Hey everybody, here I am again! Anyway just finished Tolkien's Unfinished
Tales and let me tell you that was quite a read. It was so much harder than
I expected but I still loved it, well I'll stop babbling now.
Dancingfae: Happy you liked the letter. Do you really think I'm good at portraying emotions? Wow thanks, I try to put as much feeling in it as I can. As for the romantic scene. . . glad you liked.
Corinna: More Haldir for you! And I already have an idea about him falling in love, not yet though cause first we have fighting, a lot of fighting.
Shinigami29: Hey Audrey I just mailed you but after reading you review I have a question. What do you mean with Rita is getting the characteristics of an elf? Please explain cause I'm lost here.
Musicgrl: Ok, ok here's the next chapter. Now you didn't have to wait that long now did you?
Kiku: Aaaah Bad Kiku, now you gave me another mental Legolas image but this one wasn't as good. If you have to send me mental images send me nice and yummy ones. I hope you feel better soon, and I mean all better so that means no pain or anything.
Kate: Awww, no more snow for you huh? Rain is no fun either, ah well you can't have everything in life.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: Well I have to visit the library in three weeks so then I am going to look for the book. Thanks for the tip.
Blahblah: I like the more playful sides of our main characters as well, expect more in the future!
Passion Lover: Ok, more to please you. Hope you will like!
Aurumlupi: Yep they definitely needed some time to themselves so I gave it to them ;)
Meggers: I love the saying, maybe I'll use it. Anyway I just read your chappie and emailed you right back, let me know when you post it ok! And please, leave the whip behind, it scares me!!! ;)
DISCLAIMER: Uhm. . . Tolkien rules, I don't. If you can't see the difference in his work and mine. . . well that's your problem.
Rita sat behind Haldir on his horse, the other elves following on foot. The pace was slow and everyone's face was grim, they were walking for certain death, they were walking to Mordor.
The past three days had gone by in a blur, it all happened so fast. On her right Rita could see Legolas and Gimli in front of the elves from Mirkwood. It looked like the dwarf was in a heavy discussion with Legolas and every so often Rita could hear laughter coming from the two. She smiled *At least those two still have their good spirits*.
She readjusted the pack on her back, a different pack now. Faramir had arranged a small pack for her since her real one was way too large and would be a nuisance in battle. No matter how Rita argued over it, it was decided her pack would have to stay behind save a few necessary items.
So she packed a selection from all her stuff. One clean shirt and pants, the healing kit she was given by Elrond, her hairbrush and the bandages she made. She gave the pack to Merry, knowing he knew how much it meant to her and that he would keep it safe.
Under her armor she still wore the bluish silver outfit and over the armor she wore the red cloak. On her belt hung her weapons and the horn of Gondor. When Rita had tried to give it to Faramir he refused to take it, saying that it was given to her.
Her hands held onto Haldir loosely, since they were not going all that fast. She protested firmly against riding with him but since their conversation a few days back she knew it was no use fighting the tall elf.
~A trip down memory lane~
Rita lay her head on Elladan's shoulder, still panting a little. He held her tight and Rita almost drifted off on the sound of his heartbeat and the feeling of him stroking her hair when he started to sit up. Rita moaned and tried to make him lie down again, he had been a very comfortable pillow.
"We need to go back." He said and Rita nodded, knowing he was right. They gathered their clothes, Rita blushed when she found her pants hanging in the tree, and got dressed quickly.
Elladan started to pluck the leaves out of her hair and she did the same for him before they made their way to camp. They said goodbye at the edge of camp, since Rita had to go to the Lothlorien camp and Elladan had to go back to the tent he shared with his brothers.
On her toes Rita sneaked past all the elves as quietly as she could. She was grateful there wasn't anyone awake yet, maybe she could get in unnoticed.
Of course her luck ran out when she passed Haldir. Knowing he was more sensitive to his surroundings Rita walked as quietly and slowly as she could.
She almost jumped up when she heard Haldir speak softly. "And where do you think you're going? Isn't it a bit late for you to come here now?"
Rita put her finger on her lips, motioning him to be quiet, and when he rose his eyebrows at her she motioned for him to follow her.
He got up and together they made their way to a quieter spot, actually she took him to the spot where she and Aragorn talked together. It was far enough from the camp to talk privately and close enough to see what was going on.
Haldir was the first to speak. "Are you going to answer my question Rita?" He had folded his arms and watched her every expression like a hawk.
"Uhm. . . I guess no is out of the question?" Rita gulped when he sent her a glare. "I guess that's an affirmative. Well. . . you see. . . I was with Elladan ok?"
"I see" was all he said and Rita looked deep in his eyes to see any emotion, any response, yet failed to find one.
"That's it?" she asked, incredulously "That is all you have to say about it: I see?"
He shrugged. "What else would you want me to say. You are smart enough to make your own decisions Rita and it is not like I never sneaked off to meet a lover."
"It's not like that. . . it's" she halted when he rose an eyebrow again, signaling he didn't buy what she was saying.
She blushed a bit before continuing. "Ok so it may be like that, but it's not just a fling you know. I really love him Haldir, it scares me when I realize just how much. Sometimes I don't know what to do, I need him around me and when he isn't a part of me is missing and. . . ugh I just can't explain it."
They sat down on the ground in the process of talking.
Haldir was quiet for a moment before he started to speak. "I cannot explain it to you either Rita, since I have never experienced the kind of love you describe. I have been infatuated, yes. But never have I felt so strongly about another like you tell me. All you can do is live the moment, enjoying all you have now."
"That much I figured out already. All I know is I love him and need him around. That doesn't mean I haven't seen the way he keeps trying to protect me. He worries too much Haldir."
He chuckled and Rita looked up at him with wide eyes, not knowing what he was hinting at. "As he should Rita, you can be quite dangerous when you are in the heat of the moment. Aragorn worries, Legolas worries, even I worry about you sometimes. It is the nature of men to worry about women and their safety. And since Elladan loves you so, he will be extra worried about you."
Rita sighed, she knew he was right yet she wasn't happy about it. "I can protect myself you know."
"We know Rita. It is the reason why we, the elves from Lothlorien, have decided something about oncoming battle. We, no I, wish for you to be my second-in-command during the battle."
She opened her mouth but no sound came out, she was just so completely stunned. Finally she made her voice work again but it sounded a little squeaky as she spoke. "Me. . . as second-in-command. . . why? I mean, I'm flattered and honored but you have elves who have fought beside you for centuries. So why hand ME this opportunity."
"It is really simple actually. We are archers, you are not. This means you won't be able to battle until the enemy reaches us close. As archers we will have shot many arrows by then. Since you are not able to fight at that moment and I need to give my attention to shooting, you will be free to give the orders to fire. You can see and analyze what is happening better than those firing arrows since you are watching them as they approach us. Do you understand now?"
Rita shook her head methodically, still processing everything he said. Suddenly she spoke with a small voice. "What if I fail you guys, what if I don't do it right and many will die because of me?"
"You need only to follow Aragorn's example Rita and use your instinct, the one you have developed by now. The instinct of what to do during battle."
This calmed Rita down a bit and she listened to Haldir as he laid out the plans that had been made. When he mentioned she would ride with him, she protested.
"Haldir I can walk you know, I am a part of the company. I don't need special treatment."
He shook his head and Rita could see a tad of irritation in his eyes. "I am sorry if this might offend you, but you do need special treatment. Not only are you a female human, which means you will be exhausted before we even reach Mordor if you walk, you are second-in-command. This is a position that gives you the right to ride instead of walk."
Rita held up her hands in surrender, knowing he wouldn't change his mind. He had the do-as-I-say look on his face and Rita wasn't stubborn enough to fight that. Or maybe she was but she just didn't have the time.
The two walked back to the camp where everybody was starting to wake up.
~end a trip down memory lane~
Rita was shaken out of her reverie when she heard Gimli's booming laugh again. She grinned at this. The dwarf was showing all the elves around here that dwarves were indeed very nice and funny creatures.
Talking about funny, just the day before Rita and Pippin had played another prank. The recipient of the prank was Legolas.
No matter how much Legolas had apologized for scaring her when he tricked her, Rita was still out for revenge and boy did she get it.
The ingredients for the pranks were very simple actually, all you needed were two things: an elf and water, lots of water. (A/N: I blame you for this scene Kiku :P)
Pippin, who was always in for a joke, led Legolas to a small lake (not the secret one, but another, closer to the camps and not nearly as pretty) under the excuse of giving him a proper tour.
When the hobbit got the signal from Rita he collapsed near the edge of water, pretending to have hurt his ankle.
Legolas, being the good friend he is, immediately bent down to help him up and that was the moment Rita struck.
With all her strength she gave the elf a large push and what had been intended happened. Legolas fell into the water, and with a big splash as well.
Rita and Pippin stood side by side, laughing their asses of when Legolas reappeared to the surface. His clothes were sticking to him like a second skin and his hair stood up in all kinds of directions.
Anger was boiling in his eyes when he noticed the two and bot Rita as Pippin gulped before hightailing as fast as they could.
Since Legolas was all wet, his chase was heard (his shoes made a squishy sound with every step he took). When Rita and Pippin appeared in the camp while giggling madly, they immediately searched for a place to hide.
Pippin decided to hide with Gimli, since the dwarf would appreciate a nice prank like this and Rita just spotted Aragorn as he walked across camp.
"Aragorn" she said between giggles "You have to help me."
He gave her a stern look. "What have you done?"
"Me? Do anything? I never do anything Aragorn you should know that." She gave him her most innocent look but Aragorn wasn't fooled.
"Yes Rita, now what did you do?"
"Oh nothing important, just fooling around with Pippin, pushing Legolas in a lake, you know things like that."
Aragorn couldn't control the smile that formed on his lips. "You PUSHED Legolas in a lake? I suppose he is the one I should save you from?"
Right that moment the squishing was heard again and a very pissed off Legolas appeared. Rita hid behind Aragorn, hoping he would protect her.
She didn't have to worry though because after giving one glance at Legolas, the future king of men burst out laughing.
He turned to Rita. "You did this Rita, I must say I am impressed. When I was younger I tried many times to push the prince here in some lake but always ended up in it myself."
"Teamwork Aragorn, Pippin drew the attention and I pushed it was a plan that couldn't fail." Rita sounded very victorious, which by all means she was.
Legolas gave her a sour look. "I cannot believe I fell for that trick, it is one of the oldest ones out there. I used it when I was young, that should say a lot."
The elf walked off, a bit frustrated, to change into some clean clothes, leaving a laughing Aragorn and Rita behind.
Rita was woken from her daydreaming when Haldir suddenly halted and got of the horse. She blinked, it was already getting dark and she hadn't noticed that.
She got off the horse as well and lay down next to Tiruvor, who was teaching her the language of the Woodland elves. After an hour of practice Rita fell asleep, dreaming of pranks and laughter.
A/N: Short chapter I know but my imagination went *poof* again. I have to stop doing that. Anyway, if you have some goos ideas for me let me know. I can use them.
Dancingfae: Happy you liked the letter. Do you really think I'm good at portraying emotions? Wow thanks, I try to put as much feeling in it as I can. As for the romantic scene. . . glad you liked.
Corinna: More Haldir for you! And I already have an idea about him falling in love, not yet though cause first we have fighting, a lot of fighting.
Shinigami29: Hey Audrey I just mailed you but after reading you review I have a question. What do you mean with Rita is getting the characteristics of an elf? Please explain cause I'm lost here.
Musicgrl: Ok, ok here's the next chapter. Now you didn't have to wait that long now did you?
Kiku: Aaaah Bad Kiku, now you gave me another mental Legolas image but this one wasn't as good. If you have to send me mental images send me nice and yummy ones. I hope you feel better soon, and I mean all better so that means no pain or anything.
Kate: Awww, no more snow for you huh? Rain is no fun either, ah well you can't have everything in life.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: Well I have to visit the library in three weeks so then I am going to look for the book. Thanks for the tip.
Blahblah: I like the more playful sides of our main characters as well, expect more in the future!
Passion Lover: Ok, more to please you. Hope you will like!
Aurumlupi: Yep they definitely needed some time to themselves so I gave it to them ;)
Meggers: I love the saying, maybe I'll use it. Anyway I just read your chappie and emailed you right back, let me know when you post it ok! And please, leave the whip behind, it scares me!!! ;)
DISCLAIMER: Uhm. . . Tolkien rules, I don't. If you can't see the difference in his work and mine. . . well that's your problem.
Rita sat behind Haldir on his horse, the other elves following on foot. The pace was slow and everyone's face was grim, they were walking for certain death, they were walking to Mordor.
The past three days had gone by in a blur, it all happened so fast. On her right Rita could see Legolas and Gimli in front of the elves from Mirkwood. It looked like the dwarf was in a heavy discussion with Legolas and every so often Rita could hear laughter coming from the two. She smiled *At least those two still have their good spirits*.
She readjusted the pack on her back, a different pack now. Faramir had arranged a small pack for her since her real one was way too large and would be a nuisance in battle. No matter how Rita argued over it, it was decided her pack would have to stay behind save a few necessary items.
So she packed a selection from all her stuff. One clean shirt and pants, the healing kit she was given by Elrond, her hairbrush and the bandages she made. She gave the pack to Merry, knowing he knew how much it meant to her and that he would keep it safe.
Under her armor she still wore the bluish silver outfit and over the armor she wore the red cloak. On her belt hung her weapons and the horn of Gondor. When Rita had tried to give it to Faramir he refused to take it, saying that it was given to her.
Her hands held onto Haldir loosely, since they were not going all that fast. She protested firmly against riding with him but since their conversation a few days back she knew it was no use fighting the tall elf.
~A trip down memory lane~
Rita lay her head on Elladan's shoulder, still panting a little. He held her tight and Rita almost drifted off on the sound of his heartbeat and the feeling of him stroking her hair when he started to sit up. Rita moaned and tried to make him lie down again, he had been a very comfortable pillow.
"We need to go back." He said and Rita nodded, knowing he was right. They gathered their clothes, Rita blushed when she found her pants hanging in the tree, and got dressed quickly.
Elladan started to pluck the leaves out of her hair and she did the same for him before they made their way to camp. They said goodbye at the edge of camp, since Rita had to go to the Lothlorien camp and Elladan had to go back to the tent he shared with his brothers.
On her toes Rita sneaked past all the elves as quietly as she could. She was grateful there wasn't anyone awake yet, maybe she could get in unnoticed.
Of course her luck ran out when she passed Haldir. Knowing he was more sensitive to his surroundings Rita walked as quietly and slowly as she could.
She almost jumped up when she heard Haldir speak softly. "And where do you think you're going? Isn't it a bit late for you to come here now?"
Rita put her finger on her lips, motioning him to be quiet, and when he rose his eyebrows at her she motioned for him to follow her.
He got up and together they made their way to a quieter spot, actually she took him to the spot where she and Aragorn talked together. It was far enough from the camp to talk privately and close enough to see what was going on.
Haldir was the first to speak. "Are you going to answer my question Rita?" He had folded his arms and watched her every expression like a hawk.
"Uhm. . . I guess no is out of the question?" Rita gulped when he sent her a glare. "I guess that's an affirmative. Well. . . you see. . . I was with Elladan ok?"
"I see" was all he said and Rita looked deep in his eyes to see any emotion, any response, yet failed to find one.
"That's it?" she asked, incredulously "That is all you have to say about it: I see?"
He shrugged. "What else would you want me to say. You are smart enough to make your own decisions Rita and it is not like I never sneaked off to meet a lover."
"It's not like that. . . it's" she halted when he rose an eyebrow again, signaling he didn't buy what she was saying.
She blushed a bit before continuing. "Ok so it may be like that, but it's not just a fling you know. I really love him Haldir, it scares me when I realize just how much. Sometimes I don't know what to do, I need him around me and when he isn't a part of me is missing and. . . ugh I just can't explain it."
They sat down on the ground in the process of talking.
Haldir was quiet for a moment before he started to speak. "I cannot explain it to you either Rita, since I have never experienced the kind of love you describe. I have been infatuated, yes. But never have I felt so strongly about another like you tell me. All you can do is live the moment, enjoying all you have now."
"That much I figured out already. All I know is I love him and need him around. That doesn't mean I haven't seen the way he keeps trying to protect me. He worries too much Haldir."
He chuckled and Rita looked up at him with wide eyes, not knowing what he was hinting at. "As he should Rita, you can be quite dangerous when you are in the heat of the moment. Aragorn worries, Legolas worries, even I worry about you sometimes. It is the nature of men to worry about women and their safety. And since Elladan loves you so, he will be extra worried about you."
Rita sighed, she knew he was right yet she wasn't happy about it. "I can protect myself you know."
"We know Rita. It is the reason why we, the elves from Lothlorien, have decided something about oncoming battle. We, no I, wish for you to be my second-in-command during the battle."
She opened her mouth but no sound came out, she was just so completely stunned. Finally she made her voice work again but it sounded a little squeaky as she spoke. "Me. . . as second-in-command. . . why? I mean, I'm flattered and honored but you have elves who have fought beside you for centuries. So why hand ME this opportunity."
"It is really simple actually. We are archers, you are not. This means you won't be able to battle until the enemy reaches us close. As archers we will have shot many arrows by then. Since you are not able to fight at that moment and I need to give my attention to shooting, you will be free to give the orders to fire. You can see and analyze what is happening better than those firing arrows since you are watching them as they approach us. Do you understand now?"
Rita shook her head methodically, still processing everything he said. Suddenly she spoke with a small voice. "What if I fail you guys, what if I don't do it right and many will die because of me?"
"You need only to follow Aragorn's example Rita and use your instinct, the one you have developed by now. The instinct of what to do during battle."
This calmed Rita down a bit and she listened to Haldir as he laid out the plans that had been made. When he mentioned she would ride with him, she protested.
"Haldir I can walk you know, I am a part of the company. I don't need special treatment."
He shook his head and Rita could see a tad of irritation in his eyes. "I am sorry if this might offend you, but you do need special treatment. Not only are you a female human, which means you will be exhausted before we even reach Mordor if you walk, you are second-in-command. This is a position that gives you the right to ride instead of walk."
Rita held up her hands in surrender, knowing he wouldn't change his mind. He had the do-as-I-say look on his face and Rita wasn't stubborn enough to fight that. Or maybe she was but she just didn't have the time.
The two walked back to the camp where everybody was starting to wake up.
~end a trip down memory lane~
Rita was shaken out of her reverie when she heard Gimli's booming laugh again. She grinned at this. The dwarf was showing all the elves around here that dwarves were indeed very nice and funny creatures.
Talking about funny, just the day before Rita and Pippin had played another prank. The recipient of the prank was Legolas.
No matter how much Legolas had apologized for scaring her when he tricked her, Rita was still out for revenge and boy did she get it.
The ingredients for the pranks were very simple actually, all you needed were two things: an elf and water, lots of water. (A/N: I blame you for this scene Kiku :P)
Pippin, who was always in for a joke, led Legolas to a small lake (not the secret one, but another, closer to the camps and not nearly as pretty) under the excuse of giving him a proper tour.
When the hobbit got the signal from Rita he collapsed near the edge of water, pretending to have hurt his ankle.
Legolas, being the good friend he is, immediately bent down to help him up and that was the moment Rita struck.
With all her strength she gave the elf a large push and what had been intended happened. Legolas fell into the water, and with a big splash as well.
Rita and Pippin stood side by side, laughing their asses of when Legolas reappeared to the surface. His clothes were sticking to him like a second skin and his hair stood up in all kinds of directions.
Anger was boiling in his eyes when he noticed the two and bot Rita as Pippin gulped before hightailing as fast as they could.
Since Legolas was all wet, his chase was heard (his shoes made a squishy sound with every step he took). When Rita and Pippin appeared in the camp while giggling madly, they immediately searched for a place to hide.
Pippin decided to hide with Gimli, since the dwarf would appreciate a nice prank like this and Rita just spotted Aragorn as he walked across camp.
"Aragorn" she said between giggles "You have to help me."
He gave her a stern look. "What have you done?"
"Me? Do anything? I never do anything Aragorn you should know that." She gave him her most innocent look but Aragorn wasn't fooled.
"Yes Rita, now what did you do?"
"Oh nothing important, just fooling around with Pippin, pushing Legolas in a lake, you know things like that."
Aragorn couldn't control the smile that formed on his lips. "You PUSHED Legolas in a lake? I suppose he is the one I should save you from?"
Right that moment the squishing was heard again and a very pissed off Legolas appeared. Rita hid behind Aragorn, hoping he would protect her.
She didn't have to worry though because after giving one glance at Legolas, the future king of men burst out laughing.
He turned to Rita. "You did this Rita, I must say I am impressed. When I was younger I tried many times to push the prince here in some lake but always ended up in it myself."
"Teamwork Aragorn, Pippin drew the attention and I pushed it was a plan that couldn't fail." Rita sounded very victorious, which by all means she was.
Legolas gave her a sour look. "I cannot believe I fell for that trick, it is one of the oldest ones out there. I used it when I was young, that should say a lot."
The elf walked off, a bit frustrated, to change into some clean clothes, leaving a laughing Aragorn and Rita behind.
Rita was woken from her daydreaming when Haldir suddenly halted and got of the horse. She blinked, it was already getting dark and she hadn't noticed that.
She got off the horse as well and lay down next to Tiruvor, who was teaching her the language of the Woodland elves. After an hour of practice Rita fell asleep, dreaming of pranks and laughter.
A/N: Short chapter I know but my imagination went *poof* again. I have to stop doing that. Anyway, if you have some goos ideas for me let me know. I can use them.