Bloodlines
Kittens and Kings

Through the mischief of two Hobbits Rick discovers his family line travels further back than he could have imagined.

~~~~~~~

The dawn lingered upon the horizon, shadowing the world in a soft pink hue that was a peaceful and pleasant beginning to an otherwise worrisome day. Aragorn sat within a comfortable chair, his tired body stretched over it and a pensive expression written across his features as he watched her watch the morning. Evelyn stood against the window at the head of the room, had been there for some time and looked as if she would not move anytime soon. Her delicate hand drew back the curtain so that her view was unobstructed and those deep brown eyes of hers waited for her brother, each dark pool carrying a myriad of emotion.

She was afraid for him, just as he was for Legolas. He knew not Jonathan Carnahan, but his Elf friend simply did not disappear without good reason. Of course that was not to say he never disappeared. There had been occasions while hunting that the situation had called for it. Legolas was an able fighter, more than capable of taking care of himself and that above all else kept Aragorn from overmuch worry. There was yet time and the Med-Jai still searched abroad.

But Evelyn had not the same confidence in her kinsman that was lost. Her face betrayed fear that he was hurt, irritation that he had gone without her knowledge and even anger, for she knew this could be nothing more than a side trip. He saw it when she turned, looking him over. A stray band of brown hair made its way into her eyes and the young girl brushed it aside with a weary breath and sat down in a chair beside him. "This is just like him," she said in open irritation, which caused him to straighten.

The ranger leaned closer and watched her pretty eyes lighten when she looked up. "You should take rest." He gave a glance towards the kitchen occupied by Bay and another of his men. "We know not when this Imhotep beast will return, but it is certain he will not tarry long in seeking us out. Legolas is with your brother and where my friend is trouble seldom has victory."

Evy awarded him a smile as she touched his hand. "I know and I'm thankful that someone with a degree of responsibility could be looking out for him, but that's partly what has me worried. What if…?"

"My Lady…" He said it softly, slowly and saw the light dawning in her eyes. So pretty, so fair and strong of character. Aragorn looked away suddenly. "My Lady, think not of what could be. Worry will aide them none. I will search again if you wish." Yet despite himself he could not keep his eyes averted for long, bringing again feelings of guilt and longing for that which he could never have.

The mortal woman before him shook her head softly. "You were out nearly all night. I'm not the only one that needs rest, you know. Are you hungry?"

"Nay. Not yet." Aragorn exhaled and sat back against the chair again, his vision straying to a picture above the fireplace of a young Evelyn in the arms of a women she had called her mother. It was remarkably sharp and perfect. "I confess I am weary, but time will not allow me to rest much. If our friends do not return within the hour I shall go hunt again. You should rest, however. I will keep watch over our demanding captors and be certain they do not disturb anything within your home."

She gave him a little look and he supposed in the long run that was of little comfort, for she knew him every bit as little as she knew the Med-Jai. Yet within her eyes there seemed to reside a measure of trust. He found himself taken with that trust and wanting to prove it rightly placed. Which again drew his eyes from her. Yet with him she remained. "I think I'll wait a little bit longer before I give up. Oh, drat that Jonathan! If this turns out to be some silly outing or if he's abandoned me, so help me, I'll let those Med-Jai have him."

The ranger grinned and looked absently towards the white door that remained dreadfully silent. He had little doubt those Med-Jai would hold back under such circumstances. He did not voice that opinion to her, however. Another quiet moment sprang up between them and he thought again of long lost home. It seemed to him he had been away so long already, though it was but a moment to time and to Legolas. How did little Frodo and his Hobbits fair? Gandalf was ever wise and others could be found to replace he and the Elf that was missing. Elladan, perhaps and Elrohir. Even the Marchwarden Haldir of Lorien. Yet there was an emptiness inside he knew could not be stayed by the comfort of knowing others could take his place.

For they could not. Not truly, not his place in time. Oh, he was not so immodest as to suggest no one was as able as he, but he felt a part of his destiny had been ripped away. There is no other. Elrond had said this to him, bidding him to take up his rightful place as a king. To destroy the One Ring as his forefathers could not. The destiny he was afraid of taking, for he wanted not that power. The price of Arwen's hand. It was no more. His responsibility, the burden of three thousand years was gone, never to be redeemed. What would he do here in this strange land, so far from the title Elrond said he should take? Boromir would take Gondor and lead it and produce an heir. And if Frodo failed to destroy the Ring…

"What are you thinking?" Her question was innocent and his answers hard pressed.

Aragorn met her questioning with a breath. "My place in this world and at home. Things I had feared to do and have now avoided, but cause me despair even still."

Evy's face softened. "Despair? What's going on back at your home?"

The answer was simple, yet infinitely complex. "War." Her eyes widened slightly as he continued in somber tones. "I was to unite my people. Now I cannot lead them. I cannot fight the final war between Middle-earth and Sauron, the Dark Lord who destroys all that is good. My destiny is gone. All that my father had prepared me for. All that I did not trust myself to do, for fear the dark powers would take me as they took my ancestors before me. I did not want that destiny, but alas without it I feel empty."

"A king? You were to be a king?" she assumed and he nodded, thinking on the man he had met in Rivendell, of Boromir of Gondor, who would succeed Denethor and take the throne. Boromir who wanted to use the Ring. The weariness of Aragorn increased upon thoughts of him, settling deep into his bones as home drifted away again. May the Valar guide him where I cannot go. Let not the darkness fall upon his rule.

"You would have been a good king." Her voice seemed certain of its path in the dim morning, despite all she knew not of him. Her countenance proclaimed it was no flattery, merely a supposition based upon what she did know. And with it came comfort, precious little. "You may make it back home."

He could only hope. "Aye, my Lady. Perhaps I…" He stopped, hearing a strange thing outside that captured his tongue. It caught his ears sharply and caused him to sit straight even as Evelyn was on her feet and moving to the window. It sounded like…singing. Both terrible and slightly less beautiful than normal. Aragorn's brow narrowed as he stood for what came.

"My brother!" Evy hissed, marching for the door and pulling it open with force. "Just where were you two!?"

Up the walk came Jonathan leaning heavily upon an Elvish companion and the ranger searched Legolas for any sign of what he was sure to be insanity. There was none of that, merely the odor of drink and a sober-yet-slightly-drink-enhanced mood. His tone was both puzzled and concerned. "Legolas, I…"

The Elf grinned and helped Jonathan onto a stair to sit. "Say nothing, for I know what I would hear, Aragorn. Jonathan escaped from the group late last night and I went to follow him."

"We got a little sidetracked," the inebriated brother informed Aragorn seriously. He was quickly rewarded with a slap to the arm and a vexed expression from his sister. "Only a little."

The ranger eyed his friend a little coolly. "Followed him, did you? And this noble deed took the whole of night?"

Legolas shook his head freely. "Nay. The fault is not entirely mine. He is a slippery one, your brother, my Lady. And I got lost in this strange town." Deep sapphire eyes glinted a little with that.

"Lost?" Aragorn raised his brow and the Elf nodded. "Would that be lost within a tavern, by chance?" His friend cocked his head a little.

"Aye, there was a little of that." Greenleaf made no pretense of feigning innocence, nor announced sorrow for guilt. The ranger inhaled deeply, reminding himself of his friend's sometimes unexpected humor. Misplaced at times and altogether present now.

But before more questions could be given another sound caught his attention. An experienced ranger knew of these things and he knew the oncoming change in weather was not natural, for it came too fast and with much power at its disposal. The wind suddenly picked up and thick dust filled the air. It was familiar and yet not so violent as their other meeting with Imhotep. Aragorn gripped the hilt of his sword as Legolas peered down the clearing street. "What do your Elf eyes see, my friend?"

Legolas gave him a little smile and muttered, "As opposed to my human ones, mellon nîn?"

The ranger resisted irritation. "Never mind the ill-effects this place is having on you. Just tell me what I wish to know, will you?"

"Aye, aye." Legolas continued to search the streets as the dust swirled. Scarce little time passed before the Med-Jai joined them with questions on their lips that halted when the now completely sober Elf hissed, "The creature comes!" His arm stretched and before long they too saw the hooded figure.

"Hooh, shit!" echoed with the wind song upon the air and Henderson backed into the door, caught between entering the house again and remaining. "I don't suppose you Med-Jai got any bright ideas?"

Aragorn watched Bay stare the creature down and he recognized that look. A foreboding of destiny. The Med-Jai Chieftain took an uneasy breath, then looked at his nephew. "Take one of the Americans and go to the museum. You know where it is?" The young warrior nodded quickly. "I will handle the other remaining and together we shall pray Allah's mercy and help."

Salih was quick to grip the jacket of a protesting Henderson and drag him from the home, followed by another Med-Jai. Abdul-Medjid looked the remaining members of their group over. His dark eyes rested upon Aragorn. "It now becomes a question of who Imhotep will chase first. Strength is not in numbers against him, therefore I suggest we separate into three groups. I and the remaining Med-Jai will remain here to distract the creature. Aragorn, take the woman from here and Legolas, take the brother and Daniels. Take separate directions and do not follow after Salih. Hide, flee, do as you must but above all else Daniels must live. Return here when the creature has moved on."

"Nefertiri!" The voice was sharp, otherworldly and filled with loathsome triumph. Time was no ally to them in this. Aragorn nodded his agreement to Bay before meeting the eyes of Legolas one last time before parting.

"What strange fate," Legolas mused through a smile that reassured him they would meet again.

Aragorn clapped his shoulder and took Evelyn's hand. "Truly, mellon nîn. Be well."

And then he and the woman stepped into the winds.

~~~~~~~

Moments passed slow and they had no idea how Abdul-Medjid Bay fared now, but apparently he and his Med-Jai had not succeeded in completely deterring the attentions of the creature.

It was they that were being chased right now, brutally and without cease. He could hear awful laughter behind them, echoing and whispering, calling with a promise that one would have to be completely brain-dead to miss. It was like death breathing down one's neck and Jonathan could taste panic mingled with the alcohol on his memory. Not one of the more refined tastes in the world, fear.

Legolas halted for mere seconds within the now population empty streets of Cairo, peered around to get a grip on his surroundings, then took off again with Daniels' sleeve firmly in his grasp. Jonathan's hip seared in pain from where the creature had slammed it, but he kept up as well as he could. "Jonathan, where may we hide?" he asked in voice that was distinctly breathfull and Carnahan grumbled beneath his breath about the exuberance of youth.

The Englishman drew in precious air, gripped his side absently and replied, "Well, the question is where can we hide after we lose this monster. He'll see us wherever we go!"

Again they stopped and the Elf looked pensively into both his face and that of Daniels. The American was distinctly white. "Well, we'd better figure out how, then, won't we? I don't think he's going let us give him the slip and I don't want to becoming that thing's next meal!"

"Aye," Legolas agreed, pulling them into an alley as the sand followed them in search. "Yet I see not how we shall escape the wrath of the beast this time. No arrow or sword will fell this foe and alas I have not the wit to see an answer to this." He shook his head with a knit brow and whipped around in frustration. "Come. We will find a means to a fair end yet or I bare not the name my father gave me!"

They took up flight again and by now Jonathan was feeling the effects of his injuries. It contrasted greatly with each pause of momentary rest. He ran as well as he could manage under his injured circumstances, but he knew good and bloody well that he wasn't going to make it against such odds. It became apparent with each step he took.

As likely as being called beautiful and angelic as Legolas, so was Jonathan in comparison to the speed of the Elf. This would never do. They were going too slow because of him and he cursed his mind for pointing it out. Yet he could not hide. He knew it, feared what it meant, but couldn't quite bring himself to do the self-serving thing right now even though every bone in his body was trying its darnedest to convince him of the benefits of preservation. After all, he did care for his little sister. He wouldn't let this thing get more powerful on his account so it could steal her and kill her.

So he stopped in the middle of the alley as the wind howled desperately around them. A child could be seen in the dusty window of a little tailor shop, gazing at him with frightened eyes. It took only mere seconds for Legolas to realize a member of the small group had paused. The Elf whipped around with wide eyes and motioned him to continue. "Do not remain still, Jonathan! We must hasten!"

Carnahan shook his head. "Get Daniels out of here!" he yelled, his pain causing him to falter. The Elf remained where he stood and Jonathan shook his head. "Trust me, I've made it this far without dying! I don't plan on it yet! Just go…I'll catch up!"

Legolas couldn't afford friendly reluctance, which was fine. Jonathan appreciated the nod of confidence as the Elf pulled Daniels along and too soon out of sight. He could feel the wind at his back picking up and it urged him forward. Hip or not, he wouldn't give up just yet. He still had some of the old Carnahan luck with him.

And a small whirlwind at his back. Looking behind, then ducking into a nearby cross-alley, he limped towards a trashcan and decided it best to wait it out. He wasn't important to Imhotep, at least not in the way of tactical necessity. He had that on his side and would use it to siphon whatever meager hope he could out of his situation.

He closed his eyes and leaned his head against a building as the unnatural force swept nearby. It seemed to hold a whispering voice that was unintelligible, but whatever it spoke he just knew was filled with terrible purpose. The dread priest passed him by, again deeming him unworthy of the time it would take to kill him. When it was gone and likely well after Legolas, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Isn't that always the way of things. Lucky me." Except Daniels was still in the gravest of danger. He could only hope that his choice not to follow gave them speed.

But fate, it seemed, would not leave him without his. The sound was low, soft and startled him into a yelp. Sure he was dead, Jonathan yanked himself up at much pain to his hip and looked for figures in black, saying nearly almost confidently, "I can take you!" Yet there was nothing there, at least nothing visible. He could hear it just fine as it howled again, but see it? Not until a nearby box rustled and he jumped again.

Suddenly, from behind a newspaper a nose peeked from the box, then two golden eyes. It called to him once more and feeling foolish, Jonathan bent down and removed the paper to reveal a shivering, howling, dust-blown kitten with large, frightened eyes. "Oh," he breathed, scratching his head and crouching down beside the box. The kitten made an attempt to jump from its make-shift shelter, but it was evidently too frightened to move much. "Trying to keep the dirt off you, I see." It mewled at him as he stood and he frowned, feeling a sudden pressure to act the cat surely didn't intend to convey. "Poor little bugger, you're probably scared out of your wits. Evy might like you."

Jonathan picked the cat up and avoided scratching paws and warning hisses until it was safely stuffed within his jacket. "Right bloody way of showing your gratitude," he chided as the little hitchhiker nipped his finger. "Watch it, little one. Wonder if Legolas has seen the likes of you, hmm?" An unappreciative claw at his paunch made him wince as he stepped into the main alley to find the Elf and the American if he could.

The streets looked windswept, so the trail was easy to follow. It was calm and clear like just after a terrible storm, people peeking from the buildings and the air still as it was drawn towards the source of destruction. Jonathan could see it clearly now, a small funnel of sand that abruptly faded from view beyond a few blocks. That set off a few alarms in his mind and cat in coat, he picked up his pace.

There were no telltale screams, but when he arrived where the wind had become whole Daniels was nowhere to be seen. What that meant Jonathan had no idea, but now that the dust had settled he could see both the creature and Legolas very clearly. The creature was laughing.

A black robe pressed on towards the blonde Elf with a terrible sound of amusement as Legolas pulled his twin swords from his back and blocked suddenly blows delivered by a beast that would give him no time to ready himself. "Hey!" Jonathan called, but neither paid any attention. His Elvish companion was too wrapped up in protecting himself and the monster, it cared nothing for him. "Bloody hell!"

The evil priest kicked out without warning and Legolas hit the sand mere seconds after with a hiss of frustration and his brows knit. He yelled something in his tongue, a challenge Jonathan would guess or an insult, and Imhotep's deep, raspy laughter echoed within the empty street. Then he bent and ripped one of the Elf's swords away, winning a pained cry from his victim. He had to do something, help somehow. The streets were littered with garbage, boards and stray items that had been drawn to Imhotep's power.

"Jonathan, run!" Legolas warned, rolling to his feet and raising his sword in time to block the fall of his own missing weapon. Imhotep countered and swung rapidly again and again, each time met by a master swordsman in a quick, dirty little battle that saw neither of them the loser. The clanging of swords filled the air as Jonathan scouted around and gripped a fallen tree branch.

But he came too late. Blow after blow, hit after hit, Imhotep failed to hit the Elf and soon grew tired of the game. Legolas thrust his sword and the creature defended, then took the blade in a pale, bare hand and jerked it forward, pulling the blonde towards him with an angry hiss. Before Jonathan could react Imhotep raised his fist and backhanded the Elf with a forceful hit that knocked Legolas right to the ground. He didn't get back up, either.

Then Imhotep cared who was behind him as Jonathan slammed the branch against his back, breaking it and jarring his senses. The dread creature turned around with dark eyes and a face that seemed fleshy, but rotting and spoke in its dark tongue as it advanced. Carnahan knew when he was in for it. He knew this time there would be no escaping, that death would take him. Imhotep raised his fist again with cruel eyes and made ready to kill.

But he wasn't the only one poised to attack. Before the hand even hit him Jonathan yelled out in pain and the mummy-creature halted in puzzlement as his next victim thrashed openly in the streets with no visible foe at his heels. Imhotep could wait. Claws were digging into his belly and a low-toned growl was coming from the general vicinity of his stomach. "Bleedin' hell!" he gasped, struggling to get his jacket open as the monster watched in fascination.

When his jacket opened the kitten flew out with a loud meow and to Jonathan's utter amazement, Imhotep screamed. Not only screamed, but bolted, turned into a desert wind and completely disappeared, leaving him to stand there, stunned and uncertain as to what in the world just happened. Nearby, from a little stand with an umbrella, an old man sat laughing at the display and Jonathan snapped himself out of his wonderment to see about his friend.

The Elf below had yet to stir.

~~~~~~~

Author: Ruse – jedinineofnine@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Naseen and Salih are mine.
Feedback: Yes! By all means, my precioussss, lemme know how I'm doing!
Archive: Sure, just please let me know if you will, so I can stop by and see your site.

A/N: Question: Would you all like to see this continued into Two Towers or find resolution in Fellowship of the Ring? Anyway, yes, I got that Jonathan scene from that lovely commercial about the cell phone video and the hedgehog that crawls up the dude's pant leg. ;-) Truly fabulous.

Reviewers:

lotrmatrix.hyperboards.com – Lord of the Rings and Matrix Role Playing, as separate fandoms and a forum for playing Middle-Earth as a Matrix simulation where Elrond is Smith. *wiggles eyebrows*

Mommints – Hehehe! Insanity, eh? Aye, it happens to the best of us, eh? ;-) And alas, the worry for Ardeth must continue yet another chapter. I canna help meself. Must postpone, well can't next chapter. Doh! The cat'll be out of the bag. Thanks! I'm happy to know I could take you to the places visually and that you like what I'm doing. :-)

Asylum – Thank you! I had hoped people wouldn't be against my changing things a bit…some people like when the story is the same, but I rather like exploring the what-ifs that stories can give. :-) Yes, I shall finish this fic if it kills me…just takes a bit more time to think through because of all that's going on. Glad you liked!

Wildcardgal – Thanks! Glad you liked it…I know, it does seem rather unlikely, huh? Hehehe. Thanks for reviewing other stories as well this past few weeks…I believe you did. Hmm. :-D

Angelguide – I'm happy you like this, thank you very much for the review! :-D I had debated on switching between time periods, but what's a story without Legolas and Aragorn, huh? :-D Anyway, if I can think of a way they could meet, I'll do it, but only if I can think of something that doesn't sound hokey. :-O

Pheonix Tears – Thank you! I may just do it and doh! I forgot to change the name on the challenge from me to you…I'll do that this update. Crikey. I hate when I do that! Anyway, glad you're continuing to like!

Patty – Thankie! I wanted to try and convey as much of how gorgeous the movie looked. :-) And yeah, a sparring session between Haldir and Ardeth would be interesting, huh? Hehehe…boy, though…my mind is trying to come up with all sorts of ways to ruin it, from Ardeth tripping to Haldir getting his sword caught in his hair and Ardeth smirking.

Karri – Thankya, thankya, my friend! Hope you continue to enjoy and hope you add more to your fabulous Legolas story Bitterness of Mortality, which everyone should read right directly after they see this sentence because it's such an interesting premise! (Go, preciousss Hobbitses and Men and Elveses, go!) :-D

Marcher – :-D Aaw, thanks, buddy! Glad I made ya laugh and enjoy your read. :-D Hehehe…Ardeth's Elven Harem. ;-) I dunno…I was thinking Arwen might be good for him. ;-) She's like him. Anyway, yes, I'm trying to get more Boromir into the next chapter. :-D Looove our Boromir. :-) Thanks for reading, my friend! Hope Captain is going smoothly!

JadeiteZ – Hehe…oops, sorry about that Moria thing. I just like making people wonder. ;-) hehehe. A downfalling, I know. :-) Anyway, glad you enjoyed it! But yes, I will go over what happened within the halls of Moria next installment. Anyway, thanks again for reading. Reading reviews is like breath to an author, so I like to respond in kind. :-)

Deana – Hehehe..slowly wasting away. What a terrible fate for poor Ardeth. :-O I asked if he wanted to come to your house and he sounded kinda freaked. ;-D hehehehe. And I ain't yer son! ;-) No, really. Thanks, my friend. :-) I'm very gratified to have you pushing me to write write write! Otherwise it might take even longer. Hehehe! Thanks.