Promised I'd update soon so here it is. I'm just toying with some ideas so
bear with me hear.
Arwen-evenstar: You really need Kleenex while reading this fic??? Wow never expected to have that effect, sorry!!!!!! Glad to see you like the time of the revealing of her past.
Meggers: Thanks for reviewing, if you like the Haldir twist you'll love this chapter. *Hands new box of Kleenex* This chapter will be less sad so I hope this is enough to restock you.
Asarielle: I know it was a little out of character but it had to be done. You're right though, those two hobbits can give a very good puppy-look so she would have been convinced anyway.
ElvenAngel: So happy you like it, hope this chapter will be to your liking as well.
THEwriter Lioncub: Thanks for your awesome review, hope you like this chapter and review again.
DISCLAIMER: I only own the characters you don't recognize from the book. Have to warn you right now though, I really suck at making up names. Hope you will all find it in your heart to forgive me!!!!!
A few minutes after Rita had reappeared, all freshened up, Haldir came to collect her. She laughed when the elf blinked a couple of times at her appearance. It was a big change from a pair of trousers and a dirty shirt to a lovely dress.
"Hey Haldir. How is your nephew doing?"
"Salmir is fine thanks to you Rita." said Haldir "His parents are very eager to meet you as well."
"Then we won't keep them waiting shall we?" At her words Haldir offered his arm and Rita took it. "Bye guys" she said to the rest of the fellowship "see you all later."
After exchanging good-byes and 'have a nice dinner' with everybody Haldir started to lead her past a lot of trees until they reached a tall one.
Haldir climbed up some ladder and Rita followed him. When they reached the platform of the flet Rita was amazed. She hadn't realized that there could be so much space in one tree.
The flet was very nice. It had walls, which Rita found a plus, and was decorated in light colors. In another room talking was heard and when she and Haldir entered the conversation stalled. Rita, of course, noticed this and she picked self-consciously at the hem of her dress, she had never been that good with attention directed at her.
That changed when a woman fell on her knees before her. She was talking very fast in a for Rita unknown version of Elvish. Rita looked pleadingly at Haldir.
He translated for her. "This is Lamiel, wife of Rumil and mother of Salmir. She thanks you a thousand times for saving the life of her son and offers you her life and her duties."
Rita faced Lamiel and started to speak slowly in Sindarin. "Your life is your own Lady Lamiel, wife of Rumil, mother of Salmir. I hope your son is well?"
The others looked at her with their eyes widened, there weren't a lot of humans who knew Sindarin. Rita noticed their looks and asked while still speaking in Sindarin.
"What, is it forbidden to know the speech of the elves? Though I am still learning and speak with an accent, I can understand most what is being said. I must admit that I do not understand the form of Elvish as you spoke earlier."
"Nor should we expect you to Milady." A man she hadn't met before stepped forwards. "We speak in a different dialect, the language of the Woodland elves. I am Orophin, brother of Haldir and Rumil. We have not met before but I have heard many things about you."
Rita was curious now. "Such as. . . " she was fishing for details.
"Such as being the first mortal to cross the ropebridge without the second securityrope. Such as you jumping in a wild river to save a young elf, only good things so far Milady."
"Just Rita please, I hate the way Milady sounds. So please call me Rita, all of you."
"Very well Rita" said Lamiel "Tonight you shall eat with us and we shall speak in Sindarin so you will be able to participate in the conversation as well." She gave Rita a smile.
Now the ice had been broken Rita was talking with Lamiel and Elmère, wife of Orophin, when Rumil and three children made their way upstairs while making a lot of noise as they did.
Rita smiled as she saw them. All three children had long blond hair and silvery color eyes, just like their parents. She recognized Salmir immediately, he was taller than the other two.
The other two children were two girls who looked just alike. Rita had no doubt in mind that these were twins. They each wore a smudged dress from playing and had identical smiles on their faces.
Elmère gasped at the appearance of her children. "What have you done? Ilwen, Imari, did I not tell you to keep out of trouble and stay clean. Look at yourselves." She then turned to her brother-in-law. "And you, Rumil you should be ashamed of yourself, acting like a child."
Rita was very amused and had to fight to keep herself from bursting with laughter. She made the mistake to glance at Haldir and saw he was fighting against laughter as well, the corners of his mouth shaking slightly.
This was enough for Rita to start laughing, the situation was so incredibly humorous. Haldir started to laugh as well and soon all were laughing out loud, even Elmère who saw that it had been a very comical sight for others. She ordered the children to change into clean clothes before dinner.
Once he recovered Rumil stepped up to Rita and kneeled before her. He opened his mouth to say something but Rita interrupted him before he could get a word out.
"Don't. No offering me your life or services, I will not accept them for I believe everybody would have done what I did if they were in my place."
"It is true Rumil" said Lamiel "She would hear none of my offers as well."
Rumil stood up. "At least allow me to thank you for rescuing my son, without your interference his adventure might have had a very different outcome."
"Gratitude accepted, I'm just happy I was able to help."
At this moment the children walked back into the room, all clean again. Rumil saw them as well and called his son forth.
"Salmir come here and meet your savior from today."
Rita smiled as the boy approached her, looking a bit nervous. "Hello Salmir" she said in a calm voice, hoping to make him comfortable "I hope you are well after your bath earlier. I know the water looks great but do you not think it was a little to wild to go swimming?"
A smile broke out on his face. "I was playing that I was battling against orcs and I fell in the river. I was not swimming, that would have been stupid to do as the river is much to wild."
"Lets hope you won't have to fight against orcs any time soon Salmir, they're not that much fun to be around." Rita vividly remembered her first encounter and Moria.
Seeing that she didn't want to talk about it Lamiel announced dinner and all found their seats around a table. Rita sat in the middle with Haldir on her left and one of the twins, she didn't know if it were Ilwen or Imari, on her right.
The meal consisted of fruit and vegetables mostly and Rita enjoyed every bite of it, her ration had consisted of dried fruit and rabbits shot by Legolas for weeks now.
While eating a light conversation was being held, mostly about the children and the woods of Lothlorien. All negative subjects were avoided and Rita was very happy about that. She learned that Imari was sitting next to her and Ilwen was sated opposite from her sister. Imari was wearing a blue necklace and her sister was wearing a red one.
She also learned that the three brothers and their families all lived together in the same house, the flet was large enough to harbor all of them.
The conversation was held at a slow pace so that Rita could interact and follow everything that was being said. All were very nice to her and Rita's smile kept getting bigger.
When they had finished dinner, they moved to another room and Rita continued her conversations with the three brothers. She had offered to help with the dished but was shooed out of the kitchen. Lamiel had said that she was a guest and guests didn't have to help with dishes.
For two more hours all were talking until the children started to yawn and were told to go to bed. They were protesting fiercely against this decision though and Rita came up with a perfect solution.
"What if I told you a bedtime story?" she chuckled as all three nodded their heads enthusiastically. "Then get ready for bed and yell ready when you are done." At this the three raced to their room.
"You did not have to do that Rita" said Lamiel "They would have gone to bed anyway, even after their protests."
"I know, I just felt like telling a story. But if you mind. . . "
"No, nono, I do not mind as I believe Elmère does not mind either, it is rather pleasing to see our children race to bed instead of being dragged towards it."
After she had just finished a loud yell was heard from the children and Rita followed the sound of their voices after excusing herself.
She found all three children in the same room. Imari and Ilwen were in their own beds and Salmir sat on the end of Ilwen's bed. When Rita raised her eyebrow at him he explained it quickly.
"My room is on the other side, but I want to hear the story as well. I will leave for my own bed as soon as you finish."
"What kind of story will you tell us Rita?" asked Ilwen.
"It will be a sad story of a girl." Said Rita. "Now are you all ready."
The children nodded and Rita began her story. "Once upon a time there was a happy family living in a large house. The family consisted of mother, father and a little girl. Then mother died and the father and daughter were very sad. The father believed his daughter needed a mother so he remarried. Only he remarried a mean woman who had two daughters already. The stepmother didn't like the girl and made her clean everything and gave her the name Cinderella, so the girl noticed she was nothing more but a servant anymore."
Rita started to tell the story Cinderella and once she was telling it, she let her mind drift as she told the story she had told a thousand times before.
Carol used to love fairytales and would make Rita tell one every night, even when she was too old for them. Now she was telling the tale once again, she could see the faces of anticipation of the children as they yearned to hear more.
When she finished the tale with the famous words "And they lived happily ever after." she saw that the children were nearly asleep.
She tucked the girls in and pushed their hair out of their faces before she supported a wobbling Salmir to his own room and put him to bed. The boy looked at her as he asked her a question.
"Will you tell another story tomorrow Rita, please!"
*How can anybody say no to pleading eyes like that?* she wondered and she agreed. Salmir smiled before his gaze became glassy and his eyes looked empty and Rita knew he was asleep. She tiptoed out of the room and joined the adults again.
"I'm sorry if that took so long." She apologized.
"Nonsense Rita" said Orophin "It was a very nice story and I am sure the children loved it."
"How did you. . . " she then rolled her eyes "ah Elvish hearing, how could I forget?"
Outside the sun had set already and candles were lit throughout the room. Rita found her seat again and it was Haldir who asked the question that turned the mood for that night.
"Would you tell us about Mithandrir, about the reason he has fallen into shadow?"
The elves saw her wince at the question and she was silent for a long time before she answered. "He had to fight against a Balrog, he won and the demon fell into the dark deeps of Moria, yet it did not go down without taking Gandalf with him."
The women cried at her words and the men looked grim. "I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable Rita" said Haldir "It was very rude of me and I shouldn't have asked you."
She gave him a ghost of a smile. "It's ok Haldir, it's just a little too fresh and it still hurts. I have only known him for a month and still he made a huge impression on me."
It was silent for a while. "If I may ask Rita" asked Rumil "What is the reason for you to be on this quest? For it is highly dangerous and I wonder why a woman was sent to help accomplish such a task."
"I was chosen by Lord Elrond, for he believed my appearance in Middle Earth had some meaning and that my destiny would be revealed on this quest."
When she saw their questioning glances and added. "I'm not from this world, I just. . . dropped in I guess. And I was taught how to use a sword so I could hold my own in battle, so I need minimal protection."
"You battled orcs?" asked Orophin.
She nodded. "In Moria, there were so many. . . " her voice drifted of and Elmère distracted her from her memories.
"You must be tired for I believe we have been talking for at least two hours now. Perhaps we can continue this conversation later for you must still be weary after your adventure today."
Rita smiled at the kind woman. "I would be honored to visit you again if you would let me."
Rumil answered for all of them. "It would be us who would be honored if you visited again Rita. Perhaps we can exchange tales, do you know other tales besides those for children?"
"You name it and I know it. I know sad love-stories, happy love-stories, adventures and so on."
He smiled. "Then I will tell you the sad tale of Nimrodel if you tell us the sad love-story you have learned in your world."
"I would be happy to Rumil."
Haldir stood up. "I will escort you back to the clearing Rita, for it is dark and you will not be able to find your way around very easily."
"Thanks Haldir, no point in getting lost now is there. Good night everybody."
"Good night Rita" she heard before she and Haldir climbed down the ladder. They walked in a leisurely pace.
"You do know" he said "That my cousins will be waking you to tell them a new tale, don't you? You have just bound yourself to the fate of storyteller until you leave these woods."
Rita laughed. "That's not so bad is it? It feels good to tell stories, especially when you have such an eager audience. Besides, they don't know where we are sleeping right?"
"If you are counting on that little piece of information to keep them away from you in the early morning you are mistaken, they are three very resourceful elflings."
"And you love the all greatly." Rita added.
"Aye, that I do. They are little monsters sometimes but they bring such joy to our home." They had reached the clearing and he bade her a good night before he left.
Rita saw that they were all asleep, one candle was illuminating the clearing for her, and she quietly made her way to her bedroll.
Apparently she wasn't quiet enough as both Legolas as Aragorn woke up. "Sorry" she whispered "It's just me, go back to sleep."
Legolas just fell asleep instantly again but Aragorn, who's bedroll was next to hers for she saw that Pippin had moved to lay with the hobbits, sat up.
"How was dinner?" he asked her. "Did you like it?"
Rita kicked off her shoes and saw her legging and sweater laying on her bedroll. She raised an eyebrow and Aragorn explained that Marinwe had brought these items already so she had something to sleep in, as a dress could not be used as nightwear.
She picked the clothes up and walked away so she could change quickly behind some bushes. Once changed she put the dress on a rock near her bedroll and slipped in, turning to Aragorn who was facing her while leaning his head on his hand.
"Well?" he was starting to get impatient.
"It was fun. We had dinner and talked a lot. I told the kids a story and we talked some more and then Haldir brought me back, end of story."
"Were they grateful for what you have done?"
Rita rolled her eyes. "Yeah, the young boy's parents dropped to their knees and tried to offer me their lives and duties, which I refused. What is it with elves and their thanking in such a manner? I just did what any other would have done."
"No you did not Rita, for there were none who jumped in a highly dangerous river, you did that. You do know that you scared us all, don't you? I was wondering what I should tell Elladan. I'm sorry brother, she was uninjured during the orc-attack but managed to get herself drowned while rescuing a young elf."
"I promised him I'd try to come back in one piece Aragorn, besides I did it for a good cause."
"That wouldn't have mattered so much since you would have been dead. You have made a very deep impression on my brother Rita. I have never seen him this happy before."
Rita smiled at the memory of Elladan, how she missed his handsome face and his sweet kisses. Aragorn must have been able to read her emotions from her face as he said. "I miss Arwen as well."
"I know Aragorn, well you know what they say: a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved. But is it ok we talk more in the morning, cause I'm tired."
"Sleep well Rita." He said and he covered her with her blanket as if she were a child. She smiled as he did this and closed her eyes in content as she surrendered to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She didn't have any nightmares that night and woke up at the smell of breakfast. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and walked over to where the others were sitting.
"Good morning Rita" exclaimed a cheery Pippin.
Rita just grumbled something unintelligent, since she was only half-awake. "Too early to be good." was the best the others could make of it.
They just laughed and let her wake up, after months of traveling together they had learned that morning was not a good time to talk to her.
After she returned from washing and more awake she was interrogated by all.
"How was your evening?"
"What was the house like?"
"How did the boy's parents react?"
"Did you have some good food?" This came from Pippin and he yelped as Merry hit his head (again).
"Pippin!" scolded the older hobbit. "There you go again about food, there are more important things in life than food you know."
Rita shook her head and ignored the scolding. "The evening was nice, the house was huge and very pretty, Rumil and Lamiel were very grateful for what I have done for there son and yes Pippin, the food was very good. Now did I leave out any answers you wanted to know?"
Legolas laughed. "I believe you answered them all. I am amazed at the amount of things you can say in just one breath."
She opened her mouth to give a retort when a group of young elves, lead by Salmir, Imari and Ilwen, ran towards them.
Salmir took control. "Rita, Rita, will you tell us that story now? You promised remember? And we brought some friends who wanted to listen as well."
"Yes Rita" said Imari and Ilwen at the same time "The story last night was so good. Please tell another one, please."
"Please" echoed all the children.
"Yes Rita" said a very amused Aragorn "Tell us all a story."
Rita sighed as she motioned for the kids to sit down. The fellowship made room for all and Imari and Ilwen sat close to her, one at each side. The kids cheered for a minute until she quieted them.
"All right, I'm beginning now. This is a story about an evil king and a man who dared to steal money from the rich and give it to the poor. This is the story of Robin Hood."
For an hour all were mesmerized by the tale of the roguish Robin Hood and his friends Little John and Friar Tuck, even the members of the fellowship were listening to her every word.
". . . and so the evil king was banished by his brother and Robin was able to marry the maid Marion. The end."
Next to her Imari sighed. "That was such a great tale Rita, will you tell another one?"
Rita laughed. "Not now Imari, maybe tomorrow afternoon," she stressed the afternoon part, "now my throat is dry from all the talking. Why don't you kids go play a game of hide and seek?"
"Hide and seek? What is that?" asked a very confused Salmir.
"Well have I ever, you never played hide and seek before?" at the she of the children's heads she acted to be outraged. "Why it is the second-best game ever. One person counts until fifty and the others hide, when fifty is reached the search is on until everyone is found."
"That sounds like fun, will you play it with us?" asked a girl that had come along with the group.
"Not now because I promised my friend here" she motioned towards Boromir "I would practice my swordlessons with him. But if you come and fetch me after lunch I will play with you." The kids agreed and ran off, happy to have a new game to play.
They all watched them as they left and Frodo addressed her. "That certainly was a good tale Rita, I dare to say it was even better than Bilbo's stories."
"Don't be ridiculous Frodo, Bilbo is so much better at telling stories than I am."
Frodo just shook his head and Boromir grabbed his sword. "You said you would practice Rita, grab you sword and lets start."
She smiled as she grabbed her sword as Legolas left with Gimli and the hobbits ran away muttering something about getting a second breakfast. Aragorn stayed behind to watch the training.
After a fierce battle Rita was able to best Boromir for a third time. She beamed as he grumbled something about teaching her the ways of the sword to well. Aragorn approached her.
"You have shown great skill against the skill of Boromir Rita, but will you dare to fight against me as well?" he made sure it was a clear challenge.
Rita noticed this of course and took it. "Bring it on" she said and the two started to circle each other. He attacked first and soon Rita noticed that Aragorn had a very different fighting style than Boromir.
She wasn't surprised when he was able to knock the sword out of her hands within five minutes. She sighed as she picked it up from the ground. "That went well" she was being sarcastic.
"Indeed it did Rita, you have shown great skill against Aragorn and his attacks." said Boromir who had been silent during the battle.
"You still have much to learn" added Aragorn "But you might be able to best me in the future. Again?" he asked and Rita accepted. Swords clashing together again as Boromir yelled instructions to her.
"Move your feet. Don't let him corner you against that tree."
For hours nothing was heard but the clashing of swords and laughter between friends and Rita felt happy and lucky to have such great friends.
A/N: I'm not in the mood to write any more so I'll just stop it here, hope you all liked it, it was a hard chapter to write for some reason (don't know why) I'll try to update tomorrow again but don't shoot me if I fail in doing so.
Arwen-evenstar: You really need Kleenex while reading this fic??? Wow never expected to have that effect, sorry!!!!!! Glad to see you like the time of the revealing of her past.
Meggers: Thanks for reviewing, if you like the Haldir twist you'll love this chapter. *Hands new box of Kleenex* This chapter will be less sad so I hope this is enough to restock you.
Asarielle: I know it was a little out of character but it had to be done. You're right though, those two hobbits can give a very good puppy-look so she would have been convinced anyway.
ElvenAngel: So happy you like it, hope this chapter will be to your liking as well.
THEwriter Lioncub: Thanks for your awesome review, hope you like this chapter and review again.
DISCLAIMER: I only own the characters you don't recognize from the book. Have to warn you right now though, I really suck at making up names. Hope you will all find it in your heart to forgive me!!!!!
A few minutes after Rita had reappeared, all freshened up, Haldir came to collect her. She laughed when the elf blinked a couple of times at her appearance. It was a big change from a pair of trousers and a dirty shirt to a lovely dress.
"Hey Haldir. How is your nephew doing?"
"Salmir is fine thanks to you Rita." said Haldir "His parents are very eager to meet you as well."
"Then we won't keep them waiting shall we?" At her words Haldir offered his arm and Rita took it. "Bye guys" she said to the rest of the fellowship "see you all later."
After exchanging good-byes and 'have a nice dinner' with everybody Haldir started to lead her past a lot of trees until they reached a tall one.
Haldir climbed up some ladder and Rita followed him. When they reached the platform of the flet Rita was amazed. She hadn't realized that there could be so much space in one tree.
The flet was very nice. It had walls, which Rita found a plus, and was decorated in light colors. In another room talking was heard and when she and Haldir entered the conversation stalled. Rita, of course, noticed this and she picked self-consciously at the hem of her dress, she had never been that good with attention directed at her.
That changed when a woman fell on her knees before her. She was talking very fast in a for Rita unknown version of Elvish. Rita looked pleadingly at Haldir.
He translated for her. "This is Lamiel, wife of Rumil and mother of Salmir. She thanks you a thousand times for saving the life of her son and offers you her life and her duties."
Rita faced Lamiel and started to speak slowly in Sindarin. "Your life is your own Lady Lamiel, wife of Rumil, mother of Salmir. I hope your son is well?"
The others looked at her with their eyes widened, there weren't a lot of humans who knew Sindarin. Rita noticed their looks and asked while still speaking in Sindarin.
"What, is it forbidden to know the speech of the elves? Though I am still learning and speak with an accent, I can understand most what is being said. I must admit that I do not understand the form of Elvish as you spoke earlier."
"Nor should we expect you to Milady." A man she hadn't met before stepped forwards. "We speak in a different dialect, the language of the Woodland elves. I am Orophin, brother of Haldir and Rumil. We have not met before but I have heard many things about you."
Rita was curious now. "Such as. . . " she was fishing for details.
"Such as being the first mortal to cross the ropebridge without the second securityrope. Such as you jumping in a wild river to save a young elf, only good things so far Milady."
"Just Rita please, I hate the way Milady sounds. So please call me Rita, all of you."
"Very well Rita" said Lamiel "Tonight you shall eat with us and we shall speak in Sindarin so you will be able to participate in the conversation as well." She gave Rita a smile.
Now the ice had been broken Rita was talking with Lamiel and Elmère, wife of Orophin, when Rumil and three children made their way upstairs while making a lot of noise as they did.
Rita smiled as she saw them. All three children had long blond hair and silvery color eyes, just like their parents. She recognized Salmir immediately, he was taller than the other two.
The other two children were two girls who looked just alike. Rita had no doubt in mind that these were twins. They each wore a smudged dress from playing and had identical smiles on their faces.
Elmère gasped at the appearance of her children. "What have you done? Ilwen, Imari, did I not tell you to keep out of trouble and stay clean. Look at yourselves." She then turned to her brother-in-law. "And you, Rumil you should be ashamed of yourself, acting like a child."
Rita was very amused and had to fight to keep herself from bursting with laughter. She made the mistake to glance at Haldir and saw he was fighting against laughter as well, the corners of his mouth shaking slightly.
This was enough for Rita to start laughing, the situation was so incredibly humorous. Haldir started to laugh as well and soon all were laughing out loud, even Elmère who saw that it had been a very comical sight for others. She ordered the children to change into clean clothes before dinner.
Once he recovered Rumil stepped up to Rita and kneeled before her. He opened his mouth to say something but Rita interrupted him before he could get a word out.
"Don't. No offering me your life or services, I will not accept them for I believe everybody would have done what I did if they were in my place."
"It is true Rumil" said Lamiel "She would hear none of my offers as well."
Rumil stood up. "At least allow me to thank you for rescuing my son, without your interference his adventure might have had a very different outcome."
"Gratitude accepted, I'm just happy I was able to help."
At this moment the children walked back into the room, all clean again. Rumil saw them as well and called his son forth.
"Salmir come here and meet your savior from today."
Rita smiled as the boy approached her, looking a bit nervous. "Hello Salmir" she said in a calm voice, hoping to make him comfortable "I hope you are well after your bath earlier. I know the water looks great but do you not think it was a little to wild to go swimming?"
A smile broke out on his face. "I was playing that I was battling against orcs and I fell in the river. I was not swimming, that would have been stupid to do as the river is much to wild."
"Lets hope you won't have to fight against orcs any time soon Salmir, they're not that much fun to be around." Rita vividly remembered her first encounter and Moria.
Seeing that she didn't want to talk about it Lamiel announced dinner and all found their seats around a table. Rita sat in the middle with Haldir on her left and one of the twins, she didn't know if it were Ilwen or Imari, on her right.
The meal consisted of fruit and vegetables mostly and Rita enjoyed every bite of it, her ration had consisted of dried fruit and rabbits shot by Legolas for weeks now.
While eating a light conversation was being held, mostly about the children and the woods of Lothlorien. All negative subjects were avoided and Rita was very happy about that. She learned that Imari was sitting next to her and Ilwen was sated opposite from her sister. Imari was wearing a blue necklace and her sister was wearing a red one.
She also learned that the three brothers and their families all lived together in the same house, the flet was large enough to harbor all of them.
The conversation was held at a slow pace so that Rita could interact and follow everything that was being said. All were very nice to her and Rita's smile kept getting bigger.
When they had finished dinner, they moved to another room and Rita continued her conversations with the three brothers. She had offered to help with the dished but was shooed out of the kitchen. Lamiel had said that she was a guest and guests didn't have to help with dishes.
For two more hours all were talking until the children started to yawn and were told to go to bed. They were protesting fiercely against this decision though and Rita came up with a perfect solution.
"What if I told you a bedtime story?" she chuckled as all three nodded their heads enthusiastically. "Then get ready for bed and yell ready when you are done." At this the three raced to their room.
"You did not have to do that Rita" said Lamiel "They would have gone to bed anyway, even after their protests."
"I know, I just felt like telling a story. But if you mind. . . "
"No, nono, I do not mind as I believe Elmère does not mind either, it is rather pleasing to see our children race to bed instead of being dragged towards it."
After she had just finished a loud yell was heard from the children and Rita followed the sound of their voices after excusing herself.
She found all three children in the same room. Imari and Ilwen were in their own beds and Salmir sat on the end of Ilwen's bed. When Rita raised her eyebrow at him he explained it quickly.
"My room is on the other side, but I want to hear the story as well. I will leave for my own bed as soon as you finish."
"What kind of story will you tell us Rita?" asked Ilwen.
"It will be a sad story of a girl." Said Rita. "Now are you all ready."
The children nodded and Rita began her story. "Once upon a time there was a happy family living in a large house. The family consisted of mother, father and a little girl. Then mother died and the father and daughter were very sad. The father believed his daughter needed a mother so he remarried. Only he remarried a mean woman who had two daughters already. The stepmother didn't like the girl and made her clean everything and gave her the name Cinderella, so the girl noticed she was nothing more but a servant anymore."
Rita started to tell the story Cinderella and once she was telling it, she let her mind drift as she told the story she had told a thousand times before.
Carol used to love fairytales and would make Rita tell one every night, even when she was too old for them. Now she was telling the tale once again, she could see the faces of anticipation of the children as they yearned to hear more.
When she finished the tale with the famous words "And they lived happily ever after." she saw that the children were nearly asleep.
She tucked the girls in and pushed their hair out of their faces before she supported a wobbling Salmir to his own room and put him to bed. The boy looked at her as he asked her a question.
"Will you tell another story tomorrow Rita, please!"
*How can anybody say no to pleading eyes like that?* she wondered and she agreed. Salmir smiled before his gaze became glassy and his eyes looked empty and Rita knew he was asleep. She tiptoed out of the room and joined the adults again.
"I'm sorry if that took so long." She apologized.
"Nonsense Rita" said Orophin "It was a very nice story and I am sure the children loved it."
"How did you. . . " she then rolled her eyes "ah Elvish hearing, how could I forget?"
Outside the sun had set already and candles were lit throughout the room. Rita found her seat again and it was Haldir who asked the question that turned the mood for that night.
"Would you tell us about Mithandrir, about the reason he has fallen into shadow?"
The elves saw her wince at the question and she was silent for a long time before she answered. "He had to fight against a Balrog, he won and the demon fell into the dark deeps of Moria, yet it did not go down without taking Gandalf with him."
The women cried at her words and the men looked grim. "I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable Rita" said Haldir "It was very rude of me and I shouldn't have asked you."
She gave him a ghost of a smile. "It's ok Haldir, it's just a little too fresh and it still hurts. I have only known him for a month and still he made a huge impression on me."
It was silent for a while. "If I may ask Rita" asked Rumil "What is the reason for you to be on this quest? For it is highly dangerous and I wonder why a woman was sent to help accomplish such a task."
"I was chosen by Lord Elrond, for he believed my appearance in Middle Earth had some meaning and that my destiny would be revealed on this quest."
When she saw their questioning glances and added. "I'm not from this world, I just. . . dropped in I guess. And I was taught how to use a sword so I could hold my own in battle, so I need minimal protection."
"You battled orcs?" asked Orophin.
She nodded. "In Moria, there were so many. . . " her voice drifted of and Elmère distracted her from her memories.
"You must be tired for I believe we have been talking for at least two hours now. Perhaps we can continue this conversation later for you must still be weary after your adventure today."
Rita smiled at the kind woman. "I would be honored to visit you again if you would let me."
Rumil answered for all of them. "It would be us who would be honored if you visited again Rita. Perhaps we can exchange tales, do you know other tales besides those for children?"
"You name it and I know it. I know sad love-stories, happy love-stories, adventures and so on."
He smiled. "Then I will tell you the sad tale of Nimrodel if you tell us the sad love-story you have learned in your world."
"I would be happy to Rumil."
Haldir stood up. "I will escort you back to the clearing Rita, for it is dark and you will not be able to find your way around very easily."
"Thanks Haldir, no point in getting lost now is there. Good night everybody."
"Good night Rita" she heard before she and Haldir climbed down the ladder. They walked in a leisurely pace.
"You do know" he said "That my cousins will be waking you to tell them a new tale, don't you? You have just bound yourself to the fate of storyteller until you leave these woods."
Rita laughed. "That's not so bad is it? It feels good to tell stories, especially when you have such an eager audience. Besides, they don't know where we are sleeping right?"
"If you are counting on that little piece of information to keep them away from you in the early morning you are mistaken, they are three very resourceful elflings."
"And you love the all greatly." Rita added.
"Aye, that I do. They are little monsters sometimes but they bring such joy to our home." They had reached the clearing and he bade her a good night before he left.
Rita saw that they were all asleep, one candle was illuminating the clearing for her, and she quietly made her way to her bedroll.
Apparently she wasn't quiet enough as both Legolas as Aragorn woke up. "Sorry" she whispered "It's just me, go back to sleep."
Legolas just fell asleep instantly again but Aragorn, who's bedroll was next to hers for she saw that Pippin had moved to lay with the hobbits, sat up.
"How was dinner?" he asked her. "Did you like it?"
Rita kicked off her shoes and saw her legging and sweater laying on her bedroll. She raised an eyebrow and Aragorn explained that Marinwe had brought these items already so she had something to sleep in, as a dress could not be used as nightwear.
She picked the clothes up and walked away so she could change quickly behind some bushes. Once changed she put the dress on a rock near her bedroll and slipped in, turning to Aragorn who was facing her while leaning his head on his hand.
"Well?" he was starting to get impatient.
"It was fun. We had dinner and talked a lot. I told the kids a story and we talked some more and then Haldir brought me back, end of story."
"Were they grateful for what you have done?"
Rita rolled her eyes. "Yeah, the young boy's parents dropped to their knees and tried to offer me their lives and duties, which I refused. What is it with elves and their thanking in such a manner? I just did what any other would have done."
"No you did not Rita, for there were none who jumped in a highly dangerous river, you did that. You do know that you scared us all, don't you? I was wondering what I should tell Elladan. I'm sorry brother, she was uninjured during the orc-attack but managed to get herself drowned while rescuing a young elf."
"I promised him I'd try to come back in one piece Aragorn, besides I did it for a good cause."
"That wouldn't have mattered so much since you would have been dead. You have made a very deep impression on my brother Rita. I have never seen him this happy before."
Rita smiled at the memory of Elladan, how she missed his handsome face and his sweet kisses. Aragorn must have been able to read her emotions from her face as he said. "I miss Arwen as well."
"I know Aragorn, well you know what they say: a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved. But is it ok we talk more in the morning, cause I'm tired."
"Sleep well Rita." He said and he covered her with her blanket as if she were a child. She smiled as he did this and closed her eyes in content as she surrendered to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She didn't have any nightmares that night and woke up at the smell of breakfast. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and walked over to where the others were sitting.
"Good morning Rita" exclaimed a cheery Pippin.
Rita just grumbled something unintelligent, since she was only half-awake. "Too early to be good." was the best the others could make of it.
They just laughed and let her wake up, after months of traveling together they had learned that morning was not a good time to talk to her.
After she returned from washing and more awake she was interrogated by all.
"How was your evening?"
"What was the house like?"
"How did the boy's parents react?"
"Did you have some good food?" This came from Pippin and he yelped as Merry hit his head (again).
"Pippin!" scolded the older hobbit. "There you go again about food, there are more important things in life than food you know."
Rita shook her head and ignored the scolding. "The evening was nice, the house was huge and very pretty, Rumil and Lamiel were very grateful for what I have done for there son and yes Pippin, the food was very good. Now did I leave out any answers you wanted to know?"
Legolas laughed. "I believe you answered them all. I am amazed at the amount of things you can say in just one breath."
She opened her mouth to give a retort when a group of young elves, lead by Salmir, Imari and Ilwen, ran towards them.
Salmir took control. "Rita, Rita, will you tell us that story now? You promised remember? And we brought some friends who wanted to listen as well."
"Yes Rita" said Imari and Ilwen at the same time "The story last night was so good. Please tell another one, please."
"Please" echoed all the children.
"Yes Rita" said a very amused Aragorn "Tell us all a story."
Rita sighed as she motioned for the kids to sit down. The fellowship made room for all and Imari and Ilwen sat close to her, one at each side. The kids cheered for a minute until she quieted them.
"All right, I'm beginning now. This is a story about an evil king and a man who dared to steal money from the rich and give it to the poor. This is the story of Robin Hood."
For an hour all were mesmerized by the tale of the roguish Robin Hood and his friends Little John and Friar Tuck, even the members of the fellowship were listening to her every word.
". . . and so the evil king was banished by his brother and Robin was able to marry the maid Marion. The end."
Next to her Imari sighed. "That was such a great tale Rita, will you tell another one?"
Rita laughed. "Not now Imari, maybe tomorrow afternoon," she stressed the afternoon part, "now my throat is dry from all the talking. Why don't you kids go play a game of hide and seek?"
"Hide and seek? What is that?" asked a very confused Salmir.
"Well have I ever, you never played hide and seek before?" at the she of the children's heads she acted to be outraged. "Why it is the second-best game ever. One person counts until fifty and the others hide, when fifty is reached the search is on until everyone is found."
"That sounds like fun, will you play it with us?" asked a girl that had come along with the group.
"Not now because I promised my friend here" she motioned towards Boromir "I would practice my swordlessons with him. But if you come and fetch me after lunch I will play with you." The kids agreed and ran off, happy to have a new game to play.
They all watched them as they left and Frodo addressed her. "That certainly was a good tale Rita, I dare to say it was even better than Bilbo's stories."
"Don't be ridiculous Frodo, Bilbo is so much better at telling stories than I am."
Frodo just shook his head and Boromir grabbed his sword. "You said you would practice Rita, grab you sword and lets start."
She smiled as she grabbed her sword as Legolas left with Gimli and the hobbits ran away muttering something about getting a second breakfast. Aragorn stayed behind to watch the training.
After a fierce battle Rita was able to best Boromir for a third time. She beamed as he grumbled something about teaching her the ways of the sword to well. Aragorn approached her.
"You have shown great skill against the skill of Boromir Rita, but will you dare to fight against me as well?" he made sure it was a clear challenge.
Rita noticed this of course and took it. "Bring it on" she said and the two started to circle each other. He attacked first and soon Rita noticed that Aragorn had a very different fighting style than Boromir.
She wasn't surprised when he was able to knock the sword out of her hands within five minutes. She sighed as she picked it up from the ground. "That went well" she was being sarcastic.
"Indeed it did Rita, you have shown great skill against Aragorn and his attacks." said Boromir who had been silent during the battle.
"You still have much to learn" added Aragorn "But you might be able to best me in the future. Again?" he asked and Rita accepted. Swords clashing together again as Boromir yelled instructions to her.
"Move your feet. Don't let him corner you against that tree."
For hours nothing was heard but the clashing of swords and laughter between friends and Rita felt happy and lucky to have such great friends.
A/N: I'm not in the mood to write any more so I'll just stop it here, hope you all liked it, it was a hard chapter to write for some reason (don't know why) I'll try to update tomorrow again but don't shoot me if I fail in doing so.