Hi, it's me again. I just had a long day at school and it was so boring I
was able to think of this chapter in my head. So now I'll just have to work
it out. I am so happy about all the positive reviews about last chapter, I
wasn't sure how you guys would react to my mix. Just a note to you all. . .
I LOVE IT TOO THAT HALDIR STILL LIVES IN THIS FIC!!!!!! Seriously now,
thank you so much for reviewing I get all happy when I read them. I seem to
have found the Haldir fangroup as everybody loved the fact that he still
lives. I don't know why but I find him very fascinating and cute. OMG!!! I
just noticed I have 200 reviews!!!! I never expected to get so many THANK
YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING = ) I am now very very very very very very happy!!!!!
LanierShazar: Rita is gonna be pissed but if she will stay that way??????
Elvish princess: Hmmm, I don't get it. Did I say something about not being to update for a while? If so, I'm sorry that I said it wrong cause I'm still going on. Lucky for me I read the books zillion times and won't have to wait another year for RotK to come out.
Kierin: Thank you so much for your review. The answer to your question is really simple if you think about it. The movie stops after Helm's Deep so the fic will be completely bookverse from now on. With my twists and changes of course!
Nokia: Evil scriptwriters indeed, I really felt like crying when he died, so I let him live.
Audrey: Hope you like this chapter as well, more Haldir!!!!!!!
Sindamellonwen: I didn't freak out when he died but I was pissed off, my friend never read the books so she didn't understand it either. As long as we understand right?
Sugar-is-sweet: Glad you liked the fight scene cause it was hard to write. As for the burn thing. The liquid Haldir and his brothers gave her is indeed for infections but since Aragorn didn't know about it and. . . ok I'm covering my tracks here cause I kinda forgot about it. Oops! I'm gonna explain in this chapter though, thanks for pointing it out. Theoden scene coming up. I don't know why but I always disliked that king.
Meggers: No tissues yet, yay me. This chapter will be sad again though so this is for you. *Hands new box of Kleenex* to restock your supplies.
Shinigami29: Yep Audrey I had to end it there, I needed some time to think about what was going to happen next. Hope you like.
Musicgrl: You really think I keep improving? Thanks, when I reread my chapters I always think they suck (I have no faith in my writing capabilities) So all these kind reviews help a lot.
Princess of the Leaves: Happy you liked and hope this chapter will be to your liking as well.
Arwen-evenstar: I loved the movie, only problem is I wanna go again! Maybe I can convince my mom to come since my friend doesn't see the point in seeing it twice and she is the only one of my who likes it. Happy I can still keep you on edge ;)
Aurumlupi: I didn't mean for the Rohirrim to be so evil but it seemed appropriate, there will be a nice scene later on. Thanks for the compliments!!!!!!!
Sailorverystupid: Just so you know, my hot chocolate was delicious ;) I did make it up right? By writing such a long chapter last time and now I'm updating again. Hope you like it.
Carms: Happy you liked it, so you read it all in one sitting huh? Glad to see you weren't bored or whatever.
Mysterious Jedi: There will be no more switching as TTT stopped after Helm's Deep. Thanks for reviewing again.
THEwriter Lioncub: Thanks for reviewing again Kelsie, hope this chapter will live up to your expextations.
Nyssa Ravenshift: I feel so honored you read my fic at school, hope it helps to drive the boredom away ;) Anyway I hope you like this chapter.
DISCLAIMER: Ugh, not in the mood
Pain was the first thing Rita noticed when she woke up. Beside the pain she felt warm and comfy and she decided to go to sleep again when she suddenly remembered where she was: Helm's Deep.
She shot up and looked around but found that there was nobody around. Slowly she got up and started to walk away. "Aragorn" she said "Legolas, Gimli, anybody." Finding none she was looking for, she started to panic.
That panic was stopped by the arrival of a limping Orophin. He seemed surprised to see her up and about. "Rita, you are awake! At last, we were starting to worry about you."
"Where is Aragorn and where are the others?" she asked him, her tone urgent. After spending months with these men she was kind of worried about them.
"They rode out to meet Saruman."
Rita was shocked to fins out she had been left behind. "WHAT!!! They left and they didn't even take me, I mean why?"
"You were resting Rita, your wounds and the battle tired you out." Answered Orophin in a soothing tone, hoping to calm her down.
She didn't calm down though. "That isn't an excuse, I could have slept on the horse on my way to Isengard, I didn't need special treatment."
The elf shook his head. "You slept for 16 hours Rita, you needed your rest and you needed it badly. Aragorn was doubting to leave you but Haldir promised to care for you until they return."
"Great to know I need a babysitter." Now she was being sarcastic.
Orophin sighed. "Aragorn thinks highly of you and your skills Rita and if it had been another who had been hurt he would have left him behind as well. For Isengard is not a place that one should enter while being wounded. Evil now resides there. Besides, if you heal quickly now and rest, you will be more able to fight the next battle for I believe you will travel to Gondor next."
Rita fell back on her bedroll and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry if I was so hard about it Orophin but it hurt a little when I find out I was left behind. I even forgot to ask you how you were, is your leg ok?"
"My leg is healing well Rita, yet I would be in a worse condition if you had not intervened. I believe I owe you my friend. You seem to save members of my family a lot lately. First Salmir, then Haldir and after that me. We have been keeping you busy."
"I did what I had to, you guys are my friends and I didn't want to see you dead. Besides, I would never be able to look your girls in the eyes again if I had left you out there to die."
"Nevertheless I am in your debt."
She shook her head. "Nope you're not. See Rumil saved me by pulling me up the wall and I am sure Haldir and the other archers killed enough orcs that were chasing me as I neared the rope, so the debt is already fully repaid. If anything I am in your debt."
Orophin wobbled over to her and sat down beside her on his own bedroll. He handed her a water skin and she drank the water eagerly.
The two sat in silence for awhile until Rita broke it. "So how is everybody back in Lothlorien?" This sure broke the quiet when the proud father told all about his two little girls and their adventures. Other elves joined them and soon they were taking turns in telling tales of their home and loved ones.
Rita noticed that all were speaking Sindarin instead of their own dialect to enable her to follow the conversation. While she told of Pippin and the trouble he caused in Rivendell, her accent was barely noticeable.
Rumil sat down as well and he told the elves who had not seen it of Rita's brave actions the night before. This made her very uncomfortable as she was given admiring glances.
"Come on Rumil, stop exaggerating it wasn't that brave." She protested.
"You jumped of a wall to keep the enemy from destroying it and saved many lives by that Rita. You deserve this praise if not more."
"Indeed" a voice behind them said "I doubt I would be standing here today if not for you." The voice turned out to be from Haldir and Rita smiled at him.
"You were just in a tight spot but I was wondering why you were looking outside instead of keeping your attention focussed. It could have cost you if I hadn't spotted that orc behind you. Never thought of you being careless."
Haldir gave her a cold look that she returned. "I was searching for elves that may had been left behind alive, alas there were none."
This seemed to put a damper on the relatively good mood that had been created. Rita closed her eyes as she remembered how many lives were lost the night before. So many, some of the Rohirrim had been barely teenagers.
"How is your arm?" asked Haldir "Does it hurt you still? I must place some fresh bandages around it."
Rita moved her arm a few times and she had to admit that it still stung. Night had fallen and many of the elves left the circle to find their own bedrolls. Rumil redressed the bandages on Orophin's leg and he also gave Rita some lembas so she could recover her strength.
"Lembas" she mumbled "How I love it and hate it at the same time."
"Why is that?" asked Haldir as he was removing the bandage from her arm.
"After living of it for almost a week you get sick of it. I would love to eat a piece of fruit or something like that." She drew a sharp breath when a piece of cloth that had been stuck against her skin was removed.
Haldir mumbled an apology but kept doing his self-appointed task. He inspected the wound when he was done. "It is healing nicely, Aragorn did a good job for the blister has now disappeared and it is no longer infected. The wound is clean and dry and as it looks now it will barely leave a scar."
She nodded and closed her eyes as he put fresh bandages around her arm after he applied some salve he had been given by Gandalf.
Looking around she noticed that many of the elves were asleep. She studied Haldir's face and saw almost no emotion on it. But when she looked deeper in his eyes she saw the mourning for the men he had lost.
"Are you ok?" she asked him.
His head snapped up as he was surprised by the question. "Why do you ask Rita, you are the one hurt not me."
"I think we're both hurt." She answered him and when he looked at her quizzically she added "You hurt on the inside, you mourn those who have died."
Haldir was shocked though he didn't show it. "How did you see, am I that transparent?"
This made her chuckle. "You transparent? Please if there is one elf who is always a complete mystery it's you, but I noticed this. You looked kind of sad."
He sighed. "Many lives have been lost Rita, not only those my men but I am certain some of the females will die after they receive the news of the death of their loved ones."
"Elves grieve very strongly." was her reply.
"Indeed we do, yet I have heard that love is worth this risk."
Rita looked at him a smile starting to creep on her face. "You heard about it huh? What about your own experience, haven't you been in love? Your brothers are married and have kids yet you have not what is the story behind that?"
"I have simply not found a woman to love yet."
"You want me to believe that during your very long life, cause you're a couple of thousands of years old right, you have never ever been in love?"
"4312 years old. I have lived for 4312 already."
Rita gaped at him, she never thought he was that old. "Ok" she said "You think I am naive enough to believe you haven't been in love with anyone for 4312 years?"
He thought for a while, thinking of a suitable answer. "I cannot deny that I have had lovers, yet I have not found the one who stole my heart yet."
"How come?"
"I have been too busy to look for the right woman."
Rita was getting more curious. "Busy doing what?"
"Protecting the borders of Lothlorien, raising my brothers."
At that she looked up with a questioning look. "Raising your brothers? Where were your parents?"
"It is a long story, would you wish me to tell you?" he saw her nod her head and took a deep breath before he started. "My father was a soldier during the Last Alliance, have you heard about that?"
"Yeah I know what it was." Rita assured him.
Haldir continued "During the battle he died while protecting our people against the darkness. When the news reached my mother she became ill with grief and she died a few weeks later as well. She and my father shared a very strong bond."
Rita was kicking herself for prodding and could think of nothing else to say but "I'm so sorry Haldir."
He smiled at her. "Thank you Rita. Now when this all happened I had just turned 1006 years old. Rumil was 583 and Orophin was merely 138 years old. They looked up to me to care for them. The Lady of the wood was kind enough to give me a position with the Marchwardens so I could make a living. I worked and I took care of my brothers and time seemed to fly. So you see I never had a chance to find the one for me."
"What about after they grew up? They're adults now Haldir so you can't use them as an excuse anymore."
Haldir started to grin. "I must admit I like my single life, especially when I see my brothers with running after their children. Right now I have my job and my friends and family, when I meet my soulmate I will give that up, yet I have not found her yet."
Rita sighed. "You'll find her Haldir or she will find you. You wouldn't notice her if she were standing before you, I know I hadn't noticed it."
"You mean Elladan?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yeah, I kept dismissing his attention for nothing but friendship or pity, never did it occur to me that he liked me beyond that. My life has been a lot like yours actually."
He was surprised at that and arched an eyebrow.
"Not like that you elf I'm not over a 4000 years old, but I raised my sister. I know what it means to do everything for another and having no time for yourself. Now I'm in Middle Earth I discovered a lot of things about myself. I find that the walls I have been building for years are crumbling and I am figuring out how to rely on others in situations I can't handle."
Haldir didn't question the reason she built walls for he was a firm believer in keeping things to oneself. If she wanted to share this information with him she would have said so. When he saw her yawn he instructed her to sleep.
"I've just slept almost an entire day, I don't understand why I am so tired." She protested but Rita found she was no match against Haldir's stern stare.
She said goodnight and slid into her bedroll while she saw him walk off. *No wonder we connect* she thought *We are very much alike* Then she gave into sleep again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The following morning she awoke early and she decided to take a walk after all the sitting and sleeping she had done the days before.
She tipped on her toes past the still sleeping elves and drew her cloak around her when she felt the morning breeze. Walking towards the spot where once the wall of Helm's Deep was she halted and closed her eyes.
In her mind she could still see the kamikaze-orc running towards the bomb, she could still feel the straining of her muscles while fighting against the orcs, she could still hear the screams.
She opened her eyes again when she heard a cold voice behind her. "So you are alive, that surprises me." When she turned around she saw the man who had threatened her before the battle.
"What is your problem?" she exclaimed.
The man snorted. "My problem is you. Here you stand all high and mighty thinking you are more than you really are: a weak woman. You should not have battled, women are here to serve men, not to take over their duties."
Rita had to remind herself to breathe, this man was seriously pissing her off. "My business is my own, it doesn't concern you or any other." She was able to say. Rita was surprised at the control of her voice, it only sounded slightly agitated and revealed none of the anger she was really feeling.
"You have no business here in Helm's Deep now I will finish what I started earlier." He drew his sword. "This time your lover won't be able to save you."
"Excuse me, did you just say my lover?" Rita sounded incredulous.
"Yes, you heard me, your lover. The elf from earlier, you seem to know him very well."
Rita couldn't believe this. "And that makes him my lover? He is my friend and my friend only and. . . wait why am I defending myself, I owe you no explanation."
"That is of no matter, men and women cannot be friends, only lovers."
"What are you saying?" asked Rita "I have many male friends but that doesn't mean they are my lovers."
"This only shows that I am right about you, you are a whore. You have many 'friends', but now I will make you scream and even your lover cannot save you." He started to approach her with his sword pointed at her.
After hearing him accuse her of being Haldir's lover again Rita snapped. Not caring he was approaching her with a sword she took a step forwards, pulled her arm back and hit him as hard as she could.
As her fist connected with his jaw she could hear a crack and a flame shot through her hand. The man crumbled to the ground in an unconscious heap.
She stormed back to where the elves were while opening and closing her hurt hand, trying to make the blood flow through it again. When she reached camp she was stopped by Haldir who immediately noticed something was wrong.
"What happened Rita, what is wrong with your hand?"
"Ugh, I just had a run in with the guy who threatened me earlier. Tell me, are all men like that or is it just the Rohirrim. Cause if all men are like that I am going to stick with the elves. Stupid, arrogant, chauvinistic pigs!"
She was drawing a lot of attention to herself but didn't notice this as she continues to rant. "I swear the Rohirrim are the most annoying men ever. Not only do they think women are beneath men but they also think they can judge you and that you should be ashamed if they dislike you."
"When did he say this?" asked Haldir, that dangerous look in his eyes again.
Rita snorted. "Before or after he told me you were my lover?" His eyebrows shot up at this. "Oh I didn't mention that part yet? Well in this guy's mind you are my lover because you helped me earlier. He doesn't understand a male and a female can be friends. In fact, he thinks all my friends are my lovers. And then I got really angry and I hit him and I heard a crack and now my hand hurts and hitting him didn't even help me in calming my anger."
"Where is he now?" Haldir asked, still looking very angry. "For I believe he needs a lesson in manners."
She started to grin. "He's near the wall, but right now he is. . . uhm. . . sleeping. I kind of hit him very hard and he" she had to giggle now "fainted after I hit him."
"Did he harm you?" asked one of the elves she had met the night before, she forgot his name but knew it started with the letter L.
"No, he was trying to kill me again but his skill didn't improve after this battle, he still didn't know how to hold a sword."
"He attacked you?" Rumil sounded very angry now. "How dare he! You are right Haldir, these men do need a lesson in manners."
Now Rita was starting to get worried. As she looked around she saw all the angry faces of the elves around her and she tried to diffuse the situation.
"Calm down will you, I'm the one he threatened not you. No need to be so angry cause I can take care of myself you know."
Haldir interrupted. "No Rita, we will not calm. I have declared earlier that you fell under the protection of the elves, this means you are one of us. We cannot allow you to be attacked by armed men who choose to harm you." The other elves nodded at this.
"I dealt with it ok? From now on I'm going to stick with you guys so there will be no reason to start a fight. We should be fighting the forces of darkness remember. Now it doesn't matter what kind of problems we have with the Rohirrim, they are still allies in this great war. And to be honest I believe we need their support in oncoming battles. We can not destroy their trust over a mere incident."
The elves fell silent and knew she was right though they didn't want to admit it. Haldir sighed and made her sit on a rock while he studied her hand. The other elves went on as they has before, though there were non who now mingled with the humans.
He squeezed it softly and searched for any broken bones. After a while he stopped and grabbed another bandage and started to wrap it around her hand.
"It does not seem that you have broken any bones in your hand but I do believe it is a little bruised. You will have to leave this bandage on for a few days." When he had finished he handed her some lembas and they ate together with the other elves.
That day passed quickly. In the afternoon she spent time talking to Rumil and some other elves about all kinds of things while Haldir was attending to the wounded. She slept for a while as well and when night began to fall she joined the others while they were eating dinner and several Elvish songs were sung.
Rita got goosebumps as she heard the perfect voices singing about great loves won and lost and about glorious battles. All were going to sleep except ita who wasn't tired at all.
She was staring into the fire when she suddenly saw Haldir approach, he looked very tired and Rita realized he had not rested in days.
"You look awful" she commented as he reached her "When was the last time you slept, really slept I mean."
He had to think about that for awhile before he answered her. "A few days, yet I do not need to rest nor do I want to. I have much to think about."
"Alright" Rita said "Be that way, I still think you should rest for a while. You still have to return to Lothlorien right?"
He sighed. "Yes, we came to aid the men of Rohan here in Helm's Deep but I believe a greater army is being assembled to aid in the final battle. We will regroup and return as a part of that army."
"Then I will be waiting for you. Cause I know we will need all the help we can get."
The two sat in silence for hours until that silence was broken by the sound of trampling hooves. The men who had ridden to Isengard had returned.
A/N: I know, very evil to stop there but I need to figure out what will happen next. Promise to update soon!!!!!!!!!
LanierShazar: Rita is gonna be pissed but if she will stay that way??????
Elvish princess: Hmmm, I don't get it. Did I say something about not being to update for a while? If so, I'm sorry that I said it wrong cause I'm still going on. Lucky for me I read the books zillion times and won't have to wait another year for RotK to come out.
Kierin: Thank you so much for your review. The answer to your question is really simple if you think about it. The movie stops after Helm's Deep so the fic will be completely bookverse from now on. With my twists and changes of course!
Nokia: Evil scriptwriters indeed, I really felt like crying when he died, so I let him live.
Audrey: Hope you like this chapter as well, more Haldir!!!!!!!
Sindamellonwen: I didn't freak out when he died but I was pissed off, my friend never read the books so she didn't understand it either. As long as we understand right?
Sugar-is-sweet: Glad you liked the fight scene cause it was hard to write. As for the burn thing. The liquid Haldir and his brothers gave her is indeed for infections but since Aragorn didn't know about it and. . . ok I'm covering my tracks here cause I kinda forgot about it. Oops! I'm gonna explain in this chapter though, thanks for pointing it out. Theoden scene coming up. I don't know why but I always disliked that king.
Meggers: No tissues yet, yay me. This chapter will be sad again though so this is for you. *Hands new box of Kleenex* to restock your supplies.
Shinigami29: Yep Audrey I had to end it there, I needed some time to think about what was going to happen next. Hope you like.
Musicgrl: You really think I keep improving? Thanks, when I reread my chapters I always think they suck (I have no faith in my writing capabilities) So all these kind reviews help a lot.
Princess of the Leaves: Happy you liked and hope this chapter will be to your liking as well.
Arwen-evenstar: I loved the movie, only problem is I wanna go again! Maybe I can convince my mom to come since my friend doesn't see the point in seeing it twice and she is the only one of my who likes it. Happy I can still keep you on edge ;)
Aurumlupi: I didn't mean for the Rohirrim to be so evil but it seemed appropriate, there will be a nice scene later on. Thanks for the compliments!!!!!!!
Sailorverystupid: Just so you know, my hot chocolate was delicious ;) I did make it up right? By writing such a long chapter last time and now I'm updating again. Hope you like it.
Carms: Happy you liked it, so you read it all in one sitting huh? Glad to see you weren't bored or whatever.
Mysterious Jedi: There will be no more switching as TTT stopped after Helm's Deep. Thanks for reviewing again.
THEwriter Lioncub: Thanks for reviewing again Kelsie, hope this chapter will live up to your expextations.
Nyssa Ravenshift: I feel so honored you read my fic at school, hope it helps to drive the boredom away ;) Anyway I hope you like this chapter.
DISCLAIMER: Ugh, not in the mood
Pain was the first thing Rita noticed when she woke up. Beside the pain she felt warm and comfy and she decided to go to sleep again when she suddenly remembered where she was: Helm's Deep.
She shot up and looked around but found that there was nobody around. Slowly she got up and started to walk away. "Aragorn" she said "Legolas, Gimli, anybody." Finding none she was looking for, she started to panic.
That panic was stopped by the arrival of a limping Orophin. He seemed surprised to see her up and about. "Rita, you are awake! At last, we were starting to worry about you."
"Where is Aragorn and where are the others?" she asked him, her tone urgent. After spending months with these men she was kind of worried about them.
"They rode out to meet Saruman."
Rita was shocked to fins out she had been left behind. "WHAT!!! They left and they didn't even take me, I mean why?"
"You were resting Rita, your wounds and the battle tired you out." Answered Orophin in a soothing tone, hoping to calm her down.
She didn't calm down though. "That isn't an excuse, I could have slept on the horse on my way to Isengard, I didn't need special treatment."
The elf shook his head. "You slept for 16 hours Rita, you needed your rest and you needed it badly. Aragorn was doubting to leave you but Haldir promised to care for you until they return."
"Great to know I need a babysitter." Now she was being sarcastic.
Orophin sighed. "Aragorn thinks highly of you and your skills Rita and if it had been another who had been hurt he would have left him behind as well. For Isengard is not a place that one should enter while being wounded. Evil now resides there. Besides, if you heal quickly now and rest, you will be more able to fight the next battle for I believe you will travel to Gondor next."
Rita fell back on her bedroll and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry if I was so hard about it Orophin but it hurt a little when I find out I was left behind. I even forgot to ask you how you were, is your leg ok?"
"My leg is healing well Rita, yet I would be in a worse condition if you had not intervened. I believe I owe you my friend. You seem to save members of my family a lot lately. First Salmir, then Haldir and after that me. We have been keeping you busy."
"I did what I had to, you guys are my friends and I didn't want to see you dead. Besides, I would never be able to look your girls in the eyes again if I had left you out there to die."
"Nevertheless I am in your debt."
She shook her head. "Nope you're not. See Rumil saved me by pulling me up the wall and I am sure Haldir and the other archers killed enough orcs that were chasing me as I neared the rope, so the debt is already fully repaid. If anything I am in your debt."
Orophin wobbled over to her and sat down beside her on his own bedroll. He handed her a water skin and she drank the water eagerly.
The two sat in silence for awhile until Rita broke it. "So how is everybody back in Lothlorien?" This sure broke the quiet when the proud father told all about his two little girls and their adventures. Other elves joined them and soon they were taking turns in telling tales of their home and loved ones.
Rita noticed that all were speaking Sindarin instead of their own dialect to enable her to follow the conversation. While she told of Pippin and the trouble he caused in Rivendell, her accent was barely noticeable.
Rumil sat down as well and he told the elves who had not seen it of Rita's brave actions the night before. This made her very uncomfortable as she was given admiring glances.
"Come on Rumil, stop exaggerating it wasn't that brave." She protested.
"You jumped of a wall to keep the enemy from destroying it and saved many lives by that Rita. You deserve this praise if not more."
"Indeed" a voice behind them said "I doubt I would be standing here today if not for you." The voice turned out to be from Haldir and Rita smiled at him.
"You were just in a tight spot but I was wondering why you were looking outside instead of keeping your attention focussed. It could have cost you if I hadn't spotted that orc behind you. Never thought of you being careless."
Haldir gave her a cold look that she returned. "I was searching for elves that may had been left behind alive, alas there were none."
This seemed to put a damper on the relatively good mood that had been created. Rita closed her eyes as she remembered how many lives were lost the night before. So many, some of the Rohirrim had been barely teenagers.
"How is your arm?" asked Haldir "Does it hurt you still? I must place some fresh bandages around it."
Rita moved her arm a few times and she had to admit that it still stung. Night had fallen and many of the elves left the circle to find their own bedrolls. Rumil redressed the bandages on Orophin's leg and he also gave Rita some lembas so she could recover her strength.
"Lembas" she mumbled "How I love it and hate it at the same time."
"Why is that?" asked Haldir as he was removing the bandage from her arm.
"After living of it for almost a week you get sick of it. I would love to eat a piece of fruit or something like that." She drew a sharp breath when a piece of cloth that had been stuck against her skin was removed.
Haldir mumbled an apology but kept doing his self-appointed task. He inspected the wound when he was done. "It is healing nicely, Aragorn did a good job for the blister has now disappeared and it is no longer infected. The wound is clean and dry and as it looks now it will barely leave a scar."
She nodded and closed her eyes as he put fresh bandages around her arm after he applied some salve he had been given by Gandalf.
Looking around she noticed that many of the elves were asleep. She studied Haldir's face and saw almost no emotion on it. But when she looked deeper in his eyes she saw the mourning for the men he had lost.
"Are you ok?" she asked him.
His head snapped up as he was surprised by the question. "Why do you ask Rita, you are the one hurt not me."
"I think we're both hurt." She answered him and when he looked at her quizzically she added "You hurt on the inside, you mourn those who have died."
Haldir was shocked though he didn't show it. "How did you see, am I that transparent?"
This made her chuckle. "You transparent? Please if there is one elf who is always a complete mystery it's you, but I noticed this. You looked kind of sad."
He sighed. "Many lives have been lost Rita, not only those my men but I am certain some of the females will die after they receive the news of the death of their loved ones."
"Elves grieve very strongly." was her reply.
"Indeed we do, yet I have heard that love is worth this risk."
Rita looked at him a smile starting to creep on her face. "You heard about it huh? What about your own experience, haven't you been in love? Your brothers are married and have kids yet you have not what is the story behind that?"
"I have simply not found a woman to love yet."
"You want me to believe that during your very long life, cause you're a couple of thousands of years old right, you have never ever been in love?"
"4312 years old. I have lived for 4312 already."
Rita gaped at him, she never thought he was that old. "Ok" she said "You think I am naive enough to believe you haven't been in love with anyone for 4312 years?"
He thought for a while, thinking of a suitable answer. "I cannot deny that I have had lovers, yet I have not found the one who stole my heart yet."
"How come?"
"I have been too busy to look for the right woman."
Rita was getting more curious. "Busy doing what?"
"Protecting the borders of Lothlorien, raising my brothers."
At that she looked up with a questioning look. "Raising your brothers? Where were your parents?"
"It is a long story, would you wish me to tell you?" he saw her nod her head and took a deep breath before he started. "My father was a soldier during the Last Alliance, have you heard about that?"
"Yeah I know what it was." Rita assured him.
Haldir continued "During the battle he died while protecting our people against the darkness. When the news reached my mother she became ill with grief and she died a few weeks later as well. She and my father shared a very strong bond."
Rita was kicking herself for prodding and could think of nothing else to say but "I'm so sorry Haldir."
He smiled at her. "Thank you Rita. Now when this all happened I had just turned 1006 years old. Rumil was 583 and Orophin was merely 138 years old. They looked up to me to care for them. The Lady of the wood was kind enough to give me a position with the Marchwardens so I could make a living. I worked and I took care of my brothers and time seemed to fly. So you see I never had a chance to find the one for me."
"What about after they grew up? They're adults now Haldir so you can't use them as an excuse anymore."
Haldir started to grin. "I must admit I like my single life, especially when I see my brothers with running after their children. Right now I have my job and my friends and family, when I meet my soulmate I will give that up, yet I have not found her yet."
Rita sighed. "You'll find her Haldir or she will find you. You wouldn't notice her if she were standing before you, I know I hadn't noticed it."
"You mean Elladan?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yeah, I kept dismissing his attention for nothing but friendship or pity, never did it occur to me that he liked me beyond that. My life has been a lot like yours actually."
He was surprised at that and arched an eyebrow.
"Not like that you elf I'm not over a 4000 years old, but I raised my sister. I know what it means to do everything for another and having no time for yourself. Now I'm in Middle Earth I discovered a lot of things about myself. I find that the walls I have been building for years are crumbling and I am figuring out how to rely on others in situations I can't handle."
Haldir didn't question the reason she built walls for he was a firm believer in keeping things to oneself. If she wanted to share this information with him she would have said so. When he saw her yawn he instructed her to sleep.
"I've just slept almost an entire day, I don't understand why I am so tired." She protested but Rita found she was no match against Haldir's stern stare.
She said goodnight and slid into her bedroll while she saw him walk off. *No wonder we connect* she thought *We are very much alike* Then she gave into sleep again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The following morning she awoke early and she decided to take a walk after all the sitting and sleeping she had done the days before.
She tipped on her toes past the still sleeping elves and drew her cloak around her when she felt the morning breeze. Walking towards the spot where once the wall of Helm's Deep was she halted and closed her eyes.
In her mind she could still see the kamikaze-orc running towards the bomb, she could still feel the straining of her muscles while fighting against the orcs, she could still hear the screams.
She opened her eyes again when she heard a cold voice behind her. "So you are alive, that surprises me." When she turned around she saw the man who had threatened her before the battle.
"What is your problem?" she exclaimed.
The man snorted. "My problem is you. Here you stand all high and mighty thinking you are more than you really are: a weak woman. You should not have battled, women are here to serve men, not to take over their duties."
Rita had to remind herself to breathe, this man was seriously pissing her off. "My business is my own, it doesn't concern you or any other." She was able to say. Rita was surprised at the control of her voice, it only sounded slightly agitated and revealed none of the anger she was really feeling.
"You have no business here in Helm's Deep now I will finish what I started earlier." He drew his sword. "This time your lover won't be able to save you."
"Excuse me, did you just say my lover?" Rita sounded incredulous.
"Yes, you heard me, your lover. The elf from earlier, you seem to know him very well."
Rita couldn't believe this. "And that makes him my lover? He is my friend and my friend only and. . . wait why am I defending myself, I owe you no explanation."
"That is of no matter, men and women cannot be friends, only lovers."
"What are you saying?" asked Rita "I have many male friends but that doesn't mean they are my lovers."
"This only shows that I am right about you, you are a whore. You have many 'friends', but now I will make you scream and even your lover cannot save you." He started to approach her with his sword pointed at her.
After hearing him accuse her of being Haldir's lover again Rita snapped. Not caring he was approaching her with a sword she took a step forwards, pulled her arm back and hit him as hard as she could.
As her fist connected with his jaw she could hear a crack and a flame shot through her hand. The man crumbled to the ground in an unconscious heap.
She stormed back to where the elves were while opening and closing her hurt hand, trying to make the blood flow through it again. When she reached camp she was stopped by Haldir who immediately noticed something was wrong.
"What happened Rita, what is wrong with your hand?"
"Ugh, I just had a run in with the guy who threatened me earlier. Tell me, are all men like that or is it just the Rohirrim. Cause if all men are like that I am going to stick with the elves. Stupid, arrogant, chauvinistic pigs!"
She was drawing a lot of attention to herself but didn't notice this as she continues to rant. "I swear the Rohirrim are the most annoying men ever. Not only do they think women are beneath men but they also think they can judge you and that you should be ashamed if they dislike you."
"When did he say this?" asked Haldir, that dangerous look in his eyes again.
Rita snorted. "Before or after he told me you were my lover?" His eyebrows shot up at this. "Oh I didn't mention that part yet? Well in this guy's mind you are my lover because you helped me earlier. He doesn't understand a male and a female can be friends. In fact, he thinks all my friends are my lovers. And then I got really angry and I hit him and I heard a crack and now my hand hurts and hitting him didn't even help me in calming my anger."
"Where is he now?" Haldir asked, still looking very angry. "For I believe he needs a lesson in manners."
She started to grin. "He's near the wall, but right now he is. . . uhm. . . sleeping. I kind of hit him very hard and he" she had to giggle now "fainted after I hit him."
"Did he harm you?" asked one of the elves she had met the night before, she forgot his name but knew it started with the letter L.
"No, he was trying to kill me again but his skill didn't improve after this battle, he still didn't know how to hold a sword."
"He attacked you?" Rumil sounded very angry now. "How dare he! You are right Haldir, these men do need a lesson in manners."
Now Rita was starting to get worried. As she looked around she saw all the angry faces of the elves around her and she tried to diffuse the situation.
"Calm down will you, I'm the one he threatened not you. No need to be so angry cause I can take care of myself you know."
Haldir interrupted. "No Rita, we will not calm. I have declared earlier that you fell under the protection of the elves, this means you are one of us. We cannot allow you to be attacked by armed men who choose to harm you." The other elves nodded at this.
"I dealt with it ok? From now on I'm going to stick with you guys so there will be no reason to start a fight. We should be fighting the forces of darkness remember. Now it doesn't matter what kind of problems we have with the Rohirrim, they are still allies in this great war. And to be honest I believe we need their support in oncoming battles. We can not destroy their trust over a mere incident."
The elves fell silent and knew she was right though they didn't want to admit it. Haldir sighed and made her sit on a rock while he studied her hand. The other elves went on as they has before, though there were non who now mingled with the humans.
He squeezed it softly and searched for any broken bones. After a while he stopped and grabbed another bandage and started to wrap it around her hand.
"It does not seem that you have broken any bones in your hand but I do believe it is a little bruised. You will have to leave this bandage on for a few days." When he had finished he handed her some lembas and they ate together with the other elves.
That day passed quickly. In the afternoon she spent time talking to Rumil and some other elves about all kinds of things while Haldir was attending to the wounded. She slept for a while as well and when night began to fall she joined the others while they were eating dinner and several Elvish songs were sung.
Rita got goosebumps as she heard the perfect voices singing about great loves won and lost and about glorious battles. All were going to sleep except ita who wasn't tired at all.
She was staring into the fire when she suddenly saw Haldir approach, he looked very tired and Rita realized he had not rested in days.
"You look awful" she commented as he reached her "When was the last time you slept, really slept I mean."
He had to think about that for awhile before he answered her. "A few days, yet I do not need to rest nor do I want to. I have much to think about."
"Alright" Rita said "Be that way, I still think you should rest for a while. You still have to return to Lothlorien right?"
He sighed. "Yes, we came to aid the men of Rohan here in Helm's Deep but I believe a greater army is being assembled to aid in the final battle. We will regroup and return as a part of that army."
"Then I will be waiting for you. Cause I know we will need all the help we can get."
The two sat in silence for hours until that silence was broken by the sound of trampling hooves. The men who had ridden to Isengard had returned.
A/N: I know, very evil to stop there but I need to figure out what will happen next. Promise to update soon!!!!!!!!!