Here I am again, with another update. I have a few ideas on how to work this thing but I'll just go with the flow. Anyway I hope you will like it.

Arwen-evenstar: Yep, I will be able to update more often though I will start a new job next Tuesday,. As for what will happen next? Just read to find out.

Leitheindel: My exams went so-so I'm not sure, thanks for asking though.

Lil kawaii doom: I hope this update was soon enough for you, enjoy.

Dara Maeko: No review is useless!!!! I'm not sure if Rita is going to make it, it will depend on what my muse tells me.

Aislin: I know Elladan is crazy for being jealous of Haldir, but can you blame the guy? Thanks for the long review by the way. Happy you're not angry with me ;)

Danceingfae: Wow, long review! Thank you so much. I'm happy you understand that I didn't go by the Silmarillion. Thank you so much for the ideas on the trials, I might use some of them because I had no idea what to do. As a matter a fact, I was not going to update until I read your review, which totally inspired me, so this chapter is now dedicated to you!!!!!

Mellon: Is this soon enough?

Iluvenis: You loved it? Now I'm happy, I hope you'll like this chapter as well.

MaverickGirl: I have no idea how to do the thing where she gets scolded by Aragorn, maybe I'll skip that part.

Kierin: Thanks for understanding that this will go against the Silmarillion, I was worried I would get a lot of negative response about that.

Lady of Legolas: You can kick his ass as much as you want, just don't kill him, that's all I ask. Oh, it's good to be back!

Norie Ape: I can't wait to see what happens when she meets either cause I have no idea how to do that.

Lady Death: Hey you can use it as well, I mean it was your idea as well right? And even if you are copying, as long as I know it's cool with me. I do have msn, but I'm not on very much. If you wanna add me do it, maybe we'll be able to chat sometimes.

Shinigami29: Yes you have a great mind, accept it! ;)

Siren: Don't burn Rivendell too bad okay ;) lol.

Renegade hunter: I have no idea whether or not Rita will pass the trial, it will all depend on my muse and my mood.

Blahblah: I updated today, does that make me less evil? Congrats on your math, that's really great. I wish I would have a nice grade for math, I'll settle for a 52, it's what I need to pass.

Musicgrl: No it's not me, it bugs me as well. I just had no idea how to continue with the fic not doing this.

Tap-dancing hobbit: Yep, this chapter will be interesting, for the both of us. I hope you like this one as well as you liked last one.

Passion Lover: I am so happy you are exited, it gives me more inspiration to write. I hope you like this one, I bet this will be one long chapter.

Darkthedestroyer: I know it goes against the Silmarillion but it was the only way to make the chapter work so I hope you forgive me. I hope you like this chapter.

DISCLAIMER: Not in the mood, I have inspiration.

Galadriel smiled at hearing Rita's choice, as if she had not expected anything less of the girl. "If it is your wish I can brew the potion for you now, but we can also schedule it for another day. Perhaps you want to speak to some before you do this."

After thinking for a while Rita shook her head. "No, I have to do this now or I'll never do it. And I want to. . . no I need to do this. Not only for myself but for Elladan as well."

"As you wish." Said Galadriel and she started to brew the potion. Rita watched as the lady filled a small cauldron with water and said a spell that made flames appear beneath it.

It was completely dark by the time they had stopped talking and Rita watched the sky as all the stars were shining brightly. She closed her eyes as she tried to prepare herself for what was to come.

But she had to admit that she had no idea what she was preparing herself for, all she knew was that it would hurt and she had enough experience with that.

A strange smell had began to fill the air, it was a heavy yet nice smell. Rita couldn't label the smell with a single word. It was flowery, but not overly sweet. It was spicy, but not overly sharp.

She inhaled deeply, trying to take in as much of the smell as she could. Rita closed her eyes and let her mind wander until Galadriel would call her.

A picture of Elladan with his sparkling and mischievous eyes came to mind immediately, quickly followed by the memory of the day he had fist kissed her.

Rita smiled at that memory and started to think about the changes in her.

Who knew that she, a closed and often sarcastic girl, would end up like this, in love and willing to open to those who made an effort to get to know her. If anyone had told her that a year ago she would have deemed them insane.

The strangest part was however, the fact that she was willing to cry in front of others. Not a lot of them mind you, but she found the few people she could cry in front of. She even found a few persons who she allowed to comfort her.

Boromir was the first of the Fellowship to puncture that particular wall, Aragorn soon after that. During the quest she had grown closer to every member of the Fellowship, but those two kept her sane.

She couldn't remember how many times Boromir had rocked her after a nightmare, or how many times Aragorn had offered her his broad shoulders to cry on.

Then out of nowhere, popped up someone else who she could fully trust. Someone very unusual as well; Haldir.

It would be a lie if Rita would say that she hadn't been attracted by the tall elf, but it was not in a romantic kind of way.

No, this was more on a spiritual level, she was drawn to him. It wasn't like boom, new best friend. Their friendship had developed slowly. From teaching archery to battling together.

Still the moment Rita could look at him and call him her best friend was after the final battle, the moment where they pulled together for strength and afterwards let down their walls completely, grieving in silence.

That was something she admired in Haldir. He could be silent. She could tell him all about being hurt by her father or the disturbing images that filled her nightmares, and count on him to nod and take it in silence.

Everyone else, Boromir, Aragorn. . . and yes, even Elladan, they all urged her to talk about it or they would get upset about what had been done to her.

Haldir wasn't like that. He just looked her in the eye and calmed her down without words. He would hug her and give her advice if she needed it or just hold her and say nothing at all.

At the moment she was closer to him on a spiritual level, closer to Haldir than to Elladan.

Elladan, she loved him very much. So much even that she was willing to do this. Yet he didn't know everything about her, he knew very little about her past.

In the beginning he was the only one she completely trusted, the one to open her up and share her pain with.

But as her relationship with him grew stronger, the stronger the urge to keep the dark things away from him.

He didn't need all of that, he would be furious if he would hear the things that had happened to her at the hands of her father.

As flattering as it may be to have a knight in shining armor, Rita knew that Elladan would see her in a different light. He would become even more overprotective than he already is and try to shield her from everything he considered dangerous.

And Rita can't live like that. In her entire life there are only two things she credited herself for. Raising her sister to be a nice and smart person, and being able to participate in the biggest war since the Last Alliance as a member of the Fellowship.

So as time passed by, Rita began to keep the darkest part of her mind away. He was her light, her hope and her everything.

With him she was able to banish the darkness from her mind, just like she could share it with Haldir. She still had insecurities, but between Elladan's love and Haldir's constant friendship, she was positive she would be able to overcome those some day.

It was weird actually, that it were the elves who were the ones to see her. Beings so wise and fair took an interest in her.

Whenever she was in a melancholic mood she would wonder why. She would bring herself down in her mind and wonder why elves would put up with her, she was a nuisance after all.

But then she remembered the fact that even though elves found all life equal. Sure the could get all high and mighty, they were eternal beings after all and humans seemed like children to them.

Galadriel's voice interrupted her train of thought. "Now the potion needs to simmer for an hour. In this time I will help you prepare for your trial."

The Lady walked away for a few minutes, leaving a confused Rita. When Galadriel returned she was carrying a simple white dress with golden stitches and embroidery.

Sensing Rita's confusion she began to explain. "This ritual is one of great importance. It is a rebirth so to speak, whether it is your rebirth here on Middle Earth or in the afterlife. This dress will signify the importance."

Understanding Rita nodded and undressed. She washed herself before the Lady helped her get dressed. The dress fit her perfectly. The entire time a comfortable silence filled the air.

When Galadriel started to brush her hair she began to speak again. "I cannot help you with the trials yet I can tell you what will happen to your body. After you drink the potion your body and mind will go into a trance. Your body will remain here on Middle Earth, but your mind will go to the unknown where you fill face your trial."

"So I will be here, just. . . not here?"

A nod was her answer and she asked another question. "You told me that I would be in pain, both physical and mental. Will my body when I'm separated from it react to that pain. I mean if I cut myself, my mind-self, will I have wounds on my body as well?"

"No, even though your body and mind are usually linked and any damage inflicted on your mental self would appear on your physical self as well, the trial is different. Your body will remain peaceful until the moment you either wake or die."

Rita thought about this for a while before asking another question that had been plaguing her mind. "If I gain immortality, what will happen to me then? I mean I'll live forever but what happens once the elves leave for Valinor?"

Galadriel nodded and suddenly looked at the potion. "It is time. I will answer your last question after you succeeded in gaining immortality. Are you ready for this? If you have any doubts I advise you to back out now you still can."

In her mind Rita had a final discussion. *What am I doing, as if I haven't been through enough already.*

Another part of her mind answered that for her. *You're doing this for Elladan, so that he will never be hurt and the two of you can spend forever together.*

Watching as Galadriel put the potion in a vile Rita breathed deeply a few times before she stepped forwards.

"I'm ready, I have only one thing to ask you. If I were to die, please tell Elladan that I love him. And to the others that I will be in a happier place." She chuckled a little. "It feels weird saying that, like I am planning my own funeral."

"I will do as you ask if you were to fail to pass the trial. Now drink this." She handed Rita the vial. The potion was bright, spreading light like a firefly.

Rita closed her eyes and drank the potion in one gulp. She could feel her limbs grow heavy immediately and she was dimly aware that Galadriel helped her lie down on the ground.

She watched as candles were being placed around her, her head was spinning. She could feel a calmness wash over her and her senses were heightened.

Never before had the stars seemed so bright, nor had the flowers ever smelled so sweet. The sound of the softly steaming water of the spring relaxed her and she could hear Galadriel speaking in a language she had never heard before.

It was very melodic and the sound was lulling her, calming her and preparing her for what was to come.

Focussing on the sound of the Lady's voice Rita could feel herself drift away further and further until she was no longer inside her body.

She was being pulled to a bright light and decided to just go with the flow. Suddenly she was no longer in the garden in Gondor but in a great hall filled with light.

Looking around Rita realized she was alone and started to walk around a little, taking in her surroundings.

The hall was shining brightly, it was pure white and the sun reflected on it. The floor was also white, white shining marble.

Because the sun was shining so brightly she was unable to see out the windows. Every time she tried that she was momentarily blinded by the light.

Rita was confused about what she should do so she called out. "Hello." She startled a little when she heard the echo of her own voice clatter through the room.

"I guess I'll just wait around here." She mumbled to herself. "I wonder what this trial Lady Galadriel was speaking about will be."

She was shocked when she heard a voice behind her. "You know that they say that talking to yourself is the first sign of madness do you not?"

Rita spun around and found herself face to face with. . . .

"Tiruvor" she whispered. "How. . ."

The familiar face of her deceased friend now held a healthy glow and he was smiling down upon her. "I am your guide for the first part of the trial. You have now entered the realm between life and death, it is where souls linger until a decision is made about their future."

Finding her voice again Rita started to shoot questions. "How do you mean first part, I thought it was only one trial? And how come you're here? You passed to Mandos didn't you?"

"Yes I did pass to Mandos but as I said earlier I will be your guide for your first part of the trial. The trial will exist out of three parts, each of which will test you."

"What kind of tests?"

Tiruvor smiled before he started to explain. "There will be three tests as I said just now. A test of strength of character, a test of strength of loyalty and a test of strength of mind."

Before Rita could speak he continued. "You will have guides for each part of these tests who will advise you to the best of their ability but we cannot interfere."

"What if I fail the trial?" Rita couldn't help herself for asking.

"Then you will pass on to the afterlife, to Mandos with the rest of your guides."

Rita was confused. "Mandos? But that is a place for elves, I am no elf!"

"I too believed that Mandos was the afterlife for the elves but there is more to it than that. There is a part that is only for elves, that much is true. But Mandos is connected with the afterlives of all beings and the spirits are free to walk as they wish."

She just stayed silent, mentally processing this interesting piece of knowledge. She looked up when Tiruvor tapped her on her shoulder.

"Come, we must go."

She followed him as he started to walk outside and found herself on an open field. It was surrounded by large trees, which sent a nice earthy smell in the air. There were also a few large boulders in the center of the field, but they were covered with some kind of slippery moss.

When she looked down she noticed that she was no longer dressed in her dress but in pants and a shirt, weapons on her hips. She was dressed as a warrior.

Turning to her friend she questioned him about this. "What's going on? Why am I suddenly dressed like this?"

"This is where your strength of character will be decided. You will face several enemies who have weaknesses and strengths of their own. You will have to defeat them."

Rita felt herself get into the 'zone' as she mockingly called it. This she could handle, battle she could handle.

She pulled her trusted sword out of her sheath and twirled it around to get a feel for it again before she turned to Tiruvor once more.

"Care to give me some advice?" She asked playfully.

He thought for a while before he answered. "Do not judge your opponent by the look of him, keep an open mind and have faith in your own abilities."

Rita nodded and she started when she heard a growl come from behind her as it suddenly grew very dark. She didn't have to see what it was, she could smell it.

It was a disgusting smell, one of her first memories here in Middle Earth. How she detested these animals.

"Orcs!" She exclaimed while she blocked a hit being swung her way. She counted 12 orcs at least. "What on earth are those foul things doing in heaven?"

She was battling while she heard Tiruvor answer. He stood on the every edge of the field so that it were obvious he was neutral in this battle.

"You forget this is not heaven Rita, it is the realm between life and the afterlife. Normally orcs would have no part here but they have been summoned for your test."

"Don't I feel special" Rita muttered as she parried the attack of one orc with her sword as she stabbed her dagger into the heart of another. She felt the adrenaline pumping through her once again and after a while all the orcs were disposed of.

Not letting her guard down Rita started to look around and suddenly a large group of Uruk-hai attacked her.

Even though Rita fought many of them at Helm's Deep she was overwhelmed at their strength and even though she was holding her own she knew she would not be able to defeat them all.

She frowned at the thought though. *Why am I doubting myself, I can do this, I fought tougher challenges than this. I have to win in order to pass the test.*

With that in her mind she fell into a trance-like battle-dance. She didn't hear the unearthly growls and annoying voices of the Uruks. She couldn't smell their awful stench. She only focussed on her movements and thinking what to do next.

Rita sliced, diced and chopped off limbs, killing every Uruk she faced. It was as if someone had put a haze in front of her eyes. Right now the world could have been ending and she would not have noticed it, she only noticed her enemies and how she was going to get rid of them.

There were three more left and she was getting tired. She dove out of the way and landed on her back when one of them tried to hit her with an axe Gimli would have loved to have. Glancing at the edges she noticed it was dripping with poison.

*Great, now I have to be extra careful* Rita thought as she kept rolling over the ground, trying to avoid getting stabbed by the sword of Uruk number two.

She knew she needed to get on her feet fast cause right now she was at a great disadvantage. Then she remembered a move she had once seen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Deciding it was worth a try Rita pushed herself from the ground with all her strength and arched her back in order to give her some balance. She concentrated on landing on her feet while blocking the strike being sent her way with her sword.

To her surprise the move actually worked and she was back in the game again. She was smiling a little, she was winning this. She would win and move on, come on was this it?

She killed the Uruk with the axe and concentrated on the one with the sword. Starting to get a little adventurous she practiced some bold moves, no longer paying attention to what was going on around her. She was already celebrating her victory in her mind.

That was a mistake.

Suddenly an arrow sailed right passed her, barely missing her head. Rita jerked slightly and swore loudly when she realized she had forgotten all about Uruk number three.

He was standing next to one of the large trees and had a smile upon his face. Well Rita placed it as a smile, but he could also be smirking or grimacing for that matter, this must have been one of the ugliest Uruks Rita had ever seen. And huge as well, he was almost twice as tall as she was and very muscled.

Now she was forced to divide her attention between the two Uruks and she manipulated the Uruk she was fighting with her sword so that she could still see number three.

More arrows flew past her and maybe it was a stroke of luck, or maybe number three was loosing his touch but suddenly the Uruk she had been fighting dropped to the ground, an arrow sticking out of his back. Rita froze to the spot, too surprised at what had happened.

It then clicked in her head. *He did that on purpose. Number two was standing in the way so he decided to eliminate the thing between him and me*

Seeing he was notching another arrow already she unfroze and started to run and jump in odd patterns. She was trying to give number three as little opportunity as possible to take a good aim at her.

After running for five minutes Rita knew she had to think of a plan and fast. Number three might have an endless supply of arrows and an aim that rivaled that of Legolas and Haldir, she was running out of strength.

She wasn't going to keep it up much longer if she had to run much longer. Her stamina no longer was what it had been merely a month ago. Back then she was able to run for an entire day and still have enough strength to battle.

She was also very frustrated by the fact she couldn't get closer to number three. Every time she tried to approach him he sent lots of arrows her way. Arrow she barely dodged.

Then a plan came up in her head and she started to run towards the center of the field, to where the boulders were.

Arrows flew past her but she paid them no head, her mind was focussed on reaching those boulders as fast as she could.

Finally reaching them Rita dived behind one and she could hear the arrows ricocheting of the stone and she smiled when number three let out an angry roar.

Listening intently she heard him stomp over to her and she smiled even wider as she realized her plan was working, she had forced number three to get closer to her, giving her a chance to kill him.

It was her only shot, and she had to make this one count.

The stomping got closer and louder and a random thought popped into her head. *Lucky for me Uruks are incapable of sneaking, god I don't want to think what would happen if they were as quiet as elves*

Rita wrinkled her nose as she could smell him as well and she could hear him jump on top of the boulder, he was walking very slow, probably minding his step because of the moss.

*Great, not only is he big and a skillful archer, he has some kind of brain- capacity as well. He is actually being careful*

She pressed her back to the boulder and readied her sword, holding it with both arms, she had put her dagger away before, knowing it couldn't help her at that moment.

No sound was heard any more and Rita knew number three was standing above her. She then saw the bow with a notched arrow above her and she knew she had to stroke fast.

With all the strength she could muster she swung her sword at the bow and it satisfied her when she felt the strong steel of her elvish sword cut through the wooden bow.

If his load roar was any indication number three was not happy about this. Rita was just able to jump up when he lunged at her from the rock, knocking her on her back and to make it even worse, knocking her sword out of her hand.

Rita tried to struggle with him but found she was lacking the strength, he was so much larger than her and so much stronger.

Pain shot through her leg as he rested his weight on it, pinning her to the ground. Trying to suppress a cry she swore she could hear one of the bones snap.

Desperately she tried to get to her dagger to stab him but it was snatched from her grip by number three and he was making the movement of stabbing her.

Seeing this move just in time Rita tried to hold him off by pushing his arm away from her with both hands.

The dagger was getting closer and closer and the tip was merely millimeters away from her left eye when she scolded herself.

*You had to think this was getting easy, ugh I can't believe I let my pride get the better of me. Now what am I going to do? I'm in this mess just because I was showing off. Stupid!*

Forgetting her dignity she called out to Tiruvor. "I need help Tiruvor I can't do this alone. I know you said you couldn't help but I really need you right now." She said this while still struggling with number three.

Imagine her surprise when the Uruks suddenly disappeared and the sun started to shine once again, while Tiruvor was grinning broadly.

"Where did they go? What just happened?" Rita tried to sit up quickly grabbing her dagger that had dropped to the ground.

She was unable to get up however, seeing as how her leg was hurting like hell.

Tiruvor gently pried the weapon out of her grasp and calmly started to explain. "You just past the first task Rita."

Once again Rita looked at him questioningly and he started to answer her unasked questions. "You see, a truly strong character is confident about his, or her, abilities but will not refrain from asking help when they really need it. By asking me to help you, you showed that you could rely on others if needed. That you do not only have faith in yourself but also in others."

Rita blushed as she realized her stupid pride had almost been the end of her. She saw now that trying to do everything on her own could have been the end of her.

Thinking about it, she realized that every time she would do something on her own and get in major trouble, others helped her out, saving her.

Remembering Helm's Deep and her jump off the wall. She owed Rumil and the other elves who had cleared her way her life for that. Or the day of the final battle where Haldir had helped her when she was outnumbered.

There were endless of scenario's where she had been in danger and where she relied on others. She had gotten cocky and it had almost killed her.

Tiruvor smiled at her gently and put a hand on her shoulder. "Do not despair Rita, everyone needs to rely on others. You may have forgotten that for a while but you got it in the end did you not? It is of no use to ponder things you cannot change. You past your test and will swiftly move on to the second test. But first I will see to your wound."

Intrigued Rita watched as Tiruvor placed his hands over the fracture, a yellow glow coming from his hands.

The pain disappeared and when he helped her up she found that her leg was fine again. "How?" she asked, astonished by what he had just done.

"What just happened?"

"It is a gift I discovered within myself after I had passed. Supposedly it had lain dormant during my years on Middle Earth."

"Oh" Rita said and she suddenly smiled sadly. "Does this mean you will have to leave me again?"

He nodded and hugged her. "This is not my place, I must return to Mandos. I am proud to have called myself one of your guides Rita and I hope to see you again, though I have to say for your sake I hope that won't be too soon."

"Take care Tiruvor." Rita said while he waved as he disappeared in glistening light. (A/N: Think the orbing Leo always does in Charmed)

After he had disappeared Rita gathered her sword from it's place where it had fallen to the ground and wiped her weapons clean on her pants and placed them on her belt again.

She had no idea what to do now. She was happy that she had passed the first test but she knew she was nowhere near success. She still had two more tests to pass. And her crash-course of humility made her more self-aware of the fact that she might not make it because she really was all alone.

Not knowing when her next guide would show up she sat down in the grass and picked a piece of grass, which she put in her mouth.

It was a habit she had picked up from Aragorn, who always had a piece of grass in his mouth when he no longer had pipe weed.

She had to admit that the grass did taste nice and relaxed a little as the sun warmed her.

This time she was a little prepared for the voice that interrupted her thoughts, even though it still came as a surprise.

She knew there was someone behind her since she saw the shadow of someone fall over her, she just wasn't prepared to see who had been standing over her.

Spinning around to make sure she stared and there he was standing, robes and staff while his beloved sword was by his side.

"Gandalf?" her tone incredulous. "Not to sound crude but you're not dead, you are very much alive in Minas Tirith right now. What are you doing here?"

He chuckled and his eyes had an amused glint in them. "It is actually quite simple my dear. I was reborn and therefore I am still here. Gandalf the Grey died, but Gandalf the White lives on."

"But aren't the two of you the same, I mean I know you came back stronger, but you didn't seem to have changed so much."

"It would take many years, many years indeed to explain the exact difference between my old and new form, but we simply do not have the time for that. I am here for a reason my dear, I am to guide you for your second test, the test of strength of loyalty. Come along now, we have a way to go."

He started to walk away and she followed him. They walked for a very long time and Rita was happy that Tiruvor had somehow changed her dress in her fighting clothes, which included her trusty boots.

They stopped at a wild river and Gandalf started to speak in a solemn voice. "The test of strength of loyalty is your next test. Many have failed to pass this test, but I have faith in you."

"What exactly is this test?" Rita asked.

"You will have to pass this river and follow the path on the other side. From there on you will face your challenge and I am sorry to say that I will not be able to accompany you passed this spot."

Rita watched as two ropes suddenly appeared that would allow her to cross to the other side of the riverbank.

"Tiruvor said earlier that every guide would advise me to the best of their ability. So tell me wizard both powerful as wise, what can you tell me that can help me in this test."

"The test of loyalty is not one to mock with, nor will it be easy. For giving you advice. . . the only thing I can advise you is to follow your heart. But be weary for the heart is a feeble thing."

*Ok* Rita thought *Wonder if he could have made that any vaguer. Ah well I'll just have to find out what this test will be. Time to pass the bridge.*

"Will I see you again if I finish the test? And why can't you come along with me?" she asked this as the questions suddenly popped up in her head.

"You will see me again whether you pass the test or not, I am in Middle Earth and the afterlife both. I cannot tell you the reason I have to stay behind, this is a challenge you really must face alone."

Seeing that he wasn't going to say more Rita gave him a hug. "See you later Gandalf, wish me luck."

With a smile she stepped on the lower rope while she held the rope above her. She moved with confidence since she had passed a river on a rope before.

The river was not that wide so she jumped on the other riverbank after a minute or two. Once she had gotten to the other side she turned around to wave at Gandalf a last time before she walked on the path.

She was walking on a narrow path that was sometimes blocked with plants, so Rita had to use her sword to cut them away. It was like walking in a tropical forest.

Finally the path got wider while she was walking and she ended up in an open space. She didn't know what it was but something felt off about the place.

Examining the place intently the feeling of dread got stronger and stronger until she barely could stand it anymore. She gripped her sword hard, waiting for a foe to jump out of the bushes and attack her.

When some bushes started to rustle she stood ready to defend herself until an old man stepped out of them.

Surprised she slowly lowered her sword, making sure he had no bad intentions. The man nodded as he saw she wasn't going to trust him right away and muttered something Rita couldn't hear.

Deciding to find out what was going on she spoke. "Excuse me sir, what are you doing here? I was told I was to face the challenge on my own."

"Yes, yes." His voice sounded as old as he looked, it was croaky and low. "Alone you must face this challenge. It has been many years since anyone has come here to take this test, many years indeed."

Rita frowned a little. "You mean you have seen someone take this test before?"

"Oh no, I have not seen anyone take this test. I am the test."

That statement was not what Rita had expected and this showed on her face. The man saw this and he started to explain a little.

"The test of loyalty, one of the hardest to pass and there are many who have failed this test because they had made the wrong choice."

"Choice? What kind of choice?"

The man got an almost evil smile on his face as he answered. "I can not explain this to you, so you will just have to follow me to where this test will be held."

He started to walk slowly towards the end of the open space. Rita followed him but kept her distance, still feeling wary about the man.

They reached another large hall but this one was not pure white. It was gray and very somber. Rita was hardly able to suppress a shudder when she felt a sad feeling come over her.

The old man had seemingly disappeared into thin air and Rita was on guard once again. Suddenly his voice filled the hall.

"I told you there was no way to explain the choice other than showing you so here we are."

Rita looked around but couldn't see the man anywhere. "Where are you?" she shouted "Show yourself!"

"That's not in the rules." The man taunted her. "I will not show myself until you have made your choice."

Getting frustrated Rita started to shout once more. "You keep talking about this choice, what is it? You said you'd show it so do it!"

"So eager are we?" The man asked in a creepy amused voice. "Very well, do you see the curtains on your right, there on the wall beside you?"

Seeing Rita walk towards said wall he continued. "Pull back those curtains will you."

Not understanding of what use that could be Rita did as she was told and suddenly she was met by a horrific sight.

She gasped before she angrily yelled out. "What is the meaning of this, let him out of there!" She started to bang on the glass which separated her from what she saw but was unable to break it."

"Temper, temper. This is part of the choice since you only opened the first curtain. You must open the other one as well."

Bracing herself for what she was going to see she opened the other curtain as well and her eyes grew wide.

"What kind of sick joke is this?" she asked hoarsely.

"This is no joke." Said the man. "This is the choice."

Rita nearly choked. "You mean to tell me I have to choose? I won't choose I WON'T"

"You have to choose, if not you will fail to test and will loose your chance at immortality."

"So you are telling me I have to choose between the man I love and my friends? You are telling me to sentence the one I love to death or sentence my best friends to death? What kind of monster are you?"

A sigh echoed through the hall. "A monster I am not, I am keeper of the choice. Do you think they call this a choice of loyalty for nothing? You have to choose what loyalty means more to you. The loyalty to your friends or the loyalty to your love."

Rita stared at the sight that had shocked her so. In one room lay Elladan, chained against a wall with arrows pointed at him from every direction. Each of those arrows were aimed and ready to kill.

In the other room lay her friends, people she cared about most. Haldir was amongst them, as well as Legolas and Aragorn, Éowyn and Arwen and last but not least, the hobbits. Arrows were pointed at them as well and now that evil man wanted her to choose between the most important people in her life.

The wheels in her head were working on an overdrive. How was she going to choose? In the back of her mind she knew that it was not real, that everyone was safe in Minas Tirith, but it all seemed so real.

The voice broke her thoughts. "You have to choose now. Choose now or I will kill them all."

"NO, a little longer please. Give me some more time." Rita was starting to get desperate. She was happy that none of them could see her, that would have just killed her. She could hear the man say it again.

'There are many who have failed this test because they had made the wrong choice.'

But what was the wrong choice? This was a test of loyalty and she was taking this test so she could gain immortality to spend the rest of her life with Elladan.

Did it mean she had to choose Elladan to show him that she would sacrifice everything to keep him safe?

Or was it the other way around?

Maybe she should sacrifice Elladan to save her friends, showing the man that even though she loved Elladan very much, even though that much should be obvious as she was taking the trial, she couldn't give up the lives of others to reach her goal.

Rita was torn and the man's booming voice, yelling at her to choose quickly was not helping her at all, it made the process of thinking so much harder.

She closed her eyes and tears fell down her cheeks as she croaked out her choice. "I choose my friends, let them go please let my friends go."

"As you wish. You have made your choice." Said the man and Rita fell to the ground as she heard chains being undone in one room and arrows released in the other.

Elladan's cry of horror made Rita cringe and she was fighting the urge to throw up. She couldn't believe this had just happened.

"God forgive me." She whispered, she couldn't force herself to look at Elladan's dead body. "I hope you will forgive me Elladan, I couldn't let all of them die because I wanted you. I'm so sorry love, I'm so sorry."

Her sobs were heard through the hall until she felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked up at Gandalf who had appeared out of nowhere.

"What kind of test was that Gandalf, how could he be so cruel. Didn't he understand that it was an impossible choice. How can I live with myself now Gandalf? HOW?"

The wizard patted her back as he spoke his words. "It was not real my dear, Elladan is still back in Middle Earth. The reason the test was set up like this was to test your selfishness, to test you on how far you would go to get what you wanted to have. To see if your loyalty was so strong enough."

"Some test." Rita spat bitterly. "I need them all in my life, not one or the other." A thought came to her. *I wasn't loyal enough, I let Elladan be killed. Damn it, it's not fair!*

"I know Rita." Said Gandalf. "The test of loyalty is often regarded as one of the hardest ones for it makes you choose between the most important things in your life. You are one of the few who have passed this test, most choose their love over all, thinking it is THAT, that would make them pass the test."

Rita had stopped crying by now. "You mean to say that I passed the test? I made the right choice?"

"Indeed you did my dear, now why don't we leave this place until your next guide comes for you. This place is quite gloomy is it not?"

Taking Rita by the arm he lead her back into the sunlight and she didn't feel as cold anymore. Though she was still shivering a little by the force of her emotions.

Gandalf urged her to lie down for a while. "You need your rest child, rest up for the last test now."

Not in the mood to bicker with the wizard Rita did as she was told and closed her eyes. Regardless of the horror she had went through she fell asleep quickly.

She woke up to someone weaving their hands through her hair and she opened her eyes, rubbing the sleep out of them.

"I am proud of you Rita, proud that you have made it this far."

*That voice!* she thought *I know that voice*

She jumped up while she screamed with joy. "Boromir, oh Boromir I missed you so much. I needed you so many times and you weren't there, oh how I missed you my brother."

Boromir had fallen flat on his back when she had propelled herself in his arms and he was now laughing while he was hugging her close to his chest.

"I missed you as well little one, I worried about you though. On more than one occasion did I think you would join me in the afterlife. It is a miracle you survived all the dangers you put yourself in."

"I had a great teacher." Muttered Rita from his chest. She suddenly looked up to study him and smiled at what she saw.

No longer was he deathly pale, nor was there a hunted look in his eyes. Quite the opposite really, he looked very. . . happy and contented.

"You look like you're at your place, you look happy."

"I am I suppose." He answered. "Though I miss certain things from my life, there are things here that make me happy as well."

Suddenly seeing the light Rita grinned evilly. "Things Boromir? Don't you mean people? And to narrow it down, don't you mean a person."

Seeing him blush slightly she laughed outright as he muttered under his breath. "Yes Rita." He finally said. "I am very happy to be with Lilandra once again."

"Thought so." Rita giggled. She sobered again when she realized why he was here. "You're here to guide me to the last test aren't you?"

This seemed to somber Boromir as well and he nodded. "Yes my sister, I am here to guide you on your test on your strength of mind."

"Will it be anything like the last test? Cause that was no fun. The opposite actually. That was one of the hardest things I have ever faced in my life."

He sighed and closed his eyes and Rita took this as a bad sign. "It's going to be worse won't it." It was more a statement than it was a question.

She got her answer when he nodded and stood up, pulling her with him. "Come now Rita, better to get this over with. I know you can overcome this last challenge, I have seen your strength. Like you faced the last to two chalenges I know you can pass this one as well as long as you put your mind to it. because that is the essence of the test. It is all about your mind and how you put it to work."

Following him to another part of this weird realm he stopped before a large cave and started to speak with a monotonous voice. "The test of strength of mind lies before you. In here you will have to overcome your greatest fears in order to pass the test." He said it in such a tone that she knew he had studied this and it were not his words he was saying.

"As your guide I am not allowed to enter until you have passed or failed the test." He looked at her and pulled her in his embrace.

"I have faith in you Rita. You have survived so many things before, you can survive this as well. Just imagine that I am in there with you. I would come if I were allowed, I hate that rule."

Rita took a deep breath and nodded, her stomach clenching as she realized she would have to go in the cave on her own.

Breaking the hug she stepped away from Boromir and he watched as she started to walk away from him, into the darkness.

"You are a lucky elf Elladan, you better appreciate the sacrifices she is willing to make for you."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile in Gondor

Elladan had eaten some of the dinner at Arwen's insistence but he was not speaking very much. During the meal Galadriel had excused herself, saying she was having a headache and needed to lie down.

When Celeborn offered to go with her she waved him off, saying it was best for her to be on her own. Even though it was an unusual request her husband did as she said, she had her reasons after all.

After dinner Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas were walking to their rooms when they suddenly spotted a familiar figure ahead of them.

"Haldir!" was cried out by the three of them as they ran to catch up with him.

The tall marchwarden stopped and turned around, waiting for them to catch up with him. He didn't have to wait long before they were pulling him towards Elladan's balcony so they could speak in peace. Haldir only had to wait for a little while before he was questioned.

Elladan was the one doing the questioning, but once in awhile the other two would ask a question as well.

"Did you find her?" It was the question that had been burning since he spotted the Lothlorien elf.

Haldir nodded. "Yes I found her. She had made it all the way to the Rauros- falls before I caught up with her. We decided to spare the horses on our way back."

Elladan closed his eyes and sighed out of relief. "Then she is well, where is she? I need to speak with her."

"No."

"No?" asked Elladan. "How do you mean no?"

"I mean no as in, no you should not speak with her. She is now talking with Lady Galadriel, asking her for advice for her problems."

Getting frustrated Elladan ran a hand through his hair. "Why would she go to grandmother? It is her and I that need to clear things up."

"She needed the Lady's advice." Haldir started to get sick of the inquisition and it was detected by Legolas, who decided to ask a question of his own.

"Did she come along willingly when you took her back?"

A small smile came upon Haldir's face. "Somehow I do not believe I would have been able to force her to return with me, but it did take a lot of persuading until she agreed."

"Why did she need to be persuaded? Why did she run in the first place?" Elladan asked in a harsh tone and it was at that moment that Haldir snapped.

Giving him the most furious glare Haldir turned to Elladan and growled. "Why don't you ask your father?" After that he stalked off into the night.

Elladan was stunned for a few seconds, baffled at the tone of the other elf's voice and the hatred in Haldir's eyes, until realization started to show upon his face. "He didn't." he whispered. "He wouldn't."

But deep in his heart he knew that Haldir had spoken the truth and he turned to have a conversation with his father when he was constrained by both Legolas and Elrohir.

"Brother" said the latter "Where do you think you are going?"

"I need to have a conversation with our father, I need to know what he could have said to make Rita turn away from me, to run from me."

Legolas released him a little and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Is it not wiser to speak with him when you are calmer, for if you speak with him in the state you are in now. . . it would not end well."

When Elladan relaxed a little Elrohir released his grip on him and Elladan used that momentum to break free and run off, leaving the two elves behind.

"May Elbereth protect father from the wrath of Elladan tonight." Said Elrohir as he watched the quickly retreating figure of his brother.

Legolas sighed. "I would have reacted the same way though." Elrohir could do nothing than nod as he knew the truth had been spoken.

"This will destroy whatever was left of their relationship, I hope it is a price Ada was willing to pay."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Not stopping in fear she would back out Rita marched into the cave and she could immediately feel the walls closing in on her. She jumped when the exit was blocked by a large rock.

Immediately her breathing became shallower and she was gasping quicker as well. She knew she was on the verge of a panic-attack and she tried to calm herself.

*Focus Rita, you're doing this for a good cause, you're doing this for Elladan. You can do this*

Her own encouraging gave her a little spark as she started to walk down the dimly lit path that was in front of her.

*I guess I'll follow the path, I can do this, just breath in and out, in and out.*

Suddenly she heard a lot of rumbling and the cave was shaking. What she saw next made her gasp for breath.

The walls were moving towards her, looking up she saw that the ceiling was coming down as well. It was her worst fear coming to life.

She was helpless as she slid down on the ground, rocking herself back and forth, the darkness of her mind, that was always looming around a corner, was taking over.

Images started to flash before her. Once again she rememebred the traumatic experience that had scarred her so, the reason for her claustrophobia.

~Flashback~

Small Rita had made a mistake which infuriated her father and now there was hell to pay.

He dragged her to a closet and threw her in, locking the door behind her. For Rita this was terrifying, the dark scared her but being locked up scared her even more. There were spiders in that closet and Rita screamed when she felt a mouse crawl over her feet.

"Daddy let me out. Please daddy, I didn't mean to. . . I'm sorry let me out. LET ME OUT" she was starting to get hysteric when she heard his footsteps fading. He had left her alone.

"Daddy come back, NO, don't leave me. Let me out, daddy please." She then started to call out for her mother.

"Mommy help me, let me out of here mommy. MOMMY!!!"

~End flashback~

Her teeth started to clatter now as well, she was shaking all over her body and she found that she was freezing, even if she had wanted to cry or yell, she wouldn't have been able to.

*I can't do this, I'm gonna die. I'm useless, daddy was right. I'm a no good, worth nothing piece of trash. I can't even pass this test to get the immortality and Elladan is going to die. He's going to die and it will be all my fault. I killed so many already.*

*It started with mommy, I may not have killed her but she left because of me. Because I kept making daddy angry at her. It was all my fault.

~Flashback~

Rita was standing in the doorway as she saw her mom grab pieces of clothing and throwing it in a suitcase.

A frown appeared on her face as she started to understand what was going on: Her mother was leaving.

Still she had to make sure. "What are you doing mommy? Are you leaving?"

Her mother dropped the shirt she was holding once she heard Rita's voice and she turned to face her daughter.

"I have to leave kiddo, I just. . . I can't take it any more. You're daddy has hurt me too many times and I've had enough."

Rita's lip began to tremble. "It's because of me isn't it. If it weren't for me, you and daddy wouldn't fight so much."

Sandra Saunders kneeled down so she was at the same eye-level as her daughter. "Never think that again do you hear me. This is not your fault, this is just something I have to do for myself. I need to start my life all over again. Free from my past."

With that said she closed the suitcase and dragged it downstairs. Rita stayed in her mother's room until she heard the door slam, signaling that her mother had left.

A very bitter thought entered her mind, something no five-year-old should think. *You didn't want us anymore, you didn't want me anymore. You wanted to be free of us.*

She walked to the room her little sister was sleeping in and as she watched the peaceful baby she promised herself one thing.

*I am going to take care of you baby sister. Nobody will hurt you and I will never ever leave you. I will never leave you like mom left us.*

~end flashback~

Thinking about Carol nearly broke her and the images flashed by faster and faster, guilt was eating her away.

=Smiling Carol in the lead of the school play at eight years old.=

=Crying Carol after she was teased by the school bully.=

=Dead Carol, lying motionless on the floor.=

More faces appeared before her.

=Boromir as he was ding at Amon Hen, the three arrows still sticking out of his body.=

=The look on Gandalf's face as he was falling, knowing he could not be saved.=

=Elves and men dying around her during various battles.=

Her claustrophobia was reaching it's ultimate height as the walls were coming closer and closer. Then she remembered Boromir's words.

'In here you will have to overcome your greatest fears in order to pass the test'

*Oh God, I have to overcome this in order to pass the test.*

She tried to imagine a large open space by a large lake and woods surrounding that lake. That thought was shattered when a rock falling down barely missed her head.

"I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid." She kept saying those words as if they were a life-line. She knew she had to overcome this if she were to pass the test.

It seemed to be useless, the walls just kept on moving towards her. *I have to pass the test, I have to face my fears.*

The closer the walls got to her the louder she said the words. "I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid, I'm NOT AFRAID!!!!!!!"

She focussed her thoughts on Elladan. She tried to rememberr every feature of his face, envisioning him smiling at her with that sweet smile of his.

This was for him. She could do this for him. She couldn't imagine a life without him and didn't know how she had managed to walk away from him.

Then she had an epiphany. *The thought of a life without Elladan scares me more than any cave ever could. I can't change needing Elladan but I can work on my claustrophobia*

Suddenly the walls were back where they belonged and the rumbling had stopped. The path had disappeared as well and the exit was open again.

She started to run towards it and stumbled out of the cave where she was caught by Boromir who picked her up and swung her around.

"You did it Rita, you past the test. I knew you could do it little one, oh how I worried about you."

She smiled at him as she realized the truth of his words, she had made it. "I past the test, does that mean I am immortal now?"

"I cannot explain that part Rita, come I will guide you to the person who will."

He grabbed her hand and started to pull her in the direction where this person was probably waiting. Once they got to some kind of throne room Rita saw a crowd had gathered.

She also noted that she was wearing her white dress again. A man was sitting on a throne and he had an aura of power around him. An aura stronger than that of Galadriel and Elrond combined.

Feeling that this was a person to be respected Rita bowed for him and waited for his word to stand up again.

He spoke in a melodic voice. "Rise and sit beside me. For it has been many years since anyone has past all three tests."

Rita repeated the question she asked Boromir earlier. "Does this mean I am immortal now?"

"No" the man said and Rita was shocked and opened her mouth to protest. "It does not mean you are immortal, it means you have to choose now whether you want to be immortal."

She frowned. "I don't understand, choose whether I want immortality? Of course I want it, I didn't pass those tests just for the fun of it you know."

"You will stay with Lord Boromir and will appear before me tomorrow at sunset once more to state your final decision."

And then he disappeared, and not disappearing as in walking quietly away. No he disappeared as in poof, there one minute, gone the next.

Rita couldn't believe what just happened and didn't protest as Boromir guided her to what appeared to be his house.

She could hear a female voice coming from the house. "Boromir, you have returned already? I thought you were guiding your sister on her test."

"I did my love, she passed the test and now has to take the day of thought. She will be staying with us for the day. That is alright with you is it not?"

The woman stuck her head out of the door and she looked outraged. "Of course she will be staying here, I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to meet this girl you have been talking about."

Rita smiled when she finally caught sight of the women Boromir loved so much. Lilandra was beautiful with her long glowing red hair and her cinnamon eyes. She wore an emerald green dress, which complimented with the ribbon in her hair and had the most enchanting smile Rita had ever seen.

"Now I can see why Boromir loved you so much, you're a knock-out and a nice one at that." Rita suddenly blushed and buried her head in her hands. "I just said that aloud didn't I?"

This resulted in a burst of laughter when Boromir nodded. The three laughed for a couple of minutes until Lilandra pulled Rita in a hug.

"I cannot say how much it pleases me to meet you Rita, Boromir has spoken about you often. I was starting to get a little jealous." Lilandra winked, signaling she was just kidding.

Boromir looked at the sky and saw the sun was starting to set. "I have to go now love, we'll be back after sunset."

This piqued Rita's curiosity. "Where are we going Boromir?" When he didn't answer her she looked at Lilandra questioningly but she avoided Rita's gaze.

Now Rita was starting to get worried and she followed Boromir as he crossed fields and parks. His mind was set on a destination and Rita had no idea where they were going.

They reached a small cottage and after Boromir knocked on the door a voice answered. "Is that you Boromir? Come in, I've been dying to see you." a giggle followed that statement but Rita was in shock already.

That voice, it couldn't be, but then again Boromir wasn't supposed to be there either. Not bothering to knock Rita threw the door open and stormed into the cottage.

"Carol" she hoarsely whispered.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile in Gondor

Elrond was preparing himself for bed when the door to his room burst open, revealing a very angry son. Elladan slammed the door behind him as he entered his father's room and he strode up to him.

"How dare you? How could you?" His voice trembled with rage as he spoke to his father. "I want to know what you said to Rita and I want to now it now."

Elrond motioned to the chair. "Won't you sit and calm down before we continue this, you really are acting like a child throwing a fit."

"I will act like a child when you treat me like one. Guess what Ada, I am a child no longer. You can no longer control my life and that includes my love life. But then again you knew that didn't you. I had made that clear the day I left Rivendell with the rangers. Then explain to me why you spoke to Rita, better yet, tell me what you said to her."

Seeing his son wasn't going to sit Elrond sighed, he knew this conversation would not go well. "I merely informed her of the results if she were to continue with your relationship."

"What consequences are you talking about Ada?" Asked Elladan through clenched teeth.

Elrohir had found Aragorn in the meanwhile, hoping the king would be able to diffuse this highly explosive situation.

When they reached the door they realized they were too late when they heard Elladan roar. "YOU TOLD HER WHAT?!?!?!?!?"

Elrohir and Aragorn exchanged looks and ran into the room and not a moment too late. They were barely able to restrain Elladan from physically attacking their father.

Ignoring the presence of his brothers Elladan rambled on. "How could you do that to her, to ME. Do you have ANY idea what this did to her, DO YOU?"

"I did what I thought was best for you Elladan, it is my right as a father to intervene when I think my child will get hurt."

Aragorn cringed as Elrond said this. This was so not what Elladan needed to hear.

"Your right? Your RIGHT?!?!? Let me tell you this, you won't have to meddle with my business because as of now I am no longer your son."

This came as a shock to Elrond. "You do not mean that."

"Oh I mean it. Too long have I allowed you to tell me what to do. I watched as you tried to pull Arwen and Aragorn apart and I let you advise me in what maiden I should ask to dance during a ball. No more, you no longer have any rights over me. You used all of those when you took my love away from me. Even if she returns, I will never forgive you do you hear me, NEVER."

Elladan shrugged the hold his brothers had on him and stormed out of the room again. Elrohir didn't doubt to follow his twin and only Aragorn remained behind.

He was struggling to find words but as he saw the man he considered a father almost broken, he knew there was nothing he could say and he also left the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rita closed her eyes and opened them again, making sure she was hallucinating. The vision still had not changed and Rita was frozen to the spot.

*This is what that man meant with a choice. Carol is here, my baby sister is here in front of me* She was snapped out of thoughts when she almost fell over as her sister flung herself at her.

Boromir held Rita up as Carol started to rattle. "I missed you so much Rita, it was a bit lonely up here but I made some good friends and then Boromir came to visit me. I have watched you every day Rita and I'm so proud of you, and man did you get a hunk or what. That Elladan is quite a catch though I prefer Legolas myself, he is so cute don't you think?"

Rita vaguely nodded and Carol kept on rambling. Boromir whispered in her ear. "I will leave you alone for now, I will come to collect you in the morning little one." He left and Rita focussed on Carol again.

". . . and you were so cool when you jumped off that wall. You kept on fighting and I was a little worried you might die but you were really lucky when your friends pulled you up again and. . . "

"Carol, please calm down. You're making my head spin."

She wasn't lying, her head really was spinning. The tests, the shock of seeing her sister and now her sister's endless rambling were too much and Rita let herself drop on the couch.

"Whoops, I guess I got a little hyper there but I'll stop right now."

Rita smiled as her sister sat down next to her and gathered her in a tight hug as she breathed the scent of her sister's hair in.

"I'm so sorry Carol, so sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I have wondered what would have happened if I had gotten home earlier or. . . "

This time it was Carol who interrupted her. "It's okay sis, really it's okay. I was a little confused in the beginning but remember Mrs. Flanders, you know that old lady that looked after me as a baby? She helped me through the hardest part of the transition. She helped me accept that it was my time to go. Stop beating yourself up about it."

"But it was my job, the one thing I had to do. You could have done so many things Carol, with your grades, looks and personality. . . . . you could have gone so far, accomplished so much."

Carol shrugged. "I might have done that or not. You can't see in the future sis, maybe I would have fallen in love with some guy and throw my education away to take care of seven children and live in poverty."

The girl chuckled at the image she thought of before she continued. "Fact is Rita, I'm dead and there was nothing you could have done about it. At least it was a quick death, I just remember falling and then I was here in the light. This really is a nice place you know."

"When did you get all so grown up?" asked Rita in amazement.

Carol smiled. "Oh I don't think I was ever small, well maybe for about five minutes when I was a baby but that's it."

This made Rita smile as well, she missed joking with her sister. "You understand why I am here right Carol?"

"Yeah, you died." Carol shut her a look that said 'duh'. "I haven't been able to check up on you for a few weeks, so I missed the dying part. Do you want to talk about it?"

Rita decided to tell her the truth. "I'm not dead Carol, well not technically. My body is still in a trance back in Middle Earth even though my spirit is here. I performed a ritual, a ritual that consisted of a number of tests I had to pass. And I passed them today. I now have a choice, return to Middle Earth and live as an immortal like the elves, or stay here in the afterlife. I have to decide today and give my answer tomorrow."

She could see the tears start to well in Carol's eyes. "That's not fair, you shouldn't have to choose."

"There's no other way Car. Even though I don't think it's fair either."

Carol looked Rita straight in the eye and asked her one thing. "Do you love him Rita, really love him I mean?"

When she saw Rita nod she smiled. "Then you should go back to him and be happy." Rita tried to interrupt but Carol silenced her with a wave of her hand.

"Now you listen to me. For thirteen years you have given up everything up for me, to give me a better life. You have found so much on Middle Earth, friends and a man you love, you found happiness sis, true happiness and that's rare."

"That may be so Carol, but that doesn't change the fact that I am your big sister and I have to take care of you. I can't leave you here on your own. It wouldn't be right."

Carol placed her hands on her hips as she started to scold her sister. "That's just the point Rita, you don't HAVE to take care of me any more. This is a great place and only happy things happen here. Besides ever since Boromir got here he has visited me every night, he even offered me a place in his house but I like it here, it's. . quaint.

Holding back tears Rita hugged her sister not able to form any words. She refused to cry, she had never cried in front of Carol and wouldn't start to now.

She had to laugh when she heard her sister's next words. "You better tell that elf of yours to treat you well or else I will haunt him for an eternity and trust me I will find ways to do that."

For the rest of the night the two talked about everything and nothing until the sun rose again and Boromir came to collect Rita.

Carol clung to her sister as tight as she could. "Don't worry about me sis, I have people that will look out for me. Besides, it's very funny to tease Boromir over here. I can see why you adopted him as a brother, he is so sweet."

The walk back to Boromir's house was spent in silence until Rita stopped walking. Noticing this Boromir approached her and questioned her about what was wrong.

"What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong! Life is wrong! First I loose Carol and I fall into Middle Earth in the middle of a war zone. I fall in love and make friends until one after the other is ripped away from me. I suffered in order to gain immortality so I'll be able to stay with Elladan for ever only to find out that the price I have to pay for it is the fact I will probably never see my little sister, who just happens to live in this part of heaven, and my brother again because I will never die. THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG!!!"

With that Rita broke down, letting all the tears she suppressed while visiting Carol out. Boromir caught her as she fell to the ground and soothed her in a way only he could.

She must have fallen asleep after stopping with crying cause when she woke up she was lying in a bed while a wonderful smell reached her nose and she heard soft laughter coming from the next room.

When she walked into the room Boromir stood up and hugged her close. "Are you better now, now you let it all out?"

Rita nodded, happy he didn't ask her if she were ok, she hated that question. "Thanks for carrying me here Boromir, sorry to have bothered you so."

"Nonsense Rita, you are as light as a feather. You really should eat more, you haven't been eating right lately have you?"

Lilandra intervened in the talk/scolding Boromir was giving Rita as she put a plate full of hot and small rolls covered with honey.

"Now I want you to eat this all and then I want you to tell me a little about your adventures. Boromir told me so little."

So Rita talked while Lilandra listened. Boromir sat behind his love and held her as her head rested on his chest.

Rita smiled as she noticed this and she was happy that Boromir was with his love once again. They really made a sweet couple, they were perfect for each other.

Time seemed to fly and the sun had started to set. Lilandra hugged Rita close to her and whispered in her ear.

"I hope you will find happiness and love in your eternal life Rita, you deserve it very much. And don't worry about your sister, Boromir and I will keep an eye on her. We'll protect her if that's necessary."

Then she let go and Rita was being guided back to the throne-room by Boromir. When the man asked her if she still wanted the immortality she had earned she looked him straight in the eye and said yes with a stable voice.

"So shall it be." She heard him say and then the world started to move around her.

The last thing she noticed was that Boromir held her in a strong embrace and whispered words to her. "Be happy my sister, I love you."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Elrond did not attend breakfast and Aragorn was happy for that. The twins and Arwen were speaking in soft voices when Celeborn approached them.

"Have you seen Galadriel this morning, she has not returned from her walk to clear her head."

Elladan's head shot up at this and he immediately started to look for Haldir. Once he got the marchwarden's attention he waved him over.

"Haldir" he started "You said Lady Galadriel was speaking to Rita last night. Where was this exactly? For grandmother has not returned."

Alarmed Haldir started to walk away, with Celeborn, the twins, the Fellowship and Arwen and Aragorn following him.

The rushed through the gardens and finally reached the spring where Haldir had left the two women the night before.

None were ready for the sight they met. Rita lay motionless on the ground, dressed in a pure-white dress, with candles around her, while Galadriel was sitting next to her, her eyes focussed on Rita's face.

Elladan wanted to rush to Rita but he was held back by Celeborn, who held his arm in a strong grip. His face was grave as was Gandalf's.

The latter broke the silence. "You have given her the choice."

Startled Galadriel looked up, it was not often she was caught off guard. "Yes" she answered.

"Many years have past since the choice was offered the last time." Stated Celeborn.

"Indeed, yet I believed she was worthy. The race of men has been corrupted by the need for power save the few who know better. Yet in her I can see the strength mankind once had, a strength so alike ours."

Gandalf nodded in acceptance of her words. "Did she understand the risks?"

At the word risks Elladan looked up sharply, he didn't understand what was going on here but he wanted to know.

Before he was able to open his mouth Arwen spoke. "It cannot be, it was believed to be just a myth."

Galadriel smiled at her granddaughter as now eyes fell upon Arwen. All were waiting for an explanation.

"It was in the library of Lothlorien where I found a book which contained information about a ritual called the choice."

Being his impatiently self Pippin asked a question. "What is this ritual and what's happening to Rita?"

Arwen smiled as she answered. "To state it simply, it is a ritual which gives the one undergoing it immortality. Only women have been known to endure it."

Gasps were heard as she said this and Elladan's eyes were now so huge, Elrohir was worried they might fall out of their cases. He patted his brother's back and glanced at Rita's still face, amazed at the lengths she would go through for his brother.

"But there is a price." Continued Arwen he lecture "The person undergoing the ritual will have to pass a trial, a trial which is unknown to all but those who passed the test before. And those who did pass were few, very few."

Pippin couldn't stop himself for asking another question. "What do you mean when you say very few?"

Galadriel answered this question like she did for Rita. "17 have passed the trial, 17 of hundreds or even thousands. The rest have past on to the afterlife, as it is the risk of undergoing this ritual."

"Rita could die?" Pippin's voice sounded very small and Galadriel smiled as she noticed that only the young hobbit was bold enough to ask the questions that were on the minds of all.

"Yes, she could die. But she has lasted longer than many of the others already. I would not have offered to brew the potion if I thought she did not have a chance."

Elladan was spooked. "So she could die right now? What was she thinking, we could have been happy without immortality and. . . "

"She did it for you." said Haldir, his emotions barely controlled. "She didn't want to be the cause for your pain and therefor she chose to do this. Do not dishonor her by questioning her decision." A cold glare in Elladan's direction accompanied this statement.

This shut Elladan up for the second time in 24 hours. Elladan was just about to retort when a small groan came from Rita and all were now fixed upon another sign from her.

Rita felt weird as colors flashed by her until there was only black. She groaned as she felt a little queasy from the trip and noticed that the blackness was due to the fact her eyes were closed.

When she opened them she squinted a little at the light that shone so brightly, but soon she made out the form of Galadriel who handed her a glass of water as she helped her sit up.

"Welcome back to Middle Earth Rita of Gondor, welcome into your new life."

Feeling a little dizzy Rita tried to stand but failed and she started to fall, she was caught by Elladan immediately who crushed her to his chest.

"What were you thinking?" he whispered "I was so scared I'd loose you."

Understanding that he needed to be reassured she was still alive Rita let him hug her tight but after a minute or so she started to feel a little light-headed.

"Uhm Elladan, I just gained immortality, you don't want me to loose it already do you?"

He let her go right away and Rita could breath again. she then noticed the crowd that had gathered around her and felt a little embarrassed.

"Hey guys, how are you?"

"I believe it is better that we ask you that question my dear." Answered Gandalf "For I have heard tales about these test and they did not sound easy."

They watched as her expression darkened a little, her walls up once again. "I'd rather not talk about it if you don't mind, it's still too fresh, too. . . "

"Nono, that is quite right dear. I understand."

Feeling a little uncomfortable in Elladan's embrace, the memories of his cry of horror as arrows killed him still fresh in her mind. Plus, she rationalized, they still had a lot to work out. Immortality or not.

Elladan frowned as she moved closer towards Aragorn and Haldir. Aragorn just hugged her close and muttered something along the lines of 'it being time the two of them have a long conversation'.

The tall marchwarden held Rita by the shoulders and looked at her eyes, it looked as if he was seeing into her soul and once again Elladan had to fight a wave of jealousy.

Haldir was shocked to see the pain and fear in Rita's eyes once again. Even more so when he recognized bitterness and despair.

*What happened to you my friend?* He wondered before he looked even closer at her. He was relieved he also saw happiness in her eyes.

He broke the gaze since they had an audience but not before sending a silent message to Rita, they needed to talk.

Rita nodded in answer of this question and wobbled as she felt the fatigue come over her. *I don't understand why I'm so tired* She thought *I just slept for a hours*

Nevertheless she was exhausted and when Galadriel suggested that they make their way back to the castle, everyone agreed at seeing her tiredness.

Haldir picked her up and carried her towards the castle, much to Elladan's dismay. He was shooting daggers at the retreating figure of Haldir and he was shocked at the intensity of his feelings.

He thought he was the only one still at the spring and he kicked the ground.

Suddenly he heard his grandmother's voice in his head, like so many times before. "Why are you so angered?" she asked.

"It is Haldir." He thought back to her. "He is close to Rita, closer than I suspect I will ever be. If it is me she loves, why does she keep turning to him? I am beginning to doubt her love for me."

He didn't expect the wave of anger coming from his grandmother and the fury in her voice as he answered her.

"She has just undergone a painful ritual that might have killed her, correct that almost killed her. She was moments away from death but she faced everything thrown her way only to gain immortality so she may spend her life with you. So she would not be the reason for a rift between you and your father."

Galadriel paused for a moment before continuing. "After all she did you still doubt her? You should feel honored to have the love of a maiden like her, though right now I seriously doubt if you deserve her."

"I am sorry grandmother, I was merely stating my doubts. She is pushing me away and I don't know how to stop that. The closer she gets to Haldir the further she drifts from me, I am just feeling desperate."

Silence followed until Galadriel gave him a last piece of advice. "The bond between her and Haldir is rare, the truest form of friendship. Let her go to him if she needs him. You do not know half of the horrors she has gone through in her life and he does."

Elladan interrupted. "She could tell me, explain it to me instead of going to him every time."

He heard Galadriel sigh in his head. "She does not wish to do so. There is a saying in her world that goes like this.

Lovers enter and leave your life and leave you broken hearted, only true friends stay with you until the end.

Now I do not know the truth in this statement, she holds on to it. She never had many friends my grandson, allow her to cling on to him for as much as she wants. Given time she will open to you more"

Then Galadriel left, leaving Elladan on his own to think about a lot of things. And none of those thoughts were happy ones.

A/N: I believe that was the longest chapter I have ever written!!! Do you know this took me seven hours (and this does not include the breaks I took in between) to write this fic? Now I know this seems to be the end of this fic but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve so don't worry. I will probably update on Sunday again, to make it up to you guys for not updating for so long. Anyway, let me know what you thought about this chapter, was it too cliche??? Or did you like it??? Let me know!!!

A/N 2: So I did the rewrite, lots of more details plus a little extra in the end. I need some jealousy from Elladan's side in order to keep this fic interesting. I have some great ideas. Now go on and read my next chapter, it will have some Aragorn scolding and a long talk with Haldir.