A/N: I don't own anything but Kate, and the doctors she works with. This is just for fun. That will be my disclaimer from here on out. This has been edited. Again.
Kate rubbed her hands down her face in frustration.
They had been riding for hours now, the sun setting around them made the air cooler but the forest looked just the same as it had miles away. Shouldn't there by some signs, or at the very least a common road to travel on? Something?
She remembered those horrifying monsters and wondered if that was the reason they weren't traveling on the main road, to ensure they wouldn't be an easy target. Alright, that would be smart. I'll give them that she thought and with an audible sigh shifted her seat and inconspicuously as she could.
She was more than ready to be off this horse, and while the man she was riding with hadn't said as much, she was sure he wanted her off too. Not one author in any of the romance novels she read told her that riding two to one horse would be so uncomfortable, and more than a little awkward; and she was choosing to ignore the fact that she was riding a horse in the first place. Kate flexed her foot and tried arching her back still trying to remain discreet as she could, it beat walking and she didn't want to seem ungrateful.
"I take it you do not ride much?" Legolas asked, clear amusement in his voice. Kate snorted.
"No, and I should hope I never will again."
"Well, I believe you will find travel rather tiresome if you refuse to ride a horse. You will grow accustomed to the soreness after a time. Though I must admit, I am surprised to hear you are so unused to riding." He said, growing suspicious once more.
She'd truly never ridden a horse? Not once? Was her town so destitute that they could not afford even one horse? Or did she hail from Laketown where they usually travelled by boat…even still they had horses! This woman was so unlike any human he'd ever met before, and he didn't just mean her odd clothing. It was her mannerisms; the way she carried herself as if she was equal to them.
Legolas never really believed he was better than humans, unlike his father, but he was all too aware of the way humans reacted to him and his kin; A sort of terrified awe, they were intimated by him. Sometimes it suited him for the humans to behave that way, especially when trading or in dangerous situations though more often than not Legolas found it frustrating. The only human he had met that never seemed unsettled by the elves was, of course, Aragorn. Perhaps it was the relation that made her feel so at ease with them? Or was that her way? She was intriguing, he would concede to that…if not more than a bit odd. Though he had to wonder, given her current haphazard state, was she ill?
"I've not had much over an opportunity. How long did it take you to get used to it?" She asked wondering just how long she'd have to suffer in moderate silence. Legolas laughed softly, more like an exhale than an actual laugh to Kate's ears.
"Not long, Elves adapt much more quickly than humans. Please, do not look so insulted, it is just how we are, and how humans are. I meant no offense." He stated, feeling her tense and trying to downplay what he hoped wasn't a terrible insult. "Given time and more practice you will no longer notice the tenderness. You have the stature to be a very good rider yourself, and your posture is not terrible for your first ride." Kate shook her head slowly, trying to make sense of what he had said. Elves?
"-more quickly than humans…No, I'm not offended, I'm just... you said elves?" She asked, trying piece things together. She really hoped he wasn't messing with her, today wasn't the day. "Are you…implying you are an Elf?"
"I do not imply anything rather I state it quite simply. You did not know?"
"No…no I did not. You are saying you're an Elf? You are all…Elves?"
Legolas sat up a little higher, discreetly checking that he had a solid hold on the woman. His suspicions were flaring up yet again. She really couldn't have never seen an elf before. Not if she hoped to continue with her assertion that Aragorn was her uncle.
"I would have thought it rather obvious"
Kate shook her head in bewilderment, shifting herself to a more comfortable position. That would explain the pointed ears.
"No…No, I did not know that…sure, elves ok. You have monsters here, of course you have elves too. Sure." She reasoned, still not totally convinced. "You've got dwarves hiding around here too? Maybe Bigfoot?" she quipped, laughing to herself. Evidently her laughter must have sounded more maniacal that she had meant because suddenly Legolas shouted something in his odd language and brought the horse to an abrupt stop. The horse stamped his feet in frustration but stopped, nearly sending Kate flying off.
"I will not tolerate this any longer. You cannot tell me that Aragorn is your relation and have no knowledge of elves." He said sternly, back to his previous commanding and suspicious demeanor. "You tell me that you have never ridden a horse, which is nigh on impossible, you knew nothing of the dangers of orcs and now you are saying you also know nothing of elves? You speak as if this was your first day on this earth. I insist you give up this act immediately, you embarrass yourself by maintaining this lie!" Kate opened and closed her mouth, searching for a reasonable answer, something safe she could say. Too bad she didn't get instructions for that in the letter! A cover story would have been nice!
"I –I know that elves help Santa make toys for all the good little boys and girls on Christmas" Clever. Very clever. Legolas gaped at her in a very un-elf like manner before grasping her arm and dragging her off the horse. His demeanor had changed completely and his intensity was starting to scare her. "You're hurting my arm. Please, let go." She said, struggling to slow her breathing and calm herself.
"Do you truly believe I am a fool? That you could speak such nonsense to me, attempting to be clever when I have asked you a question? Do you always speak so carelessly? Or have you so little regard for anyone else that these lies come easy to you?" He hissed, pressing her back up against a tree. He stood at least a foot higher than her and while he seemed slender, Kate could tell he was a lot stronger than he appeared. His companions were gathering around them now, fingers twitching. She knew if he just said the word they would notch their arrows and she would be dead before she drew her next breath. "I demand you give me a truthful answer for what your business in Rivendell and with Aragorn is and who sent you."
Kate let out a shaky breath, raising her head to meet his eyes. She was terrified but she wouldn't let him see this. Who was he to treat her this way? She was a bloody surgeon! From the best school, the top of her class. He really thought she would lie about a relative? Who exactly was this Aragorn who had such weird friends? He couldn't be that special!
No wonder her mother ditched this place for her world. Righteous anger flashed within in. She stood up as tall as she could, which wasn't very given her stature and how she was restrained.
"Let go of me!" She shouted in frustration, shoving back against his arms that were holding her down.
Legolas had not been so surprised in all his years. The Hobbit freeing dwarves from his father's dungeon was less shocking than this woman.
"No, I do not know of elves or orcs or dragons or whatever the hell else you have here in Hogwarts! And no, I've never ridden a horse because I drive a Prius and that's a great deal more convenient than a trotting down the highway! I have given you no reason to think that I have lied to you! If you don't believe me, well that's on you but it's certainly not my problem!" She shouted back, wrenching her arms free as soon as the elf let go. "I am sorry if you think that I want to hurt your friend, its actually pretty decent of you to be so concerned… a little weird…but decent, I guess. However, I don't. All I want is to figure out what is happening to me and why I'm in danger so I can go back home because I am over this shit, I really am! I am tired of monsters and Black Riders chasing me and I-"
Legolas grabbed her shoulder suddenly and not gently, cutting off her rant. Nothing about what she was saying made sense, but if she was indeed telling the truth about Black Riders following her…well that was a different matter altogether.
"Why did you not tell me you were being hunted?"
"I didn't think it was pertinent." Came her clipped reply after several moments of silence.
"You did not think…?!" Legolas was seething. For her to subject all of them to this kind of danger without any knowledge… How could she be so thoughtless? So selfish and reckless? Surely, she was insane, or dimwitted, no sane woman could be so foolish. He shook his head, violently dismissing the thoughts and barked orders to his companions. The mood had turned tense, more than it had been and the company started moving quickly. "We cannot linger here, not now that I know you are being hunted. How could you not think to tell me? Do you really not know- no, do not answer that. Since we do not have time for a more detailed truth I will have to blind fold you until we are well inside the borders of Imladris." He said, quickly tying a think cloth over her eyes, making sure nothing was visible.
"And if I refuse to be blindfolded like a common criminal?"
"You will do this. If you have nothing to hide there is no reason for you to disagree." He said in a tone making it clear that refusal was not an option.
"I thought we were going to Rivendell?"
"It is the same. Rivendell is what it is called in the common tongue, Imladris is the elven way." He said impatiently, already pulling her onto the horse. She couldn't tell if he was trying to be rough with her or if he was really just that angry with her but decided it was accidental.
He seemed more worried now than angry. Well, anger sprinkled with concern. She could hear the other Elven riders galloping off ahead of them, spurred to action by whatever Legolas had said to them. Guilt started to worm its way into her heart.
"I- I'm sorry…I didn't think- "
"No, you did not thing. But you did not know the danger…so you say." He snaked an arm tightly around her stomach, pulling her closer to him. "Hold on. We ride fast."
That wasn't entirely true, Kate did know how dangerous those things were, even if she hadn't been close enough to actually see their faces, she knew. What she had failed to realize was that they could be a threat to her here as well and with that realization Kate had suddenly felt quite foolish.
Why hadn't she considered that? Of course they could follow her here, why wouldn't they? They real question was, why had they simply not followed after her through the stones? If these Black Riders had managed to travel so often it would have been easy to simply follow her right through, wouldn't it? And, given how she handled the journey over, passed out and seizing, she would have been an easy target. They could have come so close to killing her then and there. Or worse, simply just taking her, and she didn't want to know what possible reason they would have had to take her or what they would do.
She shivered involuntarily at the thought of what might have happened and Legolas gripped her tighter, charging forward and away from any potential threat, in her world or this one.
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At some point in the night Kate must have fallen asleep, lulled by the galloping motion and complete exhaustion. The horse slowing to a walk was what had roused her and though she could only faintly see a glimpse of bright morning sunlight through the fabric of the blind fold her sour mood suddenly dissipated. The birds chirped merrily along all around her and she contented herself to listen to their sweet song for a few moments before getting down to the matter at hand.
Yes, Kate, yesterday had not gone as planned but today is a new day! You are alive, and have taken great pains to ensure you stay that way, so you can check that box! You are on the road to see your mysterious new Uncle, another check, and he can hopefully help you sort out this whole mess with little to no missed school time. Check. Really, Kate, all things considered, things are going quite well.
She was however, now keenly aware of the Elf sitting behind her and her pleasant mood dampened just a bit. Guilt and prideful anger warred with each other inside of her but she pushed those feelings down with an audible huff. She would not allow herself to feel guilty over what she did not know.
No, there would be no time for her emotions to get in the way at this present moment. It would do not good, besides, perhaps that was how Elves were? It wasn't as if she really had many Elves to compare him to and the entire company had seemed much the same, so she concluded, that must be their way ; stern, mistrustful and a touch arrogant. She couldn't blame them really, if she were being fair, but a childish part inside of her did not give a fig about being fair. What really irked her was the way that she had simply accepted that they were elves and trying to reconcile their behavior based on that. If she hadn't met the Orcs first would she have so readily accepted this?
This is fine. Elves, orcs, men, throw in a few wizards if you want too. I can handle this. This is fine. I am fine.She thought confidently. This will all be over soon enough and I can go back home.
They were all moving more slowly now and she could hear the echo of the horse's hooves, like they were walking on stone.
"Are we here?" She asked, her voice always sounding huskier in the morning.
"Nearly. It is visible from here but I will ask you to wear the blindfold a few moments more, the entrance is still visible" He replied.
It was the first thing they had said to each other since their last stand off. Kate had toyed with the idea of apologizing again in an effort to clear the air, but thought better of it. She wasn't in the wrong. She told the truth so far as she was able to and she wouldn't apologize for defending herself, especially after being interrogated that way!
She had felt less and less guilty about omitting the more onerous details of her arrival as time wore on, and the less guilty she felt about it the more confident she was about the decision. It would have been far too unbelievable, especially considering this Elf was already having a difficult time believing she was related to Aragorn as she said.
What would he have done? Had her committed, or worse, tried as a witch? She couldn't help but remember the story she had heard of her great grandmother Claire who had nearly been burned at the stake under the accusation of witchcraft and that was merely for practicing medicine! She imagined convincing people that she was not a witch, but a time traveler, would be a far more difficult task…and she assumed hose back home would be much more reasonable than her current companions, right?
No, she had made the right choice. No one would know unless they absolutely had to.
They continued to ride on in silence, the slow and downward motion of the horse making them slid against each other awkwardly and more than a few times he had to pull her closer to him to prevent her from falling. The blindfold made it hard for her to orient herself and she was growing more and more frustrated as the clothed rubbed against her forehead. It didn't hurt but it was rather bothersome.
Kate muttered another awkward apology, feeling her cheeks burn at every contact, but tried her best to seem dignified. As dignified as a dirty, raving blind-folded woman could at any rate.
Legolas seemed unbothered, verbally waving away any apology made on her part, not seeing the need to apologize. If he was at all uncomfortable she couldn't tell, chivalry and all that. And he was being chivalrous, the very picture of it, aside from the interrogation which she couldn't really fault him for either and that was the truth of it, however much she loathed to admit it.
She was in a strange land, she knew no one…she would react the same way if she thought a suspicious newcomer might think to harm someone she loved, if she had anyone else she loved, she thought mournfully.
She was tipping again and Legolas faithfully righted her again, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. She wanted off this bloody horse. Once they had reached level ground Legolas carefully removed the blindfold.
"Welcome to Imladris, Lady Kate. The last homely house. Let us hope it is here that we might find an answer to the riddle that is you." He announced in slightly mocking tone.
Kate opened her mouth in rebuttable but shut it quickly, crossing her arms and lifting her head haughtily. Yea, we will see! She didn't need to prove herself to him. What did she care if he believed her, she would never see him again anyway.
No, not to him, she realized, but maybe to Aragorn…and probably to this Gandalf. How would she even begin to explain this whole situation?
"Hi Aragorn, I'm your long-lost sister's daughter, so I guess that makes you my uncle! Hahaha! Hey, funny seeing, you here though, by the way did you know that I can time travelandtravel worlds? Yeah, me neither, but apparently it puts me in mortal danger! Wild! So, do you think you could write me a note for the missed work? Since we are family after all, you know once I'm not in danger of being killed anymore.
"Idiot" Kate mumbled to herself. Honestly, how did she really expect this to go other than the scenario that just played out in her head. Hopefully with a little more tact.
Mentally she began organizing her story, wondering if it was best to just come out with the whole truth to this Aragorn after all; if her mother could travel worlds than maybe he could too, right? He would have to know about their gifts?
Tearing herself from her thoughts Kate was actually able to look around at the beauty that was Rivendell. A stunning forest sprung up around her, a glowing city tucked into a mountainside, hiding it from unfriendly eyes, a river running through and she could hear the waterfall not far off. It was beautiful, like a painting, but more than something someone could dream up and commit to paper.
She let out a low whistle of admiration as they passed through an ornate archway, what she assumed was the entrance. She could hear a commotion ahead but was distracted by the sudden appearance of several elves, helping her off the horse, taking the company's horses and leading them away to be cared for. Another flurry of glowing, beautiful elves, all with the same delicately pointed ears as the people –er-elves she had traveled with, and she was offered wine and being ushered away, but not before Legolas stopped them and started speaking to them in the unknown language. It was infuriating not knowing what was being said and a part of her wondered if he hadn't done it on purpose.
"Tell them I need to see Aragorn. Oh, and Gandalf! There's a Gandalf too that I need to see. That's important, evidently." She interjected, needlessly and Legolas waved away her additionally comments. "Oh, Thank you."
"No, I do not need to see a healer, I need an ale! So much for the hospitality of elves!" Shouted a man not much farther than her. He was a bear of a man, ornately dressed, red hair and beard neatly groomed, quite good looking if not for the frustrated scowl on his face and he looked as if he had also just arrived.
Kate noted his left arm was bleeding profusely under the dirty bandages someone hastily wrapped around the wound. A drunk someone she mused.
"I am a Captain of Gondor. If you think I can't take care of my own wounds than what good am I? I do not need your healers. My people have done just fine without help from the elves. It will heal well enough on its own." Kate rolled her eyes, not able to stop herself from interjecting. It was her job after all.
"Not with that disgusting bandage it won't, it'll be infected by tomorrow if it isn't already. You should let someone look at it." She said coolly walking over, using her doctors voice that she often adopted when speaking to a less than cooperative patient. The man whirled on, eyeing her up and down.
"You are no elf." He retorted.
"No, very astute of you. Let me see your arm." She replied motioning for it but he continued to stare. "I'm a doctor. A healer. Judging by how much it's bled, and is still bleeding you'll probably need stitches, if it's not infected. If it is…well we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Let's see it." He continued eyeing her critically.
"A healer? But you are a woman. A very young woman"
"Is that so uncommon here?" She asked, more than a little frustrated. Clearly this place was more medieval than she initially thought. "Now let me see your arm. If you let it go untreated and infection sets in you'll either loose it entirely or die. And you won't have any use to your people then." She said sternly. The man laughed, a real honest to God laugh.
"It is a rare woman who would speak so boldly to me. That is a woman I would like to know. I will relent to your care if not to spend a few more moments in your company."He joked, laughing still but he began removing the bandages.
Kate gave a slight smile, despite her current mood, his laugh and smile was infectious and the complete change in demeanor made him seem much more amiable than before. Kate careful inspected the wound, something the man claimed he received in battle before starting his journey to Rivendell. A battle and then straight off to journey to Rivendell all in the same time?
Kate was not sure how far Gondor was from Rivendell but she was sure it was much further away than she imagined, it was a wonder he was not worse off! There were no obvious signs of infection, other than the usual redness, but altogether he was very fortunate.
"You are one lucky man, going all this way with that disgusting rag as a bandage. Where did you even get this, off a dead body? My God…Did you even clean this injury before you had some blind, drunk fool bandage this?"
"I was the drunk fool, my lady. A little victory celebration, you understand, and Thankfully not blind, so I might look upon the face of my skilled healer." He said, the twinkle of humor still in his eyes. "It is just a scratch, I had many men worse off that required more attention from our healers."
"It's a lot more than a scratch! Consider yourself incredibly lucky, you should only need a few stitches." She said in disbelief, turning to the elves who were standing by in case the man changed his mind. "I can do it if I'm able to get the right supplies."
"Please do! Your company is far superior and most welcome. They speak the common tongue, I'm sure they will assist you with whatever you need." Kate rattled off the list of supplies, needlessly for they already knew what he needed and handed her several clean bandages, thread for stitching, a needle and a bottle of clear liquid.
"To clean the wound." One of the elves explained.
"Oh perfect. Just the thing." Kate nodded her thanks and set to work cleaning the gash and tossing away the cruddy bandages, muttering to herself about how some men having all the luck. The needle was threaded for her already, those blessed elves would not be wanting for a job in her OR that's for sure. If she would ever get there, that was."I take it you don't care much for Elves?" She asked after a moment, hoping to get another opinion as to the trustworthiness of them. This man was obviously not an Elf and given her previous encounter she wondered if there was some animosity between the two races she didn't know about. This was a strange world, indeed!
The man thought for a moment, his lips pursing in annoyance. Finally, he let out a long sigh and shrugged.
"I mean them no ill will, and they are hospitable enough to allow me to stay here while I have business to discuss…but I would not seek out their company if I had another choice before me, that is all I will say."
"Fair enough."Kate shrugged, realizing that left her with very little information on Elves still, but if he didn't trust them she supposed it would have been bad politics to say it in their own land.
"You seem quite comfortable with them, how is it that a woman came to travel with a company of Elves?" He asked, eyes scanning her dirt smudged face and tangled hair. "And would they not offer you time to rest and bathe? Could they not find a River and a comb, or is this simply your natural state?" He teased and Kate rolled her eyes.
"Oh, haha, you are sooo funny. No, I only met them recently, I had gotten lost and they offered to help me to Rivendell." Ha! How's that very diplomacy?!
"That was good of them." He admitted, wincing a bit as she poured more of the liquid over the wound. He waited for her to further explain but when she remained silented he continued. "I suppose you would not tell me how you found yourself alone and lost in the first place?"
"No, I suppose not."She replied, drying the area before preparing to stitch.
Very well then. Then tell me, how does a woman such as yourself become a healer? You don't find it distasteful?" Kate rolled her eyes, a habit she was beginning to develop in this world.
"The same way as any man would."
"I meant not offense, I simply find myself curious. Was your father a healer as well or did you stumble across a deeper calling to learn the art of healing?"
"No. Family business." Was her curt reply. He asks a lot of questions.
"So, your father missed out on sons, had a bit of trouble marrying you off and here you are?" Kate knew he was teasing her, but that didn't stop her from pulling the thread through his skin a little tighter than necessary and struggled to conceal a satisfied smirk at his yelp. Had she been in a better mood she would have felt guilty over it, or not done it in the first place, but for now she allowed herself the satisfaction.
"No, he gave me a choice in life, allowed me the opportunity of an education. I'll always be grateful for that, but I don't want to be married off. Not a lot of prospects where I'm from. " The man leaned in, winking at her.
"Clearly, you have never been to Gondor." Kate smirked. She found him amusing, despite his obvious flirting and he was so far, the nicest person she had met since coming to this world. Kate couldn't help but warm to the man, especially after how graciously he was handling her poor attitude. She decided she would be kinder to the man, and now felt the guilt over purposefully hurting him. Kate was nearly done when she saw Legolas striding over to her from the corner of her eye.
"I thought you said meeting with your uncle was an urgent matter?" The elf asked impatiently. Truthfully, he was eager to put this matter to rest and be relieved of his charge, however intriguing she was.
"Uncle? You have family here? Perhaps I'm acquainted with them" The man inquired, perking up as he stared at her with newfound interest. "Where is it you hail from?"
"I don't think you would know him. There, you are finished." She declared, tying off the thread and giving it a satisfactory once over. "You'll need to make sure you keep it clean and dry. If it starts to feel painful, begins to smell or weep you'll need to see a healer immediately." She clarified, quickly cleaning up the implements and heading over to the impatient elf awaiting her.
"Wait just a minute, you could very well have just saved my life!" He said in an overly dramatic overture, clearly finding it funny. "I am Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor. Might I have a name to offer my thanks and friendship? As long as you will welcome it, of course." Kate smiled, shaking her head at his antics. He was a grown man! Sighing, she relented and told him her name. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kate. I look forward to our next meeting! I shall call you if I have trouble with a splinter, or have been shot with arrows! The elves have not taken so fondly to me, I could be in great peril" He called teasingly as she walked off.
"Well perhaps you should be more gracious in your next meeting with them? Then they might like you more. I hardly saved your life, it was just a scratch, remember?"She teased back, rewarded by Boromir's laughter.
"All the same, I give you my thanks!"
Legolas cast a firm look in the man's direction, silently warning him not to follow and ushered Kate toward their destination.
"You are making friends quickly." He noted, and Kate laughed it off.
"Oh, he's just teasing. Maybe flirting. But it's no harm done, not like I'll be seeing him again in as big a place as this. Besides, he needed his arm checked."
"I see. It was kind of you." The elf replied. "You will follow me. I have arranged a meeting with Mithrandir -yes Gandalf. If he believes what you say is true than you will be safe within these borders. You will have the protection of Lord Elrond, Aragorn and my people"
"Oh, umm, well thank you."She said, surprised by the warmth in that simple statement and picked up her pace to follow after him when a thought struck her. "But what if he doesn't believe me?" Kate asked, slightly panicked.
Legolas didn't answer.
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Kate sat in strained silence, nervously picking a loose thread on her sweatshirt to avoid the intense gaze of those around her. Legolas had not only secured her a meeting with Gandalf, but with Lord Elrond and sure enough the mysterious Aragorn.
The initial meeting between the two was awkward to say the least, especially after Kate mentioned that he might be her uncle. That took a lot of convincing and the man didn't say anything, just looked at her blank faced with arms crossed as he listened, and hadn't said anything since. All he did was stand there, face impassive and jaw set firm.
It was hardly the welcome she had anticipated and she hadn't wanted to admit it but it had really bothered her. After everything she had been through these past few days she imagined she would be met with a little more warmth for all her effort. She had also been expecting Aragorn to be more…well…more. This man before her looked more or less like a beggar and after the way Legolas had carried on she had kind of been excepting a more dazzling figure. Still…there was something about him that held her interest and she chalked it up to the assumed family realtion…and if he really was her family than he could actually be a beggar for all she cared! He was the last remaining member of her family, that was within her reach anyway…and she hadn't realized until now how badly she missed that sense of family. Her heart ached now at the fresh loss of her Aunt Mandy, and the feeling of home whenever she was around her…she missed her hugs, and the way she always smelled like rosemary and her lilting Scottish accent, she even missed her scolding.
Yes, for all Kate's insistence that she was fine by herself her heart ached for familial connection and that aching had quickly turned to irritation at her disappointing reunion with Aragorn.
Well really, what did you expect Kate? Open arms and a tearful welcome home? What would you have even done with that?
As irritated as she was at her pride taking a hit, she couldn't really fault him, he hadn't even known she was alive until right this minute and then she told him his sister was dead, putting an end to any hope he might have carried that his sister was happy and well.
Kate sat in silence on an ornate chair in Lord Elrond's study, her lips pressed firmly together while Legolas relayed the events of the last two days and then Lord Elrond dismissed him.
Then it was her turn to speak, once it was just the four of them and she told them everything, not leaving out a single detail, hoping to avoid a reaction like the one Legolas had. She needed these people to believe her, however insane her story was it was the truth! She knew she sounded like she was pleading with them to believe her rather than simply telling them what had happened but she didn't care. She was too tired and far too irritated to care if she begged. After she had told them Gandalf asked to see the letter and then the ring, a hushed silence falling over the room.
"Indeed." Gandalf said at length, carefully folding up the letter and returning it her. Kate noticed he did not give back the ring which now sat in front of her mockingly. The old man, an actualwizard she discovered, stared at her from behind a pair of bushy grey eyebrows, his blue eyes missing nothing. "Do you have any additional information to provide? You've left nothing out?"
"No." She whispered, clearing her throat she started again. "I've told you everything. Every detail that I can remember. Obviously, I can't tell you much about my parents as I don't really know them, except from letters from my father…and now I only have that one. The rest of them are back in my world."
"And have you done this often? Traveled through space and time?" He asked, calmly lighting a pipe to smoke.
"No…just the one time as a child…it wasn't something I wanted to do again., and then of course, when coming here. My family were much more accomplished at that then I am." She shivered, remembering the shrieking from the space between and the feeling of her body being torn and mashed back together. "I wouldn't even have come now except for that weird dream and then the riders…I actually saw them…and heard them so I'm not lying. I couldn't make that up. So…if we can just get this all sorted I'm more than happy to go back to my world." She finished with a firm nod, what she hoped was a sign of compliance.
"You cannot go back to your world." Lord Elrond asserted, firmly snapping his head in her direction. He'd been listening with his back to the window, and Aragorn sat in the corner, his face unreadable and still infuriatingly silent. She couldn't get a read on any of their facial expressions, so she wasn't altogether sure Lord Elrond was completely serious.
"I beg your pardon?" She asked coolly, narrowing her eyes and crossing her arms in defiance.
"You cannot go back to your world." He repeated in all seriousness, every bit the elf lord she was told he was. "You have told us that The Nine have made their way to your world not once but twice? In two different time periods you say? If the enemy has found a way to gain access to your world by the same way you travel who is to say they cannot do the same here? What if they brought with them a greater weapon than we could handle? No, these, portals as you call then must stay shut until we can be certain the enemy has been dealt with." He said, turning away from her again as if the matter was finalized already.
"I most certainly will go back!" She retorted haughtily. "I have to get back to work! I have patients who are depending on me and a residency that I will lose if I don't show up. I have student loans, and an apartment, and bills that need to be paid. My cat! Good God" Kate stood, hands on her hips, working herself into a frenzy. " I have to go back. I can't stay here! You were supposed to help me, not keep me here! I would never have come if I knew this was the outcome! No! You can't keep me here. I refuse. Honestly. Really. You cannot keep me here, I have rights!"
"You will not risk further danger to my people and others my lighting through worlds on every whim like a child." Elrond argued, eyebrows furrowed in frustration.
"I am notlighting through worlds!" She screeched in quite the childlike manner, contrary to her protestations. "You don't know what it's like to do this! No one signs up to pass through unless they have a verygood reason. My family traveled and continued to travel for love, not on a whim, not for an adrenaline rush, because they had someone they loved waiting for them on the other side! To save the ones they loved or to go back to them. It was not for fun and we did not take it lightly! I had no one, I really honestly thought those things would kill me or believe me I would not have done this, I would have found another way. Not in a million years would I have done this, but now that I have I have to go back, the same way I came. I have a whole life there. I have to go back! I'm not staying here, there is nothing here for me and my whole life at home!"
Kate was breathing heavily too enraged to create any rational argument. They had no idea, no idea what it was like and now they were asking her to stay here, give up everything she had worked so hard for, for what? Because they were concerned about what might happen
"You have me." Aragon said softly, finally speaking. "You say you were looking for me because you knew I would protect you. Now that you are here, do you not believe I will do just that?" Kate blinked.
"Honestly? No. I didn't know you were going to protect me. I didn't even know you existed. I was told you might and that was my only option at the time so I just had to trust it." She sighed.
"Then will you not trust me once more? I am a man of my word and I swear on the blood we share that I will protect you." Aragorn said earnestly.
The man had a way with words, she'd give him that. Kate wanted desperately to trust him; he was family, right? But Kate didn't really know how family behaved. She didn't have that luxury, thanks to whatever weird x-men skill she had. He had clearly decided he believed her and seemed to even trust her so why couldn't she now?
"I'm sorry." She sighed. "You don't know what you're asking me to give up, and for what? I-I just can't. I'm sorry."
"The same thing everyone else will have to give up if the enemy gets his hands on the ring and someone like yourself; absolutely everything." Gandalf retorted. "The timing of your arrival and the arrival of the One Ring in Rivendell was not a coincidence, my dear girl, despite what you try and reason."
"We are not asking you to settle here permanently." Elrond began again. "We are asking that you give us a little more time so we may formulate a plan. You are young and unfamiliar with this world, you could not possibly comprehend what they enemy could do with a gift like yours. If you were to be taken by Sauron, his forces would make you do their bidding, to the ruin of us all. There is to be a council tomorrow and since your fate will ultimately be tied to whatever we decide you will attend as well." That was not a request clearly.
"One with a skill such as yours could be dangerous in the wrong hands…Gandalf clarified.
Kate sighed, reason finally poking holes in her anger. Her aunt did tell her not to let those things capture her…and what kind of tortures would they inflict to "make" her do what they asked. She had no desire to find out what that was either! Legolas had said they would offer her protection if they believed her, which had worked out, a little too well, but what other option did she have? They knew where to find, those riders, and they would find her again.
She would not stay forever…but she could allow them time to figure it out. They seemed just as bothered by this as she was and just as confused. She had hoped they would be able to fill her in on what was happening but until they found that out…it looked like she was extending her vacation.
"What does one do at a secret council meeting." Kate asked, loudly sighing in resignation.
"Nothing." Was Gandalf's gruff retort. She felt like the wizard and elf were tag teaming, taking turns on who would have to deal with her next. "The council isn't for you, it's about what is to be done concerning the One Ring." Kate lazily raised an eyebrow.
"You're having an entire council meeting for a ring?" The room stared at her in silence. Gandalf took a long drag of his pipe and let it out in an impatient puff. This was going to be a rather long evening.
"Sit." He commanded, pointing to the seat she'd abandoned in her rage. "You have much to learn." And learn she did!
Gandalf told her everything, answering her questions here and there, even giving her a writing implement and paper so she could take notes. Every now and then she glanced over at Aragorn who sat surveying her, and more when Gandalf told her about Isildur and Sauron, the Ring and the fall of Gondor… and Isildur's heir…Aragorn himself.
Kate's jaw dropped in surprise and Aragorn stared hard at the wizard looking more than a little annoyed by the big reveal. Well that clears things up…no wonder the Elf was being so protective of him. She thought, feeling comforted by the fact that it wasn't her personally that Legolas's didn't trust, just the oddity of the situation.
It was well past dark when Gandalf had finished his oration and Kate had taken in about as much information as she could. She felt a headache coming on, right behind her eyes and through her temples and she wasn't sure if that was from a caffeine withdrawal, stress, fatigue or a combination of all three.
"I think that will be all for today. I expect to see you on time tomorrow morning." Gandalf declared, beginning to stand. "You do not need to say anything Ms. Mackenzie, in fact it is far better if you don't say anything at all."
"Why? Because I'm a woman?" Kate asked, half joking, but clearly that was in poor taste. Gandalf frowned at her in open annoyance.
"No, you foolish girl! Because you don't know enough to contribute to the council. You are there as proof of the enemy's reach should we need it, nothing more. Good night." He said, without waiting for a reply, not that she had one.
He was right, what did she know. Elrond had long since left, dealing with Lordly duties she supposed, leaving her awkwardly standing there with Aragorn.
"Erm…well…I guess you'll want your ring back." She said lamely. Aragorn nodded, giving a small smile to her before carefully and gently sliding the ring back on, his fingers lingering over it, like he could touch whatever memories the ring held for him.
"Thank you for keeping it safe for me." He said genuinely.
"Oh well, it wasn't really me. My mom, and then my dad after she… so you should thank them I guess. Well…I mean I guess you can't but…" Kate groaned inwardly, physically pained by awkwardness. Why? Why was this so strange for her?
"Even so, you have returned it. That is worthy of thanks." He added and she could tell he was searching for something to say to fill the silence settling around them. What does someone even say in this situation? Where do you start? Kate's stomach grumbled loudly and Aragorn's eyes widened in inspiration. "Food! Of course, you must be hungry." He exclaimed, louder than he wanted to but they were both relieved at the distraction.
"Yes, I am freaking starving!"
"Then you can follow me, I will take you to your room and we can have something sent for you." Food, the universal problem solver. Kate smiled in thanks, eagerly following him out the door and into the open hallway, watching as Aragorn stopped to talk to an elf, pausing to look at her curiously. "Um, what do you like?" He asked, Kate chewed her lip, wondering what their customary food was.
"Oh um, anything I guess. But nothing with eyes. Or onions, please." She asked, deciding that should be safe enough.
Aragorn nodded and turned back to the elf while Kate studied him openly. He looked like he was maybe in his early forties, though soft strands of silver weaved their way through his dark hair, hardly noticeable unless you were looking for it. He was not overly tall, handsome, strong jawed with kind grey eyes, altogether unremarkable in physical appearance but it was his demeanor that intrigued her.
He was so comfortable here, so at ease with these elves and this place, not once stopping to ask for directions as they made their way through the windings halls of Lord Elrond's house. The elves seemed to even be aware of his presence, parting and making a way for him to pass. Yes, Kate supposed, it could be a kingly attitude, she wondered if that self-assuredness was hereditary. Was her mother like that? Kate wanted to believe she herself was that way, but if she were being honest it was more likely a heavy dose of pride than self-confidence.
Whatever it was, she did want to trust him, she felt like she could; and maybe she could fool herself into believing it was because they were family that she felt he was trustworthy, instead of that being simply his nature.
Finally, they arrived in front of a large oak door, which Aragorn said would be her room as long as she needed it. She was surprised to see such a welcoming room in front of her, larger than her one bedroom apartment at home. It already had candles light around the room, giving off a warm and inviting glow, a large and comfortable looking bed in the middle of the room, and what looked like a small bathtub in the corner, tiling all around it probably designating it the bathroom area. The room itself was rather open, large windows making it fairly visible and letting in an abundance of moonlight, there was also a screen near the bath area that could move and be arranged wherever she needed, to allow for privacy, and long gauzy curtains hanging above the window that she could let down if she needed. It was a grand room, nothing like Kate was used to, far too much for someone like her, but maybe not for him.
"Is this room, it's really very nice but it's not because I'm related to you, is it? Because we don't have to make this a big thing, you know, I don't need to be an inconvenience, I can sleep on the couch." She said, but who was she kidding? Now that she'd seen it there was no way she was sleeping anywhere else but that bed. Aragorn smirked, knowing full well she only half meant what she had said.
" Lord Elrond is a gracious host, you will want for nothing in your time here, that is simply his way not because of any relation." He assured, following her in, but only just through the door.
"Well...thank you. I'll make sure to thank him." Silence settled around them once more.
"I hear you gave Legolas quite a difficult time." Aragorn said, humor plainly in his voice. Kate snorted in obvious dislike.
"Difficult is not how I would describe it. Although now it makes sense, the threating, considering who you are. He obviously thinks very highly of you." She replied. Aragorn frowned.
"He threatened you? Why?" Aragorn asked, shifting on his feet, clearly uncomfortable about it. Oh, crap Kate thought, she didn't want to get him in trouble.
"Um, kind of but only after he saved my life. And honestly only because he couldn't understand my story, I didn't tell him about the whole time and world travel thing, so you can't blame him. Really, honestly, he was very gentlemanly. The most chivalrous threat I've ever received."
Alright that last part was a stretch, she knew, the elf was more than a little intimidating when he wanted to be, but he had saved her life, and helped her more than he should have. Aragorn nodded.
"He is a loyal friend, though sometimes quick to anger, much like his father. But kind hearted. I will make it known to him that it is as you say, that we are family, and please except my apologies on his behalf." He said earnestly, but Kate waved it off.
"Don't worry about it, honestly, it's not a big deal. I'm fine, and it all worked out in the end, right? Really, it's fine." She assured. A knock at the door announced her meal had arrived and Aragorn answered, speaking to them in their own language before bringing her plate to the small table by the window.
"Does everyone know Elvish here?" Kate asked, surprised by how proficient he seemed in the language. Aragorn shook his head, sitting down in the chair next to her.
"No." He said, shaking his head softly. "I was raised here, and so I learned the language quickly."
"Makes sense. Did my mother grow up here too? Did she speak elvish?" She asked, absentmindedly checking out the food so delicately arranged on the plate, causing her mouth to water. She really was starving. She looked up when he didn't reply to see him looking out the window lost in thought.
"Yes, she did, for a time." He said after a moment and sighed turning to smile sadly at her before standing. "One day I will tell you all I can about Raen, since you do not have memories of your own to comfort you. But not tonight. I will leave you to your meal."
"Oh, you're not eating?" Kate asked, just a bit saddened by his early departure, had she said something? Aragorn smiled softly.
"No, I am meeting someone. I expect I'll have my meal with her." He said, instantly regretting admitting it was a woman when he saw Kate give a sly smile, her eyebrow raised in humor. That, that was a look so identical to his sister he almost changed his mind, wanting to catch all the other small quirks and mannerisms that made this girl like his beloved sister.
"Her? Who is this her? Is it serious? Are you married? Is she hot?" Kate asked, enjoying how uncomfortable he was growing with each question and suddenly feeling more relaxed now herself. It wasn't her fault he was leaving, it was a woman calling! He ignored it, smiling despite himself.
"Enjoy your dinner, someone will be by to fill your bath if you should desire one, and to take your plate. There is an Elf just outside your door, she speaks the common tongue and will be happy to assist you with anything else you may need."
"Oh, ok. Well thank you. Um, oh and thank you for…well you know just for believing me I guess. And being kind about all this." She said, not quite sure how to thank him for everything. He really had just been so open and helpful to her, and it was appreciated.
"You are most welcome." He replied, nodding his head politely. "Goodnight Kate."
"Goodnight. Say hello to your her for me."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kate was awoken the next morning by a loud knock on her door. She thrust the pillow over her head, not wanting to leave the warmth of her bed just yet. Too late, she'd seen the sun shining, had heard the birds chirping, she couldn't fool herself into going back to sleep now. She stretched lazily in the bed beginning the slow wake up process. There would be no promise of coffee to entice her here. Or was there? Did they have coffee here? Another knock, louder this time.
"Miss? If you'd permit me to enter I can begin to make you ready for the council meeting." A bored sounding voice came from outside the door.The knocker. Kate thought, inwardly groaning at the reminder.
"Coming." She called huskily and stumbled to the door. She opened it to find yet another strikingly beautiful elf holding a small tray of food in one hand and a dress draped over her other arm. Seriously, are all elves this beautiful naturally, or is there some spa here I don't know about.Kate thought grouchily allowing the elven woman in.
There was a hot cup of something on that tray, coffee?
If there is any good left in the world please let this be coffee.
Before she could really take a look, she was brought to the small vanity by the window so the Elven woman could style her hair. Kate looked back at herself through the mirrored glass as the elf sorted through the tangled mess that was her hair, more than a little embarrassed by her appearance.
She had indeed taken a bath last night and slept with her hair wet, foolishly forgetting there would be no blow-dryers with no electricity, which left her hair the tousled, matted thing it was now. If the elf was annoyed she didn't show it and calmly started to brush out any tangles or unwanted curls while Kate picked at the fruit next to her.
Kate didn't think she was ugly, quite the contrary actually, but the last few days had taken their toll on her and the striking difference between her and this physically flawless being next to her would knock anyone's self-esteem down a peg or two.
Kate ignored those feelings and continued working on the food and drinking the hot tea, not coffee she noticed, much to her chagrin. When the elf seemed satisfied with her work she gave Kate a small hand mirror so she could see the hairstyle herself. It was simple enough, but with smaller intricate braid pulled around to the back of her hand and woven together. It was far better than anything she could have done, normally settling for a sloppy bun in the mornings; yes, that would do just nicely. Kate thanked her and the elf nodded in reply.
Seems like a lot of effort just to go to a meeting. She thought to herself, but decided it was best not to say those thoughts a loud. Maybe that was just the custom here, what did she know?
The elf woman than helped her try on her dress, apologizing for not having something more ready-made and assured Kate that she was having clothing prepared for her at this very moment.
"Don't worry about it, I'm not picky." She said, sucking in a little as the dressed was pulled down over her head. It was a little longer than Kate expected and much tighter in the bust area but all in all fit just fine.
"The Lady Arwen hopes that you will find this dress agreeable." The elf said, pulling up the fabric to help Kate slip on the shoes. It really was a beautiful dress, a simple green to highlight her eyes, with an open neckline and draping gauzy fabric to cover her arms but not conceal them. It seemed a little modern for this place but Kate liked it well enough.
"Yea, it's great very beautiful! Please tell her thank you for me, really." Kate turned to look at herself, looking every but like a medieval princess. She looked good, she had to admit, it was a nice change from her usual scrubs but she'd be ready to slip back into her jeans as soon as this was all over. "Right, well, let's get this over with." She said to herself encouragingly, and headed out the door insisting she did not need a guide.
It took all of three turns for Kate to get lost, that was it. She was trying to remember the directions the elf woman gave her when she noticed Legolas walking her way. She let out a quiet yelp and ducked behind a column, suddenly finding the architecture very interesting. In vain, she prayed he had not seen her but was left disappointed.
"Lady Kate?"He spoke softly, raising in eyebrow at the odd woman. "Are you well?"
Kate cleared her throat, raising her head a bit before she replied, stepping out from behind the column.
"Hello, yes, I am quite well, thank you. Just, um, just looking at this column here."She replied cooly. "It is nice. Very sturdy, which is good." Legolas, to his credit, looked a bit apologetic and had the sense not to laugh out loud at her obvious lie.
"I am glad to hear you are appreciating the beauty of Imladris, even if it is just in its design. I must admit I thought you were looking to avoid me."
"Avoid you? Why would I do such a thing? Being the warm and pleasant person you are." She asked and Legolas did not miss the sarcasm dripping from her words. He laughed politely, looking anywhere else but the human woman before he spoke again.
"I must ask your forgiveness for my behavior. Aragorn informed me that what you say is true and that you had been through quite the ordeal even before we found you. Please accept my apology, my actions were rash but I hope you understand the intention behind them, though that is not excuse."He seemed sincere enough but Kate continued directing a cool gaze in his direction, making him await her forgiveness.
This was obviously not something he was used to and after a moment he cocked his head to her in annoyance. It was not polite of her to make anyone suffer her silence after they had apologized, especially him and he was about to say as much when her face lightened into an easy smile.
"You are fogive." She waved her arm dramatically, ignoring Legolas's bemused face. "I would have done the same to be honest. You're very lucky that you've asked me now that I have been fed and well rested." She laughed. Legolas's eyes lighted on her arm and he grabbed it lightly carefully inspecting the bruises.
"What happened to your arm?" He asked, truly concerned. Kate blushed, uncomfortable at his sudden concern.
"Oh, well, uh you're stronger than you look. So congratulations on that, Popeye." She said jokingly. Clearly Legolas did not find this funny.
"This was from me?" He breathed, looking truly grieved. The elf had never felt so ashamed. Yes, she was a difficult woman, but he didn't realize he had been so rough. "Forgive me. I sometimes forget how delicate humans can be." Kate patted his hand awkwardly, hoping to get him to release her arm and let it go.
"Seriously, it's really ok. I bruise easy, like a peach…I wouldn't really say that makes me delicate thogh." She added with a frown "Really it's ok, I'm fine. It's no big deal. You apologize a lot." She joked. Legolas smiled uncomfortably, still feeling guilty.
"Only to you, it seems."
"Well if you want to make it up to me you can show me where this council meeting is being held, I was told to come and strongly advised not to be late."
"You are going to the council?"
"Careful now, I'd hate for you to have to apologize again." She playfully warned to which Legolas laughed in response.
"That is a fair warning. Yes, it would be my pleasure to show you the way." He smiled warmly, extending his arm. Kate stared at it awkwardly until she realized he wanted her to take his arm. Very, very old fashioned. She thought reprovingly, but it seemed to suit him.
This whole world was like a fairytale, so beautiful and full of elves and wizards and kings. Aside from those monsters their biggest threat was a ring, could things really be so bad here? Could she make a life in this idyllic little town, if she really had no other choice?
No, you couldn't, she thought pessimistically. She knew, as well-meaning as people were, all this chivalry and "delicate women" bit would start to grate on her. She wanted surgeries, she wanted to be published for her incredible scientific advancements in the ways of medicine, to cure cancer even. This world was not for here. It wasn't her home. She couldn't stay here, no matter how alluring this place was, present company included.
Kate risked a quick glance up at the Elf at they walked in amicable silence, blushing a bit at the realization that she was, in fact, checking him out. He was seriously hot, especially now that he was not being a suspicious ass. And speaking of…Stop it, Kate!
"The Dwarves are here." Legolas said with an irritated sigh after several moments. Kate whirled to face him, he told her it was further up ahead, how would he know?
"Now how can you possibly know that?" She asked reproachfully.
"I can hear them." He said simply, and then remembering she didn't know clarified. "Another secret of the elves. Though they are loud enough you should not find it so difficult to hear them grunting and shouting." A small smile indicated he was joking but not wrong.
They rounded a corner and further done a stone path Kate could see several stout men, more glowy elves and a few men. The Dwarves, or what she assumed were Dwarves, were quite loud actually but Kate did not mind it so much. Once they had made their way to their seats they silenced themselves as everyone else had, she wasn't sure what provoked Legolas's irritation.
"Amazing." She muttered.The blood work up on elves must be incredible."What's wrong with dwarves?" She asked innocently. Legolas made a derisive sound.
"I would not have the time to tell you, though I would caution you to be wary of them. Elves have not had dealings with dwarves for quite some time."
"Why?" She asked again.
"No one remembers what started it, only that there has been far too much anger and blood between us now." Kate rolled her eyes.
"Not to overstep, but that sounds like a lousy reason not to like someone. If it's been so long, won't the generations have forgotten by now? I mean, why not reconcile?"
"The dwarves do not want reconciliation any more than we do." He frowned, finding it impossible to explain. "Though, there is some truth in your words." He relented, leading her up the stairs to where the council was assembling.
""Well, thank you for showing me the way here, I appreciate it!"
"Think nothing of it, it is the least I can do." He replied, bowing slightly before moving to sit with the others. Kate looked around nervously before spotting Aragorn who graciously motioned to a seat next to his.
"Lady Kate!" Exclaimed a familiar voice and she turned to see a smiling Boromir " You are looking well! Much better than yesterday, and I am happy for it! I did not think to look for you here at this council! You are a woman of many surprises."
"So it would seem." She said, giving him a welcoming smile before looking back over at Aragorn who was studying the pair intensely. "How are you stitches doing?"
"They are very well, thank you again for your assistance. You are my savior." He teased. "Ah, so this is your uncle then?" He asked, motioning to Aragorn.
"Yes, you know him?"
"We have met, yes. You have a very talented niece." He called to Aragorn. "We would consider ourselves very lucky to have such a healer in Gondor." Kate beamed, if you think a few stitches are that big of a deal you should see what I can really do.
"Yes, you would." Aragorn replied coolly, not inviting more conversation. This is weird. Kate thought glancing at the two men and an odd tension rippled between them.
"Ah well." Boromir turned back to her, a friendly smile back on his face. "Let us hope that this council finishes quickly!"
"Hopefully! Nice seeing you." Kate waved, heading to take her seat just in time for Lord Elrond to arrive, followed by Gandalf and a small child.
No, not a child, she realized upon further inspection. A full-grown man, only coming up about three and a half feet. He seemed nervous, staring around at everyone who towered over him until his eyes met hers. I get it, me too little guy. .Kate thought, giving him an encouraging smile, which he shyly returned.
"A hobbit." Aragorn explained. "A Halfling from the shire. Frodo is his name, he came with a friend, Sam and two of his kin, Merry and Pippin." Kate nodded in understanding as a hush fell over the group, everyone turning their attention to Lord Elrond who began speaking.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall." He began ominously. "Each race is bound to this fate-this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." The hobbit slowly got up and placed the ring on the pedestal, sitting down with a sigh, like a great weight had been lifted off him. People started whispering around her, mixed emotions of fear and awe.
"So, it is true…" Boromir whispered. Kate risked a glance over at Aragorn who seemed to avoid looking at it all together. The man stood carefully. "In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark, but in the West a pale light lingered." Boromir was slowly making his way to the ring and Kate shifted uncomfortably. This was clearly not ok. "A voice crying. 'Your doom is near at hand, Isildur's bane is found' Isildur's bane." He whispered reaching his hand to touch the ring.
"Boromir!" Lord Elrond shouted, standing up out of his seat, at the same time Gandalf started shouting in some foreign language, upsetting everyone. Kate was at a loss for words, trying to find a way to reason what she was seeing and feeling. The words chilled her to the bone and the sky grew dark, thunder and lightning crashing in a terrifying storm around them. Boromir jumped back, shocked out of whatever trance he was in. Gandalf finished speaking and the darkness vanished just as quickly as it came, a collective sigh of relief coming from everyone. Lord Elrod turned to Gandalf, looking sharply at him.
"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here, in Imladris." He announced reprovingly. Gandalf steadied himself against the chair, as if those words alone took years off his life.
"I do not ask you pardon, Master Elrond, for the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west! The Ring is altogether evil!" He warned, staring pointedly at Boromir before returning to his seat in disgust. Boromir shook his head in disbelief, standing again.
"It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people while your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the Enemy. Let us use it against him!" He pleaded.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can." Aragorn interjected. "The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master." Boromir wheeled on him, sneering in contempt. He was angry, Kate understood that, but he was clearly not understanding the point everyone was trying to make.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" He asked condescendingly. Legolas stood up faster, his anger showing clearly.
"This is no mere ranger! He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Boromir's face fell, disgust replaced with shock and awe.
"Aragorn? This…is Isildur's heir?" Aragorn lifted his head a little higher, almost as if he was trying to prove himself to Boromir.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas announced. This seemed to strike a nerve and Boromir looked disgusted once more, his eyes sweeping to Kate with a look of betrayal and anger. Aragorn frowned, annoyed by the revelation. He obviously did not want this getting around, she noted, remembering how flustered he was when Gandalf told her.
"H-Havo dad, Legolas." He said, sighing, looking to the Gondorian man almost sympathetically. Boromir was enraged now, Kate could see the fury flashing behind his eyes and she couldn't help but feel a little responsible for it, even though it had nothing to do with her.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." He spat, before returning to his seat, leveling another glowering stare at Aragorn and Kate. Don't get pissy with me, I just found out my own self! She thought defensively, rolling her eyes in response. She didn't want to feel guilty for something she had only herself just discovered but she couldn't help but pity the man.
"Aragorn is right." Gandalf continued, moving on from the testosterone battle. "We cannot use it." Elrond nodded in agreement.
"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." He declared. The people looked around at each other, Boromir looked crestfallen as a gruff voice spoke out.
"Then what are we waiting for?" A dwarf called, grabbing his axe and charging full force at the ring. He barely made contact with the ring before the impact sent him flying, shattering the axe like glass around it.
Dwarves. I like him! Kate thought, smiling at his shocked face, his friends helping him up. That kind of can-do attitude was exactly what they needed in this council, not more pissing contests between the men. Yes, if all dwarves were like this than Kate would like them very much. She was sure she saw Legolas roll his eyes, so quickly she could have imagined it, but when she looked back at him again he had his normal tranquil elf mask back on. Lord Elrond did not bother hiding the satisfaction he got from seeing the dwarf tossed back, a smug amusement featured on his face.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." He announced, scanning the room for any volunteers only to be met with dead silence.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor." Boromir finally said in exasperation, his hand rubbing circles on his forehead to ease the headache he felt coming on. "Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with the thousand men could you do this. It is folly!" Legolas jumped up, not able to hide his anger.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli, the dwarf, retorted. Oh yes, she liked him a lot. The tension was building again as Boromir also jumped to his feet in anger.
"And if we should fail, what then? What happened when Sauron takes back what is his?!"
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" Gimli shouted, making the elves stand to their feet and suddenly everyone was yelling at each other so passionately, race pitted against each race and Kate was beginning to understand what Legolas was trying to get at. He glanced over at Aragorn who returned her same exasperated expression. This was going to be a long meeting.
"I will take it!" A small voice called, no one could hear him over their arguing so he shouted again. "I will take it!" A hush fell over the room as they all turned to look at the hobbit. "I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though…I do not know the way." Kate's heart wrenched.
This innocent, little thing was going to go through all that to destroy a ring, when no one else would? She was floored by his bravery and immediately ashamed of herself for how foolish she'd been to mock something that was clearly more of a threat than she had realized. Gandalf smiled softly, walking over to him, clearly fond of the hobbit
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear." Clasping a hand on his shoulder, Gandalf stood behind him encouragingly. Immediately Aragorn stood up, sending Kate into a worried panic. What was he doing? Does this mean I have to follow?
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." He declared, kneeling in front of him. "You have my sword." No, no don't say that! Do I need to do this too? Kate was panicking, didn't women have to follow the men to war in medieval times? Was that a custom she would need to follow here? Would it offend him greatly if she didn't follow him?
She just met Aragorn and had grown fond of him in this short time, she wasn't ready to lose him too, he was all she had here. All she had at all but…she wanted to go home! If her departure was already delayed how much longer would it be before she went home? I do not want to do this! She screamed internally, her panicked eyes meeting Aragorn's calm ones.
"And you have my bow!" Legolas announced next standing beside the rest of the pledges. Aragorn smiled confidently at her, nodding his head in her direction. What did that mean? Was that a signal? Some sort of verbal cue that she was to follow? What was she supposed to do?
"And my axe!" Gimli declared, much to Legolas's annoyance. Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ he wants me to do this! I actually have to bloody do this! Well, if Aragorn had meant for her to follow then surely it would not be so bad.
Kate stood up awkwardly walking over to Frodo, the trail of her too long dress bundled carelessly in one hand as the other members of the council looked on in shock.
"I suppose you'll need some sort of medical assistance, what with the constant threat of danger and all. So, you have my…scalpel." She declared, giving the hobbit her hand to shake. "Nice to meet you." She walked over to Aragorn who stared at her in horror.What? Not poetic enough?
"You carry the fate of us all little one." Boromir said, carefully walking towards the small band of people assembling. "If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." He announced, solidifying his place amongst the council.
"Here!" A voice shouted from behind the bushes and another hobbit hopped out to stand by Frodo. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!" He said firmly.
"No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Came the Elf Lord's good-natured reproach. And then another voice made him turn around sharply as two more hobbits bounded in.
"Oy! We're coming too! You'll have to send us a home tied up in a sack to stop us!"
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission…quest…thing."
"Well that rules you out Pip!" His friend said crossly and Kate couldn't help but laugh.
"10 companions." Lord Elrond mused, looking them all over and barely raising an eyebrow at Kate's tribute. "So be it. You shall be The Fellowship of the Ring." He announced proudly.
"Great!" beamed Pip. "Where are we going?"
"Oh good grief!" Kate laughed, but her laugh was cut short as Aragorn turned to face her, scowling.
"What have you done?" He whispered angrily. Kate's face fell. Yes, she certainly read that situation wrong.
"I did exactly what you wanted me to do, I volunteered."
"I wanted no such thing! Do you know what you have done? You must explain your error to Lord Elrond, he will understand."
"Um, you mean you weren't telling me to volunteer?" She gulped, fear gathering in her stomach and a cold sweat began to bead on her forehead. What have I done? I am so stupid. How? How can I be so dumb?!
"Of course not!" He whispered harshly between clenched teeth. "I was trying to put you at ease or-" He made a frustrated groan, clenching and unclenching his hands.
"Stop yelling at me I didn't know!"
"Explain your error, you cannot join us in this, you have no idea what you have agreed to."
"But I gave my word…I already told them I would go! It can't be that bad, besides the faster we get rid of this ring, the faster I can go home right? It is a win-win situation, you all get more help and I go home. I don't see the big deal."
"Kate! You do not understand! This is not a journey we are likely to return from. You have aligned yourself to a cause that very well could end in ruin. You cannot return home if you are dead!"
Kate's face paled as the realization hit her and suddenly she felt her breathing pick up and her chest tighten. What had she done? She couldn't do this, it was a mistake! She hadn't thought they would die!
"Oh shit…"
A/N: And that ends chapter 2! I hope you all enjoyed it and a huge thank you to everyone who has reviewed that first chapter!Please continue to read and review! Please and thank you!