I was tired when Haldir led us to what looked like a garden or at least more cultivated than the surrounding forest. It was still natural as if one had asked the plants to grow a certain way and it would not have surprised me if the elves of Lorién were capable of doing just that. Despite the exhaustion, I still felt filthy now surrounded by all the elves and especially after meeting the lord and lady of the forest. Sure I had cleaned up a little but I still felt like I was the most unclean being in this forest.
"If any of you wish to clean up, my men will lead you down to the springs." It was almost as if the marchwarden had heard my thoughts. I expressed my wish to take him up on the offer, maybe a little too quick if Boromir's look meant anything.
"Aranel!" Haldir motioned for an elf with black hair, whom I recognised from being one of those who were with Haldir when we first encountered him, to come over. "Bring her to the springs. Keep watch…"
I was a little confused by the last order since he gave it in Sindarin and I didn't really understand why he should watch me. Or is he supposed to look out for something else? I thought we were safe here…
I quickly searched my belongings for a comb and the soap Thúldil had given to me as a parting gift and grabbed a thin blanket that I could use as a towel and some comfortable clothes for the night. I smiled when I picked up the soap. "You might need it if you have the chance to take a real bath on your journey. Promise to at least use it on your hair every once in a while, it will help to keep out the knots." Judging by the colour it was lavender scented, the same I used back in Rivendell.
I followed Aranel away from my companions. We walked past several small natural terasses and seemingly down between the Mallorn tree's roots until I heard the soft whisper of water. A few seconds later I could see it. It was magical. Hugged by the huge roots and flowers of all kinds, grass of different shades of green and blue and soft looking moss growing all over the edges. Somehow I expected a mermaid to emerge from the crystal clear water any minute.
"Take your time, I will wait up here." I gave the elf a thankful smile and walked down the remaining stone steps, glad that there was actually a little secluded area where I could strip out of my clothes. I looked back over my shoulder but Aranel had turned his back on me and was facing the forest. I shed the last of my clothes, keeping them near the shallow ledge since I planned on washing them as well. A small shiver ran over my body once I lowered myself into the spring, the water wasn't freezing but still cool against my exposed skin. Cringing I watched some of the dust and dirt instantly dissolve in the water and form a dirty cloud around me. I hadn't realised until now just how dirty I had been. Pinching my nose shut I let myself slip under the surface for as long as the need to breathe would let me.
When I emerged again, I reached for the soap and started cleaning off the remaining grime, blood and dirt that hadn't already dissolved in the clear water. I loosened my braid and washed my hair, glad that I didn't have too many knots in it, most of them already loosening as I worked in the soap. After scrubbing myself clean, I enjoyed the water for a few more moments before getting out. The bath had helped to calm my nerves a little and drying off I mused about for how long we would stay here. On one hand it would make sense to move on as soon as we restocked our provisions and be gone before the enemy even realised we had already crossed through Lorién. On the other hand I would have loved to stay for a while and see if the elves here were any different from those in Rivendell or what life was like here in the woods. Also I was curious towards the fauna and what else might be there to explore.
A rustling behind me had me turning my head towards Aranel, only to find him gone. Acting on instinct I reached to my hip and for my sword, grabbing at nothing but thin air. Where had the elf disappeared to without a word? Carefully I sneaked forward, unsure what was going on. I still couldn't see the elf anywhere, as if the ground had opened and swallowed him whole. The leaves of a nearby bush started shaking and I hesitantly walked closer, despite not having a weapon if need be.
I let out a relieved laugh when it was just a rabbit jumping from the bush. A second later I collapsed on the ground as an excruciating pain shot through my right arm. My mind was filled with white hot pain and then darkness. And that horrible flaming eye, staring me down with malice.
"You can hide all you want but not forever. Sooner or later I shall find you…" I screamed again as another shockwave of pain went through my body. Images flooded my mind. Death, burning villages, corpses strewn over battlegrounds, my companions slain...
I had no idea how much time had passed when my vision cleared again. I felt hands on me and someone gently pulling me up against them and into a sitting position.
"I am fine…" I almost didn't recognise my own voice, it was so scratchy from my screaming.
"You could have fooled me." Slowly I recognised the face looking down at me and the words spoken in that soft voice. I tried to pull away from Haldir and he let me but still steadied my trembling form.
"What happened? Why did Aranel just leave me alone?"
"He didn't leave. I just called him off to the side when we suddenly heard you screaming in pain. I sent him to retrieve Lord Celeborn." I wanted to protest, tell him it wasn't necessary but he looked down at my arm. I followed his gaze and let out a shocked hiss. The black markings were pulsing again, a little blood dribbling from the center of the wound and dripping down to the ground.
Why is this happening? Why do I have these visions and why is the wound bleeding every time I have them? I wish Gandalf was here, he would know what is happening…
"Let me see her." I watched Celeborn kneel in front of me with a worried expression on his face. His frown deepened even more when he gently took my arm in his hand and examined the wound. He placed his free hand on top of it and started mumbling in some elven dialect that I couldn't quite determine. At first I felt warmth radiate off his hand and seep into my wound, slowly taking away the throbbing pain. Suddenly something seemed to change. The lord of Lorién closed his eyes in concentration, an even deeper frown on his face as he kept on mumbling.
I hissed as the pain in my arm got worse again, the pain doubling with every word that left Celeborn's lips. I tried to pull away but he wouldn't let screams of agony ripped through the now silent forest and my vision went white with pain and then black.
I was running through the forest, Sam, Merry and Pippin close behind me. We needed to find Frodo and Boromir before something found them first. Aragorn had been clear about the enemy being close. I stopped between two large trees and kept the Hobbits from running past me. I heard the distant sound of swords clashing together. Swiftly I clapped my hand over Sam's mouth to prevent him from calling out to Frodo again.
"Hide!" I ushered them into nearby bushes and took off towards the noise. I stopped dead in my tracks, somehow I had expected Orcs but those were Uruk-hai, much bigger and stronger and vicious like vultures. I snapped out of it when I saw Aragorn was up against them all alone. I drew my sword, there was no time to think about what might happen, I knew I needed to do something. I cut off the head of the Uruk closest to me and in a fluid motion cut down the next, making my way towards the ranger.
"What are you doing here?", he snapped at me while fending off one of the beasts that had tried to surround him.
"Does it really matter right now?" I pulled my sword from another Uruk when I spotted one that was even bigger than the rest and my blood turned cold.
"Find the Halfling! Find the Halfling!", he commanded the others before his eyes landed on me. "Take the girl alive!"
"Get back, Kayleigh!" Aragorn tried shoving me behind himself as the large group split, one part charging in the direction their leader had pointed, the other half advancing on us. I lunged around the ranger, killing the Uruk that had tried getting behind him while his sword was stuck in another enemy. I heard heavy breathing from behind and never in my life had I been so glad to see the flaming red hair of Gimli. Him and Legolas rushed to our side, closing ranks so our backs weren't exposed anymore.
The sound of a horn cut through the clashing of swords and grunting of the Uruk-hai.
"The horn of Gondor!", Legolas stated with wide eyes.
"Boromir!" Without thinking I broke out of our formation and took off between the trees, not caring for anything as fear gripped my heart.
"Kayleigh! Come back!" I barely heard Aragorn screaming my name, in fact I didn't care. I remembered what hearing Boromir's horn meant and I wasn't ready to lose the Gondorian. He was the closest thing I had to family in this world and I would do anything to prevent his death. I didn't think when I jumped from the boulder and ran my sword through the Uruk-hai at my feet. The dull thud had Boromir whirl around and he looked at me with wide eyes. Before he could say anything the enemy was upon us again. Once more Boromir sounded his horn and I prayed for the others to be on their way.
After cutting off another head I spotted more Uruks coming towards us, the leader bringing up the rear with slow predatory strides. He was now carrying a large bow and fixed his eyes on me. I broke eye contact when another beast came at me, despite being told to take me alive, what for I could only guess. When I brought him down, my gaze fell on Merry and Pippin.
"Get out of here! Now!", I yelled at them while turning on my heels again. I took two steps and was now back to back with the Gondorian.
"Go. I won't let them have you." His breath was laboured, still it held all the authority of a leader.
"I told you I wouldn't leave your side." My heart stopped when I heard the snapping sound of an arrow being released and felt Boromir bump back into me upon the impact. I turned around and felt like I was drenched in cold water when he fell to his knees.
"No!" I barely heard the Hobbits over my own scream. I tried to get in front of Boromir, knowing there wasn't much time for me to act if I wanted to save his life. When he realised what I was doing he struggled to get back to his feet, cutting down another Uruk. Most of them were ignoring him by now, not seeing any danger coming from him anymore since a black arrow was piercing his left shoulder, and I feared from the way his breath hitched it had nicked his lung. I was somehow aware of Merry and Pippin being the main target now while other Uruks were now focusing on me and the injured warrior at my side. I was lost for a second, not knowing what I should do. I knew what would become of Merry and Pippin if I didn't help them. The same time I knew there was no hope for Boromir if I left his side now.
With a desperate scream I launched myself at an Uruk-hai that tried to take a hit at the Gondorian. With all my bodyweight behind it, I knocked him off his feet and rammed my knife into his head. Jumping back to my feet I blocked off another Uruk, when I heard another arrow being released and Boromir falling back to his knees again. Seeing me surrounded by three enemies, he again fought back to his feet, only to have another arrow hit him in the chest.
"Boromir!", I screamed when he stayed on his knees this time. I struggled to get to him, only to be yanked back by my hair, short of reaching his side. I fought like a wild animal to get loose, only to be grabbed harder. A second later I fell to my knees with the dead Uruk-hai on top of me. Only a few seconds of struggling to get out from under the corpse I was yanked back to my feet by Aragorn. I nodded at him and froze in place. The Uruk leader was standing in front of Boromir with his bow raised, the Gondorian only looking up at him with blood on his lips and eyes daring him to end it.
I lost it. I couldn't let that happen. I wasn't ready for it to really happen. I jumped at him before he could release the arrow and we both tumbled to the ground. I gasped when I felt something cut through my side, realising the arrow meant for Boromir was stuck in my flesh.
Against better knowledge I broke it and ripped it out with a pained scream. The Uruk-hai had regained his focus and grabbed me, only to throw me into the nearest tree. I fell to the ground with a dull thud, my vision blurring and tasting blood in my mouth. Dazed I looked up at the beast in front of me as he produced a knife from his belt. With a loud battle cry Aragorn ripped him away from me, drawing his attention on himself.
I shook my head and tried to regain focus when I was knocked back down again. Yet another Uruk-hai had stayed behind, seemingly the order to take me as well not forgotten. I kicked at him when he grabbed me and tried to put some distance between us in order to get to my feet and pick up my sword. He wouldn't let go until I landed a hard kick into his face. By the time I reached my sword and was finally able to fight back I had no idea where the others were. I drove my sword through the Uruk's throat after pretending to go for his lower abdomen.
Panting heavily I turned around and looked for my companions. After a few seconds my eyes found Legolas and followed his pained gaze. Aragorn was crouching over Boromir, the Gondorian barely conscious when his eyes found mine.
The first days after the incident at the spring my companions tried to persuade me to tell them what exactly happened. I refused to tell them, still a little shaken by what I had seen and not sure what I was supposed to share. Also it took my body a little time to recover and until my arm looked as normal again as it could with the scars adorning my skin. I hated those marks, now even more than before.
Lothlorién was different from Rivendell. Not only in appearance since we were in the middle of the woods here but also the elves seemed different. In Rivendell everything had been more calm, it had felt more like a sanctuary. Here the calm was different, the elves here seemed more used to a life dominated by almost military structure and at the same time they were just like the ones I encountered in Rivendell.
I was growing restless as the days passed by and slowly turned into a week. I hadn't taken part in the daily training of my companions up to now. Instead I had wandered around, always aware of the eyes following my every move. When I was first joined by Lord Celeborn on one of my strolls I was surprised that he would take some of his time to spend it with me. He had been very kind to me these past days and I was still confused. When I expressed such to him, he only smiled and told me that he was somewhat fascinated to hear from the land I came from since our customs and way of life were so different from what any of Middle Earth's inhabitants would know. I explained in great length how this world full of magic was a lot like our medieval ages, just without the magic and monsters though people back then believed in it. I liked talking to the elf a lot, it took my mind off the images carved into my mind and the burning question of what I should do.
"What has your mind so troubled, child?" I looked up as Lord Celeborn approached me once more. I had been sitting in my little secluded space from which I could see everything happening around me and had the notebook Aragorn gifted me back in Rivendell lying in my lap. I let out a heavy sigh.
"It is the vision I had the day my condition was brought to your attention, my lord." He nodded with a knowing expression and sat down beside me.
"Would it help to tell me some of it? Maybe I might be able to take some of that burden from your shoulders. I am aware that you must have confided in Gandalf when it came to those visions or rather memories." It was my turn now to nod and the elf turned silent beside me.
"I wish Gandalf was here… I just don't know what I should do and he isn't here to help me with that. I guess I have gotten so used to being able to ask him for guidance since I arrived in Rivendell all those months ago." I stopped for a second and made up my mind. "He told me, I couldn't tell anybody about what might happen or what I saw in my dreams. What should I do if I saw the death of someone close to my heart? If I was able to prevent their death? Would it change the course of the future so much that the outcome might be entirely different from what it is supposed to be as of now? What if saving them would cause the death of someone else in the long shot or prevent certain events from playing out the way they were supposed to?" The lord of Lorién stayed quiet for a while and I wasn't sure if he would answer at all.
"It is the Gondorian, isn't it? You saw his death at the hands of the Uruk-hai." My eyes shot up to meet his in utter surprise.
"How would you…?" He chuckled softly.
"Oh lady Kayleigh, you are by far not the only creature in all of Middle Earth gifted with the ability to predict the future or catch glimpses of possible future outcomes. My lady Galadriel can see it. She has seen the death of your companion as well as what might come of it whether he lives or dies." I swallowed the lump in my throat, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall again.
"I don't want to know the future. I just want to know if I am able to save him. If I am allowed to save him without jeopardizing this whole endeavour. I can't lose him! I am not ready to lose him…"
"There is a slim possibility to save his life. You are free to take that road if you so desire but I must not tell you how. You must decide for yourself how to do it. I cannot promise you that you will succeed if you try to spare his life." I nodded slowly and turned my attention back to my companions practicing with the hobbits when Celeborn left me to my thoughts. Was I ready to risk everything on a whim? Should I let things play out the way my vision had shown me or should I take the risk and try to prevent Boromir's death?
I got back to my feet and started tying my hair into a loose bun. Walking towards the others, I grabbed my sword.
"There you are. I had been worried you would be sitting over there and keep brooding all day." I had come to a stop next to Boromir and he casually put his left arm over my shoulder and pulled me close. "Are you ready to practice again?" I hummed and a mischievous smile spread across the Gondorian's face. I couldn't help but smirk back at him.
"Come on, old man. I might teach you a thing or two." He barked out a loud laugh and said something along the lines of 'that's the spirit' while choosing an area that was a little more flat. I pulled my sword from its sheath and followed him.
Practicing with Boromir helped to set my mind at ease to some degree. Feeling my muscles getting sore was a relief I would have never assumed possible before all of this. At one point Aragorn joined us and I went up against both men, another thing that had gotten much easier during the last months since I had gotten used to trusting my own instincts and my skills with the deadly weapon in my hand. Spinning around to deflect another of Aragorn's harsh blows, I was surprised to be met by someone else.
"Mind if I join?" I looked up into the blue eyes of the marchwarden and pulled back my sword which he had blocked from hitting his face.
"Not at all.", Boromir answered from behind me and tugged on my elbow to make me retreat a few steps so I was slightly behind him. The elf watched the Gondorian with indifference before returning his eyes to me.
"I do not wish to cross blades with you, my lord Boromir, as much of an honour that would be. I would very much like to see how she would hold her ground against me." I was a little surprised by his request but nodded nonetheless. I saw the slight tick in Boromir's jaw and gave him a glance that told him that I would be alright. I knew that he could be a little overprotective sometimes but I didn't see any more danger in going up against Haldir than with any other of our companions.
I corrected my stance and got ready. Fighting the marchwarden was something entirely different to fighting my companions. His style of fighting was similar to Legolas, still so different. He didn't move much, his movement more a series of calculated motions with carefully chosen strength behind them. Sometimes he would move so fast I had trouble following him and could only try to anticipate where he was going and how he would attack.
"You are very talented with the sword. Especially for a woman not of elvish blood." I was panting heavily and could only make a gesture of appreciation. "I take it this is mostly your doing since she is fighting more in the manner of elves than men." Aragorn nodded to that and clapped his hand on my shoulder.
"Considering she never held a sword in all her life before she came to Rivendell with us, she has mastered the sword at a rate I have rarely seen.", was the rangers answer. After exchanging a few more words with the ranger in Sindarin, the marchwarden excused himself and left.
Later in the evening I was taking care of my equipment when Boromir slumped down next to me. He held out some bread to me and I happily took it. It was the same bread we had been equipped with in Imladris. Lembas bread, an elven bread that provides nourishment during long journeys.
"When will you tell me what had you so worried these last days?" I almost choked on the bread even when I had been waiting for this question all week. I started coughing violently until the Gondorian gave my back a firm clap so I spat out the piece in my throat. It took me another minute to recover before I was able to answer him.
"I don't know… I want to tell you so bad but I am still not sure if I should. I have been over it a billion times ever since I passed out at the quarry. Lord Celeborn gave me some advice, still the decision is mine and I don't know what to do. I just wish Gandalf was here. He would know what to do…" With an approving hum Boromir pulled me into his chest and laid his head on top of mine.
"I know, little girl. I miss him too. I might not have always seen eye to eye with him but he at least knew where we were going and what to expect. He would have made it easier on us to travel since he was known in all corners of Middle Earth…" He gently rubbed my back and I felt even more at a loss here. According to Celeborn and Galadriel there was a chance I could save the Gondorian's life. But what would it take to do so? And was I willing to risk everything to save one life? Exhaustion took over and I quickly fell asleep cuddled up against him.
