Thank God it's weekend, my math went terrible, but let's not talk about
that. This will probably be a short chappie because I have to start
learning Latin in for my exam on Wednesday (only 101 pages plus 10 pages
translations) Hope you like though, gotta thank my reviewers once again!!!
Audrey: Thanks for the review, it shone a little light in my life, as for the future of this fic, I really don't know. I started out thinking this would be a Legolas fic, but I don't know about that anymore, well we'll both have to see. ;)
Otaku: Wow, long review!!! I like ( Thanks for saying it's not an obvious Mary Sue, that's my goal, I wanna write this as originally as possible. Glad to see you like Rita. As for your questions, here come the answers: 1: Yes she will meet Glorfindel again 2: Yep, Boromir+Aragorn will be stuck teaching her the ways of the sword after the Fellowship departs 3: Elrohir will be in this chapter, as for the other ones, I can't say for sure 4: Girl chat coming up (gotta have those ;) ) 5: I have a vague idea about other weapons but I'll deal with that when the time comes 6: I don't know 7: Probably, don't know yet Phew, that answers your questions, hope you like this chap
HoshikoIzumi: I know Elladan wouldn't say that.but I couldn't come up with another word so I'll just let it be. Loved the new chap of your fic by the way, but you probably read my review
Bina: This update soon enough for ya????
DISCLAIMER: I love Tolkien's work, I am NOT him only Rita is mine in this fic, so are Andor and Fioma (I know the names suck but I couldn't come up with better ones)
Rita woke up early the following morning, as she was really excited about learning to fight. She quickly took a bath and went through her closet to find some good clothes to wear. *Fancy dress, fancy dress, fancier dress, fanciest dress I've ever seen.... I know I put my sweater back and that legging could'nt have disappeared right?*
After rummaging through her closet for about five minutes she finally found the pieces of clothing she was looking for. She quickly got dressed and pulled her hair in a tail so it wouldn't get in the way, after this she jogged down the stairs to get some breakfast. Too excited to be hungry she just grabbed an apple and started to chew on it as she scanned the room for any sign of Elladan.
*Where is that crazy elf? He said to meet him at breakfast right or, no he said breakfast, so where is he? What if he decided to back out on his offer, wouldn't be too surprised at that, who would want to take the time to teach me anything anyhow, besides I'd probably make a fool of myself anyway.*
"Good morning Lady Rita" she heard behind her "I hope you slept well?"
Rita turned around only to stare in the face of Elladan. "Elladan, I thought I'd told you that the Lady thing wasn't necessary, so stop it ok, or I'll have to call you Lord Elladan, see how you like that."
"You must have been mistaken Milady, I am not Elladan, my name is Elrohir."
*Elrohir, what kind of game is Elladan..oooooh* she turned beet red "Oh right, you're twins, I forgot, sorry."
"No need to be embarrassed Lady Rita, for there are many who cannot keep myself and my brother apart, even elves we have known for centuries have trouble with it."
"Oh, well you do look a lot like each other so I guess I have an excuse." Rita studied Elrohir a little while trying to detect a difference between him and Elladan. At first sight they really looked alike, same height, same long hare which was the same color. When she looked into his eyes however she saw a slight difference from Elladan's. Elrohir's eyes were a little more serious while the eyes of Elladan shone with mischief and humor.
"Is something the matter Lady?" Elrohir asked as she was just staring at him.
"No, uhm just trying to find something to keep you two apart, uhm sorry if I were staring."
"Did you find the thing you were looking for than Milady?"
"Yeah actually I did, and please call me Rita ok."
"Rita it is then, though I am rather curious as to what you have found to keep us apart."
"It's all in the eyes. In my world we say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, you can identify most while looking into them. You have a, how do I say this, a more serious look in them then Elladan, his are more humorous. Not that I think you have no sense of humor or."
Elrohir was surprised though he didn't show it, this girl had just met them and had already found out the difference between him and his brother. "I believe you have found out our secret then."
"What secret?" a voice sounded behind them.
Rita and Elrohir turned to face Elladan, whom the voice belonged to. "The secret that keeps us apart my brother. You are a joker and I am serious, now we can't play our tricks anymore."
Elladan grimaced "I am not a joker, you just need to lighten up, being too serious does damage to the soul."
"Yet being too carefree is not good for the soul either, for if one is too oblivious for danger one will be an easy target for the darkness around us."
"Are you calling me careless?"
"Are you telling me you're not?"
"Indeed I'm telling you, pay no heed to his words Rita" Elladan turned to her and gave her a fast wink "for I believe my brother has spent too much time in the library, he does not know what he is saying. His mind must be clouded with all the knowledge he has absorbed."
Elrohir looked like he was going to hit his beloved brother right there and then and Rita couldn't help herself as she started to laugh.
It was quite a humorous sight and soon the brothers laughed with her, seeing for themselves that they had been acting foolishly.
"Well now that's over" Elladan said once the laughter had died down "why don't we make our way to the garden to start our lesson."
"Sure" she looked at Elladan "Well aren't you going to lead the way, we both know what happened last time I tried to find a place on my own, so I'm not even going to try to now."
Elladan chuckled slightly at the memory but stopped that when he found her glaring at him. He decided to play it safe and turned to his brother "I will see you later in the afternoon Elrohir, Estel wishes to speak with us then."
Elrohir nodded "Until this afternoon then, and perhaps I shall see you tonight Rita" and with that he walked of.
Rita was grabbed by her arm by Elladan as he started to lead her towards the garden at a fast pace. "Come on Rita, I know the perfect place to start your training, but first I believe we have to get you a sword, you don't have a sword do you?"
When Rita shook her head he turned another way "Well we'll just have to get you a sword, this way." He walked in the direction of some kind of shed.
It turned out to be the armory and Rita looked in awe at all the kinds of beautiful weapons as Elladan picked out a sword for her. Soon he found one to his liking and once again he was leading Rita, after a short walk they ended up in a small clearing. Many trees were around an open space, and the sound of water could be heard.
"Now the first thing to know about wielding a sword is learning how to hold it, now let me see how you would like to hold it." and Elladan gave her the sword he had picked out for her.
Rita weighed it in her hand, it was so much lighter then she had expected. She just held it, not knowing what to do, she shot Elladan an uncertain glance.
"No, you are gripping it too hard Rita, if you held your sword like that in battle your enemy would break your hand in a matter of seconds. Relax, hold it with strength, yet do not grip it to hard. Yes like that."
"Now I am going to strike and you are going to try to block my moves alright, these are called defensive moves. Ready?"
Rita nodded and Elladan swung his sword towards her. Even though she had expected it, she was still shocked by the fact that a weapon was being swung at her and her defense was delayed. The sound of metal on metal made her jump a little.
"Good, good" Elladan said, but after she gave him a disbelieving look he added "For a first time that was good, now try to block my strike sooner, hold you sword a little higher and put more strength behind your defense, now again"
This time she was ready and as the sword came towards her, Rita blocked it the way Elladan had said and smiled. "Like that?"
"Indeed, like that, now I am going to strike several times. Try to block all of them, try to anticipate my movements."
He started to swing a combination of hits at her and though it took a lot of effort she was able to block them all.
"Good, now in battle it will not be so slow, so we will go faster, ready?"
Again he swung at her, but this time she had more trouble warding them all of as he moved faster.
"Try to anticipate my movements, move your feet as you see my strikes coming towards you and try to move your arms a little faster."
This went on for a couple of hours and when Elladan said that was enough for the day, Rita stood there panting, her sweater soaked with sweat. Elladan seemed to have no trouble with that, he was looking just the way he was before they started training, not even a spot of sweat or dirt on him.
"That went very well Rita, especially for a first time. Your defense is good but you need to put more strength behind your hits. We shall work on that tomorrow."
"Tomorrow same time?"
"Yes, tomorrow same time, now shall I lead you back to your chambers?"
Rita contemplated this "Actually no you don't have to, I want to sit here for awhile if you don't mind. It's so beautiful out here."
"I do not mind at all, this is a beautiful spot indeed. I shall leave you then."
When Rita wanted to give the sword back to Elladan he told her to keep it. "It is yours now, so it would only be natural if you kept it by your side."
"But, but, that sword is too beautiful, I don't deserve a thing like that." Rita exclaimed.
Elladan frowned at these words "You DO deserve a sword like this Rita, you are a member of the Fellowship, probably sent by the Valar. This means you deserve this sword and even more. Do you understand this?"
She nodded but wouldn't meet his eyes as she did this so he lifted her head by putting her fingers under her chin, so she had to look at him. "What has happened to you to make you believe you are not worthy of this sword or our treatment of you. I see your surprise Rita at the way you are being treated" Elladan's voice softened "I see the pain you try to hide, what grieves you so?"
Rita's eyes widened at his words and she started to pull back, both physically as mentally. "How, I mean , that's none of your business." She finally said.
"I would make it my business if you let me, let me help you Rita. Nobody should deal with his or her demons alone, share your burden and it shall be so much lighter."
She took a few steps beck, he was getting to close, he was right she knew this but she didn't want to share her burden as he put it. She didn't trust him like that, not at that time. "What if I don't want to share it Elladan, it is my burden and mine alone. I cannot let myself be supported by you, I have to do this alone."
Seeing the impending panic in her eyes Elladan decided to let it go "If you say so Rita, but know that if you ever need to talk I will be here to listen." After giving her one last sad look he turned and walked away.
Rita let herself drop on the grass *Why did he do that, why should he care what happens to me? Maybe I shouldn't have snapped at him like that but it was the only way. I have to deal with this on my own*
She listened to the world around her and she heard the sound of water once again. Rita decided to explore a little to clear her head. She walked towards the sound and soon found the source. What she saw made her gasp.
A small waterfall that ended in some sort of lake surrounded by all sorts of flowers, trees and plants. It was a small paradise.
Rita took of her sword before she sat down under a tree and closing her eyes for a bit. Just listening to the clattering of the water helped to calm her raging emotions. She was able to let go of all thoughts and relax when she heard a scream.
Her eyes flew open and she jumped up, wildly searching for the person who had yelled. Once again she heard a scream, this time closer and then she saw it.
A man was chasing a young girl, yelling in a language Rita didn't understand *Probably elfish* and Rita felt a fire build inside her.
*How dare he touch that girl, I will not let him hurt her* she thought and she started to run. She saw that the man was raising his hand to hit the girl and the girl tried to make herself as small as possible.
Rita didn't know where she found the energy to run faster, but she found it and she jumped between the girl and her attacker. "Leave her alone" she hissed.
The man looked stunned for a second but rage was evident on his face "I suggest you leave, this is of no matter to you."
"Your wrong, when a young girl is being attacked it does become a matter to me. You will not hurt her."
"This is between her and me, no I'm telling you once more, leave us."
Rita felt the girl holding onto the back of her sweater, as if silently begging her to protect her. She thought of Carol who used to hide behind her when their dad was on a drunken warpath. "And I'll say it again, I will not let you hurt her."
"RUN" Rita yelled to the girl without looking at her "Run, I'll hold him of as long as I can." Rita could sense the hesitation in the girl and yelled "GO" before she knocked the man down with all the strength she had.
Relief flooded through her as she heard the slight beat of running footsteps, but that relief was soon drained when she looked up to the face of the enraged face of the elf before her. He had recovered from her earlier attack and had regained his balance.
"How dare you prevent my punishment, I will teach you to stay out of my business." He slapped her hard in the face.
Rita's head snapped to the right and she felt her cheek starting to tingle from the slap as she raised her head again, looking at the guy with defiance in her eyes. "Oh is that all you've got?" she sneered "My sister could hit me harder then that you wimp." She saw his eyes darken even more.
It was a method she had designed years before. She would always make fun of her dad to make him even angrier then he was before, only to make him forget about Carol. *As long as he's busy being angry with me* she reasoned *he'll forget to go after the girl*
She was right because the guy slapped her again this time harder and she gasped as he punched her in her stomach. She forced herself to stand up straight before she felt his fist collide with her nose. It started to bleed, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of hearing her scream.
"Oh please" she managed to say "Is that supposed to hurt" Her answer was another punch, this time it connected to her collarbone.
"Cause I have to tell ya, you hit like a girl" She grimaced as the enraged elf tackled her and kicked her in the stomach with all his strength, twice. She felt her ribs protest at this familiar feeling. *Hope I don't break them again, I can't use that right now*
The elf stopped his abuse and Rita knew he was thinking of going after the girl so she pulled herself together and managed to stand up as she verbally attacked the guy again, she said to his back "Wow you really think high of yourself huh, well if you're all that how come you can't even seem to be able to take down a girl like me?"
This pushed him over the edge as he swirled around and started to hit, kick and pinch her, basically he hurt her in every way he could think of.
Rita clenched her teeth to stop herself from screaming, she wouldn't it was a sign of weakness. Besides, she learned from experience that beatings only got worse when you screamed. She fought the darkness that threatened to overwhelm her, not wanting to faint although her body ached for it. *Never, ever, faint* her mind screamed at her *or he'll go after the girl, you have to protect her.*
The thought of the girl gave her a little strength, enough to keep the darkness at bay. If she failed he would go after the girl and hurt her, she would not fail the girl like she failed her sister.
Suddenly the beating stopped and she struggled to open her eyes as she felt the man being pulled off of her. She saw a group of men running towards her as an elf knocked the assailant out.
She dragged herself up and tried to sit up but found her ribs protesting. She felt a pair of arms slip around her to help her as she looked in the concerned face of the elf. She recognized the face of Legolas.
"The girl" she croaked "Is she alright? Did she make it?"
"She is fine Milady" a voice beside her answered, it was the voice of Aragorn "However I cannot say the same about you."
"What happened" this came from Legolas.
Rita coughed before she managed to explain "He was going to hurt her, I couldn't let him get away with that."
"So you thought it was better to let yourself get beaten, why did you not run for help instead of facing him on your own?" Boromir, she recognized.
"There was no time" she gave a sad smile "Besides I'm used to it." She didn't realize what she had said because she was slipping away, finally letting the darkness take over.
~~~~
As soon as she blacked out Legolas picked her up as gently as he could and started to carry Rita's body towards the main building. "We must get her to Elrond" he said in an urgent tone.
"Indeed" Aragorn said "Though I do not believe the wounds are lifethreatening, she could be bleeding internally. I have sent Elrohir to warn his father, he took the girl with him as she was rather hysteric."
Aragorn told the two elves who had run with them to guard the attacker as he Legolas and Boromir would bring the injured Rita to Elrond. The three ran in silence for awhile before Boromir quietly said "I was wrong about her, she is strong, stronger then one would think by the looks of her."
Legolas and Aragorn silently agreed with him and all were happy to see the familiar building, Elrond standing ready to take the girl. Arwen was standing on the side as she calmed the girl down but gasped once she laid eyes on Rita.
Rita looked very bad, her face swollen from the punches and her nose still bleeding. The exposed skin around her neck and hands were already turning blue and one could only imagine what her body would look like under her clothes.
Even Elrond looked shocked as he asked "Who did this how could this happen?"
The girl answered through her sobbing. "It was Andor, Milord, he was trying to convince me to go to the coming ball with him. He got very angry as I turned him down and tried to hurt me. I screamed and ran and suddenly the Lady was between us and she told me to run. Oh if I only had stayed, she wouldn't have been so badly hurt." The girl started to sob even harder.
"Nonsense Fioma" Elrond sternly said "If you had stayed you would have been beaten as well, you did right by running for help." Elrond then turned to Legolas "Come we must get her to the healingroom, Arwen would you please follow, I might need your help."
Seconds after the three elves disappeared, Elladan and Elrohir raced towards the ones left behind. "What happened, we heard there was a beating of a Lady, is everything alright?" asked a worried Elrohir. (The beating of a woman was a pretty big deal)
It was Aragorn who answered "Lady Fioma was attacked by an elf called Andor." he spit out the name as if it was a piece of filth "When Lady Rita saw this she intervened and was hurt badly."
"Rita" whispered Elladan "But that cannot be, I have left her merely an hour ago." Shock and worry were taking over his features.
Aragorn shot an apologetic glance towards the elf he saw like a brother. "It seems it has happened Elladan, she said that she couldn't let him get away with hitting the girl even if it meant getting hurt herself."
"Where is that coward of an Andor now." Elladan asked anger evident in his voice. Elrohir placed his hand on Elladan's arm in hope of calming him.
"He has been taken care of brother" Aragorn said.
"Indeed he has been" Boromir, who had been silent in this matter, chimed in. "After we knocked him out Aragorn has placed guards to make sure Andor wouldn't get away from the punishment I'm sure he will be given."
"Where is Rita now?" asked Elrohir.
"In the healingroom, Elrond and Arwen are with her." Sounded the voice of Legolas who had joined them once again "They wouldn't let me stay. All we can do now is wait."
With that the group of people stood together, waiting for word.
~~ Meanwhile in the healingroom ~~
"Arwen, fetch a wash basin with boiled water, we must clean the wounds before they start to infect, a lot of dirt has found its way inside her cuts. Also find as much bandage as you can find, her ribs are most surely bruised, if not broken."
"Yes father" Arwen said and rushed out of the room.
Elrond peeled Rita's sweater of as he inspected her ribs. They were severely bruised and he let out a sigh when he found none were broken. Arwen came back into the room with the bowl, and together started to clean every wound.
~~~~
After hours Elrond and Arwen finally exited the healingroom, both looking exhausted. Elrond looked at the small crowd that had gathered outside of the room.
Of course there were Aragorn, Legolas and Boromir, as they had been the ones who brought the girl in. His sons were there as well as a few other elves who were friends of Fioma, and thankful for the help that was given to their friend. Fioma was in their midst, being consoled by one of the female elves.
The hobbits had come as well as soon as they had heard about the news and they were seated around Gandalf, who had a very serious expression on his face. To his surprise, however, the dwarf Gimli was standing there as well.
Pippin was the first to notice Elrond and he scrambled to his feet and yelled "Is she going to be alright Lord Elrond, were you able to help her?"
All faces turned toward Elrond as he said "She will be fine, Master Took, she will be in pain for quite a few days as her ribs are badly bruised and she many cuts on her body." Elrond heard Elladan take in a sharp breath and he looked at his enraged face before he continued. "Yet she will heal, for she is a strong person."
"She said she was used to it." said Boromir "I wonder what she meant with that, did she mean she was familiar with pain or familiar with abuse?" he wondered.
"We will find out when she wakes" said Elrond "Now I want you all to take some rest and eat, as night has arrived. She will wake tomorrow."
The group slowly separated, all leaving the brave girl behind. Only Elladan remained and when Elrohir tried to guide his brother away, he jerked his arm back. "I must see her" he said and Elrohir nodded in understanding before he walked of.
Elladan slowly walked into the room and he hissed when he saw Rita's bruised body. *Andor will pay for this* he thought. Elladan would not let him get away with this.
He was hurt by the way she was lying there, bruises covering her face and neck, as it was the only thing he could see, the rest of her body was under a soft blanket. Elladan didn't understand what was happening to him.
The rage he felt was so strong, that he would be able to kill Andor. Never before had he felt a rage like this for any creature than an orc. The last time he had been this angry was when those disgusting creatures attacked his mother. Now he hunted them mercilessly.
He smiled slightly as he thought of the names Rita gave them. Disgusting, smelly creatures, she called them.
He brushed a lock of hair out of her face, it was no longer bound together. Arwen had undone it while they were healing her.
She looked so small right then and Elladan couldn't help but ponder over Boromir's words. "She said she was used to it." said Boromir "I wonder what she meant with that, did she mean she was familiar with pain or familiar with abuse?" Elladan heard again in his mind.
Elladan made a vow to himself that he would find out, that and he would make sure no harm would ever come to her again as he remembered the pain in he eyes. He kissed her forehead before he turned to leave the room, after a final glance he shut the door and went to his room, where he collapsed on his bed.
A/N: Dark chapter, oooh, I blame it on my failing my math, it left me with dark, dark feelings. You know how you can cheer me up??? By reviewing my fic, really so please review. I think I have to upgrade my reading level from PG to PG13 though, I have no idea how that works. Anyway, I probably won't update before next week because I have exams. *Grumbles*
Audrey: Thanks for the review, it shone a little light in my life, as for the future of this fic, I really don't know. I started out thinking this would be a Legolas fic, but I don't know about that anymore, well we'll both have to see. ;)
Otaku: Wow, long review!!! I like ( Thanks for saying it's not an obvious Mary Sue, that's my goal, I wanna write this as originally as possible. Glad to see you like Rita. As for your questions, here come the answers: 1: Yes she will meet Glorfindel again 2: Yep, Boromir+Aragorn will be stuck teaching her the ways of the sword after the Fellowship departs 3: Elrohir will be in this chapter, as for the other ones, I can't say for sure 4: Girl chat coming up (gotta have those ;) ) 5: I have a vague idea about other weapons but I'll deal with that when the time comes 6: I don't know 7: Probably, don't know yet Phew, that answers your questions, hope you like this chap
HoshikoIzumi: I know Elladan wouldn't say that.but I couldn't come up with another word so I'll just let it be. Loved the new chap of your fic by the way, but you probably read my review
Bina: This update soon enough for ya????
DISCLAIMER: I love Tolkien's work, I am NOT him only Rita is mine in this fic, so are Andor and Fioma (I know the names suck but I couldn't come up with better ones)
Rita woke up early the following morning, as she was really excited about learning to fight. She quickly took a bath and went through her closet to find some good clothes to wear. *Fancy dress, fancy dress, fancier dress, fanciest dress I've ever seen.... I know I put my sweater back and that legging could'nt have disappeared right?*
After rummaging through her closet for about five minutes she finally found the pieces of clothing she was looking for. She quickly got dressed and pulled her hair in a tail so it wouldn't get in the way, after this she jogged down the stairs to get some breakfast. Too excited to be hungry she just grabbed an apple and started to chew on it as she scanned the room for any sign of Elladan.
*Where is that crazy elf? He said to meet him at breakfast right or, no he said breakfast, so where is he? What if he decided to back out on his offer, wouldn't be too surprised at that, who would want to take the time to teach me anything anyhow, besides I'd probably make a fool of myself anyway.*
"Good morning Lady Rita" she heard behind her "I hope you slept well?"
Rita turned around only to stare in the face of Elladan. "Elladan, I thought I'd told you that the Lady thing wasn't necessary, so stop it ok, or I'll have to call you Lord Elladan, see how you like that."
"You must have been mistaken Milady, I am not Elladan, my name is Elrohir."
*Elrohir, what kind of game is Elladan..oooooh* she turned beet red "Oh right, you're twins, I forgot, sorry."
"No need to be embarrassed Lady Rita, for there are many who cannot keep myself and my brother apart, even elves we have known for centuries have trouble with it."
"Oh, well you do look a lot like each other so I guess I have an excuse." Rita studied Elrohir a little while trying to detect a difference between him and Elladan. At first sight they really looked alike, same height, same long hare which was the same color. When she looked into his eyes however she saw a slight difference from Elladan's. Elrohir's eyes were a little more serious while the eyes of Elladan shone with mischief and humor.
"Is something the matter Lady?" Elrohir asked as she was just staring at him.
"No, uhm just trying to find something to keep you two apart, uhm sorry if I were staring."
"Did you find the thing you were looking for than Milady?"
"Yeah actually I did, and please call me Rita ok."
"Rita it is then, though I am rather curious as to what you have found to keep us apart."
"It's all in the eyes. In my world we say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, you can identify most while looking into them. You have a, how do I say this, a more serious look in them then Elladan, his are more humorous. Not that I think you have no sense of humor or."
Elrohir was surprised though he didn't show it, this girl had just met them and had already found out the difference between him and his brother. "I believe you have found out our secret then."
"What secret?" a voice sounded behind them.
Rita and Elrohir turned to face Elladan, whom the voice belonged to. "The secret that keeps us apart my brother. You are a joker and I am serious, now we can't play our tricks anymore."
Elladan grimaced "I am not a joker, you just need to lighten up, being too serious does damage to the soul."
"Yet being too carefree is not good for the soul either, for if one is too oblivious for danger one will be an easy target for the darkness around us."
"Are you calling me careless?"
"Are you telling me you're not?"
"Indeed I'm telling you, pay no heed to his words Rita" Elladan turned to her and gave her a fast wink "for I believe my brother has spent too much time in the library, he does not know what he is saying. His mind must be clouded with all the knowledge he has absorbed."
Elrohir looked like he was going to hit his beloved brother right there and then and Rita couldn't help herself as she started to laugh.
It was quite a humorous sight and soon the brothers laughed with her, seeing for themselves that they had been acting foolishly.
"Well now that's over" Elladan said once the laughter had died down "why don't we make our way to the garden to start our lesson."
"Sure" she looked at Elladan "Well aren't you going to lead the way, we both know what happened last time I tried to find a place on my own, so I'm not even going to try to now."
Elladan chuckled slightly at the memory but stopped that when he found her glaring at him. He decided to play it safe and turned to his brother "I will see you later in the afternoon Elrohir, Estel wishes to speak with us then."
Elrohir nodded "Until this afternoon then, and perhaps I shall see you tonight Rita" and with that he walked of.
Rita was grabbed by her arm by Elladan as he started to lead her towards the garden at a fast pace. "Come on Rita, I know the perfect place to start your training, but first I believe we have to get you a sword, you don't have a sword do you?"
When Rita shook her head he turned another way "Well we'll just have to get you a sword, this way." He walked in the direction of some kind of shed.
It turned out to be the armory and Rita looked in awe at all the kinds of beautiful weapons as Elladan picked out a sword for her. Soon he found one to his liking and once again he was leading Rita, after a short walk they ended up in a small clearing. Many trees were around an open space, and the sound of water could be heard.
"Now the first thing to know about wielding a sword is learning how to hold it, now let me see how you would like to hold it." and Elladan gave her the sword he had picked out for her.
Rita weighed it in her hand, it was so much lighter then she had expected. She just held it, not knowing what to do, she shot Elladan an uncertain glance.
"No, you are gripping it too hard Rita, if you held your sword like that in battle your enemy would break your hand in a matter of seconds. Relax, hold it with strength, yet do not grip it to hard. Yes like that."
"Now I am going to strike and you are going to try to block my moves alright, these are called defensive moves. Ready?"
Rita nodded and Elladan swung his sword towards her. Even though she had expected it, she was still shocked by the fact that a weapon was being swung at her and her defense was delayed. The sound of metal on metal made her jump a little.
"Good, good" Elladan said, but after she gave him a disbelieving look he added "For a first time that was good, now try to block my strike sooner, hold you sword a little higher and put more strength behind your defense, now again"
This time she was ready and as the sword came towards her, Rita blocked it the way Elladan had said and smiled. "Like that?"
"Indeed, like that, now I am going to strike several times. Try to block all of them, try to anticipate my movements."
He started to swing a combination of hits at her and though it took a lot of effort she was able to block them all.
"Good, now in battle it will not be so slow, so we will go faster, ready?"
Again he swung at her, but this time she had more trouble warding them all of as he moved faster.
"Try to anticipate my movements, move your feet as you see my strikes coming towards you and try to move your arms a little faster."
This went on for a couple of hours and when Elladan said that was enough for the day, Rita stood there panting, her sweater soaked with sweat. Elladan seemed to have no trouble with that, he was looking just the way he was before they started training, not even a spot of sweat or dirt on him.
"That went very well Rita, especially for a first time. Your defense is good but you need to put more strength behind your hits. We shall work on that tomorrow."
"Tomorrow same time?"
"Yes, tomorrow same time, now shall I lead you back to your chambers?"
Rita contemplated this "Actually no you don't have to, I want to sit here for awhile if you don't mind. It's so beautiful out here."
"I do not mind at all, this is a beautiful spot indeed. I shall leave you then."
When Rita wanted to give the sword back to Elladan he told her to keep it. "It is yours now, so it would only be natural if you kept it by your side."
"But, but, that sword is too beautiful, I don't deserve a thing like that." Rita exclaimed.
Elladan frowned at these words "You DO deserve a sword like this Rita, you are a member of the Fellowship, probably sent by the Valar. This means you deserve this sword and even more. Do you understand this?"
She nodded but wouldn't meet his eyes as she did this so he lifted her head by putting her fingers under her chin, so she had to look at him. "What has happened to you to make you believe you are not worthy of this sword or our treatment of you. I see your surprise Rita at the way you are being treated" Elladan's voice softened "I see the pain you try to hide, what grieves you so?"
Rita's eyes widened at his words and she started to pull back, both physically as mentally. "How, I mean , that's none of your business." She finally said.
"I would make it my business if you let me, let me help you Rita. Nobody should deal with his or her demons alone, share your burden and it shall be so much lighter."
She took a few steps beck, he was getting to close, he was right she knew this but she didn't want to share her burden as he put it. She didn't trust him like that, not at that time. "What if I don't want to share it Elladan, it is my burden and mine alone. I cannot let myself be supported by you, I have to do this alone."
Seeing the impending panic in her eyes Elladan decided to let it go "If you say so Rita, but know that if you ever need to talk I will be here to listen." After giving her one last sad look he turned and walked away.
Rita let herself drop on the grass *Why did he do that, why should he care what happens to me? Maybe I shouldn't have snapped at him like that but it was the only way. I have to deal with this on my own*
She listened to the world around her and she heard the sound of water once again. Rita decided to explore a little to clear her head. She walked towards the sound and soon found the source. What she saw made her gasp.
A small waterfall that ended in some sort of lake surrounded by all sorts of flowers, trees and plants. It was a small paradise.
Rita took of her sword before she sat down under a tree and closing her eyes for a bit. Just listening to the clattering of the water helped to calm her raging emotions. She was able to let go of all thoughts and relax when she heard a scream.
Her eyes flew open and she jumped up, wildly searching for the person who had yelled. Once again she heard a scream, this time closer and then she saw it.
A man was chasing a young girl, yelling in a language Rita didn't understand *Probably elfish* and Rita felt a fire build inside her.
*How dare he touch that girl, I will not let him hurt her* she thought and she started to run. She saw that the man was raising his hand to hit the girl and the girl tried to make herself as small as possible.
Rita didn't know where she found the energy to run faster, but she found it and she jumped between the girl and her attacker. "Leave her alone" she hissed.
The man looked stunned for a second but rage was evident on his face "I suggest you leave, this is of no matter to you."
"Your wrong, when a young girl is being attacked it does become a matter to me. You will not hurt her."
"This is between her and me, no I'm telling you once more, leave us."
Rita felt the girl holding onto the back of her sweater, as if silently begging her to protect her. She thought of Carol who used to hide behind her when their dad was on a drunken warpath. "And I'll say it again, I will not let you hurt her."
"RUN" Rita yelled to the girl without looking at her "Run, I'll hold him of as long as I can." Rita could sense the hesitation in the girl and yelled "GO" before she knocked the man down with all the strength she had.
Relief flooded through her as she heard the slight beat of running footsteps, but that relief was soon drained when she looked up to the face of the enraged face of the elf before her. He had recovered from her earlier attack and had regained his balance.
"How dare you prevent my punishment, I will teach you to stay out of my business." He slapped her hard in the face.
Rita's head snapped to the right and she felt her cheek starting to tingle from the slap as she raised her head again, looking at the guy with defiance in her eyes. "Oh is that all you've got?" she sneered "My sister could hit me harder then that you wimp." She saw his eyes darken even more.
It was a method she had designed years before. She would always make fun of her dad to make him even angrier then he was before, only to make him forget about Carol. *As long as he's busy being angry with me* she reasoned *he'll forget to go after the girl*
She was right because the guy slapped her again this time harder and she gasped as he punched her in her stomach. She forced herself to stand up straight before she felt his fist collide with her nose. It started to bleed, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of hearing her scream.
"Oh please" she managed to say "Is that supposed to hurt" Her answer was another punch, this time it connected to her collarbone.
"Cause I have to tell ya, you hit like a girl" She grimaced as the enraged elf tackled her and kicked her in the stomach with all his strength, twice. She felt her ribs protest at this familiar feeling. *Hope I don't break them again, I can't use that right now*
The elf stopped his abuse and Rita knew he was thinking of going after the girl so she pulled herself together and managed to stand up as she verbally attacked the guy again, she said to his back "Wow you really think high of yourself huh, well if you're all that how come you can't even seem to be able to take down a girl like me?"
This pushed him over the edge as he swirled around and started to hit, kick and pinch her, basically he hurt her in every way he could think of.
Rita clenched her teeth to stop herself from screaming, she wouldn't it was a sign of weakness. Besides, she learned from experience that beatings only got worse when you screamed. She fought the darkness that threatened to overwhelm her, not wanting to faint although her body ached for it. *Never, ever, faint* her mind screamed at her *or he'll go after the girl, you have to protect her.*
The thought of the girl gave her a little strength, enough to keep the darkness at bay. If she failed he would go after the girl and hurt her, she would not fail the girl like she failed her sister.
Suddenly the beating stopped and she struggled to open her eyes as she felt the man being pulled off of her. She saw a group of men running towards her as an elf knocked the assailant out.
She dragged herself up and tried to sit up but found her ribs protesting. She felt a pair of arms slip around her to help her as she looked in the concerned face of the elf. She recognized the face of Legolas.
"The girl" she croaked "Is she alright? Did she make it?"
"She is fine Milady" a voice beside her answered, it was the voice of Aragorn "However I cannot say the same about you."
"What happened" this came from Legolas.
Rita coughed before she managed to explain "He was going to hurt her, I couldn't let him get away with that."
"So you thought it was better to let yourself get beaten, why did you not run for help instead of facing him on your own?" Boromir, she recognized.
"There was no time" she gave a sad smile "Besides I'm used to it." She didn't realize what she had said because she was slipping away, finally letting the darkness take over.
~~~~
As soon as she blacked out Legolas picked her up as gently as he could and started to carry Rita's body towards the main building. "We must get her to Elrond" he said in an urgent tone.
"Indeed" Aragorn said "Though I do not believe the wounds are lifethreatening, she could be bleeding internally. I have sent Elrohir to warn his father, he took the girl with him as she was rather hysteric."
Aragorn told the two elves who had run with them to guard the attacker as he Legolas and Boromir would bring the injured Rita to Elrond. The three ran in silence for awhile before Boromir quietly said "I was wrong about her, she is strong, stronger then one would think by the looks of her."
Legolas and Aragorn silently agreed with him and all were happy to see the familiar building, Elrond standing ready to take the girl. Arwen was standing on the side as she calmed the girl down but gasped once she laid eyes on Rita.
Rita looked very bad, her face swollen from the punches and her nose still bleeding. The exposed skin around her neck and hands were already turning blue and one could only imagine what her body would look like under her clothes.
Even Elrond looked shocked as he asked "Who did this how could this happen?"
The girl answered through her sobbing. "It was Andor, Milord, he was trying to convince me to go to the coming ball with him. He got very angry as I turned him down and tried to hurt me. I screamed and ran and suddenly the Lady was between us and she told me to run. Oh if I only had stayed, she wouldn't have been so badly hurt." The girl started to sob even harder.
"Nonsense Fioma" Elrond sternly said "If you had stayed you would have been beaten as well, you did right by running for help." Elrond then turned to Legolas "Come we must get her to the healingroom, Arwen would you please follow, I might need your help."
Seconds after the three elves disappeared, Elladan and Elrohir raced towards the ones left behind. "What happened, we heard there was a beating of a Lady, is everything alright?" asked a worried Elrohir. (The beating of a woman was a pretty big deal)
It was Aragorn who answered "Lady Fioma was attacked by an elf called Andor." he spit out the name as if it was a piece of filth "When Lady Rita saw this she intervened and was hurt badly."
"Rita" whispered Elladan "But that cannot be, I have left her merely an hour ago." Shock and worry were taking over his features.
Aragorn shot an apologetic glance towards the elf he saw like a brother. "It seems it has happened Elladan, she said that she couldn't let him get away with hitting the girl even if it meant getting hurt herself."
"Where is that coward of an Andor now." Elladan asked anger evident in his voice. Elrohir placed his hand on Elladan's arm in hope of calming him.
"He has been taken care of brother" Aragorn said.
"Indeed he has been" Boromir, who had been silent in this matter, chimed in. "After we knocked him out Aragorn has placed guards to make sure Andor wouldn't get away from the punishment I'm sure he will be given."
"Where is Rita now?" asked Elrohir.
"In the healingroom, Elrond and Arwen are with her." Sounded the voice of Legolas who had joined them once again "They wouldn't let me stay. All we can do now is wait."
With that the group of people stood together, waiting for word.
~~ Meanwhile in the healingroom ~~
"Arwen, fetch a wash basin with boiled water, we must clean the wounds before they start to infect, a lot of dirt has found its way inside her cuts. Also find as much bandage as you can find, her ribs are most surely bruised, if not broken."
"Yes father" Arwen said and rushed out of the room.
Elrond peeled Rita's sweater of as he inspected her ribs. They were severely bruised and he let out a sigh when he found none were broken. Arwen came back into the room with the bowl, and together started to clean every wound.
~~~~
After hours Elrond and Arwen finally exited the healingroom, both looking exhausted. Elrond looked at the small crowd that had gathered outside of the room.
Of course there were Aragorn, Legolas and Boromir, as they had been the ones who brought the girl in. His sons were there as well as a few other elves who were friends of Fioma, and thankful for the help that was given to their friend. Fioma was in their midst, being consoled by one of the female elves.
The hobbits had come as well as soon as they had heard about the news and they were seated around Gandalf, who had a very serious expression on his face. To his surprise, however, the dwarf Gimli was standing there as well.
Pippin was the first to notice Elrond and he scrambled to his feet and yelled "Is she going to be alright Lord Elrond, were you able to help her?"
All faces turned toward Elrond as he said "She will be fine, Master Took, she will be in pain for quite a few days as her ribs are badly bruised and she many cuts on her body." Elrond heard Elladan take in a sharp breath and he looked at his enraged face before he continued. "Yet she will heal, for she is a strong person."
"She said she was used to it." said Boromir "I wonder what she meant with that, did she mean she was familiar with pain or familiar with abuse?" he wondered.
"We will find out when she wakes" said Elrond "Now I want you all to take some rest and eat, as night has arrived. She will wake tomorrow."
The group slowly separated, all leaving the brave girl behind. Only Elladan remained and when Elrohir tried to guide his brother away, he jerked his arm back. "I must see her" he said and Elrohir nodded in understanding before he walked of.
Elladan slowly walked into the room and he hissed when he saw Rita's bruised body. *Andor will pay for this* he thought. Elladan would not let him get away with this.
He was hurt by the way she was lying there, bruises covering her face and neck, as it was the only thing he could see, the rest of her body was under a soft blanket. Elladan didn't understand what was happening to him.
The rage he felt was so strong, that he would be able to kill Andor. Never before had he felt a rage like this for any creature than an orc. The last time he had been this angry was when those disgusting creatures attacked his mother. Now he hunted them mercilessly.
He smiled slightly as he thought of the names Rita gave them. Disgusting, smelly creatures, she called them.
He brushed a lock of hair out of her face, it was no longer bound together. Arwen had undone it while they were healing her.
She looked so small right then and Elladan couldn't help but ponder over Boromir's words. "She said she was used to it." said Boromir "I wonder what she meant with that, did she mean she was familiar with pain or familiar with abuse?" Elladan heard again in his mind.
Elladan made a vow to himself that he would find out, that and he would make sure no harm would ever come to her again as he remembered the pain in he eyes. He kissed her forehead before he turned to leave the room, after a final glance he shut the door and went to his room, where he collapsed on his bed.
A/N: Dark chapter, oooh, I blame it on my failing my math, it left me with dark, dark feelings. You know how you can cheer me up??? By reviewing my fic, really so please review. I think I have to upgrade my reading level from PG to PG13 though, I have no idea how that works. Anyway, I probably won't update before next week because I have exams. *Grumbles*