Hey people, I am now officially rested and eager to write this chapter. I
was so tired yesterday you can't imagine.
Lady of Legolas: You are right, on all accounts. ;)
Shinigami29: You wanna become a writer? That's cool, I hope you really make it as well. Hope you like this chapter.
MaverickGirl: You're weird, how can you love cliffhangers. Officially I hate them so I try to avoid them as much as I can (ok I confess I love it to keep people in the dark, ugh now I understand why other authors write them as well)
Aurumlupi: If you know I'm not gonna answer it why do you ask? Well I'll give you an answer: Yes. . . or no. Really I haven't decided yet. *evil laugh sounds through your boxes*
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: I agree, she's both brave AND stupid. And yep there is still a lot more to come.
Arwen-evenstar: It was the puppy dof eye that did it you know. If not for them I would have been doing homework right now. THANK YOU!! Whatever had gotten into me, voluntarily doing homework. . . you are my savior!!!
Dancingfae: Footmassage? Uhm, can I reserve you for next Saturday??? Nope Elladan won't be too happy but you'll see that later in this chapter. I read your fic, I like it so far. Keep up the work ok!!!
Musicgrl: I try to update every day or at least every other day, so happy you like that.
Meggers: Just read on to see their reaction. I hate work too, but then again it gives me money so I shouldn't complain.
DISCLAIMER: My characters should be known to you by now, cause this is chapter 39 already.
The men all whirled around to face her, all wearing shocked expressions.
Rita would've laughed at this if the matter weren't so serious. She had actually shocked a room full of leaders.
Éomer, it seemed, was the first to recover. "You cannot be serious Milady. That is a task far too dangerous for you, even though you are a warrior. We cannot allow this to happen we cannot. Another must lead."
"So because I'm a woman I can't cut it, that's what you're saying." Rita's voice sounded oddly calm and this was what worried the others.
Aragorn tried to diffuse the situation, he knew first hand how explosive Rita really could be. "What Éomer is trying to say is that we could never ask you to do this Rita, nor will I. I cannot place you in such danger, you are too dear to me. Besides. . . " a small smile crept on his face "Elladan will kill me if I let you."
As soon as he said it he knew it had been the wrong thing to say. She froze to the spot and gave him the nastiest glare he had ever received.
"Let me? There is no letting me Aragorn, I am very capable of making my own decisions. You of all people should know this. I do what I want or what I have to do. And this is something I feel like I have to do."
Before Aragorn could reply Gandalf stepped in. "The girl is quite right, she has a strong will. Besides, I think it would be wise to consider this offer. Not only has she shown a remarkable ability on the battlefield, she has also shown could signs of leadership. She would be a logical choice, for we are not able to lead the company."
Prince Imrahil spoke up at this time, he was a whole lot calmer than the other humans. "You are right about this Gandalf, I believe my men would follow her. She has been given the horn of Gondor, to the men this is a sign. A sign of Lord Boromir's trust in her."
Rita allowed a smile on her face when he said this, she still missed Boromir very much. He would've supported her, she knew for sure he would have.
"No" said Aragorn again "The path is too dangerous, I will not allow it."
Rita was ready to yell, she suppressed the fury that started to creep up, but it was getting harder and harder. His next comment was what did it.
"You are safe now Rita, there is no longer a reason for you to fight. You can live in peace now the biggest battle is over."
She opened her mouth, took a deep breath and. . . then Haldir saved Aragorn for what was her wrath.
"You cannot expect her to do that, she is no ordinary woman, do you expect her to sit around and knit and play pretty in a dress. No , she's a warrior, she belongs in battle. I agree with Prince Imrahil, and we all know that my men would follow her."
Gandalf nodded. "So it is agreed that se is quite capable of this task and she will be able to rally volunteers. Just one question my dear, why do you want to take on this task?"
She was silent at this, glancing at every member of the small council.
Aragorn pursed his lips and he looked Rita in her eyes. He was shocked to see nothing, no emotion no feelings, nothing. He glanced at Haldir to see he had the same expression.
The two were staring in each others eyes and it was quite discomforting for those around them. It was like a staring game and neither Haldir nor Rita would give up. Eventually Rita looked away.
Haldir spoke to her, but it was in Woodlandish so none, with the exception of perhaps Gandalf, could understand a word that was being said.
"Revenge is a dangerous thing Rita. I can see the anger that is burning in your eyes, you want revenge for the death of those who were killed."
She answered him in the same tongue. "How would you know, as far as I can tell my shields are high and up, you can't see my emotions. Besides, I have to do this Haldir. I'll go crazy if I don't do something productive."
"Yours walls are up, this is true. But you will never be able to hide from me my friend, we are to much alike for that. If you chose to you could read my emotions as well as I can yours."
He sighed and spoke in common again. "You are strong Rita, perhaps too strong. Do not take on the weight of the world and rely on those who volunteer."
"Yes Yoda" Rita quipped, a chuckle escaping her.
Haldir looked at her with a confused expression. "What is a Yoda?"
"I'll explain later, now is so not the time." She turned to the other men. "So it is a deal then, I will lead a group of volunteers to kick some orc- but."
All agreed but Aragorn, who was still holding back his vote. When Rita gave him the puppy-dog eyes he knew he had lost. He sighed and gave her his vote as well.
"You know you can really be a handful, however did you learn to be so stubborn is beyond me."
Gandalf broke the chitchat. "We must inform the men and see who will volunteer. And you my dear, might find it a good thing to speak with Elladan and the remainder of the fellowship before we do. They will want an explanation."
Oops, Rita hadn't thought about that so much. As the men left in order to speak with their men Rita left to find the fellowship and her love."
Lucky for her that was easier than she had found possible, they were all sitting together in Pippin's room. The young hobbit was being smothered with attention and he looked unhappy about this. Although he did start to smile when Rita walked in.
"Rita" he cried "Where have you been, Elladan and Legolas have been searching for you for a while until they finally gave up."
She walked over to Pippin and kissed his forehead before she answered him. "I've been at the meeting Pip, and I guess they didn't search there now did they?"
"Indeed we did not Rita" said Legolas "What were you doing there, as far as I can tell Haldir lived so you're not the leader of the Lothlorien elves."
"It has something to do with something I have to tell you guys and promise you won't freak out."
They gave her weird looks as she closed the door and sat down at the end of the bed, far away from them. But they agreed not to 'freak out' as she had called it.
"Well. . . you see. . . I was walking past the room where the leaders of the army were conversing and I kind of heard some stuff. . . "
"You mean you eavesdropped." Said Pippin, he was gloating a little.
Rita smiled. "Well, yeah I guess I did. But they left the door open so someone was bound to hear tem. Anyway, I'm sidetracking. So I was hearing some stuff about how the remaining orcs have to be destroyed."
Pippin interrupted again. "Why?"
It was Gimli who answered him. "It's like this lad. If the orcs survive they will terrorize the borders in no time, and it will be war and death all over again."
The hobbit nodded in understanding and Rita continued her story.
"And they couldn't agree on how to do this and then I sort of. . . volunteered to lead the men who would volunteer."
She closed her eyes, the word was out. She was waiting for the reaction and she didn't have to wait very long.
"WHAT!!!" they all roared, and they started to speak all at once.
"Whatever were you thinking"
". . . are you trying to get yourself killed lass?"
"Melamin you can't"
"Don't go Rita"
She held up her hands, quieting them down. "I already agreed to go. The leaders have given me their approval, though Aragorn was very hard to convince."
Elladan looked at her with a pleading expression. "But why melamin, why would you place yourself in such danger, why did you do it?"
His pleading nearly broke her heart and Rita's voice quaked when she answered him. "I feel like I have to Elladan. How long have I been traveling with the fellowship now, a few months. When I look at everything I have accomplished and the changes tat took place in both me and the others, I just know I have to do this."
She took a breath before she continued again. "Gondor has to be protected, when Boromir died I promised something to myself. I vowed that I would never let any of my friends get hurt, no matter what that would cost me. I failed in this, friends died and there was nothing I could do to stop them. By doing this I can not only ensure the safety of the people who live near the borders, but I can also kick some orcish ass and pay them back for what they did."
There was a silence for a few minutes as the men digested her words. Pippin was the first to recover. "Oh Rita, I wish I could stop you but I cannot change your mind. If there is one thing I learned during our talks is that you are very stubborn and if you say you will do this, there is nothing I can do to stop you."
Rita hugged Pippin and whispered in his ear. "When did you get so wise little hobbit?"
He pretended to be offended at this. "For your information I am 28 years old. I am older than you."
"Well, I'm taller. So yeah, little hobbit you are to me." She winked at him and giggled when he shot her an indignant stare.
Gimli was next to speak and he just told her she was more stubborn than a dwarf and that this comment was NOT a compliment. Legolas just shook his head but also knew he could not change this.
It was Elladan who spoke the last. "I don't understand you Rita. You have survived so much already and now you could be safe, now we can be happy, you ride to what could turn out as your death."
"I wouldn't be happy Elladan, not while I would know that people were dying because I didn't stop the orcs because I was too busy being happy."
Elladan gave up, she had a stubborn streak in her that even he could not change or get past. He pulled her on his lap and the five sat around and talked for hours on end.
At some point Aragorn came in. "It has been arranged Rita, tomorrow you will ride out at first light. Many have volunteered to help you. 156 men from Gondor, 41 riders of Rohan, 24 elves from Mirkwood and the same number of elves from Rivendell. The Lothlorien elves have offered their services as well, a total of 83 will join you."
Rita quickly did the math and was amazed when she came to 328 people who would join her on this matter. She nodded at Aragorn and got up, stretching to get rid of the cramp se had in her leg.
"I guess I better meet the guys who will come. Oh wait, you said Rohirrim would come, jeesh so not in the mood for chauvinistic comments right now."
"They know you're the one to lead them Rita and they respected this. They have given their word to listen to you. Apparently a few of your friends amongst the elves made sure they realized you were a good warrior and that they should treat you with respect. I have actually seen a few bruises on some of them." Said Aragorn and he had a twinkle in his eye.
Pippin yawned and was left alone by the others. They now made their way to the hall where they met Glorfindel, who said he wanted her to use Asfaloth on this mission.
This offer made Rita stammer. "But I. . . I could never. . . Glorfindel that's. . . you can't do this, he's your horse. . . and and . . . what if Asfaloth got injured?"
"That is a danger yes, yet you will need a horse and Asfaloth is known to you and he is smart and strong enough to help you in time of need."
"I don't know what to say Glorfindel. Thank you I guess."
The elf smiled at her and patted her shoulder before he walked to wherever he was going. Rita was still in shock as she met the men that would travel with her.
The rest of that day was spent talking to men from Gondor, Rohan, Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien. Men from all directions of Middle Earth. Men who had united to fight a common enemy.
That night Rita didn't sleep, she was busy preparing herself for what was to come. She went back to the balcony where she and Haldir had used during their breakdown and stared into the sky.
She didn't look up when she felt, rather than heard, someone stand beside her. She figured it was an elf since she didn't hear him approach.
"You know I love you, do you not Rita?"
Rita smiled and leaned into the embrace when Elladan slipped his hands around her waist. "You know I love you back right?"
"I know I cannot persuade you to stay, yet will you come back to me, please. I need you in my life Rita, I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'd live on until you pass to Valinor."
He shook his head but said nothing. They stood there until the first signs of morning appeared. Then Elladan helped Rita with her gear and walked with her where the men were waiting already.
Walking up to Asfaloth, who was wearing a saddle and bridle, she patted the horse before she mounted. She looked at the people that surrounded her, most were riding a horse and the elves doubled like they had done after Helm's Deep.
Some were marching but those who were could march fast and had great stamina, they were elves after all.
A crowd had formed to see them off. Rita recognized Pippin, Gimli and Legolas in one window and waved at them, a wave they returned.
Rita searched the faces for Aragorn and when he met her gaze she could see the doubt in them. She winked at him and mouthed she'd be ok.
Haldir appeared out of nowhere next to Rumil who was on top of a horse. Rumil had appointed himself Rita's right hand man and was going to help her every step of the way. He sat behind Eminor, the man Rita had met in Minas Tirith. Haldir gave her a nod before he left to stand next to Aragorn.
The man also told her he would help her as much as he could. Then the moment of truth had come, they rode out to what could be their death. Ironically they did it out of their own will, to protect the innocent.
And that was all that mattered.
A/N: Ugh can you believe I spent 5 hours typing here! With pauses because I was stuck, I really don't know how I am going to continue this I'm completely blank. HELP ME!!!!!!!
Lady of Legolas: You are right, on all accounts. ;)
Shinigami29: You wanna become a writer? That's cool, I hope you really make it as well. Hope you like this chapter.
MaverickGirl: You're weird, how can you love cliffhangers. Officially I hate them so I try to avoid them as much as I can (ok I confess I love it to keep people in the dark, ugh now I understand why other authors write them as well)
Aurumlupi: If you know I'm not gonna answer it why do you ask? Well I'll give you an answer: Yes. . . or no. Really I haven't decided yet. *evil laugh sounds through your boxes*
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: I agree, she's both brave AND stupid. And yep there is still a lot more to come.
Arwen-evenstar: It was the puppy dof eye that did it you know. If not for them I would have been doing homework right now. THANK YOU!! Whatever had gotten into me, voluntarily doing homework. . . you are my savior!!!
Dancingfae: Footmassage? Uhm, can I reserve you for next Saturday??? Nope Elladan won't be too happy but you'll see that later in this chapter. I read your fic, I like it so far. Keep up the work ok!!!
Musicgrl: I try to update every day or at least every other day, so happy you like that.
Meggers: Just read on to see their reaction. I hate work too, but then again it gives me money so I shouldn't complain.
DISCLAIMER: My characters should be known to you by now, cause this is chapter 39 already.
The men all whirled around to face her, all wearing shocked expressions.
Rita would've laughed at this if the matter weren't so serious. She had actually shocked a room full of leaders.
Éomer, it seemed, was the first to recover. "You cannot be serious Milady. That is a task far too dangerous for you, even though you are a warrior. We cannot allow this to happen we cannot. Another must lead."
"So because I'm a woman I can't cut it, that's what you're saying." Rita's voice sounded oddly calm and this was what worried the others.
Aragorn tried to diffuse the situation, he knew first hand how explosive Rita really could be. "What Éomer is trying to say is that we could never ask you to do this Rita, nor will I. I cannot place you in such danger, you are too dear to me. Besides. . . " a small smile crept on his face "Elladan will kill me if I let you."
As soon as he said it he knew it had been the wrong thing to say. She froze to the spot and gave him the nastiest glare he had ever received.
"Let me? There is no letting me Aragorn, I am very capable of making my own decisions. You of all people should know this. I do what I want or what I have to do. And this is something I feel like I have to do."
Before Aragorn could reply Gandalf stepped in. "The girl is quite right, she has a strong will. Besides, I think it would be wise to consider this offer. Not only has she shown a remarkable ability on the battlefield, she has also shown could signs of leadership. She would be a logical choice, for we are not able to lead the company."
Prince Imrahil spoke up at this time, he was a whole lot calmer than the other humans. "You are right about this Gandalf, I believe my men would follow her. She has been given the horn of Gondor, to the men this is a sign. A sign of Lord Boromir's trust in her."
Rita allowed a smile on her face when he said this, she still missed Boromir very much. He would've supported her, she knew for sure he would have.
"No" said Aragorn again "The path is too dangerous, I will not allow it."
Rita was ready to yell, she suppressed the fury that started to creep up, but it was getting harder and harder. His next comment was what did it.
"You are safe now Rita, there is no longer a reason for you to fight. You can live in peace now the biggest battle is over."
She opened her mouth, took a deep breath and. . . then Haldir saved Aragorn for what was her wrath.
"You cannot expect her to do that, she is no ordinary woman, do you expect her to sit around and knit and play pretty in a dress. No , she's a warrior, she belongs in battle. I agree with Prince Imrahil, and we all know that my men would follow her."
Gandalf nodded. "So it is agreed that se is quite capable of this task and she will be able to rally volunteers. Just one question my dear, why do you want to take on this task?"
She was silent at this, glancing at every member of the small council.
Aragorn pursed his lips and he looked Rita in her eyes. He was shocked to see nothing, no emotion no feelings, nothing. He glanced at Haldir to see he had the same expression.
The two were staring in each others eyes and it was quite discomforting for those around them. It was like a staring game and neither Haldir nor Rita would give up. Eventually Rita looked away.
Haldir spoke to her, but it was in Woodlandish so none, with the exception of perhaps Gandalf, could understand a word that was being said.
"Revenge is a dangerous thing Rita. I can see the anger that is burning in your eyes, you want revenge for the death of those who were killed."
She answered him in the same tongue. "How would you know, as far as I can tell my shields are high and up, you can't see my emotions. Besides, I have to do this Haldir. I'll go crazy if I don't do something productive."
"Yours walls are up, this is true. But you will never be able to hide from me my friend, we are to much alike for that. If you chose to you could read my emotions as well as I can yours."
He sighed and spoke in common again. "You are strong Rita, perhaps too strong. Do not take on the weight of the world and rely on those who volunteer."
"Yes Yoda" Rita quipped, a chuckle escaping her.
Haldir looked at her with a confused expression. "What is a Yoda?"
"I'll explain later, now is so not the time." She turned to the other men. "So it is a deal then, I will lead a group of volunteers to kick some orc- but."
All agreed but Aragorn, who was still holding back his vote. When Rita gave him the puppy-dog eyes he knew he had lost. He sighed and gave her his vote as well.
"You know you can really be a handful, however did you learn to be so stubborn is beyond me."
Gandalf broke the chitchat. "We must inform the men and see who will volunteer. And you my dear, might find it a good thing to speak with Elladan and the remainder of the fellowship before we do. They will want an explanation."
Oops, Rita hadn't thought about that so much. As the men left in order to speak with their men Rita left to find the fellowship and her love."
Lucky for her that was easier than she had found possible, they were all sitting together in Pippin's room. The young hobbit was being smothered with attention and he looked unhappy about this. Although he did start to smile when Rita walked in.
"Rita" he cried "Where have you been, Elladan and Legolas have been searching for you for a while until they finally gave up."
She walked over to Pippin and kissed his forehead before she answered him. "I've been at the meeting Pip, and I guess they didn't search there now did they?"
"Indeed we did not Rita" said Legolas "What were you doing there, as far as I can tell Haldir lived so you're not the leader of the Lothlorien elves."
"It has something to do with something I have to tell you guys and promise you won't freak out."
They gave her weird looks as she closed the door and sat down at the end of the bed, far away from them. But they agreed not to 'freak out' as she had called it.
"Well. . . you see. . . I was walking past the room where the leaders of the army were conversing and I kind of heard some stuff. . . "
"You mean you eavesdropped." Said Pippin, he was gloating a little.
Rita smiled. "Well, yeah I guess I did. But they left the door open so someone was bound to hear tem. Anyway, I'm sidetracking. So I was hearing some stuff about how the remaining orcs have to be destroyed."
Pippin interrupted again. "Why?"
It was Gimli who answered him. "It's like this lad. If the orcs survive they will terrorize the borders in no time, and it will be war and death all over again."
The hobbit nodded in understanding and Rita continued her story.
"And they couldn't agree on how to do this and then I sort of. . . volunteered to lead the men who would volunteer."
She closed her eyes, the word was out. She was waiting for the reaction and she didn't have to wait very long.
"WHAT!!!" they all roared, and they started to speak all at once.
"Whatever were you thinking"
". . . are you trying to get yourself killed lass?"
"Melamin you can't"
"Don't go Rita"
She held up her hands, quieting them down. "I already agreed to go. The leaders have given me their approval, though Aragorn was very hard to convince."
Elladan looked at her with a pleading expression. "But why melamin, why would you place yourself in such danger, why did you do it?"
His pleading nearly broke her heart and Rita's voice quaked when she answered him. "I feel like I have to Elladan. How long have I been traveling with the fellowship now, a few months. When I look at everything I have accomplished and the changes tat took place in both me and the others, I just know I have to do this."
She took a breath before she continued again. "Gondor has to be protected, when Boromir died I promised something to myself. I vowed that I would never let any of my friends get hurt, no matter what that would cost me. I failed in this, friends died and there was nothing I could do to stop them. By doing this I can not only ensure the safety of the people who live near the borders, but I can also kick some orcish ass and pay them back for what they did."
There was a silence for a few minutes as the men digested her words. Pippin was the first to recover. "Oh Rita, I wish I could stop you but I cannot change your mind. If there is one thing I learned during our talks is that you are very stubborn and if you say you will do this, there is nothing I can do to stop you."
Rita hugged Pippin and whispered in his ear. "When did you get so wise little hobbit?"
He pretended to be offended at this. "For your information I am 28 years old. I am older than you."
"Well, I'm taller. So yeah, little hobbit you are to me." She winked at him and giggled when he shot her an indignant stare.
Gimli was next to speak and he just told her she was more stubborn than a dwarf and that this comment was NOT a compliment. Legolas just shook his head but also knew he could not change this.
It was Elladan who spoke the last. "I don't understand you Rita. You have survived so much already and now you could be safe, now we can be happy, you ride to what could turn out as your death."
"I wouldn't be happy Elladan, not while I would know that people were dying because I didn't stop the orcs because I was too busy being happy."
Elladan gave up, she had a stubborn streak in her that even he could not change or get past. He pulled her on his lap and the five sat around and talked for hours on end.
At some point Aragorn came in. "It has been arranged Rita, tomorrow you will ride out at first light. Many have volunteered to help you. 156 men from Gondor, 41 riders of Rohan, 24 elves from Mirkwood and the same number of elves from Rivendell. The Lothlorien elves have offered their services as well, a total of 83 will join you."
Rita quickly did the math and was amazed when she came to 328 people who would join her on this matter. She nodded at Aragorn and got up, stretching to get rid of the cramp se had in her leg.
"I guess I better meet the guys who will come. Oh wait, you said Rohirrim would come, jeesh so not in the mood for chauvinistic comments right now."
"They know you're the one to lead them Rita and they respected this. They have given their word to listen to you. Apparently a few of your friends amongst the elves made sure they realized you were a good warrior and that they should treat you with respect. I have actually seen a few bruises on some of them." Said Aragorn and he had a twinkle in his eye.
Pippin yawned and was left alone by the others. They now made their way to the hall where they met Glorfindel, who said he wanted her to use Asfaloth on this mission.
This offer made Rita stammer. "But I. . . I could never. . . Glorfindel that's. . . you can't do this, he's your horse. . . and and . . . what if Asfaloth got injured?"
"That is a danger yes, yet you will need a horse and Asfaloth is known to you and he is smart and strong enough to help you in time of need."
"I don't know what to say Glorfindel. Thank you I guess."
The elf smiled at her and patted her shoulder before he walked to wherever he was going. Rita was still in shock as she met the men that would travel with her.
The rest of that day was spent talking to men from Gondor, Rohan, Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien. Men from all directions of Middle Earth. Men who had united to fight a common enemy.
That night Rita didn't sleep, she was busy preparing herself for what was to come. She went back to the balcony where she and Haldir had used during their breakdown and stared into the sky.
She didn't look up when she felt, rather than heard, someone stand beside her. She figured it was an elf since she didn't hear him approach.
"You know I love you, do you not Rita?"
Rita smiled and leaned into the embrace when Elladan slipped his hands around her waist. "You know I love you back right?"
"I know I cannot persuade you to stay, yet will you come back to me, please. I need you in my life Rita, I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'd live on until you pass to Valinor."
He shook his head but said nothing. They stood there until the first signs of morning appeared. Then Elladan helped Rita with her gear and walked with her where the men were waiting already.
Walking up to Asfaloth, who was wearing a saddle and bridle, she patted the horse before she mounted. She looked at the people that surrounded her, most were riding a horse and the elves doubled like they had done after Helm's Deep.
Some were marching but those who were could march fast and had great stamina, they were elves after all.
A crowd had formed to see them off. Rita recognized Pippin, Gimli and Legolas in one window and waved at them, a wave they returned.
Rita searched the faces for Aragorn and when he met her gaze she could see the doubt in them. She winked at him and mouthed she'd be ok.
Haldir appeared out of nowhere next to Rumil who was on top of a horse. Rumil had appointed himself Rita's right hand man and was going to help her every step of the way. He sat behind Eminor, the man Rita had met in Minas Tirith. Haldir gave her a nod before he left to stand next to Aragorn.
The man also told her he would help her as much as he could. Then the moment of truth had come, they rode out to what could be their death. Ironically they did it out of their own will, to protect the innocent.
And that was all that mattered.
A/N: Ugh can you believe I spent 5 hours typing here! With pauses because I was stuck, I really don't know how I am going to continue this I'm completely blank. HELP ME!!!!!!!