Wow I broke 300 reviews *does happy dance* and I got the result of my test.
. . I got a 6.1 that's a C in the US I think. I was so happy and my teacher
was all proud and now I have inspiration to write and. . . shutting up now.
Shinigami29: What's wrong with your pc? Did you get my mail ok?
Aurumlupi: *hands tissue* sorry I made you cry, happy you liked it though.
Danceinfae: Thanks for your review, I love long reviews! Especially when I get such a nice review, I am very happy you liked the way my story has been developing, and I am gonna check your bio later to see if you already posted your fic.
LanierShazar: Like a movie? Wow that is exactly how I read fanfics, I try to picture things in my head. I can't believe you do the exact same thing. Weird ;)
Asarielle: You didn't have to wait very long for this chapter, hope you like.
Musicgrl: Hey, thanks for reviewing again but I have a question. . . what is Enya music?
Sindamellonwen (Kate): You can sign with Kate if you like, ff.net fixed the entire problem of the names, that was really frustrating. Yay for you, you are well again and yes you wrote a longer review than usual and I loved it ;)
Meggers: You ran out of tissues?!?!?! I gave you an entire box! ;) *hands new box of tissues* Now try to use these wisely, I do not have a never ending supply you know. I am so checking your fic after I finish this, just wait for my review.
Kayli: Wow that was a long review *hugs you* like I said earlier I LOVE long reviews. Spanish, I always wanted to learn Spanish but my school doesn't teach it, bummer. Happy you noticed that I paid extra attention to the comma's, I worked hard on that. What a Mary Sue is? As far as I know a MS is a girl that is perfect in all ways, in fighting, appearance, everybody loves her etc. etc. Oh and one of the characters of LotR falls in love (at first sight mostly). I think the reason there are almost no Gimli gets the girl fics out there cause. . . well that would be gross! He isn't exactly cute or nice, I see him more as the grumpy yet lovable uncle you know? Wow, this is such a long note but it only seems fair since you wrote a long review.
Ancalime1283: You reviewed *starts counting* 14 times!!! So this will be a very long note to you. To start with the beginning of your reviews: I guess you already noticed Elrohir is in it, you like? The language thing, well I type what comes to mind and sometimes it's a cuss word or the term God, hope you are not too offended by that. I was happy you liked the fact that I know what I am talking about, I read the hobbit and the LotR books, I only have to read the Simalarion (is that the name?). I do not take your remarks personal, I think you have the right to comment on the story since it is posted for all to read, and even though I did not like everything you said I still appreciate that you didn't attack me personally you know? You are very enthusiastic and I love that! I am sorry offended you with chapter 15, I like your decision to ignore the chapter and didn't flame me. You might have read my note to Mysterious Jedi in one of the chapters where I explain why I let Rita and Elladan make love, hope you understand. Did you notice that I tried to avoid the mary-sueness? As for Helm's Deep, how did you know Orophin wasn't there, in the books the elves weren't there at all, how do you know this? Is Orophin older than Rumil? I didn't know but am too lazy to change this now. I kind of knew that elves didn't take lovers but it fit my story so I am not going to change that. Phew! That was the longest note I have ever written, but you wrote me 14 reviews, hope to hear from you soon I like your critical look on my fic, it gives me reason to sharpen my writing abilities.
Blahblah: Ugh, school sucks I know. I am very happy my fic can cheer you up!
Passion Lover: *blushes* You really think it's that good? Thanks, I am starting to feel more secure about my writing with every nice review!
Sugar-is-sweet: Sorry no details yet on what was inside Boromir's letter, I saved that for next chapter, be patience grasshopper.
Elvish princess: Yay, now I know who that review belonged to, anyway thanks for reviewing again and I hope you will like this chapter as well.
Audray: Yeah I know, never expected to be writing such a long story but I ain't complaining, enjoy this chapter!
Arwen-evenstar: You liked the glimpse in Elladan's past? I thought it would fit but didn't know what others would think. Hope you like this chapter as well.
DISCLAIMER: Not in the mood today
Rita woke up when she felt movement beside her. She lazily opened an eye and saw that Elladan had left the bed and was tiptoeing in order to make sure he woke nobody. She looked around and saw Aragorn and Elrohir were still asleep.
Deciding she had had enough sleep she followed him outside. She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled when he started a bit. He hadn't heard her approach.
"Elbereth Rita" he breathed "Do you wish me to scare me to death. Where did you learn to walk so silently, I didn't even notice you had moved from where I left you."
Her smile died down when she remembered the reason she was so good at sneaking, yet she was able to hide the intense pain this memory caused her from Elladan. He worried so much about her already, she didn't want to encourage this even more.
So instead of saying anything she pulled him towards her and gave him a sweet kiss. When she broke it she hugged him.
"Morning love, sorry I spooked you. I didn't mean to though, I just couldn't sleep without you beside me. Do you know how warm and comfy you are?"
Elladan let out a laugh. "I have not been able to see this about myself but I believe you on your word." He was about to say something else when Aragorn appeared from the tent.
He greeted them both and the three started to talk while they were sitting around a small fire, toasting bread that was a bit too old to eat normally.
Gradually more people joined them. First Elrohir and Halbarad, later Legolas and Gimli and the last to arrive were Gandalf and a panting Pippin, the hobbit had to run the entire way from the city to the camp.
Pippin sat right beside Rita. "Where have you been Rita, Merry told me you visited him but I never saw a sign of you anywhere."
She ruffled his hair. "Ever the curious one, aren't you Pippin. For your information I have been in the House of Healing and here in camp. Nothing fancy."
"I missed you Rita" the hobbit confessed "And now we finally are together again, there is barely time to talk to you."
Rita smiled at him, she too missed their lengthy conversations that were sometimes bordering on the line of insanity. "You know what Pip, we are gonna start catching up right now." She jumped up and dusted her pants.
She walked inside the tent and retrieved her cloak and weapons, she felt safer with them with her. She kept talking as she did this and Pippin had to listen very focussed to hear everything she said.
". . . and I was thinking we might visit that place Boromir told us about, you know the place he loved most in the entire country. Maybe we can have lunch with Merry and talk some more, I am sure that hobbit left out some details about your adventure. So how does that sound?"
Her answer was a huge smile and the feeling she was being dragged away by the over-enthusiastic hobbit. She was able to wave good-bye to the others before she ran alongside Pippin, giggling all the way.
Gandalf shook his head. "Sometimes I wonder about that girl. I swear, that Took must have had a bad influence on her."
"Nay Mithandrir" disagreed Legolas. "Pippin merely brings the child inside her out. The two have caused quite the mischief in both Rivendell as Lothlorien. I am happy Pippin is here on this journey, more than once has he cheered Rita up, all of the hobbits did this but he caused this the most."
He received no answer so he acknowledged this as an agreement. His words seemed to have caused everybody to think and the group sat in silence while they were looking at the two figures in the distance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As it turned out Pippin and Rita visited Merry first before they went to do anything else. The three sat together on the bed and talked and talked.
They talked for such a long time that Ioreth disturbed them by bringing lunch, a huge lunch. Rita could smell soup and potatoes and started to drool. It had been so long since she had a warm meal.
Between the three of them the lunch disappeared quickly (Merry and Pippin are hobbits after all) and they left Merry alone so he would be able to rest again.
Together Pippin and Rita examined the entire city. Pippin knew the passwords that allowed them to get anywhere they liked, and Rita's good memory guided them to all the places Boromir had described to them.
Finally they reached his favorite spot ever. It was a cliff that allowed one to see very far in the distance of every direction. It was quite a climb and Rita helped Pippin when he wasn't able to keep up with her.
They panted a little when they reached the top of the cliff but the effort was worth it. The view was amazing.
The cliff was covered with flowers and grass and Rita let herself drop to the ground and Pippin followed her example. The two lay like that for almost an hour; just enjoying the silence and the peacefulness.
Suddenly Rita jumped up and peered into the distance. "That's. . . no it can't be. . . if I am not mistaking. . . " she mumbled. Her eyes grew wide all of the sudden and Rita pulled Pippin up as she started to run towards the camp, dragging poor Pippin behind her.
No longer capable of keeping up Pippin fell back but Rita didn't notice, she kept on running faster and faster. Vaguely she remembered running past people who were staring at her but she didn't mind them as she neared the camp.
She started to yell. "Aragorn come quick Aragorn!"
This alerted everyone and Aragorn suddenly popped out of nowhere and grabbed her shoulders. "Rita what is wrong, did something happen to you or Pippin, did. . ."
"No, nothing bad" she was able to say between breaths "Elves" she took a few more breaths to calm her heartbeat. "Elves are approaching, a lot of them. The approach from the north, I saw them, they should be here anytime."
A smile broke out on Aragorn's face and mumbling was heard around them. "Are you sure they were elves Rita?"
"No Aragorn I just mistook a huge group of orcs for elves with shiny blond hair and silver armors, is that what you want to hear? Of course I am sure!"
He didn't respond to her however and Rita looked at his retreating back. Then she noticed Pippin stumble towards her.
"I am so sorry to leave you like that Pip, I just had to tell Aragorn the news. The elves are here, they've come to help. Come on, we have to go and great them."
Rita and Pippin rushed towards the place where the elves were to arrive and stood next to Gimli and Legolas. Aragorn and the twins stood in front and the first to arrive was none other than Glorfindel on top of Asfaloth.
Behind him rode and marched a large group of elves from Rivendell and they were all warmly greeted by Elladan and Elrohir.
Next in line were elves who wore green and brown clothing. They all had very blond hair and Legolas let out a cry of joy and rushed forwards. Rita figured these were elves from Mirkwood and smiled when she saw Legolas's happiness.
This smile widened when she caught sight of Haldir and the Lothlorien elves. She stepped forwards and halted before Haldir. Without realizing it she switched to Sindarin, she always spoke to the Lothlorien elves in that way now, she had grown accustomed to it.
"You're late" she stated "Gondor is no longer in immediate danger, the battle is over already. What happened to being here on time to fight huh?"
He gave her a cold look and to any onlooker it would seem that he was glaring at her. Rita knew better however, she could see the flicker of humor in his eyes and couldn't control her lip from twitching. She let out a laugh and embraced Haldir, who returned it immediately.
"Ooh" she commented "Still good. Keep hugging like this and we will find you a girl soon." He didn't answer that but just rolled his eyes at her.
One by one Rita addressed the elves around her, elves that had turned into her friends at Helm's Deep. Many clasped her shoulder while she was passing them and some were even bold enough to give her a hug. Others just nodded at her and there were also those who didn't know her personally but had heard about her, so they greeted her cordially as well.
Elladan stared at her as she greeted her friends, speaking in fluent Sindarin and a smile gracing her face. He was joined by the others who looked just as stunned as him. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas smiled at their confusion but remembered the friendships formed at the stone fortress called Helm's Deep.
At last Aragorn called for silence and when he got it he welcomed all the elves (in Sindarin of course) to Gondor and thanked them for joining the biggest battle since the Last Alliance. He told them they would be led to a camp where they could rest until the journey would begin once again.
Rita was the one who led the Lothlorien elves to their spot and helped them set up while talking non-stop to those around her.
She learned that there were indeed some female elves that had died from grief after their loved one died and that the wounded were healing nicely.
Night started to fall and campfires were lit. Rita sat down next to Rumil, after she had grabbed all her stuff from the tent cause she was planning to camp out with the elves that night, and asked him all about Salmir and the girls until one of the elves, called Tiruvor, approached her. Silence fell as he started to speak and Rita was wondering what was going on.
"Rita, in the short time we have grown to know each other, you have made a deep impression on all of us. Your courage and loyalty towards your friends have impressed us all and I think I speak for all when I say that we respect you for what you have done."
She tried to interrupt. "But I didn't do something that spe. . . "
Tiruvor cut her off. "You have said that over and over again, you think you did nothing special. Let me assure you that what you did WAS special. I was one of the elves on the wall when you jumped into the mob of uruk-hai and started to yell for all to get off the wall. If you had not warned us, if you had not fended the enemy off for as long as you did, I and lots of others would not be standing here today. There are not many who would jump of a high wall and into a group of enemies only to save those unknown to you."
"Or take care of the wounded like you did" sounded a voice.
"Or jump into wild rivers to save a child" added Rumil.
Haldir added his two cents as well. "Nor would anyone just engage in a hopeless battle to save a friend." Rita glared at him when she heard him. She had once told him she hated to be the center of attention and now he was actually encouraging this.
He met her glare and copied it exactly and shrugged his shoulders. Tiruvor continued his little speech. "That and more. You have become a part of us, Captain Haldir told you that you would always be welcome with the Lothlorien elves and to that promise we will hold. However we wish to thank you for what you have done for us and since you will not accept our lives or duties, like this is the elvish fashion, we have arranged another way to thank you. If you would please stand."
Rita stood up while looking around uncertainly. Tiruvor unclasped her cloak and gave it to Rumil to hold. Then another elf, going by the name Jerian, handed him something and Tiruvor approached her.
"We have arranged for you something we thought appropriate for you as you are a true warrior. The blacksmiths back home have forged an armor that would fit you perfectly. For a normal armor would be too large for you."
He started to put the armor on her as he kept talking. "Since we know you will go to battle with us until either the battle is over or until you die, which we do not want to happen, we hand you this gift. May it keep you safe during battle."
As he strapped the armor on her body other elves handed him the pieces. Finally he grabbed her gauntlets (Rita was surprised to see them, she had put them next to her bag) and placed them on her arm, after that he put the helm on her head and refastened her cloak. Then he fastened her belt that held her weapons around her waist again.
Tiruvor smiled at her. "It all fits, this shall protect you from any arrows that will fly through the air. I must say I am relieved, the blacksmiths were not sure they had forged it correctly for you, since they did not know your exact measurements. They will be pleased to hear that all was like it was supposed to be."
He stepped back and before Rita could open her mouth to say anything Jerian stepped forwards with a pile in his hands. He continued where Tiruvor had left off.
"Of course an armor will be useful in battle, yet we also wanted you to have other things. It is well known that during travel and battle clothes are easy to get dirty, torn or even completely destroyed. Therefor a group of female elves have worked on some new clothing."
He placed the pile on the ground and step back again. Once again Rita tried to speak but again another elf stepped forwards, this time an elf whose name she kept forgetting though she knew it started with an L. she thought hard and multiple names went through her mind until it hit her, his name was Limuel.
"You are one of us, you have been since the events of Helm's Deep. Yet we have a request to make, an offer one might say. It is very uncommon for the Lothlorien elves to accept an outsider like we have accepted you and we wish to seal this bond by asking you to be a part of our company as we march to fight against the Dark forces of Mordor."
All eyes were upon her as they awaited her answer. Rita suddenly noticed that an enormous crowd had gathered to see what was happening. She looked at the expectant faces of the Lothlorien elves and felt a calmness wash over her.
These were her friends, friends who just made her an offer that showed their respect for her. An offer that humbled her and filled her heart with great joy to know she had earned these friendships and the respect.
"I would be honored" she said "To be a part of this company when we march into battle. I am overwhelmed not only by your generosity or you friendship, but also by the faith you have put in me. I merely hope I will never fail to live up to my reputation."
Out of the blue she took her sword out of her sheath and kneeled on one knee. "I do not know what strength resides within me, yet I do know that I will protect any of you with my life if need to be."
Haldir stepped forwards and took her hand. "Rise Rita. You have pledged yourself to our company, I am honored to now call you an official part of the Lothlorien elves. May Elbereth watch over us all."
A loud cheer erupted from the Lothlorien elves as the 'ritual' was completed and for a long time Rita was surrounded by them all. They welcomed her to their group and told her they would teach her the language of the Woodland elves as soon as possible.
All the positive reactions and all the friendships that were offered to her stunned Rita. She did not understand what she had done to earn this gesture. She didn't realize that she had opened up to all around her.
The air that used to hang around her had changed. Still she seemed to call for friendship and kindness from those around her, but didn't fight against it when it was actually offered to her. She had put most of her past behind her. Of course it still emerged from time to time but it no longer haunted her like it had before.
All who had known her since the beginning, now saw this change and were in awe. No longer was she the harmless and the sometimes helpless maiden that had fallen into their world. She was now a skilled warrior, who still had her faults of course, yet she felt confident in herself and this was the key to surviving any battle.
Elladan regarded his love in a new light, for she had changed more than he had thought possible. He felt nothing but pride as she talked to others, her head held high and her eyes shining with mirth. She was a respected person amongst many and she was his love.
He approached her when the crowd started to leave for their bedrolls. "Am I still allowed to hug you or will I be hunted by your new protectors?" he jested.
She grinned and pulled him into a hug to the best of her abilities (she was still in armor after all). She squirmed a bit and asked him if he could help her get out of the armor.
"I am sure it's wondrous in battle, but right now it is too uncomfortable. I can't even hug you properly now cause it won't let me."
They walked to where her bedroll was spread out. It was placed between those of Rumil and Haldir. Though the latter wasn't there at the moment, Rumil helped Elladan take the armor off. He grinned up at her as he freed her legs from their protection.
"How did you like our surprise Rita?"
She let out a laugh. "A surprise it surely was. It was great Rumil, I don't have the words for it right now but when I find them I will make sure to let you know. Hey I am going to take a walk before I return. See you later."
After carefully putting away her armor and weapons next to her pack she grabbed Elladan's arm and the two started to walk towards the place where the members of the fellowship, Elrohir and Glorfindel were already seated.
Aragorn looked up at her. "They placed a great honor upon you Rita, you are the first and I believe the only human that has ever been allowed into the company of Lothlorien elves. They are proud and skilled warriors and I am sure they will keep you safe while in battle. You tend to need it since you keep placing yourself in dangerous positions."
She gaped at him and then hit his arm. "I do not need protection, I can fend for myself thank you very much."
Laughter erupted at her expression and Rita scowled. They talked for a few hours until Rita started to yawn and Elladan guided her back to her place. He pulled her towards a quiet spot where he kissed her deeply.
Rita wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her mouth to deepen the kiss even more. She felt better than ever. Not only did she have more friends she had ever thought possible, she was also in the arms of the man she loved. Life couldn't get better than this.
Eventually they broke the kiss and Rita returned to her bedroll, on which she collapsed and immediately fell asleep, reliving the events that had played out that day.
When Haldir returned from his round he saw that she was peacefully sleeping, wearing a smile upon her face.
A/N: Ugh, I don't know why but I had so much trouble writing this chapter. Plus I had to make up names, I SUCK at making up names. Please let me know what you think cause I have a bad feeling about this chapter, was it overdone or did you actually like it? So anxious to hear you opinion so review!!!!!
Shinigami29: What's wrong with your pc? Did you get my mail ok?
Aurumlupi: *hands tissue* sorry I made you cry, happy you liked it though.
Danceinfae: Thanks for your review, I love long reviews! Especially when I get such a nice review, I am very happy you liked the way my story has been developing, and I am gonna check your bio later to see if you already posted your fic.
LanierShazar: Like a movie? Wow that is exactly how I read fanfics, I try to picture things in my head. I can't believe you do the exact same thing. Weird ;)
Asarielle: You didn't have to wait very long for this chapter, hope you like.
Musicgrl: Hey, thanks for reviewing again but I have a question. . . what is Enya music?
Sindamellonwen (Kate): You can sign with Kate if you like, ff.net fixed the entire problem of the names, that was really frustrating. Yay for you, you are well again and yes you wrote a longer review than usual and I loved it ;)
Meggers: You ran out of tissues?!?!?! I gave you an entire box! ;) *hands new box of tissues* Now try to use these wisely, I do not have a never ending supply you know. I am so checking your fic after I finish this, just wait for my review.
Kayli: Wow that was a long review *hugs you* like I said earlier I LOVE long reviews. Spanish, I always wanted to learn Spanish but my school doesn't teach it, bummer. Happy you noticed that I paid extra attention to the comma's, I worked hard on that. What a Mary Sue is? As far as I know a MS is a girl that is perfect in all ways, in fighting, appearance, everybody loves her etc. etc. Oh and one of the characters of LotR falls in love (at first sight mostly). I think the reason there are almost no Gimli gets the girl fics out there cause. . . well that would be gross! He isn't exactly cute or nice, I see him more as the grumpy yet lovable uncle you know? Wow, this is such a long note but it only seems fair since you wrote a long review.
Ancalime1283: You reviewed *starts counting* 14 times!!! So this will be a very long note to you. To start with the beginning of your reviews: I guess you already noticed Elrohir is in it, you like? The language thing, well I type what comes to mind and sometimes it's a cuss word or the term God, hope you are not too offended by that. I was happy you liked the fact that I know what I am talking about, I read the hobbit and the LotR books, I only have to read the Simalarion (is that the name?). I do not take your remarks personal, I think you have the right to comment on the story since it is posted for all to read, and even though I did not like everything you said I still appreciate that you didn't attack me personally you know? You are very enthusiastic and I love that! I am sorry offended you with chapter 15, I like your decision to ignore the chapter and didn't flame me. You might have read my note to Mysterious Jedi in one of the chapters where I explain why I let Rita and Elladan make love, hope you understand. Did you notice that I tried to avoid the mary-sueness? As for Helm's Deep, how did you know Orophin wasn't there, in the books the elves weren't there at all, how do you know this? Is Orophin older than Rumil? I didn't know but am too lazy to change this now. I kind of knew that elves didn't take lovers but it fit my story so I am not going to change that. Phew! That was the longest note I have ever written, but you wrote me 14 reviews, hope to hear from you soon I like your critical look on my fic, it gives me reason to sharpen my writing abilities.
Blahblah: Ugh, school sucks I know. I am very happy my fic can cheer you up!
Passion Lover: *blushes* You really think it's that good? Thanks, I am starting to feel more secure about my writing with every nice review!
Sugar-is-sweet: Sorry no details yet on what was inside Boromir's letter, I saved that for next chapter, be patience grasshopper.
Elvish princess: Yay, now I know who that review belonged to, anyway thanks for reviewing again and I hope you will like this chapter as well.
Audray: Yeah I know, never expected to be writing such a long story but I ain't complaining, enjoy this chapter!
Arwen-evenstar: You liked the glimpse in Elladan's past? I thought it would fit but didn't know what others would think. Hope you like this chapter as well.
DISCLAIMER: Not in the mood today
Rita woke up when she felt movement beside her. She lazily opened an eye and saw that Elladan had left the bed and was tiptoeing in order to make sure he woke nobody. She looked around and saw Aragorn and Elrohir were still asleep.
Deciding she had had enough sleep she followed him outside. She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled when he started a bit. He hadn't heard her approach.
"Elbereth Rita" he breathed "Do you wish me to scare me to death. Where did you learn to walk so silently, I didn't even notice you had moved from where I left you."
Her smile died down when she remembered the reason she was so good at sneaking, yet she was able to hide the intense pain this memory caused her from Elladan. He worried so much about her already, she didn't want to encourage this even more.
So instead of saying anything she pulled him towards her and gave him a sweet kiss. When she broke it she hugged him.
"Morning love, sorry I spooked you. I didn't mean to though, I just couldn't sleep without you beside me. Do you know how warm and comfy you are?"
Elladan let out a laugh. "I have not been able to see this about myself but I believe you on your word." He was about to say something else when Aragorn appeared from the tent.
He greeted them both and the three started to talk while they were sitting around a small fire, toasting bread that was a bit too old to eat normally.
Gradually more people joined them. First Elrohir and Halbarad, later Legolas and Gimli and the last to arrive were Gandalf and a panting Pippin, the hobbit had to run the entire way from the city to the camp.
Pippin sat right beside Rita. "Where have you been Rita, Merry told me you visited him but I never saw a sign of you anywhere."
She ruffled his hair. "Ever the curious one, aren't you Pippin. For your information I have been in the House of Healing and here in camp. Nothing fancy."
"I missed you Rita" the hobbit confessed "And now we finally are together again, there is barely time to talk to you."
Rita smiled at him, she too missed their lengthy conversations that were sometimes bordering on the line of insanity. "You know what Pip, we are gonna start catching up right now." She jumped up and dusted her pants.
She walked inside the tent and retrieved her cloak and weapons, she felt safer with them with her. She kept talking as she did this and Pippin had to listen very focussed to hear everything she said.
". . . and I was thinking we might visit that place Boromir told us about, you know the place he loved most in the entire country. Maybe we can have lunch with Merry and talk some more, I am sure that hobbit left out some details about your adventure. So how does that sound?"
Her answer was a huge smile and the feeling she was being dragged away by the over-enthusiastic hobbit. She was able to wave good-bye to the others before she ran alongside Pippin, giggling all the way.
Gandalf shook his head. "Sometimes I wonder about that girl. I swear, that Took must have had a bad influence on her."
"Nay Mithandrir" disagreed Legolas. "Pippin merely brings the child inside her out. The two have caused quite the mischief in both Rivendell as Lothlorien. I am happy Pippin is here on this journey, more than once has he cheered Rita up, all of the hobbits did this but he caused this the most."
He received no answer so he acknowledged this as an agreement. His words seemed to have caused everybody to think and the group sat in silence while they were looking at the two figures in the distance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As it turned out Pippin and Rita visited Merry first before they went to do anything else. The three sat together on the bed and talked and talked.
They talked for such a long time that Ioreth disturbed them by bringing lunch, a huge lunch. Rita could smell soup and potatoes and started to drool. It had been so long since she had a warm meal.
Between the three of them the lunch disappeared quickly (Merry and Pippin are hobbits after all) and they left Merry alone so he would be able to rest again.
Together Pippin and Rita examined the entire city. Pippin knew the passwords that allowed them to get anywhere they liked, and Rita's good memory guided them to all the places Boromir had described to them.
Finally they reached his favorite spot ever. It was a cliff that allowed one to see very far in the distance of every direction. It was quite a climb and Rita helped Pippin when he wasn't able to keep up with her.
They panted a little when they reached the top of the cliff but the effort was worth it. The view was amazing.
The cliff was covered with flowers and grass and Rita let herself drop to the ground and Pippin followed her example. The two lay like that for almost an hour; just enjoying the silence and the peacefulness.
Suddenly Rita jumped up and peered into the distance. "That's. . . no it can't be. . . if I am not mistaking. . . " she mumbled. Her eyes grew wide all of the sudden and Rita pulled Pippin up as she started to run towards the camp, dragging poor Pippin behind her.
No longer capable of keeping up Pippin fell back but Rita didn't notice, she kept on running faster and faster. Vaguely she remembered running past people who were staring at her but she didn't mind them as she neared the camp.
She started to yell. "Aragorn come quick Aragorn!"
This alerted everyone and Aragorn suddenly popped out of nowhere and grabbed her shoulders. "Rita what is wrong, did something happen to you or Pippin, did. . ."
"No, nothing bad" she was able to say between breaths "Elves" she took a few more breaths to calm her heartbeat. "Elves are approaching, a lot of them. The approach from the north, I saw them, they should be here anytime."
A smile broke out on Aragorn's face and mumbling was heard around them. "Are you sure they were elves Rita?"
"No Aragorn I just mistook a huge group of orcs for elves with shiny blond hair and silver armors, is that what you want to hear? Of course I am sure!"
He didn't respond to her however and Rita looked at his retreating back. Then she noticed Pippin stumble towards her.
"I am so sorry to leave you like that Pip, I just had to tell Aragorn the news. The elves are here, they've come to help. Come on, we have to go and great them."
Rita and Pippin rushed towards the place where the elves were to arrive and stood next to Gimli and Legolas. Aragorn and the twins stood in front and the first to arrive was none other than Glorfindel on top of Asfaloth.
Behind him rode and marched a large group of elves from Rivendell and they were all warmly greeted by Elladan and Elrohir.
Next in line were elves who wore green and brown clothing. They all had very blond hair and Legolas let out a cry of joy and rushed forwards. Rita figured these were elves from Mirkwood and smiled when she saw Legolas's happiness.
This smile widened when she caught sight of Haldir and the Lothlorien elves. She stepped forwards and halted before Haldir. Without realizing it she switched to Sindarin, she always spoke to the Lothlorien elves in that way now, she had grown accustomed to it.
"You're late" she stated "Gondor is no longer in immediate danger, the battle is over already. What happened to being here on time to fight huh?"
He gave her a cold look and to any onlooker it would seem that he was glaring at her. Rita knew better however, she could see the flicker of humor in his eyes and couldn't control her lip from twitching. She let out a laugh and embraced Haldir, who returned it immediately.
"Ooh" she commented "Still good. Keep hugging like this and we will find you a girl soon." He didn't answer that but just rolled his eyes at her.
One by one Rita addressed the elves around her, elves that had turned into her friends at Helm's Deep. Many clasped her shoulder while she was passing them and some were even bold enough to give her a hug. Others just nodded at her and there were also those who didn't know her personally but had heard about her, so they greeted her cordially as well.
Elladan stared at her as she greeted her friends, speaking in fluent Sindarin and a smile gracing her face. He was joined by the others who looked just as stunned as him. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas smiled at their confusion but remembered the friendships formed at the stone fortress called Helm's Deep.
At last Aragorn called for silence and when he got it he welcomed all the elves (in Sindarin of course) to Gondor and thanked them for joining the biggest battle since the Last Alliance. He told them they would be led to a camp where they could rest until the journey would begin once again.
Rita was the one who led the Lothlorien elves to their spot and helped them set up while talking non-stop to those around her.
She learned that there were indeed some female elves that had died from grief after their loved one died and that the wounded were healing nicely.
Night started to fall and campfires were lit. Rita sat down next to Rumil, after she had grabbed all her stuff from the tent cause she was planning to camp out with the elves that night, and asked him all about Salmir and the girls until one of the elves, called Tiruvor, approached her. Silence fell as he started to speak and Rita was wondering what was going on.
"Rita, in the short time we have grown to know each other, you have made a deep impression on all of us. Your courage and loyalty towards your friends have impressed us all and I think I speak for all when I say that we respect you for what you have done."
She tried to interrupt. "But I didn't do something that spe. . . "
Tiruvor cut her off. "You have said that over and over again, you think you did nothing special. Let me assure you that what you did WAS special. I was one of the elves on the wall when you jumped into the mob of uruk-hai and started to yell for all to get off the wall. If you had not warned us, if you had not fended the enemy off for as long as you did, I and lots of others would not be standing here today. There are not many who would jump of a high wall and into a group of enemies only to save those unknown to you."
"Or take care of the wounded like you did" sounded a voice.
"Or jump into wild rivers to save a child" added Rumil.
Haldir added his two cents as well. "Nor would anyone just engage in a hopeless battle to save a friend." Rita glared at him when she heard him. She had once told him she hated to be the center of attention and now he was actually encouraging this.
He met her glare and copied it exactly and shrugged his shoulders. Tiruvor continued his little speech. "That and more. You have become a part of us, Captain Haldir told you that you would always be welcome with the Lothlorien elves and to that promise we will hold. However we wish to thank you for what you have done for us and since you will not accept our lives or duties, like this is the elvish fashion, we have arranged another way to thank you. If you would please stand."
Rita stood up while looking around uncertainly. Tiruvor unclasped her cloak and gave it to Rumil to hold. Then another elf, going by the name Jerian, handed him something and Tiruvor approached her.
"We have arranged for you something we thought appropriate for you as you are a true warrior. The blacksmiths back home have forged an armor that would fit you perfectly. For a normal armor would be too large for you."
He started to put the armor on her as he kept talking. "Since we know you will go to battle with us until either the battle is over or until you die, which we do not want to happen, we hand you this gift. May it keep you safe during battle."
As he strapped the armor on her body other elves handed him the pieces. Finally he grabbed her gauntlets (Rita was surprised to see them, she had put them next to her bag) and placed them on her arm, after that he put the helm on her head and refastened her cloak. Then he fastened her belt that held her weapons around her waist again.
Tiruvor smiled at her. "It all fits, this shall protect you from any arrows that will fly through the air. I must say I am relieved, the blacksmiths were not sure they had forged it correctly for you, since they did not know your exact measurements. They will be pleased to hear that all was like it was supposed to be."
He stepped back and before Rita could open her mouth to say anything Jerian stepped forwards with a pile in his hands. He continued where Tiruvor had left off.
"Of course an armor will be useful in battle, yet we also wanted you to have other things. It is well known that during travel and battle clothes are easy to get dirty, torn or even completely destroyed. Therefor a group of female elves have worked on some new clothing."
He placed the pile on the ground and step back again. Once again Rita tried to speak but again another elf stepped forwards, this time an elf whose name she kept forgetting though she knew it started with an L. she thought hard and multiple names went through her mind until it hit her, his name was Limuel.
"You are one of us, you have been since the events of Helm's Deep. Yet we have a request to make, an offer one might say. It is very uncommon for the Lothlorien elves to accept an outsider like we have accepted you and we wish to seal this bond by asking you to be a part of our company as we march to fight against the Dark forces of Mordor."
All eyes were upon her as they awaited her answer. Rita suddenly noticed that an enormous crowd had gathered to see what was happening. She looked at the expectant faces of the Lothlorien elves and felt a calmness wash over her.
These were her friends, friends who just made her an offer that showed their respect for her. An offer that humbled her and filled her heart with great joy to know she had earned these friendships and the respect.
"I would be honored" she said "To be a part of this company when we march into battle. I am overwhelmed not only by your generosity or you friendship, but also by the faith you have put in me. I merely hope I will never fail to live up to my reputation."
Out of the blue she took her sword out of her sheath and kneeled on one knee. "I do not know what strength resides within me, yet I do know that I will protect any of you with my life if need to be."
Haldir stepped forwards and took her hand. "Rise Rita. You have pledged yourself to our company, I am honored to now call you an official part of the Lothlorien elves. May Elbereth watch over us all."
A loud cheer erupted from the Lothlorien elves as the 'ritual' was completed and for a long time Rita was surrounded by them all. They welcomed her to their group and told her they would teach her the language of the Woodland elves as soon as possible.
All the positive reactions and all the friendships that were offered to her stunned Rita. She did not understand what she had done to earn this gesture. She didn't realize that she had opened up to all around her.
The air that used to hang around her had changed. Still she seemed to call for friendship and kindness from those around her, but didn't fight against it when it was actually offered to her. She had put most of her past behind her. Of course it still emerged from time to time but it no longer haunted her like it had before.
All who had known her since the beginning, now saw this change and were in awe. No longer was she the harmless and the sometimes helpless maiden that had fallen into their world. She was now a skilled warrior, who still had her faults of course, yet she felt confident in herself and this was the key to surviving any battle.
Elladan regarded his love in a new light, for she had changed more than he had thought possible. He felt nothing but pride as she talked to others, her head held high and her eyes shining with mirth. She was a respected person amongst many and she was his love.
He approached her when the crowd started to leave for their bedrolls. "Am I still allowed to hug you or will I be hunted by your new protectors?" he jested.
She grinned and pulled him into a hug to the best of her abilities (she was still in armor after all). She squirmed a bit and asked him if he could help her get out of the armor.
"I am sure it's wondrous in battle, but right now it is too uncomfortable. I can't even hug you properly now cause it won't let me."
They walked to where her bedroll was spread out. It was placed between those of Rumil and Haldir. Though the latter wasn't there at the moment, Rumil helped Elladan take the armor off. He grinned up at her as he freed her legs from their protection.
"How did you like our surprise Rita?"
She let out a laugh. "A surprise it surely was. It was great Rumil, I don't have the words for it right now but when I find them I will make sure to let you know. Hey I am going to take a walk before I return. See you later."
After carefully putting away her armor and weapons next to her pack she grabbed Elladan's arm and the two started to walk towards the place where the members of the fellowship, Elrohir and Glorfindel were already seated.
Aragorn looked up at her. "They placed a great honor upon you Rita, you are the first and I believe the only human that has ever been allowed into the company of Lothlorien elves. They are proud and skilled warriors and I am sure they will keep you safe while in battle. You tend to need it since you keep placing yourself in dangerous positions."
She gaped at him and then hit his arm. "I do not need protection, I can fend for myself thank you very much."
Laughter erupted at her expression and Rita scowled. They talked for a few hours until Rita started to yawn and Elladan guided her back to her place. He pulled her towards a quiet spot where he kissed her deeply.
Rita wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her mouth to deepen the kiss even more. She felt better than ever. Not only did she have more friends she had ever thought possible, she was also in the arms of the man she loved. Life couldn't get better than this.
Eventually they broke the kiss and Rita returned to her bedroll, on which she collapsed and immediately fell asleep, reliving the events that had played out that day.
When Haldir returned from his round he saw that she was peacefully sleeping, wearing a smile upon her face.
A/N: Ugh, I don't know why but I had so much trouble writing this chapter. Plus I had to make up names, I SUCK at making up names. Please let me know what you think cause I have a bad feeling about this chapter, was it overdone or did you actually like it? So anxious to hear you opinion so review!!!!!