Hello everyone!!! You read it correctly, I have returned after this long
period of silence. To make a very long story short. . . I survived final
exams (barely) and now I have to wait till the results are back. I'll know
if I graduate on June 12th so keep your fingers crossed on that day.
Now get ready for a very long list of thank you's. I have over 800 reviews!!!! Thank you all so very much!
Lavender of the Shire: I agree, Galadriel is far more objective. I can't wait till I get to the part where they are talking, I have a scenario in mind.
Aislin: You are right, all the hot guys are blond! Only you missed one. . . Éomer! I mean he was pretty cute in the movie and he's not an elf. Anyway, I hope you'll like this chapter.
Iluvenis: Thanks for the review and I hope you like this chapter as well.
Dara Maeko: I hope you'll like this one, it will take a lot of work cause my inspiration is running out.
Hazzietty: I like your name, very original. Anyway, hope you will enjoy this chapter.
Leitheindel: I'm sorry you had to wait so long for this chapter, I'm going to try to make it as long as possible as a forgive me.
Mellon: Nope, Galadriel is still in Gondor so they'll have to travel all the way back again. Hope you like this update.
Shinigami29: Audrey, you have a brilliant mind!!! You gave me the greatest idea. Thanks for those mails you've been sending me. Even though they were chain-mail-letter-thingies. They were really sweet.
Lady of Legolas: I know, Rita should have more faith in Elladan, but that would take the fun out of writing this story!
Arwen-evenstar: Well, you had to wait a while for this update, but will you forgive now it's here? I'll try to make it as long as possible.
Elvish princess: Yup I have read the Harry Potter books and I have reread them. I can't wait till the fifth one comes out, my aunt has already ordered it for me. I have the English versions of the books since it looses a lot in the translation. I mean almost every name is changed and it's just not the same. My sister is hooked on them as well so we both love them. I'm rambling, so I'll stop that!
Ccia: Thank you for your review, it's always nice to hear that someone likes this story. You have read my mind though, more troubles are ahead.
Kate: Even though you went a while ago, I'm glad you liked the concert. I have only been to one concert and I can relate to the urge to jump ;) I hope you will like this chapter.
Passion Lover: Long review again, I love ya for it. You are right you know, I have been neglecting the Carol-issue but with good reason, just wait to find out. As to how much time has past, uhm, I'll have to check the book for that. But I think it's April and I plan to have her birthday in August or something. Anyway, I hope you'll like this one.
Blahblah: Thanks for you patience, I know it was a long wait but I will be sure to make it worth your while.
D-Chan: Hope you like this chapter, and I'm sorry for the long wait but it really was needed.
MaverickGirl: Poor Rita indeed, could you imagine going through lecture after lecture? I have a few twists though so hang in there.
Sailorverystupid: Oops, that was a little slip-up but I think I'll leave it like that, too lazy to correct it now. Oh and I want to warn you beforehand. My spellchecker is malfunctioning, so forgive me if I have more mistakes than usual. I'll check your fic out tomorrow okay?
Darkthedestroyer: *blushes* So much praise, you make me all embarrassed. ;) How's your novel going? Have a little faith in yourself will you, I'm sure it's going to be great.
Kagome Ayla: You're right, this story is coming to an end, but don't despair, it's not over yet!
Songelf88 and G.H.S. the warg: Yes, Elrond's logic is. . . logical but they won't see that for the reason that it hurts Rita and they don't want to see her hurt.
Aurumlupi: I know I gave Rita a little too much insight on the situation but I just had to put it in, it was just a great quote. Hope you'll like this chapter as well.
Bloomin_nicki: Happy you liked that I hooked Haldir up. Hooking Legolas up with someone, hmmmm, I'll have to think about that one.
Corinna: Elrond is not that bad, he just does stupid things that hurt people, but he's trying to do the good thing.
Siren: Hey I need that Elf!!! ;) Please refrain from killing him, you can maim however, how does that sound?
Musicgrl: Maybe is the right word, I still have a few twists up my sleeve. IF I write a HP-fic I'll let you know. The books were great, I can't wait till June 21th.
Meggers: Thanks for the compliments Megs, you'll be happy to know that I intend to go back to my prior updating schedule, at least once a week.
LanierShazar: I hope you'll like this chapter, I am going to try and stretch it for as long as I can.
Nin-mellon: Sorry that you had to wait for so long, I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Lime: Well it's not June yet, so I did as you asked. Enjoy the chapter.
Sarah G: Thanks for your review, I always love to hear from new (or old) readers. I try my best to give the story as much depth as I can so it makes me feel really good that you like that.
Danceinfae: It really sucked not being able to work out my ideas but I only gave myself an hour per day on the pc. Thanks for understanding though.
AragothwinElfBlade: I agree, studying sucks!!!!!
Tap-dancing Hobbit: Thanks for the compliments, it made me feel all giddy.
Prophecy: I updated, hope you'll like it. I'm not sure myself if Haldir's theory was correct but it sounded nice so I put it in.
Thinlaithiel: Wow, college and two jobs, and here I was complaining about time shortage and stress!!! I would love to look over your fic if you still want me to that is. Just send it to me.
Linnie: Yup, a confrontation with Elrond is inevitable but I don't think it will be in this chapter yet.
Shadowcat: Sorry about the A/Ns but I used to update once or even twice a week, I hadn't update in weeks so I wanted to let you guys know I was still living.
Lil kawaii doom: I hope I passed, but I think I failed. Economy and Latin were terrible and Math nearly killed me. I'll have to wait for the results I guess.
Urien1: Thanks for the compliment, I'm happy you like this fic. Anyway, if you still want to know where to find Elvish on the web mail me so I can send you a link. If you haven't found it yourself yet.
The Story Weaver: Hope you like this chapter.
Rita: You're name is Rita? Lol! I'm happy you like her character, I hope you'll like this chapter as well.
Raven: I know that bit was a bit. . . corny but I didn't know how else to put in the romance.
Norie Ape: Sorry to keep you waiting for so long but I hope this update makes it up to you.
Silver Starlight: I know exactly what I mean, sometimes I get so hooked on a fic that I can't leave the pc either. I hope you will like this chapter as well.
The Great One: I know Elrond wouldn't be that cruel, but I did NEED him to be so cruel, hope you forgive me for that change in his character.
Gilglos: To satisfy you and your muse. I think Aragorn and Arwen fight, I just never put it in the fic, good idea though. And everyone is still in Gondor so that includes Éowyn.
Lady Death: Sorry to disappoint you but you can't kill Elrond, you can maim or just hurt him though. ;)
DISCLAIMER: All characters you recognize from LotR are the property of Tolkien, I'm just borrowing them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir and Rita decided to keep a slower pace than before so they were travelling for six days already when they could see the city from the distance.
Suddenly Rita halted and Haldir looked at her questionably. "Is something wrong Rita? Do you need to rest for awhile?"
"No, I'm ok. It's just. . . I've been away for over a week and I've caused so much trouble, not to mention the fact that Aragorn will kill me for running and Elladan will expect me to have a long conversation with him. He will want to know where we stand, I don't know that! Maybe coming back wasn't such a good idea after all."
Haldir could see Rita was on the verge of panicking so he placed an arm on her shoulder. "It will be alright my friend. Yes, Aragorn will want to exchange some words with you as will Elladan, but you won't have to face either of them until you have spoken to the Lady, if that is your wish."
"Thanks Haldir." Rita gave him a small smile. "You're right. You must be getting tired from calming me down all the time. Do you know that I have cried more in my time here in Middle Earth than the years in my world?"
"You didn't have the right person to cry with, now you do." He squeezed her hand. "Enough of your stalling techniques, the sun is starting to set. We want to make it to the city before dark."
Rita needed to be reassured once more before she continued. "You really think Galadriel will be able to give me some advice?"
"Positive. Now are you ready to go?"
After sighing deeply Rita nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be I guess."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Meanwhile in Gondor
On a balcony one could see the profile of a man staring into nothing, obviously very deep in thought. The man in question was none other than Elladan.
Elladan was getting more and more desperate for Rita still had not been found. Two of the three search parties had returned already, and neither had found his love.
All hope now rested on Haldir and his ability to find her. Elladan knew that if there was a person who would be able to find Rita and convince her to return to the city, it was Haldir.
And he hated it.
No matter what anyone said, Elladan knew Haldir was much closer to Rita than he had ever been. He knew Rita hadn't been cheating on him or something like that, but emotionally. . . he knew she told Haldir more than anyone else, and that hurt.
He sighed and put his head in his hands. He didn't understand why Rita had backed away so suddenly, everything had seemed fine the night before. They had even clarified their feelings for one another.
"Secluding yourself will not bring her back any faster brother."
Elladan turned around and found his twin standing in the doorway. He motioned to a chair on the balcony, and Elrohir took up on this unspoken offer and sat down.
On his turn Elladan sank into another chair. "I cannot help it Ro." The childhood nickname brought a small smile upon his lips before he continued. "What if Haldir hasn't found her either? What if. . ."
"Stop! Stop it right now Dan, you can't keep on doing this to yourself. What happened has past and what's to come is up to the Valar. If you and Rita are destined to be together she will return."
Elladan looked lost when he voiced his greatest fear. "What if she doesn't come back Ro? What will I do then? I love her so much. . . "
"I can't answer that for you my brother. All I can tell you is that I will always be here by your side, for now until eternity."
The two brothers hugged and sat motionless for a long time until Elrohir stood up. "Now, let us go to dinner. You have not eaten in days and Arwen has threatened to come up and drag you to the hall by your ears if you do not make an appearance tonight."
A chuckle escaped. "Well let us not keep our dear sister waiting since we both know she will make true on her threat."
The two made their way to the hall, arms around each other and completely in sync.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
By the time they had reached the city the sun had set. The guards had not spotted them while they slipped through the gates. Either that or they knew who was coming in.
Once the horses were watered and fed Haldir started to walk towards the castle only to find himself walking on his own. He turned around only to see Rita glued to her spot.
"I thought we had gone through this already Rita, come let us go."
"It's dinnertime." She stated. "We can't just barge in and demand to speak with Lady Galadriel before leaving the other without any answers."
"That is not necessary Rita, you know of the power of the Lady. If you really do not want to go into public tonight I will ask her to meet us."
"She would do that?"
"I am sure she will do that, let me ask her."
He was silent for a long time and seemed to be conversing with the Lady in his thoughts. Finally he focussed on Rita again and smiled at her.
"The Lady asked me to escort you to the spring in the garden. She finds it the most soothing place for a conversation."
Rita nodded, too nervous to say anything, and followed him as he started to lead the way. Once they had reached their destination Rita had to admit that it was a beautiful spot.
There was a small spring surrounded by golden flowers. It was a tiny piece of heaven. After a minute of silence Rita turned to Haldir.
"I never thanked you did I? For coming after me and listening to my petty problems and my past, it really means a lot to me Haldir. Not a lot of people would be able to take that for long as you have done for me."
Haldir smiled at her. "No thanks are needed Rita, I am very honored that you trust me enough to turn to me when you need me. Everything will fall into its place eventually my friend, have faith in that."
He got a glazed expression for a few seconds and he gave her a big hug. "I will leave you now, the Lady will be with you soon. Remember that nothing is set in stone Rita, there is always an answer to every problem. I hope you will get your answers tonight."
As he walked away Rita whispered softly. "Yeah me too."
A few minutes after Haldir had left Lady Galadriel approached her, still looking as beautiful and radiant as ever. She had a look in her eyes Rita could not identify. Remembering her manners Rita bowed for the Lady.
"No need for such formalities my child, not tonight. You have faced many inner demons in the past weeks have you not? I intended to talk with you after the wedding, but I was too late."
After Rita stayed silent she continued. "Haldir told me you needed my guidance and advice and I can see he was right about that."
Rita looked up sharply at that comment, still not comfortable about Galadriel poking through her memories.
Lady Galadriel smiled at Rita. "No Rita, I did not look into your mind. However, you are radiating feelings. I can feel your anxiety and fear, as well as your anger. What has caused these emotions? But before you answer that, lets make ourselves a little more comfortable."
Rita nodded and they both sat down. After contemplating what to say Rita started to talk. And once she started it all came out. Her own insecurities, her fears, the seed of doubt that Elrond had planted, everything.
She talked and talked for what seemed like hours, and Galadriel listened to every word. When Rita finished her tale she looked up to Galadriel.
While she gazed into Rita's eyes, who were pleading for an answer to her questions, Galadriel could not help but feel agitated with Elrond.
She could understand the need to protect his children, like she could understand the pain of letting children go. She still felt the pain of letting Celebrian pass to Valinor those many years ago.
Yes, the Lady of the Light understood why Elrond had said what he did. What she however failed to understand is why he chose to break the spirit of a young and vulnerable girl in the process.
Snapping out of her reverie she gave Rita a small smile. "I cannot give you clear answers to your questions Rita, for there are no simple answers for matters like these."
Seeing Rita's disappointed look, she continued. "However, I can shed some light on some of the matters. The relationship between the immortal and mortal being has always been a tricky subject and I feared that it would lead to this. More than once did it lead to heartache and also death."
"Yet, I have also seen the great love and happiness that are the result of such a relationship. I want to tell you a story. I want to give you a choice. Do you still have the herbs I gave you?"
Rita nodded and unpacked the carefully wrapped box from her backpack.
"When I gave you this I told you that I would explain the effect of these herbs when the time had come and I believe now is the time. The story is old and forgotten by most."
(A/N: The following story will probably be in contradiction with everything in the Silmarillion or the history of the elves, but please forgive me because I need the story to be like this to make it work)
"Many years ago, the days when the elves were in a much larger number than any other race, a relationship between humans and elves was not uncommon. Back then humans were more like us elves, more honorable and less greedy for power."
"I have seen my fair share of broken hearts when the relationship failed to work because of the differences or was ended by death. A circle of female elves wanted to put an end to this and started to work on a potion, a potion that would give immortality after it was ingested. Yet immortality had a price."
"Gaining immortality was not as easy as it sounded. After many tests we found that the potion only had an effect on female humans who were ready to risk everything. For the price is high. It has never been clear what happens once the potion is ingested, all that is known is the outcome. Either immortality or death is the option."
"Over the years the numbers of elves who are able to brew this potion have dwindled to one. I was part of the Circle of Undying Love, the last member to walk Middle Earth and I am willing to brew this potion, a potion I have not brewed for over thousands of years, for you."
Rita looked flabbergasted, she had no idea what she had expected, but this was not it. The wheels in her head were going in an overdrive.
"So you are saying that you are giving me immortality?" She had to ask it, she had to be sure.
"No, I cannot give you immortality. I can merely hand you the means to gain it. You will have to face whatever trial that will be thrown your way to gain it. You have to earn it."
Rita nodded in understanding. "What exactly would happen to me if I chose to take this potion? You said I would have to face a trial, do you have any clue on what that may be?"
"I will not lie to you and say that gaining immortality will be painless. Quite the opposite, only those of strong mind and body have survived the transition. In all the years that this potion has been brewed only 17 women have lived to tell the tale."
"17 of how many?"
"Hundreds, maybe thousands." Seeing the look of shock on Rita's face at this statement she added a little more. "I would not offer you this if I thought you stood no chance my child. You are strong, both mentally as physically. I believe you have the strength to pass the trial, but it is no I who must make the choice."
Rita started to way her options. After minutes of silence she blurted the first thing that came to her mind out.
"I'll do it."
A/N: Evil me for stopping here, but I have to come up with a suitable trial. I hope you liked this chapter.
Now get ready for a very long list of thank you's. I have over 800 reviews!!!! Thank you all so very much!
Lavender of the Shire: I agree, Galadriel is far more objective. I can't wait till I get to the part where they are talking, I have a scenario in mind.
Aislin: You are right, all the hot guys are blond! Only you missed one. . . Éomer! I mean he was pretty cute in the movie and he's not an elf. Anyway, I hope you'll like this chapter.
Iluvenis: Thanks for the review and I hope you like this chapter as well.
Dara Maeko: I hope you'll like this one, it will take a lot of work cause my inspiration is running out.
Hazzietty: I like your name, very original. Anyway, hope you will enjoy this chapter.
Leitheindel: I'm sorry you had to wait so long for this chapter, I'm going to try to make it as long as possible as a forgive me.
Mellon: Nope, Galadriel is still in Gondor so they'll have to travel all the way back again. Hope you like this update.
Shinigami29: Audrey, you have a brilliant mind!!! You gave me the greatest idea. Thanks for those mails you've been sending me. Even though they were chain-mail-letter-thingies. They were really sweet.
Lady of Legolas: I know, Rita should have more faith in Elladan, but that would take the fun out of writing this story!
Arwen-evenstar: Well, you had to wait a while for this update, but will you forgive now it's here? I'll try to make it as long as possible.
Elvish princess: Yup I have read the Harry Potter books and I have reread them. I can't wait till the fifth one comes out, my aunt has already ordered it for me. I have the English versions of the books since it looses a lot in the translation. I mean almost every name is changed and it's just not the same. My sister is hooked on them as well so we both love them. I'm rambling, so I'll stop that!
Ccia: Thank you for your review, it's always nice to hear that someone likes this story. You have read my mind though, more troubles are ahead.
Kate: Even though you went a while ago, I'm glad you liked the concert. I have only been to one concert and I can relate to the urge to jump ;) I hope you will like this chapter.
Passion Lover: Long review again, I love ya for it. You are right you know, I have been neglecting the Carol-issue but with good reason, just wait to find out. As to how much time has past, uhm, I'll have to check the book for that. But I think it's April and I plan to have her birthday in August or something. Anyway, I hope you'll like this one.
Blahblah: Thanks for you patience, I know it was a long wait but I will be sure to make it worth your while.
D-Chan: Hope you like this chapter, and I'm sorry for the long wait but it really was needed.
MaverickGirl: Poor Rita indeed, could you imagine going through lecture after lecture? I have a few twists though so hang in there.
Sailorverystupid: Oops, that was a little slip-up but I think I'll leave it like that, too lazy to correct it now. Oh and I want to warn you beforehand. My spellchecker is malfunctioning, so forgive me if I have more mistakes than usual. I'll check your fic out tomorrow okay?
Darkthedestroyer: *blushes* So much praise, you make me all embarrassed. ;) How's your novel going? Have a little faith in yourself will you, I'm sure it's going to be great.
Kagome Ayla: You're right, this story is coming to an end, but don't despair, it's not over yet!
Songelf88 and G.H.S. the warg: Yes, Elrond's logic is. . . logical but they won't see that for the reason that it hurts Rita and they don't want to see her hurt.
Aurumlupi: I know I gave Rita a little too much insight on the situation but I just had to put it in, it was just a great quote. Hope you'll like this chapter as well.
Bloomin_nicki: Happy you liked that I hooked Haldir up. Hooking Legolas up with someone, hmmmm, I'll have to think about that one.
Corinna: Elrond is not that bad, he just does stupid things that hurt people, but he's trying to do the good thing.
Siren: Hey I need that Elf!!! ;) Please refrain from killing him, you can maim however, how does that sound?
Musicgrl: Maybe is the right word, I still have a few twists up my sleeve. IF I write a HP-fic I'll let you know. The books were great, I can't wait till June 21th.
Meggers: Thanks for the compliments Megs, you'll be happy to know that I intend to go back to my prior updating schedule, at least once a week.
LanierShazar: I hope you'll like this chapter, I am going to try and stretch it for as long as I can.
Nin-mellon: Sorry that you had to wait for so long, I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Lime: Well it's not June yet, so I did as you asked. Enjoy the chapter.
Sarah G: Thanks for your review, I always love to hear from new (or old) readers. I try my best to give the story as much depth as I can so it makes me feel really good that you like that.
Danceinfae: It really sucked not being able to work out my ideas but I only gave myself an hour per day on the pc. Thanks for understanding though.
AragothwinElfBlade: I agree, studying sucks!!!!!
Tap-dancing Hobbit: Thanks for the compliments, it made me feel all giddy.
Prophecy: I updated, hope you'll like it. I'm not sure myself if Haldir's theory was correct but it sounded nice so I put it in.
Thinlaithiel: Wow, college and two jobs, and here I was complaining about time shortage and stress!!! I would love to look over your fic if you still want me to that is. Just send it to me.
Linnie: Yup, a confrontation with Elrond is inevitable but I don't think it will be in this chapter yet.
Shadowcat: Sorry about the A/Ns but I used to update once or even twice a week, I hadn't update in weeks so I wanted to let you guys know I was still living.
Lil kawaii doom: I hope I passed, but I think I failed. Economy and Latin were terrible and Math nearly killed me. I'll have to wait for the results I guess.
Urien1: Thanks for the compliment, I'm happy you like this fic. Anyway, if you still want to know where to find Elvish on the web mail me so I can send you a link. If you haven't found it yourself yet.
The Story Weaver: Hope you like this chapter.
Rita: You're name is Rita? Lol! I'm happy you like her character, I hope you'll like this chapter as well.
Raven: I know that bit was a bit. . . corny but I didn't know how else to put in the romance.
Norie Ape: Sorry to keep you waiting for so long but I hope this update makes it up to you.
Silver Starlight: I know exactly what I mean, sometimes I get so hooked on a fic that I can't leave the pc either. I hope you will like this chapter as well.
The Great One: I know Elrond wouldn't be that cruel, but I did NEED him to be so cruel, hope you forgive me for that change in his character.
Gilglos: To satisfy you and your muse. I think Aragorn and Arwen fight, I just never put it in the fic, good idea though. And everyone is still in Gondor so that includes Éowyn.
Lady Death: Sorry to disappoint you but you can't kill Elrond, you can maim or just hurt him though. ;)
DISCLAIMER: All characters you recognize from LotR are the property of Tolkien, I'm just borrowing them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir and Rita decided to keep a slower pace than before so they were travelling for six days already when they could see the city from the distance.
Suddenly Rita halted and Haldir looked at her questionably. "Is something wrong Rita? Do you need to rest for awhile?"
"No, I'm ok. It's just. . . I've been away for over a week and I've caused so much trouble, not to mention the fact that Aragorn will kill me for running and Elladan will expect me to have a long conversation with him. He will want to know where we stand, I don't know that! Maybe coming back wasn't such a good idea after all."
Haldir could see Rita was on the verge of panicking so he placed an arm on her shoulder. "It will be alright my friend. Yes, Aragorn will want to exchange some words with you as will Elladan, but you won't have to face either of them until you have spoken to the Lady, if that is your wish."
"Thanks Haldir." Rita gave him a small smile. "You're right. You must be getting tired from calming me down all the time. Do you know that I have cried more in my time here in Middle Earth than the years in my world?"
"You didn't have the right person to cry with, now you do." He squeezed her hand. "Enough of your stalling techniques, the sun is starting to set. We want to make it to the city before dark."
Rita needed to be reassured once more before she continued. "You really think Galadriel will be able to give me some advice?"
"Positive. Now are you ready to go?"
After sighing deeply Rita nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be I guess."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Meanwhile in Gondor
On a balcony one could see the profile of a man staring into nothing, obviously very deep in thought. The man in question was none other than Elladan.
Elladan was getting more and more desperate for Rita still had not been found. Two of the three search parties had returned already, and neither had found his love.
All hope now rested on Haldir and his ability to find her. Elladan knew that if there was a person who would be able to find Rita and convince her to return to the city, it was Haldir.
And he hated it.
No matter what anyone said, Elladan knew Haldir was much closer to Rita than he had ever been. He knew Rita hadn't been cheating on him or something like that, but emotionally. . . he knew she told Haldir more than anyone else, and that hurt.
He sighed and put his head in his hands. He didn't understand why Rita had backed away so suddenly, everything had seemed fine the night before. They had even clarified their feelings for one another.
"Secluding yourself will not bring her back any faster brother."
Elladan turned around and found his twin standing in the doorway. He motioned to a chair on the balcony, and Elrohir took up on this unspoken offer and sat down.
On his turn Elladan sank into another chair. "I cannot help it Ro." The childhood nickname brought a small smile upon his lips before he continued. "What if Haldir hasn't found her either? What if. . ."
"Stop! Stop it right now Dan, you can't keep on doing this to yourself. What happened has past and what's to come is up to the Valar. If you and Rita are destined to be together she will return."
Elladan looked lost when he voiced his greatest fear. "What if she doesn't come back Ro? What will I do then? I love her so much. . . "
"I can't answer that for you my brother. All I can tell you is that I will always be here by your side, for now until eternity."
The two brothers hugged and sat motionless for a long time until Elrohir stood up. "Now, let us go to dinner. You have not eaten in days and Arwen has threatened to come up and drag you to the hall by your ears if you do not make an appearance tonight."
A chuckle escaped. "Well let us not keep our dear sister waiting since we both know she will make true on her threat."
The two made their way to the hall, arms around each other and completely in sync.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
By the time they had reached the city the sun had set. The guards had not spotted them while they slipped through the gates. Either that or they knew who was coming in.
Once the horses were watered and fed Haldir started to walk towards the castle only to find himself walking on his own. He turned around only to see Rita glued to her spot.
"I thought we had gone through this already Rita, come let us go."
"It's dinnertime." She stated. "We can't just barge in and demand to speak with Lady Galadriel before leaving the other without any answers."
"That is not necessary Rita, you know of the power of the Lady. If you really do not want to go into public tonight I will ask her to meet us."
"She would do that?"
"I am sure she will do that, let me ask her."
He was silent for a long time and seemed to be conversing with the Lady in his thoughts. Finally he focussed on Rita again and smiled at her.
"The Lady asked me to escort you to the spring in the garden. She finds it the most soothing place for a conversation."
Rita nodded, too nervous to say anything, and followed him as he started to lead the way. Once they had reached their destination Rita had to admit that it was a beautiful spot.
There was a small spring surrounded by golden flowers. It was a tiny piece of heaven. After a minute of silence Rita turned to Haldir.
"I never thanked you did I? For coming after me and listening to my petty problems and my past, it really means a lot to me Haldir. Not a lot of people would be able to take that for long as you have done for me."
Haldir smiled at her. "No thanks are needed Rita, I am very honored that you trust me enough to turn to me when you need me. Everything will fall into its place eventually my friend, have faith in that."
He got a glazed expression for a few seconds and he gave her a big hug. "I will leave you now, the Lady will be with you soon. Remember that nothing is set in stone Rita, there is always an answer to every problem. I hope you will get your answers tonight."
As he walked away Rita whispered softly. "Yeah me too."
A few minutes after Haldir had left Lady Galadriel approached her, still looking as beautiful and radiant as ever. She had a look in her eyes Rita could not identify. Remembering her manners Rita bowed for the Lady.
"No need for such formalities my child, not tonight. You have faced many inner demons in the past weeks have you not? I intended to talk with you after the wedding, but I was too late."
After Rita stayed silent she continued. "Haldir told me you needed my guidance and advice and I can see he was right about that."
Rita looked up sharply at that comment, still not comfortable about Galadriel poking through her memories.
Lady Galadriel smiled at Rita. "No Rita, I did not look into your mind. However, you are radiating feelings. I can feel your anxiety and fear, as well as your anger. What has caused these emotions? But before you answer that, lets make ourselves a little more comfortable."
Rita nodded and they both sat down. After contemplating what to say Rita started to talk. And once she started it all came out. Her own insecurities, her fears, the seed of doubt that Elrond had planted, everything.
She talked and talked for what seemed like hours, and Galadriel listened to every word. When Rita finished her tale she looked up to Galadriel.
While she gazed into Rita's eyes, who were pleading for an answer to her questions, Galadriel could not help but feel agitated with Elrond.
She could understand the need to protect his children, like she could understand the pain of letting children go. She still felt the pain of letting Celebrian pass to Valinor those many years ago.
Yes, the Lady of the Light understood why Elrond had said what he did. What she however failed to understand is why he chose to break the spirit of a young and vulnerable girl in the process.
Snapping out of her reverie she gave Rita a small smile. "I cannot give you clear answers to your questions Rita, for there are no simple answers for matters like these."
Seeing Rita's disappointed look, she continued. "However, I can shed some light on some of the matters. The relationship between the immortal and mortal being has always been a tricky subject and I feared that it would lead to this. More than once did it lead to heartache and also death."
"Yet, I have also seen the great love and happiness that are the result of such a relationship. I want to tell you a story. I want to give you a choice. Do you still have the herbs I gave you?"
Rita nodded and unpacked the carefully wrapped box from her backpack.
"When I gave you this I told you that I would explain the effect of these herbs when the time had come and I believe now is the time. The story is old and forgotten by most."
(A/N: The following story will probably be in contradiction with everything in the Silmarillion or the history of the elves, but please forgive me because I need the story to be like this to make it work)
"Many years ago, the days when the elves were in a much larger number than any other race, a relationship between humans and elves was not uncommon. Back then humans were more like us elves, more honorable and less greedy for power."
"I have seen my fair share of broken hearts when the relationship failed to work because of the differences or was ended by death. A circle of female elves wanted to put an end to this and started to work on a potion, a potion that would give immortality after it was ingested. Yet immortality had a price."
"Gaining immortality was not as easy as it sounded. After many tests we found that the potion only had an effect on female humans who were ready to risk everything. For the price is high. It has never been clear what happens once the potion is ingested, all that is known is the outcome. Either immortality or death is the option."
"Over the years the numbers of elves who are able to brew this potion have dwindled to one. I was part of the Circle of Undying Love, the last member to walk Middle Earth and I am willing to brew this potion, a potion I have not brewed for over thousands of years, for you."
Rita looked flabbergasted, she had no idea what she had expected, but this was not it. The wheels in her head were going in an overdrive.
"So you are saying that you are giving me immortality?" She had to ask it, she had to be sure.
"No, I cannot give you immortality. I can merely hand you the means to gain it. You will have to face whatever trial that will be thrown your way to gain it. You have to earn it."
Rita nodded in understanding. "What exactly would happen to me if I chose to take this potion? You said I would have to face a trial, do you have any clue on what that may be?"
"I will not lie to you and say that gaining immortality will be painless. Quite the opposite, only those of strong mind and body have survived the transition. In all the years that this potion has been brewed only 17 women have lived to tell the tale."
"17 of how many?"
"Hundreds, maybe thousands." Seeing the look of shock on Rita's face at this statement she added a little more. "I would not offer you this if I thought you stood no chance my child. You are strong, both mentally as physically. I believe you have the strength to pass the trial, but it is no I who must make the choice."
Rita started to way her options. After minutes of silence she blurted the first thing that came to her mind out.
"I'll do it."
A/N: Evil me for stopping here, but I have to come up with a suitable trial. I hope you liked this chapter.