Hey everybody, I have so much fun writing this fic, it's a way of release
to me of all the tension of this year. I really wanna graduate so the
stress is horrible :-(
Again I want to thank all my reviewers, without you I wouldn't continue this fic
Letylyf: Happy to see you liked the start, I hope you reach this chapter soon so you can read this thank you note.
Elvish princes: I do know what you mean. I love long chapters as well!!
Rosa: I surprised you didn't I? Well I surprised myself too, cause I thought I was writing a Legolas/OC fic, destiny decided otherwise.
Arwen-evenstar: You like this fic!!! I'm so happy now, but me talented?? I don't know about that yet. It's decent but not terrific.
Bina: Thanks for reviewing once again, it really means a lot to me.
Punkpunk: Strawberries. . . . it's your fault I'll never be able to eat them without associating it with Elladan. Hmpf, because you are such a wonderful reviewer I'll forgive you. Love your motto! Mine is so boring compared to yours. It goes like this: Always stay true to yourself and don't let others or their opinions get in the way of that. BAH boring!! Hope you like this chapter.
Blackstardust: I know everybody suspects about her past. There is a good reason for that too. If you examine my chapters again, you will see that Rita gives herself away because of her eyes. There is a pain and wisdom (far beyond her age) in them so touchable that everybody notices. That and her comment that she was used to 'it'. Hope I cleared that up for ya.
Crystal Rose Heart: You really I'm too critical? Guess I'll take your word for it. About her instinct. You may have noticed that though people suspect, she hasn't told anyone but Elladan. In my opinion Rita only tells those she completely trust. So it will stay hidden (for now) *Hands oxyganmask* hope you can breathe again ;)
Ithilwen: If you love long chapters you will like this one as well. As for my exams *winces* I don't have the results yet but I don't have a good feeling about them. Thank you so much for asking
DISCLAIMER: All you recognize from Tolkien's books are his, the rest are mine.
Rita sat under a tree at the trainingspot, waiting for Boromir to show up. It had been two weeks since Elladan had left and she had experienced a lot of things. She closed her eyes and smiled when she thought of them.
First of all, there was training. Boromir was a good teacher, and Rita started to like him better after every practice. Though he could be a bit gruff at some times, he really had a big heart. He was endlessly patient and after that one time, he never bothered her with questions. He seemed to know that she wasn't ready to tell him and respected that.
They would meet eachother every day after lunch to train for a few hours and though she was getting better every day, she had not been able to beat him. . . yet.
Rita would eat breakfast every morning with the hobbits and was getting very close to them all, but still Pippin was the one she felt closest to. The two of them had been on an adventure or two in those two weeks.
There had been that time when Pippin had suggested they would cook a second breakfast together, since the first time they prepared a meal together went so well too. So of they went, to the kitchen.
Once they got there it was deserted, not weird when you reckoned that lunch was still hours away. They decided to bake cookies. How they had gotten to that idea only heaven knew, but they got it.
After assembling the right ingredients, they had started to make the dough. The only problem was that they couldn't keep themselves from eating it. Soon there wasn't enough to actually make cookies, so they decided to prepare another load of dough, only to promise that this batch would make it as cookies.
Which one of them started it is still undecided, but the fact remains that Rita and Pippin were suddenly involved in a full flour throwing war.
Rita still grinned when she remembered the reaction of the cook as she saw the damage to her kitchen. She just opened her mouth a couple of times and closed it again; she looked a lot like a fish. After she had recovered, she had made them clean the kitchen. Not so fun, but hey it was worth it.
Then there was the time that she, Pippin and Merry had decided to look at some maps, which resided in the library of Elrond. They stared at the map intently, pointing out several regions.
First they searched for the Shire. On the map it seemed so small that the hobbits were amazed. They found Rivendell as well as Gondor, the home of Boromir. Not far beyond that was Mordor, their ultimate destination.
After an hour of studying the maps Rita and Pippin were bored, but Merry seemed intent of absorbing every detail. So Pippin and her decided to have some fun.
They had found some paper and charcoal and started to draw pictures. Rita couldn't draw if her life depended on it, but Pippin was actually good.
He would draw everybody they had met, exaggerating certain aspects of their characteristics. So you could see elves with ears like Dumbo and dwarves with beards that reached the ground. The one that had made Rita fall off her seat laughing was the drawing of Gandalf.
In this drawing he was probably scolding Pippin, because his frown was so deep and his mouth was wide open as if he were yelling. Imagine her reaction when Gandalf chose exactly THAT moment to walk in. Rita believed that he was still confused about the reason she was laughing so loud. Pippin was wise enough to hide all evidence, of course. He himself had said he was a master at playing tricks.
Rita had gone riding a lot as well. Sometimes with Arwen, sometimes with Glorfindel and sometimes she went alone, but only when she was feeling very courageous.
Glorfindel had given her permission to use Asfaloth whenever she liked to and she started to like horses better now. Once she even rode another horse while Glorfindel rode Asfaloth himself. While riding with Glorfindel, she would talk to him about everything. Actually, she asked him tons of questions and he answered her.
At the end of the two weeks, she was now fully informed about the Nazgul or Black Riders as they were called. Rita now understood why Elladan's mission was so important. Also Glorfindel had started to teach her a little bit of Sindarin.
She was learning it quickly, as she had a good memory. The only thing that had stopped her from doing really well in school had been her father and the sacrifices she had to make. But that didn't bother her on Middle Earth.
It started out with normal things like: hello, goodbye, friend, etc. Soon that evolved into whole sentences and elvish expressions.
Arwen also helped out in that territory. While they would spend time together, Arwen would talk in Sindarin sometimes in order to help Rita learn it. Arwen would also teach her words that Rita was too embarrassed to ask Glorfindel, like I love you.
She and Arwen would mostly talk while they were getting ready for dinner. Every night Arwen would come to her room to help her get ready. They would talk about how much they missed their loves, and how hard it would be in the future.
Especially Arwen was sad about that, so Rita made her a promise. She vowed to Arwen that she would let no harm come to Aragorn. Not while she was alive and breathing.
Arwen had fallen silent at that and hugged her, not finding the words to express herself, but Rita knew that she was grateful for the offer.
Dinner was often uneventful. Sometimes she would sit at the table of Elrond and discuss her training and certain things about her world with both Gandalf as Elrond. The latter seemed to be amazed at the fact that medicine was so advanced.
She would sit with the hobbits as well and she was delighted to meet Frodo's uncle. Bilbo Baggins was indeed a very interesting hobbit and Rita enjoyed listening to his stories, drinking in as much as she could.
Sometimes Gloin, father of Gimli, who had been on this adventure with him, joined him. Together they would tell the story of their adventure together, while they reminisced about the past. Gimli would listen as well, though he heard the story very often.
Legolas she saw very little after their famous ride together, but when she did the two would joke around, throwing comments back and forth. Rita imagined that this was how an older brother would be like and thanked God that she didn't have one.
The meeting that had touched Rita very much was the one with Fioma, the girl she had saved from Andor.
Rita had been walking in the garden one morning when Fioma passed by. Once she had recognized Rita, Fioma had fallen to her knees while madly apologizing for any trouble she had caused. Rita had been astonished. Never before had anyone expressed his or her gratitude in such a manner.
She helped her up and the two had a long conversation about how it all started a well as they talked about every day things. Arwen would join them often and the three would walk around the gardens talking non-stop and laughing. Fioma too, helped her in learning Sindarin.
Suddenly she felt a shadow fall over her and opened her eyes to see Boromir towering over her. "I am sorry I'm late Rita, but I was held up by Gandalf. He wished to discuss certain matters with me."
"It's ok Boromir" Rita said "I'm not angry, actually you gave me some time to think."
Boromir nodded. "Well then, if you are finished thinking we could start training." He laughed when Rita jumped up, very eager to start. The day before she had been very close at beating him and she were very inclined to win this time.
They circled eachother, swords drawn, each looking for the opportunity to strike. Boromir was the first one to attack, but Rita saw this coming and blocked his move easily. While time passed, their fight began to become fiercer.
The draw of first blood would declare the winner. For a long time nothing but the clashing of swords was heard and Rita thought she would never find a way to defeat her teacher.
Then she saw her chance. Boromir had lowered his arm to far and so his left side was somewhat unprotected. She struck fast, knowing a chance like this would not represent itself again. With deadly accuracy she nicked his shoulder, drawing blood.
Boromir was very surprised he had last, but soon yielded. "You have won Rita, you have shown yourself a worthy adversary." Rita just beamed.
Both started when applause was heard from behind them. They both spun around and Rita gasped at what she saw. "Elladan" she cried out while running towards him, flinging herself in his already opened arms. "Your back!"
Elladan just spun her around and held her tightly until he put her on the ground. "I missed you Rita and I feel I must congratulate you on you're victory just now. You have become very skilled with the sword." He then turned to Boromir. "I must thank you for continuing Rita's lessons Lord Boromir."
Boromir just shook his head. "'Twas of no matter Lord Elladan, for I had offered to teach her so she would be able to hold her own in battle." He turned to Rita. "You fought very well today Rita, but do not let this victory go to your head. It will be the last one, for I'll be more on guard when we next meet."
Rita smiled "Just say what you want to Boromir. You know I beat you and you can't stand it, besides after all the times you won from me it was time I won for a change."
"Perhaps" was all he would say. "But now I shall leave you to yourselves, you must have a lot to talk about." And he walked away.
Rita turned to Elladan again, her heart fluttering while she took in his features. "How did you know we were here?" she asked him.
"Arwen told me, a second before she clung to Aragorn with no intention to let him go." He grinned, when he remembered that she flung herself so wildly at him that Aragorn had fell on the ground.
Then Rita remembered her lessons of Sindarin and said "Cormamin lindua ele lle" (My heart sings to see thee)
Elladan's eyes widened as he heard her speak. "Where did you learn to say that?" he inquired.
"Glorfindel taught me, and Arwen and Fioma too. You like?" she clutched onto his neck even tighter. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too Rita, more than you can ever imagine. The time we have left until you leave for the quest seems short."
Rita nodded. "We have nine more days, we can spend those together."
"Indeed" Elladan said and he bent down to kiss her when Elrohir interrupted them.
Both lovers jumped when the rustling of leaves was heard and Rita blushed when she realized the position Elrohir had found them in. Elladan just shot him a dirty look.
Elrohir ignored his brother. "You do know that diner starts in half an hour right? I believe father will not be pleased when you will be late." He smirked.
Rita let Elladan go sighing. "Then I have to get going. Cause with Aragorn back, I doubt that Arwen remembers to help me get dressed so I'll have to do it myself."
"I will go with you." Elladan quickly said and wanted to walk with her when Elrohir stopped him.
"Brother, if you do not go to your room now and get ready for dinner I'll be forced to tell about a certain incident of which I'm sure you do not want her to hear."
Rita cocked an eyebrow at Elrohir when she saw Elladan turn white and then red. "What kind of incident?" she asked innocently.
"Well. . . " Elrohir started, but he was soon interrupted by his brother.
"Dina" (be silent) "I will go with you."
"Elladan, Elladan." Rita said in a singsong voice "What could possibly have happened that causes for you to tell your brother to be silent. Come on, it can't be that embarrassing."
"You understood what he said Rita?" Elrohir asked her.
Elladan answered in her place. "Glorfindel and Arwen have been teaching her Sindarin brother, now we must watch what we say in her presence."
"Oh, so now I can't say Lle maa quel (you look good) to her anymore without her understanding." When he saw that she turned a shade of red he winked at her. Elrohir faked pain when Elladan hit his arm.
"Watch your mouth brother, find your own love, this one is mine." This caused Rita to grow even redder, so she decided to escape while she could. She gave Elladan a short kiss, waved at Elrohir and ran to her room.
As she had expected, Arwen was not there so she took a quick bath and chose a gown to wear herself. This time she chose a simple green one and fought with her hair to get it untangled. She was able to reach the diningroom before dinner began and took a seat next to Merry.
"You're late" stated Pippin "Dinner almost started already. Where have you been? Ouch!" Pippin cast a dark look in Merry's direction. Rita guessed that he had kicked the younger hobbit.
"Don't mind my nephew Rita" said Frodo "it is none of our business" at this he gave Pippin a pointed look "to know why you were late."
Rita grinned. "It's ok to ask Frodo, I have nothing to hide. Elladan is back." She got a dreamy look on her face.
The hobbits gave eachother knowing looks. For the past two weeks they had figured out that there was a strong bond between their friend and the son of Elrond, perhaps even as strong as love.
"I am happy for you Lady Rita" said Sam "for I believe we have all noticed that you missed him greatly."
"That I did Sam" Rita agreed "But I better get used to it cause we will be leaving in nine days." The hobbits fell silent at that. It seemed so far away at first but it was closing at a very fast rate. Especially Frodo fell silent and Rita couldn't help but pity the brave hobbit.
The rest of the meal was spent in silence, Rita had seen Elladan and Elrohir enter but found no time to speak with them. After she excused herself she walked to the garden, waiting for Elladan to show up.
She didn't have to wait long, once she got to 'their' spot she was looking at the waterfall and the moon reflecting in the water when she suddenly was shoved against a tree while lips were roughly pushed against hers.
Rita wanted to protest but soon recognized Elladan and opened her mouth widely to give his tongue the room he requested. The kiss lasted for what seemed like hours until she felt her lungs burn with the need of oxygen and broke it. "Hello to you too" she panted.
"I've been wanting to do that for two weeks, I have missed you so."
"I missed you too like I said and I hate to bring this up but I am leaving in nine days Elladan. You will not see me for a much longer period of time than these two weeks."
Elladan groaned "I know Rita, how I wish you wouldn't go." When he saw she was going to protest he added "And I know I cannot convince you to abandon this quest now you have given your word to go, but I have such great fear that you might not return."
"Tula sinome" (come here) Rita whispered and she put his hand on her chest so he could feel her heartbeat. "Feel this? Do you feel my heartbeat? It is my reason for living, YOU are the reason I'm living. Amin mela lle Elladan. (I love you Elladan) The sole thought of you will help me survive anything that is thrown my way." She took a strangled breath, what she was about to say hurt her.
"But if I were to die on this quest you must promise me something. Promise me you will not die of grief, I will not be able to bear the responsibility of yet another death. Promise me you will find happiness again with someone else." She looked deeply into his eyes while she pleaded this.
A tear slid down Elladan's cheek. His voice was hoarse when he answered her. "How can I promise you these things when I know I will not be able to live without you. I love you more than life itself."
Rita kissed the salt from his cheek and whispered "Then I just have to make sure I'll survive won't I?" and pulled him towards her, engulfing him in a hug.
"Indeed you should melamin (my love)." And he kissed her squarely on the lips. It was a soft kiss, a gentle one, and full of promise and love. It lasted a long time before they finally parted and without saying a word they started to walk back to the main building.
Elladan kissed her one last time before she walked into her room. "I will see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, tomorrow" was all Rita was able to say before he left. She fell on her bed and closed her eyes as she remembered the things said that evening. Never before had she expected to be brave enough to tell him that she loved him. She smiled when she remembered what he had called her; melamin. She fell asleep with happy thoughts in mind.
~~~~
The next nine days were hectic ones. Preparations were made and everybody was running around. For Rita the matter of clothing came up. She only had one pair of pants and sweats, and that wouldn't be enough for the journey to Mordor. Dresses were unacceptable as they restricted movement and made fighting much harder.
Arwen came with the solution for this problem. She and Fioma gathered soft but warm materials and took Rita's measurements. Then the three women gathered around and thought of all the clothing needed.
"Well there should be at least two pair of trousers, besides the one you already have. Two warm shirts as well." Arwen stated.
"What of good solid boots?" added Fioma "You will be walking great lengths, so you shall need them."
Rita nodded. "That all sounds good, but what I'm more worried about is uhm. . ." She turned a bit red "undergarments. Because if I were to get hurt and needed to be healed, well lets just say that I would feel much more comfortable with a good bra."
"Bra? What is a bra?" asked Fioma.
*Oh boy, how do I explain this?* "Well a bra is. . . wait I'll try to draw one for you." She grabbed a piece of paper and started to draw. "You see, a bra supports the breasts so they won't be in the way while moving. It is just a piece of material kept in place by a strap over each shoulder and tied around ones back. But it should be of a soft material, one that wouldn't scrape my skin."
When she finished her drawing and explanation Fioma nodded. "I believe I understand what it is what you want, I think I can make one for you if you wish."
"That would be great Fioma, you turned out to be a good friend."
"It was the least I could do for you have saved my life and I am deeply in your debt."
Rita sighed, they had been over this before. "You are not in my debt Fioma, it was a natural thing to do. Anybody would have helped out in a situation like that."
Fioma wanted to protest but caught the warning look Arwen gave her, so she let the matter drop. So instead of that she returned to the subject at hand. "Winter will be upon us soon, so you will have to have warm clothing as well."
"Yes" added Arwen "I have already been weaving a warm cloak for you, as well as making you a warm scarf to tie around your neck. I would have made a pair of gloves as well, but I didn't know the size of your hands."
"Arwen that's too much. You don't have to go through all that trouble for me." protested Rita.
"It is not a trouble at all mellonamin (my friend), for I was making one for myself, yet you need it more than I do. Now stop protesting and accept my gifts, as daughter of the Lord of Rivendell I command it."
Now Rita knew Arwen was serious because Arwen had never used the power of her title against her. She bowed her head. "If you really want me to have these items then I am very thankful for them. I will be honored to wear the clothes you made me Arwen."
The she-elf just smiled and for the next few hours the chattering of three maidens was heard. Sometimes in Sindarin, but mostly in the Common language.
Training went on every day, Boromir felt very strongly about her keeping up her skill. Elladan would usually join them during these sessions and make comments about what she should do. Then the dreaded last day began.
Rita had made a pact with Boromir to forget training for that day. He understood she wanted to spend all her time with Elladan. She had asked Glorfindel if she could borrow Asfaloth and he too gave his approval. The day was set. They would eat breakfast, ride, have lunch in Rivendell and then they would do anything they wanted to.
Rita was up early that morning, before sunrise even. She got dressed in a simple blue dress. When there was a knock on the door she half expected it to be Elladan, but when she opened her door Fioma and Arwen were standing in front of her both carrying a pile of stuff. She quickly let them in and all the stuff was thrown on the bed.
"We knew you would be spending this day with Elladan so we decided to bring this early." said Arwen. "Now see what we have arranged for you."
"This" said Fioma "is a good backpack. It is made of a strong material that can resist water. So when it gets wet, your clothes will not."
Here Arwen took over. "We have arranged for you these two trousers" she unfolded one "you should try this to see how it fits."
Rita quickly changed into the trousers and they were a perfect fit. She smiled and changed back into her dress. The trousers were both made of a thick material, yet it was soft and supple. They were a very dark tint of blue almost black.
While Rita admired the trousers Fioma continued. "I have been able to make two bra's, as you call them. I made them of the softest leather I could find. Also I made a short shirt to wear over it, made of the same material."
The bra's were indeed soft, yet they were also strong. They were made much like a sportsbra. The short shirt Fioma had made resembled a tube top. It was sleeveless and covered her until her midriff. "Thanks Fioma" Rita said "This is exactly what I meant." Fioma's huge smile made her happy.
Arwen started to talk again. "We have made you two shirts with short sleeves and one with long sleeves. Also we have found you this cardigan that you will be able to wear over the shirts with short sleeves." Arwen took a breath.
"To finish your outfit we have found you the most comfortable yet strong boots there were. They are made of the softest leather so they will form to your feet as you walk on them. These thin socks are all that you will have to wear in them."
"You needed a good and warm bedroll as well, so we have arranged for that too" said Fioma. "We also gathered a few necessary items such as a hairbrush, hairbands and soap. We received this small bag from Lord Elrond to give to you. In it are some medicinal herbs and a needle and thread if there is need for stitching. A light plate and some utensils have been donated by the cook and three candles by the maids. "
"And finally, to finish your ensemble, the cloak, scarf and gloves I have made you." said Arwen "May they keep you warm in times of cold."
Rita couldn't help but laugh when she saw all the stuff on her bed. "This is great and I can't thank you enough, but how am I going to get all that in that backpack. Especially if you think about the rations I will have to carry as well."
But the elves had been prepared for that. With great ease they neatly folded all clothing, leaving out a bra, the tube top and a pair of socks, and fitted it in the backpack. The cloak, boots and bedroll were put on the chair. Her favorite sweater and leggings were already clean and ready to be worn the next day.
"Now we will leave you to enjoy your day as I intend to enjoy mine." with that Arwen left but Fioma lingered for a minute.
"You are the bravest woman I have ever met Rita" she stated "for I would have never dared to take such a journey." and then she too left.
Rita smiled at the generosity of her friends, they had provided her with everything they could think of, even thinking of small things like soap. She was too exited to wait so she decided to wake Elladan herself.
He had showed her where his room was a couple of days before and then she had done something rather sneaky. She stole one of his shirts. Rita walked over to the closet and grabbed the shirt, folding it neatly and placed it at the bottom of her pack. She needed to have something of his to cling onto.
Walking softly down the hall she knocked on the door. When there was no reply she opened the door and found Elladan still asleep.
She was startled at first when she saw him lying with his eyes open but soon remembered the fact that it was very normal for an elf to sleep like that. His eyes looked so empty, if his chest wasn't moving up and down, she would have sworn he was dead.
Gently shaking him, she tried to wake him up. But it didn't help. Then she started to kiss his face, placing soft butterflykisses on it. This did wake him up.
Rita watched as his eyes started to fill with emotions and smiled as she saw him blink as if he was making sure she was actually there. " 'Quel amrun melamin. (Good morning my love) Did you sleep well?"
Elladan stretched. "Yes I did love, though I do not mind to wake in such a manner." He tried to pull her down for a kiss but Rita hung back.
"Nuh uh," she said. "You are going to get dressed and you are going to meet me for breakfast." She then saw that he started to pout. "And don't you think you can pull that look on me, I'm not giving in." With that she turned around and left the room heading to the diningroom.
It only took Elladan ten minutes to show up and after they had finished breakfast they walked towards the stables. When they entered Rita called out to Asfaloth and he returned her greeting by neighing. "Good morning my friend" Rita said "Will you let me ride you today?"
Asfaloth's answer was a snort and a nod of his head and while Elladan prepared his own horse, Rita took out the saddle and reins. She wasn't good enough as a rider to go without them.
They rode through Rivendell, side by side, taking in its beauty without saying a word. When they returned the horses to the stables and started to walk back to the main building it was way past lunchtime. So they decided to skip lunch altogether and immediately walked to their spot.
Elladan lay down and Rita rested beside him, her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, mentally memorizing every moment. Time seemed to fly because evening was getting near. Reluctantly they went to prepare for dinner.
Rita was very happy to see Arwen. Even though Arwen was saying goodbye to Aragorn she had found the time in order to help her friend get dressed. She had brought a very beautiful reddish dress, with a lower neckline than Rita was used to and a tight bodice.
Arwen herself wore a beautiful gown as well and gasps were heard when the two walked into the diningroom. Rita smiled and blushed slightly as she was complimented on her beauty while they made there way to Elrond's table.
The first thing Rita did when she got to the table was thanking Elrond for the medicine he had given her. He had only smiled and gave her a nod. Dinner was over in what seemed the blink of an eye and Elrond suggested that the Fellowship would go to their rooms to rest.
Elladan led Rita to her room while Rita told him about the gifts Arwen and Fioma had given her. When they reached her room he stood in the doorway.
Rita pulled him inside and closed the door behind him. "Come in Elladan, now you say for yourself. Hasn't your sister gone a bit overboard with this cloak? Its far too beautiful to travel isn't it?"
"It sure is melamin." But he wasn't looking at the cloak. He drew her in an embrace and felt her sigh as he did so. He kissed he softly, but the kiss soon turned into a deep desperate one. He couldn't get enough while he moved his tongue in her mouth.
Rita held onto him for dear life when the kiss became more passionate. Then she felt his hands starting to undo the bodice of her dress, hands moving gently over the skin that was bared.
A shiver ran down her spine as Elladan started to kiss her neck, softly sucking on her skin. *This is right* she thought *Nothing can feel more perfect than this*
Suddenly he stopped, pulling back from the kiss while staring into her eyes. Rita could clearly see desire flaming in his eyes and saw the question in them.
Not knowing how to answer that in speech, she slipped her hands under his shirt and let them roam around his chest. She could feel his heart beating faster when she did so. Rita lifted the shirt and pulled it over his head, baring his muscled torso.
This was all the encouragement Elladan needed and he slowly pushed her down on the bed, still staring in her eyes.
"I've never done this before." She confessed in a whisper.
"I will be gentle." Was his answer.
As he kissed her again all thoughts left her mind as she surrendered to her strong cravings.
~~**
Hours later she rested her head on his chest as he stroked her hair. What just had happened was better than anything Rita could imagine. Elladan was so gentle and sweet, it had been like she had died and went to heaven.
She started a little when Elladan began to talk. "I am sorry Rita, this should not have happened."
Rita felt like her heart was ripped out and shredded to pieces. "Oh" was all she could muster, tears stinging in her eyed.
Elladan immediately knew what she was thinking and rushed to get to his point. "No Rita do not think that. What happened tonight was wonderful and amazing, but I regret that I put you in danger."
*In danger, how does he mean he put me in danger what is he . . . oh* realization was dawning upon her as Elladan continued.
"We should have waited until after the quest was finished, what if you are now carrying a child Rita, my child. How could you still go on this quest like that? I will never forgive myself if I let anything happen to you because of this night."
"Elladan" she whispered "You couldn't have put me in danger."
"But I just did." he countered.
"No melamin, you didn't. You see" Rita paused, this was harder to say then she had ever felt possible. "I can't carry any children. When I was twelve years old, my father hit me in the stomach several times with a bat causing me to sustain severe injuries. I needed to go to a hospital, a healingroom, and there they fixed whatever they could. But my womb was injured beyond repairs so they had to remove it. Since then I have known I would never have any children of my own." Rita blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall.
Elladan just drew in a sharp breath. "So not only has he stolen your past, your innocence but your future to have any children as well? He better pray he and I will never meet for I will hurt him beyond recognition." He hugged Rita even closer.
Rita just clung onto him, silently telling him how much she needed him in her life.
"Amin mela lla Rita, whatever did I do to deserve a woman as you?" he softly kissed her and started to stroke her hair again.
"Elladan" Rita asked "Could we go and watch the sunrise?"
"Of course Rita, just get ready and dressed while I change into different clothes. I must get some things from my room as well. I shall collect you in half an hour." He slipped out of bed, got dressed and left the room.
When he had left Rita jumped into action. She took a bath, her last one for a long time, and after her bath she started to get dressed. She put on underwear and her favorite leggings as she fastened her bra and pulled the tube top over it. Then she pulled her sweater over her head and put on her boots. She was just going to brush her hair when Elladan knocked.
"I'm not ready yet." She whispered as she opened the door. "I still have to do my hair."
"Just take your brush and your things with you." Elladan said. "If you want to see the sunrise we must leave now."
He carried her backpack though she protested that she could carry herself and they walked to their special spot. They sat down under the tree and Elladan started to brush her hair. He then braided it in a large, yet refined braid.
Instead of just keeping the hair out of her face like the braids Arwen had made, this braid was keeping all her hair pulled back, so it wouldn't bother her.
When he had finished he rested his chin on her head as they watched the sky turn a shade of pink as the sun had started to shine its first rays of light.
Then he started to speak. "I have some things I want to give you Rita."
"Presents for me?"
He smiled. "Presents indeed." He pulled out her sword in a beautiful sheath and he motioned for her to stand up so he could fasten it in the special belt he had made her.
"I wondered where my sword disappeared to." Rita teased.
"That is not all, for I want you to have this dagger. It was forged especially for me after my first battle with orcs. I now give it to you, hoping that it will bring you the luck it gave me."
Rita was amazed at the beauty of the weapon. The golden hilt decorated with carvings and the blade were shining once the sunlight fell upon it.
Elladan hadn't finished yet. He pulled out a necklace and put it around her neck.
Rita fingered it and found that a ring was hanging on it. She gasped as she saw it. The ring seemed to be made from a strange kind of silver. It was too large for her so that was the reason it was on a chain.
"This ring is the proof of my promise to you." Elladan whispered. "For while I give this to you I bind myself to you. It is a token of my love."
"I can't take this" Rita said "This is too much. The sheath, the dagger and now this ring. . . I don't deser"
She wasn't able to finish her sentence when Elladan silenced her with a kiss. "Do not say you do not deserve this Rita. Because you do, you are the most important thing in the world to me, mella 'en coiamin (love of my life).
They kissed once more before she shouldered her backpack and they went to the courtyard, everybody was waiting for her.
"Well, well" said Legolas "How nice of you to join us."
"Shut up Greenleaf" Rita shot back "We're not that late."
"Only a couple of minutes" added Boromir "Yet that isn't important as Aragorn has not arrived either."
"I am here Boromir" and there he was. Aragorn with Arwen on his arm. "I apologize for my tardiness."
Elrond spoke as all had arrived. "The journey you will take will be long and dangerous, yet remember that the faith of this entire world depends on your succeeding. Now say your good byes and then leave this place for destiny will lead you many miles from here."
Rita looked around only to see a few familiar faces. She waved to Bilbo and Gloin before moving to Glorfindel who was standing there with Asfaloth on his side.
"Namaarie (Farewell) Glorfindel, I hope I will see you soon."
He placed a hand on her shoulder and said. "Aa' menle nauva carlen ar' ta hwesta e' ale' quenle. (May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back)
Then she turned to Arwen who was staring at her with a sad look upon her face. She gave her a hug and whispered in her ear. "I will keep my promise mellonamin, Aragorn will come back to you." Arwen couldn't say anything, she was too clouded with emotions.
Elrohir was next and when she asked him to take care of his brother and sister he said "I will look after them as I always have done. You just make sure you return for I fear my brother would not survive that."
Rita looked deep in his eyes and promised to do the best she could.
Turning to Elladan was the last thing she did. Though they had said all the needed to she whispered in Sindarin "Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'" (My heart shall weep until it sees thee again)
"Tenna' ento lye omenta" (Until next we meet) was his answer. They rested their foreheads against eachother, both had their eyes closed. After a minute Rita pulled back and joined the rest of the Fellowship.
Legolas was going to make a comment but a cold look given to him by Pippin stopped him from doing that. They were about to leave until they heard a voice cry out "Tampa, stop"
From out of nowhere Fioma ran towards them, a small pack in her hands. "I knew I forgot something yesterday" she panted a little. She handed Rita a watercontainer (I know it's not called that but I can't come up with the correct term)
"You will need to drink on this journey" Fioma said. "That and the cook asked me to give you this pile of food, freshly made this morning."
"Thank you Fioma" Rita said "Can you thank the cook for me as well. Good bye my dear friend."
"Namaarie" was the answer she was given, and the Fellowship left Rivendell and their friends behind, only to walk towards danger.
A/N: Finally! Chapter 15 and finally the Fellowship left Rivendell. I realized that if I continued at the pace I was going in they wouldn't be able to leave until after chapter 28 or something. So I adjusted some things and made the time loops. Hope you will still like it. oh also wanted to say that this may contain some errors in spelling or grammar.
English is not my first language and though I can handle it quite well I'm not perfect. Thank God for spellingscontrol. Anyway let me know what you think!!!
Again I want to thank all my reviewers, without you I wouldn't continue this fic
Letylyf: Happy to see you liked the start, I hope you reach this chapter soon so you can read this thank you note.
Elvish princes: I do know what you mean. I love long chapters as well!!
Rosa: I surprised you didn't I? Well I surprised myself too, cause I thought I was writing a Legolas/OC fic, destiny decided otherwise.
Arwen-evenstar: You like this fic!!! I'm so happy now, but me talented?? I don't know about that yet. It's decent but not terrific.
Bina: Thanks for reviewing once again, it really means a lot to me.
Punkpunk: Strawberries. . . . it's your fault I'll never be able to eat them without associating it with Elladan. Hmpf, because you are such a wonderful reviewer I'll forgive you. Love your motto! Mine is so boring compared to yours. It goes like this: Always stay true to yourself and don't let others or their opinions get in the way of that. BAH boring!! Hope you like this chapter.
Blackstardust: I know everybody suspects about her past. There is a good reason for that too. If you examine my chapters again, you will see that Rita gives herself away because of her eyes. There is a pain and wisdom (far beyond her age) in them so touchable that everybody notices. That and her comment that she was used to 'it'. Hope I cleared that up for ya.
Crystal Rose Heart: You really I'm too critical? Guess I'll take your word for it. About her instinct. You may have noticed that though people suspect, she hasn't told anyone but Elladan. In my opinion Rita only tells those she completely trust. So it will stay hidden (for now) *Hands oxyganmask* hope you can breathe again ;)
Ithilwen: If you love long chapters you will like this one as well. As for my exams *winces* I don't have the results yet but I don't have a good feeling about them. Thank you so much for asking
DISCLAIMER: All you recognize from Tolkien's books are his, the rest are mine.
Rita sat under a tree at the trainingspot, waiting for Boromir to show up. It had been two weeks since Elladan had left and she had experienced a lot of things. She closed her eyes and smiled when she thought of them.
First of all, there was training. Boromir was a good teacher, and Rita started to like him better after every practice. Though he could be a bit gruff at some times, he really had a big heart. He was endlessly patient and after that one time, he never bothered her with questions. He seemed to know that she wasn't ready to tell him and respected that.
They would meet eachother every day after lunch to train for a few hours and though she was getting better every day, she had not been able to beat him. . . yet.
Rita would eat breakfast every morning with the hobbits and was getting very close to them all, but still Pippin was the one she felt closest to. The two of them had been on an adventure or two in those two weeks.
There had been that time when Pippin had suggested they would cook a second breakfast together, since the first time they prepared a meal together went so well too. So of they went, to the kitchen.
Once they got there it was deserted, not weird when you reckoned that lunch was still hours away. They decided to bake cookies. How they had gotten to that idea only heaven knew, but they got it.
After assembling the right ingredients, they had started to make the dough. The only problem was that they couldn't keep themselves from eating it. Soon there wasn't enough to actually make cookies, so they decided to prepare another load of dough, only to promise that this batch would make it as cookies.
Which one of them started it is still undecided, but the fact remains that Rita and Pippin were suddenly involved in a full flour throwing war.
Rita still grinned when she remembered the reaction of the cook as she saw the damage to her kitchen. She just opened her mouth a couple of times and closed it again; she looked a lot like a fish. After she had recovered, she had made them clean the kitchen. Not so fun, but hey it was worth it.
Then there was the time that she, Pippin and Merry had decided to look at some maps, which resided in the library of Elrond. They stared at the map intently, pointing out several regions.
First they searched for the Shire. On the map it seemed so small that the hobbits were amazed. They found Rivendell as well as Gondor, the home of Boromir. Not far beyond that was Mordor, their ultimate destination.
After an hour of studying the maps Rita and Pippin were bored, but Merry seemed intent of absorbing every detail. So Pippin and her decided to have some fun.
They had found some paper and charcoal and started to draw pictures. Rita couldn't draw if her life depended on it, but Pippin was actually good.
He would draw everybody they had met, exaggerating certain aspects of their characteristics. So you could see elves with ears like Dumbo and dwarves with beards that reached the ground. The one that had made Rita fall off her seat laughing was the drawing of Gandalf.
In this drawing he was probably scolding Pippin, because his frown was so deep and his mouth was wide open as if he were yelling. Imagine her reaction when Gandalf chose exactly THAT moment to walk in. Rita believed that he was still confused about the reason she was laughing so loud. Pippin was wise enough to hide all evidence, of course. He himself had said he was a master at playing tricks.
Rita had gone riding a lot as well. Sometimes with Arwen, sometimes with Glorfindel and sometimes she went alone, but only when she was feeling very courageous.
Glorfindel had given her permission to use Asfaloth whenever she liked to and she started to like horses better now. Once she even rode another horse while Glorfindel rode Asfaloth himself. While riding with Glorfindel, she would talk to him about everything. Actually, she asked him tons of questions and he answered her.
At the end of the two weeks, she was now fully informed about the Nazgul or Black Riders as they were called. Rita now understood why Elladan's mission was so important. Also Glorfindel had started to teach her a little bit of Sindarin.
She was learning it quickly, as she had a good memory. The only thing that had stopped her from doing really well in school had been her father and the sacrifices she had to make. But that didn't bother her on Middle Earth.
It started out with normal things like: hello, goodbye, friend, etc. Soon that evolved into whole sentences and elvish expressions.
Arwen also helped out in that territory. While they would spend time together, Arwen would talk in Sindarin sometimes in order to help Rita learn it. Arwen would also teach her words that Rita was too embarrassed to ask Glorfindel, like I love you.
She and Arwen would mostly talk while they were getting ready for dinner. Every night Arwen would come to her room to help her get ready. They would talk about how much they missed their loves, and how hard it would be in the future.
Especially Arwen was sad about that, so Rita made her a promise. She vowed to Arwen that she would let no harm come to Aragorn. Not while she was alive and breathing.
Arwen had fallen silent at that and hugged her, not finding the words to express herself, but Rita knew that she was grateful for the offer.
Dinner was often uneventful. Sometimes she would sit at the table of Elrond and discuss her training and certain things about her world with both Gandalf as Elrond. The latter seemed to be amazed at the fact that medicine was so advanced.
She would sit with the hobbits as well and she was delighted to meet Frodo's uncle. Bilbo Baggins was indeed a very interesting hobbit and Rita enjoyed listening to his stories, drinking in as much as she could.
Sometimes Gloin, father of Gimli, who had been on this adventure with him, joined him. Together they would tell the story of their adventure together, while they reminisced about the past. Gimli would listen as well, though he heard the story very often.
Legolas she saw very little after their famous ride together, but when she did the two would joke around, throwing comments back and forth. Rita imagined that this was how an older brother would be like and thanked God that she didn't have one.
The meeting that had touched Rita very much was the one with Fioma, the girl she had saved from Andor.
Rita had been walking in the garden one morning when Fioma passed by. Once she had recognized Rita, Fioma had fallen to her knees while madly apologizing for any trouble she had caused. Rita had been astonished. Never before had anyone expressed his or her gratitude in such a manner.
She helped her up and the two had a long conversation about how it all started a well as they talked about every day things. Arwen would join them often and the three would walk around the gardens talking non-stop and laughing. Fioma too, helped her in learning Sindarin.
Suddenly she felt a shadow fall over her and opened her eyes to see Boromir towering over her. "I am sorry I'm late Rita, but I was held up by Gandalf. He wished to discuss certain matters with me."
"It's ok Boromir" Rita said "I'm not angry, actually you gave me some time to think."
Boromir nodded. "Well then, if you are finished thinking we could start training." He laughed when Rita jumped up, very eager to start. The day before she had been very close at beating him and she were very inclined to win this time.
They circled eachother, swords drawn, each looking for the opportunity to strike. Boromir was the first one to attack, but Rita saw this coming and blocked his move easily. While time passed, their fight began to become fiercer.
The draw of first blood would declare the winner. For a long time nothing but the clashing of swords was heard and Rita thought she would never find a way to defeat her teacher.
Then she saw her chance. Boromir had lowered his arm to far and so his left side was somewhat unprotected. She struck fast, knowing a chance like this would not represent itself again. With deadly accuracy she nicked his shoulder, drawing blood.
Boromir was very surprised he had last, but soon yielded. "You have won Rita, you have shown yourself a worthy adversary." Rita just beamed.
Both started when applause was heard from behind them. They both spun around and Rita gasped at what she saw. "Elladan" she cried out while running towards him, flinging herself in his already opened arms. "Your back!"
Elladan just spun her around and held her tightly until he put her on the ground. "I missed you Rita and I feel I must congratulate you on you're victory just now. You have become very skilled with the sword." He then turned to Boromir. "I must thank you for continuing Rita's lessons Lord Boromir."
Boromir just shook his head. "'Twas of no matter Lord Elladan, for I had offered to teach her so she would be able to hold her own in battle." He turned to Rita. "You fought very well today Rita, but do not let this victory go to your head. It will be the last one, for I'll be more on guard when we next meet."
Rita smiled "Just say what you want to Boromir. You know I beat you and you can't stand it, besides after all the times you won from me it was time I won for a change."
"Perhaps" was all he would say. "But now I shall leave you to yourselves, you must have a lot to talk about." And he walked away.
Rita turned to Elladan again, her heart fluttering while she took in his features. "How did you know we were here?" she asked him.
"Arwen told me, a second before she clung to Aragorn with no intention to let him go." He grinned, when he remembered that she flung herself so wildly at him that Aragorn had fell on the ground.
Then Rita remembered her lessons of Sindarin and said "Cormamin lindua ele lle" (My heart sings to see thee)
Elladan's eyes widened as he heard her speak. "Where did you learn to say that?" he inquired.
"Glorfindel taught me, and Arwen and Fioma too. You like?" she clutched onto his neck even tighter. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too Rita, more than you can ever imagine. The time we have left until you leave for the quest seems short."
Rita nodded. "We have nine more days, we can spend those together."
"Indeed" Elladan said and he bent down to kiss her when Elrohir interrupted them.
Both lovers jumped when the rustling of leaves was heard and Rita blushed when she realized the position Elrohir had found them in. Elladan just shot him a dirty look.
Elrohir ignored his brother. "You do know that diner starts in half an hour right? I believe father will not be pleased when you will be late." He smirked.
Rita let Elladan go sighing. "Then I have to get going. Cause with Aragorn back, I doubt that Arwen remembers to help me get dressed so I'll have to do it myself."
"I will go with you." Elladan quickly said and wanted to walk with her when Elrohir stopped him.
"Brother, if you do not go to your room now and get ready for dinner I'll be forced to tell about a certain incident of which I'm sure you do not want her to hear."
Rita cocked an eyebrow at Elrohir when she saw Elladan turn white and then red. "What kind of incident?" she asked innocently.
"Well. . . " Elrohir started, but he was soon interrupted by his brother.
"Dina" (be silent) "I will go with you."
"Elladan, Elladan." Rita said in a singsong voice "What could possibly have happened that causes for you to tell your brother to be silent. Come on, it can't be that embarrassing."
"You understood what he said Rita?" Elrohir asked her.
Elladan answered in her place. "Glorfindel and Arwen have been teaching her Sindarin brother, now we must watch what we say in her presence."
"Oh, so now I can't say Lle maa quel (you look good) to her anymore without her understanding." When he saw that she turned a shade of red he winked at her. Elrohir faked pain when Elladan hit his arm.
"Watch your mouth brother, find your own love, this one is mine." This caused Rita to grow even redder, so she decided to escape while she could. She gave Elladan a short kiss, waved at Elrohir and ran to her room.
As she had expected, Arwen was not there so she took a quick bath and chose a gown to wear herself. This time she chose a simple green one and fought with her hair to get it untangled. She was able to reach the diningroom before dinner began and took a seat next to Merry.
"You're late" stated Pippin "Dinner almost started already. Where have you been? Ouch!" Pippin cast a dark look in Merry's direction. Rita guessed that he had kicked the younger hobbit.
"Don't mind my nephew Rita" said Frodo "it is none of our business" at this he gave Pippin a pointed look "to know why you were late."
Rita grinned. "It's ok to ask Frodo, I have nothing to hide. Elladan is back." She got a dreamy look on her face.
The hobbits gave eachother knowing looks. For the past two weeks they had figured out that there was a strong bond between their friend and the son of Elrond, perhaps even as strong as love.
"I am happy for you Lady Rita" said Sam "for I believe we have all noticed that you missed him greatly."
"That I did Sam" Rita agreed "But I better get used to it cause we will be leaving in nine days." The hobbits fell silent at that. It seemed so far away at first but it was closing at a very fast rate. Especially Frodo fell silent and Rita couldn't help but pity the brave hobbit.
The rest of the meal was spent in silence, Rita had seen Elladan and Elrohir enter but found no time to speak with them. After she excused herself she walked to the garden, waiting for Elladan to show up.
She didn't have to wait long, once she got to 'their' spot she was looking at the waterfall and the moon reflecting in the water when she suddenly was shoved against a tree while lips were roughly pushed against hers.
Rita wanted to protest but soon recognized Elladan and opened her mouth widely to give his tongue the room he requested. The kiss lasted for what seemed like hours until she felt her lungs burn with the need of oxygen and broke it. "Hello to you too" she panted.
"I've been wanting to do that for two weeks, I have missed you so."
"I missed you too like I said and I hate to bring this up but I am leaving in nine days Elladan. You will not see me for a much longer period of time than these two weeks."
Elladan groaned "I know Rita, how I wish you wouldn't go." When he saw she was going to protest he added "And I know I cannot convince you to abandon this quest now you have given your word to go, but I have such great fear that you might not return."
"Tula sinome" (come here) Rita whispered and she put his hand on her chest so he could feel her heartbeat. "Feel this? Do you feel my heartbeat? It is my reason for living, YOU are the reason I'm living. Amin mela lle Elladan. (I love you Elladan) The sole thought of you will help me survive anything that is thrown my way." She took a strangled breath, what she was about to say hurt her.
"But if I were to die on this quest you must promise me something. Promise me you will not die of grief, I will not be able to bear the responsibility of yet another death. Promise me you will find happiness again with someone else." She looked deeply into his eyes while she pleaded this.
A tear slid down Elladan's cheek. His voice was hoarse when he answered her. "How can I promise you these things when I know I will not be able to live without you. I love you more than life itself."
Rita kissed the salt from his cheek and whispered "Then I just have to make sure I'll survive won't I?" and pulled him towards her, engulfing him in a hug.
"Indeed you should melamin (my love)." And he kissed her squarely on the lips. It was a soft kiss, a gentle one, and full of promise and love. It lasted a long time before they finally parted and without saying a word they started to walk back to the main building.
Elladan kissed her one last time before she walked into her room. "I will see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, tomorrow" was all Rita was able to say before he left. She fell on her bed and closed her eyes as she remembered the things said that evening. Never before had she expected to be brave enough to tell him that she loved him. She smiled when she remembered what he had called her; melamin. She fell asleep with happy thoughts in mind.
~~~~
The next nine days were hectic ones. Preparations were made and everybody was running around. For Rita the matter of clothing came up. She only had one pair of pants and sweats, and that wouldn't be enough for the journey to Mordor. Dresses were unacceptable as they restricted movement and made fighting much harder.
Arwen came with the solution for this problem. She and Fioma gathered soft but warm materials and took Rita's measurements. Then the three women gathered around and thought of all the clothing needed.
"Well there should be at least two pair of trousers, besides the one you already have. Two warm shirts as well." Arwen stated.
"What of good solid boots?" added Fioma "You will be walking great lengths, so you shall need them."
Rita nodded. "That all sounds good, but what I'm more worried about is uhm. . ." She turned a bit red "undergarments. Because if I were to get hurt and needed to be healed, well lets just say that I would feel much more comfortable with a good bra."
"Bra? What is a bra?" asked Fioma.
*Oh boy, how do I explain this?* "Well a bra is. . . wait I'll try to draw one for you." She grabbed a piece of paper and started to draw. "You see, a bra supports the breasts so they won't be in the way while moving. It is just a piece of material kept in place by a strap over each shoulder and tied around ones back. But it should be of a soft material, one that wouldn't scrape my skin."
When she finished her drawing and explanation Fioma nodded. "I believe I understand what it is what you want, I think I can make one for you if you wish."
"That would be great Fioma, you turned out to be a good friend."
"It was the least I could do for you have saved my life and I am deeply in your debt."
Rita sighed, they had been over this before. "You are not in my debt Fioma, it was a natural thing to do. Anybody would have helped out in a situation like that."
Fioma wanted to protest but caught the warning look Arwen gave her, so she let the matter drop. So instead of that she returned to the subject at hand. "Winter will be upon us soon, so you will have to have warm clothing as well."
"Yes" added Arwen "I have already been weaving a warm cloak for you, as well as making you a warm scarf to tie around your neck. I would have made a pair of gloves as well, but I didn't know the size of your hands."
"Arwen that's too much. You don't have to go through all that trouble for me." protested Rita.
"It is not a trouble at all mellonamin (my friend), for I was making one for myself, yet you need it more than I do. Now stop protesting and accept my gifts, as daughter of the Lord of Rivendell I command it."
Now Rita knew Arwen was serious because Arwen had never used the power of her title against her. She bowed her head. "If you really want me to have these items then I am very thankful for them. I will be honored to wear the clothes you made me Arwen."
The she-elf just smiled and for the next few hours the chattering of three maidens was heard. Sometimes in Sindarin, but mostly in the Common language.
Training went on every day, Boromir felt very strongly about her keeping up her skill. Elladan would usually join them during these sessions and make comments about what she should do. Then the dreaded last day began.
Rita had made a pact with Boromir to forget training for that day. He understood she wanted to spend all her time with Elladan. She had asked Glorfindel if she could borrow Asfaloth and he too gave his approval. The day was set. They would eat breakfast, ride, have lunch in Rivendell and then they would do anything they wanted to.
Rita was up early that morning, before sunrise even. She got dressed in a simple blue dress. When there was a knock on the door she half expected it to be Elladan, but when she opened her door Fioma and Arwen were standing in front of her both carrying a pile of stuff. She quickly let them in and all the stuff was thrown on the bed.
"We knew you would be spending this day with Elladan so we decided to bring this early." said Arwen. "Now see what we have arranged for you."
"This" said Fioma "is a good backpack. It is made of a strong material that can resist water. So when it gets wet, your clothes will not."
Here Arwen took over. "We have arranged for you these two trousers" she unfolded one "you should try this to see how it fits."
Rita quickly changed into the trousers and they were a perfect fit. She smiled and changed back into her dress. The trousers were both made of a thick material, yet it was soft and supple. They were a very dark tint of blue almost black.
While Rita admired the trousers Fioma continued. "I have been able to make two bra's, as you call them. I made them of the softest leather I could find. Also I made a short shirt to wear over it, made of the same material."
The bra's were indeed soft, yet they were also strong. They were made much like a sportsbra. The short shirt Fioma had made resembled a tube top. It was sleeveless and covered her until her midriff. "Thanks Fioma" Rita said "This is exactly what I meant." Fioma's huge smile made her happy.
Arwen started to talk again. "We have made you two shirts with short sleeves and one with long sleeves. Also we have found you this cardigan that you will be able to wear over the shirts with short sleeves." Arwen took a breath.
"To finish your outfit we have found you the most comfortable yet strong boots there were. They are made of the softest leather so they will form to your feet as you walk on them. These thin socks are all that you will have to wear in them."
"You needed a good and warm bedroll as well, so we have arranged for that too" said Fioma. "We also gathered a few necessary items such as a hairbrush, hairbands and soap. We received this small bag from Lord Elrond to give to you. In it are some medicinal herbs and a needle and thread if there is need for stitching. A light plate and some utensils have been donated by the cook and three candles by the maids. "
"And finally, to finish your ensemble, the cloak, scarf and gloves I have made you." said Arwen "May they keep you warm in times of cold."
Rita couldn't help but laugh when she saw all the stuff on her bed. "This is great and I can't thank you enough, but how am I going to get all that in that backpack. Especially if you think about the rations I will have to carry as well."
But the elves had been prepared for that. With great ease they neatly folded all clothing, leaving out a bra, the tube top and a pair of socks, and fitted it in the backpack. The cloak, boots and bedroll were put on the chair. Her favorite sweater and leggings were already clean and ready to be worn the next day.
"Now we will leave you to enjoy your day as I intend to enjoy mine." with that Arwen left but Fioma lingered for a minute.
"You are the bravest woman I have ever met Rita" she stated "for I would have never dared to take such a journey." and then she too left.
Rita smiled at the generosity of her friends, they had provided her with everything they could think of, even thinking of small things like soap. She was too exited to wait so she decided to wake Elladan herself.
He had showed her where his room was a couple of days before and then she had done something rather sneaky. She stole one of his shirts. Rita walked over to the closet and grabbed the shirt, folding it neatly and placed it at the bottom of her pack. She needed to have something of his to cling onto.
Walking softly down the hall she knocked on the door. When there was no reply she opened the door and found Elladan still asleep.
She was startled at first when she saw him lying with his eyes open but soon remembered the fact that it was very normal for an elf to sleep like that. His eyes looked so empty, if his chest wasn't moving up and down, she would have sworn he was dead.
Gently shaking him, she tried to wake him up. But it didn't help. Then she started to kiss his face, placing soft butterflykisses on it. This did wake him up.
Rita watched as his eyes started to fill with emotions and smiled as she saw him blink as if he was making sure she was actually there. " 'Quel amrun melamin. (Good morning my love) Did you sleep well?"
Elladan stretched. "Yes I did love, though I do not mind to wake in such a manner." He tried to pull her down for a kiss but Rita hung back.
"Nuh uh," she said. "You are going to get dressed and you are going to meet me for breakfast." She then saw that he started to pout. "And don't you think you can pull that look on me, I'm not giving in." With that she turned around and left the room heading to the diningroom.
It only took Elladan ten minutes to show up and after they had finished breakfast they walked towards the stables. When they entered Rita called out to Asfaloth and he returned her greeting by neighing. "Good morning my friend" Rita said "Will you let me ride you today?"
Asfaloth's answer was a snort and a nod of his head and while Elladan prepared his own horse, Rita took out the saddle and reins. She wasn't good enough as a rider to go without them.
They rode through Rivendell, side by side, taking in its beauty without saying a word. When they returned the horses to the stables and started to walk back to the main building it was way past lunchtime. So they decided to skip lunch altogether and immediately walked to their spot.
Elladan lay down and Rita rested beside him, her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, mentally memorizing every moment. Time seemed to fly because evening was getting near. Reluctantly they went to prepare for dinner.
Rita was very happy to see Arwen. Even though Arwen was saying goodbye to Aragorn she had found the time in order to help her friend get dressed. She had brought a very beautiful reddish dress, with a lower neckline than Rita was used to and a tight bodice.
Arwen herself wore a beautiful gown as well and gasps were heard when the two walked into the diningroom. Rita smiled and blushed slightly as she was complimented on her beauty while they made there way to Elrond's table.
The first thing Rita did when she got to the table was thanking Elrond for the medicine he had given her. He had only smiled and gave her a nod. Dinner was over in what seemed the blink of an eye and Elrond suggested that the Fellowship would go to their rooms to rest.
Elladan led Rita to her room while Rita told him about the gifts Arwen and Fioma had given her. When they reached her room he stood in the doorway.
Rita pulled him inside and closed the door behind him. "Come in Elladan, now you say for yourself. Hasn't your sister gone a bit overboard with this cloak? Its far too beautiful to travel isn't it?"
"It sure is melamin." But he wasn't looking at the cloak. He drew her in an embrace and felt her sigh as he did so. He kissed he softly, but the kiss soon turned into a deep desperate one. He couldn't get enough while he moved his tongue in her mouth.
Rita held onto him for dear life when the kiss became more passionate. Then she felt his hands starting to undo the bodice of her dress, hands moving gently over the skin that was bared.
A shiver ran down her spine as Elladan started to kiss her neck, softly sucking on her skin. *This is right* she thought *Nothing can feel more perfect than this*
Suddenly he stopped, pulling back from the kiss while staring into her eyes. Rita could clearly see desire flaming in his eyes and saw the question in them.
Not knowing how to answer that in speech, she slipped her hands under his shirt and let them roam around his chest. She could feel his heart beating faster when she did so. Rita lifted the shirt and pulled it over his head, baring his muscled torso.
This was all the encouragement Elladan needed and he slowly pushed her down on the bed, still staring in her eyes.
"I've never done this before." She confessed in a whisper.
"I will be gentle." Was his answer.
As he kissed her again all thoughts left her mind as she surrendered to her strong cravings.
~~**
Hours later she rested her head on his chest as he stroked her hair. What just had happened was better than anything Rita could imagine. Elladan was so gentle and sweet, it had been like she had died and went to heaven.
She started a little when Elladan began to talk. "I am sorry Rita, this should not have happened."
Rita felt like her heart was ripped out and shredded to pieces. "Oh" was all she could muster, tears stinging in her eyed.
Elladan immediately knew what she was thinking and rushed to get to his point. "No Rita do not think that. What happened tonight was wonderful and amazing, but I regret that I put you in danger."
*In danger, how does he mean he put me in danger what is he . . . oh* realization was dawning upon her as Elladan continued.
"We should have waited until after the quest was finished, what if you are now carrying a child Rita, my child. How could you still go on this quest like that? I will never forgive myself if I let anything happen to you because of this night."
"Elladan" she whispered "You couldn't have put me in danger."
"But I just did." he countered.
"No melamin, you didn't. You see" Rita paused, this was harder to say then she had ever felt possible. "I can't carry any children. When I was twelve years old, my father hit me in the stomach several times with a bat causing me to sustain severe injuries. I needed to go to a hospital, a healingroom, and there they fixed whatever they could. But my womb was injured beyond repairs so they had to remove it. Since then I have known I would never have any children of my own." Rita blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall.
Elladan just drew in a sharp breath. "So not only has he stolen your past, your innocence but your future to have any children as well? He better pray he and I will never meet for I will hurt him beyond recognition." He hugged Rita even closer.
Rita just clung onto him, silently telling him how much she needed him in her life.
"Amin mela lla Rita, whatever did I do to deserve a woman as you?" he softly kissed her and started to stroke her hair again.
"Elladan" Rita asked "Could we go and watch the sunrise?"
"Of course Rita, just get ready and dressed while I change into different clothes. I must get some things from my room as well. I shall collect you in half an hour." He slipped out of bed, got dressed and left the room.
When he had left Rita jumped into action. She took a bath, her last one for a long time, and after her bath she started to get dressed. She put on underwear and her favorite leggings as she fastened her bra and pulled the tube top over it. Then she pulled her sweater over her head and put on her boots. She was just going to brush her hair when Elladan knocked.
"I'm not ready yet." She whispered as she opened the door. "I still have to do my hair."
"Just take your brush and your things with you." Elladan said. "If you want to see the sunrise we must leave now."
He carried her backpack though she protested that she could carry herself and they walked to their special spot. They sat down under the tree and Elladan started to brush her hair. He then braided it in a large, yet refined braid.
Instead of just keeping the hair out of her face like the braids Arwen had made, this braid was keeping all her hair pulled back, so it wouldn't bother her.
When he had finished he rested his chin on her head as they watched the sky turn a shade of pink as the sun had started to shine its first rays of light.
Then he started to speak. "I have some things I want to give you Rita."
"Presents for me?"
He smiled. "Presents indeed." He pulled out her sword in a beautiful sheath and he motioned for her to stand up so he could fasten it in the special belt he had made her.
"I wondered where my sword disappeared to." Rita teased.
"That is not all, for I want you to have this dagger. It was forged especially for me after my first battle with orcs. I now give it to you, hoping that it will bring you the luck it gave me."
Rita was amazed at the beauty of the weapon. The golden hilt decorated with carvings and the blade were shining once the sunlight fell upon it.
Elladan hadn't finished yet. He pulled out a necklace and put it around her neck.
Rita fingered it and found that a ring was hanging on it. She gasped as she saw it. The ring seemed to be made from a strange kind of silver. It was too large for her so that was the reason it was on a chain.
"This ring is the proof of my promise to you." Elladan whispered. "For while I give this to you I bind myself to you. It is a token of my love."
"I can't take this" Rita said "This is too much. The sheath, the dagger and now this ring. . . I don't deser"
She wasn't able to finish her sentence when Elladan silenced her with a kiss. "Do not say you do not deserve this Rita. Because you do, you are the most important thing in the world to me, mella 'en coiamin (love of my life).
They kissed once more before she shouldered her backpack and they went to the courtyard, everybody was waiting for her.
"Well, well" said Legolas "How nice of you to join us."
"Shut up Greenleaf" Rita shot back "We're not that late."
"Only a couple of minutes" added Boromir "Yet that isn't important as Aragorn has not arrived either."
"I am here Boromir" and there he was. Aragorn with Arwen on his arm. "I apologize for my tardiness."
Elrond spoke as all had arrived. "The journey you will take will be long and dangerous, yet remember that the faith of this entire world depends on your succeeding. Now say your good byes and then leave this place for destiny will lead you many miles from here."
Rita looked around only to see a few familiar faces. She waved to Bilbo and Gloin before moving to Glorfindel who was standing there with Asfaloth on his side.
"Namaarie (Farewell) Glorfindel, I hope I will see you soon."
He placed a hand on her shoulder and said. "Aa' menle nauva carlen ar' ta hwesta e' ale' quenle. (May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back)
Then she turned to Arwen who was staring at her with a sad look upon her face. She gave her a hug and whispered in her ear. "I will keep my promise mellonamin, Aragorn will come back to you." Arwen couldn't say anything, she was too clouded with emotions.
Elrohir was next and when she asked him to take care of his brother and sister he said "I will look after them as I always have done. You just make sure you return for I fear my brother would not survive that."
Rita looked deep in his eyes and promised to do the best she could.
Turning to Elladan was the last thing she did. Though they had said all the needed to she whispered in Sindarin "Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'" (My heart shall weep until it sees thee again)
"Tenna' ento lye omenta" (Until next we meet) was his answer. They rested their foreheads against eachother, both had their eyes closed. After a minute Rita pulled back and joined the rest of the Fellowship.
Legolas was going to make a comment but a cold look given to him by Pippin stopped him from doing that. They were about to leave until they heard a voice cry out "Tampa, stop"
From out of nowhere Fioma ran towards them, a small pack in her hands. "I knew I forgot something yesterday" she panted a little. She handed Rita a watercontainer (I know it's not called that but I can't come up with the correct term)
"You will need to drink on this journey" Fioma said. "That and the cook asked me to give you this pile of food, freshly made this morning."
"Thank you Fioma" Rita said "Can you thank the cook for me as well. Good bye my dear friend."
"Namaarie" was the answer she was given, and the Fellowship left Rivendell and their friends behind, only to walk towards danger.
A/N: Finally! Chapter 15 and finally the Fellowship left Rivendell. I realized that if I continued at the pace I was going in they wouldn't be able to leave until after chapter 28 or something. So I adjusted some things and made the time loops. Hope you will still like it. oh also wanted to say that this may contain some errors in spelling or grammar.
English is not my first language and though I can handle it quite well I'm not perfect. Thank God for spellingscontrol. Anyway let me know what you think!!!