Hey guys, sorry for not updating yesterday. You all know I have exams
right, guess what happened. I got sick!!!! Yep, that's right I got sick. I
was in bed yesterday feeling outright horrible and with a fever. I missed
my Latin exam (not that I mind but still) I feel better today (the headache
is now slim to none) so here it is, the chapter you've all been waiting
for. . . Arwen and Aragorn's wedding.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: Thanks Sorcha and tell your friend I would love to be a slacker, ah well. Can't be a slacker and graduate, it's one or the other for me.
Kate: Oh your competition is today, I wish you all the luck I can spare. I hope you win and don't be nervous. I'm sure you'll be fine!
Tarilenea: *blushes* Such praise, now I'm all giddy ;) You really think there should be more Haldir? Hmm, I'll think about that. I hate it too when authors leave you hanging for weeks so I try to update as often as I can. Well that and I can't seem to stop writing, it's addictive I tell you.
MaverickGirl: Yeah, poor Elladan. I thought it would be nice to see some brotherly interaction between our fav twin.
Musicgrl: Yes math=evil grrrrrr. Happy I'm not the only one who thinks this. I was very happy with my English score, it's my best subject.
D-Chan: *gulps* You and Arwen want to kill me? WHY???? I update as often as I can (at least once a week) *gives puppy look* You don't wanna kill me do you, I mean, I'm a nice author.
Aislin: I already mailed you, did you get it? So I already said everything there is to say. Just keep on writing your fic and I'll be a happy camper.
Passion Lover: You liked the chapter? Me happy now! I thought it was pretty sucky since I lost all inspiration.
Danceingfae: Oh I need the luck, never doubt that and you're not a horrid fluff bunny ;) ;) I'm really happy the elves are back as well, they are just so much fun to write about.
LanierShazar: I love it how you review every chapter. The elves are all there because of the wedding. It's not every day that THE Evenstar weds the King of Gondor.
Prophecy: Two long reviews *squeals* I love long reviews! Of course I forgive you for rambling, I do it all the time. I'll answer all your questions in the note to American Elf, never knew so many questions could be asked. I hope you'll like this chapter as well. Yes I'm sure this is my first fanfic, it surprised me as well at how it's turned out.
Sailorverystupid: Ok, you asked for more so here it is.
Kagome Ayla: *bows* Thank you, thank you. *lol* I know it was short but I hope this chapter will make up for the last ones.
American Elf: Long review, I love it. First of all I take all of my reviewers seriously, just so you know. You asked so many questions so I'll try to answer them all. My inspiration comes from everything; other fics, books, movies, music etc. Actually the whole idea of this story comes from one of my favorite books where a girl and her sister are abused by their dad. It's really emotional. I didn't plan for it to be a Elladan fic, I thought it was going to be a Legomance but it turned out otherwise. Yes Rita is American, she's from Capetown California. What happened to her dad is a mystery, she never mentions it. I am not going to tell you what happens with Elladan and Rita and the immortality issue, it would ruin the fic. I don't know if I will let Rita have a baby, too early for that. No there will be no one else to fall in ME. I don't know if Rita will ever explain Yoda to Haldir. This is my first fanfic REALLY. And I don't stop updating to torture you, it's for my own sanity and school!!!
Blahblah: Good luck with the project, I hate those, they take up way too much time!
Kayli: A break, I want one too!!! Mine isn't till three to four weeks. As to how I've been able to stick with this story so long; I have a habit of getting into something and not letting go till I'm done. I take after my mother who has the nickname 'pitbull'. She does the exact same thing. Stick with your fic (ooh I made a rhyme) and you'll see it'll pay off. And yeah, my notes really take a while but I think it's worth it since I love each and every one of you. I LOVED the quotes you sent me, expect to find the first one in my fic. It totally fits with Rita.
Aurumlupi: Yes Lupi, I promise to stop promising updates. I slept almost the entire day yesterday so I am now fully rested.
Shinigami29: Thanks for understanding Audrey, I'll mail you the second I'm done (That'll be Wednesday)
Elvish Princess: TTT only got two awards? They should've gotten more in my opinion but hey who am I? Hope you like this chapter, it's a bit mushy.
Lady of Legolas: I updated as soon as I could, I hope you'll like it.
DISCLAIMER: Not in the mood, it's just very annoying to do this every time. You guys get it by now right?
"Arwen where are we going?" Rita asked for what seemed the hundredth time. But Arwen wasn't answering her at all, she kept on pulling Rita to wherever they were going.
Finally they reached a room and they went in. Rita smiled when she saw Fioma was in there already and gave her friend a hug.
"Ok Arwen, I'm here now. Will you please tell me what's going on, please." Rita gave Arwen the puppy dog eyes and this made the two elves laugh.
"All right, I'll tell you mellonamin just stop looking at me like that." When Rita looked normal again she continued. "Well Rita, I am going to marry Aragorn today and I was hoping. . . if you'd be my bridesmaid."
Rita was shocked, she never expected this. "Arwen. . . I. . . uhm. . . " Then she snapped out of it. "I would be so honored, you have no idea what this means to me." Realization hit her. "I have nothing to wear! What am I gonna do?"
"This is where we come in." Said Fioma. "We were actually counting on this so Arwen and I made your dress already. It's in the trunk over there on the right."
It was only then that Rita noticed the four huge trunks that were in the room. Her trunk was the biggest one so Rita gave Fioma a disbelieving look.
"Are you telling me that this trunk contains one dress?"
"Well, not exactly. You know how much I love to make clothes and seeing as neither Arwen or I needed them, I just made them for you."
Rita blinked a few times. "Exactly how many clothes are in there?"
"Besides your dress for the wedding I made eight other dresses, four of them are formal. I also made a three pares of pants and six shirts. And of course shoes and accessories to match everything. You'll have to try them all on but not now, we have to get ready for the wedding."
Rita just nodded since she was still shocked after hearing all the clothes Fioma made her. She watched as Fioma and Arwen opened the trunks to take the things out they needed. She couldn't suppress a gasp when Arwen pulled her wedding dress out.
"Arwen that is so beautiful, are you trying to give Aragorn a heart attack? I'm sure he'll forget to breathe when he sees you."
She was happy to see Arwen blush a little at this comment, but Arwen quickly retaliated.
"Ah but I can say the same about you, just wait until you see your dress. Elladan will have a hard time picking his jaw from the ground once he sees you." This made Rita blush so now they were even.
The three spent a few hours taking a flowery bath and getting ready for everything. They decided to get Arwen ready first so that the pressure would be off of her.
After Fioma finished her hair and makeup Arwen was finished and she looked stunning. Her natural beauty was enhanced by the dress, it made her slim figure stand out. The dress on its own was a beauty but on Arwen it was even better.
It was a shiny white dress with a flowing skirt and a tight bodice. The sleeves on the dress covered ¾ of her arms and gloves covered the rest of her arms. The entire dress was decorated with refined stitches and some sort of sparkling beads. Her hair was let down and it flowed around her shoulders and back.
"Oooh, we haven't done the gift thing yet!" Exclaimed Rita.
"Gift thing, what do you mean with that?" asked Arwen and Fioma was very curious as well.
"It's sort of a tradition for the friends of the bride to give the things. Something old and something new, something borrowed and something blue."
"I like that tradition Rita" said Fioma "What to give Arwen?"
"Well" said Arwen "I already have something old. My father gave me my mother's necklace, the one she wore on the day of her wedding." She pulled it out of a jewelry box and showed it to her friends.
After oohing and aahing over the fine pendant they returned to the business at hand.
Fioma came up with the next gift. "Well I was going to give this to you after your wedding but now will do. It's something new."
She handed Arwen a giftbox and Rita laughed when Arwen pulled out a sexy pair of underwear. Arwen was very red and glared at the giggling Fioma.
"I thought you might like this for the wedding night, not that you'll have it on for a long time." Fioma dogged Arden's slap just in time and Rita laughed even louder.
For a while Rita was thinking and thinking and suddenly she bolted out of the room (she's still in her normal clothes) leaving two very confused she- elves behind.
After 10 minutes she returned, panting slightly. "First I have something blue." She presented some pretty blue flowers. "Maybe you can put them in your bouquet or something, I didn't know what else to give you that was blue."
The blue flowers fitted right in with the bouquet so they fixed that first before Rita gave her second gift.
"This is something borrowed. Elmère and Lamiel gave me these hairpins before we left Lothlorien and I thought they would fit with you today. I do want them back though."
Arwen hugged her before putting them in her hair.
Fioma was the next one to get ready and she looked gorgeous as well. The dress was sleeveless and was in a slight pink colour that fit exactly with her skin. (You know how pink can make you look really ugly)
They decided to pull her hair up and the result was great. Fioma's hair was in a sort of a bun but different. There were loose pieces of hair around her face and was decorated with some of the sparkles Arwen had with her.
Then the two elves turned to Rita and pulled out her dress. Rita just closed her eyes and let the two do whatever they wanted to do. She was very independent, that's for sure, but it still felt great to be dressed and taken care of.
When Fioma and Arwen were finally happy with the result Rita was allowed to look in a mirror. She couldn't believe what she saw, this couldn't be her! Fioma had chosen a bluish colour for Rita's dress since that was the colour that looked best on her. Pastel blue is the best description for it. Just like Fioma's dress it was sleeveless, the only difference between the two dresses was that Fioma's back was closed and Rita's back was open, allowing the skin to show.
Her hair was let down, and some of the blue flowers that were left over were woven into it.
Finally the time had come and after a guard had knocked on the door, telling them they had 15 minutes left, they started to make their way downstairs.
Rita and Fioma helped Arwen down the stairs, the poor girl was shaking on her feet. A crowd was already formed in the garden (they saw this from one of the windows) and Arwen was getting the jitters.
"What if the people don't accept me, I am an elf after all. Maybe they would want their king to marry a human woman or. . . "
Her ramble was cut off when Rita put a hand over the elf's mouth. "Now you listen to me. You are going out there and marry the man you love and the people will love you. The people don't care you're an elf, all they want is their king to be happy and you make Aragorn happier than anything else."
Arwen nodded and took a few deep breaths. "I'm ready now." She said and Fioma took this as her cue to walk down the aaisle. Rita peeked around the corner to see what the reactions were and she noticed a very interesting thing.
Haldir was gaping at Fioma. *Well, well, now that is interesting. Hmm, I'll hook those two up. Haldir needs a nice girl and Fioma needs a nice guy that treats her with decency.*
Then it was her turn to walk but before she did this she turned to Arwen once more. "Believe in your love for Aragorn Arwen. Then everything will be fine."
Rita took a deep breath and started to walk down the aisle herself. She searched for her friend's faces in the crowd and smiled at every one of them. When she looked at Elladan she saw that he was staring at her with such intensity that it made her blush a little.
Finally she made it to the end of the aisle (it was a very long aisle) and she went to stand next to Fioma. Rita glanced at Aragorn and suppressed the chuckle that formed in her throat. He looked nervous, more than nervous in fact.
She didn't even have to look at the door to know that Arwen had entered, the gasps in the crowd were enough but Aragorn's look was the best.
His mouth had actually fallen open and Rita coughed to get his attention. When he looked at her she motioned for him to shut his mouth and he promptly did this as he sent her an embarrassed smile.
When Arwen reached Aragorn the two joined hands and smiled the most adoring smiles at each other as they faced Lord Elrond.
Rita didn't really zone out but didn't hear a word that was being said. She felt so happy and at peace that she noticed only a few things around her.
She saw the two speak to each other (the vows) and exchange rings, and later she saw them kiss. Arwen and Aragorn looked perfect together. *They were made for each other* she thought as she applauded with the rest of the crowd.
The reception was being held in the ballroom so things moved in there. Rita and Fioma were chattering about the ceremony (Fioma filled her in on the vows and stuff) when Rita had the feeling she was being watched.
She turned around, only to be caught in a stare in a pair of beautiful brown eyes, Elladan's eyes. He smiled at her and started to make his way towards her. Fioma saw this and excused herself.
Elladan hugged her and whispered in her ear. "You look beautiful." He said in such a tone that Rita felt herself blush again and Elladan laughed at this.
"You look not so bad yourself." Rita said and she was not saying that as some lame compliment, he really did look eatable. He was wearing dark blue pants and a matching shirt and his hair was in two small braids (think Legolas braids) to keep it out of his face.
He escorted her to the table for dinner was about to start. She smiled when she saw she was on the main table. She waved at Éowyn, who was sitting next to Faramir and winked at the hobbits who were all very excited to be sitting with such important people.
Rita was seated next to Elladan and Legolas and the entire meal was spent talking and eating. When the meal came to an end Legolas started to groan.
"Are you ok?" Rita asked.
"No I'm not. Please Elladan do not tell me that Tári Minyatur (A/N: it's the translation for MarySue Annoying according to ) is coming this way as I think she is."
Elladan looked around discreetly and sighed. "I am sorry to say that she is heading in this direction as we speak."
Legolas groaned again and Rita looked at him with a confused expression. But as she continued to listen she started to understand more and more.
"She still hasn't given up?" asked Elrohir.
His answer was the Legolas burying his face in his hands and he chuckled to see his friend so distressed.
This annoyed Legolas to no end. "You laugh Elrohir. She hasn't been chasing after you for the past 649 years. I have never before met such a thickheaded female. It's like she doesn't get the fact that I try to avoid her."
Rita choked when she heard the girl had been following Legolas around for 649 years. "Wow Legolas, 649 years! What exactly did you do to make such an impression on her?"
"That's the point Rita, I did absolutely nothing. She is one of those women who would do everything to get a higher place in society, and what better place is there than the wife of a prince."
Rita's face wrinkled when she heard this. "God don't tell me she's one of those annoying superficial girls who wouldn't be able to handle themselves in the real world if they wanted to."
Legolas was about to answer but then Tári was in hearing distance. He had a save-me look and Rita hid her smile behind a napkin as the she-elf approached.
She watched Legolas put on a fake smile and she couldn't help but wonder how Tári was unable to see through that. It was so obvious to see that Legolas was straining himself to be cordial, at least it was obvious to her.
"Prince Legolas" Tári chirped (yes chirped) "How pleasant to see you again and unharmed. The people speak highly of your accomplishments back home."
*gag* Rita thought *Can this girl get any more nauseating*
Luckily Legolas was a very down-to-earth elf. "It took more than one man to do what was done. It was an effort made by all the soldiers."
"I am sure you are just being modest, such a brave warrior like you."
Rita snorted but covered it up with a cough. She avoided looking at anyone, especially Aragorn since he had the ability to make her laugh, because she was sure to start laughing any minute now.
Tári looked suspiciously at her but quickly diverted her attention back to Legolas. "I was wondering if you'd spend the day with me tomorrow and tell me about your adventures." The she-elf looked like a cat that had just swallowed a canary, very satisfied.
Legolas on the other hand, got a hunted look in his eyes and Rita could practically hear the wheels in his head turn to find a good excuse. She felt so sorry for her friend that she decided to help him out.
"Tomorrow? Didn't you tell me you were going to continue with my archery lessons tomorrow Legolas?" She saw a grateful look in his eyes and she turned to Tári who was almost glaring at her. "I am so sorry to interrupt your plans but Legolas has been promising to teach me archery for ages now. He started to teach me in Lothlorien but I am still quite bad at it."
Now Legolas picked up on the hidden hint. "Indeed Rita, you need at least two hours of practice a day. I am going to make sure you will be a fabulous archer by the time I start my travels with Gimli."
"Are you sure that's enough?" Rita asked innocently "I mean, you have seen me shoot."
Legolas pretended to be thinking. "Ah yes, you're right, better make it three hours a day."
Tári recovered from the shock of being interrupted in her plans and put on a sugary smile again. "That's quite all right Prince Legolas, it is very honorable to honor your promises. Perhaps another time then?"
"Perhaps" was all Legolas said and then Tári left.
As soon she was out of hearing distance Legolas let out a huge breath and turned to Rita who was currently shaking with laughter.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my hero, you are brilliant and wonderful and have I said thank you yet. Cause if I haven't, thank you so much."
This caused the entire table to start laughing and Legolas looked at them with a sneer. "Trust me if you were just saved from that. . . that. . . persistent she-elf, you would do the exact same thing."
The laughter died down after a while and Rita patted Legolas's arm. "Don't worry Legolas, I'll protect you from the big bad barracuda." (A/N: don't ask me where that came from)
Suddenly an evil smile crossed on his face and he chuckled. "You do understand you just committed yourself to archery again." He rubbed his hands in glee. "I cannot wait to start your training."
"Now Legolas, I was thinking to continue the lessons we had in Lothlorien. You know, me holding a bow loosely in my hand and talking and laughing. I didn't mean actual lessons. If you don't remember, I suck at archery."
"What if anyone wants to see your progress, no I think it will be good to have some real training."
Rita turned to Elladan who was laughing at her and Legolas. "Don't make him do this to me, please save me from the evil teacher."
"Hey" Legolas cried out before Elladan could say a word "I could make this harder and ask Haldir to help with your training."
"Ok shutting up now, training sounds good. No need to call Haldir, you will be a fine teacher." Rita still remembered the sessions Haldir put her through in Lothlorien. He might be a nice elf but man, he made you work hard. Her muscles felt like elastics when she finished with one of his lessons.
"I thought so." Smiled Legolas.
Meanwhile everyone was laughing at the 'show' Legolas and Rita were giving. At the moment Rita was putting and Legolas was teasing her.
Arwen whispered in her husband's ear. "They still act like children around each other, they act like siblings."
"I know" Aragorn whispered back to her "You should've seen some of the pranks they played on each other."
Then dinner was over and one Faramir stood up to address the crowd. "As a Gondorian tradition a song will now be sung by someone of the king's and queen's choice. A song that expresses love and hope for the future."
Arwen and Aragorn looked at each other, they hadn't known about this particular tradition. They were discussing quietly when Legolas suddenly blurted something out that made Rita choke on her sip of water.
"Why do you not ask Rita?"
Aragorn turned to Rita. "You can sing? You never told me this."
Rita was about to explain that she couldn't sing, not really, when Legolas interrupted. "Quite nicely if I might add."
Finally regaining her voice Rita started to talk. "Not that nice, I mean Aragorn you have elves around here. They can sing so much better than me." Silently Rita was begging with her eyes not to make her sing.
Either Aragorn didn't catch her plea or he had some weird sense of humor but Rita closed her eyes in defeat when she heard him say. "Rita, will you please sing to us."
After sending Legolas an evil glare Rita got up so she could be seen by all. She was thinking about what to sing and then it hit her, the perfect song. A song by Shania Twain.
"This song is in Common so I'm sorry for those who can't understand that. And just so you know, don't come complaining to me when your ears fall off, complain to the king over there." She said with a nod to Aragorn.
This evoked a few chuckles in the crowd and Rita waited until it was completely quiet again. she started to sing in her unique voice. It wasn't bad to listen to but it wasn't as beautiful as the singing of an elf either.
"From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on"
As she finished applause erupted from the crowd. The song had touched them. It also didn't escape the attention that Rita glanced at Elladan for a long time while she was singing. It was as much as a song in honor of the newlyweds as it was a statement of her love for the elf beside her.
Rita was blushing when she sat down and she kicked Legolas under the table, she kicked hard. "I will get you for that Legolas Greenleaf, mark my words I will get you."
Just as Legolas was about to retort Arwen interfered. "Now children do we need to put you apart from each other?"
"You know Arwen" said Legolas "This is the second time you called me a child."
Arwen smiled. "You deserved it then Legolas, just as you deserved it now."
A band started to play and Arwen and Aragorn danced the first dance. After that everybody could join. Soon there were many couples on the dance floor. Celeborn and Galadriel danced a few times, Faramir and Éowyn were hardly seen without each other and there were others as well.
Elladan held his arm out to Rita and she accepted it. The two started to dance slowly and Rita rested her head against his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
She could feel his arms tighten around her and she sighed in contentment. Too soon the song was over and Elladan was waved over by Elrohir who wore an anxious expression.
He gave her an apologetic look but she shooed him away. "Elrohir looks really worried about something, you better find out what it's about."
Looking around she saw Haldir standing next to Legolas so she went to them. "What are the two of you standing here for like wallflowers. I would think the ladies were fawning themselves over you two."
"They do." Haldir said in a dryly "But Legolas and I have developed a tactic."
Rita rose her eyebrows. "What kind of tactic?"
"Well" Legolas said "Every time we see a female approaching we start to discuss a certain element from battle."
Haldir continued the explanation. "And not only does this make the women back away, it makes them think they would be interrupting an important conversation as well."
"I have one word for you two: evil."
The two elves smiled at her. "Whatever it takes to be left alone."
Suddenly Rita saw a familiar face. "Fioma, what are you doing here all one your own. You should be on the dance floor, having fun."
"Well after the incident a few months back I think I'll be fine like this."
Realizing she hadn't introduced her friend yet Rita hurried to fix her mistake. "Fioma, you already know Legolas but this is Haldir from Lothlorien. Haldir, this is Fioma from Rivendell."
The two greeted each other properly but Rita could see the glint of interest in Haldir's eyes. *What do you know, he really likes her. Maybe Legolas will help me out with a little scheme*
Haldir and Fioma were talking about Rivendell when Rita muttered at Legolas. "Ask Fioma to dance and I'll make Haldir dance with me, the next song we'll switch."
"Why" Legolas muttered back.
Rita rolled her eyes, men could be so dumb. "Because they are getting nowhere at this rate and Haldir likes her and Fioma needs a decent guy."
With a smile Legolas nodded and asked Fioma for a dance. Fioma accepted. (who would turn a prince down) and the two made their way to the dance floor.
After 20 seconds Rita started to nag. "I wanna dance too, dance with me Haldir please. I'll be your best friend if you do."
"I thought you already were my best friend." Haldir commented.
"Yeah but if you dance with me you'll ensure this. Please I really wanna dance."
Rolling his eyes Haldir led her to the dance floor. They swayed to the music and were close but not too close. When the music stopped and the next song started Legolas and Fioma suddenly appeared beside them.
"Rita, I don't believe we have had the pleasure of dancing together yet have we?"
"No I don't think we have." Rita played along, avoiding Haldir's eyes because she knew he would no the plan in an instant if he looked at her.
"May I?" Legolas asked Haldir.
Haldir just handed Rita's hand to Legolas but asked for Fioma's hand in return. Fioma blushed a little as Haldir pulled her towards him to dance and Rita and Legolas exchanged proud looks.
Rita and Legolas started to dance their way to the other side of the room where Rumil and Orophin were standing, their wives were discussing something with their friends a few yards away.
"Hello Rita" said Rumil "I thought I saw Haldir with you just now, what did you do with him?"
Rita gave him a huge smile. "I just did what I promised I'd do Rumil." When he looked confused she explained herself further. "I hooked him up with a nice girl." And she motioned to the dance floor where Haldir and Fioma were dancing.
A smile started to form on Rumil's face and Rita immediately caught his drift. "And don't you dare to tease him with this. He is withdrawn as it is already, teasing will only make it worse."
Rumil sighed in disappointment but he knew she was right.
The rest of the night was spent dancing and laughing. Elladan returned to Rita after an hour, a huge smile on his face. He pulled her in an embrace as soon as he got there, earning a few catcalls around them, and held onto her for a long time.
"Lets go on a walk" Elladan suggested and Rita agreed. For some reason they ended up in the library again and Elladan sat in the fluffy chair with Rita on his lap.
He brushed the hair out of her face and pulled her close to kiss her. Rita felt the familiar sparks go through her as his lips claimed hers.
After a few minutes the kiss was broken and Rita rested her head against his chest. "I missed you so much." She said.
"I missed you too melamin, we have been apart for a longer time before, but these few weeks were somehow harder than those months."
"You almost lost me you know." Rita said with a serious face.
Elladan looked at her sharply. "What are you talking about?"
"I was nearly poisoned. Legolas decided to cook. Trust me, you do not want to eat anything he prepares."
He started to laugh at this. "Don't ever do that to me again, you nearly scared me to death. I don't want to loose you. Not now, not ever."
Rita knew in the back of her mind that there was something wrong with this but she tugged these feelings away. All she wanted to do was focus on her love as they pulled together for another kiss.
She had no idea what the next day would have in store for her.
A/N: Cliffie. . . aren't I evil!!! Hope you liked the chapter and thought it was long enough. I owed it to you guys after the short ones I've been sending you. Let me know, what did you guys think was it cliche or too fluffy or was it actually ok? Review please!!!
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: Thanks Sorcha and tell your friend I would love to be a slacker, ah well. Can't be a slacker and graduate, it's one or the other for me.
Kate: Oh your competition is today, I wish you all the luck I can spare. I hope you win and don't be nervous. I'm sure you'll be fine!
Tarilenea: *blushes* Such praise, now I'm all giddy ;) You really think there should be more Haldir? Hmm, I'll think about that. I hate it too when authors leave you hanging for weeks so I try to update as often as I can. Well that and I can't seem to stop writing, it's addictive I tell you.
MaverickGirl: Yeah, poor Elladan. I thought it would be nice to see some brotherly interaction between our fav twin.
Musicgrl: Yes math=evil grrrrrr. Happy I'm not the only one who thinks this. I was very happy with my English score, it's my best subject.
D-Chan: *gulps* You and Arwen want to kill me? WHY???? I update as often as I can (at least once a week) *gives puppy look* You don't wanna kill me do you, I mean, I'm a nice author.
Aislin: I already mailed you, did you get it? So I already said everything there is to say. Just keep on writing your fic and I'll be a happy camper.
Passion Lover: You liked the chapter? Me happy now! I thought it was pretty sucky since I lost all inspiration.
Danceingfae: Oh I need the luck, never doubt that and you're not a horrid fluff bunny ;) ;) I'm really happy the elves are back as well, they are just so much fun to write about.
LanierShazar: I love it how you review every chapter. The elves are all there because of the wedding. It's not every day that THE Evenstar weds the King of Gondor.
Prophecy: Two long reviews *squeals* I love long reviews! Of course I forgive you for rambling, I do it all the time. I'll answer all your questions in the note to American Elf, never knew so many questions could be asked. I hope you'll like this chapter as well. Yes I'm sure this is my first fanfic, it surprised me as well at how it's turned out.
Sailorverystupid: Ok, you asked for more so here it is.
Kagome Ayla: *bows* Thank you, thank you. *lol* I know it was short but I hope this chapter will make up for the last ones.
American Elf: Long review, I love it. First of all I take all of my reviewers seriously, just so you know. You asked so many questions so I'll try to answer them all. My inspiration comes from everything; other fics, books, movies, music etc. Actually the whole idea of this story comes from one of my favorite books where a girl and her sister are abused by their dad. It's really emotional. I didn't plan for it to be a Elladan fic, I thought it was going to be a Legomance but it turned out otherwise. Yes Rita is American, she's from Capetown California. What happened to her dad is a mystery, she never mentions it. I am not going to tell you what happens with Elladan and Rita and the immortality issue, it would ruin the fic. I don't know if I will let Rita have a baby, too early for that. No there will be no one else to fall in ME. I don't know if Rita will ever explain Yoda to Haldir. This is my first fanfic REALLY. And I don't stop updating to torture you, it's for my own sanity and school!!!
Blahblah: Good luck with the project, I hate those, they take up way too much time!
Kayli: A break, I want one too!!! Mine isn't till three to four weeks. As to how I've been able to stick with this story so long; I have a habit of getting into something and not letting go till I'm done. I take after my mother who has the nickname 'pitbull'. She does the exact same thing. Stick with your fic (ooh I made a rhyme) and you'll see it'll pay off. And yeah, my notes really take a while but I think it's worth it since I love each and every one of you. I LOVED the quotes you sent me, expect to find the first one in my fic. It totally fits with Rita.
Aurumlupi: Yes Lupi, I promise to stop promising updates. I slept almost the entire day yesterday so I am now fully rested.
Shinigami29: Thanks for understanding Audrey, I'll mail you the second I'm done (That'll be Wednesday)
Elvish Princess: TTT only got two awards? They should've gotten more in my opinion but hey who am I? Hope you like this chapter, it's a bit mushy.
Lady of Legolas: I updated as soon as I could, I hope you'll like it.
DISCLAIMER: Not in the mood, it's just very annoying to do this every time. You guys get it by now right?
"Arwen where are we going?" Rita asked for what seemed the hundredth time. But Arwen wasn't answering her at all, she kept on pulling Rita to wherever they were going.
Finally they reached a room and they went in. Rita smiled when she saw Fioma was in there already and gave her friend a hug.
"Ok Arwen, I'm here now. Will you please tell me what's going on, please." Rita gave Arwen the puppy dog eyes and this made the two elves laugh.
"All right, I'll tell you mellonamin just stop looking at me like that." When Rita looked normal again she continued. "Well Rita, I am going to marry Aragorn today and I was hoping. . . if you'd be my bridesmaid."
Rita was shocked, she never expected this. "Arwen. . . I. . . uhm. . . " Then she snapped out of it. "I would be so honored, you have no idea what this means to me." Realization hit her. "I have nothing to wear! What am I gonna do?"
"This is where we come in." Said Fioma. "We were actually counting on this so Arwen and I made your dress already. It's in the trunk over there on the right."
It was only then that Rita noticed the four huge trunks that were in the room. Her trunk was the biggest one so Rita gave Fioma a disbelieving look.
"Are you telling me that this trunk contains one dress?"
"Well, not exactly. You know how much I love to make clothes and seeing as neither Arwen or I needed them, I just made them for you."
Rita blinked a few times. "Exactly how many clothes are in there?"
"Besides your dress for the wedding I made eight other dresses, four of them are formal. I also made a three pares of pants and six shirts. And of course shoes and accessories to match everything. You'll have to try them all on but not now, we have to get ready for the wedding."
Rita just nodded since she was still shocked after hearing all the clothes Fioma made her. She watched as Fioma and Arwen opened the trunks to take the things out they needed. She couldn't suppress a gasp when Arwen pulled her wedding dress out.
"Arwen that is so beautiful, are you trying to give Aragorn a heart attack? I'm sure he'll forget to breathe when he sees you."
She was happy to see Arwen blush a little at this comment, but Arwen quickly retaliated.
"Ah but I can say the same about you, just wait until you see your dress. Elladan will have a hard time picking his jaw from the ground once he sees you." This made Rita blush so now they were even.
The three spent a few hours taking a flowery bath and getting ready for everything. They decided to get Arwen ready first so that the pressure would be off of her.
After Fioma finished her hair and makeup Arwen was finished and she looked stunning. Her natural beauty was enhanced by the dress, it made her slim figure stand out. The dress on its own was a beauty but on Arwen it was even better.
It was a shiny white dress with a flowing skirt and a tight bodice. The sleeves on the dress covered ¾ of her arms and gloves covered the rest of her arms. The entire dress was decorated with refined stitches and some sort of sparkling beads. Her hair was let down and it flowed around her shoulders and back.
"Oooh, we haven't done the gift thing yet!" Exclaimed Rita.
"Gift thing, what do you mean with that?" asked Arwen and Fioma was very curious as well.
"It's sort of a tradition for the friends of the bride to give the things. Something old and something new, something borrowed and something blue."
"I like that tradition Rita" said Fioma "What to give Arwen?"
"Well" said Arwen "I already have something old. My father gave me my mother's necklace, the one she wore on the day of her wedding." She pulled it out of a jewelry box and showed it to her friends.
After oohing and aahing over the fine pendant they returned to the business at hand.
Fioma came up with the next gift. "Well I was going to give this to you after your wedding but now will do. It's something new."
She handed Arwen a giftbox and Rita laughed when Arwen pulled out a sexy pair of underwear. Arwen was very red and glared at the giggling Fioma.
"I thought you might like this for the wedding night, not that you'll have it on for a long time." Fioma dogged Arden's slap just in time and Rita laughed even louder.
For a while Rita was thinking and thinking and suddenly she bolted out of the room (she's still in her normal clothes) leaving two very confused she- elves behind.
After 10 minutes she returned, panting slightly. "First I have something blue." She presented some pretty blue flowers. "Maybe you can put them in your bouquet or something, I didn't know what else to give you that was blue."
The blue flowers fitted right in with the bouquet so they fixed that first before Rita gave her second gift.
"This is something borrowed. Elmère and Lamiel gave me these hairpins before we left Lothlorien and I thought they would fit with you today. I do want them back though."
Arwen hugged her before putting them in her hair.
Fioma was the next one to get ready and she looked gorgeous as well. The dress was sleeveless and was in a slight pink colour that fit exactly with her skin. (You know how pink can make you look really ugly)
They decided to pull her hair up and the result was great. Fioma's hair was in a sort of a bun but different. There were loose pieces of hair around her face and was decorated with some of the sparkles Arwen had with her.
Then the two elves turned to Rita and pulled out her dress. Rita just closed her eyes and let the two do whatever they wanted to do. She was very independent, that's for sure, but it still felt great to be dressed and taken care of.
When Fioma and Arwen were finally happy with the result Rita was allowed to look in a mirror. She couldn't believe what she saw, this couldn't be her! Fioma had chosen a bluish colour for Rita's dress since that was the colour that looked best on her. Pastel blue is the best description for it. Just like Fioma's dress it was sleeveless, the only difference between the two dresses was that Fioma's back was closed and Rita's back was open, allowing the skin to show.
Her hair was let down, and some of the blue flowers that were left over were woven into it.
Finally the time had come and after a guard had knocked on the door, telling them they had 15 minutes left, they started to make their way downstairs.
Rita and Fioma helped Arwen down the stairs, the poor girl was shaking on her feet. A crowd was already formed in the garden (they saw this from one of the windows) and Arwen was getting the jitters.
"What if the people don't accept me, I am an elf after all. Maybe they would want their king to marry a human woman or. . . "
Her ramble was cut off when Rita put a hand over the elf's mouth. "Now you listen to me. You are going out there and marry the man you love and the people will love you. The people don't care you're an elf, all they want is their king to be happy and you make Aragorn happier than anything else."
Arwen nodded and took a few deep breaths. "I'm ready now." She said and Fioma took this as her cue to walk down the aaisle. Rita peeked around the corner to see what the reactions were and she noticed a very interesting thing.
Haldir was gaping at Fioma. *Well, well, now that is interesting. Hmm, I'll hook those two up. Haldir needs a nice girl and Fioma needs a nice guy that treats her with decency.*
Then it was her turn to walk but before she did this she turned to Arwen once more. "Believe in your love for Aragorn Arwen. Then everything will be fine."
Rita took a deep breath and started to walk down the aisle herself. She searched for her friend's faces in the crowd and smiled at every one of them. When she looked at Elladan she saw that he was staring at her with such intensity that it made her blush a little.
Finally she made it to the end of the aisle (it was a very long aisle) and she went to stand next to Fioma. Rita glanced at Aragorn and suppressed the chuckle that formed in her throat. He looked nervous, more than nervous in fact.
She didn't even have to look at the door to know that Arwen had entered, the gasps in the crowd were enough but Aragorn's look was the best.
His mouth had actually fallen open and Rita coughed to get his attention. When he looked at her she motioned for him to shut his mouth and he promptly did this as he sent her an embarrassed smile.
When Arwen reached Aragorn the two joined hands and smiled the most adoring smiles at each other as they faced Lord Elrond.
Rita didn't really zone out but didn't hear a word that was being said. She felt so happy and at peace that she noticed only a few things around her.
She saw the two speak to each other (the vows) and exchange rings, and later she saw them kiss. Arwen and Aragorn looked perfect together. *They were made for each other* she thought as she applauded with the rest of the crowd.
The reception was being held in the ballroom so things moved in there. Rita and Fioma were chattering about the ceremony (Fioma filled her in on the vows and stuff) when Rita had the feeling she was being watched.
She turned around, only to be caught in a stare in a pair of beautiful brown eyes, Elladan's eyes. He smiled at her and started to make his way towards her. Fioma saw this and excused herself.
Elladan hugged her and whispered in her ear. "You look beautiful." He said in such a tone that Rita felt herself blush again and Elladan laughed at this.
"You look not so bad yourself." Rita said and she was not saying that as some lame compliment, he really did look eatable. He was wearing dark blue pants and a matching shirt and his hair was in two small braids (think Legolas braids) to keep it out of his face.
He escorted her to the table for dinner was about to start. She smiled when she saw she was on the main table. She waved at Éowyn, who was sitting next to Faramir and winked at the hobbits who were all very excited to be sitting with such important people.
Rita was seated next to Elladan and Legolas and the entire meal was spent talking and eating. When the meal came to an end Legolas started to groan.
"Are you ok?" Rita asked.
"No I'm not. Please Elladan do not tell me that Tári Minyatur (A/N: it's the translation for MarySue Annoying according to ) is coming this way as I think she is."
Elladan looked around discreetly and sighed. "I am sorry to say that she is heading in this direction as we speak."
Legolas groaned again and Rita looked at him with a confused expression. But as she continued to listen she started to understand more and more.
"She still hasn't given up?" asked Elrohir.
His answer was the Legolas burying his face in his hands and he chuckled to see his friend so distressed.
This annoyed Legolas to no end. "You laugh Elrohir. She hasn't been chasing after you for the past 649 years. I have never before met such a thickheaded female. It's like she doesn't get the fact that I try to avoid her."
Rita choked when she heard the girl had been following Legolas around for 649 years. "Wow Legolas, 649 years! What exactly did you do to make such an impression on her?"
"That's the point Rita, I did absolutely nothing. She is one of those women who would do everything to get a higher place in society, and what better place is there than the wife of a prince."
Rita's face wrinkled when she heard this. "God don't tell me she's one of those annoying superficial girls who wouldn't be able to handle themselves in the real world if they wanted to."
Legolas was about to answer but then Tári was in hearing distance. He had a save-me look and Rita hid her smile behind a napkin as the she-elf approached.
She watched Legolas put on a fake smile and she couldn't help but wonder how Tári was unable to see through that. It was so obvious to see that Legolas was straining himself to be cordial, at least it was obvious to her.
"Prince Legolas" Tári chirped (yes chirped) "How pleasant to see you again and unharmed. The people speak highly of your accomplishments back home."
*gag* Rita thought *Can this girl get any more nauseating*
Luckily Legolas was a very down-to-earth elf. "It took more than one man to do what was done. It was an effort made by all the soldiers."
"I am sure you are just being modest, such a brave warrior like you."
Rita snorted but covered it up with a cough. She avoided looking at anyone, especially Aragorn since he had the ability to make her laugh, because she was sure to start laughing any minute now.
Tári looked suspiciously at her but quickly diverted her attention back to Legolas. "I was wondering if you'd spend the day with me tomorrow and tell me about your adventures." The she-elf looked like a cat that had just swallowed a canary, very satisfied.
Legolas on the other hand, got a hunted look in his eyes and Rita could practically hear the wheels in his head turn to find a good excuse. She felt so sorry for her friend that she decided to help him out.
"Tomorrow? Didn't you tell me you were going to continue with my archery lessons tomorrow Legolas?" She saw a grateful look in his eyes and she turned to Tári who was almost glaring at her. "I am so sorry to interrupt your plans but Legolas has been promising to teach me archery for ages now. He started to teach me in Lothlorien but I am still quite bad at it."
Now Legolas picked up on the hidden hint. "Indeed Rita, you need at least two hours of practice a day. I am going to make sure you will be a fabulous archer by the time I start my travels with Gimli."
"Are you sure that's enough?" Rita asked innocently "I mean, you have seen me shoot."
Legolas pretended to be thinking. "Ah yes, you're right, better make it three hours a day."
Tári recovered from the shock of being interrupted in her plans and put on a sugary smile again. "That's quite all right Prince Legolas, it is very honorable to honor your promises. Perhaps another time then?"
"Perhaps" was all Legolas said and then Tári left.
As soon she was out of hearing distance Legolas let out a huge breath and turned to Rita who was currently shaking with laughter.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my hero, you are brilliant and wonderful and have I said thank you yet. Cause if I haven't, thank you so much."
This caused the entire table to start laughing and Legolas looked at them with a sneer. "Trust me if you were just saved from that. . . that. . . persistent she-elf, you would do the exact same thing."
The laughter died down after a while and Rita patted Legolas's arm. "Don't worry Legolas, I'll protect you from the big bad barracuda." (A/N: don't ask me where that came from)
Suddenly an evil smile crossed on his face and he chuckled. "You do understand you just committed yourself to archery again." He rubbed his hands in glee. "I cannot wait to start your training."
"Now Legolas, I was thinking to continue the lessons we had in Lothlorien. You know, me holding a bow loosely in my hand and talking and laughing. I didn't mean actual lessons. If you don't remember, I suck at archery."
"What if anyone wants to see your progress, no I think it will be good to have some real training."
Rita turned to Elladan who was laughing at her and Legolas. "Don't make him do this to me, please save me from the evil teacher."
"Hey" Legolas cried out before Elladan could say a word "I could make this harder and ask Haldir to help with your training."
"Ok shutting up now, training sounds good. No need to call Haldir, you will be a fine teacher." Rita still remembered the sessions Haldir put her through in Lothlorien. He might be a nice elf but man, he made you work hard. Her muscles felt like elastics when she finished with one of his lessons.
"I thought so." Smiled Legolas.
Meanwhile everyone was laughing at the 'show' Legolas and Rita were giving. At the moment Rita was putting and Legolas was teasing her.
Arwen whispered in her husband's ear. "They still act like children around each other, they act like siblings."
"I know" Aragorn whispered back to her "You should've seen some of the pranks they played on each other."
Then dinner was over and one Faramir stood up to address the crowd. "As a Gondorian tradition a song will now be sung by someone of the king's and queen's choice. A song that expresses love and hope for the future."
Arwen and Aragorn looked at each other, they hadn't known about this particular tradition. They were discussing quietly when Legolas suddenly blurted something out that made Rita choke on her sip of water.
"Why do you not ask Rita?"
Aragorn turned to Rita. "You can sing? You never told me this."
Rita was about to explain that she couldn't sing, not really, when Legolas interrupted. "Quite nicely if I might add."
Finally regaining her voice Rita started to talk. "Not that nice, I mean Aragorn you have elves around here. They can sing so much better than me." Silently Rita was begging with her eyes not to make her sing.
Either Aragorn didn't catch her plea or he had some weird sense of humor but Rita closed her eyes in defeat when she heard him say. "Rita, will you please sing to us."
After sending Legolas an evil glare Rita got up so she could be seen by all. She was thinking about what to sing and then it hit her, the perfect song. A song by Shania Twain.
"This song is in Common so I'm sorry for those who can't understand that. And just so you know, don't come complaining to me when your ears fall off, complain to the king over there." She said with a nod to Aragorn.
This evoked a few chuckles in the crowd and Rita waited until it was completely quiet again. she started to sing in her unique voice. It wasn't bad to listen to but it wasn't as beautiful as the singing of an elf either.
"From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on"
As she finished applause erupted from the crowd. The song had touched them. It also didn't escape the attention that Rita glanced at Elladan for a long time while she was singing. It was as much as a song in honor of the newlyweds as it was a statement of her love for the elf beside her.
Rita was blushing when she sat down and she kicked Legolas under the table, she kicked hard. "I will get you for that Legolas Greenleaf, mark my words I will get you."
Just as Legolas was about to retort Arwen interfered. "Now children do we need to put you apart from each other?"
"You know Arwen" said Legolas "This is the second time you called me a child."
Arwen smiled. "You deserved it then Legolas, just as you deserved it now."
A band started to play and Arwen and Aragorn danced the first dance. After that everybody could join. Soon there were many couples on the dance floor. Celeborn and Galadriel danced a few times, Faramir and Éowyn were hardly seen without each other and there were others as well.
Elladan held his arm out to Rita and she accepted it. The two started to dance slowly and Rita rested her head against his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
She could feel his arms tighten around her and she sighed in contentment. Too soon the song was over and Elladan was waved over by Elrohir who wore an anxious expression.
He gave her an apologetic look but she shooed him away. "Elrohir looks really worried about something, you better find out what it's about."
Looking around she saw Haldir standing next to Legolas so she went to them. "What are the two of you standing here for like wallflowers. I would think the ladies were fawning themselves over you two."
"They do." Haldir said in a dryly "But Legolas and I have developed a tactic."
Rita rose her eyebrows. "What kind of tactic?"
"Well" Legolas said "Every time we see a female approaching we start to discuss a certain element from battle."
Haldir continued the explanation. "And not only does this make the women back away, it makes them think they would be interrupting an important conversation as well."
"I have one word for you two: evil."
The two elves smiled at her. "Whatever it takes to be left alone."
Suddenly Rita saw a familiar face. "Fioma, what are you doing here all one your own. You should be on the dance floor, having fun."
"Well after the incident a few months back I think I'll be fine like this."
Realizing she hadn't introduced her friend yet Rita hurried to fix her mistake. "Fioma, you already know Legolas but this is Haldir from Lothlorien. Haldir, this is Fioma from Rivendell."
The two greeted each other properly but Rita could see the glint of interest in Haldir's eyes. *What do you know, he really likes her. Maybe Legolas will help me out with a little scheme*
Haldir and Fioma were talking about Rivendell when Rita muttered at Legolas. "Ask Fioma to dance and I'll make Haldir dance with me, the next song we'll switch."
"Why" Legolas muttered back.
Rita rolled her eyes, men could be so dumb. "Because they are getting nowhere at this rate and Haldir likes her and Fioma needs a decent guy."
With a smile Legolas nodded and asked Fioma for a dance. Fioma accepted. (who would turn a prince down) and the two made their way to the dance floor.
After 20 seconds Rita started to nag. "I wanna dance too, dance with me Haldir please. I'll be your best friend if you do."
"I thought you already were my best friend." Haldir commented.
"Yeah but if you dance with me you'll ensure this. Please I really wanna dance."
Rolling his eyes Haldir led her to the dance floor. They swayed to the music and were close but not too close. When the music stopped and the next song started Legolas and Fioma suddenly appeared beside them.
"Rita, I don't believe we have had the pleasure of dancing together yet have we?"
"No I don't think we have." Rita played along, avoiding Haldir's eyes because she knew he would no the plan in an instant if he looked at her.
"May I?" Legolas asked Haldir.
Haldir just handed Rita's hand to Legolas but asked for Fioma's hand in return. Fioma blushed a little as Haldir pulled her towards him to dance and Rita and Legolas exchanged proud looks.
Rita and Legolas started to dance their way to the other side of the room where Rumil and Orophin were standing, their wives were discussing something with their friends a few yards away.
"Hello Rita" said Rumil "I thought I saw Haldir with you just now, what did you do with him?"
Rita gave him a huge smile. "I just did what I promised I'd do Rumil." When he looked confused she explained herself further. "I hooked him up with a nice girl." And she motioned to the dance floor where Haldir and Fioma were dancing.
A smile started to form on Rumil's face and Rita immediately caught his drift. "And don't you dare to tease him with this. He is withdrawn as it is already, teasing will only make it worse."
Rumil sighed in disappointment but he knew she was right.
The rest of the night was spent dancing and laughing. Elladan returned to Rita after an hour, a huge smile on his face. He pulled her in an embrace as soon as he got there, earning a few catcalls around them, and held onto her for a long time.
"Lets go on a walk" Elladan suggested and Rita agreed. For some reason they ended up in the library again and Elladan sat in the fluffy chair with Rita on his lap.
He brushed the hair out of her face and pulled her close to kiss her. Rita felt the familiar sparks go through her as his lips claimed hers.
After a few minutes the kiss was broken and Rita rested her head against his chest. "I missed you so much." She said.
"I missed you too melamin, we have been apart for a longer time before, but these few weeks were somehow harder than those months."
"You almost lost me you know." Rita said with a serious face.
Elladan looked at her sharply. "What are you talking about?"
"I was nearly poisoned. Legolas decided to cook. Trust me, you do not want to eat anything he prepares."
He started to laugh at this. "Don't ever do that to me again, you nearly scared me to death. I don't want to loose you. Not now, not ever."
Rita knew in the back of her mind that there was something wrong with this but she tugged these feelings away. All she wanted to do was focus on her love as they pulled together for another kiss.
She had no idea what the next day would have in store for her.
A/N: Cliffie. . . aren't I evil!!! Hope you liked the chapter and thought it was long enough. I owed it to you guys after the short ones I've been sending you. Let me know, what did you guys think was it cliche or too fluffy or was it actually ok? Review please!!!