I found a moment to spare from my studying, cause I was going mad!!!! I
just checked my reviews and I was like WOW seven reviews, hihi I'm very
happy now,
HoshikoIuzumi: Andor was not a young elf, that's the whole point to it. Andor is cruel and mean, very un-elflike, you'll catch my drift in this chapter. Don't know about the Elladan/Rita thing yet, I'll guess I'll write what springs into my mind.
Sai'ytah: First of all, good luck on your exams and thank you for reading (and reviewing) my fic, glad you liked it. Thanks for your input on the Mary Sue factor in my fic, I try to keep it as original as possible so it won't be just another ms. I always liked the twins so I thought it was natural to give them a larger role, as for your questions: 1: Just read to enjoy it 2 Yep, if not in this chapter, then in the next 3 Not yet, but somewhere in the future 4 Yes, more Elrohir coming up
Multiple Lilys: I worked very hard on this, hope you like!!!!
Punkpunk: Hooked huh, wow never thought my fic could have that effect ;)
Saiklor: Glad to see you think this isn't just another Mary Sue, hope you'll like this chapter
Bina: You really think so, I hope this part will be as good as my others then. ;) Thanks for the luck, I'll need all the luck I can get on my exams. If you have a moment to spare think of me on Wednesday I'll have my hardest exam then.
Ithilwen: I've never made somebody speechless; that is a good thing right? Rest assured cause I have no intention on stopping this fic ;), I just love the twins so I put them in my fic..
DISCLAIMER: Only Rita, Fioma and Andor are mine, all the other characters have sprung from Tolkien's great mind
Rita woke up when she felt the light of the sun in her face. She opened her eyes, but found she was having trouble with that because they were so swollen. The events from the day before came rushing back to her.
The first thing she did was feel her ribs, she was silently praying for them not to be broken. She sighed in relief when she found that though they hurt like hell, they were nowhere near broken. She forced herself to stand up and found her way to the bathroom.
She noticed that all her cuts had been cleaned and bandaged and she was happy that she didn't have to do that herself. Rita glanced in the mirror and she frowned.
Her face was still a bit swollen, though the most of the swellings had disappeared only to have left a big blue mark on her face. Her nose still hurt a little when she touched it, and her neck and colorbone wasn't looking much better then her face. She thought about peeling off the bandages around her ribs for awhile to see the damage but decided against it. *Let's not undo Elrond's hard work*
Rita decided to wash herself instead of to bath because she was in no mood to take of all the bandages. When she was done splashing around she walked to the closet to pick out some comfy clothes that wouldn't get to tight around her body. She found a perfect dress, it was a tint of blue and it hung loosely around her body. She even found a pair of warm slippers and she decided to get something to eat, though she was not hungry.
*It's better to eat something now or I'll go in some kind of shock.* she thought as she made her way to the stairs. She moved slowly through the hall and because her ribs were protesting against any kind of movement, but Rita had been able to handle that pain for as long as she could remember.
The most challenging part of her trip to the diningroom however, would be the stairs. She clutched the railing as she went down them, one step at the time. So far she hadn't seen anyone yet but she wasn't really paying attention anyway.
She heard a gasp when she entered the diningroom and saw Arwen rushing towards her. "What are you doing here, if you wanted something to eat you should have rung the bell."
*Bell, what bell.oh she means the bell on the cabinet next to the bed, so that's what that was for* "I'm fine Arwen, there's no need to waiter me or something."
"You are far from fine Rita, I have helped my father by healing your injuries, you should be in bed resting, not walking around." Arwen had put up a stern face.
"Resting will only make it worse, when you rest your muscles will protest more when you have to get back to work. If I bite through the pain now, I will recover faster, you'll see."
Arwen looked like she was going to ask what she meant by that when a loud cry was heard. "RITA!!!"
Rita turned around only to find a flustered Pippin and Merry racing towards her, Frodo and Sam not farr behind them and they all skidded to a halt right before her. She hid a small smile as they started to bombard her with questions.
"How are you feeling Rita?"
"Are you in much pain?"
"Will you be alright soon Lady Rita?"
"Are you hungry?" This came from Pippin and Rita chuckled slightly as Merry hit Pippin on his head.
"Now what kind of question is THAT Pip, she was badly hurt and you ask whether or not she is hungry? Truly I question if you have any manners at all."
"I have manners" grumbled a slightly agitated Pippin "I just asked a simple question. Would you join us for breakfast Rita?" Pippin looked at her with pleading eyes, so when Rita saw that Arwen was going to decline the offer she quickly intervened.
"I would be happy to join you Pippin just lead the way." With that Pippin took her hand and started to guide her to the table that the hobbits had claimed as their own for their stay. It was the table closest to the kitchen, Rita noticed.
Rita could feel Arwen looking at her but decided to ignore her stares. She noticed Frodo staring at her. "Is everything alright Frodo?"
Frodo just shook his head a little "It is strange for you to be asking me that question as you are the one badly injured. Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"
"Ah, but didn't you ask me already? Besides it looks worse then it is."
"I find that hard to believe" Rita heard a voice behind her "As I have seen many injuries before and yours look like they are causing you great pain." The voice sounded familiar somehow but she wasn't able to turn around to verify this but her dilemma was soon solved.
"Strider, good to see you. Strider was the one who found you yesterday Rita." This came from Merry.
"Aragorn" she said "I thought I had remembered that I saw you yesterday, but it's all a little hazy."
"That is of no wonder Milady" he said while he took a seat besides her "for you were in a bad condition when we found you, you really should be resting."
Rita fought the urge to sigh. "I already told Arwen that resting wouldn't help Aragorn so don't even bother." It sounded a bit snappy in her own ears so she quickly added a sentence. "I have to thank you for helping me though, you didn't have to after the way I treated you."
Aragorn looked surprised. "Even if you had done something to offend me, which you have not, none would hesitate to aid a maiden in need as you yourself were."
"So your not mad at me for yelling at you after the council? I tried to find you at dinner but I couldn't find you."
"I could not be angered by your words Milady, as they were said in a moment of confusion and fear. One cannot always control their words when in such a state."
"Thanks Aragorn, but please call me Rita, if we are going to travel together to hell and back, you'd better stop calling me Milady, it might give me a big head."
"What do you mean by that Rita?" asked a confused Pippin as he had been silent as soon as Aragorn started to talk to her.
"It means, my dear Pippin, that I might think of myself as something bigger and better than I am, I wouldn't want to get overconfident now would I."
Pippin looked even more confused now, and opened his mouth to ask another question but as soon as he saw Frodo's scolding look he stopped himself.
Rita turned to Aragorn again. "What happened to that stupid elf anyway, I vaguely remember seeing him be knocked out but I'm not too sure about it."
"You needn't worry yourself with him Rita, for he is locked away and will probably receive a grave punishment for what he has done to you and what he tried to do to Lady Fioma."
"Fioma? That's the name of the girl?"
"Yes it is, she is very grateful for what you have done for her, yet she feels guilty for leaving you to fend for yourself against Andor."
"It's not like I gave her a choice, it was the best thing to do to keep her safe against, Andor you said right?" Seeing Aragorn nod Rita continued. "Besides what good would it have done if she had stayed?"
"That is what Lord Elrond said when she expressed her feelings. Yet it did not take her guilt away, I believe only you can make her understand that there was nothing she could have done."
As a silence hung in the air, Rita decided to take a walk in the garden before her muscles had cooled of completely. She was barely able to keep a wince of pain of her face as she stood up, she had sat down too long and her ribs were fiercely protesting.
Aragorn jumped up to help her as soon as he saw the flash of pain in her eyes but she dismissed his outstretched hand and got up by herself.
"I'm fine but thanks for the offer." Aragorn looked a little baffled but he had soon composed himself.
"If anyone is looking foe me, I'll be somewhere in the garden, I have to walk for awhile." And before anyone could say something she left them, moving faster then one would think in her condition.
"She is very strong." Remarked Sam.
"That she is, Sam. That she is." Aragorn said as he, as well as the others, looked at her retreating figure.
~~~~ Rita walked around for little while when she bumped into someone. She was knocked back a little as she bit back a groan. She looked up in the concerned face of Elladan.
*No it's Elrohir* she found out *He has a very serious look in his eyes* Elrohir looked shocked to see her up and walking, and he profusely started to apologize.
"Rita, I didn't see you there, I am so sorry if I hurt you. Are you alright, should I fetch someone to help you to your room or should I."
"Elrohir, please stop apologizing, I should have paid attention to where I was going."
"As should I have, but I must apologize as you are injured and I am not. Shouldn't you be resting in your chambers? Arwen said you were badly hurt."
"I'll live, the day is far too pretty to spend it inside. The sun feels good, it's warm and comfy."
Elrohir smiled at her, but his smile faltered when he recalled where he was going in such a hurry. "I'm sorry Rita but I must go. Father is holding a court as to decide what will happen to Andor, as it is not possible for his acts to remain unpunished."
Rita's eyes hardened at the mention of Andor and she was barely able to keep the ice out of her voice. "Then allow me to join you cause I want to know what will happen."
Elrohir only had to look into her eyes for a second to see the determination in them as he offered her his arm to lean on. "Very well, this way please."
~~~~ When Elrohir and Rita entered the room where the trial was being held, whispers could be heard as well as gasps at the girl's injuries. This made Rita very uncomfortable and she held onto Elrohir's arm a little tighter.
He just squeezed her arm in comfort as he made his way to the front where Elrond was seated. When she looked around she saw Elladan standing among the crowd as well. He clenched his fists as he saw her, but was not able to talk to her as Elrond motioned for everyone to take a seat. Elrond looked tired and had a very serious look on his face as he started to speak.
"This court is being held in order to decide what fate will fall upon the accused here today. Andor you have been caught severely beating a maiden after you had made an attempt to attack another. This is a grave matter that shouldn't be taken lightly as the abuse of women is highly frowned upon in Rivendell, as it is frowned upon amongst all elves. What words can you speak in your defense?"
Andor stood there for awhile, guards at both of his sides, and it looked like he wasn't going to say anything until. "I believe this matter has been taken out of proportions Milord" his voice was oozing, it sounded like honey, "For though I cannot deny that I struck a woman, for which I am truly ashamed, I was not at fault."
He took a breath before he continued. "For the Lady I had to strike attacked me and not the other way around. What I did to anger her I do not know, yet I only defended myself Milord."
"Really" Elrond sounded skeptical "And what of Lady Fioma, who claims you have tried to force yourself on her?"
"That was merely a misunderstanding Milord, for I thought she rather enjoyed my advances. If I had any idea she were uncomfortable, I would have proceeded differently."
This was more then Rita could take and she sprung up, even though her ribs were protesting, and she screamed out. "Liar, you filthy liar! Like hell you didn't understand, or are you blind. I would think the screaming in terror and the running away and the crying would point out she did NOT enjoy your so called advances. You are nothing but a snake, trying to weasel his way out of punishment." Rita panted after her outburst.
After hearing her words Andor could no longer keep up his facade. "I told you once to stay out of my business, woman. Do not make me warn you again."
"Or what huh? You're going to hit me again, go ahead I can take it." Rita had her chin up defiantly looking at Andor. This was more than the elf could handle.
He leaped towards Rita, somehow managing to move faster then his guards could react, and raised his hand to strike her when he was punched hard by a furious Elladan.
"You will not lay your hands on her again do you hear me, touch her and I will make sure it will be the last thing you do." He hissed those last words.
"You have no say in this, the woman had it coming, she was coming between me and my goal. Fioma would have been mine if she hadn't intervened. I punished her for her brutality and I would do it again." Andor struggled against guards as they firmly grabbed him again.
Elrohir had trouble holding back Elladan to keep him from tearing Andor apart. Suddenly Elrond's voice was heard above all the commotion.
"SILENCE! Not a word from any of you. Andor, you have shown your true face and therefor I will decide that you will be banished from Rivendell. I will also send word of your exile to Mirkwood and Lothlorien, so do not attempt to settle down there. May you find wisdom during your exile and may you learn to regret your actions."
Andor yelled at Elrond. "You cannot do this."
"But I can do this." A touch of frost tangible in Elrond's voice "As I am the Lord of Rivendell. I have decided you will have to leave before nightfall, use your time wisely."
After those words the guards pushed a yelling and struggling Andor out of the court and Rita sighed.
Elrond walked towards her and asked her if she were all right. "You should be resting, you look tired."
Rita indeed looked tired and she said. "I was ok until my little outburst back there, I think I jumped a little to fast and now my ribs are brutally punishing me."
"I have some tea that should be able to dull that pain, I will prepare some for you now. Go to your room and get ready to rest." With that he left the room.
Rita looked around and was surprised to see that only she and the twins were still in the room and smiled at them as they approached her. "I guess I got my orders" she grinned "Can I hold onto you again Elrohir, or do I have to make my way alone?"
After glancing at his brother's face Elrohir declined. "I am sorry to say I have business to attend to but Elladan will escort you to your chambers. Rest now, you had a busy day." He smiled once more at her and then left.
Rita wasn't sure she was happy about being alone with Elladan, their argument from the day before still fresh in her memory. Neither of them moved nor spoke. *Well this is awkward*
Elladan was the first to break the silence "Come Rita, I will take you to your chamber." He offered his arm and was relieved at the fact that she took it.
They walked in silence to her room and Elladan opened the door for her and supported her as she made her way to the bed.
"Will you be alright?" he asked and Rita nodded. It was clear however that she was lying. Pain was radiating from her eyes.
"Why do you lie to me?" Elladan softly asked. "Why will you not let me see your pain, why won't you let me help you.?"
Rita was struck by the sincerity of his voice. "You asked me that yesterday, and I told you then that it was my burden and mine alone."
"Yes you did say that." He agreed. "Was this the first time you were beaten?"
"Excuse me?" Rita was shocked.
"Boromir told us you said that you were familiar with 'it', whether you meant the pain or the beating he did not know."
"I said that?" she asked meekly.
"Yes you did, you once told me that you had seen more then one should. Please let me help you." He took a step closer to Rita.
Rita was baffled by his actions and words "You can't" her voice broke "Nobody can help me. Not even me."
Elladan was shocked by the desperation in her voice and he gently caressed her cheek. "You are so strong" he whispered "But even the strongest person has to trust another with his or her burden. Do not face your demons alone."
She gasped when she felt his soft touch and had trouble formulating a sentence. "But that is where you are wrong Elladan, I do not face my demons, I hide them deep inside hoping that they will go away."
"Why did you let yourself get hurt so badly, why didn't you fight back?"
"If Andor were to busy hitting me the girl would be able to run away, I couldn't fail her like I failed." Rita stopped abruptly and refused to look Elladan in his eyes.
Elladan gently cupped her chin and made her look at him. "Like who Rita, who did you fail."
Rita was hypnotized by him. His beautiful grey eyes were begging her to trust him to let him help her, and she couldn't stop a tear from falling. "My sister" she whispered barely audible "I failed my sister."
Elladan wiped her tear away. "Why do you think you failed her"
"She died, I wasn't there to protect her."
"Protect her from what?" he inquired.
"From my father" she whispered, shame could be heard in her voice.
"What happened?" he asked, though he knew he wouldn't like the answer.
"I, I can't tell you." More tears left her eyes. She silently berated herself for her weakness but found she couldn't hold them back any longer.
"Trust me." Elladan whispered, and Rita closed her eyes.
"She fell, she fell down the stairs. I was the one who found her body."
Elladan kept himself from gasping, realizing this would only upset Rita. "If she fell, how could you have prevented that, it must have been an accident."
"But it wasn't an accident Elladan, that's just the point. I found my father later in his room, drunk and he said, he said." A dry sob escaped her throat.
"What did he say Rita, tell me, what did he say."
"He yelled at me about all the noise in the house, he said that he had punished Carol for making noise earlier. He had hit her and then she had made even more noise on the stairs. He hit her so hard she had lost her balance Elladan, he killed her and he didn't even care."
Elladan clenched his jaw as he felt and anger for the man who dared to call himself her father rise. "And how do you think you could have prevented that?" he asked although he already knew the answer.
"I was the older sister, she was only thirteen" Rita's voice sounded hoarse. "I would draw his attention from her, so he would turn on me. I was stronger, I could handle it. She got home early that day and I wasn't there. I failed her."
Rita froze when Elladan pulled her in his arms, yet slowly relaxed as he stroked her hair. His gentle manner was the last thing that broke the wall she had spent years building. She started to sob in his chest, clutching the material of his shirt.
Elladan felt helpless as she stood there in his arms, trying to comfort her by stroking her hair and whispering soft words. "Ssshhh, it's alright, I won't let anyone hurt you. You did not fail your sister, you could not have seen that she was home. It was not your fault, ssshhh."
Her sobs started to die down as she rested her head on his shoulder, taking labored breaths. She looked up at him only to see compassion, kindness and concern written on his face.
He still held an arm around her waist as he pushed the hair out of her face and started to wipe away her tears. He couldn't help but notice how soft her skin was. He berated himself for thinking of that while she was in such a state.
Rita was having a similar reaction, the touch of his hand was electrifying and she felt a wave of trust go through her body. She could trust this man, this elf, he just heard her darkest secret and still he looked at her as if she were precious.
"It was not your fault do you understand. There was nothing you could have done Rita, do you understand me?"
All Rita could do was nod, and she hid her face in his shoulder again. He smelled so nice, a combination of nature and his own personal sent.
Elladan tightened his grip on her as if he were silently telling her that he would protect her. But he quickly let her go as Rita made a strangled sound. "Oh Rita I'm so sorry, I forgot about your ribs."
"It's ok, they hurt anyway so a little more pain won't bother me."
"But it will bother me Rita, to know I have caused you pain. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again, do you hear me?"
Rita wanted to tell him that wasn't something he could promise but felt weariness take her over. The confrontation with Andor, her breakdown and the everlasting pain in her body finally taking over. She just closed her eyes and said nothing.
Elladan could feel her weaken and called for a maid to help her change her clothes, he left the room as he did not want to embarrass her or himself for that matter.
The maid only took a minute or two before he was called in again. "That is all thank you" he said to the maid and watched her as she left the room.
Rita was sitting on the bed just staring at him and he couldn't help himself for staring back at her. She wore a soft, silky, green nightgown that clung to her like a second skin. He swallowed as he focused his stare on her face.
She looked so tired, he picked her up as gently as he could and she just held onto him. Elladan pulled back the covers and laid her in the bed, putting the blanket over her. He caressed her face again when there was a knock on the door.
Elladan opened it only to find his father there with the promised tea. "Make her drink this Elladan, it will both dull her pain as lull her to sleep." After his instructions he left.
Elladan pulled Rita up a little to make the drinking easier as she held the cup of tea. She grimaced after the first sip and Elladan grinned. "More then once did my father force me to drink his brews and though they taste awful they do work."
"Then why don't you drink it, it's really not my taste." Rita looked at Elladan's semi-stern face and sighed as she drank the rest of her tea in a swig. She closed her eyes at the bitter taste, and her face scrunched up.
Elladan gave her another cup with fresh water that had been left there by the maid, and she greedily drank it to get rid of the bad taste in her mouth. She snuggled back into her pillows and relaxed even more as Elladan ran his fingers over her face once again.
"You should rest now" he whispered "I will be back in the morning." Then he placed a small kiss on her lips and left.
*Did he just kiss me?* were the last thoughts she had before she finally gave into sleep.
Elladan leaned against the door after he left. *Did I just kiss her?* raw emotions were on his face when he stumbled to his own room. He had much to think about.
A/N: The secret is out, and the beginning of a romance is near. Tell me what you think ok?? Reviews make me happy. What do you think, should I continue with the Elladan/Rita thing or not???
HoshikoIuzumi: Andor was not a young elf, that's the whole point to it. Andor is cruel and mean, very un-elflike, you'll catch my drift in this chapter. Don't know about the Elladan/Rita thing yet, I'll guess I'll write what springs into my mind.
Sai'ytah: First of all, good luck on your exams and thank you for reading (and reviewing) my fic, glad you liked it. Thanks for your input on the Mary Sue factor in my fic, I try to keep it as original as possible so it won't be just another ms. I always liked the twins so I thought it was natural to give them a larger role, as for your questions: 1: Just read to enjoy it 2 Yep, if not in this chapter, then in the next 3 Not yet, but somewhere in the future 4 Yes, more Elrohir coming up
Multiple Lilys: I worked very hard on this, hope you like!!!!
Punkpunk: Hooked huh, wow never thought my fic could have that effect ;)
Saiklor: Glad to see you think this isn't just another Mary Sue, hope you'll like this chapter
Bina: You really think so, I hope this part will be as good as my others then. ;) Thanks for the luck, I'll need all the luck I can get on my exams. If you have a moment to spare think of me on Wednesday I'll have my hardest exam then.
Ithilwen: I've never made somebody speechless; that is a good thing right? Rest assured cause I have no intention on stopping this fic ;), I just love the twins so I put them in my fic..
DISCLAIMER: Only Rita, Fioma and Andor are mine, all the other characters have sprung from Tolkien's great mind
Rita woke up when she felt the light of the sun in her face. She opened her eyes, but found she was having trouble with that because they were so swollen. The events from the day before came rushing back to her.
The first thing she did was feel her ribs, she was silently praying for them not to be broken. She sighed in relief when she found that though they hurt like hell, they were nowhere near broken. She forced herself to stand up and found her way to the bathroom.
She noticed that all her cuts had been cleaned and bandaged and she was happy that she didn't have to do that herself. Rita glanced in the mirror and she frowned.
Her face was still a bit swollen, though the most of the swellings had disappeared only to have left a big blue mark on her face. Her nose still hurt a little when she touched it, and her neck and colorbone wasn't looking much better then her face. She thought about peeling off the bandages around her ribs for awhile to see the damage but decided against it. *Let's not undo Elrond's hard work*
Rita decided to wash herself instead of to bath because she was in no mood to take of all the bandages. When she was done splashing around she walked to the closet to pick out some comfy clothes that wouldn't get to tight around her body. She found a perfect dress, it was a tint of blue and it hung loosely around her body. She even found a pair of warm slippers and she decided to get something to eat, though she was not hungry.
*It's better to eat something now or I'll go in some kind of shock.* she thought as she made her way to the stairs. She moved slowly through the hall and because her ribs were protesting against any kind of movement, but Rita had been able to handle that pain for as long as she could remember.
The most challenging part of her trip to the diningroom however, would be the stairs. She clutched the railing as she went down them, one step at the time. So far she hadn't seen anyone yet but she wasn't really paying attention anyway.
She heard a gasp when she entered the diningroom and saw Arwen rushing towards her. "What are you doing here, if you wanted something to eat you should have rung the bell."
*Bell, what bell.oh she means the bell on the cabinet next to the bed, so that's what that was for* "I'm fine Arwen, there's no need to waiter me or something."
"You are far from fine Rita, I have helped my father by healing your injuries, you should be in bed resting, not walking around." Arwen had put up a stern face.
"Resting will only make it worse, when you rest your muscles will protest more when you have to get back to work. If I bite through the pain now, I will recover faster, you'll see."
Arwen looked like she was going to ask what she meant by that when a loud cry was heard. "RITA!!!"
Rita turned around only to find a flustered Pippin and Merry racing towards her, Frodo and Sam not farr behind them and they all skidded to a halt right before her. She hid a small smile as they started to bombard her with questions.
"How are you feeling Rita?"
"Are you in much pain?"
"Will you be alright soon Lady Rita?"
"Are you hungry?" This came from Pippin and Rita chuckled slightly as Merry hit Pippin on his head.
"Now what kind of question is THAT Pip, she was badly hurt and you ask whether or not she is hungry? Truly I question if you have any manners at all."
"I have manners" grumbled a slightly agitated Pippin "I just asked a simple question. Would you join us for breakfast Rita?" Pippin looked at her with pleading eyes, so when Rita saw that Arwen was going to decline the offer she quickly intervened.
"I would be happy to join you Pippin just lead the way." With that Pippin took her hand and started to guide her to the table that the hobbits had claimed as their own for their stay. It was the table closest to the kitchen, Rita noticed.
Rita could feel Arwen looking at her but decided to ignore her stares. She noticed Frodo staring at her. "Is everything alright Frodo?"
Frodo just shook his head a little "It is strange for you to be asking me that question as you are the one badly injured. Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"
"Ah, but didn't you ask me already? Besides it looks worse then it is."
"I find that hard to believe" Rita heard a voice behind her "As I have seen many injuries before and yours look like they are causing you great pain." The voice sounded familiar somehow but she wasn't able to turn around to verify this but her dilemma was soon solved.
"Strider, good to see you. Strider was the one who found you yesterday Rita." This came from Merry.
"Aragorn" she said "I thought I had remembered that I saw you yesterday, but it's all a little hazy."
"That is of no wonder Milady" he said while he took a seat besides her "for you were in a bad condition when we found you, you really should be resting."
Rita fought the urge to sigh. "I already told Arwen that resting wouldn't help Aragorn so don't even bother." It sounded a bit snappy in her own ears so she quickly added a sentence. "I have to thank you for helping me though, you didn't have to after the way I treated you."
Aragorn looked surprised. "Even if you had done something to offend me, which you have not, none would hesitate to aid a maiden in need as you yourself were."
"So your not mad at me for yelling at you after the council? I tried to find you at dinner but I couldn't find you."
"I could not be angered by your words Milady, as they were said in a moment of confusion and fear. One cannot always control their words when in such a state."
"Thanks Aragorn, but please call me Rita, if we are going to travel together to hell and back, you'd better stop calling me Milady, it might give me a big head."
"What do you mean by that Rita?" asked a confused Pippin as he had been silent as soon as Aragorn started to talk to her.
"It means, my dear Pippin, that I might think of myself as something bigger and better than I am, I wouldn't want to get overconfident now would I."
Pippin looked even more confused now, and opened his mouth to ask another question but as soon as he saw Frodo's scolding look he stopped himself.
Rita turned to Aragorn again. "What happened to that stupid elf anyway, I vaguely remember seeing him be knocked out but I'm not too sure about it."
"You needn't worry yourself with him Rita, for he is locked away and will probably receive a grave punishment for what he has done to you and what he tried to do to Lady Fioma."
"Fioma? That's the name of the girl?"
"Yes it is, she is very grateful for what you have done for her, yet she feels guilty for leaving you to fend for yourself against Andor."
"It's not like I gave her a choice, it was the best thing to do to keep her safe against, Andor you said right?" Seeing Aragorn nod Rita continued. "Besides what good would it have done if she had stayed?"
"That is what Lord Elrond said when she expressed her feelings. Yet it did not take her guilt away, I believe only you can make her understand that there was nothing she could have done."
As a silence hung in the air, Rita decided to take a walk in the garden before her muscles had cooled of completely. She was barely able to keep a wince of pain of her face as she stood up, she had sat down too long and her ribs were fiercely protesting.
Aragorn jumped up to help her as soon as he saw the flash of pain in her eyes but she dismissed his outstretched hand and got up by herself.
"I'm fine but thanks for the offer." Aragorn looked a little baffled but he had soon composed himself.
"If anyone is looking foe me, I'll be somewhere in the garden, I have to walk for awhile." And before anyone could say something she left them, moving faster then one would think in her condition.
"She is very strong." Remarked Sam.
"That she is, Sam. That she is." Aragorn said as he, as well as the others, looked at her retreating figure.
~~~~ Rita walked around for little while when she bumped into someone. She was knocked back a little as she bit back a groan. She looked up in the concerned face of Elladan.
*No it's Elrohir* she found out *He has a very serious look in his eyes* Elrohir looked shocked to see her up and walking, and he profusely started to apologize.
"Rita, I didn't see you there, I am so sorry if I hurt you. Are you alright, should I fetch someone to help you to your room or should I."
"Elrohir, please stop apologizing, I should have paid attention to where I was going."
"As should I have, but I must apologize as you are injured and I am not. Shouldn't you be resting in your chambers? Arwen said you were badly hurt."
"I'll live, the day is far too pretty to spend it inside. The sun feels good, it's warm and comfy."
Elrohir smiled at her, but his smile faltered when he recalled where he was going in such a hurry. "I'm sorry Rita but I must go. Father is holding a court as to decide what will happen to Andor, as it is not possible for his acts to remain unpunished."
Rita's eyes hardened at the mention of Andor and she was barely able to keep the ice out of her voice. "Then allow me to join you cause I want to know what will happen."
Elrohir only had to look into her eyes for a second to see the determination in them as he offered her his arm to lean on. "Very well, this way please."
~~~~ When Elrohir and Rita entered the room where the trial was being held, whispers could be heard as well as gasps at the girl's injuries. This made Rita very uncomfortable and she held onto Elrohir's arm a little tighter.
He just squeezed her arm in comfort as he made his way to the front where Elrond was seated. When she looked around she saw Elladan standing among the crowd as well. He clenched his fists as he saw her, but was not able to talk to her as Elrond motioned for everyone to take a seat. Elrond looked tired and had a very serious look on his face as he started to speak.
"This court is being held in order to decide what fate will fall upon the accused here today. Andor you have been caught severely beating a maiden after you had made an attempt to attack another. This is a grave matter that shouldn't be taken lightly as the abuse of women is highly frowned upon in Rivendell, as it is frowned upon amongst all elves. What words can you speak in your defense?"
Andor stood there for awhile, guards at both of his sides, and it looked like he wasn't going to say anything until. "I believe this matter has been taken out of proportions Milord" his voice was oozing, it sounded like honey, "For though I cannot deny that I struck a woman, for which I am truly ashamed, I was not at fault."
He took a breath before he continued. "For the Lady I had to strike attacked me and not the other way around. What I did to anger her I do not know, yet I only defended myself Milord."
"Really" Elrond sounded skeptical "And what of Lady Fioma, who claims you have tried to force yourself on her?"
"That was merely a misunderstanding Milord, for I thought she rather enjoyed my advances. If I had any idea she were uncomfortable, I would have proceeded differently."
This was more then Rita could take and she sprung up, even though her ribs were protesting, and she screamed out. "Liar, you filthy liar! Like hell you didn't understand, or are you blind. I would think the screaming in terror and the running away and the crying would point out she did NOT enjoy your so called advances. You are nothing but a snake, trying to weasel his way out of punishment." Rita panted after her outburst.
After hearing her words Andor could no longer keep up his facade. "I told you once to stay out of my business, woman. Do not make me warn you again."
"Or what huh? You're going to hit me again, go ahead I can take it." Rita had her chin up defiantly looking at Andor. This was more than the elf could handle.
He leaped towards Rita, somehow managing to move faster then his guards could react, and raised his hand to strike her when he was punched hard by a furious Elladan.
"You will not lay your hands on her again do you hear me, touch her and I will make sure it will be the last thing you do." He hissed those last words.
"You have no say in this, the woman had it coming, she was coming between me and my goal. Fioma would have been mine if she hadn't intervened. I punished her for her brutality and I would do it again." Andor struggled against guards as they firmly grabbed him again.
Elrohir had trouble holding back Elladan to keep him from tearing Andor apart. Suddenly Elrond's voice was heard above all the commotion.
"SILENCE! Not a word from any of you. Andor, you have shown your true face and therefor I will decide that you will be banished from Rivendell. I will also send word of your exile to Mirkwood and Lothlorien, so do not attempt to settle down there. May you find wisdom during your exile and may you learn to regret your actions."
Andor yelled at Elrond. "You cannot do this."
"But I can do this." A touch of frost tangible in Elrond's voice "As I am the Lord of Rivendell. I have decided you will have to leave before nightfall, use your time wisely."
After those words the guards pushed a yelling and struggling Andor out of the court and Rita sighed.
Elrond walked towards her and asked her if she were all right. "You should be resting, you look tired."
Rita indeed looked tired and she said. "I was ok until my little outburst back there, I think I jumped a little to fast and now my ribs are brutally punishing me."
"I have some tea that should be able to dull that pain, I will prepare some for you now. Go to your room and get ready to rest." With that he left the room.
Rita looked around and was surprised to see that only she and the twins were still in the room and smiled at them as they approached her. "I guess I got my orders" she grinned "Can I hold onto you again Elrohir, or do I have to make my way alone?"
After glancing at his brother's face Elrohir declined. "I am sorry to say I have business to attend to but Elladan will escort you to your chambers. Rest now, you had a busy day." He smiled once more at her and then left.
Rita wasn't sure she was happy about being alone with Elladan, their argument from the day before still fresh in her memory. Neither of them moved nor spoke. *Well this is awkward*
Elladan was the first to break the silence "Come Rita, I will take you to your chamber." He offered his arm and was relieved at the fact that she took it.
They walked in silence to her room and Elladan opened the door for her and supported her as she made her way to the bed.
"Will you be alright?" he asked and Rita nodded. It was clear however that she was lying. Pain was radiating from her eyes.
"Why do you lie to me?" Elladan softly asked. "Why will you not let me see your pain, why won't you let me help you.?"
Rita was struck by the sincerity of his voice. "You asked me that yesterday, and I told you then that it was my burden and mine alone."
"Yes you did say that." He agreed. "Was this the first time you were beaten?"
"Excuse me?" Rita was shocked.
"Boromir told us you said that you were familiar with 'it', whether you meant the pain or the beating he did not know."
"I said that?" she asked meekly.
"Yes you did, you once told me that you had seen more then one should. Please let me help you." He took a step closer to Rita.
Rita was baffled by his actions and words "You can't" her voice broke "Nobody can help me. Not even me."
Elladan was shocked by the desperation in her voice and he gently caressed her cheek. "You are so strong" he whispered "But even the strongest person has to trust another with his or her burden. Do not face your demons alone."
She gasped when she felt his soft touch and had trouble formulating a sentence. "But that is where you are wrong Elladan, I do not face my demons, I hide them deep inside hoping that they will go away."
"Why did you let yourself get hurt so badly, why didn't you fight back?"
"If Andor were to busy hitting me the girl would be able to run away, I couldn't fail her like I failed." Rita stopped abruptly and refused to look Elladan in his eyes.
Elladan gently cupped her chin and made her look at him. "Like who Rita, who did you fail."
Rita was hypnotized by him. His beautiful grey eyes were begging her to trust him to let him help her, and she couldn't stop a tear from falling. "My sister" she whispered barely audible "I failed my sister."
Elladan wiped her tear away. "Why do you think you failed her"
"She died, I wasn't there to protect her."
"Protect her from what?" he inquired.
"From my father" she whispered, shame could be heard in her voice.
"What happened?" he asked, though he knew he wouldn't like the answer.
"I, I can't tell you." More tears left her eyes. She silently berated herself for her weakness but found she couldn't hold them back any longer.
"Trust me." Elladan whispered, and Rita closed her eyes.
"She fell, she fell down the stairs. I was the one who found her body."
Elladan kept himself from gasping, realizing this would only upset Rita. "If she fell, how could you have prevented that, it must have been an accident."
"But it wasn't an accident Elladan, that's just the point. I found my father later in his room, drunk and he said, he said." A dry sob escaped her throat.
"What did he say Rita, tell me, what did he say."
"He yelled at me about all the noise in the house, he said that he had punished Carol for making noise earlier. He had hit her and then she had made even more noise on the stairs. He hit her so hard she had lost her balance Elladan, he killed her and he didn't even care."
Elladan clenched his jaw as he felt and anger for the man who dared to call himself her father rise. "And how do you think you could have prevented that?" he asked although he already knew the answer.
"I was the older sister, she was only thirteen" Rita's voice sounded hoarse. "I would draw his attention from her, so he would turn on me. I was stronger, I could handle it. She got home early that day and I wasn't there. I failed her."
Rita froze when Elladan pulled her in his arms, yet slowly relaxed as he stroked her hair. His gentle manner was the last thing that broke the wall she had spent years building. She started to sob in his chest, clutching the material of his shirt.
Elladan felt helpless as she stood there in his arms, trying to comfort her by stroking her hair and whispering soft words. "Ssshhh, it's alright, I won't let anyone hurt you. You did not fail your sister, you could not have seen that she was home. It was not your fault, ssshhh."
Her sobs started to die down as she rested her head on his shoulder, taking labored breaths. She looked up at him only to see compassion, kindness and concern written on his face.
He still held an arm around her waist as he pushed the hair out of her face and started to wipe away her tears. He couldn't help but notice how soft her skin was. He berated himself for thinking of that while she was in such a state.
Rita was having a similar reaction, the touch of his hand was electrifying and she felt a wave of trust go through her body. She could trust this man, this elf, he just heard her darkest secret and still he looked at her as if she were precious.
"It was not your fault do you understand. There was nothing you could have done Rita, do you understand me?"
All Rita could do was nod, and she hid her face in his shoulder again. He smelled so nice, a combination of nature and his own personal sent.
Elladan tightened his grip on her as if he were silently telling her that he would protect her. But he quickly let her go as Rita made a strangled sound. "Oh Rita I'm so sorry, I forgot about your ribs."
"It's ok, they hurt anyway so a little more pain won't bother me."
"But it will bother me Rita, to know I have caused you pain. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again, do you hear me?"
Rita wanted to tell him that wasn't something he could promise but felt weariness take her over. The confrontation with Andor, her breakdown and the everlasting pain in her body finally taking over. She just closed her eyes and said nothing.
Elladan could feel her weaken and called for a maid to help her change her clothes, he left the room as he did not want to embarrass her or himself for that matter.
The maid only took a minute or two before he was called in again. "That is all thank you" he said to the maid and watched her as she left the room.
Rita was sitting on the bed just staring at him and he couldn't help himself for staring back at her. She wore a soft, silky, green nightgown that clung to her like a second skin. He swallowed as he focused his stare on her face.
She looked so tired, he picked her up as gently as he could and she just held onto him. Elladan pulled back the covers and laid her in the bed, putting the blanket over her. He caressed her face again when there was a knock on the door.
Elladan opened it only to find his father there with the promised tea. "Make her drink this Elladan, it will both dull her pain as lull her to sleep." After his instructions he left.
Elladan pulled Rita up a little to make the drinking easier as she held the cup of tea. She grimaced after the first sip and Elladan grinned. "More then once did my father force me to drink his brews and though they taste awful they do work."
"Then why don't you drink it, it's really not my taste." Rita looked at Elladan's semi-stern face and sighed as she drank the rest of her tea in a swig. She closed her eyes at the bitter taste, and her face scrunched up.
Elladan gave her another cup with fresh water that had been left there by the maid, and she greedily drank it to get rid of the bad taste in her mouth. She snuggled back into her pillows and relaxed even more as Elladan ran his fingers over her face once again.
"You should rest now" he whispered "I will be back in the morning." Then he placed a small kiss on her lips and left.
*Did he just kiss me?* were the last thoughts she had before she finally gave into sleep.
Elladan leaned against the door after he left. *Did I just kiss her?* raw emotions were on his face when he stumbled to his own room. He had much to think about.
A/N: The secret is out, and the beginning of a romance is near. Tell me what you think ok?? Reviews make me happy. What do you think, should I continue with the Elladan/Rita thing or not???