A/N: If anyone is interested, In the Clouds by Astron, Tracking Aeroplanes by The Echelon Effect, and Observations from a Faraway Place by Rannar Sillard are some songs I listen to a lot when I write Kate and Legolas scenes, I think it really fits them. I've just been making a whole Spotify Playlist for them and for writing in general as I find it really helps. Anyway, without further delay, Chapter 20 (man, I can't believe 20 chapters!).
"Ask him, lass." Gimli chuckled as Kate carefully finished cleaning the wound on his head. "Ask him. Go on!"
Legolas rolled his eyes as he watched the scene, leaning casually against the wall.
"I doubt she will be as invested in our little game as you and I , my friend." He contested. Kate tried to stifle a laugh, hiding her smile as she began to wrap the bandage around Gimli's head.
"I take that to mean, you lost?" Gimli barked out another laugh, rolling back into his seat, making Kate tut at him as she readjusted the bandages.
"It was a draw." Legolas protested.
"It was no draw, laddie! Forty-two to my forty-three!" Gimli laughed, reveling in his victory.
"It would be more impressive if you had won by a larger scale Master Dwarf. As it stands, winning by merely one, who I still contest was twitching, is not so great a feat."
"Victory is victory!"
"Well at least you're taking it well, Legolas." Kate commented wryly. "Stop moving, Gimli."
"Win or lose, I am just happy to see you standing on two feet my friend!" Legolas laughed, despite himself. "There was a moment when even I had lost sight of you. Though, I imagine that is a common problem for you."
"Is that so? Ha! Lass, ye might want to check on our princeling next, his pride's a wee bit bruised I see." Kate laughed, shaking her head as she tied off the bandage.
"I'm just happy you both are standing. And we can confirm that Aragorn is alive and well, yes?"
"Aye, for the final time, he is just fine. Relax lass, he'll be about soon enough."
"Just checking." She muttered under her breath. Would hate for me to find out that he's dead when you told me he was alive…or alive when you told me he was dead. "Well send him this way when he's done doing whatever, I need to see him."
"What you need, is to rest." Legolas said, gently, shoving off from the wall and walking over to her. "You have not rested properly for many nights; do you think I have not noticed?" He asked, noting the deep purple bags under eyes.
"No, I just…well I've been busy." Kate stammered, feeling suddenly defensive. "You know there has been quite a lot to do around here. A lot of excitement, and Eowyn will need more help and I cannot leave Nestaron to care for all of these people by himself."
"Yes, how will I ever manage without your help? It is a wonder I have lived this long without you." Nestaron remarked.
"Remarkable, really." Kate shot back. "Eowyn! Eowyn will need help."
Eowyn glanced over at Kate, her arms full of blankets and shook her head.
"No, Lady Kate, you should rest. All of you should be resting, please. The rest of us are able to share the burden." She insisted to which Kate frowned in reply. Et tu, Brute? "There is a room for you to rest for a short time, it is small but I believe you will find it comfortable."
"Oh, you don't need to go through all that trouble. I was just going to sleep here, I assumed."
"No, it is no trouble, you have done your part, now rest while you can. You will need it, I am sure." Eowyn offered to which Kate gave an uncomfortable smile of thanks, not wanting to add any discontent to their newfound friendship.
It was generous and kind of them but Kate couldn't help but feel it was a bit selfish to sleep and bath while the Rohirran women worked to prepare the bodies of the dead. But, she had to admit her resolve was weakening the more she thought of it. "Though if you desire a bath you must fetch the water yourself, and I cannot promise it will be warm." Eowyn added.
"Thank you, really, I mean it but I…I…I need to, to…well-" Kate stammered, glancing around the room until she realized that she had very little to argue. She was tired. Her eyes went to Bergil, who still slept upon his cot, looking at that moment, far younger than twelve. She supposed he would be fine for a few hours… "Are you sure you would not need me? What if something happens?"
"Should the occasion arise I will send for you." Nestaron promised. "You may collect the necessary items to change the wound on your leg. There is a tincture there, it will help ease your mind and restore your body. I have prepared it for you. Mix it with some of the wine."
"You did? Oh…wow, well that is very nice of you." Kate remarked, starting to feel the fatigue creep in. Nestaron nodded curtly.
"You will be of use to no one if your mind is dulled from pain and exhaustion." Came his explanation, rife with its usual austerity, but Kate could not help the fond smile spread across her face as she watched the Elf carry on about his tasks or the wave of gratitude that washed over her just as quickly as the fatigue did.
"Thank you, Nestaron. For everything…really, I mean it. I don't think, well I know, if you hadn't been here we wouldn't even have had half these number of survivors. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you." She said softly, resisting the urge to hug him as Legolas came up beside her. The elf's face softened at her words, and even more as he saw how his Prince gazed at her. But as was his way, her merely grumbled a reply, barking orders to Sudryl. "You will find me though, if you need me, won't you? Also, once Bergil wakes, I'd like to check on him again. Also, if there is any word on the status of his father. Oh, and remind Elaron that man to the right will need to be turned over again in another hour, and she should keep an eye on that other man's wound, it was looking a little angry. Oh and also-"
"Kate. Rest." Legolas interrupted, his mouth quirking up in amusement.
"Oh, right. Of course, you know all this. Well, ok, I'm going now." She insisted, biting her lip as her eyes scanned the room for any other reason to stay. "Right…ok…I'll be back though. Just a few hours."
"I will endeavor to manage during the interim." Nestaron said evenly.
"It's all I ask." She bantered, feeling a mild sense of satisfaction at Nestaron's amused sniff. "Yes, ok, right, I'm going." She muttered, grabbing the vial and supplies for bandage change.
"Come," Eowyn urged. "Maewen can show you to your rooms. Do not feel burdened to return before you are well rested. We can manage for now."
"Thank you."
Kate silently filled a small basing with the water, lathering of the cloth with her soap. She was far too tired to drag several buckets of water for a lukewarm bath! She supposed that made her sound spoiled but she didn't much care at the moment. Her thoughts weighed far too heavily on her mind to bothering censoring each and every one.
Left alone with her with just her thoughts now, Kate did everything she could to distract herself from them. She couldn't bear to think about it, to see their faces… how could she? Nestaron had been right, she realized as she took a cloth and began wiping the sweat, dirt and blood off of her skin, she could not have imagined a night like last on her worst night.
She was supposed to be happy, they had won, right? Then why did she not feel that way? All she felt was sick to her stomach, horrified and disgusted with herself.
"Stop." She ordered herself aloud, her words echoing off the stone walls of the small room, making her command sound more intimidating than she felt.
You can't do this to yourself Kate…this is exactly what he wants, do not go down this road. She told herself as she continued to clean herself with the cloth, all the while staring at her empty hands.
She had done it though.
It wasn't all his fault, this Kedron…yes, he had tricked her but the action was all hers. She couldn't blame sending that poor boy back on her ignorance any longer. If anything, it was that very ignorance that had got her into this mess in the first place!
Had she studied this skill, learned what she could do and not resisted so much she could be of help now! She could have helped people before…she could have stopped this and Kedron might not be the thorn in her side that he was to her now! But she didn't listen, she was too stubborn. And when she tried to teach herself, despite Gandalf's warning it had been too little too late! She needed to take responsibility for what she had done, it was her fault and her actions that had breed these consequences. No one else. It was her fault. She was the monster, not Kedron. All her.
"Nope." She said, throwing the cloth back onto the table. She wasn't going to just sit her and ruminate on everything she had done wrong! She needed to be doing something! The moment she stopped moving, stopped distracting herself, her thoughts would begin to flood her consciousness whether she wanted them to or not. She needed to be useful, to keep busy, she needed…she needed…
She needed air, she realized suddenly, this room was too small and with only one small window that was hardly enough fresh air, right? She felt as if she were suffocating in this room, could almost sense how stagnant the air was. She needed to get out. Had it always been like this? How could she spend a whole night in here if she couldn't breathe?!
Hurriedly she flung open the door, and rushed down the hall, rubbing her chest as if that small action would comfort her and soothe the tightness she felt there.
With a grunt, she pushed open the heavy door and slipped out, letting it close behind with an uncharitably loud thud ignoring the glances she received. She took a deep gulping breath, willing her heart to slow down and her fingers to regain feeling and her fear to subside.
What is wrong with you?! She chided herself, wringing her hands as she walked across the rampart. They had won. She was alive. Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf…they were all alive. Things would get better. They would win. She was not a monster. It was a mistake. A heinous mistake, but not unforgiveable, surely? When she did finally get around to telling Gandalf and the rest of them, they would understand, right? Didn't they know enough of her to know she couldn't have done something like that on purpose?
As she leaned against the parapet, watching the sun sink deeper and deeper over the horizon she couldn't help but wonder if that were true.
Sure, they had won this battle but there would be another battle soon enough, there would always be another battle and what if they didn't make it? What if they lost the next battle or Frodo didn't make it to Mordor? What if the Ring was too much for him and everything they had all been through for Middle Earth had all been for nothing? What if next time Aragorn really did die, or Gimli? Or Legolas?
Her stomach rolled at the thought of losing him, she couldn't lose him. A new wave of nausea rolled over her and as she broke out into a cold sweat she took several steps back, her hands placed on her side breathing hard
What would she do if everyone she loved was gone? Would Saruman just take her then? Kedron had said he wouldn't be an issue anymore but how could he know? Saruman had lost this battle so maybe the deal he struck with Kedron didn't count? What if Saruman wanted her to send more people through like she had sent poor Kieran…but maybe he wouldn't want people sent through this time but Orcs? She wouldn't do that. She couldn't! She couldn't even imagine what a whole rabble of Orcs could mean for her city, but at least they had guns and weapons to combat them! She couldn't say the same for other worlds, if there really were any others. Would she, do it? Would she have any choice?
"Oh God." She groaned, throwing her hand over her eyes as she sank down, leaning against the cool wall.
She didn't know how long she sat there, staring blankly into the distance, but she knew it must have been late for it was dark now and someone had long since lit the braziers. Less and less people were on the rampart now but those who were, paid her no mind, they wore her same haunted expression and were lost in their own grief.
Weren't wars supposed to be all glory and honor? That's what the movies made it seem like...another thing Hollywood got wrong. She thought wryly. By now, Kate had been in enough of her own battles to know it was nothing like a movie, but last night had been different.
When she fought in Moria or at Amon Hen…all of them, every single member of that Fellowship knew what they had signed up for, and even though it was worse than they imagined they still had some preparation. They were told it would be rough, that they would fight and knew that they might die but they had all agreed to follow Frodo to Mordor because it was for the greater good.
But Helm's Deep was different, no one knew. No one was prepared. Even less of them would have fought if they were given any choice in the matter. Young boys were yanked from their mothers' sides and given a sword too big lift and a burden they were too young to carry. Farmers, Minstrels, Blacksmiths, and Thatcher's could not possibly have been made to understand what they would face that day, not in such a short time! They were no soldiers! But she watched them all die, the soldiers, the farmers, the minstrels, the blacksmiths, the thatcher's. Elves, men, young, old, strong, weak…she watched them die and there was really nothing she could do about it.
What good was this 'gift' she had if she couldn't help those she loved? If she couldn't stop people from dying needlessly?
Time dragged on as Kate sat there, and Legolas eventually found her still leaned against the wall, hands sitting limply in her lap. He said nothing, simply allowed her to process what she had been seen, and sat patiently beside her as she sorted through her thoughts and emotions the way he knew she needed to. He didn't have to say anything, not really, but his presence was enough, giving her a sense of peace and calm that helped her without her even realizing.
Hours passed and finally, with a heavy sigh Kate moved to rest her head against his shoulder. Legolas gently took her hand and placed it to his lips.
"It was my hope that you would have gone into the caves. " He said, his voice barely above a whisper, not striving to be heard against the beating wind and soft crackle of the torches.
"I know." Came her strained reply.
"It was a selfish and futile hope. Born out of desire to spare you these feelings which I know you have now."
"But you can't…that's part of life here."
Legolas was silent for a long time, his thumb tracing circles along her hand.
"It is." He said finally. Kate felt he wanted to say more, his silence a lot more telling than his words, but he didn't, shaking his head and starting up again. "But I was wrong to ask you to run after all you had done. It was selfish and you were right, you would never have asked that of me. I was wrong to imply you did not feel the same simply because you would respect my duty and honor."
Kate squeezed his hand lightly in forgiveness.
"No, you were worried, it's normal…and to be honest, I might have asked you to run too, who knows. I wouldn't want to but no one can know what they'd do if they situations were reversed. Who knew Elves could panic?" Kate teased lightly, to which Legolas gave a small smile in return.
"We are not nearly as composed and austere as we would have you believe." He said with a smile, kissing her hand again. "Especially not when it comes to those we love." There it was again.
Love.
The word hung in the air, floating on the very wind that whipped through her hair, and yet a part of her felt she would never catch it, never hold it in her hands. She knew in her heart that she loved Legolas. She had known since that night in Lothlorien when they had sat under the trees together, listening to him tell her of the constellations his people had mapped out and the story each one held.
She knew she loved him in that moment and she was ruined for anyone else but him and yet she had never imagined he could ever feel the same for her! In her mind it was easy to understand how she could fall for him, he was beautiful, forgiving and loyal, fierce and protective and gentle and kind…but what had he seen in her that made him want to confess such a thing? Love was no small thing for Elves, they took it very seriously, he had told her that himself and yet here he was, once again saying he loved her.
It was one thing to say it when your off to battle, because who knew if you would die, but it was an entirely different thing to say afterwards…when the dust had settled and you were faced with the ramifications and consequences that went with saying you loved someone.
Kate gave a shy smile in response, looking down at their joint hands, not wanting to meet his gaze.
"Kate," Legolas whispered, turning so that he could look into her eyes. "Do not doubt my heart now. I have not said these things because I felt they were owed to you, or as a comfort to should I have met my end in battle. I said it because it is true."
"Yea, but Legolas-"
"There is no counter argument to be made. I do not believe I have given you a reason to doubt me, but if doubt is in your heart you should know that it will not change how I feel. The depth and certainty of my love for you will not waver based on your readiness to accept or believe it. It is the truth and the truth does not change. It simply is whether you believe it or not." He declared, wrapping his hands tighter around hers in earnest. "How could I not love you, Kate? You who are more kind hearted than you lend yourself credit for? Loyal and brave and intelligent and funny and radiant? The gift of your smile directed to me is worth more than gold and I cherish each one more than the greatest prize. A smile of yours is so hard won as of late… but each one could rival the stars in its brilliance! You are more beautiful to me than anything on this Earth and far more precious than gold or jewels. I love you. I have loved you for as long as I have known you and I curse my blindness for not seeing it sooner, and my reluctance to make these feelings known once I had."
Kate stared at him through eyes that were rapidly filling with tears, her heart breaking for how desperately should wanted to believe it! But every thrill and rise of her heart from his words was brought crashing down as she looked at her hands that were missing both rings now. Hands that had done something terrible. If he knew would he still feel the same? Would he still love her?
"How can you know that? For how long? Legolas…once I've told you what I did-"
"In Rivendell, the day after you had arrived and I found you in the hall on the way to the council. Do you remember? You hid from me and seemed altogether put off by me presence and when I extended my apologies to you for my behavior you made me wait before ceding your forgiveness. No one behaved that way to me before…and I was so surprised by your behavior I thought surely you would not forgive me, but then you smiled. A smile so bright and pure had you not already granted your forgiveness I would have been shamed into begging for it, so caught in awe as I was. It was that day that I loved you, though I had not known it to be love then… When I thought you had died after Amon Hen… the thought of losing you…I know, Kate. I know that I love you. Just as I know you love me though your heart is too heavy to believe it. Tell me, what is the cause of this shadow that has cast itself over you? For many days it has lingered there, do not think I have not seen it. Would you not tell me?" He asked, holding her face in his hands as his thumbs wiped away the tears that fell in rivulets down her face.
"I have to tell Gandalf and Aragorn…and as worried as I am to have them look at me with such shame, if you looked at me that way I really don't think I could take it. And for that reason I can't tell you right now. It is insane to me how much I love you, Legolas. I didn't think a love like this was real but with you… I can't tell you, not now…I can't have you look at me that way, not you." She sobbed, feeling every bit the fool and even worse as she watched Legolas's face wrinkle in concern for her. For her. "I promise you once you know you will hate me."
"You are wrong." Legolas insisted, grabbing her hands. "Long has this heaviness burdened your heart and I love you still. I loved you before you had even told me of your lineage, the things you could do. I have loved you when you told me in confidence, of your fears because of them. I know you do not wear your ring so I can only surmise it has something to do with this, am I right?"
Kate nodded mutely, and Legolas's face softened.
"And I will love you still. It is too late, so caught up in your spell I am that you could have fought alongside the Orcs tonight and I would have killed anyone who would have thought to cut you down."
"Oh," Kate scoffed. "Well, now that is a bit dramatic, don't you think?" Legolas leaned his head back and laughed heartily, his eyes dancing in humor now. He was amazed that she could be so indignant, even through her tears.
"You think so? You do not think it romantic? Are not all human women swayed by bold declarations of love such as that?" He teased, the air shifting and Kate's tears drying on her cheeks now as she sniffed.
"Not like that! Fighting with the Orc! That is the most improbable thing I have ever heard. I would never do that and if I did, you should cut me down and put me out of my misery. Ridiculous."
"Even more ridiculous still is the notion that I could simply stop loving you." He said softer now, moving to take her hands in his and laying a gently kiss on each finger, as if her hands were holy relics. "So be at peace, melethnin, do not let the troubles and grief we face allow your heart to believe such things which you know to be false. Whatever you have to say, if you tell me now or later, we will see it through. Though I imagine what you have to share is difficult, Aragorn and Gandalf will certainly not hate you for it. They might be angry for a time, and I cannot promise I would not also feel angry, but it will not last. Anger may fade and give way onto forgiveness."
"You really should write a book, Legolas." Kate teased after a moment, her heart already feeling lighter and all fears and worries subsiding, like ocean waves pulling back with the tide. She leaned forward to kiss him, wincing a bit at the pain in her side. "I love you." She said, her eyes suddenly quite serious. Legolas gave her a warm smile in reply.
"Come, you must replace the bandaging for your wounds and sleep. You will feel better after you have slept." Leaping nimbly to his feet her stood, reaching out his hands to help her stand to her feet.
With his help, Kate stood to her feet her body groaning in protest and suddenly she did feel tired, more tired than she wanted to admit.
"Sore?" He asked lightly.
"Just a bit." She grunted, laughing it off. "Aren't you? I mean you were the one who really did all the fighting."
"I am tired." He admitted, leading her down the steps and back down the hall.
"You need rest too you know. When is the last time you slept?"
"I have said before that Elves do not need as much sleep as humans."
"Yes, you say that quite a lot actually, but you still need sleep. Especially after everything…you must be exhausted."
"Mmm." He replied. "It has been some time. Perhaps after your bandage is changed I will find a place to rest." Kate pushed open the door to her borrowed room and waved him in.
"Don't be silly, you can stay here." She announced and then paused. "If you want to…I mean I didn't mean-just sleep…I meant you could sleep here, but if you don't want to you don't have to, obviously." Legolas laughed quietly, moving in the dark to light the few candles in the room.
When he said nothing in reply, Kate turned to busy herself by needlessly organizing the items of the small table. Once the room was sufficiently lit and Legolas still had said nothing Kate had begun to worry that she had offended him. She chewed the bottom of her lip as she began making the Athelas paste for the new bandage.
"Hey, you know I can change my own bandages by the way, you definitely are not committed to doing that." She offered, keeping her voice light. "You should rest. Obviously, not here if you don't want." She heard his exhale as he came to stand behind her, placing his hands lightly against her hips so as not to cause her pain.
"I would be happy to spend this night with you," He answered quietly, kissing the crook of her neck "if it were not for the scandal it would cause." Kate smiled, turning around to face him, the bandaging no longer her foremost concern.
"Mmm yes, how the women will titer! Tragically Plain Human Woman Beds Incredibly Sexy Elf, more on this and other news at seven!" She teased in between shared kisses. "I think I come out looking all the better in that scenario, honestly. Let them gossip." Legolas couldn't help the laugh that tumbled out of his mouth as he pulled her closer to him, bending down to trail more kisses down her neck in the way he was learning she liked.
"Hardly proper for that sort of gossip to surround a woman of your standing." He chided, playfully nipping her neck and chuckling at her delighted squeal. Kate's fingers grazed the bottom hem of his tunic before tentatively sliding under.
"Right now, I don't give a fig for what's proper or not." She whispered, running her hands up over his abdomen, fingers dancing over his taunt muscles. She felt his inhale and suddenly he brought her mouth to his in a dizzying kiss, their bodies pressed back against the table as Kate's hands continued to explore what they could. He bit her bottom lip and when she gasped in shocked pleasure she felt his laughter against her mouth. He tore his mouth away from hers, trailing kisses up and down her neck, teasingly slow, secretly delighting in each desirous sigh. Desire for him. Oh, how he wanted her in this moment! To take her and claim her as his from this day forward. But he could not, not now.
"You should not tempt me so." He whispered, his hot breath against her ear sending shivers down her body and she pressed herself against him, unbothered by his teasing threats and raking her nails lightly across the skin of his back. "You would inspire me to behave in a manner most unbecoming."
"Hmm really? And how might I motivate action?" She laughed, feeling the tips of his fingers dance across her skin as his hands moved under her own tunic. The feeling of his warm hands moving across her skin did more to her than she could even have imagined and she responded immediately wiggling her tunic up over her body, trying to pull it up over her head as quickly as she could.
"Trust me when I say this, meleth nin, I am more than motivated, however," He started, suppressing another laugh as he gently tugged her tunic back down. Suddenly her frowned, stepping back to exam the large, purple bruise that had bloomed across her stomach. "What happened here?" He asked, face awash with concern now.
"Oh, that? It's nothing, an Orc kicked me when I fell. It was a cheap shot but it's dead now. Karma and all that." She explained. "Shall we continue? I believe you were telling me how motivated you were?"
"And the stitches are a result of another Orc injury?" Kate sighed, settling back down against the table. I guess we are done with all that now. She thought wryly, comforting placing her hand on his arm.
"Yea, but you knew about this one, when I came in with Bergil. Elaron stitched them for me." Legolas made a derisive face, his hands still lightly touching her bruised body.
"Why Elaron? I was under the impression she was still under Nestaron's apprenticeship."
"She is, but Nestaron wasn't available and I couldn't keep bleeding everywhere. That's not very sanitary." She shrugged, turning to inspect the stitches herself. "They really aren't bad, quite good actually, all things considering."
"Nestaron would have done a finer job. This one is not in line with the rest, it pulls and causes you pain. She should not do it if she cannot do it right. I should speak to Nestaron."
"Oh, you'll do no such thing." Kate gently argued, reaching her hands up to touch his face. "All of them pull and it wouldn't be any different if Nestaron did them or Elaron. But, since he was removing an eye from someone and was unavailable for consultation, Elaron graciously offered to help. It was kind of her and good practice for her too. How will she learn if she doesn't practice? But she did a good job, see? Look at these few stitches right here, those are freaking perfect."
"I would prefer if you were not used as practice for his pupils. It will scar."
"Well, then my years in Medical School would have been really tough on you. I consented and she did a fine job, you're just being stubborn but you have no reason to worry. Besides, what's one more scar too me? I've got quite a few now, if you hadn't noticed."
"I have noticed." He retorted testily, letting out a frustrating sigh as his eyes lighted across each scratch and scar, bruises in various stages of healing scattered across her face and torso and those were only the injuries he could see now! He didn't want to think about the injury on her thigh and that long scratches that rode up her legs from the claws of a particularly cruel Orc. That might also scar. "You are becoming an amasser of injuries."
"But still very much alive." She insisted, her green eyes boring into his. "Legolas…I'm ok. They will heal. Human bodies take time to heal, you know this."
"I do." He agreed, his face retreating back to its usual impassive expression. "I forget how delicate humans are."
"I'm definitely not delicate. I am tough, very tough." She teased, hoping to prompt a smile but when his face remains unchanged she frowned. "Hey, don't do that. Don't pull back, come, tell me what's on your mind." She gently implored, pulling him over to the bed to rest. As soon as he sat the full range of his emotions were in display across his face, either too tired to keep up the façade or unwilling to shut her out. Kate ran fingers along his furrowed brow, back down to rest on his face. She wished she could allay his fears and worries but if they were wrought out of his desire to protect her than there was little she could do except for reassure him. She waited for him to speak as he thought carefully on how to say what he wanted to say.
"I have often wondered," He started simply, though it looked as if the thought pained him to speak it. "if you want not be happier in your own world. From what you have told me, you would not face these dangers in your own land…you would not be so wounded if you had accepted The Lady's offer to return home."
"I see…" Kate breathed. "Well…I did tell you to share…"
"I would not want to hurt you in saying it, or have you misunderstand my meaning." Kate gave him a chaste kiss.
"I understand what you mean. Don't think you can't tell me your heart because your worried over my feelings." She said softly. "But I can promise you…if I had agreed to go home…If I had left you and Aragorn, and the rest of the fellowship-Well I think that would have been a wounding I wouldn't recover from."
"You say this because you do not know of the dangers we may yet face."
"No, I don't and neither do you." She insisted. "But that can't be it. Worrying over the future is more my job. What is really bothering you." Legolas smiled softly at her insight, though it did not reach his eyes.
"It is nothing, only a lover's concern. You are right, perhaps I am just tired."
"Legolas-"
"Let us not speak of such things. I should go and allow you to rest, there is much to prepare for tomorrow." Kate's lips thinned at the change of subject, eyes narrowed, but decided against pressing further. She took the bait.
"Why? What is tomorrow?"
"We ride to Isengard, along with Eomer. Gandalf wishes to speak with Saruman if he is able."
"Gandalf wants to speak with Saruman?"
"It is as he says. We leave early in the morning, and in our absence Eowyn will ready the others to make the journey back to Rohan after they have looked after their own dead."
"Hmm…I guess Nestaron will go back to Lothlorien then?" Kate thought sadly.
"He will accompany you all back to Rohan too see that the wounded are settled. That is what he told me."
"You don't believe him?"
"I …believe he has an ulterior purpose now, as that was not his original plan. He does not intend to return to Lothlorien, rather he believes he is needed in Greenwood to aid my father."
"And that would be so bad?"
"I suspect he looks for information to share with my father." He said, exhaling loudly and Kate barely missed the slight roll of his eyes.
"Well, that makes sense. From what he told me he considers your father a dear friend, and it is only natural that your dad would want to hear news of his only son. I'm sure he worries."
"You do not know my father." Legolas intoned, falling back to lie on the bed, eyes closed but the stress he felt was plainly obvious.
"You don't think he would be worried about you?" Kate asked gently. Of the many conversations and stories Legolas had shared with her about his life and home, his father was always a delicate subject. Questions about him were typically met with a rehearsed answer, or curt explanation and then the subject was quickly changed. Kate did her best to approach this gently.
"No, I do not doubt his love for me…but it was not his desire that I join the fellowship." He explained, reaching up to take a lock of her hair and twirling it around his fingers. "There have been many things I have done lately that have been contrary to his desires." He added quietly, and Kate didn't have to guess at his meaning.
Me.
Kate nodded, laying her head against his chest as Legolas continued to run his fingers through her hair.
"Got your life all planned out now, does he?" She asked lightly, feeling his chest vibrate as he irritably hummed in agreement.
"He has very decided opinions on the path my life should take."
"That can be frustrating." Kate sympathized, closing her eyes as his arms wrapped around her, his chin resting against her head.
"It is done out of love." He replied, though his answer sounded too rehearsed, something he must have said to himself thousands of times.
"It is." She agreed. "But frustrating nevertheless. Nestaron is his friend though, and he really cares about you…even if your father is upset with you he'll still want to know if you're ok. If it were my child I would want to know every detail about them."
"There are some details I would like to keep to myself for the time being." He said, the edge returning to his voice. "I would not wish to go to war in the morning and return in the evening to an influx of letters from my father all telling me that he believes my actions are foolish. As if him simply willing so will change my heart."
"You talk as if you already know how he will react."
"Because I do know. My father is…a difficult man…unyielding and intemperate."
"But Nestaron says he is also said he was loyal and benevolent, that he is a good king."
"He is a good king."
"And he is all of these extremes, all at once?"
"At last, now you are beginning to understand my father a bit more." Kate snorted in response to his jest, knowing she didn't understand, not in the slightest measure.
"Nestaron also says he would find me disagreeable." She added, to which Legolas barked out a laugh.
"Perhaps that is why I desire to keep you to myself for a moment longer, to avoid a confrontation between the two of you."
"I'm not going to argue with your dad, Legolas! I wouldn't do that." Kate defended, turning to give him a hard stare.
"No, most would not readily engage in an argument with my father, save for myself and my mother. However, I have no doubt he would lure you into one if only to call attention to your weaknesses. All the better for him if it was done in a public forum so that our people would share in his dissenting opinion of any union between us. He takes great enjoyment from inciting an argument for the express purpose in proving the other incompetent." Legolas spoke bitterly, his muscles tensing as his frustration grew. Kate's heart softened as she watched the torrent of emotions dart across his usually guarded face.
Kate wasn't a fool, she had already assumed King Thranduil would not be thrilled about his son being with a human woman…but she had thought at some point, he would come around at some point. Clearly, she would need to reevaluate.
"Well," Kate soothed, laying her head once again upon his chest, her hand coming to rest there. "I'm obviously no expert on fatherly relations so far be it from me to advise you on your relationship with him."
"Quite a match we make." Legolas interrupted, his body relaxing as he smiled in amusement.
"Aren't we just? But, I can tell you that it isn't worth getting upset about just yet. Your concerns are valid, don't get me wrong…but he doesn't know yet, and he hasn't given any opinion yet. Don't upset yourself over something that hasn't happened. Whatever his faults and whatever has passed between the two of you…he does love you, and you love him. Perhaps he will surprise you."
"Oh, how I envy the optimism of youth!" He teased, leading her to believe that he would not at all be surprised by Thranduil's reaction.
"Oh, ha ha." Kate sarcastically said, lightly slapping her hand against his chest. "I know you think I'm being naïve but I'm serious. People change, so can Elves."
"I am sure you are serious. Another reason why I wish to delay an inevitable meeting between the two of you." Kate rolled her eyes. While his tone was light and playful Kate was sure there was a lot more truth to them then he cared to let on.
"Well, either way, I have said my piece." She said rolling over to her back and stretching her arm and back, grunting in pain as her sore muscles and stitches announced their displeasure in her movement. "Do with my sage advice what you will."
"You honor me with such a gift."
"Well you are a prince, only the best for you."
"Too kind of you." Legolas laughed, allowed taking her hand and bringing into his lips. "Thank you, though…it is not often I am able to speak of such delicate matters without guarding my tongue."
"Of course, always." She said softly, then her eyes narrowed and her mouth quirked in wicked glee. "You never have to guard your tongue with me."
"If anyone but I heard you make such claims they would be scandalized." Legolas laughed, moving to oblige her in delivering just what she had asked for. "Are you always so amorous in your exhaustion?"
"As they should be, cus those claims are for your ears only." She replied as he broke away, resting his forehead against hers. "And no, it is a recent development."
"I, for one, make no complaints."
"It would be very confusing for me if you did." She quipped. With another laugh Legolas pulled away, resisting his desire to show her just how unguarded he could be.
"Sleep now, Kate. You are in need of rest, above all else this moment."
"So are you. You know I meant what I said, you can sleep here. Only sleep, I won't try to seduce you."
"You would not have to try very hard." Legolas chuckled. "But should Aragorn hear of such an arrangement he would not approve. I would not risk offending him and your honor all in one night." Kate snorted.
"I happen to know that Aragorn and Arwen have spent many nights together in Rivendell, if I remember correctly."
"Their situation is quite different than ours."
"Fine." She relented, sitting up. "But could you wake me in the morning. I am going to Isengard too, I have my own questions for Saruman."
"Kate." Legolas started, suddenly quite serious.
"I wouldn't ask if I did not have real questions that needed answering. I need to go." She insisted. Legolas pursed his lips but he offered no more refusal in the matter, it was not him she would have to convince and he was far too tired. When it came to Kate, it was best to pick his battles. Besides, if Gandalf was against the idea even her iron will could not change his resolve. "I will wake you then. Sleep." He promised planting a kiss upon her forehead.
"Stay, sleep here."
"It would not be proper."
"You know you don't care about propriety and neither do I."
"No, and yet perhaps we should lend a care for now." He said smiling. "I would not have unfounded gossip and other's assumptions about you reach my father's ears before he had a chance to meet you." At that, Kate felt her cheeks warm considerably, suddenly understanding his meaning. Admittedly her thoughts had not led her to that potential outcome.
Fair point. That would not be a good look.
"Well, that was handled very diplomatically. Well done, very princely of you."
"It is, in equal parts, a great honor and grievous impediment." He laughed. "Are you sure you do not need assistance with your bandages."
"I think I can manage." Kate insisted, still feeling the flush on her cheeks. "Go and sleep. Wake me in the morning." She added, kissing him again as he moved toward the door.
"If I myself cannot then I will have someone wake you."
"Last chance to dispense with propriety and give in to reckless abandon." Kate teased dramatically, knowing full well his answer would not change.
"A convincing argument to be sure." He teased, and pulled her into and embrace, his lips meeting her with such tenderness and love that Kate could hardly process its intensity. She pulled back, gazing into his eyes, fearing that if she kissed him any longer he would steal the very breath from her lungs…and should he ask she would give it to him. "There will come a day, when we will no longer have to refuse each other…but until then…goodnight."
"There, there horsey." Kate said, patting the mare's neck awkwardly as they picked their way through Fangorn Forrest. The russet colored mare was obviously in the same opinion as Kate was about this Forrest; and that was that they were more than ready to be out of it!
Legolas, however, was in his element! For all the negative memories Fangorn Forest brought up for Kate, seeing his face light up and listening to him talk about the beauty of it gave her some small measure of appreciation for it. Not enough to make her want to linger, so when she saw the light up ahead her heart fluttered excitedly.
She sat straighter on the horse, her eyes eagerly seeking out the end of their journey, but for her poor eyesight she could not see the end clearly enough. With a sigh, she sank deeper into the saddle, turning her attention back to the conversation Legolas and Gimli were having about the Glittering Caves versus Fangorn, laughing her and there as each of them made playful jabs at the other.
It's good they are friends…this will be a good thing, for Elves and Dwarves, I think.
Onward they continued, semi file, but every so often Kate would feel Gandalf's eyes upon her hand. He had noted the absent ring before they departed but he said nothing, only raising a white eyebrow in appraisal.
He knows. She had thought at the time, a growing worry blooming in the pit of her stomach. Even now, every time she felt his discerning eyes upon her the warning in her mind whispered, he knows. She had nothing to worry over, it was Gandalf after all! Why did she worry? Was it simply guilt?
She hadn't told him, not about Kedron or any of the events that had transpired but somehow, he knew. Kate wasn't sure if it was some wizard sixth sense or if he could simply see it, like Kedron had when he called her bluff. That thought bothered her, knowing she could be so transparent and it made her wonder how many others could sense it about her. Was it so obvious, marking her like a scarlet letter?
Regardless, Gandalf had agreed to her going with minimal effort on her part. Gandalf had not told her his reasons for allowing her to join and Kate had not told him her reasons for asking. Both of them, were well aware of the fact that the other was leaving out crucial details, but neither he nor Kate was willing to offer up more information than absolutely necessary at this present moment.
But she would tell him, she resolved.
She had to.
She would.
Eventually as the sun rose higher overhead, the trees began to open up and Kate smelled something oddly family wafting through the rubble that was Isengard.
"Is that pipe weed?" She muttered to herself urging her horse forward to keep up with Aragorn. No sooner had she spoken the words aloud had a hearty laugh rang out.
"Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!" Declared none other than Merry, standing unsteady atop the ruined wall.
"Hello!" Kate shouted in glee! It had been so long since she had seen them and now here they were, all in one piece and looking right as rain! And drunk…they looked drunk, but perhaps she was wrong.
"Kate!" Shouted Pippin, laughing as he took another hit. "Fancy seeing you here in a place like this!"
"I could say the same of you! But I am happy for it!"
"You young rascals!" Gimli growled from behind Legolas. "A merry hunt you've led us on and now we find you, feasting and-and smoking!"
Aragorn laughed from beside Kate and Pippin defended himself.
"We are sitting, on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good!"
"Salted pork?"
"Oh, I've missed you two." Kate laughed.
"We're under orders from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard." Merry explained further.
"And where might Treebeard be?" Gandalf asked impatiently.
"Standing guard. Saruman hasn't left the tower since the battle, but Treebeard is there to encourage him to stay." He replied.
The hobbits scrambled down the wall, grabbing a piece of the salted pork for Gimli as a peace offering.
"It's good to see you Kate! We tried to go back and look for you, but we could not find you…we feared the Orcs had gotten you!" Merry cried happily, twisted around to face her from atop Eomer's horse.
"Nope, very un-got, thankfully! I tried to look for you too, the whole night practically, but Gandalf told me you were safe and not to worry. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to lose you I was only trying to give you a chance to get away."
"We know." Pippin added. "Think nothing of it."
"You'll have to tell me all about it once we get back to Rohan." Kate explained as they waded the horses into the murky water that pooled around Isengard. "What happened here?"
"What? You don't like our water feature? We rather thought it added something special to the space. Makes it feel bigger. It was an intentional design choice." Merry quipped.
"Absolutely, there is a depth to it now that was sorely lacking in the original layout. It is sure to make waves in the landscaping community." Pippin chimed in. Kate rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing as she surveyed the area around her.
So, this is Isengard? She thought as she navigated the horse around various bits of debris that floated in the water. She had to admit, she was expecting a lot more and frankly- Kate's eyes suddenly caught sight of a moving figure in front of her that she couldn't quite believe. After narrowing and rubbing her eyes, shaking her head and craning her neck the figure remained unchanged, standing before her. A big tree. A walking, talking tree, welcoming Gandalf.
Well, what do you know, I really can still be surprised in Middle Earth.
"Hmm, young master Gandalf!" He grumbled, his booming voice shaking the very timbers that served as his limbs. Kate assumed this must be Treebeard. "I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there is a wizard to manage here locked in his tower."
"Show yourself." Aragorn whispered in disdain.
"Be careful." Gandalf warned. "Even in defeat Saruman is dangerous."
"Well let's just have his head and be done with it."
"No. We need him alive. We need him to talk." Gandalf said, with a pointed yet comforting look to Kate. It was silent for a moment as they all pondered this and Kate mentally organized the questions she would ask Saruman.
Would they do the questioning here, or inside? Would they spend time negotiating? What really did Saruman have to negotiate? What would she ask first?
Suddenly a voice, soft as velvet called out from atop the tower. Up, up, up Kate looked for the possessor of that sickeningly sweet voice spoke until she finally laid eyes on Saruman The White, a name that had driven fear into her heart since she had come to this world.
"You have fought many wars and slain many men, Théoden King, and made peace afterwards. Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?"
However, honeyed his words were, Kate felt there was not truth in them. He could not want peace after all he had done!
"We shall have peace." Théoden began, and Kate's head jerked back in surprise. Her eyes met Eomer's , who's face betrayed none of the confusion she felt in that moment. "We shall have peace when you answer for the burning of the Westfold and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace when the lives of the soldiers whose bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg are avenged! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows we shall have peace!"
There now! That is more like it, King Théoden! All hail the king. Kate thought with an affirmative shake of her head, the rest of the small party seemed on board with that suggestion. However, Saruman, enraged by Théoden's refusal to bow so easily, quickly changed gears.
"Gibbets and crows! Dotard!" The sorcerer spat, "What do you want Gandalf Greyhame? Let me guess. The Key of Orthanc. Or perhaps the Keys of Barad-dur itself, along with the crowns of The Seven Kings and the rods of The Five Wizards!"
"Your treachery has already cost many lives. Thousands more are now at risk but you could save them, Saruman! You were deep in the enemy's counsel!" Gandalf tried to reason.
"So, you have come here for information. I have some for you." He said, almost delighted at the notions but his words still dripped with venom.
Kate couldn't make out what he was holding, a stone of some kind…but she could feel it. She felt its energy shoot through the air like buckshot, smattering against her skin in much the same fashion and once again Kate mentally cursed Kedron for taking her ring. Without it she felt so vulnerable and exposed.
"Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see, but the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You are all going to die. But you know this don't you, Gandalf? It is why you've kept your traveler in this world for so long, is it not? In vain you have kept her here in the hopes that she would change things when you fail." Kate's blood ran cold at her mention, and suddenly sat up straighter in her saddle, hoping to give the appearance of bravery. "Fool! I have learned much about this child you think so highly of! She is as useless as a newborn babe, she can never claim any mastery over her skills to be of any use to you now, not when your defeat draws nearer by the hour! She is a waste of her bloodline and no more a Traveler than her kin is a King!" Saruman sneered.
"Gandalf what is he talking about?" Kate whispered fiercely to the wizard, but if he had heard her or not, he gave no indication and Saruman quickly moved over to berate another, continuing on with his oration.
"You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor? This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king! Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those closest to him, those he professes to love. Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the Halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death."
Kate's nostrils flared in barely suppressed rage, and she stared down at her white knuckled grip on the reins, afraid that if she made eye contact with anyone she would scream or cry. No in between.
She felt completely blindsided by this onslaught of information and the attack on her uncle. She felt her cheeks burn in humiliation, her chest heaving as she processed everything that had been said. Saruman wasn't wrong…if this Traveler business was a real thing she was definitely a disappointment there would be no arguing that but calling her a waste of her bloodline? That part stung.
Angrily Kate wondered if she would have Kedron to thank for Saruman's insider information. He had said he had dissuaded Saruman from any further interest, and paid a hefty price…and while she didn't know what price her paid she could only assume that he absolutely told Saruman about her disappointing lack of skill. There might have been wisdom in it, for it was effective in steering Saruman's interest in her away. Kate would see that one day but for now, as she sat glowering atop her horse, she could have throttled him for allowing her to be so publicly embarrassed.
And what of Frodo? Was it true…would he die out there? Before or after he had destroyed the ring? She knew Gandalf cared for Frodo, deeply, but she had to admit Saruman's words did exactly what they were meant to; he had used just enough truth, the very thing they had all believed of themselves, and used it to sow the seed of doubt. For if Saruman could get them to doubt Gandalf, to doubt his love and wisdom, then perhaps they would think twice about following him. And if they couldn't trust Gandalf who could they trust? Their allegiance would falter and their purpose divided making it all the easier for Sauron to claim his victory…all this for a few choice words from Saruman
Kate furiously blinked back hot tears and raised her head up.
She would not give in. She refused to believe such lies! She would not let this vile wizard atop his lonely tower dictate how she felt.
"I've heard enough!" Gimli grumbled to Legolas, being one of the few who had just been verbally assaulted and thus clearly able to see through to Saruman's intentions. "Shoot him. Stick an arrow in his gob."
Legolas moved to oblige but Gandalf stayed his hand.
"No! Come down, Saruman, and your life will be spared."
"Save your pity and your mercy, I have no use for it!" Saruman yelled, and before the words reached her ears an explosion of fire rained down, engulfing Gandalf in its scorching flame.
It had happened so quickly no one had time to move out of the way, or scream in shock. Kate's horse rolled its head back as the heat of the flame passed over them but it had more or less stood its ground. Just as quickly as the flame had engulfed him it burned up, dissipating into nothing and leaving Gandalf unscathed.
Good horse. Apple for you. Kate thought, watching in absolute astonishment as Gandalf straightened, the timbre of his voice sounding far more commanding than his previous pleading tone. Well, he did try to reason with him.
"Saruman… you staff is broken!" He declared, and with a flash of light and crack of thunder Saruman's staff splintered in his very hands, the pieces of it crashing into the water only moments later.
"You mean to tell me that is all there was to it?" Kate muttered under her breath to no one in particular and only Gimli grunted in speechless agreement.
A huddled figure walked out, looking over the ledge, swathed in black and for the briefest moment, at that distance, Kate couldn't help but wonder if it was-but no, of course not.
"Grima, you need not follow him." Théoden called encouragingly to his old advisor and a lightbulb went off in her mind. So, this is what became of Grima Wormtongue? "You were not always as you are now. You were once a Man of Rohan. Come down." Kate wondered what Grima could have been like, before his mind was swayed by such evil, and despite her disgust for the contemptable man she also began to feel pity.
"A Man of Rohan? What is the house of Rohan but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek and their brats roll on the floor with the dogs? The victory at Helm's Deep does not belong to you, Théoden Horse-master! You are a lesser son of greater sires." Kate watched as Saruman slung insults at the King of Rohan, watched his head sink under the weight of them. And then she watched in surprised as Théoden responded with a plea to Grima, to be free of Saruman.
After all, Grima had done to him, and after receiving an insult that would bruise anyone's pride, Théoden's following words were a plea to a fellow countryman rather than another useless insult.
Now that is a King. Kate thought with pride. So, caught up in her newfound respect for Rohan's leader she missed the scuffle between Saruman and Grima.
"Saruman!" Gandalf called, distracting him from further assaulting the man. "You were deep in the enemy's counsel. Tell us what you know!"
"You withdraw your guard," Saruman relented "and I will tell you where your doom will be decided. I will not be held prisoner here! I-Oh!"
And then suddenly Grima was behind Saruman, and Legolas's bow sang as he let loose an arrow so fast she hardly had time to realize what had happened. But as Saruman's body tumbled down, and landed with a sickening thud atop the sharpened wheel of his mill it became clear. The hobbits gasps in shock and Kates's eyes shot to Gandalf.
Well, I suppose I won't be asking any question now! But I guess we weren't really getting anywhere to begin with. She thought dejectedly, and at this point she wasn't even sure she wanted to ask him anything. Saruman's death was the better outcome for everyone.
"Send word to our allies and to every corner of Middle-earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike." Gandalf ordered just as the wheel creaked, burying Saruman in the water below.
"Pippin!" Aragorn called has the hobbit wadded through the water, clearly on a mission.
"Oh, that …that cannot be sanitary. Don't do that, Pip." Kate chastised, her nose wrinkling in disgust as she glanced at the gray water beneath her.
"Bless my bark!" Treebeard exclaimed as the item Pippin retrieved came in to view. He held it up higher to examine it and Kate cringed, recognizing it by the energy it shot out in slapdash sprays. The drops of water sliding over it only served to refract that energy, scattering each photon into a million pieces, falling harmlessly onto the others or fizzling into the water. Kate flinched as a few landed on her hands, her legs, her hair. It felt like sparks and burned like them too! She yanked her cloak up over her head, pulling the fabric around her in an effort to shield herself. The others might have been oblivious to it, but she was not!
"Peregrin Took! I'll take that, my lad. Quickly now!" Gandalf ordered, taking the offending object that was more or less a polished stone to Kate's eyes, not that she was really looking, and tucked it away under the layered fabric of his cloak. When it was finally concealed and the energy had fizzled out Kate let out a relieved sigh, ignoring the quizzical gaze she received from everyone but Gandalf.
"Looked like rain." Kate offered in way of explanation. Eomer made an obvious display of looking at the sunny and very cloudless sky, smirking at her observable lie.
"We will return to Rohan with all haste! Summon a council meeting and make preparations." Théoden declared and after fare-welling Treebeard the company turned, heading back the way they came, this time with two additional hobbits.
"I think, you and I should have a council meeting of our own, wouldn't you agree?" Gandalf said quietly to Kate with a wink and a tap to her ring empty ring finger. Kate bite her lip nervously but nodded in agreement. Might as well get it over with.
"I was waiting for you to bring that up."
"Oh, were you? Should I have taken your silence for eagerness instead of guilt?" He asked, leveling her with the full intensity of his gaze, though his piercing blue eyes danced in satisfaction and good humor despite the seriousness of the situation.
Kate could say nothing in refute, he had her there. She turned her eyes away, focusing on the tree line instead. This was not the anticipated reaction she expected to get from the wizard.
"You seem…not as angry and I thought you would be."
"Well I might be, if I had been surprised at all by your actions. But no, my dear Kate, you are quite predictable, and you reacted just as I knew you would. I told you not to explore your power, despite your insistence they were not real, and I anticipated that you would behave just as I thought you would; by directly defying my request.."
Kate bristled under the weight of his words, irritated that she was unmistakably far more transparent that she had hoped.
"I didn't try to defy you, it wasn't done in rebellion." Kate defended. "You make it sound like I'm some petulant teenager you have to use reverse psychology on."
"No, no, I know it was not your intention. For all your shortcomings, Kate Mackenzie, you are well meaning."
"Um…thank you?"
"It might not have been your intention, but you have a curious mind and a strong will…and life does not often happen the way we intended, does it? "
"No." Kate agreed, her voice even. "But I still haven't told you everything yet."
"Well then I suppose there is still time for me to be as angry as you had expected." He retorted, his manner still light and unbothered. "Hurry along then, we will have our discussion when we within the wall of Edoras and away from prying ears."
A/N: Like it? Love it? Want some more of it? Review! And as always, my most sincere and heartfelt appreciations to those who continue to review (you know who you are), those who leave new reviews and those who have liked and favorited this story. It means a lot that you all enjoy reading it and much as I enjoy writing it