A/N: Sorry this update took so long, this semester is kicking my butt! Any, I'm using some material from the book so any quotes I got from the books are in asterisk. I know that's probably not totally necessary since most everyone uses exact dialogue from the movie but…idk I just felt like a should lol. Anyway! Thanks again for all the reviews and let me know what you think!
"Good, that will do." Nestaron said appreciatively as he listened to her recite back his instructions on how to make a particular tincture. "Then gather those plants, they are dried on the rack there. Chop them, not too finely and donot grind them, then you may put them into these pouches. It will make it far easier to steep, and more pleasant for the recipient as they will not end up with a mouthful of wet plants." He instructed, striking that medicinal item off her list of those she needed to take with her.
Kate noted he did not tell her which plant it was. Part of her instruction, was to be able to identify each herb by its identifying properties, it's smell, the flowers it produced, the leaves and stalk.
It was a complete immersion into Middle Earth Botany, which made sense to Kate since she was still struggling to understand the elvish writing and Nestaron did not trust that she would not mix up the labels; a mistake that could prove quite fatal.
Kate lightly grabbed the suspected plants, careful not to crush the delicate and dried flowers. She was quite confident it was the right plant but still she made an exaggerated display of bringing the plants to chop them, hoping that Nestaron would grunt or nod in affirmation.
"If you need me to confirm your choice than you are not ready." Nestaron chided, busy with his own task. Kate sucked her teeth.
"Right." She replied "Yes, yep. Confidence is key. These are the right plants. I am sure" She muttered to herself and set about chopping the plants.
Still, Nestaron peered over, his keen sight assuring him that is was, in fact, the right plants. He was confident enough that she was ready and would not poison anyone by mistake; still, he wished he had more time! There was much yet she still needed to learn and not enough time to instruct her in the way he wanted to!
"When you are finished packaging those, you may add the salves to your tins, they should have hardened enough by now." He told her again. "And then…if you still wish I will show you how to make the sleeping aid."
Kate stopped chopping, a smile spreading across her face. There was a lot she could do with that mixture that was really some sort of anesthesia more than a sleeping aid. There was a lot to learn about it but Kate was thrilled!
YES! YES! YES!
"That would be cool." She replied, trying to sound casual. Nestaron sniffed in amusement, she had been after that sleeping aid since the day he had agreed to teach her
The pair worked in companionable silence, both happy to remain that way unless speaking was absolutely necessary. In the several days that they had spent together they had developed a system of unspoken communication with each other; a raise of the eyebrow, a frown, an incline of the head, a grunt if they were feeling particularly conversational; that was all it took to answer a question or to convey what they needed to.
They had grown quite fond of each other, but neither one of them would waste the time expressing such sentiments; there was far too much to learn.
They day had grown late and after Nestaron had instructed her on how to make, properly dose and administer the sleeping aid, he helped her pack up bandages, needles and thread, the bags of dried herbs and plants, and tins of salve.
"You may leave these here and they will be brought to you in the morning." Nestaron offered as Kate gave the pack a once over, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything essential.
Kate slapped her hands together, feeling quite accomplished, and turned around to say some sort of goodbye to the elf.
But what exactly could she say? How could she possibly thank him?
Shyly, Kate pulled out the paper from its hiding place, in the pocket of her pack, and sat it face down in front of Nestaron.
"What is this?" He asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. Kate shrugged. Slowly Nestaron turned the paper around, regarding the drawing with interest.
Kate didn't really have much to give but she had spent several days drawing the anatomy of the human body, complete with the names of arteries and veins and muscles. She drew the heart separate, labeling it as best she could.
This is stupid. Why would he need this? He already knows this stuff. This was lame. She thought, brusquely crossing her arms.
"So, it's just a…a drawing of the human body…the anatomy of it and all. I guess you probably know all this. To be fair, I forgot some of the names so I left some unlabeled but… I just wanted to do something to thank you…for everything. You don't have to keep it, it's just a picture." She blurted, feeling quite silly now.
"It is really quite good." He declared, the ghost of a smile on his usually stern face. "Why would I not what to keep it?"
"Well, you know because-"
"I will treasure it." He interrupted, smiling down at the picture. This was quite valuable to him, not often were pictures rendered of the anatomy of an individual. And she had drawn this from memory? Quite impressive…for an overly eager human woman of course. Suddenly he straightened up, forgetting himself, and pulled out a long box and pushed it to her.
"What is this?" Kate asked, in the same surprised tone. Nestaron rolled his eyes.
"Well you said yourself, Elves should be accommodating and kindly." He answered, lips upturned in amusement and motioned for her to open the lid.
Kate excitedly reached for the box, long and white with a bit of weight to it. She lifted the lid and her jaw dropped, going slack in surprise.
Accommodating, indeed!
Two new scalpels lay cushioned inside, both different sizes; they were simple with no ornate design but Kate had never seen anything so beautiful in all her life.
"Oh my…that is…wow."
"Now, I know you know how to keep them clean, yes? Yes, I knew you would, you are not dull." He insisted. "I assumed you did not have one of your own, since you had to commandeermysupplies."
"I could hug you right now, I really could."
"I know." Nestaron answered, a rather smug smile on his face. "Do try and contain yourself though."
Kate laughed out loud. I really am going to miss him. He had been the only friend she had made outside of the fellowship, someone who shared common interests! It was nice to talk about something other than fighting and the possible end of the world.
"Will I see you before we go?" She asked, her mood growing serious now as she held the box close to her heart.
"If you would like. I wish to bid Legolas a farewell also. It was good to see him." Nestaron inclined.
Kate nodded solemnly and the two friends remained unspeaking, looking at their respective gifts and thinking the same things.
After a moment Kate bid him goodnight, and left, her heart lightening.
She considered herself very lucky to have found such a friend, it was a rare thing indeed, and she hoped with all her heart that she might see him again, when the circumstances were not so dire.
Perhaps she might even visit Lothlorien again, spend time under Nestaron's tutelage once more! Who knew what the future held in store for her, but after that ring was destroyed the possibilities were far brighter now than they had been!
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Kate groaned, rubbing her face as she did so.
The fellowship had met to share their meal together before they left the next morning, to refocus themselves on the task ahead after their respite. It had been nice, and necessary, but now it was time to continue on and they needed to plan.
Aragorn, in an attempt to gather some insight and make a decision on what course to take, had opened the floor to everyone who had ideas about which path to take. At the very least he assumed it would end the conversation about heading to Gondor!
He now realized this was not going to be as simple as he initially thought.
As it so happened, the group was split on which way they would go, some seeing reason in Boromir's route. Boromir insisted that should they truly, and in his mind foolishly, decide to throw away the ring than it would make more since to stop in Gondor! There they would take rest, gather their strength and an army to charge out and meet the forces of Sauron head on.
Kate was firmly against that idea! She relented that she was not familiar with the geography of Middle Earth…. but it just seemed silly to her that they should sit on the enemy's doorstep and hope that they might be allowed to destroy the one thing the enemy wanted!
"Were we not asked out opinion?" Boromir asked incredulously. "And now you would look at me as if I am a fool for suggesting we take the wiser route?"
" Just because it's closer does not exactly mean it is wiser, Boromir!" She shouted.
"And so, we should just walk blindly through the back door? It is my vote that we take the road to Minas Tirith. Och, do not look at me that way lass!" Gimli said to the woman, who crossed her arms petulantly at his declaration. "Of course, I will follow the Ringmaster, whichever way he would like to go. Though, it does not sit well with me to leave Gondor defenseless, you see?"
"She hasn't said that Gondor should remain defenseless! No one would wish trouble to befall Gondor, only that it cannot be wise to put Frodo plainly in sight of the enemy!" Merry spoke up, a goblet of ale in his hand.
"But trouble has befallen Gondor!" Boromir exclaimed fervently. "The river is awash with the blood of my people who have fought and died to keep the enemy at bay! Now when hope is at hand and victory assured with this Ring, you would have me watch as you attempt to destroy the one thing that could see my city saved!" Boromir shouted, voice cracking with emotion as he made his impassioned speech.
It was not wrong of him to be so zealous in his resolve, but the moment that Boromir mentioned the Ring the mood had shifted. The hairs on Kate's neck stood on end and the tension amongst the members of the group was palpable.
Kate's eyes turned to Frodo, whose small hands reached up to clutch the Ring upon his neck, something he often did when he was ill at ease, Kate noted.
"We have not pledged service to Gondor, but to Frodo, to aid in his task to destroy the Ring." Aragorn said evenly, muscle tensing while his face remained calm and impassive.
Boromir's face scrunched up in fury and opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.
"Have a care what you say!" Legolas warned. "You are not yourself and I would not wish you to say something you will soon regret."
Kate swallowed nervously. The Elf could be quite intimidating when he wants to! She thought, witnessing a new side to Legolas that she would previously not have suspected. But, of course, he was a warrior Kate reminded herself.
The group was silent, tense as they waited for the man's reaction. No one wanted to have to intervene in such a hands-on way with Boromir, a man they loved and respected…but they were ready if they needed to.
Boromir laughed, loudly and sounded far too amused by this than he should be. It was odd and out of character for the man in this particular instance…mad even.
The group shifted uncomfortably and Boromir's attention was turned to Frodo, making his plea to the Ringbearer instead.
"* If you wish only to destroy the Ring then there is little use in war and weapons and the men of Minas Tirith cannot help. But if you wish to destroy the armed might of the Dark Lord, then it is folly to go without force into his domain and folly to throw away-…to throw lives away I mean." Boromir counseled, and yet Kate knew that he did not mean the words he had said, he was making too much of an effort now. "It is a choice between defending a strong place and walking openly into the arms of death. At least, that is how I see it. *" The man ended, taking a long swig of his drink.
Oh, Boromir…I thought we had been through this already?Kate thought mournfully, her heart aching for the man. No one could deny his heart was in the right place, but his mind? His mind was corrupted. Kate had thought, naively, that he was getting better in Lothlorien, with all the rest, but she had obviously been wrong.
Kate glanced over to her uncle, waiting for him to say anything else but he was lost in thought. She knew that this had not gone his way, and she also knew how divided his heart was in this matter.
A part of her wondered, if Gandalf had not fallen in Moria, if Aragorn would have agreed to go to Gondor as well. He was its rightful King, surely, he felt a sense of duty to the city and its people. His people.
Our people too, I guess Kate thought to herself.
And what would she have done? She made a promise to Frodo…but only under the erroneous assumption that Aragorn had wanted her to! She had only made that choicefor Aragorn and if he had decided to follow Boromir to Gondor would she not also follow him there?
In her heart Kate knew the answer was no. She would go with Frodo. She would follow that Hobbit to Mordor and ring the doorbell herself if she needed to.
She'd given her word.
And, so had Aragorn.
The Heir of Elendil had given his sword and honor to protect Frodo and now that Gandalf's leadership had fallen to him, the man would see it through. Even if that meant leaving Gondor to its fate, however much it pained him.
"You should really head off to sleep, Mr. Frodo." Sam said, breaking the awkward silence. "You'll be wanting your rest for tomorrow. It will be a long day, whichever road we take."
"A fine idea." Boromir agreed, cheerily finishing his drink and moving to stand. "The best idea we have heard tonight!" Boromir clapped Sam on the back, an overly friendly gesture, and headed toward his bed.
Kate moved to follow him, wanting to talk some sense into the man, but a pointed gaze from Legolas had her sit back down.
Did I not ask you to be more careful in your approach to Boromir? She could practically hear the Elf scold. Wait until he is settled.
Kate rolled her eyes dramatically, to assure Legolas that she had perceived his meaning and just what she thought about it.
However, she knew he was right. It wasn't the best time.
"Perhaps we should all get some rest." Gimli agreed and one by one the fellowship made for their beds; all except Aragorn, Legolas and Kate.
"I will follow you Aragorn, whichever path you will lead us down." Legolas promised, his eyes flashing sincerely.
Aragorn returned his pledge with a weary smile, but settled back into his thoughts, his thumb tracing his lips in concentration.
"And what path will that be, I wonder?" He mused to himself, only the silence answering his thoughts.
"Well…what if It's not a dirt path?" Kate spoke after a few moments of pondering silence. The two gave her a quizzical glance, but waited for her to continue. "Well didn't you say that you and Lord Celeborn had once talked about going down the river as an option?"
"We did, yes, but we concluded that it would leave us too vulnerable to attack should the enemy find us."
"Yeah, but no more vulnerable than we would be on foot, right?" Aragorn rubbed his neck tiredly, as he considered her words. "The Orc have already attacked the Southern border and I heard Nestaron mention that Haldir and his group drove off another hoard coming from the North! They are looking for us to be on foot! It might be awhile before they realize we've gone by the River, at least enough to buy us some distance." Kate said excitedly.
"I would be able to see both River banks, view the enemy from either side long before they had seen us." Legolas agreed, himself being far more pleased with this proposal.
"And should the enemy shoot at us from the shore and we cannot make our way to the other side and protect ourselves?" Aragorn countered, weighing the option against the others.
"Well than we drown and die, Aragorn." Kate said flatly, earning her an unamused frown from her uncle.
"And of which, Sam cannot swim. Nor Gimli."
"Or me for that matter." She added.
Legolas tilted his head back and laughed heartily, his hand clasping his chest to control himself.
"You cannot swim and yet you suggest we travel by boat?" He asked, still laughing. "You truly must have the utmost confidence in this plan to take such a risk! I would listen to your niece, my friend, and teach her to swim!" The Elf teased, effectively lightening the mood.
Kate tossed a pebble at Legolas, trying to hide her smile the best she could.
"But seriously. We can all keep watch, and keep quiet in the boats. The hobbits won't tire so quickly, we can keep supplies in the boat with us, and while we're on the water you can hash out the details of where we will go next…It's a good idea." She affirmed and the man nodded in reply, dragging his hands down in face.
"It is." Kate wasn't sure if Aragorn truly felt that way or if he was simply too exhausted to talk about it any longer. Either way, he had committed to the idea. "I will have to ask Lord Celeborn for boats and beg upon his hospitality once more." Aragorn relented, sounding exhausted and a bit embarrassed at the notion.
"Well he did offer…" Kate started.
"I will ask it off him, if it would take the burden off you. I would ensure that the Greenwood would repay their kindness, in what way we can." Legolas suggested. "Though, there would be no need. The Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn know of the circumstances we may face during our quest. They will not be resentful in their aid, it is not their nature."
"See!" Kate added. "It will be taken care of. We'll tell the rest of them in the morning. People are a lot more amenable to change once they've had a good night's sleep and a full belly."
"Go and rest, Aragorn. Your friends are with you, you need not carry this burden alone." Legolas insisted, promising that he would see it done and all would be well.
Kate's heart swelled in response to Legolas's declaration. He was such a good friend to Aragorn, it made her heart glad to know that there was another person here that took active interest in the man's well-being.
They all cared for Aragorn, even Boromir, but it was easy for Aragorn's striving to go unnoticed by the group with everything going on.
"We should all have sleep tonight, even you Legolas." Aragorn insisted, standing wearily. Kate could hear his bones cracking as he stood to clasp Legolas's arm in a friendly manner, exchanging thanks and several other things in Elvish she had no hope of understanding.
A deeper bromance I have never seen. Kate thought wryly, moving to stand herself. Except maybe Sam and Frodo…that would definitely be a tiel for first place.
"Night!" She called to Legolas as Aragorn stepped off the pavilion and down the path to where the fellowship slept. She touched his forearm in passing, lightly squeezing it in silent thanks to the Elf. She knew he would understand. Legolas covered her hand with his, squeezing it in return, running his thumb across her hand.
"It was a good idea, vanima.I am happy you have grown comfortable enough to share your ideas with us, and your thoughts with me."
Kate smiled, feeling her cheeks redden.
I am clearly going to have to set some ground rules with myself. She mentally scolded and quickly muttered her thanks, turning to go to bed.
You're a grown woman Kate, pull yourself together! There is no future there, remember?
She simply could not allow herself to fall to pieces every time they talked, like some silly girl with a crush. She could not afford that luxury, especially now that they were leaving the comfortable safety of Lothlorien.
And what about after? Her mind wandered. What will you do after the ring is destroyed?
Kate shoved that thought down, shaking her head in frustration.
Just worry about not getting yourself killed, Mackenzie, focus on that.
"Man, I really do need sleep. Arguing with myself…good grief."
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"Kate." Boromir whispered, gently shaking the woman who woke with a start. "We are leaving. It is time to wake." He said as her eyes focused on him in the grey light of early morning.
Kate grunted in acknowledgement, her mind still hazy from sleep and last nights dreams. Boromir paused, his eyes scanning hers.
"Are you well?"
"Yes, just…bad dream." She answered, rubbing her hands down her face in an effort to wake herself up more. Oh, what she would give for a cup of coffee!
Boromir nodded knowingly, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"It is this place. It seems to bring up your deepest fears and greatest regrets." He said sympathetically. What is your biggest regret? She wondered, but shrugged in response, not wanting to really go into details about the dream.
"Oh, I don't know about that. I kind of like it here." She answered, throwing back the blankets and preparing to ready herself. She felt stronger now, and she no longer felt any pain in her ribs. After one final bath the night before she had slept in her tunic and leggings, just in case she overslept, and she was very grateful for that decision now that she had a visitor.
Boromir snorted and handed Kate her other arm bracer.
"Yes, I suppose you would be comfortable here amongst the elves."
"What does that mean?" Kate asked, strapping on her sword belt.
"Nothing." He huffed. "It's nothing. Just that I am sure as Aragorn's niece you would have spent a lot of time with them. But we do have our own people to worry after Kate, we cannot always run to the safety of the Elves when we should be moving to defend our city. Gondor is your city too, Kate. Or have forgotten?" He urged.
Kate sighed. In truth, she had forgotten. It was hard to remember she was actually a citizen of a city she never even knew existed.
"Boromir…" She began to argue but he stopped her.
"I am not asking anything of you…I will not try to turn your heart. I know that you will follow Aragorn and the Elf."
"I will follow Frodo." She corrected testily. "We made him a promise. Or have you forgottenthat? Hand me my sword belt thing, will you? Thanks."
"I said if it was the will of the council to destroy the ring then Gondor would see it done."
"Exactly." Kate replied. Boromir grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eye.
"But Kate! Gondor cannot see anything done if there is no Gondor!" He urged, shaking her a bit in emphasis. "And if Gondor should fall than surely the world of men will follow, and then your precious Elves and every Halfing and Dwarf as well!"
Kate looked into his face, looking for that familiar shadow that showed her that he was not himself but it was not there. All she saw was a man, desperate and scared for the future.
"Boromir…Gondor will not fall." Kate urged, clasping his arms. "Why are you so certain we will fail? You cannot see the future, you don't know what will happen. I don't believe Gondor will fall, I really don't. Have a little faith and hope!"
Boromir hung his head, his breathing increasing as he tried to steady his emotions.
"Hope will not save us." He lamented. Kate huffed, standing on her tiptoes to look him in the eyes.
"It certainly won't condemn you either!" she replied, searching his face for any indication that he had heard what she had said. "Are you ok? I worry about you."
"Me?" He asked, looking up to her and blinking in surprise.
"Of course, you, we're friends! I worry about all of you! But you just really have not seemed yourself lately and…I want to help you. We all want to help you Boromir." Kate insisted.
Boromir stared down at her, his grey eyes flashing. He gave her a tired smile.
"You, dear Kate, are a rare woman. I consider myself honored to have such a friend as loyal and kind as you." He said, lightly kissing her hand, and holding it for a moment, close to his heart. "I am all right, I…I just cannot see the sense of destroying such a valuable weapon against the enemy." He murmured, venting to himself really. He turned toward the door, after a moment, insisting that they should not linger and making a joke about how improper it would be.
Kate nodded mutely, grabbing her pack.
"Boromir…you know that ring will not save Gondor, right? I know that your heart is in the right place and you want to do good with it but…that ring…it would destroy everyone." Kate whispered carefully.
The man paused, just at the door and she could see his fists tighten slightly. Then he quickly ducked out the door without another word.
Well…really, what did you expect him to say, Kate?
Kate frowned after him but followed, turning to say a silent goodbye to the little room that had been her shelter during her time here.
I will miss you most of all little bed she thought dramatically, not relishing the idea the idea of sleeping on the ground again.
But, Kate knew they would have bigger problems than sleeping on the cold hard ground in the coming days.
As she followed the Fellowship down the path Haldir lead them on and back down to the river she mulled over the idea of staying, but dismissed it.
There was no other choice before her but to follow Frodo to Mordor. She gave her word and no matter how afraid she was…she would see it done. She wanted to protect Middle Earth just as much as everyone else.
The lined up somberly, and Kate scanned the elves for a familiar face. When she saw him, she gave a slight wave to Nestaron and smiled.
He inclined his head in acknowledgement and then motioned for her to turn back around with a bemused smile on his face.
When Kate turned to look she could see the Lady Galadriel riding toward them in a grey swam shaped boat, looking just as ethereal as always.
Her ladies in waiting followed behind, each carrying an item in their hands and turned to stand in front of them smiling warmly at each member.
Lord Celeborn joined her, standing beside her and motioned for the other elves to step forward as he took Lady Galadriel's hand.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people." Lord Celeborn spoke and as he did the elf in front of Kate, and each member of the fellowship in turn, unfolded a grey cloak and pinned it to each member, fastening it securely with a green leaf brooch. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."
The cloak was light and warm and Kate fingered the brooch lightly, marveling at its designs. Elves had really nailed the simple-yet-elegant motif.
"Thank you." Kate whispered to the elf who pinned her cloak on, drawing it tighter around her. She was more than glad to have such a warm garment, now that she knew how cold Middle Earth could be! It truly was very generous!
"I have brought gifts, for each of you." Galadriel said warmly, each of her ladies now taking the place of the other elves and standing in front of each member with their respective gift. "It is my hope that each item will aid you in your quest, and that when you look upon them you will remember fondly the time you have spent here."
"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of out woodland kin."
Kate watched as Legolas pulled back the string of the bow, awestruck by the generosity of such a gift. Good for him she thought happily.
She watched as Galadriel went down the line presenting each gift. Daggers of the Noldorin for Merry and Pippin, rope of hithlain for Sam who asked something to Galadriel that Kate could not hear but it made her laugh, Sam was funny but she was sure he hadn't meant to be at that moment, the thought made her smile a bit to herself. To Boromir, she gave a belt of gold which he accepted blushingly, avoiding her gaze but seemingly thankful. Finally, she stood in front of Gimli, who bowed his head low.
Kate's heart twisted as she remembered the conflict between dwarves and elves. Please be kindshe pleaded mentally, though she knew that Galadriel would not be cruel, she worried over the dwarf. She worried over everyone to be honest.
"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the elves?" She asked gently, with no trace of hostility or disdain. Kate relaxed slightly.
"Nothing." Gimli muttered, shifting uncomfortably, and then lifted his head to meet her gaze. "Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth."
Galadriel smiled widely, and laughed delightedly before calling out.
"*Hear all ye Elves! Let none say again that Dwarves are grasping and ungracious! Yet surely, Gimli son of Glóin, you desire something that I could give? Name it, I bid you! You shall not be the only guest without a gift.*" She announced, and Gimli blushed furiously, shuffling about trying to find the words to say.
"Actually…uh, there was one thing…uh, no. No. I'm talking nonsense. It's quite impossible. Stupid to ask." He muttered, but shuffled forward to make his request.
Kate stepped back, suddenly finding a nearby tree very interesting, so the Dwarf might have a bit of privacy.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Kate practically shouted in her mind hoping the Lady would hear her and knowing she would. She was wrong to have doubted her, of course she would have been kind to sweet Gimli! Bless you. Kate thought again.
She knew that it had been tough on the Dwarf, to be surrounded by those who he and his kin so deeply mistrusted and despised. Kate hoped sincerely that this would start something new between Dwarves and Elves, not friendship exactly but at the very least civility.
"And for you, Kate Mackenzie." Galadriel said, drawing Kate's attention back. The elven woman smiled warmly at Kate as she handed her a small silver colored cloth pouch. Kate's jaw dropped in surprise, she hadn't been expecting any additional items! She had already been so generous with the medical supplies and the cloak…what more could she want?
Kate curiously tipped the bag over in her palm and out dropped two metal rings. Her hand dipped from the weight of them, they were quite heavy and she held them up to get a closer look, examining them and wondering what type of metal had been beaten into the ring and why?
"Thank you." Kate said obligingly. "But, um, I'm not really sure what they are for?" Wouldn't it have made more sense to give her a weapon? Or something more practical than jewelry she wondered, not trying to sound ungrateful.
"It is made from a substance from your home called Iridium." Galadriel explained and Kate's eyes widened in surprise. "You know what this is?"
"Yes…wow! It's very difficult to get, how did you find this?" Kate breathed, looking at the rings in a new light. This was an incredible gift!
"It was given to me. Though, you will find better use for it than I." She said, offering no more insight into how they were acquired.
"Wow! You know, I went to a lecture once that hypothesized that Iridium could be used as a stabilizing agent during certain events." Kate mused, staring at the rings. She laughed suddenly finding such a notion ridiculous. "One guy claimed he could even use it during time travel one day, to stabilize the force of …Oh!" Kate gasped, suddenly realizing the significance of such a gift, nearly dropping the rings in astonishment.
Galadriel gave her a knowing smile and tapped the rings with her finger pointedly.
"I know that it is required of your kind to travel with gemstones. They are often difficult to find and they will not protect your body from the long-term effect." Galadriel expounded, and Kate simply nodded her head in agreement, that was true. "This…Iridium will afford you safe passage whenever and where ever you choose to go. If you chose. It will protect you, not eradicating the effects, but making them less torturous for you. It is my hope, that with this you will encourage you to explore and learn about your gift, and that you in return you might help others in the future."
Kate could feel her eyes well up, and she cleared her throat loudly, trying to keep the flood of emotions at bay.
"I-I have no way to thank you for this." Kate breathed, afraid that if she spoke any louder she would start sobbing. "This is truly…it is such an amazing and incredible…How do I even…Thank you. Thank you, thank you so much!" Kate finally choked out, knowing a simple thank you would never really suffice. Not in a million years would she be able to repay such a kindness.
Galadriel smiled kindly, and gently placed a hand under Kate's chin, tilting her head up so that she may look in the woman's moss green eyes, flooded with tears threatening to spill over.
"You have such a strength in you Kate, but you are young and you do not understand how to focus that strength. Have courage and listen to what your heart tells you, but do not be deceived by it. Not everything is as it seems." She told her, kissing her cheeks and moving on.
Kate couldn't explain the loss she felt at her parting, but she knew deep in her bones that she would never see the Lady Galadriel and it grieved her.
Kate quietly slid the rings onto each hand, only half listening to Galadriel's gift to Frodo, staring down at them. It was only when Aragorn, Galadriel and Lord Celeborn moved sideways to speak privately that Kate shook herself too attention.
She grabbed the bags and help load them onto the boat, one by one. Frowning she watched Merry and Pippin each take bites of the Lembas bread they were giving.
"Just tasting it." Merry insisted, wiping away the crumbs on his face.
"Quality control you see. Just doing our part." Pippin said in agreement, mouth full of Lembas bread.
Kate raised a critical brow, but relented, trying to keep the smile off of her face. Let them eat while they could, what damage could they do?
She walked up the slope, to Nestaron who stood waiting with her carefully packed kit of medical supplies.
Kate smiled warmly as she took it, double checking to make sure the box with her scalpels was safely tucked inside.
"Any last questions, before we depart?" Nestaron asked, his face impassive. Kate shook her head; not sure she could answer with a steady voice. Nestaron nodded gruffly. "Good. Well, you should head to the boats. It looks as if you will be leaving."
Kate turned to look toward the boats, noting the rest of the fellowship already settling in. When she turned back, Nestaron was already walking away.
"I hope we'll see each other again." Kate called after him. Nestaron turned around, a slight smile on his face as he extended his arm in the typically elvish fashion.
"I will look forward to that day, if ever it comes. " He said fondly and then turned again, heading back to his healing house, Kate assumed.
With a heavy heart, she walked over to the boats, standing with Sam who eyed the small elvish boats suspiciously.
"They don't look very sturdy. Not enough to take us where we're going anyway." He said doubtfully. Kate placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"Yea. I can't swim either. Have courage." She said lightly, before stepping into her designated boat. She would sit with Legolas and Gimli, as Aragorn would be in a boat with Frodo and Sam, and then Merry and Pippin would ride along with Boromir, who was already paddling his boat in impatient circles.
She took a deep breath as she prepared to step into the boat and grasped Legolas's hand to steady her. The water couldn't have been more than a few feet deep, so Kate had no fear of drowning…but it would be rather embarrassing if she were the only member to fall into the water.
"I have you." Legolas promised, steadying the woman as she cautiously stepped onto the boat. "These boats are well made and they will not tip over easily. Have no fear."
Kate nodded, hearing him but she still gripped the sides of the boat as Gimli hopped on, knuckles turning white.
Once everyone had settled, they were off, waving a final farewell to Lothlorien.
No one spoke, hearts heavy as they paddled farther and farther away, and it seemed as if the peace and calm they felt there seemed to fade away as well.
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting…having looked my last on that which is fairest." Gimli sighed. "Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."
"What was her gift?" Legolas asked curiously.
Gimli, too heavy hearted to be embarrassed again sighed despondently.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three." He answered, and Kate turned to pat the lovelorn Dwarf's hand, who grasped it graciously saying nothing more. She noticed Legolas smiling appreciatively, like he had just really seen the dwarf for the first time.
Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The rest of their day passed uneventfully, and Kate hadn't to complain but…it was rather dull. Her activities in the boat ranges from trying to keep herself from getting sunburnt, purposely dehydrating herself so she didn't have to pee as often and trying to stretch in isolated movements so she didn't rock the boats.
There seemed to be an unspoken agreement that they would keep silent, what with the threat of the nearby orc and all, and that was all right for the first day, and even throughout the night but by the following morning Kate was started to feel restless. And with nothing much else to distract her all she could really do was think about how much she needed to pee, or wonder what it was Legolas was staring so intently at in the woods, or marvel how it could possibly be so hot!
Boats. Great idea, Kate. Truly brilliant.
"I'll take over the paddling if you want, Gimli." Kate offered.
"I'm quite well, lass, but I thank you." He said shaking his head, and then gave her a wink. "Gives me something to do other than smell my own sweat. And it's not so difficult, I can manage." Kate gave a laugh but nodded.
"Well, let me know if you get tired. I'll take over."
"Well then you will be waiting a mighty long time!" Gimli sniffed, good naturedly. "Couldn't be fit to call myself Dwarf if paddling this wee elvish boat here exhausted me! Nay, lassie, you'll see that the dwarves are made of hardier stock. I can manage, but I thank you all the same."
Kate smiled to herself as she listened to the dwarf, his pride and lilt reminded her of her family. Bits and pieces that she remembered.
"Dwarves sound a bit like highlanders." Kate mentioned casually, dipping her hands in the water and sloshing some on the back of her neck. "It's a compliment." Kate added, looking back to make sure the Dwarf hadn't been offended, but she saw that he was unbothered.
"Never heard of them." He muttered.
"No, I suppose you wouldn't have." Kate mused sadly. "My family on my father's side, the Mackenzie's and The Fraser's, they were highlanders. Very proud people, and tough, fiercely loyal."
"And you believe Gimli is like your family in that way?" Legolas asked and Kate nodded. "I do not disagree. He is as you say." The elf agreed, smiling to himself and Gimli snorted uncomfortably, not used to the praise, especially from an elf!
"Yes, I think Dwarves are a lot like that. I only know a bit about the highland culture through stories of my great grandfather, and my own research. Unfortunately, there was a great battle and it pretty much destroyed the culture." Kate explained. "I just remember bits and pieces of being a kid and all the people on Fraser's Ridge, where I lived for a time, would gather around the fire and tell stories of battles and sing songs and drink and dance. Just small things like that." Kate said pensively. She didn't know what brought on her sudden openness about her home and the stories that had been passed down, perhaps boredom.
Gimli laughed delightedly, nodding in agreement as memories of his own came to mind.
"Aye, that does sound familiar. I remember as a wee lad listening to tales my father would tell, facing down a great dragon and the battles he fought! Aye, it is good to share such things. It keeps the memories alive and honors those we have lost." He said, and gave her a warm smile, as he paddled. "I have never heard of these people, or the places you've mentioned lassie, but if it would help keep the memory of your loved ones alive than I would be glad to hear of this great battle. And it would be a great deal more interesting than batting away driftwood from the boat you see."
Kate shrugged.
"Sure, if It won't be distracting to Legolas. I know you're keeping an eye out."
"It will not. I would be happy to know any part of your family's history that you would share with me." Legolas said, smiling over at her fondly before returning his attention back to the shore line where he watched, in the growing dark, for what Kate and the others couldn't see.
So, Kate told them the story of The Battle of Culloden as she remembered it being told to her Aunt Mandy, her father and their fathers before them. Her Aunt felt it was important she heard the story as it was passed down to them, not by how it was painted in her textbooks.
"History is written by the victors." Her Aunt would say, and she wasn't wrong.
Absentmindedly she wondered who would tell the tale of The Fellowship of the Ring? Would it make so great a mark on the history of Middle Earth that someone would even care to document it? Or would it remain a secret, this task that they would complete. It didn't matter really, Kate didn't mind so long as they won.
As the night drew late and Kate's story came to an end, Gimli put a comforting hand on Kate's shoulder.
"It's ok, it happened a long time ago." She said…a very long time ago. "Maybe you can tell me more about the Dwarves? Your dad really faced a dragon?" Kate asked, but before Gimli could answer Aragorn called out quietly in elvish, and motioned to Boromir's boat.
Legolas nodded.
"We will go ashore and take rest tonight." Legolas said, but Kate didn't miss the slight edge in his voice.
"Is that good? Safe, I mean." She asked, looking around in the darkness, but of course there was nothing for her to see. Legolas said nothing, frowning into the distance, finally giving a curt nod after a moment.
"It is safe to rest for a while." He said, ignoring Kate's doubtful grunt.
If both Aragorn and Legolas agreed then it must be safe she thought, trying to reassure herself.
They silently paddled the boats to the shore, pulling them up onto the rocky beach and began pulling out only essential supplies.
The fellowship made quick work setting up camp, rolling out bedrolls, gathering fallen branches and setting up a small fire. In just over an hour Sam was already at the fire, cooking up a warm meal for everyone.
"Bless you, Sam." Kate said earnestly. "I will never be able to recreate what you do to this food. Never. Not if I lived to be 100."
Sam blushed furiously and shrugged.
"It's not so fine a meal as you make it sound but..." He said flipping the last few fish he had caught on the pan. The hobbit looked over his shoulder, to ensure no one was listening and then waved her over. "I'll show you a secret though." He said, and slid a small box out of his pack.
"What is that?" She asked and was promptly shushed.
"The best salt in all the shire." He explained, and quickly pinched a bit of the grey salt to sprinkle over the fish. He stared at the little box fondly before shoving it back into his pack and returning to his task. "And it's a secret, mind you, so if I find some missing I'll know who to come after."
Kate stifled a laugh and made a motion across her heart.
"Your secret is safe with me." She vowed. "I can't believe you thought to bring salt, I didn't even think to bring enough socks."
Sam laughed a bit at that, nodding his head.
"Well, my old gaffer says you should be prepared for anything, and I was thinking it might be nice on a roast chicken, you see? With some potatoes, salted and cooked over the fire."
"OH, your making me hungry, Sam!" She laughed and the hobbit smiled as he plated the fish.
"Well it's no wonder, you have not eaten yet. Here, take these two, for yourself and Mr. Boromir over there. This one's for Mr. Frodo, once it's done."
"What about you?" Kate asked. Sam shrugged and avoided her gave, checking the fish again.
"Well, I will just have some of that Lembas bread there. Not enough fish. Oh, I'll be fine once Mr. Frodo's all settled. I really don't mind that elvish stuff, not so bad you know." The hobbit insisted. Kate frowned, and set down her plate, cutting her portion of fish in two pieces and adding it to another plate.
"Well share with me then, add it to your Lembas bread." Kate insisted, ignoring any denial from Sam. "No, if I know one thing about hobbits it's that they like to eat! So, eat please, Sam, for me. You do a lot, I want you to eat. You need your strength too."
"Well, I'll thank you for it, Ms. Kate. It... does smell awfully good." He said, sheepishly inhaling the smell of the fish simmering away on the pan.
"Of course, it does. You're a very accomplished cook. And everyone else has eaten?" She asked in between forkfuls of her half of the food.
"Everyone but you, Mr. Boromir, and Mr. Frodo there. Mr. Legolas didn't want any."
"Well I wouldn't be offended by that, I don't think he eats meat." Kate said, smirking a bit at the phrase Mr. Legolas.
"Oh, no I'm not. He was kind about it, just ate some Lembas. It a shame I don't have any tomatoes to cook up for him, now that would be good, but they went bad."
"No, it's, fine. I'm sure we all just appreciate the effort, Sam. Maybe you wouldn't mind showing me how to cook a bit?" Sam gawked at the woman.
"You don't know how to cook?" He asked incredulously.
"Well…I mean I do...just not over an open fire. And not nearly as well as you. Cooking is a little different where I'm from." Way different than tossing a Lean Cuisine in the microwave.
"And where is that from? I never asked you."
"Pretty far. I don't talk about it much." She said quietly. Sam seemed to understand and nodded.
"Well, yes I don't mind showing you a few things. If you wouldn't mind showing me how to make that calming tea." He said slowly, looking over at Frodo. "You'll forgive my asking if it is some elvish secret or what have you. It's only that it seemed to really help Mr. Frodo sleep those few times you gave it to him, in Lothlorien, you remember? But he doesn't sleep much without it. I-I worry, is all. He needs his rest."
Kate smiled at the hobbit fondly. Dear, Sam.
"Well it's about as secret as your salt but I'll show you." She said at long last, grabbing the other plate for Boromir. "One he's ready for it I'll show you how to make it. It's not difficult." She walked to her pack and grabbed a small satchel of the powder and sprinkled it into a pot of boiling water Sam had set up, meant for drinking water but she hoped he wouldn't mind. There wasn't much water in it anyway.
Kate explained the herbs used, something Sam knew quite a bit about, more than Kate. She showed him the dosage, how to use just the right about of herbs and explained how it was ground into a fine powder, so it would dissolve into the drink. Then, she poured a small amount of the powder into an extra container Sam had on hand, giving it to carry with him before thanking for the meal and grabbing the extra plate to take to Boromir.
A little of that tea might do Boromir some good too.Kate mused as she watched the man for a few moments.
How long until he would return to his normal self again? She shook her head, thoughts like that were useless. It wouldn't do Boromir any good to wish he was how he used to be, all she could do was help him as he was now.
"Here, brought you some food." Kate said, startling the man. "Sorry." Boromir stared down blankly at the food before seeming to register what it was.
"Oh…Thank you." He muttered, taking the food but not eating. She stood there for a moment, awkwardly waiting for him to say something.
"Are you ok?"
"I am fine, Kate." He said tersely, setting his meal down and looking back out at the river. "There is something out there. Moving in the water."
"What?" Kate whispered "No, no way. Legolas would have seen it, or heard it and told Aragorn." She stepped forward taking refuge behind a rock as her and Boromir peered out into the water.
"Seen and done nothing about it." Boromir whispered, gazing at the floating log. Kate watches seeing nothing, until something peeked out, it's yellow eyes flashing making her nearly jump out of her skin!
"What is that?" She whispered, not daring to take her eyes off of it.
"Gollum." Aragorn answered from behind them, spooking Kate yet again. These men needed bells around their necks. "He has tracked us since Moria. I had hoped we would lose him on the river but he is too clever a waterman." Kate felt Boromir stiffen beside her. So they did know about it then.
"And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts…it will make the crossing even more dangerous." Boromir said.
"He will not. Gollum has no desire to return to Mordor. He only wants the ring, he will not bring down our enemies upon us and risk the ring falling into their hands." Aragorn explained, his voice even. "The crossing will remain just as dangerous as it has ever been."
"He might not do it on purpose but if we've seen him I'm sure the orcs have too. And I don't even have special eyes. That's a real problem Aragorn." Kate said, unsure about their course. Why didn't he tell about this? Why didn't he tellmeat least?
"It is being managed, Kate. We will continue our course." He said in the tone of voice Kate knew to mean that this was not open to discussion.
"This is madness." Boromir said in exasperation. "Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that. From there we can regroup, strike out for Mordor from a place of strength."
"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us." Aragorn replied. Boromir blinked, visibly offended by the slight against his city.
"You were quick enough to trust the Elves.Have you so little faith in your own people?"
Aragorn shifted, and regarded Boromir as one would a child throwing a temper tantrum. He clearly was not in the mood to hear the Gondor argument again but Boromir continued on. "Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty, but there is courage also, and honor to be found in men, but you will not see that."
Aragorn turned to walk away, finished with the conversation but Boromir grabbed his arm roughly keeping him there.
"Boromir…" Kate cautioned, watching the face of her uncle who was doing everything he could to keep it together.
"You are afraid! All your life you have hidden in the shadows. Scared of who you are, of what you are!" As soon as the words left his mouth Boromir regretted them, Kate could see it on his face as he let go of Aragorn, casting his head down in shame.
Aragorn brushed off his shirt, brusquely, squaring his jaw with concealed anger and turned to leave, but quickly turned around to face Boromir, getting close enough to the man that his point would be made clear.
"I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city." He spat, staring him in the eyes for a moment longer before stalking off on his own.
Ouch Kate thought as she watched her uncle. It was harsh…but not unprovoked and there was a small part of her that believed Boromir really did need to hear it. Still…
She opened her mouth hoping to say something that would be of comfort…but nothing came out. What could she say? Boromir stared at her, a whirl of emotions splayed across his face and then suddenly…his eyes were set with determination.
"Boromir, I-"
"Leave it." He seethed before stalking off on his own.
"Well…that went well." She said wryly, to no one in particular. With a long sigh, she collected the uneaten meal and took it back to their camp, the fire long put out. She piled up the plates and went around to the sleeping Dwarf and hobbits to collect their empty plates and cups to clean and return to Sam in the morning. When she got to Frodo's palate she grabbed the cup and frowned at the sloshing liquid that remained untouched in the cup. She looked down at Frodo, eyes squeezed shut and breathing unevenly, and sniffed in amusement. "You don't have to fake sleep, Frodo. I know your awake." She whispered.
The hobbit relaxed, staring remorsefully at the untouched cup.
"I did not mean to waste it." He explained sheepishly, sitting up on his elbow.
"You want it then?" Kate asked, eyebrows raised. Frodo didn't reply, staring at the ground instead. She took that as a no, tossing the liquid out and away from them as she sat down next to the hobbit. "I suppose you heard that then?" She asked looking to the hobbit for confirmation.
"I do not wish to cause strife…only my heart tells me that Minas Tirith is not the course I should take." He said quietly, lightly touching the ring that was concealed under his shirt. Kate nodded in understanding.
"No." She said in agreement. "I don't think it's the road for you either, but you're not causing strife amongst anyone. We will go wherever you wish to go, Frodo. Boromir can get on board with that or not. He'll have to make a choice though, sooner or later, he's a good man just…a bit misguided right now. I wouldn't worry about it." She said staring out at the river. She could no longer see that thing, Gollum, Aragorn called it.
"I know that he is an honorable man, but …" The hobbit trailed off and Kate nodded in understanding. But the Ring is really messing with him."I would rather not put anyone else in a position to be tempted by it…to have that burden placed on them when it was only meant for me to carry." He said despondently.
Kate turned to the Hobbit, laying on his back now as he stared up at the night sky and she wondered if he were talking to himself now more than to her.
"We knew what we signed up for, Frodo." She said quietly. "You have not put us in any position that we didn't first agree to ourselves."
"And now I have condemned you all to the same fate." He responded.
"No one is bound to this, just like Lord Elrond said. We can leave when we want, but we have stayed…we choose to follow you and we are choosing to see this through. Come on, don't let a little spat between the men put you in such a mood." Kate insisted. "You should get some sleep. Sam worries, you know."
"I know he does. He is a true friend. You and Aragorn…you'll look out for him, Merry and Pippin too… if something were to happen to me?" He asked, eyes still on the stars ahead and at the same time they were a million miles away.
"Nothing is gonna happen to you, Frodo. I'm a great doctor, you're in good hands." She said, joking a bit to lighten the mood. Frodo did smile though, looking at Kate now sadly.
"You are…an odd woman, Kate. I wish we had more time to know each other. Thank you, all the same for looking out for them…just in case." He said, something oddly finite in his words.
"Frodo…why does it sound like you're saying goodbye?" Kate asked, a small laugh escaping her. Frodo grew silent, looking away again and Kate breathed out a long heavy sigh. Oh. "W-When?"
"I am not sure. I…have not decided." He said, breathing out a sigh of his own. A million thoughts ran through Kate's mind, questions and alarm bells ringing. She cleared her throat in an effort to force down the barrage of questions that clamored about in her.
"Well…don't decide anything just yet." She whispered, turning to the hobbit and patted the hobbits leg lightly. "Get some sleep Frodo. A good night's rest makes decision making a bit clearer." Frodo nodded, turning over but Kate knew he would not sleep tonight, and neither would she.
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The next morning, they were off again, rolling up their sleeping packs and packing the few items back in the boat, pushing off again into the water.
The air this morning was different, rife with the tension between Boromir and Aragorn and Kate was more than happy to stay in the boat with Gimli and Legolas once again. It was far less complicated in that boat.
Boromir spent the rest of the day, muttering to himself as he paddled, eyes shifting around and Legolas called out to Aragorn again in Elvish, the man simply nodding in acknowledgement.
Kate didn't need to understand Elvish to understand what that meant, watch out for him, and it made her heart sink once again. Legolas was paddling now and Kate had turned to face him, biting off a small piece of Lembas bread for her breakfast.
"You really think Boromir is a threat to Frodo?" Kate asked quietly. Legolas was quiet for a moment before responding; he rarely said anything that wasn't thought through.
"I believe that Boromir is a threat to himself. I do not believe he would intentionally bring harm to anyone of us but if the Ring truly took over his mind…I cannot say what would happen." Kate nodded, folding the lembas bread back up and sticking it in her pack.
She wasn't really hungry anymore, just tired. She hadn't slept well last night, stirring awake at every sound out of fear it was Frodo running away. She'd go with him, obviously, he couldn't go alone! But wouldn't it be better for him to bring along Aragorn has well? And of course, he couldn't leave Sam, or Merry or Pippin.
Oh hell! Why do you even want to leave at all Frodo!?She thought grumpily, curling up at the bottom of the boat to try and take a nap. She knew why, but she hoped he wouldn't. It made her chest hurt, the thought of Frodo out there alone. What if he needed help or he was hurt or lost or ran out of food? What if Gollum found him. He just can't leave! Kate huffed, balling up her cloak as a makeshift pillow.
It wasn't that she didn't believe Frodo was capable, he was the bravest hobbit she ever knew…granted she only knew four; it was only that the world was so big…and he really was such a small guy, anything could happen to him, and to the Ring.
Kate assumed she must have dozed off at some point for Legolas was lightly shaking her awake after what she thought was only a moment.
"Kate." He said gently, rousing the woman. "You will not want to miss this. Look, The Argonath."
Kate sat up, rubbing her eyes groggily and stared in open amazement at the massive statues standing at attention between the river, their arms outstretched in a halting motion.
The closer they got the more amazed Kate was and she turned to look at Aragorn. He met her eyes, nodding proudly as their boats pulled up beside one another.
"Our kin." He said simply before the current pulled him away, leaving Kate open mouthed in shock.
"That…how? That is incredible? How could someone even make such a thing?" She breathed, her eyes back on the monuments, marveling at the detail of each structure. There was no way she was actually related to those people depicted in such a way.
"The Kings of Old." Legolas explained, smiling in admiration himself. "At one time, they marked the northern edge of Gondor. They are your kin."
Kate shook her head, her eyes never leaving the monument until they had long since passed it. Even still, miles away she could see their heads over the trees.
"Could you tell me about them." Kate asked after a while.
"I could." Legolas responded, grabbing her hand and letting the current carry them for a moment. "But I would not take that away from Aragorn. He has expressed interest in telling you about your kin and their history, your people." His thumb lightly ran across her knuckles before returning back to paddling the boat.
"He has?" She asked, a bit shocked at that, but warming in delight. "Yes, good call. Let him tell me" Kate agreed, smiling over at Aragorn who seemed to be telling Frodo and Sam all about it.
She knew Aragorn had long since accepted her as his niece but she didn't deny that it made her happy to know that he had thought about including her into his family history…their family. It was still very odd to her, this new relation…but exciting and for the next few hours she was lost in thought, daydreaming about Gondor and what it would be like with Aragorn as king. Would he marry the elven woman, Arwen after he was crowned? Hope so she thought he honestly could not find better. And she loved him before he was a king. Also, I've already approved of her. I can't go out and vet a whole other woman!
Suddenly Aragorn and Legolas were conversing quickly in elvish, their conversation tense.
"What's happening?" Kate asked, resolving that she really must learn elvish.
"We are stopping here." Legolas said, in the same clipped tone he used the other day.
"Already? We've still got a few hours before nightfall, don't we?" She asked, looking to Gimli when the elf didn't reply. Gimli shrugged his shoulders grunting in response and returned to grooming his beard, unbothered by the change in schedule. Kate sucked her teeth but said nothing further until they reached the shore, helping to pull the boats up onto the pebbled beach.
Everyone piled out, a bit wary but not willing to argue with Aragorn and began setting up camp. When everyone was settled Aragorn explained, grabbing his own back and sleeping roll off of his boat.
"We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North." He said.
"Well…guess you've made a decision then." Kate replied, setting her things down and staring out at the small fire, we'll need some more wood soon, she thought.
"Oh yes? Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks?" Gimli interrupted sarcastically, standing at attention.
"Tell us how you really feel Gimli." She muttered, clutching her head. She had a headache now, ever since she had stepped onto shore and it was only growing now.
"And d after that, it gets even better!" The Dwarf continued, causing Pippin to pause for a concerned moment, not sure how that could really be any better. "Festering, stinking marshlands as far as the eye can see."
"That is our road." Aragorn replied cooly, sounding every bit the leader he was. "I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."
"Recover my-! Urgh!" Gimli grumbled, saying something about Dwarves not needing rest, but Kate couldn't quite hear him. The pounding in her head was growing, and the noise around her only exacerbated it. She needed some quiet.
"I'm gonna get some more firewood." She mumbled, stumbling out into the forest.
"Bring your sword." Aragorn called after her. Nodding, she went back and attached the sword to her hip.
She walked through the forest, stopping to pee after a moment, but her headache did not relent. It was only when her foot stepped down and the force of the vein shocked her so greatly that she fell back did she realize the cause. Cautiously she touched the vein, unseen to her eyes but her heightened senses picked it up easily.
"Huh…" She said curiously, looking at the iridium rings on her finger and wondering if that was why she could not hear the normal telltale buzzing that usually alerted her. Or was it that she was simply too far away from any standing stones to feel it's effects?
She followed the vein, an invisible thread that seemed to lead her through the forest. If ever she felt she had lost it, all she had to do was step around the area, eventfully catching her foot on the vein of energy once more and rerouting herself.
She had gone rather far into the woods, when she began to wonder if she should turn back. What did she need to find a stone circle for anyway? Out of pure curiosity? There was no time for that, she thought shaking her head at her own foolishness until she heard a voice that stopped her in her tracks.
"It should be mine! Give it to me!" Boromir's voice echoed through the woods, but it was his words that made her blood run cold.
"No…" She breathed, fear settling in her stomach and she took of down the hill, praying that she was headed in the right direction. Please, please don't let this be what I think it is.
"Give it to me! Give it to me!" she could hear Boromir shouting and also Frodo's struggled screaming as he tried to fight him off mockingly reverberating off of the trees. She couldn't tell if she was getting closer or further away from them.
"Frodo!" She shouted. "I'm coming! I'm coming Frodo!"
She was running down the hill now, falling now and then down the incline but finally she saw them…or thought she had. Wasn't Frodo just there? Frodo was not, but Boromir was, ranting and raving and cursing all the halflings. He couldn't be yelling like this, not while orcs where tracking them he knew this.
"Boromir!" Kate shouted, drawing his attention to her and making him trip, falling hard to the ground. The fall seemed to knock some sense into him, and Kate ran down the hill, her heart in her throat.
"Frodo?" She heard him call quietly. "Frodo? What have I done?"
Kate sat next to Boromir, grabbing his shoulders and drawing his face to look at hers.
"Boromir? Where is Frodo?" Kate asked urgently as the man began to cry, his face twitching with grief and regret.
"Frodo. Please, Frodo. Frodo, I'm sorry! No, no, what have I done." He muttered, tears streaming down his face.
"Boromir, Boromir, stop, look at me. Calm down. What did you do? Where is Frodo?" She asked, practically begging the man as panic rose in her.
Boromir wrenched himself from her grasp, cradling his head in his hands.
"I- I tried to take the ring from Frodo." He confessed brokenly. Kate stiffened.
"Where is it?" She asked, trying her best to keep her voice even.
"I did not take it but I tried…and then he…he disappeared right before my eyes. I know not where he is. Oh, what have I done." He groaned
"Boromir…why?" She asked, feeling betrayed…it was selfish to feel that way she knew it but…hadn't she tried to help? How could he do this? Boromir let out a guttural groan of agony and Kate grew more and more concerned.
"I had not meant to, Kate! Surely you believe me?! I had only meant to comfort him but…then it was as if the ring…it took over my mind…I could not think clearly and then…then that noise!" He said moaning again and Kate noticed again, how is face twitched, just slightly…and then she heard it. The quiet buzzing…so innocuous that she barely noticed it thanks to the iridium rings. Galadriel was right…they really had made the effects less torturous for her.
"Noise…? Wait, Boromir you hear that? The buzzing, you can hear that?!" She asked incredulously, sitting back on her own heels in shock. After a moment of watching the man, clearly in agony, emotionally and physically she spoke up again. "Is this the first time you've heard them? Boromir this is really important, look at me." She said, shaking the man to make him focus.
"No." He growled. "I heard them when the Crebain passed over us, a cruel trick from the enemy. What is this?"
"Holy shit…" Kate breathed… this would explain a lot…why he had been going mad…that would make any one crazy, especially if someone had no idea what was happening. And in combination with the Ring's hold over him...the poor man! How did she not know, not see it? "Here, put this on." She said, grabbing one iridium ring off her finger and yanking off his gloves before sliding the ring on his pinky finger, the only finger that would fit the small ring.
She watched for a moment as Boromir's breathing returned to normal, his face stopped twitching and the color returned to him. The man shook his head, confusion washing his features as he stared from his ring to the one on Kate's hand.
"What is this…are you a witch?" He asked after a moment, fear and uncertainty creepy into his voice.
Kate frowned, handing his glove back.
"No, absolutely not. Why is that the first thing people assume?. Galadriel gave those rings to me…it helps make the effects of them less severe."
"Effects of what? What is happening to me, Kate?" Boromir shouted, emotionally overloaded.
"I- Boromir ,I promise you I'll give you a full explanation later but for now we have to find Frodo. All I can really say is that you seem to have the same, erm…. abilities as me and that the twitching and the buzzing means there is some type of stone circle nearby. Not here, I don't quite know where yet just…if you see one don't touch it, ok? I promise, I'll explain later ok. Let's just find Frodo. You feel better? Can you move?" She asked, standing up and readjusting the sword at her hip.
Boromir stared at her warily, shame still covering his face but he nodded, standing, a little shakily but he was standing, nevertheless.
"You will explain,woman. But you are right, we should find Frodo. I will make this right, I assure you! I have betrayed you all…I am sorry…I will fix this." He vowed, and the pair of them took off, running through the forest, calling for Frodo.
Suddenly, Boromir yanked the woman back, shoving her behind a tree and clamping a hand over her mouth.
Kate struggled in protest, shouting as best she could until Boromir point furiously at the trees just a few feet away.
Kate stopped moving, growing limp with fear.
Ten, maybe twelve orcs barreled through the trees, possibly drawn to them by their shouting and she watched as they scanned the woods around them, looking for the source of the shouting. Looking for them.
Boromir let his hands drop from her mouth, confident she got the message as they huddled against each other in their best effort to stay concealed.
"We'll never get to Frodo without them seeing us." She whispered. "These are like orcs on steroids."
"They are the Uruk-hai." He whispered in reply. "And no…they do not fight as regular orc do either. They are more precise…bred for war…I did not look to find them here though. And there will most likely be more."
"More?!" Kate whispered fiercely, fear nagging her as memories of Moria crept back into her mind.
"This is a scouting group, I believe."
"How are we getting past them though?" She asked, her breathing growing erratic. She knew how, obviously she knew exactly how they were getting past them and she groaned.
"Stay to my left, it is my weaker side, as your right is your weakest. We will protect each other better that way." He instructed pulling his sword out and then grabbing her arm and pulling her. "Do not hesitate this time Kate, and if I say run, you run. Do you hear me woman?" He asked, scanning her face for the slightest bit of trepidation or weakness.
Kate's face hardened and she nodded looking out at the swarm of orc and waiting for Boromir's signal. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she pulled out her sword, mentally thanking Aragorn for telling her to bring it.
It seemed that they were waiting forever until Boromir charged forward, no war cry, just a surprise attack on the group of orcs who had already passed them, and were not expecting it.
Time seemed to slow as she charged forward, sword at the ready and adrenaline coursing through her.
Boromir started off by slashing the head off of a particularly oblivious orc…and then time resumed its normal pace. Kate plowed ahead, striving to stay on the man's left side, but he moved so much faster than her!
An orc made eye contact with her and charged to her, it's sword meeting hers and nearly knocking it out of her hand. Well they're stronger that's for sure!
Kate readjusted her grip as she fought off the orc, who had no problem meeting her match for match, laughing at her frustration. Thinking quickly, she ducked under the blade that had almost cut off her hand and stabbed her sword into the belly of the orc, making sure it was good and well dead before turning to deal with the next one.
Kate fought as hard as she could but she could see more coming now and she was really starting to worry now. Where was Frodo? What about the others? Would they be warned in time? The fear for her friends spurred her on and she slashed and hacked at the orc, no longer worry about her technique so much now.
Sweat poured down, her face and back, as she cut through the last Uruk, her breathing heavy.
"Come we must find Frodo and the other hobbits!" Boromir urged, barely looking winded as he charged ahead, Kate stumbling after him.
"Where are they others?" She panted.
"We cannot worry about that now! Hurry, Kate!" She nodded, running as fast as she could, looking for any sign of Frodo or the others.
They ran, barely even a mile away before they came across another hoard of Uruk-Hai, and in the middle stood Merry and Pippin, their curly blonde hair sticking out amongst the throng of black.
Boromir lunged forward, his long legs carrying her further and faster than her and watched with horrified amazement as Boromir jumped in between an Uruk, axe raised high overhead, and Pippin.
Kate followed behind, blocking the sword of another Uruk that would have killed the man. Pippin and Merry grabbed their daggers, stabbing and fighting the best they could but it wouldn't do any good. They needed help!
More seemed to come out of nowhere and as soon as Kate had killed one orc two more popped up, trying to grab hold of her.
"Protect the hobbits!" Boromir yelled at her, and when she turned to look for the she could see that the fighting had taken her several feet away from them. "Go! Run, RUN!" Boromir yelled, and Kate ushered the hobbits ahead, doing her best to fend off as many Uruk-hai as she could but there was so many! As far as her eyes, could see orcs were coming out of the woods in droves!
Boromir had his horn out and blew it loudly, several times as they ran through the trees. Kate thought initially that he was calling for help, trying to alert the fellowship of their location so that they might come and assist them, but as the number of orcs grew and their way was blocked Kate realized that wasn't true. Boromir was calling for help…he was warning the fellowship, trying to alert them so they could grab Frodo and escape.
Still they fought, the hobbits teaming up and taking down what Orcs they could, and Kate slashing angrily, refusing to accept that she was dying here today!
"Run, Run!" Boromir shouted to the hobbits, and Kate followed them, knowing her job was to protect them and hating herself for it because she knew it meant leaving him without someone to watch his back.
But then she stepped down, her foot meeting that vein of electricity and she fell to the ground hard.
Merry and Pippin turned, grabbing rocks to throw at the orcs that had followed them, a last-ditch effort to try and save their friends. Kate pulled herself together just in time to avoid having her leg hacked off, the orc's sword meeting her thigh instead.
With a yelp, she fell to one knee, checking to make sure her leg was still there, and then using her sword to push herself up. The orc took that opportunity to grab her by the throat, using its other hand to hoist her on its back.
"Oh, absolutely not!" She yelled, panic clawing at her throat as she drove her sword through its back, tumbling down with it. She stood up scanning for Boromir when she saw it.
It was like watching a movie in slow motion, this Uruk-hai, notching his arrow and releasing it; and Kate watched in horror as it sailed through the air, hitting Boromir with a sickening thud.
She couldn't breathe as she watched him take a few labored breaths, and she prayed it hadn't hit his heart but…but then he was fighting again hurling his sword and anything close to him and she charged forward with a yell, ignoring the pain and blood rushing down her leg, heading for the one with a bow.
It moved through the crowd confidently, the other orcs parting for him as he loaded another arrow and aimed at the man again.
"No!" Kate screamed as the arrow hit him again, and he fell to his knees. Kate couldn't help it, she was crying now, tears streaming down her face and she fought. "Get up, Boromir!" She shouted, as his eyes locked with her. She could help him, she could, they just needed to get out of this!
He was incredible.
Kate watched as he got up, again fighting, protecting Merry and Pippin, doing what he could not with Frodo and she fought harder to kill that thing! She wouldn't let it kill Boromir, she would not!
One final arrow shot him and Boromir sank to the ground, and this time he did not stand up.
"Get up, get up, please Boromir." She screamed, sobbing and sinking to her knees, despair creeping in on her. She knew she should fight, run, do something! But she just couldn't... If such a great warrior like Boromir could fall what hope did they have? "Please. Please get up. I can help you just get up." She begged, meeting his eyes and crumpling when he shook his head.
Get up, Kate, go! Move, do something! You can not just sit here and cry! She screamed internally. Yet she could not make her body move.
"The hobbits." He mouthed, too injured to form words. Before she could register what was happening she a being lifted, carried away kicking and screaming.
"No!" She screamed again, fighting against the Uruk that kept her trapped, watching as they scooped up Merry and Pippin and running, leaving Boromir behind. She screamed in it's ear, kicked and fought and clawed but nothing was working. "No! Take me back! I have to help him! Take you back, he'll die!" She screamed but the Uruk only laughed, as it carried her along with them.
Kate fought futility for a few moments, longer before the screaming and crying exhausted her and she started to feel faint. She was still oozing blood out of her thigh, but it had slowed now, she realized, thankful it hadn't cut anything crucial other what looked like muscle. She could see one hit Merry on the head, knocking him out cold and Pippin yelling frantically but the Uruk-hai kept running, taking them further and further away from the camp…and further away from the fellowship.
Realization hit her, and Kate swore loudly.
They were being taken.
To where, Kate didn't know, but they were alive. For now.
This is not good. Is this real? I'm being kidnapped by the orcs? Kate had no idea what she was going to do or how she would get out of this…but she needed to keep the hobbits safe somehow.
This is not good. Really not good, Mackenzie.