Sorry it took me a while to post this chapter but I've been busy with
studying and writer's block. Plus I have just finished the first three
Harry Potter books. I love those books and now I'm reading the Goblet of
Fire, my aunt bought me the English versions and I. . . I'll stop bothering
you with my book-obsession. Though I might write a HP-fic after I finish
this one. . . who knows????
Prophecy: It's not stupid, I have to admit I almost cried while writing that scene so it's okay. A huge fight huh, I'll try to make it as large as I can.
Soul: I hope you'll like this update, I have no idea how I am going to make this work out, but hey, it's a chapter right?
Songelf88 and G.H.S. the warg: Your eyes were not dead or wrong or anything like that I really wrote that. HALDIR really BLUSHED!!!! I thought that would be so funny and I'm glad you think so too.
D-Chan: It's not exactly that I am running out of things to do, it's just not knowing how to put my thoughts into words. . . am I making any sense?? Anyway I'll send you this chapter so you can post it at my site *giggles* wow I can actually say that. . . my site *giggles again*
Kayli: Don't worry about not reviewing regularly, I like it whenever you do review and that's what matters, especially when you compliment me like you did. *blushes* OMG THAT QUOTE!!! It absolutely fits with this chapter and I am so going to use it. THANK YOU!!!!
Marahootei: Wow, you're quite the enthusiast aren't you? Not that that's a bad thing, I love it actually. If you get an idea email me like you said, anyway I hope you like this chapter.
Aislin: Extreme much??? Kill to see Haldir blush?? My dear Aislin I think you've actually gone off your rocker this time ;) (just kidding)
Kate: So what if you say the same thing almost every chapter, it's always nice to hear that somebody likes your chapter.
American Elf: I hope your computer gave you access to chapter 52 by now and that you like it. Maybe it helps to hit it a few times.
Aurumlupi: Nope no father/son-fight yet, sorry. I hope to put it in this chapter but I think I will put that in next chapter. Right now I want to concentrate on the talk between Haldir and Rita.
Lily Martin: Okay, sorry if I overreacted a bit but I didn't want to offend you or anything so. . . now I'm rambling as well. Never mind me, I'm a little crazy.
Shinigami29: I've been a little busy lately so that explains the lack of updates and also the lack of emails I should be sending you. Anyway, I'm really busy but if you ever need any help with your fic just mail me for ideas okay?
Bloomin_Nicki: *stunned silence* I never knew there could be so many words in one sentence. ;) I like the ideas you gave me and I might use some of it, I can see you put a lot of thought into this and I hope your break is fun.
Danceingfae: I know exactly what you mean, muses are very cruel being sometimes aren't they? Thanks for your confidence in my writing abilities, I hope this chapter will turn out for the best.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: Thanks for your ideas Sorcha, I might let Haldir hit her over the head, but only if I'm desperate for a solution. ;)
Blahblah: Thanks for the idea, I love it when people think with me. As for the game, you start at Helm's Deep and then your character thinks back on how the trouble started, meaning you start at Caradhras (evil mountain). I can't say a lot about the game cause I'm still trapped inside Moria. I can't seem to be able to defeat the Cave Trolls. . . very frustrating.
Dara Maeko: Thanks for writing in English, call me crazy but I think that's a lot politer for others. *shrugs* I will answer your question in this chapter so stay tuned. Question: Do you know when TTT is coming out on VCR???
Corinna: The argument will probably be in next chapter but I hope you'll like this one as well. Here I'll have Haldir and Rita talking.
Asarielle: I am so happy you still like the story even without the war. It is harder to write stuff that's not based on the book but I hope it's nice to read as well.
The Story Weaver: Thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it. I hope this chapter will fit in with the others cause I have a hard time thinking of how to let the conversation go.
Musicgrl: Sorry to disappoint but there will be no fight yet, that will be next chapter.
LanierShazar: Thanks for the tip about the fight between Elladan and Elrond, but you're no help when it comes to this chapter. Ah well, I hope you'll like whatever springs from my insane brain. (oooh I made a rhyme!!!!)
MaverickGirl: Sometimes it does suck to be king but hey. I can't say if Rita will be in a lot of trouble, I have yet to think of what to do.
Elvish princess: Ohoh, chocolate is bad for hyperness (not a word I know) but it is GOOD, yummy chocolate!!!! You have weird dreams, I never thought my fic would ever get into someone's dreams (beside mine that is).
Iluvenis: Nice plan you got worked out. . . there's only one problem. Galadriel's in Gondor with the rest of the elves and she's only going back when the hobbits return to the Shire. Oh and I'll try to sop with the cliffies, and thanks for the recipe for lembas, I might make it when I finish school.
Siren: Okay because you asked so nicely. . . you can beat Elrond up as long as I can have him back for next chapter.
Lady of Legolas: Thanks for the idea and I might use some of it. (I'll be a pain and won't tell what part of your pan I might use)
Tianna: I hope you've been able to read last chapter. Enjoy reading this one as well, that is if your computer lets you.
DISCLAIMER: :P
It had been a week since Rita had left the castle and after traveling for a long time she ended up in the most unlikely place: Amon Hen.
She had just been riding Asfaloth in a direction, not even thinking about where she was going and now she ended up here.
Her eyes wandered to the tree under which Boromir had taken his last breath and she sighed. "I wish you were here Boromir, I could really use some brotherly advice about now."
Because even Rita knew that running didn't solve a thing. She walked to the river, gripping her sword tightly for she thought she had heard footsteps.
Cautiously she walked to the riverbank where the boats they had left behind were still lying. She could see the water go down go down the Rauros falls and softly sang the line from Boromir's funeral song that had touched her the most.
"To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days."
After letting Asfaloth wander on his own Rita sank to the ground as she repeated that line a few times. It had touched her so because of the meaning behind it.
For her it was so special because it was about a waterfall, which she loved and about the journey of Boromir's body over the Anduin.
But it also meant that Boromir had gone on his last and eternal journey. She could only hope he had found his peace in the afterlife.
She looked up and saw that the sun was starting to set once again. She put her sword away for she realized that her imagination had made the footsteps up.
*Great not only am I running, I'm also going out of my mind.* She thought as she pulled her bedroll out again.
Asfaloth, who saw her grab her bedroll, came to lie down with her again and Rita smiled as she snuggled close to the warmth the horse seemed to spread.
She owed the creature so much. Not only had he carried her for miles and miles, running without stumbling or slowing down once, but he had also kept her warm during the night and he even cheered her up from time to time.
But Rita noticed that she was craving for someone to talk to, someone other than Asfaloth. This was very weird for her since only months earlier, before she landed in Middle Earth, she had avoided conversations at any cost.
Now she was actually wishing she could talk to anyone about her troubles but she figured nobody would understand anyway.
She wasn't even sure SHE understood why she had run. With that depressing thought Rita fell asleep while listening to Asfaloth's steady heartbeat. Finally falling in a deep dreamless sleep instead of the one where nightmares haunted her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir was urging his horse to go faster as he saw the sun starting to set. He had borrowed one of the elven horses that would be able to run long and fast.
Even though Meniel, the horse he had borrowed, was not as fast as Asfaloth or Shadowfax, he was keeping up the pace.
Thanks to the horse's great stamina and Haldir's lack of need for rest, (He had been riding non-stop for days, only stopping once he felt the horse in need of rest and then he only stopped for an hour) they had almost reached Amon Hen already.
From there on it would only take half a day to reach the borders of his home and he was hoping to find Rita there.
Though when he thought about it rationally he knew there was no way she was sitting in one of the talans waiting for someone to retrieve her.
He was worried that she had gone into hiding because she wanted to be left alone. He had no idea what to say to her if he were to actually find her.
The oh so stoic Haldir was having trouble keeping his emotions in check. He was angry at Elrond for saying things that had made Rita run away, he was angry at Rita for running away and last but not least he was angry with himself for not noticing that something was plaguing his friend.
He had been so pre-occupied with wooing Fioma, he smirked at the thought. He was actually wooing someone.
Shaking his head slightly to return to his original train of thought he focussed on the situation at hand once again.
He could faintly hear the rumbling of the Rauros-falls and encouraged his horse to go a little faster since their destination was close now.
By that time darkness had fallen over the land and he was relying on his hearing and that of his horse's. Suddenly Meniel stopped abruptly and Haldir almost flew over his head. Almost being the keyword.
While he was muttering soft curses to the horse Meniel neighed softly. Haldir was very surprised when he heard another horse neigh in response.
He climbed off Meniel and started to make his way to the sound, Meniel following him. Once he had reached the source of the sound he could not stop himself from sighing in relief.
There she was, a little smudged and very tired looking, but she was safe and he had found her. Haldir didn't have the heart to wake her so he sat down against a tree and watched over her until she woke.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rita woke up to the sound of moving water and smiled as she snuggled a little closer to Asfaloth. If she had not known where she was and why she was there, she could have relaxed completely and feel at peace.
She realized that she better go again, though she had no idea where to go. She sat up and started to rub the sleep out of her eyes, still a little groggy after sleeping so deeply.
Imagine the shock that went through her as she suddenly heard a voice. "I was wondering when you would wake."
She turned to the sound of the voice so fast that she almost fell over, immediately reaching for her sword that lay beside her. She stopped reaching for it the second she realized who had spoken.
"Haldir, what. . . how. . . why. . . when. . . " Rita was speechless.
She watched as the elf stretched a little before he answered her. "I'm here to find you, I came here by horse, we were all worried and I found you last night while you were sleeping."
Rita blinked. "That answers those questions but. . . "
"But what Rita?"
"Why did you come to find me Haldir, how did you know where I was anyway? I don't understand."
"Like I told you before, I came to look for you because we were all worried about you. We had no idea where you might have gone so Legolas and Gimli have gone to Fangorn, Gandalf and Elrohir to Ithilien and I would go to Lothlorien. As for how I knew where to find you. . . I didn't but Meniel heard Asfaloth and led me to you."
Rita's mouth formed an o-shape but she stayed silent otherwise. This gave Haldir the opportunity to start his questioning.
"Why did you run away Rita? It is unlike you to run from any troubles, you have always faced them head-on and never have you gone confrontations out of the way."
Haldir watched as her shoulders slumped as a reaction to his words and immediately wanted to hit himself for his poor choice of words.
"What I mean Rita," he said "is that I am worried about what could have made you run away from everyone who cares about you."
He watched her twitch a little but waited patiently for her reply.
"I just needed to get away Haldir. It was for the best, I couldn't stay there knowing. . . "
"Knowing what Rita? Knowing that you had to let Elladan go or knowing he was not letting you go?"
Rita grimaced. "So you know about that huh? It's for the best Haldir, he will get over me eventually. He'll just have to move on like I have to move on as well. That's why I left."
Haldir didn't fail to notice that Rita had not looked at him during this explanation and as fast as only an elf could he jumped up and grabbed Rita's chin, making her look at him.
"If I wanted to hear your lies I would have believed what you had told Elladan but I know you too well to let this go Rita. Tell me what happened, what really happened."
Rita's eyes widened at his action and his cold words and Haldir could see the despair in her eyes as she tried to keep the tears away.
Her voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke again. "I should have known it was too good to be true. I had friends a man who loved me as much as I loved him. . . I should have known."
"Known what Rita?"
"That it wouldn't last. I only wanted to love him Haldir, I don't want to hurt him and it was pointed out to me that by continuing our relationship I would not only end up hurting Elladan but others as well."
Haldir had decided to let Rita do the talking, not telling her his and Aragorn's suspicions that it was Lord Elrond who had planted the seed of doubt in her mind. He watched as the words started to tumble out of her mouth, like she was relieved to be able to tell someone.
"The morning after the wedding I woke up early and I took a walk when I met Lord Elrond who wanted to speak to me. In that conversation he explained to me why the relationship between Elladan and me would never work. At first I told him it was not my choice to make, but after a while I could see the logic. I don't want to kill Elladan, I won't have another death on my hands let alone three."
"Three?" Haldir had no idea what she was talking about.
She nodded her head. "Yeah three. Elladan is number one because he wanted to choose a mortal life. But as everybody knows he is really close to Elrohir. So close in fact that Elrohir would follow his brother's lead without a doubt, him ending up to be number two. Number three is a person whom I have not even met. Elrohir is betrothed Haldir, she would follow her love's choice as well."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "I won't have another death on my hands Haldir, I can't! So I decided it was for the best to break it off. But instead of facing it head-on I was a coward, I started to avoid Elladan. This was okay for awhile until he confronted me. I suppose you already know what words were exchanged between us?"
When Haldir nodded she spoke again. "After that conversation, after that kiss. . . I just knew I had to leave."
"Why? What was so special that made you run away?"
Rita looked at him and he could see the sadness and the defeat in her eyes as she spoke in a small voice. "Because I realized that I was too weak to be able to handle another confrontation like that. All he would have to do was smile and I would have run back into his arms. All he had to do was kiss me once more and all my resolutions would have been forgotten. I just. . . " a few tears escaped and dripped down her face.
Haldir did the one thing he could think of and pulled her in his arms. It was as if a dam had broken once he did this and she started to sob.
He held her close and stroked her back as he was trying to make his anger disappear. Rita didn't need his anger for Lord Elrond and his actions, she needed a friend.
After what seemed like hours the sobbing changed into sniffling, which turned into silence except for her ragged breathing.
Rita listened to Haldir's heartbeat and felt herself calm down, especially when he kept stroking her back in a soothing manner.
She eventually pulled away, smiling a bit. "I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to make you all wet."
He smiled back at her, one of his rare smiles though smiling wasn't as rare for him as it once used to be. "That is alright Rita, this shirt needed to be washed anyway. What I don't understand about this entire situation is why you didn't come and talk to me, or Aragorn or anyone else."
"I can't say that I understand that either Haldir but a wise man called Sigmund Freud once said the following."
"When making a decision of minor importance, I have always found it advantageous to consider all the pros and cons. In vital matters, however, such as the choice of a mate or a profession, the decision should come from the unconscious, from somewhere within ourselves. In the important decisions of personal life, we should be governed, I think, by the deep inner needs of our nature."
After letting that comment sink in for a while Rita continued her explanation. "Freud said that the most important decisions are made by your instinct and it's my instinct to protect others. By leaving I would protect Elladan and the others."
"You were wrong. Did you really think we would let you go without a fight, that Elladan would let you go just like that? Rita, Rita, Rita. . . you are young and human, you could not possibly understand the power of love."
Haldir continued in a serious voice. "Love is the most powerful feeling ever, more powerful than hate for even hate springs from love."
"How can love spring from hate?" Rita asked confused.
"Hate is a powerful emotion that comes from fear and also from love. Love for power and often also for money. People envy those who are in a better situation and from all these emotions. . . love, fear and envy comes hate."
He shook his head. "I'm loosing track of the subject. Love is strong and every elf recognizes this. When an elf falls in love it is seen as a matter of fate. Elves only love once but when they do they love hard and long."
(A/N: I have no idea whether the theory Haldir just explained is true, it came from my imagination)
"No matter what you would have said, or what you would have done Elladan would never give you up. Not in a million years."
Rita looked up at him with a question in her eyes. "What should I do? I mean even if I go back. . . I can't just pick up where Elladan and I left off. I will not be the cause of is death."
"Why don't we leave that battle for when it comes?" asked Haldir "I advise you to ask guidance with Lady Galadriel for she is both wise as more objective than Lord Elrond. She has guided both Aragorn and Arwen, perhaps she has some words of wisdom for you as well."
After thinking about this for awhile Rita nodded. "You know what, I think I'll do that. She is not the Lady of the Woods just for her good looks. She is very wise as well and maybe she can explain some stuff to me."
"Come, we will ride back to Gondor." Haldir mounted Meniel and Rita Asfaloth. The two started on their journey back.
Rita's voice could be heard as they rode. "So Haldir, what's been going on with you and Fioma and I want all the details. . . "
A/N: Wow, that was it, the talk between Haldir and Rita. I hope you guys like it but I have a bad feeling about it. Something just isn't right but I can't seem to find what. If you spot it please let me know.
Prophecy: It's not stupid, I have to admit I almost cried while writing that scene so it's okay. A huge fight huh, I'll try to make it as large as I can.
Soul: I hope you'll like this update, I have no idea how I am going to make this work out, but hey, it's a chapter right?
Songelf88 and G.H.S. the warg: Your eyes were not dead or wrong or anything like that I really wrote that. HALDIR really BLUSHED!!!! I thought that would be so funny and I'm glad you think so too.
D-Chan: It's not exactly that I am running out of things to do, it's just not knowing how to put my thoughts into words. . . am I making any sense?? Anyway I'll send you this chapter so you can post it at my site *giggles* wow I can actually say that. . . my site *giggles again*
Kayli: Don't worry about not reviewing regularly, I like it whenever you do review and that's what matters, especially when you compliment me like you did. *blushes* OMG THAT QUOTE!!! It absolutely fits with this chapter and I am so going to use it. THANK YOU!!!!
Marahootei: Wow, you're quite the enthusiast aren't you? Not that that's a bad thing, I love it actually. If you get an idea email me like you said, anyway I hope you like this chapter.
Aislin: Extreme much??? Kill to see Haldir blush?? My dear Aislin I think you've actually gone off your rocker this time ;) (just kidding)
Kate: So what if you say the same thing almost every chapter, it's always nice to hear that somebody likes your chapter.
American Elf: I hope your computer gave you access to chapter 52 by now and that you like it. Maybe it helps to hit it a few times.
Aurumlupi: Nope no father/son-fight yet, sorry. I hope to put it in this chapter but I think I will put that in next chapter. Right now I want to concentrate on the talk between Haldir and Rita.
Lily Martin: Okay, sorry if I overreacted a bit but I didn't want to offend you or anything so. . . now I'm rambling as well. Never mind me, I'm a little crazy.
Shinigami29: I've been a little busy lately so that explains the lack of updates and also the lack of emails I should be sending you. Anyway, I'm really busy but if you ever need any help with your fic just mail me for ideas okay?
Bloomin_Nicki: *stunned silence* I never knew there could be so many words in one sentence. ;) I like the ideas you gave me and I might use some of it, I can see you put a lot of thought into this and I hope your break is fun.
Danceingfae: I know exactly what you mean, muses are very cruel being sometimes aren't they? Thanks for your confidence in my writing abilities, I hope this chapter will turn out for the best.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: Thanks for your ideas Sorcha, I might let Haldir hit her over the head, but only if I'm desperate for a solution. ;)
Blahblah: Thanks for the idea, I love it when people think with me. As for the game, you start at Helm's Deep and then your character thinks back on how the trouble started, meaning you start at Caradhras (evil mountain). I can't say a lot about the game cause I'm still trapped inside Moria. I can't seem to be able to defeat the Cave Trolls. . . very frustrating.
Dara Maeko: Thanks for writing in English, call me crazy but I think that's a lot politer for others. *shrugs* I will answer your question in this chapter so stay tuned. Question: Do you know when TTT is coming out on VCR???
Corinna: The argument will probably be in next chapter but I hope you'll like this one as well. Here I'll have Haldir and Rita talking.
Asarielle: I am so happy you still like the story even without the war. It is harder to write stuff that's not based on the book but I hope it's nice to read as well.
The Story Weaver: Thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it. I hope this chapter will fit in with the others cause I have a hard time thinking of how to let the conversation go.
Musicgrl: Sorry to disappoint but there will be no fight yet, that will be next chapter.
LanierShazar: Thanks for the tip about the fight between Elladan and Elrond, but you're no help when it comes to this chapter. Ah well, I hope you'll like whatever springs from my insane brain. (oooh I made a rhyme!!!!)
MaverickGirl: Sometimes it does suck to be king but hey. I can't say if Rita will be in a lot of trouble, I have yet to think of what to do.
Elvish princess: Ohoh, chocolate is bad for hyperness (not a word I know) but it is GOOD, yummy chocolate!!!! You have weird dreams, I never thought my fic would ever get into someone's dreams (beside mine that is).
Iluvenis: Nice plan you got worked out. . . there's only one problem. Galadriel's in Gondor with the rest of the elves and she's only going back when the hobbits return to the Shire. Oh and I'll try to sop with the cliffies, and thanks for the recipe for lembas, I might make it when I finish school.
Siren: Okay because you asked so nicely. . . you can beat Elrond up as long as I can have him back for next chapter.
Lady of Legolas: Thanks for the idea and I might use some of it. (I'll be a pain and won't tell what part of your pan I might use)
Tianna: I hope you've been able to read last chapter. Enjoy reading this one as well, that is if your computer lets you.
DISCLAIMER: :P
It had been a week since Rita had left the castle and after traveling for a long time she ended up in the most unlikely place: Amon Hen.
She had just been riding Asfaloth in a direction, not even thinking about where she was going and now she ended up here.
Her eyes wandered to the tree under which Boromir had taken his last breath and she sighed. "I wish you were here Boromir, I could really use some brotherly advice about now."
Because even Rita knew that running didn't solve a thing. She walked to the river, gripping her sword tightly for she thought she had heard footsteps.
Cautiously she walked to the riverbank where the boats they had left behind were still lying. She could see the water go down go down the Rauros falls and softly sang the line from Boromir's funeral song that had touched her the most.
"To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days."
After letting Asfaloth wander on his own Rita sank to the ground as she repeated that line a few times. It had touched her so because of the meaning behind it.
For her it was so special because it was about a waterfall, which she loved and about the journey of Boromir's body over the Anduin.
But it also meant that Boromir had gone on his last and eternal journey. She could only hope he had found his peace in the afterlife.
She looked up and saw that the sun was starting to set once again. She put her sword away for she realized that her imagination had made the footsteps up.
*Great not only am I running, I'm also going out of my mind.* She thought as she pulled her bedroll out again.
Asfaloth, who saw her grab her bedroll, came to lie down with her again and Rita smiled as she snuggled close to the warmth the horse seemed to spread.
She owed the creature so much. Not only had he carried her for miles and miles, running without stumbling or slowing down once, but he had also kept her warm during the night and he even cheered her up from time to time.
But Rita noticed that she was craving for someone to talk to, someone other than Asfaloth. This was very weird for her since only months earlier, before she landed in Middle Earth, she had avoided conversations at any cost.
Now she was actually wishing she could talk to anyone about her troubles but she figured nobody would understand anyway.
She wasn't even sure SHE understood why she had run. With that depressing thought Rita fell asleep while listening to Asfaloth's steady heartbeat. Finally falling in a deep dreamless sleep instead of the one where nightmares haunted her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir was urging his horse to go faster as he saw the sun starting to set. He had borrowed one of the elven horses that would be able to run long and fast.
Even though Meniel, the horse he had borrowed, was not as fast as Asfaloth or Shadowfax, he was keeping up the pace.
Thanks to the horse's great stamina and Haldir's lack of need for rest, (He had been riding non-stop for days, only stopping once he felt the horse in need of rest and then he only stopped for an hour) they had almost reached Amon Hen already.
From there on it would only take half a day to reach the borders of his home and he was hoping to find Rita there.
Though when he thought about it rationally he knew there was no way she was sitting in one of the talans waiting for someone to retrieve her.
He was worried that she had gone into hiding because she wanted to be left alone. He had no idea what to say to her if he were to actually find her.
The oh so stoic Haldir was having trouble keeping his emotions in check. He was angry at Elrond for saying things that had made Rita run away, he was angry at Rita for running away and last but not least he was angry with himself for not noticing that something was plaguing his friend.
He had been so pre-occupied with wooing Fioma, he smirked at the thought. He was actually wooing someone.
Shaking his head slightly to return to his original train of thought he focussed on the situation at hand once again.
He could faintly hear the rumbling of the Rauros-falls and encouraged his horse to go a little faster since their destination was close now.
By that time darkness had fallen over the land and he was relying on his hearing and that of his horse's. Suddenly Meniel stopped abruptly and Haldir almost flew over his head. Almost being the keyword.
While he was muttering soft curses to the horse Meniel neighed softly. Haldir was very surprised when he heard another horse neigh in response.
He climbed off Meniel and started to make his way to the sound, Meniel following him. Once he had reached the source of the sound he could not stop himself from sighing in relief.
There she was, a little smudged and very tired looking, but she was safe and he had found her. Haldir didn't have the heart to wake her so he sat down against a tree and watched over her until she woke.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rita woke up to the sound of moving water and smiled as she snuggled a little closer to Asfaloth. If she had not known where she was and why she was there, she could have relaxed completely and feel at peace.
She realized that she better go again, though she had no idea where to go. She sat up and started to rub the sleep out of her eyes, still a little groggy after sleeping so deeply.
Imagine the shock that went through her as she suddenly heard a voice. "I was wondering when you would wake."
She turned to the sound of the voice so fast that she almost fell over, immediately reaching for her sword that lay beside her. She stopped reaching for it the second she realized who had spoken.
"Haldir, what. . . how. . . why. . . when. . . " Rita was speechless.
She watched as the elf stretched a little before he answered her. "I'm here to find you, I came here by horse, we were all worried and I found you last night while you were sleeping."
Rita blinked. "That answers those questions but. . . "
"But what Rita?"
"Why did you come to find me Haldir, how did you know where I was anyway? I don't understand."
"Like I told you before, I came to look for you because we were all worried about you. We had no idea where you might have gone so Legolas and Gimli have gone to Fangorn, Gandalf and Elrohir to Ithilien and I would go to Lothlorien. As for how I knew where to find you. . . I didn't but Meniel heard Asfaloth and led me to you."
Rita's mouth formed an o-shape but she stayed silent otherwise. This gave Haldir the opportunity to start his questioning.
"Why did you run away Rita? It is unlike you to run from any troubles, you have always faced them head-on and never have you gone confrontations out of the way."
Haldir watched as her shoulders slumped as a reaction to his words and immediately wanted to hit himself for his poor choice of words.
"What I mean Rita," he said "is that I am worried about what could have made you run away from everyone who cares about you."
He watched her twitch a little but waited patiently for her reply.
"I just needed to get away Haldir. It was for the best, I couldn't stay there knowing. . . "
"Knowing what Rita? Knowing that you had to let Elladan go or knowing he was not letting you go?"
Rita grimaced. "So you know about that huh? It's for the best Haldir, he will get over me eventually. He'll just have to move on like I have to move on as well. That's why I left."
Haldir didn't fail to notice that Rita had not looked at him during this explanation and as fast as only an elf could he jumped up and grabbed Rita's chin, making her look at him.
"If I wanted to hear your lies I would have believed what you had told Elladan but I know you too well to let this go Rita. Tell me what happened, what really happened."
Rita's eyes widened at his action and his cold words and Haldir could see the despair in her eyes as she tried to keep the tears away.
Her voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke again. "I should have known it was too good to be true. I had friends a man who loved me as much as I loved him. . . I should have known."
"Known what Rita?"
"That it wouldn't last. I only wanted to love him Haldir, I don't want to hurt him and it was pointed out to me that by continuing our relationship I would not only end up hurting Elladan but others as well."
Haldir had decided to let Rita do the talking, not telling her his and Aragorn's suspicions that it was Lord Elrond who had planted the seed of doubt in her mind. He watched as the words started to tumble out of her mouth, like she was relieved to be able to tell someone.
"The morning after the wedding I woke up early and I took a walk when I met Lord Elrond who wanted to speak to me. In that conversation he explained to me why the relationship between Elladan and me would never work. At first I told him it was not my choice to make, but after a while I could see the logic. I don't want to kill Elladan, I won't have another death on my hands let alone three."
"Three?" Haldir had no idea what she was talking about.
She nodded her head. "Yeah three. Elladan is number one because he wanted to choose a mortal life. But as everybody knows he is really close to Elrohir. So close in fact that Elrohir would follow his brother's lead without a doubt, him ending up to be number two. Number three is a person whom I have not even met. Elrohir is betrothed Haldir, she would follow her love's choice as well."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "I won't have another death on my hands Haldir, I can't! So I decided it was for the best to break it off. But instead of facing it head-on I was a coward, I started to avoid Elladan. This was okay for awhile until he confronted me. I suppose you already know what words were exchanged between us?"
When Haldir nodded she spoke again. "After that conversation, after that kiss. . . I just knew I had to leave."
"Why? What was so special that made you run away?"
Rita looked at him and he could see the sadness and the defeat in her eyes as she spoke in a small voice. "Because I realized that I was too weak to be able to handle another confrontation like that. All he would have to do was smile and I would have run back into his arms. All he had to do was kiss me once more and all my resolutions would have been forgotten. I just. . . " a few tears escaped and dripped down her face.
Haldir did the one thing he could think of and pulled her in his arms. It was as if a dam had broken once he did this and she started to sob.
He held her close and stroked her back as he was trying to make his anger disappear. Rita didn't need his anger for Lord Elrond and his actions, she needed a friend.
After what seemed like hours the sobbing changed into sniffling, which turned into silence except for her ragged breathing.
Rita listened to Haldir's heartbeat and felt herself calm down, especially when he kept stroking her back in a soothing manner.
She eventually pulled away, smiling a bit. "I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to make you all wet."
He smiled back at her, one of his rare smiles though smiling wasn't as rare for him as it once used to be. "That is alright Rita, this shirt needed to be washed anyway. What I don't understand about this entire situation is why you didn't come and talk to me, or Aragorn or anyone else."
"I can't say that I understand that either Haldir but a wise man called Sigmund Freud once said the following."
"When making a decision of minor importance, I have always found it advantageous to consider all the pros and cons. In vital matters, however, such as the choice of a mate or a profession, the decision should come from the unconscious, from somewhere within ourselves. In the important decisions of personal life, we should be governed, I think, by the deep inner needs of our nature."
After letting that comment sink in for a while Rita continued her explanation. "Freud said that the most important decisions are made by your instinct and it's my instinct to protect others. By leaving I would protect Elladan and the others."
"You were wrong. Did you really think we would let you go without a fight, that Elladan would let you go just like that? Rita, Rita, Rita. . . you are young and human, you could not possibly understand the power of love."
Haldir continued in a serious voice. "Love is the most powerful feeling ever, more powerful than hate for even hate springs from love."
"How can love spring from hate?" Rita asked confused.
"Hate is a powerful emotion that comes from fear and also from love. Love for power and often also for money. People envy those who are in a better situation and from all these emotions. . . love, fear and envy comes hate."
He shook his head. "I'm loosing track of the subject. Love is strong and every elf recognizes this. When an elf falls in love it is seen as a matter of fate. Elves only love once but when they do they love hard and long."
(A/N: I have no idea whether the theory Haldir just explained is true, it came from my imagination)
"No matter what you would have said, or what you would have done Elladan would never give you up. Not in a million years."
Rita looked up at him with a question in her eyes. "What should I do? I mean even if I go back. . . I can't just pick up where Elladan and I left off. I will not be the cause of is death."
"Why don't we leave that battle for when it comes?" asked Haldir "I advise you to ask guidance with Lady Galadriel for she is both wise as more objective than Lord Elrond. She has guided both Aragorn and Arwen, perhaps she has some words of wisdom for you as well."
After thinking about this for awhile Rita nodded. "You know what, I think I'll do that. She is not the Lady of the Woods just for her good looks. She is very wise as well and maybe she can explain some stuff to me."
"Come, we will ride back to Gondor." Haldir mounted Meniel and Rita Asfaloth. The two started on their journey back.
Rita's voice could be heard as they rode. "So Haldir, what's been going on with you and Fioma and I want all the details. . . "
A/N: Wow, that was it, the talk between Haldir and Rita. I hope you guys like it but I have a bad feeling about it. Something just isn't right but I can't seem to find what. If you spot it please let me know.