Chapter Nine: Relaxing and Revenge

Kendra woke up to find herself on a rough blanket with her coat thrown over her. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. Her fever had gone down considerably and she felt fairly refreshed.

"How are you feeling?"

Kendra looked up to see Aragorn walking over. He had a bowl in his hand and his pack in the other.

"Much better. I think by tomorrow, the fever should be all gone."

"That's good to hear. You gave us quite a scare. I don't think we want you dying on us anytime soon."

Kendra laughed a little and took the bowl that Aragorn offered to her. She took a sip of the cool water that was in it before she suddenly yawned. Aragorn sat down beside her, watching her as she finished off the rest of the water. Once she had drunk all the water, she placed the bowl down and picked up her coat, putting it back on.

"It's amazing, you know. Most women would be ashamed to be seen wearing what you are wearing. Most would consider it indecent," Aragorn said, watching her.

Kendra looked over, "I am considered unusual by most people. I have found that I am quite comfortable when I wear something like this." Kendra leaned back. "Do you remember at the council, when I chewed Boromir out because he seemed to imply that I knew nothing of war."

Aragorn laughed a little, "I remember. He came to me afterwards and said that he had never seen a woman like you. I must admit that you shocked quite a few people. But I think what shocked us the most were all the scars that covered your body. Especially on your back."

"You will not believe how many times I have been slammed through windows or into cars and walls. Most of the time, I get scratches and they heal up with no problems. Other times, they leave scars. I am not ashamed of the fact that I have these scars. They are proof that I have survived in a city that could kill anyone."

"Kendra, what are those things that you have on your back?" Aragorn asked.

"Oh, my tattoos. Well, there are several different stories behind them."

"Would you mind telling me?"

"No. The one that is in the center of my back, the entwining pillars of fire and water, is my personal marking. It means that I am one of the elemental Mages. We are few and far between. Most Mages can do things like lightning bolts but most can't create fire or control water or wind. The second tattoo, the one below the pillars was put onto my back when I became a Hunter. I'm not sure if you can read it but it is just the letters M and H joined. That was their way of marking me."

"What about the third tattoo? The sword dripping blood?" Aragorn asked.

"That tattoo was transferred to my skin after I killed a Mage that had more power than me. If a Mage kills another Mage, especially one that is of higher power, they are marked by that Mage's dying power. I killed him to save a group of children and I don't regret it."

Aragorn looked like he was about to say something when Eowyn suddenly walked up. Kendra nodded to her as she smiled a little warily at her. Then Eowyn turned her full attention to Aragorn.

Kendra could do nothing but laugh at Aragorn. It was obvious that Eowyn was not the world's greatest cook from the way Aragorn had been grimacing as he ate her stew. She had handed him the bowl, watched him take a sip before turning around. With her back turned, Aragorn tried to dump the bowl but made it seem like he had accidentally spilled some when she turned back around. Then he had had to continue eating with her standing there watching.

Later, after Eowyn had left, Aragorn glowered at Kendra, who had broken out in laughter. It had been too perfect for words. Especially since Eowyn had offered Kendra some of her stew, which Kendra had refused on the basis of being sick and wanting some chicken soup, something they had never heard of. Kendra had continued laughing even as Aragorn had gone to wash his mouth out.

Kendra leaned back, giggling at the memory of Aragorn's twisted face as he ate. If he had made that face with Eowyn's food, then he most definitely would never have liked her cooking. Maybe she could cook him something special. Her brother had always refused to let her cook and they would never know how bad her cooking was until they tried to eat her food. She rolled over, her stomach grumbling slightly. She would have to find some food later, preferably when Eowyn had gone to the other side of the camp. Kendra closed her eyes, remembering some of the foods that she missed. It wouldn't help her hunger, but it would help her look forward to going home.