result of the scuffle with the giant squid.
"Frodo!" Merry cried out in horror.
Frodo himself was screaming in the creature's grasp, "Strider!" he shouted.
Aragorn was horrified to see him in that position, especially when Sam echoed his master.
"Strider! Do something!" he bellowed and then the gardener charged the monster crying, "Get off him!"
Merry tried to hold Sam back, "Aragorn!" he shouted, calling for aid, even as the hobbits slashed at the creature with their swords.
For a split second they managed to free the captive hobbit and Pippin cried, "We got him! We got him!"
They all then got thrown back by one of the monster's many tentacles and Pippin wailed pitifully, "We don't got him!"
By now, the monster had a firm grip on Frodo and swung him high up in the air, waving him about madly, and ignoring the Ring-bearer's frightened cries. Even as Legolas shot it with his bow, and Boromir and Aragorn entered the water. Boromir and Aragorn slashed at it with their swords, Andúril being particularly harmful to the creature as it was imbued with Elven runes of power.
At last Aragorn managed to hack off the tentacle holding Frodo and just barely managed to catch the ring bearer as he fell, back-pedaling frantically as he withdrew from the water with the young hobbit in tow.
Gandalf waved at them frantically from the doorway of the mines, "Into the mines!" he hollered.
Through all this Kennonomoi stayed pretty much out of the way, making sure to grab Merry and Pippin and drag the two into the cave with her. The time to play hero could wait.
Boromir glanced at the Elf, "Legolas! Into the cave! Get back!"
They did not have time to do anything as the giant squid came towards them and in a fit of rage started destroying everything around them, uprooting the two great trees to either side of the doors, and as the Dwarven doors slammed shut with an ominous clash, they heard the sounds of rubble and debris being piled up in front of it, blocking out all light, and the way out.
Legolas suddenly became very popular as the hobbits gathered close to his faint Elven glow, the only light left in the hall.
But all of them shared the same sickening feeling as the sounds of rock shifting finally ceased.
Kennonomoi sighed at the frightened looks on the hobbits' faces. This was going to be a long day. Trying to reassure the halflings the youngest Espada plastered her patented smirk on her face.
"Viva la Moria"