I have spring break!!!! Oh well, you can call it study time. I will try to
update at least once a week so don't worry about the story. Here's another
chapter and I already know it will be very hard to read. I have to thank
you guys a lot because. . . I HAVE OVER 700 REVIEWS!!!!!!!!
Iluvenis: I don't know if Elladan will punch Elrond, something tells me he won't do that but who knows what's going to happen?
Youkai Ryuu: This is and will remain to be an Elladan/Rita fic. I've spent so many hours developing their relation that it would seem wrong to have Rita with anyone else.
Dara Maeko: Ik hoop dat je dit hoofdstuk snel bereikt zodat je ziet dat ik je bedank. But I'm gonna type in English cause it seems politer, seeing how (probably) not many people can read Dutch.
LanierShazar: Yep drastic measures for Rita. . . hmmm harm? You just gave me a brilliant idea, THANK YOU!!!!!
Shinigami29: So happy you loved last chapter and I hope you won't think any less about this chapter. How is your fic going by the way, are you making any progress?
Lil kawaii doom: So happy you're okay again, health is very important! Hope you like this chapter.
Danceingfae: Thanks for the compliment, it made me feel a little better about last chapter. Somehow it didn't come out like I had imagined it. Take the Hallie-bit. Don't ask me where that came from, I had no intention about writing about her past again. Ah well, my muse worked in mysterious ways and who am I to question that.
Aislin: Don't worry, you don't have to send me a chapter, just do it if you want to and I'll read it. Have fun camping, I have only done that once and I still shudder to think about it. Some people are just not meant to go camping.
Passion Lover: When I said I'd do a combination of all four options that also included the running. It seems a bit out of character for Rita to run from her troubles but no worries, this issue will be tackled in this chapter, or the next if this one turns out to be too long.
Musicgrl: You really think this is one of my better chapters? Huh, and here I was thinking it was an okay chapter but nothing special. Thanks for the confidence-boost I guess I needed it.
AragothwinElfBlade: You remind me of Punkpunk, why wouldn't you be able to eat strawberries anymore, They are yummy and red and. . . never mind my ramblings I'm a little crazy.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: When I know you'll know. I have a small inkling to where she might be heading but I still have to work out that idea.
The Story Weaver: You really think so? Thanks!
Aaurumlupi: I hope this chapter was worth the wait, I hope I will be able to put the father/son-fight in this chapter.
Lady of Legolas: Happy belated birthday!!!! Think of this chapter as a late present because this chapter is now dedicated to you!!!
Tarilenea: You liked the prank, I'm happy about that. I just came up with it and have no idea if it would work but if you should try it let me know the result.
Lily Martin: Oops, I didn't mean to trash your name. I guess not all the Elven-name-translators are very original huh. Don't worry Tári is a great name. I had no idea it meant queen. Didn't know you were using it in your fic either, can I still use it or do you want me to change it????
Corinna: You were jealous of Rita?? Hihi, that's just a little funny. Wait with slapping Elrond for a little longer, let's see how his part in this chapter will turn out first. Oh and on the game, want to hear something depressing? My little sister beat the little green trolls, I have been humiliated by a ten-year-old!!!
Leithendel: Whoops, you didn't know this was my first fic, uhm. . . it still doesn't mean I'm a genius or something. She will come back eventually. . . I think but I promise nothing.
D-Chan: Sorry, I just reread some of my last chapters and you are right. I seem to be writing cliffies more often but I think I have an explanation for that. It's getting harder and harder to think of what to write and when my inspiration stops, it stops and I end up with a cliffie. And thank you for the site, I already sent you an email.
Kate: Ouch!!!! Burns suck!!! You have two little brothers? Man I don't think I would survive that, lucky me I only have one little sister.
Elvish princess: I got the review so that's good right? One of your names is Tári and you are obsessed with Legolas. Who are you and what have you done to my muse??? This cannot be coincidence. *lol* Just kidding! ;)
Mellon: Thanks for your review and I hope you will like this chapter as well. It will be another long one I think.
Blahblah: Oh yeah, the joking around, I'll put it in this chapter I promise!!!! The game is great, I (well technically my sister but it's mine as well) have the TTT and you can choose between Legolas, Aragorn, Gandalf, Frodo and Éowyn. Playing Frodo sucks though, he can't kill quick enough and ends up dead all the time.
MaverickGirl: Happy you liked the chapter and I hope you'll like this one as well.
Arwen-evenstar: I am so happy you liked the fight, it was so hard to write because I didn't want it to turn into a shouting match or something.
Cat: Hope you like this chapter though this will contain running to Haldir at some point.'
Siren: Stop beating the Elf-lord Siren, I need him in this chapter. ;) Who says Tári will stay away, I may have plans for her in the future.
Soul: Keep reading, you're only 14 chapters away from chapter 51. I hope you reach it soon so you can see me thanking you for your review. And about the elves, what Rita said was meant as a compliment, not to make them look bad. And I just rechecked my reviews and see you reached chapter 51, so happy you like it.
Meggers: I love vacation!!!! Happy you like where I'm going with the fic, even I don't even know where I'm going. I hope this chapter will live up to your expectations.
DISCLAIMER: :P Don't wanna :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P ;)
She had forgotten about the speed of Asfaloth. The grand elven-horse was almost as fast as Shadowfax and that was saying something.
When the sun started to rise Rita decided to have a small break and she saw just the place to do that. She was somewhere between Gondor and Rohan and she still had no idea where she was going, she just wanted to get away.
When she saw a small lake she told Asfaloth to go to it. It was remarkable how easily she had adjusted to riding without a saddle. She now felt more linked with the horse.
Jumping off his back Rita knelt at the water and washed her face with it. Asfaloth ate some grass and relaxed a little after all the running he had done.
Rita sat down on the grass and leaned against a tree, her weapons still in range if trouble would arise. The sun had risen completely, announcing the start of the day.
She couldn't help but wonder if anyone had found out she was gone yet, and what would happen next. Sighing she broke off that kind of thought.
*It's no good second-guessing yourself Rita* she said to herself. She ate a piece of lembas and climbed on top Asfaloth again. Speeding to god knows where.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn had woken up early that morning but he had no idea why. There was a sense of dread in his heart but he didn't know where it was coming from or what it meant.
He got dressed in some comfortable clothes and made his way to the library, maybe some reading would help.
After a few stressful days he had dismissed the guards that were assigned to follow him all the time. It was nerve wrecking for a ranger to be followed everywhere.
When he entered the library he was met with the sight of one of his brothers who had crouched up in one of the chairs. After some inspection he recognized Elladan. He wasn't looking very good and Aragorn made his way to him quickly.
"Elladan, is something amiss? You look terrible brother, what ails your mind?"
the elf in the chair didn't even look at him but after some time he did speak. "How would you look when your beloved had just told you your relationship was over?"
"She did what?" Aragorn asked incredulously "Surely you are mistaken. Rita loved you Elladan, she would never do such a thing."
But while saying it Aragorn knew he was wrong. Rita was a very complex person and had a habit of pushing people away, as she had tried to do to him on a few occasions.
"Oh she did brother but I will find out why she is trying to end our bond."
Aragorn looked thoughtful. "Did she gave you a reason to why she did it? A solid reason and not some excuses."
"She does not want me to give up my immortality for her. she said that I deserved to live for eternity and that I would find someone else to love. When I asked her what happened she said that she had just seen the truth. I don't understand anymore Estel, what happened to her."
At hearing his childhood name Aragorn smiled but he grew serious once again. something about what Elladan said Rita has said sounded familiar but he didn't know. . . "Oh no." He suddenly whispered.
"What?" Elladan asked, his elven hearing allowing him to hear what was just said. "What is wrong Aragorn, you have to tell me."
He watched as Aragorn shook his head a little while muttering something even he was not able to hear all the time. All Elladan was able to pick up was something along the lines of.
". . . foolish girl. . . why. . . she should have come to me. . ."
Elladan couldn't stand it anymore. "What is going on Aragorn, you know what happened to Rita don't you? I need to know what happened Aragorn, tell me."
"First I need you to tell me exactly what your reaction was to what she said." When Elladan wanted to protest he added. "This is important brother."
So Elladan told in great detail about how he had tried to make her see that she was wrong and with a little embarrassment he also told about the 'threat' and the kiss.
When he finished Aragorn had buried his face in his hands until he jumped up and started to run. Elladan, not knowing what to do followed him and blinked when they reached Rita's room.
Aragorn was already inside when Elladan too entered. He was shocked by the state of the room. Drawers were open and clothes were thrown across the ground. After some inspection he saw there were some vital items missing and it was Aragorn who voiced what they were both thinking.
"She's gone and I have no idea to where she might have gone."
Elladan sat down on the bed. "This is my fault. If I hadn't confronted her like I had, if I had sent you to talk to her. this might not have happened if I had done that."
At this precise moment Legolas showed up in the room, a bow on his shoulder. He had come to collect Rita for another day of practice but found the two men instead.
"What happened here and where is Rita?" he asked in an urgent tone.
The situation was explained fast and Legolas was frowning because he had no idea to where Rita might have gone either.
"Okay" said Legolas. "If I wanted to get away quickly I would take a horse and ride away. But Rita trusts only one horse and that is Asfaloth. if he is still in his stable she has left on foot and we can find her faster than if she did take Asfaloth."
As if on agreement the three rushed to the stables only to find Asfaloth's place empty and their faces fell. It was no secret Asfaloth was a very fast horse and Rita could be miles away by now.
Aragorn took the lead and called a select few for a meeting in his chambers at 11:00. At that time the fellowship, Arwen, Fioma, the twins and Haldir were sitting around a table and beside Legolas and Elladan, none knew the reason for the meeting.
Once everyone was seated Aragorn quickly and thoroughly explained the situation, stressing the fact that Rita should be found as soon as possible in case she might get into trouble.
Even with the end of Sauron's rule and the destruction of most orcs, the roads still weren't a safe place for a woman on her own. Even if that woman was a fierce warrior.
After he had finished talking everybody started talking at the same time, save Elladan (who was still in a bit of a shock) and Haldir.
The latter was in a far-of place because Elrohir had to wave his hand in front of Haldir's face to get his attention.
"I apologize, you were saying?" Haldir asked in his normal, get-to-the- point tone.
Elrohir decided to ignore this and stated the question he had for the second time. "You are closer to her then the most of us, do you have any idea where she might have gone?"
For a long time Haldir thought and the others were now silent, giving him time and space to think. Finally Haldir started to speak.
"There are a few options but only if she left with a destination in mind. Even I cannot understand the turns her thoughts take at times. But if she thought about where she was going there only three places she might have gone to."
"Fangorn forest is one. Rita has been eager to meet the Ents. She finds them fascinating seeing how they are even older than elves."
Pippin interrupted him. "He's right you know. She has practically interrogated me on everything I know about the Ents. Not that I could tell her a whole lot but she really wanted to meet Treebeard sometimes."
Haldir acted as if Pippin had said a word. "Number two is Lothlorien, though I find it unlikely she has gone there. She likes the woods but I doubt she would go there for it would be likely we'd come and look for her."
"It is still an option we have to consider." Aragorn pointed out.
The elf nodded and continued. "Finally she could have gone to Ithilien. She would spend hours sitting on one of the balconies and think. Maybe she has gone there to straighten her thoughts."
They were all lost in thought until it was Gimli who broke the silence. "Well I don't know about you lot but I think we should go and find her now before the lass does something stupid."
After some discussion it was decided that Fioma, Arwen, the hobbits and a reluctant Aragorn and Elladan would remain behind.
The hobbits were very disappointed about this, especially Pippin, but when it was pointed out to him that they were running out of time he calmed down a little.
Fioma and Arwen never expected to be part of the search (since the women right organization wasn't active then, with the exception of Éowyn) and everybody knew Rita would never change her mind if she were speaking to Elladan.
Aragorn was a different story however. He knew he was one of the closest people to her and his Ranger skills would come in handy. On the other hand there was his duty as king and that was what finally convinced him to stay behind.
So that left Haldir, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf and Elrohir for the search party. Legolas and Gimli would ride Arod to Fangorn forest, while Elrohir and Gandalf would ride to Ithilien. Haldir would go solo and ride to Lothlorien.
As the group began to leave the room Aragorn gave Haldir a sign to wait a minute. Once everyone had left Aragorn turned to the elf who was standing next to him with a serious expression.
"I did not want to say this is front of Elladan, not while he is still so upset but I believe I know why Rita suddenly saw the 'truth' as she called it."
Haldir's to this was nothing but the raising of an eyebrow and Aragorn took it as a cue to continue.
"I believe Lord Elrond has been speaking with Rita. The things Rita said to Elladan, it was almost exactly what he said to me before I left Rivendell to go on the quest. I almost gave in but in the end I decided to let the events flow. I might have died on the quest so I thought that the immortality issue would present itself after that. I have to admit though that I was doubting my decision until the minute Arwen and I exchanged our vows."
Realization flooded in Haldir's eyes. "If Lord Elrond has been speaking with Rita it is understandable that she left. Rita loves Elladan but if she thinks she might do something to hurt him she would let him go, like she has done already."
"Sometimes I wonder why she cannot see that she is a wonderful person who deserves all the happiness in the world." Said Aragorn.
"You do not even know half of what happened to her. I have never met a more stubborn or stronger person that Rita. But those aspects of her will be her downfall if she isn't careful."
Aragorn frowned. "She has told you about her past hasn't she?"
"More than I'd like to know, though I would never tell her that. she has gone to extreme lengths to keep her sister safe and I know she will go to even more extreme lengths to keep Elladan safe. Even if it means leaving him. The stubborn fool hasn't even warned me about this one." Haldir muttered the last sentence as if he were speaking to himself.
Suddenly Aragorn chuckled. "She certainly is stubborn isn't she? She even managed something others had thought impossible by now."
"And what may that be?"
"She 'hooked' you up with a decent girl, like she said you would. How is Fioma doing lately?"
Then the most incredible thing happened: Haldir blushed. Yep you read it correctly, Haldir of Lothlorien, brave and fearless marchwarden and protector of the woods. . . blushed.
He blushed a nice shade of red as well and Aragorn couldn't help but chuckle even louder. Haldir mumbled something in the term of meddling idiots and some people being too nosey.
Finally Aragorn took pity to Haldir and asked the elf to find Rita and give the support she needed. As Haldir walked out the door Aragorn yelled something after him.
"Just get her back here, I don't care if you have to knock her over the head to do it. Just bring her back to us."
Haldir nodded and finally disappeared to the stables.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When the sun started to go down Rita realized she had to find a good place to rest before it was too dark to do anything.
She couldn't help but shudder when she thought about what could happen in the dark. Not even thinking about the danger of facing orcs, Rita was more concerned about Asfaloth maybe slipping on some wet mud or something like that. she didn't want the horse to get hurt.
Somehow her mood affected the weather because it started to rain. Suddenly Rita saw some shelter and Asfaloth saw it as well.
It was a group of trees, somehow creating a shielded spot for it was dry. Rita's teeth were chattering from the cold rain by the time they got there but she didn't worry about that.
She grabbed one of the towels she had packed and started to rub Asfaloth dry. Only when she finished that she grabbed a dry change of clothes.
Now Rita was not very comfortable about changing in the open but seeing how it was dark she stood close to Asfaloth as she switched her wet clothes for dry ones.
After hanging her wet clothes over the branches Rita ate some lembas and gave some to Asfaloth as well. She laughed when he snorted and put his head on her shoulder. Soon she found she was getting more and more tired and got her bedroll out.
Asfaloth lay on the ground and Rita curled up next to him. trying to get some sleep.
A/N: I am so sorry I have to stop now but I don't think I can continue this chapter anymore. My eyes are al sore from staring at the monitor and I have a slight case of writer's block. I have no idea how I should let the talk between Haldir and Rita go, nor do I have any idea how to do the fight between Elladan and Elrond. If you have an idea please let me know.
Iluvenis: I don't know if Elladan will punch Elrond, something tells me he won't do that but who knows what's going to happen?
Youkai Ryuu: This is and will remain to be an Elladan/Rita fic. I've spent so many hours developing their relation that it would seem wrong to have Rita with anyone else.
Dara Maeko: Ik hoop dat je dit hoofdstuk snel bereikt zodat je ziet dat ik je bedank. But I'm gonna type in English cause it seems politer, seeing how (probably) not many people can read Dutch.
LanierShazar: Yep drastic measures for Rita. . . hmmm harm? You just gave me a brilliant idea, THANK YOU!!!!!
Shinigami29: So happy you loved last chapter and I hope you won't think any less about this chapter. How is your fic going by the way, are you making any progress?
Lil kawaii doom: So happy you're okay again, health is very important! Hope you like this chapter.
Danceingfae: Thanks for the compliment, it made me feel a little better about last chapter. Somehow it didn't come out like I had imagined it. Take the Hallie-bit. Don't ask me where that came from, I had no intention about writing about her past again. Ah well, my muse worked in mysterious ways and who am I to question that.
Aislin: Don't worry, you don't have to send me a chapter, just do it if you want to and I'll read it. Have fun camping, I have only done that once and I still shudder to think about it. Some people are just not meant to go camping.
Passion Lover: When I said I'd do a combination of all four options that also included the running. It seems a bit out of character for Rita to run from her troubles but no worries, this issue will be tackled in this chapter, or the next if this one turns out to be too long.
Musicgrl: You really think this is one of my better chapters? Huh, and here I was thinking it was an okay chapter but nothing special. Thanks for the confidence-boost I guess I needed it.
AragothwinElfBlade: You remind me of Punkpunk, why wouldn't you be able to eat strawberries anymore, They are yummy and red and. . . never mind my ramblings I'm a little crazy.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: When I know you'll know. I have a small inkling to where she might be heading but I still have to work out that idea.
The Story Weaver: You really think so? Thanks!
Aaurumlupi: I hope this chapter was worth the wait, I hope I will be able to put the father/son-fight in this chapter.
Lady of Legolas: Happy belated birthday!!!! Think of this chapter as a late present because this chapter is now dedicated to you!!!
Tarilenea: You liked the prank, I'm happy about that. I just came up with it and have no idea if it would work but if you should try it let me know the result.
Lily Martin: Oops, I didn't mean to trash your name. I guess not all the Elven-name-translators are very original huh. Don't worry Tári is a great name. I had no idea it meant queen. Didn't know you were using it in your fic either, can I still use it or do you want me to change it????
Corinna: You were jealous of Rita?? Hihi, that's just a little funny. Wait with slapping Elrond for a little longer, let's see how his part in this chapter will turn out first. Oh and on the game, want to hear something depressing? My little sister beat the little green trolls, I have been humiliated by a ten-year-old!!!
Leithendel: Whoops, you didn't know this was my first fic, uhm. . . it still doesn't mean I'm a genius or something. She will come back eventually. . . I think but I promise nothing.
D-Chan: Sorry, I just reread some of my last chapters and you are right. I seem to be writing cliffies more often but I think I have an explanation for that. It's getting harder and harder to think of what to write and when my inspiration stops, it stops and I end up with a cliffie. And thank you for the site, I already sent you an email.
Kate: Ouch!!!! Burns suck!!! You have two little brothers? Man I don't think I would survive that, lucky me I only have one little sister.
Elvish princess: I got the review so that's good right? One of your names is Tári and you are obsessed with Legolas. Who are you and what have you done to my muse??? This cannot be coincidence. *lol* Just kidding! ;)
Mellon: Thanks for your review and I hope you will like this chapter as well. It will be another long one I think.
Blahblah: Oh yeah, the joking around, I'll put it in this chapter I promise!!!! The game is great, I (well technically my sister but it's mine as well) have the TTT and you can choose between Legolas, Aragorn, Gandalf, Frodo and Éowyn. Playing Frodo sucks though, he can't kill quick enough and ends up dead all the time.
MaverickGirl: Happy you liked the chapter and I hope you'll like this one as well.
Arwen-evenstar: I am so happy you liked the fight, it was so hard to write because I didn't want it to turn into a shouting match or something.
Cat: Hope you like this chapter though this will contain running to Haldir at some point.'
Siren: Stop beating the Elf-lord Siren, I need him in this chapter. ;) Who says Tári will stay away, I may have plans for her in the future.
Soul: Keep reading, you're only 14 chapters away from chapter 51. I hope you reach it soon so you can see me thanking you for your review. And about the elves, what Rita said was meant as a compliment, not to make them look bad. And I just rechecked my reviews and see you reached chapter 51, so happy you like it.
Meggers: I love vacation!!!! Happy you like where I'm going with the fic, even I don't even know where I'm going. I hope this chapter will live up to your expectations.
DISCLAIMER: :P Don't wanna :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P ;)
She had forgotten about the speed of Asfaloth. The grand elven-horse was almost as fast as Shadowfax and that was saying something.
When the sun started to rise Rita decided to have a small break and she saw just the place to do that. She was somewhere between Gondor and Rohan and she still had no idea where she was going, she just wanted to get away.
When she saw a small lake she told Asfaloth to go to it. It was remarkable how easily she had adjusted to riding without a saddle. She now felt more linked with the horse.
Jumping off his back Rita knelt at the water and washed her face with it. Asfaloth ate some grass and relaxed a little after all the running he had done.
Rita sat down on the grass and leaned against a tree, her weapons still in range if trouble would arise. The sun had risen completely, announcing the start of the day.
She couldn't help but wonder if anyone had found out she was gone yet, and what would happen next. Sighing she broke off that kind of thought.
*It's no good second-guessing yourself Rita* she said to herself. She ate a piece of lembas and climbed on top Asfaloth again. Speeding to god knows where.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn had woken up early that morning but he had no idea why. There was a sense of dread in his heart but he didn't know where it was coming from or what it meant.
He got dressed in some comfortable clothes and made his way to the library, maybe some reading would help.
After a few stressful days he had dismissed the guards that were assigned to follow him all the time. It was nerve wrecking for a ranger to be followed everywhere.
When he entered the library he was met with the sight of one of his brothers who had crouched up in one of the chairs. After some inspection he recognized Elladan. He wasn't looking very good and Aragorn made his way to him quickly.
"Elladan, is something amiss? You look terrible brother, what ails your mind?"
the elf in the chair didn't even look at him but after some time he did speak. "How would you look when your beloved had just told you your relationship was over?"
"She did what?" Aragorn asked incredulously "Surely you are mistaken. Rita loved you Elladan, she would never do such a thing."
But while saying it Aragorn knew he was wrong. Rita was a very complex person and had a habit of pushing people away, as she had tried to do to him on a few occasions.
"Oh she did brother but I will find out why she is trying to end our bond."
Aragorn looked thoughtful. "Did she gave you a reason to why she did it? A solid reason and not some excuses."
"She does not want me to give up my immortality for her. she said that I deserved to live for eternity and that I would find someone else to love. When I asked her what happened she said that she had just seen the truth. I don't understand anymore Estel, what happened to her."
At hearing his childhood name Aragorn smiled but he grew serious once again. something about what Elladan said Rita has said sounded familiar but he didn't know. . . "Oh no." He suddenly whispered.
"What?" Elladan asked, his elven hearing allowing him to hear what was just said. "What is wrong Aragorn, you have to tell me."
He watched as Aragorn shook his head a little while muttering something even he was not able to hear all the time. All Elladan was able to pick up was something along the lines of.
". . . foolish girl. . . why. . . she should have come to me. . ."
Elladan couldn't stand it anymore. "What is going on Aragorn, you know what happened to Rita don't you? I need to know what happened Aragorn, tell me."
"First I need you to tell me exactly what your reaction was to what she said." When Elladan wanted to protest he added. "This is important brother."
So Elladan told in great detail about how he had tried to make her see that she was wrong and with a little embarrassment he also told about the 'threat' and the kiss.
When he finished Aragorn had buried his face in his hands until he jumped up and started to run. Elladan, not knowing what to do followed him and blinked when they reached Rita's room.
Aragorn was already inside when Elladan too entered. He was shocked by the state of the room. Drawers were open and clothes were thrown across the ground. After some inspection he saw there were some vital items missing and it was Aragorn who voiced what they were both thinking.
"She's gone and I have no idea to where she might have gone."
Elladan sat down on the bed. "This is my fault. If I hadn't confronted her like I had, if I had sent you to talk to her. this might not have happened if I had done that."
At this precise moment Legolas showed up in the room, a bow on his shoulder. He had come to collect Rita for another day of practice but found the two men instead.
"What happened here and where is Rita?" he asked in an urgent tone.
The situation was explained fast and Legolas was frowning because he had no idea to where Rita might have gone either.
"Okay" said Legolas. "If I wanted to get away quickly I would take a horse and ride away. But Rita trusts only one horse and that is Asfaloth. if he is still in his stable she has left on foot and we can find her faster than if she did take Asfaloth."
As if on agreement the three rushed to the stables only to find Asfaloth's place empty and their faces fell. It was no secret Asfaloth was a very fast horse and Rita could be miles away by now.
Aragorn took the lead and called a select few for a meeting in his chambers at 11:00. At that time the fellowship, Arwen, Fioma, the twins and Haldir were sitting around a table and beside Legolas and Elladan, none knew the reason for the meeting.
Once everyone was seated Aragorn quickly and thoroughly explained the situation, stressing the fact that Rita should be found as soon as possible in case she might get into trouble.
Even with the end of Sauron's rule and the destruction of most orcs, the roads still weren't a safe place for a woman on her own. Even if that woman was a fierce warrior.
After he had finished talking everybody started talking at the same time, save Elladan (who was still in a bit of a shock) and Haldir.
The latter was in a far-of place because Elrohir had to wave his hand in front of Haldir's face to get his attention.
"I apologize, you were saying?" Haldir asked in his normal, get-to-the- point tone.
Elrohir decided to ignore this and stated the question he had for the second time. "You are closer to her then the most of us, do you have any idea where she might have gone?"
For a long time Haldir thought and the others were now silent, giving him time and space to think. Finally Haldir started to speak.
"There are a few options but only if she left with a destination in mind. Even I cannot understand the turns her thoughts take at times. But if she thought about where she was going there only three places she might have gone to."
"Fangorn forest is one. Rita has been eager to meet the Ents. She finds them fascinating seeing how they are even older than elves."
Pippin interrupted him. "He's right you know. She has practically interrogated me on everything I know about the Ents. Not that I could tell her a whole lot but she really wanted to meet Treebeard sometimes."
Haldir acted as if Pippin had said a word. "Number two is Lothlorien, though I find it unlikely she has gone there. She likes the woods but I doubt she would go there for it would be likely we'd come and look for her."
"It is still an option we have to consider." Aragorn pointed out.
The elf nodded and continued. "Finally she could have gone to Ithilien. She would spend hours sitting on one of the balconies and think. Maybe she has gone there to straighten her thoughts."
They were all lost in thought until it was Gimli who broke the silence. "Well I don't know about you lot but I think we should go and find her now before the lass does something stupid."
After some discussion it was decided that Fioma, Arwen, the hobbits and a reluctant Aragorn and Elladan would remain behind.
The hobbits were very disappointed about this, especially Pippin, but when it was pointed out to him that they were running out of time he calmed down a little.
Fioma and Arwen never expected to be part of the search (since the women right organization wasn't active then, with the exception of Éowyn) and everybody knew Rita would never change her mind if she were speaking to Elladan.
Aragorn was a different story however. He knew he was one of the closest people to her and his Ranger skills would come in handy. On the other hand there was his duty as king and that was what finally convinced him to stay behind.
So that left Haldir, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf and Elrohir for the search party. Legolas and Gimli would ride Arod to Fangorn forest, while Elrohir and Gandalf would ride to Ithilien. Haldir would go solo and ride to Lothlorien.
As the group began to leave the room Aragorn gave Haldir a sign to wait a minute. Once everyone had left Aragorn turned to the elf who was standing next to him with a serious expression.
"I did not want to say this is front of Elladan, not while he is still so upset but I believe I know why Rita suddenly saw the 'truth' as she called it."
Haldir's to this was nothing but the raising of an eyebrow and Aragorn took it as a cue to continue.
"I believe Lord Elrond has been speaking with Rita. The things Rita said to Elladan, it was almost exactly what he said to me before I left Rivendell to go on the quest. I almost gave in but in the end I decided to let the events flow. I might have died on the quest so I thought that the immortality issue would present itself after that. I have to admit though that I was doubting my decision until the minute Arwen and I exchanged our vows."
Realization flooded in Haldir's eyes. "If Lord Elrond has been speaking with Rita it is understandable that she left. Rita loves Elladan but if she thinks she might do something to hurt him she would let him go, like she has done already."
"Sometimes I wonder why she cannot see that she is a wonderful person who deserves all the happiness in the world." Said Aragorn.
"You do not even know half of what happened to her. I have never met a more stubborn or stronger person that Rita. But those aspects of her will be her downfall if she isn't careful."
Aragorn frowned. "She has told you about her past hasn't she?"
"More than I'd like to know, though I would never tell her that. she has gone to extreme lengths to keep her sister safe and I know she will go to even more extreme lengths to keep Elladan safe. Even if it means leaving him. The stubborn fool hasn't even warned me about this one." Haldir muttered the last sentence as if he were speaking to himself.
Suddenly Aragorn chuckled. "She certainly is stubborn isn't she? She even managed something others had thought impossible by now."
"And what may that be?"
"She 'hooked' you up with a decent girl, like she said you would. How is Fioma doing lately?"
Then the most incredible thing happened: Haldir blushed. Yep you read it correctly, Haldir of Lothlorien, brave and fearless marchwarden and protector of the woods. . . blushed.
He blushed a nice shade of red as well and Aragorn couldn't help but chuckle even louder. Haldir mumbled something in the term of meddling idiots and some people being too nosey.
Finally Aragorn took pity to Haldir and asked the elf to find Rita and give the support she needed. As Haldir walked out the door Aragorn yelled something after him.
"Just get her back here, I don't care if you have to knock her over the head to do it. Just bring her back to us."
Haldir nodded and finally disappeared to the stables.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When the sun started to go down Rita realized she had to find a good place to rest before it was too dark to do anything.
She couldn't help but shudder when she thought about what could happen in the dark. Not even thinking about the danger of facing orcs, Rita was more concerned about Asfaloth maybe slipping on some wet mud or something like that. she didn't want the horse to get hurt.
Somehow her mood affected the weather because it started to rain. Suddenly Rita saw some shelter and Asfaloth saw it as well.
It was a group of trees, somehow creating a shielded spot for it was dry. Rita's teeth were chattering from the cold rain by the time they got there but she didn't worry about that.
She grabbed one of the towels she had packed and started to rub Asfaloth dry. Only when she finished that she grabbed a dry change of clothes.
Now Rita was not very comfortable about changing in the open but seeing how it was dark she stood close to Asfaloth as she switched her wet clothes for dry ones.
After hanging her wet clothes over the branches Rita ate some lembas and gave some to Asfaloth as well. She laughed when he snorted and put his head on her shoulder. Soon she found she was getting more and more tired and got her bedroll out.
Asfaloth lay on the ground and Rita curled up next to him. trying to get some sleep.
A/N: I am so sorry I have to stop now but I don't think I can continue this chapter anymore. My eyes are al sore from staring at the monitor and I have a slight case of writer's block. I have no idea how I should let the talk between Haldir and Rita go, nor do I have any idea how to do the fight between Elladan and Elrond. If you have an idea please let me know.