It's weekend again and this weekend is extra special cause I'm finally
gonna see TTT. I know it is really unfanlike of me to not have gone already
but with work, midterms and school it just didn't fit. Thankfully I've read
the books (about a hundred times) and can continue this fic without having
seen the movie. Besides after reading all the fanfics I know almost all
what is gonna happen. Still going though.
Elvish princess: I'm not lucky, it's the evil snow that melts and that is no fun. It might as well rain. Happy you liked the chapter.
Aurumlupi: I know I blended the movie and the books together and I was worried I would get evil reviews about it. So relieved you liked it though.
Arwen-evenstar: Yep, that's the reason the horn isn't broken and just to let you know I love to update every day as well. I'm trying to keep this up.
Sugar-is-sweet: I love your enthusiasm, it makes me wanna update every day. Just so you know, I hate waiting as well.
Phoebemoon: Hope you reach this chapter soon and realize Rita does not fall in love with Legolas, sorry!
Akima: Better and better huh, thanks!!!!!!!
Sailorverystupid: Glad you like my plot and character but as for the grammar *cowers in corner* I have said a few times that my grammar isn't perfect and typo's are not uncommon. FORGIVE ME!!!!!!!!!
THEwriter Lioncub: Two reviews, I am now very happy with you Kelsie. And you sent me more smiles! I am now beaming! ;)
Shinigami29: Hey Audrey, thanks for starting my fic. I'll mail you later and hope school wasn't so bad.
DISCLAIMER: See previous chapters
The four hunters were lead by a man to the armory where Legolas and Aragorn were given mails, helms and shields. Gimli didn't need a mail though because he already had one. The dwarf did chose a helm and a shield and the king wished him luck with it for it had been the king's shield when he was young. Gandalf refused any protection and Rita was ignored.
She stood there for a few minutes before she got angry again. "Screw this" she mumbled and slipped out to find a peaceful place to practice. There was an empty room, which seemed to be used for training anyway so Rita decided to train there.
Starting with the basic moves, she closed her eyes and tried to imagine a sparring partner. Her attacks got more brutal and to anyone who would walk in it would be a weird sight. A woman with her eyes closed fighting an invisible enemy.
Rita could hear the voice of Boromir in her mind, pointing out her mistakes and yelling warnings when her enemy got too close to her.
She was so caught up in this trance that she didn't hear the footsteps that neared her and she jumped when her sword collided with another sword instead of with air.
Opening her eyes she noticed that Aragorn was standing in front of her, grinning madly. "I was wondering where you had gone to." He told her.
She clenched her jaw. "It was painfully obvious that I wasn't wanted in the armory."
Aragorn frowned, he too had noticed this. "I will speak to the king about this Rita for I will not have you be treated this way. I was going to say something about it earlier but you just vanished."
"Don't even bother." She grunted. He looked at her questioningly so she continued. "If they don't treat me with at least SOME respect, I don't want anything that comes from Rohan. I will not hold my hand out like some beggar."
"You should not compare yourself with a beggar. You deserve to have the same things that are offered to the rest of us."
"No need Aragorn really. And even if they would offer it to me now out of will, I would decline. I have good weapons and clothes. Who needs a stupid and heavy mail? And a helm would just be too large for me anyway."
Aragorn shook his head at her stubbornness but knew better than to argue with her. He had realized very soon that Rita would listen to any advice given to her but once she had her mind set, there was no way to change it.
"Very well, shall we train once more before we ride to battle. The king still needs several hours to organize his troops."
Her reply was the drawing of her sword and soon the two were in a heated battle. The clashing of swords and the laughter attracted the attention of one person in particular: Éowyn, the White Lady of Rohan.
She was staring at Aragorn who had his back towards her and couldn't help herself from swooning over his skill with the sword and his rippling muscles that were visible under his clothes.
Rita had noticed her and was wondering about this. She spoke in Sindarin to Aragorn. "You have an admirer."
He didn't turn around to see whom she meant but replied in the Elven tongue as well. "Who?"
"A certain White Lady who is sister of our friendly marshal. I will not say her name as she would recognize it." Aragorn closed his eyes for a second and Rita saw seriousness taking over. "You too noticed her attraction to you." she stated for it was no question.
Their battle died down a little and he sighed. "Yes I did Rita, yet I have given her no reason to act so. I merely greeted her properly as I would have done any other lady that crossed my path."
"Since when do women need a reason to admire a man. She is attracted by your strength and physical beauty but more importantly, she is attracted by the power you radiate."
He opened his mouth to protest but she spoke sooner than he did and laid her hand on his shoulder. "I know that you do not believe in your capabilities Aragorn but fact remains that you are a leader. This is visible in the way you are acting and it is visible in the air around you."
Meanwhile Éowyn frowned, as she could not understand what was being said. Anger with Rita was growing within her. Not only did the girl have the opportunity to battle while she, a shieldmaiden, was denied this. But she also had a bond with the man she was so intrigued by.
She hid behind a pillar as the two stopped fighting and watched as Rita put her hand on Aragorn's shoulder while saying something that seemed to move the man for he hugged her and kissed her forehead.
Rita smiled when Aragorn kissed her head in an almost fatherly gesture. "You have given me much to think about again Rita. Tell me, what would I without your advice?"
She switched to common language again as she answered him. "Why you would ponder about it on your own. You would have figured it out anyway. I can ride with you again right?"
He laughed as he ruffled her hair. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Now let us find Gimli and Legolas and join them. Gandalf is with the king now."
Jealous eyes followed them as the two left to find their friends.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The others had been found with Éomer with whom they had made peace. Laughter was heard when they neared them but the marshal's expression froze when he saw Rita approach.
Gimli noticed this immediately and frowned. "What is your quarrel with Rita horse-master? She has done you no wrong."
"She offended my uncle and joins in a battle which is for men only."
"Then you are a fool." Was all the dwarf would say because Aragorn and Rita were now in hearing distance.
Legolas looked at Rita and than at Aragorn before he asked at a humorous tone. "So who won?"
The two looked at their appearance and had to laugh. Rita's hair was all in tangles and her clothes were wrinkled, as Aragorn was still a bit sticky from sweat.
"There was no winner my friend" said Aragorn "For we declared a draw. We have decided to continue our battle when we have more time and more energy to spare."
Rita chuckled. "It's not like I would ever defeat him but it's nice I'm able to hold my own against the mighty warrior for a half an hour now instead of loosing after five minutes."
"You know what they say Rita, practice makes. . . "
"Practice makes perfect." Finished Rita for Aragorn. "So you keep telling me."
Then Aragorn noticed the king motioning for him and Éomer. "I believe we are needed by the king Éomer, come let us join him." So the two walked off.
Rita started to tidy her clothes as well as she could and searched her bag for her brush. She untied her hair and started to brush it as she listened to the conversation between Legolas and Gimli. It was very amusing to hear them talk when you realized that they had 'hated' each other so. Now they were trading life stories and joking. She also figured out that Gimli was riding with Éomer as a seal of their friendship.
She was fighting with her hair to get it braided when Legolas, who had been watching her desperate fight, took this task upon him.
"Hold still Rita, this will only take a minute." With great skill he had braided the hair within minutes. "Really" he joked "You can't even do your own hair."
"Hey I can do my own hair, it just takes a little longer. Besides braiding is hard when you have to do it yourself." But her defense sounded weak even in her own ears. Legolas just laughed at her.
Then Theoden gave the call for them to ride. It was time to ride towards battle. Rita saw that Aragorn rode besides the king and was in no mood to ride next to that chauvinist.
"Legolas, is it ok if I ride with you on Arod?" The elf only had to look at her face once to agree. He pulled her up and placed her behind him. She held him loosely as he trotted towards Aragorn who didn't appear surprised when he saw Rita riding with the elf.
"I am sorry to break my promise Rita but the king has requested I ride with him and I must discuss some things with Gandalf as well."
"Did you hear me make any accusations?" she asked then answered her own question. "No, so there is no need to apologize."
Aragorn smiled but had to ride to the king when he was called. Legolas steered Arod next to Éomer with Gimli behind him.
Rita wasn't very happy with this arrangement but understood that Legolas didn't want to leave Gimli on his own with the Rohirrim.
The king held a speech in which he told that Éowyn would lead the people to Dunharrow, where they would be safe. Then they rode off into the plains of Rohan.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They had been riding for two days without any real incidents when they came across a very desperate scout who told them to go back for there was no hope. When he recognized the king he bowed deep while he apologized for his behavior.
The man was very tired and was ready to fall down any minute. Rita jumped of Arod before Legolas could stop her and gave the man a piece of lembas so he could recover some of his strength.
He accepted with surprise on his face, he hadn't expected to see a woman with the riders, but ate it quickly for he had not eaten for days.
Rita hopped back on Arod while she was ignoring the stares she was given. Legolas turned around and she saw the question in his eyes.
"What, should I have left him like that so he would pass out? You of all people should have seen him swaying on his legs."
The elf sighed, he had seen it but it was typical Rita to just hand him a portion of her ration. He shook his head at her and turned to Gandalf when he yelled loudly.
"Take care of the Lord of the Mark until I return. Wait for me at Helm's Deep."
Rita only saw a flurry ride away as Shadowfax ran at full speed. "What's Helm's Deep?" she asked in no one in particular.
To her surprise it was Éomer who answered her after he had ignored her the entire ride. "It is a refuge that is well protected for it is built within the high mountains. The road that leads to it is steep and never has it been breached for the walls that surround it are thick and strong."
She nodded her thanks and felt her eyes droop as they were galloping again, the steady peace was lulling her to sleep. Legolas noticed this and tried to keep as still as possible so she could rest.
Gimli glanced at her and smiled slightly as her head rested against Legolas's back. "She must be tired" he said "If she is able to fall asleep on a horse. A chance to rest properly has not presented itself since we left Lothlorien."
Éomer replied at a haughty tone. "She had a chance to rest, she should have stayed with my people and leave for Dunharrow."
"You still do not understand it do you?" asked a perplexed Gimli "It is not a matter of dumping her, a so called weak woman. She is a part of us, she has earned her place amongst warriors and we would not leave her in the care of strangers."
"Aye" agreed Legolas "She trusts us and we her, we could not abandon her even if she would want us to."
The marshal looked at Rita while she was sleeping and a single thought was running through his head. *What is it about this girl that makes her so special* He forced this thought out of his head when he started to focus on oncoming battle.
A/N: I know, I know. This chapter is way too short and very confusing and stupid but while I was writing my inspiration has left me suddenly. Will update tomorrow again. Sorry for stopping it so abruptly.
Elvish princess: I'm not lucky, it's the evil snow that melts and that is no fun. It might as well rain. Happy you liked the chapter.
Aurumlupi: I know I blended the movie and the books together and I was worried I would get evil reviews about it. So relieved you liked it though.
Arwen-evenstar: Yep, that's the reason the horn isn't broken and just to let you know I love to update every day as well. I'm trying to keep this up.
Sugar-is-sweet: I love your enthusiasm, it makes me wanna update every day. Just so you know, I hate waiting as well.
Phoebemoon: Hope you reach this chapter soon and realize Rita does not fall in love with Legolas, sorry!
Akima: Better and better huh, thanks!!!!!!!
Sailorverystupid: Glad you like my plot and character but as for the grammar *cowers in corner* I have said a few times that my grammar isn't perfect and typo's are not uncommon. FORGIVE ME!!!!!!!!!
THEwriter Lioncub: Two reviews, I am now very happy with you Kelsie. And you sent me more smiles! I am now beaming! ;)
Shinigami29: Hey Audrey, thanks for starting my fic. I'll mail you later and hope school wasn't so bad.
DISCLAIMER: See previous chapters
The four hunters were lead by a man to the armory where Legolas and Aragorn were given mails, helms and shields. Gimli didn't need a mail though because he already had one. The dwarf did chose a helm and a shield and the king wished him luck with it for it had been the king's shield when he was young. Gandalf refused any protection and Rita was ignored.
She stood there for a few minutes before she got angry again. "Screw this" she mumbled and slipped out to find a peaceful place to practice. There was an empty room, which seemed to be used for training anyway so Rita decided to train there.
Starting with the basic moves, she closed her eyes and tried to imagine a sparring partner. Her attacks got more brutal and to anyone who would walk in it would be a weird sight. A woman with her eyes closed fighting an invisible enemy.
Rita could hear the voice of Boromir in her mind, pointing out her mistakes and yelling warnings when her enemy got too close to her.
She was so caught up in this trance that she didn't hear the footsteps that neared her and she jumped when her sword collided with another sword instead of with air.
Opening her eyes she noticed that Aragorn was standing in front of her, grinning madly. "I was wondering where you had gone to." He told her.
She clenched her jaw. "It was painfully obvious that I wasn't wanted in the armory."
Aragorn frowned, he too had noticed this. "I will speak to the king about this Rita for I will not have you be treated this way. I was going to say something about it earlier but you just vanished."
"Don't even bother." She grunted. He looked at her questioningly so she continued. "If they don't treat me with at least SOME respect, I don't want anything that comes from Rohan. I will not hold my hand out like some beggar."
"You should not compare yourself with a beggar. You deserve to have the same things that are offered to the rest of us."
"No need Aragorn really. And even if they would offer it to me now out of will, I would decline. I have good weapons and clothes. Who needs a stupid and heavy mail? And a helm would just be too large for me anyway."
Aragorn shook his head at her stubbornness but knew better than to argue with her. He had realized very soon that Rita would listen to any advice given to her but once she had her mind set, there was no way to change it.
"Very well, shall we train once more before we ride to battle. The king still needs several hours to organize his troops."
Her reply was the drawing of her sword and soon the two were in a heated battle. The clashing of swords and the laughter attracted the attention of one person in particular: Éowyn, the White Lady of Rohan.
She was staring at Aragorn who had his back towards her and couldn't help herself from swooning over his skill with the sword and his rippling muscles that were visible under his clothes.
Rita had noticed her and was wondering about this. She spoke in Sindarin to Aragorn. "You have an admirer."
He didn't turn around to see whom she meant but replied in the Elven tongue as well. "Who?"
"A certain White Lady who is sister of our friendly marshal. I will not say her name as she would recognize it." Aragorn closed his eyes for a second and Rita saw seriousness taking over. "You too noticed her attraction to you." she stated for it was no question.
Their battle died down a little and he sighed. "Yes I did Rita, yet I have given her no reason to act so. I merely greeted her properly as I would have done any other lady that crossed my path."
"Since when do women need a reason to admire a man. She is attracted by your strength and physical beauty but more importantly, she is attracted by the power you radiate."
He opened his mouth to protest but she spoke sooner than he did and laid her hand on his shoulder. "I know that you do not believe in your capabilities Aragorn but fact remains that you are a leader. This is visible in the way you are acting and it is visible in the air around you."
Meanwhile Éowyn frowned, as she could not understand what was being said. Anger with Rita was growing within her. Not only did the girl have the opportunity to battle while she, a shieldmaiden, was denied this. But she also had a bond with the man she was so intrigued by.
She hid behind a pillar as the two stopped fighting and watched as Rita put her hand on Aragorn's shoulder while saying something that seemed to move the man for he hugged her and kissed her forehead.
Rita smiled when Aragorn kissed her head in an almost fatherly gesture. "You have given me much to think about again Rita. Tell me, what would I without your advice?"
She switched to common language again as she answered him. "Why you would ponder about it on your own. You would have figured it out anyway. I can ride with you again right?"
He laughed as he ruffled her hair. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Now let us find Gimli and Legolas and join them. Gandalf is with the king now."
Jealous eyes followed them as the two left to find their friends.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The others had been found with Éomer with whom they had made peace. Laughter was heard when they neared them but the marshal's expression froze when he saw Rita approach.
Gimli noticed this immediately and frowned. "What is your quarrel with Rita horse-master? She has done you no wrong."
"She offended my uncle and joins in a battle which is for men only."
"Then you are a fool." Was all the dwarf would say because Aragorn and Rita were now in hearing distance.
Legolas looked at Rita and than at Aragorn before he asked at a humorous tone. "So who won?"
The two looked at their appearance and had to laugh. Rita's hair was all in tangles and her clothes were wrinkled, as Aragorn was still a bit sticky from sweat.
"There was no winner my friend" said Aragorn "For we declared a draw. We have decided to continue our battle when we have more time and more energy to spare."
Rita chuckled. "It's not like I would ever defeat him but it's nice I'm able to hold my own against the mighty warrior for a half an hour now instead of loosing after five minutes."
"You know what they say Rita, practice makes. . . "
"Practice makes perfect." Finished Rita for Aragorn. "So you keep telling me."
Then Aragorn noticed the king motioning for him and Éomer. "I believe we are needed by the king Éomer, come let us join him." So the two walked off.
Rita started to tidy her clothes as well as she could and searched her bag for her brush. She untied her hair and started to brush it as she listened to the conversation between Legolas and Gimli. It was very amusing to hear them talk when you realized that they had 'hated' each other so. Now they were trading life stories and joking. She also figured out that Gimli was riding with Éomer as a seal of their friendship.
She was fighting with her hair to get it braided when Legolas, who had been watching her desperate fight, took this task upon him.
"Hold still Rita, this will only take a minute." With great skill he had braided the hair within minutes. "Really" he joked "You can't even do your own hair."
"Hey I can do my own hair, it just takes a little longer. Besides braiding is hard when you have to do it yourself." But her defense sounded weak even in her own ears. Legolas just laughed at her.
Then Theoden gave the call for them to ride. It was time to ride towards battle. Rita saw that Aragorn rode besides the king and was in no mood to ride next to that chauvinist.
"Legolas, is it ok if I ride with you on Arod?" The elf only had to look at her face once to agree. He pulled her up and placed her behind him. She held him loosely as he trotted towards Aragorn who didn't appear surprised when he saw Rita riding with the elf.
"I am sorry to break my promise Rita but the king has requested I ride with him and I must discuss some things with Gandalf as well."
"Did you hear me make any accusations?" she asked then answered her own question. "No, so there is no need to apologize."
Aragorn smiled but had to ride to the king when he was called. Legolas steered Arod next to Éomer with Gimli behind him.
Rita wasn't very happy with this arrangement but understood that Legolas didn't want to leave Gimli on his own with the Rohirrim.
The king held a speech in which he told that Éowyn would lead the people to Dunharrow, where they would be safe. Then they rode off into the plains of Rohan.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They had been riding for two days without any real incidents when they came across a very desperate scout who told them to go back for there was no hope. When he recognized the king he bowed deep while he apologized for his behavior.
The man was very tired and was ready to fall down any minute. Rita jumped of Arod before Legolas could stop her and gave the man a piece of lembas so he could recover some of his strength.
He accepted with surprise on his face, he hadn't expected to see a woman with the riders, but ate it quickly for he had not eaten for days.
Rita hopped back on Arod while she was ignoring the stares she was given. Legolas turned around and she saw the question in his eyes.
"What, should I have left him like that so he would pass out? You of all people should have seen him swaying on his legs."
The elf sighed, he had seen it but it was typical Rita to just hand him a portion of her ration. He shook his head at her and turned to Gandalf when he yelled loudly.
"Take care of the Lord of the Mark until I return. Wait for me at Helm's Deep."
Rita only saw a flurry ride away as Shadowfax ran at full speed. "What's Helm's Deep?" she asked in no one in particular.
To her surprise it was Éomer who answered her after he had ignored her the entire ride. "It is a refuge that is well protected for it is built within the high mountains. The road that leads to it is steep and never has it been breached for the walls that surround it are thick and strong."
She nodded her thanks and felt her eyes droop as they were galloping again, the steady peace was lulling her to sleep. Legolas noticed this and tried to keep as still as possible so she could rest.
Gimli glanced at her and smiled slightly as her head rested against Legolas's back. "She must be tired" he said "If she is able to fall asleep on a horse. A chance to rest properly has not presented itself since we left Lothlorien."
Éomer replied at a haughty tone. "She had a chance to rest, she should have stayed with my people and leave for Dunharrow."
"You still do not understand it do you?" asked a perplexed Gimli "It is not a matter of dumping her, a so called weak woman. She is a part of us, she has earned her place amongst warriors and we would not leave her in the care of strangers."
"Aye" agreed Legolas "She trusts us and we her, we could not abandon her even if she would want us to."
The marshal looked at Rita while she was sleeping and a single thought was running through his head. *What is it about this girl that makes her so special* He forced this thought out of his head when he started to focus on oncoming battle.
A/N: I know, I know. This chapter is way too short and very confusing and stupid but while I was writing my inspiration has left me suddenly. Will update tomorrow again. Sorry for stopping it so abruptly.