Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with LOTR...I only own my OC'S :)
Please read the note at the bottom! :)
Thank you so much!
...
Kate's POV
My grip tightened around Aragorn's waist as we were engulfed by the mountain, the dark, jagged rock rising above us, casting everything into a black shadow. My irregular breathing calmed slightly as Aragorn squeezed my hands lightly with one of his, keeping control of Brego with the other.
"Worry not, I shall keep you safe" he whispered to me. I nodded, knowing that he couldn't see me, but somehow, I don't have the heart to reply right now. For one, I am worrying about Emma, as this is the first time we have been apart in ages, two, we are about to go and strike a bargain with some undead people, and three, I could die. I'm not particularly scared of dying, but I am scared of what comes after it, and the wellbeing of those I would leave behind.
"What kind of an army would linger in such a place?" Gimli asked as we turned onto a small path leading to the Dimholt. I swallowed loudly, not wanting to hear the reply.
"One that is cursed. Long ago, the Men of the Mountain swore an oath to the last King of Gondor, to come to his aid, to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire, they fled, vanishing into the darkness of the mountain. And so Isildur cursed them, never to rest until they had fulfilled their pledge. Who shall call them from the great twilight? The forgotten people. The heir of him to whom the oath they swore. From the north shall he come. Need shall drive him. He shall pass the door to the Paths of the Dead" Legolas replied, reciting it as though one would a well rehearsed speech. Comes to think of it, he has been running on autopilot on this journey, speaking only when necessary, and even those answers tend to sound wooden.
"The very warmth of my blood seems stolen away." Gimli muttered
"The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead. And the Dead keep it. The way is shut" Legolas read from over the top of the top of the stone archway. I couldn't contain a shudder of fear as I imagined what lurked on the inside. I slowly slid of Brego's back, allowing Aragorn to hold me close as we stood just outside of the door. Since I only just came to his shoulder, it was rather easy to hide slightly behind him. He held Andúril in his right hand, his other arm wrapped protectively around my waist and his stance tall and strong. In that moment, it was easy to see the King within him. He looked trustworthy and wise. The years of his life reflected in his warm grey eyes as they swept over the area, assessing any danger.
I flinched back further into Aragorn as a gust of wind blew past us from the inside, sending the horses into a complete panic.
"Brego!" Aragorn called as the sleek bay retreated and fled along with Arod, who turned tail and shot off, leaving their riders left stranded behind them. Usually at this moment, Emma would have made some sarcastic comment that would calm me slightly.
No such luck this time. My best friend is not here, and right now, I am really regretting my decision to go without her.
"I do not fear death!" Aragorn said as he suddenly turned and pressed a fleeting butterfly kiss to my mouth, before striding into the darkness.
Well, I do fear death, but does he really think that counts as a kiss goodbye? I think not.
It was with that thought, that I unsheathed my own sword and followed my man, not looking back. I smiled to myself as I heard Legolas' soft footfalls and Gimli's clumsy strides follow us. Looking back, I saw that both sets of eyes were determined, and their mouths were pressed into a hard line.
I let out a startled gasp as I walked straight into Aragorn, who automatically reached out and steadied me, a smirk on his face.
"Don't say a word" I muttered, looking up as he breathed a laugh, before picking up a fire torch thing, which just happened to conveniently be there. That's the thing with movies; there is always something you need nearby.
Right now, I am so flipping grateful.
"What is it? What do you see?" Gimli asked suddenly, his question directed at Legolas, whose blue eyes were flickering around nervously.
"I see shapes of men. And of horses"
"Where?" Gimli asked, turning a circle.
"Pale banners like shreds of cloud. Spears rise like winter-thickets through a shroud of mist. The Dead are following. They have been summoned" Legolas replied, not entirely answering the question. How does Emma put up with that? Or is it just something he does with the dwarf?
We kept trudging forward, leaving Gimli behind, and exchanging amused looks when he didn't seem to realise.
"The Dead? Summoned? I knew that. Very good. Very good!" he was muttering to himself and he started flapping at the spidery smoke type substance that floated around the place. I do not want to think about what it is.
"Legolas!" we heard a while later, followed by crunching and huffing, as Gimli appeared behind us, trying to blow away more of the mist.
I really want to do the same thing.
"Do not look down" Aragorn warned.
That's not helpful! As soon as someone tells me not to do something, I do it! Ugh, that man has a lot to learn, especially as we are now walking on bones of the dead. To say I am comfortable would be a complete lie. I am extremely scared.
"Who dares enter my domain?" a voice suddenly boomed.
Well, if I thought I was scared a second ago, whatever this emotion is makes that look like an irritating pest.
"One who will have your allegiance" Aragorn said
"The Dead do not suffer the living to pass" the ghost appeared in front of us, its eyes, or lack of, boring into us.
"You will suffer me!" Aragorn replied, pulling himself up to his full height. Which is very tall, just in case you're wondering?
My grip on my sword tightened so that my knuckles whitened as hundreds of the creepy ghosts appeared around us, holding banners that flapped in the non-existent wind, and some sitting atop of horse armour. Oh yes, just the amour. The actually horse didn't appear to want to see us. Then again, they probably weren't cursed like their riders.
"The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead. And the Dead keep it. The way is shut. Now you must die"
Oh crap.
Legolas strung an arrow, his face slightly disgusted, before letting it fly. Annoyingly, it went straight through its mark and clattered to the floor somewhere in the distance. His face just grew more agitated. It seemed that the mere idea of having to die underground repulsed him.
"I summon you to fulfill your oath." Aragorn called, looking to all of them.
"None but the King of Gondor may command me" the ghost said cockily.
Yeah, well meet the King of Gondor you...
Oh my gosh he is coming at Aragorn with a sword!
We all released a huge sigh of relief as Aragorn blocked the blow, before proceeding to wrap his hand around the ghost's neck, his face determined and grim.
"That line was broken" the ghost insisted
"It has been remade. Fight for us, and regain your honour. What say you?" Aragorn asked as he walked around the area. Legolas approached me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder as we watched, giving me something to draw strength from.
"You waste your time, Aragorn! They had no honour in life, they have none now in death." Gimli said, throwing dirty looks at them.
"I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me, and I will hold your oaths fulfilled!"
I have never been as proud of Aragorn as I am right now. I can feel myself tearing up. Then again, I would feel rather stupid if I randomly start crying...I need to learn to control it!
"What say you?! You have my word! Fight and I will release you from this living death! What say you?!" Aragorn's voice began to rise as the ghosts began to disappear. I'm sorry, but I am going to get really annoyed at them in a minute. It's not like they can die again! What do they have to lose really?
"Stand you traitors!" Gimli shouted.
That was the last straw.
The whole ground seemed to shake as the walls began to splinter, before suddenly bursting in a shower of skulls.
"Out!" Aragorn screamed as he grabbed hold of my hand and began to tow me forward. I allowed him to, my legs barely cooperating as I stumbled forward, slipping on a skull.
"Legolas! Run!" Aragorn shouted. Skulls, skulls everywhere. There wasn't anywhere that the odd smell of bone did not reach you, and underfoot crunched with every step.
I stumbled as a pile of bones hit us suddenly, sweeping me sideways by several metres. I lost my footing, desperately clinging hold of Aragorn's hand and he pulled me up, his eyes wild with fear.
"Kate! Do not let go of my hand!" he shouted desperately. I felt my eyes fill with tears as more skulls fell on top of us.
They were out of here by this point in the film.
Something must have changed in my eyes, as Aragorn started screaming at me to not give up. The skulls were waist deep and pushing me back, further and further away. He kept hold of me, tears threatening to fall down his muddy cheeks, he braced against the rock face, dodging bits of rock that threatened to crush him. I need to get to him.
I tried to push back, but collapsed again, exhausted.
It's of no use anymore.
"Aragorn. I love you" I said, before I closed my eyes and released his hand, forcing it out of his grip. He screamed, I screamed, everything seemed to scream as I fell.
Hell, Emma is going to kill me for this.
XxX
Emma's POV
I sat behind Haldir on his horse, my arms around his waist and my forehead resting against his back, trying desperately to get some sleep.
No such luck.
For one, my friends and...Whatever Legolas is, I still haven't thought of a sensible name, have been gone for days frolicking with some undead dudes that want to kill them.
Two, I am so tired and snap peoples head off whenever they talk to me, as I am in such a sociable mood, obviously.
And three, we will be engaging in battle in just 10 minutes! Whoopy doo! I don't know how my life could get any better. Note the sarcasm there.
"Will you stop thinking so loudly?" Haldir asked with a certain amount of amusement in his tone.
"No" I replied shortly
He huffed and turned around to look at me, raising one eyebrow as he did so.
"You really are in the most disgusting of moods, aren't you?"
"Shut up"
"I'm sure that once your cycle starts afresh you will be much happier!" he said chirpily.
Did he actually just say that?
There is no way in hell that I am talking about that with Haldir of Lorien. NO! Just...just no! Ugh.
"Actually, it may have something to do with the face that we are currently riding to war, one that you are too injured to be in!" I snapped "And for your information, my period is not due for another month, so shut up!"
I watched in satisfaction as his ears flushed a brilliant red, and he dropped his gaze. Ah, so he is a typical male when it comes to that sort of stuff. Oh how fun!
Eventually, he cleared his throat, looking to me once more.
"I am riding to war to look out for you. My wound is almost entirely healed, and I will not let you ride off without me. I am going to look out for you, just as a brother should" he said firmly, before turning back to the front.
Oh wow.
"Thank you" I whispered, kissing his cheek, which was slightly awkward thanks to how we were sitting, but I hope he appreciates the gesture all the same.
"Prepare yourself" he said gruffly.
"Yes sir" I said with an eye roll, before my eyes widened as we came to a stop, and I saw just what we were facing.
Oh dear Lord.
Kate's POV
You know when people wake up in stories and whatever, and they describe themselves to be 'floating in a peaceful tranquillity.'
I am floating.
Literally, I'm just hovering in mid air! It's so awesome!
Well okay, maybe it isn't, but considering a second ago I was falling, to now be floating is a nice turn of the tables. Not to mention an appreciated one too. Then again, this probably leads you to ask how on Earth I am floating. Well, I will tell you how. I am currently sitting in creepy undead dudes arms.
It isn't actually as bad as you think. There isn't any particularly bad smell, and he doesn't feel dead. He doesn't feel like anything really, but you know what I am getting at. Despite the face he has no eyes, his flesh is a bit eaten away and he has hair that resembles a bird nest, he's a pretty alright looking guy.
"I shall take you to your companions. We fight" he said in his eerie voice.
"Oh thank god! Thank you so much sir!" I said, remembering my manners.
'Sir' didn't reply, only grunted in his weird dead way and flew straight to a wall. I closed my eyes as we got near it, waiting for the impact.
None came.
Instead, I felt cool air hit my face, followed by the sound of someone sobbing. Pretty loudly actually, they may want to consider turning the volume down slightly.
Oh...wait...
"Aragorn" I said as the ghost set me down.
My love stiffened; his head still in his hands. Gimli and Legolas looked around, smiling in delight as they say me. To be fair, Legolas probably did it because he is relieved that he doesn't have to explain to Emma why I am dead and face her wrath, but it is nice all the same.
"Aragorn. Look at me" I tried again, approaching him and kneeling down next to him. Still, he didn't.
"You're dead. My love I cannot look, for surely you will disappear from my sight forever." He said, sounding completely broken.
"I am not dead. I promise you" I said, grabbing hold of his hands and forcing them away from his face.
"Look at me" I added in a slightly firmer voice.
Ever so slowly, he lifted his gaze, his eyes full of sadness that almost crushed me. I lifted my hand from his and cupped his cheek, assuring him I am real.
That seemed to break him out of it, as one minute he was staring at me with confusion, and the next he had pounced at me, crashing out lips together. I kissed him back enthusiastically, tasting smoke and something that was purely Aragorn. I allowed myself to drown in the familiar senses and balled his tunic up in my hands, pulling him closer. He leant over me slightly; his hands braced either side of me as I wrapped my arms around him, trying to cram everything I felt for him into one kiss.
All too soon he pulled back to look at our companions, who were desperately trying to fix their attentions elsewhere.
Aragorn shot a look at me, before pulling us both to our feet and hugging me tight. I buried my face into the crook of his neck as he addressed those behind me. I am pretty sure we looked ridiculous as Aragorn tried to discuss the future of Middle Earth with a green ghost whilst receiving the biggest bear hug known to mankind.
Oh well. I don't care.
"We fight" I heard the ghost say, as I practically vibrated with happiness. Those orcs are going down.
Don't worry Emma, I'm coming.
XxX
Emma's POV
"Death!" we all shouted for the third and final time, before we launched head first into the battle.
"Good luck" I said to Haldir, whose jaw was set into a rigid line.
"You too" he said with a quick smile over his shoulder, before we crashed into the first rank of orcs.
If I have anything to say on the matter, these guys are going down.
I let out a battle cry as I brought my daggers down, slashing it through the necks of two orcs. Haldir did the same with his curved broadsword, keeping the horse at a fast canter as we weaved through the lines of Orcs, cutting them down to the best of our ability.
I barely felt the tiny nicks that received to my skin as many orcs got too close, only the bittersweet feeling that washed through me with every orc that fell under my blade.
With practised moves, I switched my daggers to my bow and arrows, and began firing them off, each one hitting its mark in either the neck or forehead.
I may want them dead, but I will not be cruel about it.
My arms began to ache, and my hands and clothing was covered in the blood of the enemy. I felt my hair plaster to the nape of the neck and I shifted perspective, just in time to shoot an orc that had come up from behind.
How long have we been going for?
"Drive them to the river!" I heard Eomer say as he cantered past
"Make safe the city!" his uncle added.
Oh, that long.
Time seemed to slow down as the few moments of victory gave away to something much, much worse.
Absolute fear.
I know I had been expecting it, but the size of these Mûmakil...they could rival the size of a house.
"Re-form the line! Re-form the line!" Théoden shouted.
Haldir and I picked off a few straggling orcs as he turned the horse and cantered to the others. I looked around for either Boromir or Eowyn, who I knew would be in this battle, regardless of what anyone said, but found neither. I had managed to lose sight of them almost as soon as the battle began, and haven't seen them since. I know Eowyn and Merry are alright, but what about Boromir?
"Sound the charge! Take them head-on!"
Oh no...
"Charge!"
Oh yes then...
I steeled my nerves as Haldir kicked his horse forward, holding up his sword bravely as it glinted in the sunlight.
All I can think right now is one thing...
Hurry up Kate.
...
So I decided to divide it into two chapters, as it just got ridiculously long and didn't really have a cut off point otherwise...sorry!
Anyway, what do you think? As I said last chapter, I did most of this from Kate's point of view, as I know some of you miss the whole Kate and Aragorn scenes. I promise there will be more of those later on :)
Also, when this story is finished, do you think I should write a sequel about what happens after, or what? Please let me know what you think, both about this chapter and a possible next story.
I love hearing from you all, thank you for sticking with it, it is appreciated!