((Well, here's the next chapter. Please read and review! None of the canon
characters belong to me (shame), and I wish that Katherine didn't :P))
Katherine paced lightly, taking in the beauty of Rivendell. Her blue eyes were distant with thought as she walked and considered. Lord Elrond had made her welcome, treating her as a daughter as his own daughter, Arwen Undomiel was absent, visiting LothLorien.
She had met each of those who would form the fellowship and her heart had nearly broken to see them as she considered what lay in the future for them.
Where she passed, the elves fell silent, each seeing the pain in her flawless features and feeling their hearts wrench within them.
"What troubles you Lady Katherine?"
This question was asked by grey-robed figure she had not seen, so absorbed was she at contemplating how best to alleviate the pain of others.
"I do but consider the burden of the Ring that Frodo must carry." She answered, her melodious voice gently.
"You would be careful not to let your thoughts dwell on the Ring Lady, for it may ensnare you."
"The Ring can offer nothing that I desire." Katherine replied, her demurely lowered eyes coming up and a hint of defiance flashing in them. "It cannot sway me."
Gandalf regarded her with wonder and awe. Her determination and conviction blazed almost palpably around her, swelling her form with mystical power. With a smile, Katherine continued on her way.
But the meeting with Gandalf had reminded her of another reason why she was traversing these hallowed halls. The Council of Elrond was to be convened today, where the fate of the Ring would be decided, and she was going to attend, whether her presence was requested there or not.
(A/N She seems to be developing a backbone.)
Behind her, from a side path, emerged Boromir. He had arrived at Rivendell some few days earlier and was still in awe of the beauty that surrounded him.
But the sight of Katherine almost stopped the beating of his heart. Even from the rear she was beyond beauty. Her blonde hair drifted behind her in a golden curtain and a milk white cloak billowed, revealing the pastel green dress below. He took a step forward, attempting to move quietly, but the prenaturally acute hearing of Katherine caught the whisper of boot against stone and she turned.
Boromir gasped in a ragged breath as he beheld the true vision of splendour before him. His grey eyes widened with startlement and he instinctively dropped to one knee.
Katherine took in the scene with one look before she stepped forward and raised Boromir up.
"There is no need Boromir, Son of Denethor. You stand higher than I and I am not worthy of such courtesy."
(A/N Doesn't her unspeakable humility really grate?)
Boromir met her blue eyes with his grey, and was lost. No siren call that the Ring would lure him with could compare to the grip that this woman, with one glance, had taken on his soul. He rose, clasping her long fingers gently, before bringing them to his lips.
(A/N Sick buckets on standby. Spares if needed.)
His warmth trailed teasingly over her fingertips before he spoke.
"You are worthy of every courtesy Lady."
A rose blush cascaded over Katherine's cheeks, before it faded, returning her complexion to its usual ivory and buttermilk. Katherine did not speak. Her gentle upbringing had unprepared her for this situation and she was lost for words.
With a final brush of his lips against her hand, Boromir released it and stepped back slightly. "But I apologise Lady, I have discomforted you. Forgive me." And he bowed his head. Katherine found her voice.
"You have no need to apologise my Lord Boromir. Your words did but startle me. I am not accustomed to such gentility."
"But a Lady as fair as yourself deserves courtesy, and so I give it to you. And now, if you will excuse me, I must depart to speak with Elrond, master of this house, though I would dearly love to tarry."
"Of course Son of Gondor." And with a final bow, Boromir turned away, casting glances over his shoulder. Katherine walked on, serenity and beauty personified, a goddess incarnate.
((Well, that's the next chapter. How you didn't throw up too much *offers buckets*))
Katherine paced lightly, taking in the beauty of Rivendell. Her blue eyes were distant with thought as she walked and considered. Lord Elrond had made her welcome, treating her as a daughter as his own daughter, Arwen Undomiel was absent, visiting LothLorien.
She had met each of those who would form the fellowship and her heart had nearly broken to see them as she considered what lay in the future for them.
Where she passed, the elves fell silent, each seeing the pain in her flawless features and feeling their hearts wrench within them.
"What troubles you Lady Katherine?"
This question was asked by grey-robed figure she had not seen, so absorbed was she at contemplating how best to alleviate the pain of others.
"I do but consider the burden of the Ring that Frodo must carry." She answered, her melodious voice gently.
"You would be careful not to let your thoughts dwell on the Ring Lady, for it may ensnare you."
"The Ring can offer nothing that I desire." Katherine replied, her demurely lowered eyes coming up and a hint of defiance flashing in them. "It cannot sway me."
Gandalf regarded her with wonder and awe. Her determination and conviction blazed almost palpably around her, swelling her form with mystical power. With a smile, Katherine continued on her way.
But the meeting with Gandalf had reminded her of another reason why she was traversing these hallowed halls. The Council of Elrond was to be convened today, where the fate of the Ring would be decided, and she was going to attend, whether her presence was requested there or not.
(A/N She seems to be developing a backbone.)
Behind her, from a side path, emerged Boromir. He had arrived at Rivendell some few days earlier and was still in awe of the beauty that surrounded him.
But the sight of Katherine almost stopped the beating of his heart. Even from the rear she was beyond beauty. Her blonde hair drifted behind her in a golden curtain and a milk white cloak billowed, revealing the pastel green dress below. He took a step forward, attempting to move quietly, but the prenaturally acute hearing of Katherine caught the whisper of boot against stone and she turned.
Boromir gasped in a ragged breath as he beheld the true vision of splendour before him. His grey eyes widened with startlement and he instinctively dropped to one knee.
Katherine took in the scene with one look before she stepped forward and raised Boromir up.
"There is no need Boromir, Son of Denethor. You stand higher than I and I am not worthy of such courtesy."
(A/N Doesn't her unspeakable humility really grate?)
Boromir met her blue eyes with his grey, and was lost. No siren call that the Ring would lure him with could compare to the grip that this woman, with one glance, had taken on his soul. He rose, clasping her long fingers gently, before bringing them to his lips.
(A/N Sick buckets on standby. Spares if needed.)
His warmth trailed teasingly over her fingertips before he spoke.
"You are worthy of every courtesy Lady."
A rose blush cascaded over Katherine's cheeks, before it faded, returning her complexion to its usual ivory and buttermilk. Katherine did not speak. Her gentle upbringing had unprepared her for this situation and she was lost for words.
With a final brush of his lips against her hand, Boromir released it and stepped back slightly. "But I apologise Lady, I have discomforted you. Forgive me." And he bowed his head. Katherine found her voice.
"You have no need to apologise my Lord Boromir. Your words did but startle me. I am not accustomed to such gentility."
"But a Lady as fair as yourself deserves courtesy, and so I give it to you. And now, if you will excuse me, I must depart to speak with Elrond, master of this house, though I would dearly love to tarry."
"Of course Son of Gondor." And with a final bow, Boromir turned away, casting glances over his shoulder. Katherine walked on, serenity and beauty personified, a goddess incarnate.
((Well, that's the next chapter. How you didn't throw up too much *offers buckets*))