A/N: Thank you all for the reviews, and follows, they are appreciated. Hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to review! I love hearing your thoughts. Also I'm working on the next chapter as I am posting this, I'm trying to get as many chapters up while I'm on break!
Kate couldn't tell if she had actually fallen asleep or was simply too exhausted for her brain to register anything anymore. The memories of what had happened with Boromir crept into her mind like the sun creeping through the trees, making Kate's cheek warm with embarrassment. She could not believe she had acted so ridiculously and reasoned that it must have been fatigue. She knew there was very clearly something wrong with Boromir, she'd be a fool not to see that, but to think he'd hurt her…that was ridiculous! They were friends and he was a good man, no matter what the ring was doing to him Kate was very sure he would do nothing to hurt her or any member of the fellowship; his moral character simply would not allow it! Kate groaned in frustration, the torrid of thoughts keeping her from falling back into a blissful, ignorant sleep. Don't move, if you move you have accepted you're awake. This bed is far too comfortable to accept you're awake. Kate thought absentmindedly, then shot upright. She was definitely not on the floor in her room. She assumed that Legolas must have moved her sometime during the night, which irked her a bit, she would have much rather stayed in her room if only to asses Boromir's condition.
She lazily surveyed the flat which had the same layout as her room, but the sheets and comforter on the bed were of a much higher quality, which she found odd given the practical nature of the Lothlorien elves she had seen so far. The elaborate bedspread must have been used to make a statement, maybe for higher ranking elves, kings or something. Did elves even have kings she wondered? She hadn't even heard of an elf king, only Lords and Ladies…perhaps elves were advanced enough to embrace democracy? Kate flopped back onto the bed, instantly regretting the action, clutching her head in a futile attempt to contain the headache. You've moved, you're awake. Time to sort it out, Kate. She decided, flinging back the covers and heading to the chamber pot. What was she going to do about Boromir? Whose room was this? Where were they even going now that they had entered Lothlorien? What was the plan now? Kate had more questions than answers floating through her brain. One problem at a time. She thought, staring into the contents of the chamber pot, and swearing out loud; this was problem number one. Well…that explains a lot. She thought, grabbing a washcloth to be sacrificed as a sanitary pad. This was an annoyance but a manageable one, the only manageable thing in her life as she could see it so far.
She washed her hands in the basin and moved back to the bed, wondering where she would go next. To procure pants, probably. She thought and nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise.
"Sorry to frighten you." Legolas said, ignoring Kate's awkward shuffling. "I've grabbed your things, we'll be leaving in a few hours, once Aragorn is finished."
"Thank you." She mumbled, grabbing her pack. Another wave of embarrassment washed over her as she stood under Legolas's concerned gaze. She bristled at the thought of yet again appearing to be some weak fragile thing, not for the first time longing to feel as comfortable in this world as she did in her own. Would she ever feel that way? "I, um, wanted to apologize. For last night, I mean." She added, trying her best to seem a bit more pulled together despite her disheveled appearance. Legolas gave her a baffled look.
"What could you possibly have to apologize for, Kate?"
"Well, you know, the crying and carrying on. It was silly, honestly. I overreacted and…well the whole thing just seems silly now. Obviously, I'm fine, it's fine. So, I'm sorry." She muttered, crossing her arms and forcing herself to meet his gaze. Legolas shook his head in astonishment.
"In what way did you overreact? When the man came into your room unannounced and refused to leave? Or when he came into your bed uninvited, and again refused to leave? Or when he manipulated your friendship in an effort to remain in your bed? Or when he frightened you so completely that you felt safer holding a knife and trying to sleep on the floor? In what instance did you overreact, Kate?" He asked, incredulously. "Even you cannot be so careless. This surely cannot be normal to you." Kate frowned and did her very best to not roll her eyes. In the light of day, and with a few hours sleep it all just seemed to be an overreaction on her part. Was it such a big deal to let him stay? Had she become so accustomed to the medieval culture of Middle Earth that a man in her room was a concern to her? I mean, really!
"Legolas, you know that was not him! He wouldn't have acted like that normally, it's not his nature and you know it! It's obvious that it was the ring. He just needs time, maybe I could talk with him, figure out how this ring is affecting him, get to the root of the problem." She reasoned, stepping back behind the screen to pull on her leggings. Legolas rolled his eyes, his composure weakening. This woman was maddening! Were all human women like this? he wondered.
"Kate, you cannot solve this. The only thing to help, Boromir is to separate him from the ring and destroy it." Legolas paused, trying to collect himself, but he couldn't help feeling a surge of outrage. Why had she not called for him, or Aragorn? Why had she insisted on trying to help the man herself?! Was she really so thoughtless of her own safety or did she really not know. He wanted to shake her, to make her understand this world was not as she saw it and not everyone could be helped! "Honestly, Kate, I asked you to be more cautious around the man, he is not as you once knew! Did I not? I-" Kate stepped out from behind the screen, now as prepped for the morning as she could be, and pointed her finger at him in warning.
"I swear to God, Legolas, if the next words out of your mouth are 'I told you so' I will push you off of this tree!" She threatened, anger flaring. Legolas stared at her in bewilderment, a common occurrence around her he was beginning to realize. He knew full well she wouldn't actually do it and part of him wanted to laugh at the thought of her even trying, but the shock of her misdirected anger was taking precedence over any perceived humor. She could not be serious?
"You cannot possibly be angry with me?!" He asked, running his hands through his hair. Frowning she stared at the clearly exasperated elf and softened, anger quelling, why was she always so quick to anger with him? How was she always so unforgiving when it came to Legolas, who had only shown her kindness. No, of course she was not angry with him, what could she possibly be angry about? What was wrong with her lately?! She walked forward, taking his hands in hers.
"No, you're right, I am not angry with you. I'm sorry, I took my irritation out on you and I am sorry. You didn't deserve that." She conceded, staring at their joint hands in an effort to gather her thoughts. "I just don't want you to be angry with Boromir for something that isn't his fault. I'm fine, really. I don't know why you're so worried." She continued, still not meeting his gaze because she knew he would see right through that answer. Legolas said nothing for a long time, so long that Kate couldn't help but meet his gaze to ensure that he wasn't angry with her. When she looked into his blue eyes, though, she saw no anger, only sadness and something else she could not pinpoint.
"Do you really not know?" He breathed, breaking the silence. He sighed, lowering his head to hers until their foreheads touched, noses meeting and lips only a kiss away. Legolas sighed again before pulling away, leaving Kate to wonder what would have happened if she had moved an inch or more to meet his lips. Would he recoil? Maybe she had misread the situation, that this was simply something elves did with friends. She licked her lips, blinking rapidly and just like that the moment was over. "I suppose I do not know, either. I would never want to see harm come to you, my friend, especially if I were able at all to stop it. Your good intentions are not enough of a reason to put yourself in harm's way."
"I know that elves care deeply for their friends." Kate agreed, her heart dropping into her stomach. Shut it down, Mackenzie! The reasonable side shouted at her. She could not afford to have a crush, and a crush it was. A simple crush on a ridiculously attractive Elf, who could not possibly think more of her than being kin to a dear friend of his. Legolas returned her comment with a warm smile and carefully tucked an escaped lock behind her ear.
"Yes, we do. I do not hate, Boromir, Kate. I believe he is a good man, greatly admired by the men who follow him into battle, and loved by his people. He is young, and brash, and far too familiar but an honorable man nonetheless, when he is in his right mind." Kate squeezed his hand affectionately, snorting a bit in derision.
"He's not that young." Legolas laughed, and squeezed her hand back before letting go and regaining his normal posture.
"He is young to me. But, to answer your concern, no I do not hate him. He is a valued member of the fellowship…but so are you. You cannot blame me for wanting you to be safe, not just as a member of the fellowship but as Aragorn's kin and a dear friend of mine." The elf continued, his tone growing serious. "Promise me that you will not seek out his company, and certainly not alone."
"I can't promise that." Kate replied as she turned to avoid his inevitable look of frustration, and crouching up to tie up her boots.
"Kate." The elf began, letting out another exasperated sigh.
"No, I'm not really not trying to be disagreeable, Legolas. I'm just being honest." She shrugged, successfully tying up one boot and moving to the next. "I can't promise that because he is my friend and I cannot just abandon him. I wouldn't do that to any of you… But…I can promise to call you, or Aragorn if I was in trouble." Legolas rolled his eyes, conceding; he knew this was the best he would get. His heart lurched, imagining any number of scenarios in which she would have to call for help…if anything were to happen to her…
"We must be going now, Aragorn and Haldir have…assessed the situation. Boromir is of a right mind now. I meant to tell you that when I came in."
"Oh, I see. Amazing you can hear that, honestly. That is interesting…alright well, let's go. Oh, should I leave a thank you note or something, for the room? I'd hate to put anyone out but I don't know what the custom is." She responded, looking around for a pen and paper and ignoring Legolas's chuckle.
"I assure you, you have not put anyone out."
"Well I must have, it's so nice! I don't want anyone sleeping on the floor because of me. I'll just write a quick note." Legolas laughed again, shaking his head at her insistence.
"You have not put anyone out, it was offered to me as a curtsey, but I did not think it was necessary. I am more than happy to have you use it instead." Kate blushed, feeling foolish that she had now been given two private rooms. Kate warmed, partly from embarrassment but more so from appreciation. He did not need to offer such a room to her, especially because Kate knew how tired he was. Without thinking, and not knowing what had come over her Kate moved over to Legolas, stood up on her tip toes and placed a small kiss on his lips.
"Thank you." She whispered, blushing at her boldness and secretly marveling at the touch of her lips on his. "I don't tell you that enough, I know I don't, but I hope that I show it sometimes. I hope that you know how thankful I am for you, Legolas, and how happy I am to have such a friend as you." She turned, grabbing her pack and headed down the ladder to meet the rest of the fellowship.
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Kate fidgeted as they fellowship made their way further into Lothlorien, Haldir keeping a constant pace so as not to arrive any later than nightfall. She couldn't help feeling a bit nervous as Aragorn had implied that the Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien was kind of a big deal, and she knew she must have looked such a state! They all did really, the whole of the fellowship was weary and dirty, the only thing clean on them was their faces, and only just so! She couldn't help but wonder if they should prepare themselves a bit more.
The day dragged on and they ambled through the beautiful forest and as the sun began to set Kate could see the silver lights of the city, giving off an unearthly glow. Again, the uneasiness began to settle in her stomach and she looked to Aragorn who nodded in encouragement. They followed Haldir up a winding staircase, elaborate in design, and Kate felt eyes on her as they ascended, though every time she turned to look she saw nothing. Up they followed until they reached their destination, a palatial mansion at the top of the tree, which Kate could only gawk at. She followed, dumbly, behind Aragorn, still gawking at the architecture and the elves incredible ability to build around every tree before turning her attention to the stairwell.
A couple descended down the staircase, hand in hand bathed in glow much brighter than the usual luminosity that seemed to surround Elves. It was so bright their faces were obscured and Kate couldn't help but gawk until they were visible and she nearly choked on her own gasp. Her heart was racing, beating so loud it was the only thing she could hear. It couldn't be, perhaps they just looked similar...just a dream, it couldn't be the same woman! As soon as the thought crossed Kate's mind the Lady Galadriel turned and stared into her eyes and Kate knew that yes, it was the same woman, or elf she should say. The very same one that warned her to go through the stones, warned her that the Black Riders were coming those many years ago. Her jaw dropped as she stared openly back at the Lady Galadriel, a mix of emotions coursing through her, until Aragorn nudged her arm, bringing her back to reality. She ducked her head in a show of respect but Kate's mind was still reeling. How was this even possible?! She really thought she was beyond shock at this point, but she was wrong, so completely and utterly wrong. The Lord and Lady moved gracefully to a stop in front of the fellowship, surveying them quietly before the Lord spoke.
"The enemy knows you're here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone." He said, and Kate shivered a bit, and risking a peak at Aragorn to see if this was at all a shock to him. She couldn't tell either way but she knew the news was displeasing to him. "Nine there are here, yet 10 there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar." An uncomfortable silence followed, the pain of the wizard's loss still to near for anyone to voice it.
"He has fallen into shadow." The Lady Galadriel spoke, though how she could have known Kate had no idea. Kate peeked again at her uncle, her heart clutching at the obvious grief he had finally allowed to be seen.
"He was taken by both Shadow and flame." Legolas spoke, trying just as hard to conceal his anger and grief. "A Balrog of Morgoth, for we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Gimli, in response hung his head in shame. Kate knew that this loss was particularly felt by Gimli, that he felt responsible for Gandalf's death, the Dwarf had told her as much when Kate had tended to him. That on top of being in a land that made its ill opinion of Dwarves very clear, she could only imagine how he must have been feeling.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." The Lady countered, though her face softened when she looked at Gimli, her smile lightening up the place. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-Dûm fill your heart, Gimli son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril and in all lands love is now mingled with grief." Kate had to admit that was nice of her, though her opinion about her had not been made up, she was happy still, that the woman had tried to comfort people. It was kind of her, and Kate appreciated it.
I'm glad you approve, Kate Mackenzie a voice echoed through her head, a voice clearly not her own and all too familiar. Kate was sure her eyes had bugged out of her head, in a very cartoonish manner. She retracted her previous thought; now she was beyond shock. This was insane!
"What now becomes of this Fellowship?" Lord Celeborn lamented. "Without Gandalf, hope is lost." Kate frowned at this, not entirely sure that was true. Aragorn had led them this far, as Gandalf had intended. She was sure that Gandalf would want them to carry on, why shouldn't Aragorn continue leading? Kate checked herself, realizing that she shouldn't feel so strongly about Aragorn leading them on since she was not sure they even would be carrying on.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains, while the company is true…" The Lady Galadriel continued speaking and yet while she spoke out loud, Kate heard her voice in her head yet again!
I am glad to see that you have arrived, though I would not have looked to find you here. I should much desire to speak with you, once you have rested and are well enough for such conversations. We have much to speak about.
The words echoed through Kate's mind, stirring up her undecided emotions once more. Waves of anger, relief, unease, embarrassment and pride flowed over her, all her thoughts, unable to be censored were privy to the Lady Galadriel and Kate couldn't help but feel angry at the unexpected invasion.
I suppose we do. Was the only reply Kate could willingly give, trying her best to keep her more poignant thoughts at bay.
"Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace." The Lady said and Lord Celeborn echoed that sentiment, declaring that they were now under the protection of Lothlorien and would be guests. They were ushered out, down the steps again, with the fellowship issuing their thanks. The promise of peace, rest and good food had drained them of the last bit of strength and they no longer tried to conceal the fatigue and grief that were very plainly visible on all their faces. Once reaching the ground, they were ushered away. Kate frowned as she was being herded in an opposite direction from the fellowship and began to protest until an Elven woman assured her she would be back.
"You should like a bath, I am sure, my lady." She suggested to Kate, and with a second look back toward the fellowship she relented, with little effort on her part. Oh, to be clean again! The very thought of a warm bath was more than she could handle. With renewed vigor, she followed the elven woman further through Lothlorien, to a rocky alcove all but hidden from sight. They walked through the doorway, covered in moss, and Kate was surprised by the bathhouse inside. A large pool sat in the middle of the room, steam rising off the top and Kate could hardly jump in faster. A towel and soap were suppled, and Kate was informed that her clothes would be cleaned and a "proper" dress supplied. Salts were added to the bath and Kate thanked the Elven woman ardently, and then she left, leaving Kate to herself. The warm water did more for Kate than she could have imagined, and she marveled at the scents from the bathwater, eucalyptus maybe? Or something like it. After a few moments leisure, ducking her head under the water, she reached for the soap and scrubbed all the dirt and grime from her hair and body. The methodical nature seemed to put Kate on auto pilot and before she knew it she began scrubbing her hands as she would have before and after a surgery. When she finally realized what she was doing, she couldn't help the thoughts that turned toward home. Had they realized she had gone by now? Or did they think she had just left, after being shamed by Dr. Stevens; they couldn't have thought she was that easily wounded, did they? But thinking about that night filled Kate with guilt and shame and inevitably turned her thoughts toward that night in Scotland, after Aunt Mandy had died, her warning to her, and the strange dream that followed. How could it be possible that the Lady Galadriel had been in both her thoughts and her dreams? Was she also responsible for the other odd dreams she had been having since her arrival here? Why would she have gone through the trouble? Did she really care to save her or was it just as Lord Elrond had said, that everyone really just wanted to ensure that "the enemy" didn't gain access to her world or other's through Kate. She snorted in response to that thought, the later was probably the most probable, she was sure they didn't really give a rip about her initially, and what a disappointment it would be if they realized that she didn't quite know how to travel through…not like her Aunt Mandy, that they big secret was really just genetics, luck and a couple gemstones.
Kate huffed, regret and anger at herself boiling over. She should have learned how to travel, she knew she couldn't go as much as her aunt, knowing the toll it took, but it wouldn't have troubled her to at least learn the ins and outs of it! Her grandfather had written a manual of sorts, all of the information he had learned of traveling and Kate had never read it; She wondered absentmindedly if the book was still carelessly tucked away in the back of her closet, or if whoever came to clean out her apartment hadn't chucked it away with the rest of her things. God what a fool she was! How in the world could she possibly have thought that she could just have ignored it? Well because there weren't as many portals in America apparently as they were in Scotland or here, probably!
"Such a fool." She muttered to herself before ducking again under the water, washing away all of it. She sat in the pool, a few moments longer, relishing the warm water a little more, before grabbing the towel and robe. Outside the elven woman waited to escort her to what would be her room. Another alcove under a tree gave way to a small room, a bed, armoire and mirror were all quaintly tucked away and Kate shook in her head in delight. Privacy, again! A small bit of guilt niggled at the back of her mind and she had asked about the fellowship's accommodations. The elven woman kindly explained that it wasn't proper for her to sleep in the same vicinity as the fellowship, given the implications, and informed her that they were settled several feet away but they were well taken care of. Kate restrained herself from rolling her eyes at the comment, if only she knew how closely she had slept with these men there would surely be no objection to it now! But she wouldn't really look a gift horse in the mouth and thanked her for her kindness. She tugged the robe tighter around her an action that prompted the elven woman to set her clothes on the bed. The elven woman explained that the Lady Galadriel had provided several dresses for their stay here and should there be any alterations needed to let her know without any hesitation.
Kate very nearly cried when she saw 5 dresses laid out on the bed, a nightgown and 2 slippers. It was so kind that Kate wanted to hug the elven woman! She hadn't had such nice, clean things since Rivendell, and that seemed like years ago! Who knew when she would get such a luxury again? Kate thanked her ardently and when finally left to herself went over to the bed, running her fingers over the gauzy fabric before selecting a long midnight blue gown. It was simple enough, long sleeved with a square neckline, an almost silken fabric that seemed to go from midnight blue to silver with every movement of fabric. Yes, this is good Kate thought, almost giddy in her excitement. She grabbed the dress and walked over to the mirror, holding it over her robe to see how it would look on her. She stood staring in the reflection, dumbfounded by what she saw; it was her, of course, but Kate was amazed at how different she looked since she had last seen herself. How long ago was that even?
Her fingers reached out to touch her lips, chapped by wind and sun, and she moved closer to inspect her gaunt face. Her cheekbones were more prominent now, and the skin that stretched over than was more tanned than she had ever been in her life, thanks to her constant time in the sun. Her face, now cleaned of any dirt or grime, showed the reddened areas that were still tender from the fire of the Balrog, cheeks dry and weather worn, and bags could be seen under her eyes, making her green eyes appear larger, more childlike. It was her, still…despite the leaner appearance and muscles on her body that she didn't even know she could have. Yes, it was her but something had changed…a resolve in the set of her jaw, a determined air about her…or had that always been there? Could it be possible that she had changed so much in the time since she had left her world? Kate shook her head, dismissing the thought, and began to put on the dress, stepping into the slippers and began plaiting her still wet hair, not really sure what else to do with it. Satisfied that she finally looked human again she stepped outside, hurrying along the path to find the rest of her party.
She found them just as easily as she had hoped and Merry and Pippin bounded to her, happily reunited with the remaining faction of their group.
"You look like a proper lady now!" Pippin exclaimed, earning a scowl from Merry.
"As opposed to what, Pip?" He asked, sending an apologetic look Kate's way.
"As opposed to the she-beast I looked like before." Kate laughed, unbothered by the incidental slight, she knew the hobbit meant well. Her eyes scanned the group until she found Aragorn, leaning against a mallorn tree and sharpening his sword. Kate walked over to him and they sat in relative silence for a few moments, Kate watching him skillful sharpen the bade.
"How are your ribs?" He asked finally, and Kate slumped in relief.
"Still bruised, but on the mend." She replied and Aragorn nodded.
"How is your heart?" He asked again without skipping a beat, still sharpening his blade. Kate looked out, watching Legolas walk by as he listening to the song echoing throughout the woods. She felt her mouth going dry as she watched him, wearing the same silver tunic he had worn at the banquet in Rivendell…and just as beautiful. She snapped her mouth shut, feeling Aragorn's eyes on her even though he pretended not to notice. She knew he was really asking about Boromir and she rolled her eyes in derision.
"Unaffected." Was her response, crossing her arms in finality. Aragorn looked back at Legolas and then at Kate before returning the comment with a disbelieving grunt but said nothing else in response. "I'm fine, honestly. Legolas was pretty ticked about it though, but he was very kind to be. He's a very good friend." She mentioned.
"He cares for you, I do not think he realizes just how much." Kate shifted uncomfortably, thinking of the kiss she had given to him.
"Well…I think that's normal. Elves care very deeply about things, you've said so yourself." Kate reasoned, her eyes still finding Legolas, listening to him explain the song was a lament for Gandalf. Aragorn opened his mouth in reply, then shut it again, thinking better of it. It was not worth it to call attention to something neither of them were aware of, he thought, better to leave it be for now. They quieted again, sitting in comfortable familial silence while listening to Sam's tentative recitation of a poem. He started off rather confidently and Kate wondered if Gimli's snoring had made Sam self-conscious, Aragorn must have thought the same, whacking the sleeping dwarf to make him stop, but Sam had given up. "Keep working on it, Sam. It is good!" She called to the dejected hobbit. Turning to see if Aragorn agreed, she realized that the ranger wasn't even listening, his attention fully focused on Boromir. He sat with his back turned, removed from the group and Kate hoped it was only self-isolation and not a decided choice on the group's part. Of course, she knew it was obviously the first, they would never treat Boromir that way, the hobbits probably didn't even know.
"Have you spoken to him? Since last night?" Kate asked, full of concern.
"Not much of an opportunity. "
"Well, he does seem better, right?"
"He seems…burdened. I am sure he is sorry." He replied tactfully, and Kate was thankful there would be no speech about the dangers of an unpredictable Boromir. No…Aragorn was not really like that, perhaps he had grown more comfortable with Kate, more confident that she could take care of herself, or he simply didn't believe she'd listen either way.
"Well, yea, of course he would be. We should go talk to him." Kate urged, it pained her to see him alone and so obviously bothered. Aragorn sighed, putting down his sword. He couldn't deny he had been thinking the same thing…he'd just as rather have done it alone. Standing up he made his way to Boromir, leaving it up to Kate to decide whether or not she would follow.
"Take some rest." He said, moving to sit beside the man. "These Borders are well protected." Boromir sniffed in disagreement.
"I will find no rest here." He said, his thoughts weighing heavy on his mind…and yet, he decided he would open up to Aragorn. "I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me 'Even now there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." He said, obviously dejected. Kate moved forward now, watching Aragorn sit beside the man, she felt that this was a good time. Boromir saw her, and gave her a guilty smile, beckoning her to come sit. He grasped her hand firmly, planting a friendly and apologetic kiss there. Kate smiled back, patting his hand, a silent exchange between the two of them that all was forgiven. After a moment he continued, lost in his own thoughts. "My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing…and our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?" He asked, looking to the man in earnest. Aragorn nodded, lost in his own remembrance.
"I have seen the White City…long ago." He said, a twinge of sadness in his reply. Kate couldn't help but wonder if he had been with her mother at the time. Would she ever get to see this city? One that she was a citizen of by default…it sounded lovely. Boromir smiled and looked to Kate, gripping in hand in inclusion before turning back to Aragorn.
"One day, our paths will lead us there, and the tower guards will take up the call that 'The Lords of Gondor have returned!'" Boromir declared proudly turning to Kate. "I hope that you will come with us, to witness the city of Gondor! If you are kin to Aragorn it is your city as well. I would be proud to show you the glory of Gondor." Kate smiled in response, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I hope to see it one day." She replied. Aragorn said nothing, simply nodded in earnest. Boromir smiled back and Kate was sure that he was back to his old self now, that nothing else would bother him now, not while they were here. A shadow passed over the man's face just as the thoughts crossed her mind and he looked down in shame. Shaking his head in determination he stood, his mind made up, helping Jane to her feet and Aragorn followed suit, suddenly wary.
"Aragorn…Kate…I know you have forgiven me but I cannot help but apologize again for my actions." Boromir implored, not meeting her gaze for the shame of it. "I-I am unsure what came over me. I was unable to stop myself…I felt as if something had taken the stings of my body and were using them like one would a puppet…that is not what I want. My actions were deplorable…I would have had a man flogged for that if he were under my command"
"It wasn't your fault, Boromir." Kate urged, wanted to just get passed this already! Boromir only shook his head.
"No, I know…and yet I worried for you…I worried what I might do, and was unable to stop myself!" Kate could feel Aragorn tense up beside her, but she knew Boromir was still there, all of him. "I am concerned for your safety should something like that happen once more. Kate, I need you to know how to subdue me should an event such as this take place again." Kate rolled her eyes.
"I don't need to subdue you, you're fine. You will be fine. We'll destroy the ring and you'll be fine." She argued, crossing her arms in obvious disapproval. "Besides I could defend myself if I needed to." Aragorn silently watched the exchange and couldn't help but side with Boromir; he truly was an honorable man who clearly wanted to ensure Kate's safety…he could respect that. Boromir barked out a sardonic laugh.
"Kate, I mean no offense but you could not have even pushed me out of your bed." He replied, blushing only slightly when he remembered Aragorn was still there. "This is different than playing swords. I want you to know how to fight me if you need to. Here, below my knee I have an old injury…kick this and I will buckle and fall like a newborn horse! And here, I took a blow in Moria that is still healing…strike and it will pain me enough to stop!" Kate's face grew concerned.
"What blow, let me see. Why didn't you tell me?" She chided, moving forward to check what injury he could have meant but he stopped her.
"No, woman, I do not tell you this to ask for your aid! I am telling you this because you need to know the weak spots. Did I not teach you that you must always find the weak spots in your opponent?" Kate bristled, and looked to Aragorn, incredulously. He can't be serious?!
"Boromir you're being ridiculous! You're not my opponent, I'm not going to fight you."
"But I would be if this…whatever it was came over me again! Kate you must listen to reason!" He implored, growing more and more frustrated by her obstinacy "Kate you are a maddening woman!"
"Kate." Aragorn said in warning. "It would be wise to listen to him."
"No! Don't 'Kate' me! No, stop this. This is ridiculous, you're not going to hurt me. We're done talking about it." Kate argued, turning around to leave. She wouldn't listen to this! Suddenly a hand grabbed her arm, yanking her back and before she could blink she was thrown to her back, Boromir on top of her with a hand lightly around her throat, only just to illustrate his point.
"Fight back, Kate, go on!" The man yelled, oblivious to Kate's punches and scratches. "Come on woman, you can do better than surely!"
"Get off of me, you bastard!" Kate yelled struggling as best she could but she was loathed to admit that despite her best efforts she couldn't shove him off.
"Make me, Kate! I could kill you right now. I could drag you into the woods and take you if I wanted, or choke the life out of you! Fight me off, woman, you know how, right?! Fight me! Fight me off!" He was yelling now, screaming in her face until Aragorn's sword touched the man's throat.
"That is enough, Boromir." Aragorn said in warning, his tone disconcerting Kate just as much as what was happening now. Boromir let go, sitting back on his legs, looking at Kate in sorrow
"Do you see now how easy it would be?" He laughed, mirthlessly, and shook his head. The demonstration had drawn the attention of the rest of the fellowship, including Legolas who watched, eyes blazing and bow at the ready. "You are strong willed, Kate, a fiercer woman I have never known…but that is nothing compared to me. I have been fighting since I could walk…I had a sword in my hand instead of a rattle… I've fought more battles in a week than you have in a lifetime. You could never fend me off if I had a mind to hurt you, not if you trained every day for the rest of your life. Don't you see now, Kate? I am not saying these things to boast, I am saying it because I am scared for you." He shook his head sadly, and Aragorn sheathed his sword.
"There were other ways to make your point clear." Aragorn commented, anger threatening to boil over, infuriated that Boromir had chosen such a forceful method but he couldn't deny it's effect. He could see the tears welling up in his niece's eyes and it pained him to see her so hurt but sometimes Kate needed a blunter approach, something that would get cut through her stubborn ideas. She was much like her mother in that respect. Still, he made it a point to talk to Boromir about his familiarity with his niece but that was another conversation for another day.
Boromir moved forward, gabbing the woman's face affectionately making her meet his eyes. He needed her to understand!
"Do not be afraid, by friend. Kate…please know I would never hurt you. I would sooner fall on my own sword than harm even a hair on your head…but it is clear to me now that I am not always in control of my own actions." Kate pushed his hands away, stubbornly wiping away tears that threatened to fall. He was right, she knew he was right, she didn't want to admit it but she knew. "Please, Kate. I tell you these things not to hurt you. Come on woman, do not cry! I will cry in return and embarrass myself!" He said, gathering her up in a hug.
"I'm not crying, you oaf. You've embarrassed yourself quite enough already." She protested through sniffs. He laughed against her hair, giving her a moment to collect herself. "I just don't want you to give up."
"Never"
"Alright." She agreed, the fight in her sufficiently stomped out by the ordeal. "I'm ready to learn how to kick your ass."
"Good. Think of this as training! Come, all of you may watch and learn as well. It will be useful to know...should that thing overtake me again."
And that was how the fellowship spent their first night in Lothlorien, learning how they would take down Boromir of Gondor if the situation called for it. They fought and trained until late into the night; a sobering occasion that Boromir met with good humor, as was his nature.