Mysterious Fate
By Cormak
Disclaimer: The original characters from Lord of the Rings belong to their respective owners. New characters belong to me, especially Kaitlyn. This story was written for fan enjoyment and not profit.
Reviews are always welcome. I especially like constructive criticism. Flames are not welcome and will be ignored. Any additional author's notes may be found at the end of each chapter I post.
Special thanks to my beta Scattered Logic for listening to ideas and helping me to figure out where this story was going.
AN: My apologies dear readers for the delay in posting this chapter. Real life sometimes takes hold and doesn't want to let go! But here is chapter 10! My apologies for not having time to answer reviews. Thank you all for your reviews on ff.net or by e-mail!
Chapter 10: Troubled Souls
Aragorn was surprised to find that Kaitlyn was gone when he awakened the following morning. It was a dark dismal morning and rain threatened to fall at any moment.
"Has no one seen her? How could she have just disappeared?" He glanced at Legolas. " U-dirnech he?" You saw her not?
Legolas shook his head. "I saw her not."
"Able to escape without being noticed by an elf. Hmmph. I always thought that she was a witch," Boromir spat crossing his arms over his chest.
Frodo and Sam shot him a look. "Surely she could not have gone far?" The dark haired hobbit asked. While he and Kaitlyn were not very friendly, he did not wish her to find an ill fate.
"Someone must have seen her. The other elves perhaps?" Merry suggested.
"We could ask Haldir. He is the protector of these woods." Legolas said. The fair elf straightened suddenly his head turning to look to his left.
Aragorn turned in the same directions and several moments later he heard the sound of someone treading over damp leaves, followed by the sound of light laughter.
The Ranger was surprised to find Haldir escorting Kaitlyn back to the camp. The two were smiling brightly, their faces rosy from their merriment.
Aragorn rushed up to them immediately and bowed quickly in customary Elvish greeting.
"Mae govannen, Haldir. Harthon he u-geritha drasto." Well met, Haldir. I hope she did not cause trouble." As upset as Aragorn sounded he was as equally relieved.
Haldir smiled warmly, sensing the Ranger's concern. "Nay, he u-geritha drasto." No, she did not cause trouble.
"I wasn't any trouble, if that's what you're asking," Kaitlyn said putting her hands on her hips glaring at Aragorn in mock arrogance.
Haldir laughed lightly at the display. "I found her running alone on the borders of the wood. I did not want her stray too far."
"What were you doing at the border of the wood?" Aragorn asked. He sounded upset and angry.
"Running," she said nonchalantly and she shrugged. What the hell was the big deal?
"Why were you running alone?" Aragorn asked.
"I woke up early and couldn't sleep so I didn't think there was any harm in getting a head start to the day."
Legolas frowned, wondering if the mortal woman's early morning had occurred because she had been plagued with more nightmares.
"Le hannon." Aragorn bid Haldir. Thank you.
"She was honestly no trouble, Aragorn. She took a wrong turn on her path. I am glad I happened to be at the correct place at the correct time."
The fair elf smiled warmly remembering how he found the mortal woman running and singing in a dreadful voice as she went. He had startled her when he found her and he had wondered if she was going to bolt into the woods like a scared animal. Their first encounter had been awkward back at the camp. But he was pleasantly surprised that their walk back to the Fellowship's camp had been enjoyable.
Kaitlyn smiled at Haldir. "Yes, Haldir was very kind to escort me back," she told her companions and she surprised them all with how comfortable she appeared to be in the March Warden's presence. "The trees all start to look the same after a while," she laughed.
Haldir bowed. "Should you ever desire a tour of the wood, hiril nîn. I would be more than happy to escort you." my lady
"Thank you. I'll remember that."
"I have duties to attend," Haldir announced. "Navaer." Farewell. Haldir bowed and after acknowledging the bows from Aragorn, Kaitlyn and Legolas, he left the camp.
"You are lucky that the elf found you. On the borders of the wood!" Gimli started.
Kaitlyn frowned. "It was an accident. I took a wrong turn. I didn't know where I was. I'm sorry if I worried anyone."
"There are orcs and other foul creatures out in the world beyond these woods. You would do well to remember that!" Aragorn told her harshly.
Kaitlyn bowed her head. "I'm sorry."
"If you are sorry-"
Aragorn's words began to slur and fade and Kaitlyn began to feel odd as if something was trying to pull at her attention. A deep voice chanted in a language she did not know. She turned to see that Frodo and Sam were listening to the conversation. The ring still hanged from Frodo's neck. It rested on the soft white fabric of his shirt. Kaitlyn shuddered at the sight of it. In the darkness of the overcast day it seemed to glow unnaturally. Her eyes met Frodo's and the hobbit immediately tucked the ring into the collar of his shirt, hiding it from her view.
The voice chanted louder in her head.
"Kaitlyn?" Aragorn's concerned voice brought her back to reality and the deep voice retreated.
She let out a hurried breath, her eyes wide. Everyone in the group was looking at her.
She realized what had just happened and she couldn't face the Fellowship. She quickly went to her tent, retrieved her sword and started to leave the camp.
"You know where to find me," she said quickly to Aragorn.
"Wha-where?" Gimli started, but she didn't even acknowledge him as she strode out of view.
Gimli turned to Aragorn. "You are going to let her leave after what just happened?" Gimli asked.
"She will not wander far. She needed some distance," Aragorn said. He gazed at Legolas and the Mirkwood Elf seemed to be thinking similar thoughts. They had not missed what had happened in the moments before her sudden departure.
Kaitlyn practiced swinging her sword around in the motions of an attack and a block. Wielding a sword felt particularly comforting today.
She knew that her attention had been drawn to the ring again and it disturbed her. She frowned remembering what Aragorn had told her about it. She didn't want anything to do with it and yet it captivated her. She needed to remember about what was important in her life and she could fight the ring. She sighed deeply.
What a day this was turning out to be. She had gotten lost during her run, Aragorn was upset with her and the ring had fought and won her attention.
She sighed again and slowed her movements so she wouldn't strain something.
She hated it when she and Aragorn were at odds. She liked Aragorn and respected him. Although she found him attractive in a rugged way she thought of him more as the brother she never had than a possible love interest.
She snorted at that. She certainly wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with any of the men in the Fellowship or anyone on Middle Earth for that matter. She just wanted to find a way home. She had been sent to this place and even though Gandalf had believed she would die here, she thought differently. If she could find a way home she would.
She watched as a group of elves walked by a short distance away. They were dressed in flowing robes and they carried lanterns with them. They bowed their heads to her and she bowed in greeting. She watched as they continued on their way. The elves no longer frightened her and now they intrigued her. She was interested in living things which is why she had taken up Biology. The elves were incredible beings. Beautiful, graceful, they had superior senses and they were immortal. They were unlike anything she had ever known.
The elves that walked by in the distance were all fair like Legolas and Haldir. Her thoughts turned to the March Warden of Lothlorien. Haldir had been very pleasant and friendly to deal with. While she had felt uncomfortable around him when he had first found her, she felt the tension slip away as they walked and spoke. Once she had spent some time with him, the serious mask he wore fell away to reveal a light-hearted individual. Haldir reminded her of her father, who had a tough exterior but was loving and gentle on the inside.
"Best not to think of home or Papa." She thought to herself. She didn't want to add breaking down on her list for the day.
She spun to try an attack formation and her eyes widened when a sword clashed against hers.
She was expecting Aragorn and was surprised to find Boromir's sword being held against hers. She moved away with an exasperated sigh.
"What do you want?" Her eyes narrowed.
"I merely wish to test your skills? Is that so wrong?"
"Test my skills?" she echoed.
"Aye. You and Aragorn disappear for over an hour everyday. Surely he has taught you something. Show me what you have learned, oh mighty warrior," he laughed.
He saluted her with his sword and she frowned at the way he was taunting her.
"Or are you too afraid?" he baited.
"I'm not afraid," she shot back. "Least of all of you." She saluted in return, her anger pushing away the part of her mind that told her that dueling with Boromir might not be a good idea.
Their swords clashed and what started off as a simple test of skill became much more. Boromir drove her viciously and he gave no sign of letting up. He was much stronger than her and she felt herself tiring easily. There was a strange look in his eyes and it frightened her. She had seen a look like that once before and it had not led to good times.
"I want…to stop…" she said breathlessly when she felt herself weakening.
Boromir did not relent. If anything the man pushed harder. He was very skilled with a blade and it was a miracle that a novice such as herself had kept up with him this long.
"Boromir! Please…stop!" she pleaded.
"It is mine," he growled.
Kaitlyn's eyes widened at his tone and words. She was about to ask what he was talking about when he brought his sword down hard and the force disarmed her. Her sword went clattering to the ground leaving her completely defenseless.
Boromir's sword continued to fall and a sharp pain struck Kaitlyn causing her to cry out. She looked down at her left hand and saw that her palm had been sliced open. Blood was gushing from the wound.
Boromir let out a hurried breath, his eyes wide. What had he done?
"I am sorry, I did not mean-" He started toward her.
Her eyes grew wide and she stumbled as she stepped back. "No! Get away!" she cried, her voice sounding broken. She kept backing up and he kept advancing. She was trembling, fear evident in her eyes and her stance.
Boromir kept advancing and stopped only when an arrow whizzed directly in front of him and buried itself into a nearby tree. He glanced at the arrow, the feathered end still vibrating from the sheer force of being released. He recognized the arrow and was not surprised to see Legolas along the tree line. Gimli was standing beside him, ax raised.
Boromir swallowed and looked at the arrow again. It had come dangerously close to hitting him. He knew that had been Legolas' intention. The arrow had been a warning. If the elf had wanted him dead he would not be standing.
"It was an accident…we…I…" Boromir tried but the words did not fall properly from his lips.
Boromir looked down at his sword and realized the side was stained with blood. His hand trembled and he dropped his sword on the ground, realizing with horror what he had done.
"Are you all right, lassie?" Gimli asked. He jogged to Kaitlyn's side, ax in hand.
Legolas stood at the tree line, his bow loaded with a fresh arrow in his hands. The elf's pale blue eyes had not left Boromir's form. The elf tracked the man as if he were an orc, dangerous and unpredictable.
"My hand is bleeding," Kaitlyn said simply. She was trembling badly.
"I did not mean to do it," Boromir said to no on in particular, shaking his head back and forth. He looked confused and frightened.
"You best go back to camp, lad," Gimli told the man. "You have done enough here."
Boromir nodded, his mouth too dry to respond. He retrieved his sword and due to the shaking of his hands it took him several attempts to sheath it in its scabbard. His legs shook as he walked away. The woman's hand was gushing with blood and it was his fault even though he didn't know how it had happened. He could feel Legolas watching his every step with a loaded bow.
Boromir began to breath heavily wondering how on Middle Earth this could have happened. With a cry of anguish he rushed from the scene.
Gimli frowned as he watched the man go, but he let his thoughts lie. He turned to Kaitlyn. "Let me have a look."
Kaitlyn winced as she attempted to open her hand to show Gimli. The motion of moving her fingers opened the wound and caused her great pain. She closed her fingers quickly, the blood dripping down the side of her hand and wrist.
"I am sorry, lassie. I did not mean to cause you more pain," Gimli told her.
Legolas rushed over to them now that Boromir had gone, bow still in hand but the arrow put away into its quiver. "It appeared as if he meant to strike you down."
"I…I don't know what happened. I didn't do anything. He wanted to see my skills and the next thing I knew he had knocked the sword out of my hand and…" she swallowed and looked down at her hand. Her lower lip trembled uncontrollably and she felt dizzy as she watched the blood dripping. She suddenly felt queasy as a feeling of déjà vu crept over her like the harsh icy wind of winter. A wind that seemed to numb her soul.
"Your hand needs to be treated," Legolas told her. He reached for the hem of his tunic and without a second thought, ripped a strip from the beautiful fabric. He gently took her hand into his. "This will have to do until we reach camp."
She winced as he gently pried her fingers open to wrap her palm. She gritted her teeth to withstand the pain as he wrapped the wound several times over.
He frowned at how badly she was trembling. She was no doubt frightened, but the intensity of her fear alarmed him. He tied the ends of the fabric carefully to avoid harming her any further.
"Forgive me," he whispered softly.
"Let us go back to camp," Gimli said from where he stood, leaning on his ax. "So that we may sort out this mess."
Kaitlyn nodded numbly. She took a few steps and wavered uneasily.
"Are you well enough to walk?" Gimli asked her.
She didn't reply. She was shaking and seemed ready to collapse at any moment.
She looked very pale and it appeared that she might faint. Legolas did not hesitate to slide one arm beneath her knees and the other around her shoulders to pick her up effortlessly into his arms. The fact that she didn't protest bothered him. He looked at Gimli who appeared to be equally as worried.
The dwarf retrieved Kaitlyn's sword and in silence he and the elf brought the mortal woman back toward camp.
Aragorn came charging through the woods, meeting Legolas and Gimli halfway to camp. He was instantly alarmed when he saw Legolas carrying Kaitlyn.
"What happened?" The Ranger asked. "It was Boromir, wasn't it?"
Gimli nodded gravely. "I am afraid this be his work."
Aragorn looked at Kaitlyn. Her eyes were squeezed closed and her face was buried against Legolas' chest, her dark head resting just beneath his pale chin.
"How serious is it?"
"He cut her hand deeply, but she will live. She is terribly frightened," Legolas told the Ranger.
Aragorn breathed a sigh of relief that her injury was not deadly. "Let us get her comfortable so we can attend to her injury."
It had started to rain lightly on the return to camp. As the white tents came into view the rain became heavier and a thick fog moved in. Frodo and Sam watched with concern in their tent as Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas returned with Kaitlyn. Merry and Pippin were equally as worried when they saw the Woodland elf carrying the woman. They stood out in the rain, watching as the elf laid the mortal woman down gently on the blankets in her tent. She was still trembling, her eyes were open now and she was aware of her surroundings.
Legolas noticed that she was clutching her injured hand to her chest and that she had bled through the makeshift bandage. He leaned over and gently brushed the damp hair from her face. He spoke soothingly in Elvish as he drew one of the blankets over her body. He was pleased to see her relax slightly.
"Idh," he told her. Rest. She nodded in understanding.
Legolas got to his feet and went to stand beside Aragorn who was waiting impatiently out in the rain.
"We need bandages," Legolas told him.
Aragorn nodded and stepped closer to Legolas. Both man and elf glanced over at Boromir who was sitting on a root with his head in his hands. The man of Gondor was obviously in anguish over what he had done. He sat out in the rain, which was beginning to fall harder, completely oblivious to the elements.
Aragorn gazed at Legolas. "What happened out there? Boromir returned in a dreadful state. He couldn't even talk."
"I understand not all that has come to pass. I only know that something felt wrong. An evil was stirring within my mind. I heard the clashing of swords and went to see what was taking place. Gimli accompanied me and we found Boromir and Kaitlyn sword fighting. He was vicious and struck her with his sword. He continued to move toward her and I feared that he would strike her again so I intervened."
Aragorn lowered his voice. " It is good that you did or she might not be alive."
Legolas' eyes widened. "Nauthoch ho geri dangen he?" he asked in a low tone. You believe he would have slain her?
"Harthon u-non forn. Dan…în pậid geri raeg an lû." Grogan i gorf. I hope I am not right. But…his ways have been wrong for a time. I fear it is the ring.
Legolas nodded sadly.
"U-cerin aníro Boromir erui ah pen, edregol Frodo." I do not want Boromir left alone with anyone, especially Frodo," Aragorn whispered.
"Henion." I understand.
"I will see about the bandages and perhaps a healer if the Lady can spare one. Dartha ah he, mellon nîn?" Stay with her, my friend?
Legolas nodded.
Gimli was standing protectively outside of Kaitlyn's tent with his ax in hand. "No one will get passed me and harm the lass." He told Legolas fearlessly.
"None other than me, Master Dwarf. Aragorn wishes me to stay with her."
Gimli grunted and nodded reluctantly, stepping aside to let the Elf enter.
Kaitlyn was lying where Legolas had left her. Her dark hair spilling around her on the pillow giving her skin the appearance of being paler than it actually was.
He knelt beside her. "Are you well?" he asked in a low voice.
She licked her lips. "I…I think so. I'll be okay."
Legolas admired the way she was attempting to be brave. "You worried Gimli and myself."
"I'm sorry. I…I guess I went into shock," she looked away from him and Legolas could sense turmoil within her. She was fighting demons that he knew nothing about.
"Something more plagues you."
She blinked.
"Something troubles you and not all has to do with what passed with Boromir in the wood. There is a connection to it, I feel it, but there is more."
She took an unsteady breath. "What do you mean you 'feel it?'"
"Elves can sense emotions easily. You are hiding something though I know not what."
He was staring at her intensely and she had to look away, part of her afraid that he could really see her secrets. "I don't want to talk about it," she told him defiantly.
Legolas nodded, respecting her wishes.
She looked down at her hand; the fine cloth of Legolas' tunic that was wrapped around it was stained with her blood.
"It looks like we won't be having any archery lessons anytime soon," she said lightly, trying to break the tense silence.
"Nay. You will be able to continue lessons with Aragorn since you would be able to handle a sword with one hand, but there will be no lessons between us."
"What about the Elvish lessons?"
"You wish to start so soon?"
"Sure, why not?"
Legolas felt joy within him at her enthusiasm. He marveled at the idea of a mortal wishing to learn the language of this people. "We will begin as soon as you feel you are well enough."
She nodded.
Legolas watched with curiosity as the mortal woman looked away from him. Her cheeks flushed red and as she lowered her head he sensed regret. Her moods rose and fell like the tide.
"Thank you for saving me from Boromir," she whispered.
He instantly recognized that she was embarrassed for being a burden. "It was no trouble. He will not harm you again. We will all make sure of that."
"Thank you."
"Le hannon," he told her.
Her eyebrows rose in confusion as she glanced at him. "What does that mean?"
"It means "thank you' in Sindarin."
She smiled. "Le hannin."
"Hannon," he corrected.
"Le hannon, Legolas."
He nodded joyfully.
For a moment the two regarded each other in silence. Kaitlyn stared at Legolas openly, her eyes roaming the features of his face. She saw him everyday yet she hardly ever stopped to notice how beautiful he was and how different. Though she knew guys with long hair, he wore his in braids and she wondered what they meant.
Legolas gazed at her for a moment. She seemed to be more at peace, though he knew her inner turmoil had been buried and not dealt with. He hoped that in time she would open up further to Aragorn and tell him what plagued her. Only then would she find some peace. He watched as her eyes trailed over his hair, his face and drifted many times to his ears. He smiled warmly. It was hard for him to comprehend that there were no elves in her world. He was the first she had ever seen or met and he was honored for the privilege.
"You handled the sword well against Boromir. He is more than a worthy opponent," he told her breaking the silence.
His words brought a smile to her face. "Really?"
"Aye."
She smiled broadly. "Le hannon for the compliment."
Legolas laughed softly at how she spoke half in Sindarin and half in the common tongue.
His laughter faded as he heard the sounds of two approaching and the peaceful quiet moment that he and Kaitlyn shared was shattered by the voices of two young hobbits.
"Well, how is she doing? Can we see her? Is she well enough to have visitors?"
Legolas regarded Merry and Pippin who had gathered at the side of the tent. Gimli was trying to shoo them away but they wouldn't have any of it.
"Please let us see her." Pippin was telling Gimli.
The dwarf turned to Legolas who had left the woman's side and made his way to the edge of the tent.
"You may visit with her, but do not stay long," the elf told the hobbits. "She will require rest. Aragorn will return soon hopefully with a healer and bandages to dress her wound."
The hobbits nodded and rushed into the tent, ignoring Gimli's protests completely and nearly knocking the dwarf over as they went. They sat beside the mortal woman, both of them bubbling with questions and concern.
Legolas left them in silence, hardly noticed as he stepped away. The Elf patted Gimli's shoulder as he stood beside the dwarf in the rain that continued to fall.
They watched Boromir for a moment who couldn't endure their stares and went into this tent trying to block out the world.
Gimli looked up at Legolas. The dwarf was once again leaning on his ax. "Darkness is tempting his soul."
Legolas nodded, knowing that Gimli was referring to Boromir.
"He thinks he can use the ring to save his people," the dwarf continued.
"He would only destroy them," Legolas replied.
"Aye, we know that. We can fight the temptation of the ring. Why can't they?"
Legolas sighed. "I know not. We can only assist in preventing it from attempting to consume them."
Gimli looked up at Legolas. "I fear for the lad and the lass. He gives into the temptation far too easily. She is not of this realm and tries to fight temptation but will she win?"
"I cannot see the future, Gimli. I know not what will occur."
"And here I was thinking that all pointy ears had the gift of foresight." Gimli teased. Then the dwarf sighed heavily the light moment very short lived.
"Only when the ring is destroyed will there ever be peace. For them and for the rest of us."
Legolas nodded in silence.