I am sorry for not updating but my schedule has been a bit hectic. I read
the new Harry Potter book, the Order of the Phoenix in 7 and 1/2 hours. It
was absolutely great with the exception of the death in it. I cried so
much. . . and I thought I was an evil author at some times. Rowling is
much, much worse. Now we'll have to wait another year or two for the next
book. . . *sigh* Thank god for fanfiction.
Anyway. . . I past a 1000 reviews. When I noticed I started hyperventilating and dancing and everything. I mean, come on when I started this fic I would have been happy with 10 reviews, but now knowing so many people liked this fic, I can't tell what it means to me. THANK YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING!!!!
Oh I forgot to put in last time but the song Rita was thinking about was Losing Grip by Avril Lavigne. I love that song but I do not own it in any form.
Mornie Utule: Sorry to have made you cry. I hope you reach this part soon so you can see me thanking you.
Shinigami29: Thanks Audrey, I'm happy you liked it. Was this a soon enough of an update for you???
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleef: I'm happy you understand and I respect your beliefs. Marriage for Elladan and Rita? You are right, not anywhere in the near future!
Elvish princess: My plans. . . I'm going to university to study law and from there on I'll see what happens next. I finished OotP already and I laughed and cried and yelled in anger. I got home from work and my mom said she had a surprise and gave me the book. I think that in Holland there aren't a lot of lines or something for the book. The Dutch translation comes out in November to the despair of my little sister. She even asked me if I could translate the book for her. . . honestly. My English is good but not THAT good. Whoops, long ramble thanks for the review though.
Sinister Darkfire: Sorry to have made it angsty, I'll keep your idea in mind.
Aurumlupi: It will be fixed in due time, this was necessary or else the fic would have come to an end. Sorry.
Soul: You caught my drift, but first more adventures in Gondor.
Lady of Legolas: Nope don't know a Morgana, Holland is pretty big. . . well not really but it's impossible to know every person. Go after her? Not yet, still more things to work out.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: So do I, I don't know how to end it just yet but I'll make sure it will be a happy ending.
The Great One: Thanks, and don't worry. I know everything about being busy so you are forgiven. ;) Hope you like this chapter.
Aislin: Rita's being annoying??? Huh, never thought of that point before but Elladan should have said something shouldn't he, evil me for not making him do so.
D-Chan: One more year isn't so bad is it? *hides in corner* I can't get them back together yet. . . forgive me??
T.C. Zion: Nononono, not the end yet. Still more ideas in my head after all.
Passion Lover: Happy you liked the chapter though I can tell you were somewhat saddened by it. ;) I won't make Elladan suffer. . . yet, but if you really want to you can borrow him sometimes to beat him up.
Musicgrl: Didn't mean to make you depressed, glad you like it though. Yeah I figured it was someone else's turn to listen to her now. Happy you noticed and liked.
Kate: I updated, was it soon enough? You don't like Avril? I love her cd, I'm playing it right now and the songs are very inspiring. Ah well, everyone has his/her own taste.
Blahblah: No killing, maim yes, killing no. I still need that character.
Siren: Hihihihi, I laughed so loud at your review. I'm sorry to say that it did happen. Don't kill him ok.
Sam: I'm happy you like it, I wasn't sure about putting the song in but I think I'll put one in more often. The song Hands is perfect for the scene you chose, never thought about it though. More Pippin? I'll try to do that.
Elvenflower: Happy you're happy. I hope you like this chapter as well.
Prophecy: I can see you can't make up your mind, was it THAT awful? ;)
Leitheindel: Are you ok? Not still in shock are you?? I'll try to make it better in the end.
Silver Starlight: I hope you will like this chapter, just remember that violence never solves anything ok.
Goddess2008: I'm happy you like my fic though I didn't mean to make you cry. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Renegade Hunter: Just wait to see the answer to your question.
Goddess: *hands prize* You were my 1000ndt reviewer after all. . . I think. Didn't count them or anything but hey. Happy you like the fic.
Dara Maeko: Yep, it is sad. Things can only get better right?
Danceingfae: I will not attempt to say I know anything about the male mind, hell I don't understand them at all. But I think Elladan is proud and offended that Rita doesn't come to him when she's hurt but goes to Haldir. Now how to fix it????
Lady Death: *whimpers* I updated, is it soon enough??? I'm now very afraid of you, you know.
Tap-dancing Hobbit: I'm happy you enjoyed the chapter and I hope this one will be to your liking as well.
Arwen-evenstar: Just wait to see what happens, I'm not going to spoil the surprise.
Faenen: I agree, it would get boring without twists.
Mellon: I'm not stopping, see, I'm continuing already. Hope you like it.
Latin4ever93: Yep, I had to stop there. For some weird reason hotmail is blocking me so I can't mail you. I'll try again tonight.
Iluvenis: The song is at the top, sorry I forgot to put it in. Hope you like this chapter.
MaverickGirl: I hope so too, but I doubt that will happen.
Tarilenea: I'm happy you liked last chapters so much. I (luckily) never have a problem with my mom about school her philosophy is the following: It's your brain and your future, I can't learn for you and you have to do it yourself.
Hugger: Chocolate does solve everything, you are so right!!!!! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter as well.
Dragonfly: Men. . . can't live with them, can't live without them.
Donnamira: I'm happy you liked the chapter. It was a hard one to write.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine. . . yadayadayada. . . blahblahblah
Rita had no idea how long she had been sitting there but she noted that the sun was starting to rise again.
The night had been full of thinking about the past and the future. She found that she was starting to forget a lot of things.
For instance, she could no longer remember the lines to a song she used to like, Loose Yourself by Eminem. She tried and tried but halfway through the song she drifted off, no longer able to remember what came next.
So she decided to buy a book, a diary of some sort. But instead of filling it with thoughts she would be filling it with songs, poems, plays, heck even movies she wanted to remember.
Once again she felt the presence of another behind her and she turned around, only to find it was Legolas again. This time Gimli was with him.
He took one look at her before he made a statement. "I take it that it did not go well?"
"That's an understatement." Rita muttered.
Gimli looked from one to the other confusedly. "What are you two talking about? What didn't go well and why are you looking so awful lass?"
"It's nothing Gimli, not anymore it is. Anyway, Legolas talked to me about this but I want your opinion as well. Gimli, how would you feel if I joined you and Legolas on your journey?"
He smiled. "It would be very nice to have you with us on our adventure." Suddenly he turned gruff again as if realizing he was acting nice and all. "I need to have someone who will keep me sane with that elf around and you would be as good as any other."
But Rita could see through the act and smiled a little. "So when do we leave?"
"Well" said Legolas "We know that the hobbits are eager to return to their home as are the elves. So we will depart in about a week or so with the others. Gimli wants to visit the Glittering Caves and I vowed that I would go with him."
"You don't have to come lass." Gimli hasted to say, but Rita had another idea.
"Actually I think I will come with you. I learned a lot of things during the trials and I realized that while fighting my greatest fear that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. I still don't like caves mind you, but if Legolas can do it, so can I."
The other two nodded and started to explain their plans to her and so they talked for hours. After they finished Gimli returned to castle for lunch (breakfast had come and gone already) but Legolas stayed behind with Rita.
Rita waited for it, she knew what was coming and Legolas didn't disappoint.
"What happened Rita for you to accept my offer, did you and Elladan have a fight?"
She snorted. "A fight would have been better than the silent treatment, at least then he would have said something. I poured my heart out and he said nothing, did nothing. Even when I eventually returned his necklace, he had no reaction."
"You returned the necklace, you no longer love him?"
"No I still love him, I will always love him. I'm the annoyingly loyal kind, I don't think I could ever love someone again. It's not me who has stopped loving, it's him."
Legolas got an angry gleam in his eyes. "You mean to tell me that he said nothing at all, Elladan is a fool to have let you go. This is why you decided to join us?"
"Partly. You have to understand that I have never done something for myself, not ever. I did a lot of things to protect Carol, I joined the Fellowship at Elrond's request, for the good of the world. I fought during battles to keep you guys safe as you kept me safe, I gained immortality for Elladan. Now it's time for me."
After taking a deep breath she continued her explanation. "I have been awed by the beauty of this place and I wanted to explore it but there was never time. So while traveling with you I can not only pursue what I want, but I can also think about what I will do after."
Legolas nodded once and suddenly pulled her up. "Then you will join us. But I think you should rest for a few hours, I will fetch you for dinner."
"I'm not tired Legolas and I don't want to go to dinner, I don't want to face him yet."
Understanding without a doubt who she meant with him Legolas frowned. "You are tired and you will not be hiding from Elladan just because he is an idiot. Now do as I say and you'll feel better."
Not really eager to fight with her friend about something she knew he was right about, she followed him as he led her to her room.
While walking she told him about her idea of her 'diary' and he encouraged her on it, saying it was always god to hold on to things from the past as long as it didn't consume you.
She freshened herself up in the bathroom and put on a nightgown as Legolas was waiting for her in her room. When she came out he tucked her into bed and kissed her forehead as her eyes started to droop.
"Sleep now my friend, I will come and get you later."
Nodding she surrendered to the sleep that had been desperate to catch her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elladan started awake when the door of his room slammed open first and the closed with a very loud bang.
What he saw surprised him. There stood a fuming Legolas with a murderous look in his eyes. "You fool." The normally elf growled. "How could you do that to her?"
No words exited his mouth as he opened them and Legolas immediately cut him off and grabbed his collar and banged him against the wall.
"Do you have any idea how much you hurt her, do you? Her eyes are pools of pain even she cannot hide anymore. Would it have hurt to answer her, to talk to her? Would it?"
Elladan supressed a groan as he was slammed against the wall again and he silently wondered why he had never noticed his friend's temper before.
But his silence was misunderstood by Legolas, who actually growled with anger while his eyes narrowed menacingly.
"You don't even care do you? Did you even love her or was it just a game to you? I used to believe that you did love her but now I am not sure."
He released Ellladan and looked at him with a hint of disgust, which ignited Elladan's anger.
"Of course I loved her, I still do. It is not that what is the problem. The problem is her. She does not trust me, she does not talk to me about what is happening to her. I have been questioning myself if she ever loved me and. . . don't look at me like that."
He meant the shocked but horrified look Legolas was shooting him.
"I know she loves me up here." He tapped his head. Then he placed his hand on his heart. "But in here I am doubting her and this is why I said nothing yesterday. I was afraid of what I may say, afraid I would hurt her. But I guess I lost anyway."
Finally regaining his voice Legolas spoke in a cold voice that would have made Haldir proud. "You lost this is true, but it is her who lost the most. Do you have any idea what you mean to her, or meant to her should I say."
Legolas shook his head. "But that is of no matter to you anymore. You should consider yourself lucky that it was I who found out about this and not Aragorn or Haldir. For while I can control my temper I do not believe they would. I have one piece of advice to you. Stay away from Rita, you hurt her enough. If I ever find out you have hurt her again, whether while speaking or by actions, I will hurt you so badly you will be wishing for Mandos to accept you."
With this Legolas stormed out of the room again and Elladan, who finally realized what had happened in the past twenty-four hours leaned against the wall.
"What have I done?" he whispered to the nothingness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rita awoke after heavy slumber and was surprised when she saw the stars were already twinkling brightly outside.
She sat up and noticed three packs with a letter. Reaching out she gathered the three things on her bed while she unfolded the letter.
Dear Rita
I know I promised you that I would wake you but when I came to do this as you asked you were sleeping so soundly I had not the heart to wake you.
Knowing full well that you will not be pleased with missing dinner, I put a goblet of water and a few loafs of bread next to your bed.
Rita checked this and noticed that there indeed was a meal waiting for her and she took a sip of water before she continued reading the letter.
In hopes to ease your anger with me I have gotten you a few gifts I know you'll find useful. Now there is little left to say only that you should rest for we will continue our archery-lessons tomorrow again.
Sleep well and see you soon.
Your friend forever, Legolas
Well, she was pissed that hadn't come for her but she was flattered he went through the trouble of getting her something.
She decided to open the smallest first and the largest last. The first pack held a quill, a beautiful eagle feather it appeared to be with the end sharpened enough to write neatly.
With a grin she found a jar of ink in the second pack and to her joy there was a large book in the third. An empty book. A book she could use to write her memories in.
The cover was midnight blue with yellow stars. Rita loved it and decided to hug the sweet elf the following day. Before slapping him for not waking her that is.
Eager to start writing Rita grabbed a robe Fioma had made her, a fluffy ivory one, and put it on before moving to the desk in her room.
She absolutely loved her room, it had so many things in it that all fit her somehow. She opened the book and wrote the following on the first page.
For the past, present and future so I may remember my roots
Smiling a bit Rita turned the page and thought hard about what to write first. Finally she decided for a song that depicted her inner turmoil perfectly.
(Emotions by Destiny's Child)
/It's over and done but the heartache lives on inside And who's the one you're clinging to instead of me tonight?/
She knew it was over and it hurt her.
/And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart./
The writing paused for a minute. That was true. She would never let him see her fall apart, not ever again. He blew his shot with her. He didn't want to anything to do with her? She doesn't want to do with him either.
/In the words of a broken heart It's just emotion that's taken me over Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling Dont you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight. Dont cha know there's nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight./
On the other hand, she loved him, like she told Legolas earlier. And it was also true that she would never love another ever again. She still wanted him, needed him. . . but those thoughts were futile.
/I'm there at your side, I'm part of all the things you are But you've got a part of someone else You've got to find your shining star./
What would she do if he ever found someone else like she had suggested in her attempts to drive him away?
/And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart./
/In the words of a broken heart It's just emotion that's taken me over Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling Dont you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight./
/And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart./
/In the words of a broken heart It's just emotion that's taken me over. Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling. Nobody left in this world to hold me tight Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight./
When she finished writing she read the lyrics over and over again until she was sure the ink was dry. She turned to another page to get another song on paper. It was weird to write with a quill but she got the hang of it.
(My Sacrifice by Creed)
/Hello my friend we meet again
It's been a while where should
we begin.feels like forever
Within my heart are memories
Of perfect love that you gave to me
I remember./
/When you are with me
I'm free.I'm careless.I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice/
/We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh how quickly life can turn around in
an instant
It feels so good to reunite
Within yourself and within your mind
Let's find peace there/
/When you are with me
I'm free.I'm careless.I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice/
/I just want to say hello again/
The song needed no explanation, it was obvious that it fit her. She and Elladan had shared so much together, love and pain, and now it was gone. She wanted the simple days from the beginning back.
She wanted to go back to the days of laughter and kisses. Of hugs and secrets being pried out of her mind. Back to the time they spent in Rivendell.
Rita knew this would never happen but a person could dream. She closed the book with a smile on her face and climbed back into her bed. God knew she would need the strength the following day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She was happy to have slept so much for the next day was tiring. Legolas had woken her early in the morning and after they had taken some food from the kitchen they went to the archery-field.
And they had practiced. . . and practiced. Around lunchtime Gimli and the hobbits joined them and they brought a huge picnic with them.
They all sat together on the grass and chatted while nibbling on their food. The hobbits were all very pleased when they heard that Rita would go with Legolas and Gimli on an adventure.
Only Frodo seemed to understand that she didn't go with them just for the fun of it, since he seemed to look deep in her soul with those big haunted eyes of his.
He never mentioned it however and for that Rita was glad. After finishing their lunch Legolas made Rita practice once again, but this time she had an audience.
The hobbits clapped and cheered every time Rita hit the target, no matter what ring she hit. Even Frodo was acting happy and this made Rita smile.
They left again once the lesson was over and Rita was very happy when hearing this news. This was shattered when Legolas told her to come with him.
"Legolas. . . where are we going?" She whined as she was dragged along the streets.
He just gave her a bright grin and kept pulling her along with him. Rita decided that struggling wasn't any good so she just followed him.
They ended up in a part of the city she never saw before and she looked at the elf beside her questioningly.
"We are at the weapon smith. When you will be traveling with Gimli and I, well, lets just say the journey won't be without dangers. So I decided we should get you some extra weapons for we will be travelling for a long time. Longer than with the Fellowship even."
He opened the door for her and she stepped into the small shop. She smelled burnt iron and it was very warm as well.
On the wall hung all kinds of weapons, shields and other artifacts Rita didn't recognize. She looked at Legolas with a gleam in her eyes but soon sobered as she realized something.
"We need to come back later, I have no money." She hissed.
"There is no need for it, you are the Lady of Gondor after all."
Rita narrowed her eyes. "I will not use the title the people have given me to get free things Legolas. If I see something I like or need, I will pay for it."
"Fine, you can get the things you need now and we will pay for them later."
"How, I don't have any money, or have you forgotten."
Legolas shook his head, sometimes his friend could be so ignorant. "You are Lady of Gondor, royalty so to speak. You get a monthly allowance for getting things like gowns, books and other things you might need."
A smile spread on her face. "Things like oh, weapons and handy clothes, herbs and so on?"
The smile was contagious as he smiled as well. "You get my drift now Rita, now let us see where the owner of the shop is."
They walked around a little and found a tall and slender man working on a sword. He seemed to be fairly young, maybe 21 years old not much older though. She didn't recognize him from any of the battles but she figured she hadn't met everyone yet. They watched as he was doing his work, forming a sword out of a piece of metal.
It was very interesting to watch the red-glowing metal bend a little with every hit the forger gave it. Finally he seemed to be satisfied with the result for he threw the sword in a barrel filled with water and steam rose from it while the hissing metal hit the cool water.
Only then did the man realize that there were others in his shop. He was very shocked when he noticed who they were.
"Lady, Prince Legolas. It is an honor to see you in my establishment. How may I help you?"
Rita blushed a little. "Please call me Rita, I feel really uncomfortable when people call me Lady."
"But it is not proper for me to call someone above me by their name and not their title. My mother would fall ill if she ever heard me do so."
"No" Rita retorted "I am not, nor will I ever be above you. I may have a different role than you but I will never see myself as above you. Now maybe you can help me, I need some new weapons."
Yes of course La. . .R-Rita." The smith stammered and he walked towards a desk. "What kind of weapon are you looking for?"
"I need a dagger, and a sheath for it to place on my belt."
Legolas interrupted. "Wait, a new dagger? What happened to the old one?"
"It was borrowed and it needed to be returned to the rightful owner." Rita said cryptically but Legolas got the message. It was Elladan's.
The smith had already assembled a fair amount of daggers and Rita was drawn to a silver one with a light blue jewel on the handle.
When he saw her looking at it the smith started to tell her about it. "I see you have an eye for quality. This dagger has been forged by my grandfather, the last one he ever forged before his death. It has not been sold yet because it was not right for those who tried it."
"What do you mean with not right?" asked Rita.
The smith seemed to be getting over his shyness for he started to speak more enthusiastic. "A dagger, or any other weapon for that matter, has a certain weight, a balance. Every person needs a weapon that matches their balance and that is often hard to find. Of course you can fight with every weapon but your matched weapon will be more useful and powerful."
Rita nodded and looked at the dagger again. "May I hold it?"
"Of course." The smith said and he handed her the dagger.
Legolas and the smith watched as she weighed the dagger in her hand and smiled a little. She then started to make movements with it.
Stab, slice and throwing up and catching again. This continued for a few minutes and during that time Rita's smile grew wider.
When she stopped she looked at them. "I'll take it. It's perfect, better than my former dagger I dare to say."
The smith smiled at her and asked if they needed anything else. Rita wanted to say no but it seemed that her companion had other plans.
"We will need to see different weapons as well." Said Legolas "We will both need a set of throwing knives that we can strap on our chest and also smaller daggers we can hide in our boots and strap on our thighs. All of these items need to be able to well hidden and unnoticeable for other to see."
As the smith rushed to collect the things Legolas requested Rita turned to him with risen eyebrows. "Since when do we need so much weapons?"
"We will no longer be in a large group or the Fellowship. There will be three of us and the world is still dangerous. These items will be very useful in time, you will see."
She immediately accepted his word. After all, he was thousands of years older than she was and had more experience than her.
After a while the smith returned with his arms full of straps, belts and daggers and knives of all sizes. Rita and Legolas examined a few of them as the smith made two more trips to the back to give them more choice.
Soon they were weighing knives and measuring straps. They left with quite an arsenal of weapons in the end.
Legolas had gotten a set of throwing knives that all had golden handles with green decoration. The decorations seemed to be some kind of leaves and Legolas had smiled at this. His name was Greenleaf after all.
He also had a dagger to strap on his thigh. This dagger's hilt was decorated in the same fashion as the knives. He also got the straps to bind these items to his body.
Rita had chosen a set of throwing knives as well, well after Legolas promised her to teach her how to use them that is.
The funny thing was that the knives were a match to her dagger. They were silver with handles that were the same colour of blue as the jewel in her dagger.
It seemed that the smith's grandfather had made them as a set and the smith was very pleased that he could sell it as a set.
But the set was not yet complete. It also included a small dagger that Rita could strap on her thigh, one she could hide in her boot and also one she could place on her forearm inconspicuously.
"I feel like I am packed with metal. I never carried this many weapons."
Legolas laughed at this and ensured the smith they would come to pay for the items the following day as they left the shop.
Feeling in the mood to shop some more the twosome started to make their way to the main street, the street with the most important stores and such.
Rita spent more money in one afternoon than in her entire life. She bought a vast supply of potion-ingredients and healing liquids which she let the pharmacist place in a flat wooden box. The box was not only water-repellent but also nearly unbreakable. The only thing that would break it was if seven people were to throw their weight upon it on the same time. Seven heavy males, at that.
She also bought more ink and quills. She had them put in a box as well, to keep them from breaking while they would be traveling.
While she was shopping for parchment, ink and quills, she saw Legolas buy a sketchpad and charcoal. He did this in a time she was not looking so Rita figured he did this for a reason so didn't mention it.
Next up was a bookstore and Rita felt at home between the endless rows of books immediately. Legolas and she spent an hour browsing and Rita finally bought a book on astrology, written by an elf according to Legolas and a book on how to brew healing potions.
After all, what use were herbs if she didn't know how to use them?
She also found a map of Middle Earth that seemed to be fairly accurate.
They walked past a store and Rita stood still when she saw a backpack that was bigger than the one she had. She entered the store, Legolas tailing behind her, and asked to see it.
As soon as she held it she noticed it was made from a water-repelling fabric just like her old one. This one however was not only bigger, the straps were broader and cushioned a little as well. So the straps wouldn't cut into your shoulders.
In the same shop Rita bought a new bedroll and blanket as well. Her old ones were torn and worn by now.
Then she did a very un-Rita like thing to do. She dragged Legolas into a jeweler. She oohed and aahed over the pretty things in there. Finally Legolas told her that he would wait for her at a tavern at the other side of the street while she was shopping.
When he left Rita spoke to the woman in the store and the two got right to business. Rita had decided to give every member of the fellowship a necklace so they could remember their bond to one another.
In the end Rita bought beady necklaces with leather straps. She didn't want to give gold chains because this might remind Frodo of The Ring and pearls were out of the question of course.
The leather straps could be adjusted, as one would please, so the necklace could be hidden beneath your clothes if you chose to.
For herself she chose a blue one, the same shade of her weapons. Blue also meant water, faithfulness, calming and heal.
For Legolas she chose a green necklace, to match his name and knives. It seemed to fit him. Green also meant earth and Legolas was an elf very connected to the earth even after he heard the gulls cry.
For Aragorn she chose a violet necklace, for according to the owner it represented calm, heal, air, peace, royalty and prosperity. She got it for obvious reasons.
For Gimli she chose red, for it stands for love, fear, fire, passion and power. This colour would suit him because beneath his gruff exterior Gimli had loving heart.
For Frodo she chose white for it meant purity, magic, innocence and spirit. She hoped that the necklace would somehow help him regain that what he had lost during the quest.
For Merry and Pippin she bought the same colour necklace, both orange. It stands for fire, friendship and enthusiasm and friendship. The two hobbits were a lot alike and they had a fire inside them that shone brightly.
For Sam she chose silver beads for it meant stability and neutrality. If there was one thing for sure it was that Sam was the most stable person ever. He had probably saved the quest.
For Gandalf she chose gold ones, for it meant power and understanding. Those were Gandalf's two most prominent characteristics.
She also bought three bracelets, all blue mixed with white made out of leather for herself, Fioma and Arwen. To show that the bond between them was forever.
Finally she bought two rings, for herself and Haldir. They were worn on the pink of the left hand as not to confuse them with wedding rings. There was an inscription inside, it was in common but Rita loved it nonetheless.
It said. . . Best friends forever.
Never had there been a truer statement, because he was her best friend and they would be so forever.
After the woman that ran the shop packed every gift in some kind of parchment she wrote a letter on every package, so she would be able to be able to tell one from the other.
Legolas's had an L, Aragorn's an A, and so on and so on.
When she arrived at the tavern she spotted the fair-haired elf immediately and joined him. He took one look at her large bag before he started to question her.
"What on earth have you been doing? I have been waiting for over an hour for you and you come with so many bags. Maybe I should not have told you about your allowance, I believe you have spent it all by now."
"It was all worth it, lets go back to the castle ok, dinner starts in three hours or so and I feel like taking a long soak in the tub."
Legolas agreed with her and they made their way to the castle. Thankfully he helped her carry all her things and the two were laughing a lot.
When they dumped all the packages on her bed Rita realized that she hadn't thanked him for his gift yet so she gave him a big hug as he opened the door.
"Thanks Legolas" she whispered in his ear "For distracting me and the gift. I had a great time. Come pick me up for dinner?"
"Of course, I believe Gimli wants to discuss the route we will be taking in detail. The hobbits requested we plan a visit with them as well and we want to go there as well. They told us so much about it."
Then he left and Rita soaked in the tub as she wanted to. *Maybe* she thought *Maybe something good will come out of all this mess. My friendship with the others is growing stronger, even if I thought it to be impossible.*
Once again Legolas arrived while she was struggling with her hair and he took the matters in hand himself and braided it quickly.
Rita wore a simple blue dress and they made their way to the hall. Together with Gimli the three sat apart from the others, because they were discussing their journey.
The map Rita had bought was spread out in front of them and Rita and Legolas were debating the routes they should take. Gimli was still eating his food at this time but he soon got involved as well.
Finally they made a list of sights they had to see, or revisit. In the end it had the following places:
Glittering Caves Fangorn Forest Mirkwood Lonely Mountain Rauros Falls Lothlorien Shire Ithilien
And they were all sure they would come up with more as they traveled.
None of the three noticed that the hall was clearing out and soon they were the only ones left. Neither had they noticed how much attention they were attracting while they were planning.
One of them was always talking while gesturing with their hands and sometimes laughter escaped hem all.
There was much more to discuss but they decided to leave that for the day after, seeing as it was now very late.
Legolas told Rita to be ready again for they would be training early again the next morning. Rita laughed and said she expected nothing less from Legolas before she turned towards her own room.
With some hesitation she looked towards her book again and opened it again and wrote another song in it; this time it was the song Stronger by the Sugababes.
/I'll make it trough the rainy days
I'll be the one who stands here longer than the rest
When my landscape changes, rearranges
I'll be stronger than I've ever been
No more stillness, more sunlight
Everything's gonna be alright./
This was true for Rita. She had been moved from world to the other for some reason and she had become stronger.
/I know that there's gonna be a change
Better find your way out of your fear
If you wanna come with me
Then that's way it's gotta be
I'm all alone and finally
I'm getting stronger
You'll come to see
Just what I can be
I'm getting stronger/
She had changed, she had chanegd a lot during the months she had spent here. She was still changing.
/Sometimes I feel so down and out
Like emotion that's been captured in a maze
I had my ups and downs
Trials and tribulations
I over come it day by day,
Feeling good and almost powerful
A new me, that's what I'm looking for/
It hadn't been easy on her, she had been hurt many times. She had been reborn, she was a new identity now. Now she only had to fins out who this new person was.
/I know that there's gonna be a change
Better find your way out of your fear
If you wanna come with me
Then that's way it's gotta be
I'm all alone and finally
I'm getting stronger
You'll come to see
Just what I can be
I'm getting stronger/
This new person would have a lot of her old character but there would be changes, she would just have to find out what these changes would be.
/I didn't know what I had to do
I just knew I was alone
People around me
But they didn't care
So I searched into my soul
I'm not the type of girl that will let them see her cry
It's not my style
I get by
See I'm gonna do this for me/
This part made her think of her past. Nobody cared about her back on earth and here she had changed everything but her behavior. She had still given up everything for others. Now it was time to think for herself, she was going to do things for herself.
/I'm all alone and finally
I'm getting stronger
You'll come to see
Just what I can be
I'm getting stronger/
She was getting stronger and even with the heartache that still lingered close, she knew she could be happy and content. For she had friendship and that was all she needed at the time.
A/N: No, this is not the end, just wanted to say that because it looked like one but do not worry there are still more chapters coming. I hope you guys don't mind the songs I put in, they will be a part of this fic now. If you know a good song send me a title and who sings it so I can find the lyrics. Please let me know what you thought about it, it was different then my other chapters and I hope you all liked it.
Anyway. . . I past a 1000 reviews. When I noticed I started hyperventilating and dancing and everything. I mean, come on when I started this fic I would have been happy with 10 reviews, but now knowing so many people liked this fic, I can't tell what it means to me. THANK YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING!!!!
Oh I forgot to put in last time but the song Rita was thinking about was Losing Grip by Avril Lavigne. I love that song but I do not own it in any form.
Mornie Utule: Sorry to have made you cry. I hope you reach this part soon so you can see me thanking you.
Shinigami29: Thanks Audrey, I'm happy you liked it. Was this a soon enough of an update for you???
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleef: I'm happy you understand and I respect your beliefs. Marriage for Elladan and Rita? You are right, not anywhere in the near future!
Elvish princess: My plans. . . I'm going to university to study law and from there on I'll see what happens next. I finished OotP already and I laughed and cried and yelled in anger. I got home from work and my mom said she had a surprise and gave me the book. I think that in Holland there aren't a lot of lines or something for the book. The Dutch translation comes out in November to the despair of my little sister. She even asked me if I could translate the book for her. . . honestly. My English is good but not THAT good. Whoops, long ramble thanks for the review though.
Sinister Darkfire: Sorry to have made it angsty, I'll keep your idea in mind.
Aurumlupi: It will be fixed in due time, this was necessary or else the fic would have come to an end. Sorry.
Soul: You caught my drift, but first more adventures in Gondor.
Lady of Legolas: Nope don't know a Morgana, Holland is pretty big. . . well not really but it's impossible to know every person. Go after her? Not yet, still more things to work out.
The Lady Sorcha of Sevenwaters: So do I, I don't know how to end it just yet but I'll make sure it will be a happy ending.
The Great One: Thanks, and don't worry. I know everything about being busy so you are forgiven. ;) Hope you like this chapter.
Aislin: Rita's being annoying??? Huh, never thought of that point before but Elladan should have said something shouldn't he, evil me for not making him do so.
D-Chan: One more year isn't so bad is it? *hides in corner* I can't get them back together yet. . . forgive me??
T.C. Zion: Nononono, not the end yet. Still more ideas in my head after all.
Passion Lover: Happy you liked the chapter though I can tell you were somewhat saddened by it. ;) I won't make Elladan suffer. . . yet, but if you really want to you can borrow him sometimes to beat him up.
Musicgrl: Didn't mean to make you depressed, glad you like it though. Yeah I figured it was someone else's turn to listen to her now. Happy you noticed and liked.
Kate: I updated, was it soon enough? You don't like Avril? I love her cd, I'm playing it right now and the songs are very inspiring. Ah well, everyone has his/her own taste.
Blahblah: No killing, maim yes, killing no. I still need that character.
Siren: Hihihihi, I laughed so loud at your review. I'm sorry to say that it did happen. Don't kill him ok.
Sam: I'm happy you like it, I wasn't sure about putting the song in but I think I'll put one in more often. The song Hands is perfect for the scene you chose, never thought about it though. More Pippin? I'll try to do that.
Elvenflower: Happy you're happy. I hope you like this chapter as well.
Prophecy: I can see you can't make up your mind, was it THAT awful? ;)
Leitheindel: Are you ok? Not still in shock are you?? I'll try to make it better in the end.
Silver Starlight: I hope you will like this chapter, just remember that violence never solves anything ok.
Goddess2008: I'm happy you like my fic though I didn't mean to make you cry. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Renegade Hunter: Just wait to see the answer to your question.
Goddess: *hands prize* You were my 1000ndt reviewer after all. . . I think. Didn't count them or anything but hey. Happy you like the fic.
Dara Maeko: Yep, it is sad. Things can only get better right?
Danceingfae: I will not attempt to say I know anything about the male mind, hell I don't understand them at all. But I think Elladan is proud and offended that Rita doesn't come to him when she's hurt but goes to Haldir. Now how to fix it????
Lady Death: *whimpers* I updated, is it soon enough??? I'm now very afraid of you, you know.
Tap-dancing Hobbit: I'm happy you enjoyed the chapter and I hope this one will be to your liking as well.
Arwen-evenstar: Just wait to see what happens, I'm not going to spoil the surprise.
Faenen: I agree, it would get boring without twists.
Mellon: I'm not stopping, see, I'm continuing already. Hope you like it.
Latin4ever93: Yep, I had to stop there. For some weird reason hotmail is blocking me so I can't mail you. I'll try again tonight.
Iluvenis: The song is at the top, sorry I forgot to put it in. Hope you like this chapter.
MaverickGirl: I hope so too, but I doubt that will happen.
Tarilenea: I'm happy you liked last chapters so much. I (luckily) never have a problem with my mom about school her philosophy is the following: It's your brain and your future, I can't learn for you and you have to do it yourself.
Hugger: Chocolate does solve everything, you are so right!!!!! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter as well.
Dragonfly: Men. . . can't live with them, can't live without them.
Donnamira: I'm happy you liked the chapter. It was a hard one to write.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine. . . yadayadayada. . . blahblahblah
Rita had no idea how long she had been sitting there but she noted that the sun was starting to rise again.
The night had been full of thinking about the past and the future. She found that she was starting to forget a lot of things.
For instance, she could no longer remember the lines to a song she used to like, Loose Yourself by Eminem. She tried and tried but halfway through the song she drifted off, no longer able to remember what came next.
So she decided to buy a book, a diary of some sort. But instead of filling it with thoughts she would be filling it with songs, poems, plays, heck even movies she wanted to remember.
Once again she felt the presence of another behind her and she turned around, only to find it was Legolas again. This time Gimli was with him.
He took one look at her before he made a statement. "I take it that it did not go well?"
"That's an understatement." Rita muttered.
Gimli looked from one to the other confusedly. "What are you two talking about? What didn't go well and why are you looking so awful lass?"
"It's nothing Gimli, not anymore it is. Anyway, Legolas talked to me about this but I want your opinion as well. Gimli, how would you feel if I joined you and Legolas on your journey?"
He smiled. "It would be very nice to have you with us on our adventure." Suddenly he turned gruff again as if realizing he was acting nice and all. "I need to have someone who will keep me sane with that elf around and you would be as good as any other."
But Rita could see through the act and smiled a little. "So when do we leave?"
"Well" said Legolas "We know that the hobbits are eager to return to their home as are the elves. So we will depart in about a week or so with the others. Gimli wants to visit the Glittering Caves and I vowed that I would go with him."
"You don't have to come lass." Gimli hasted to say, but Rita had another idea.
"Actually I think I will come with you. I learned a lot of things during the trials and I realized that while fighting my greatest fear that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. I still don't like caves mind you, but if Legolas can do it, so can I."
The other two nodded and started to explain their plans to her and so they talked for hours. After they finished Gimli returned to castle for lunch (breakfast had come and gone already) but Legolas stayed behind with Rita.
Rita waited for it, she knew what was coming and Legolas didn't disappoint.
"What happened Rita for you to accept my offer, did you and Elladan have a fight?"
She snorted. "A fight would have been better than the silent treatment, at least then he would have said something. I poured my heart out and he said nothing, did nothing. Even when I eventually returned his necklace, he had no reaction."
"You returned the necklace, you no longer love him?"
"No I still love him, I will always love him. I'm the annoyingly loyal kind, I don't think I could ever love someone again. It's not me who has stopped loving, it's him."
Legolas got an angry gleam in his eyes. "You mean to tell me that he said nothing at all, Elladan is a fool to have let you go. This is why you decided to join us?"
"Partly. You have to understand that I have never done something for myself, not ever. I did a lot of things to protect Carol, I joined the Fellowship at Elrond's request, for the good of the world. I fought during battles to keep you guys safe as you kept me safe, I gained immortality for Elladan. Now it's time for me."
After taking a deep breath she continued her explanation. "I have been awed by the beauty of this place and I wanted to explore it but there was never time. So while traveling with you I can not only pursue what I want, but I can also think about what I will do after."
Legolas nodded once and suddenly pulled her up. "Then you will join us. But I think you should rest for a few hours, I will fetch you for dinner."
"I'm not tired Legolas and I don't want to go to dinner, I don't want to face him yet."
Understanding without a doubt who she meant with him Legolas frowned. "You are tired and you will not be hiding from Elladan just because he is an idiot. Now do as I say and you'll feel better."
Not really eager to fight with her friend about something she knew he was right about, she followed him as he led her to her room.
While walking she told him about her idea of her 'diary' and he encouraged her on it, saying it was always god to hold on to things from the past as long as it didn't consume you.
She freshened herself up in the bathroom and put on a nightgown as Legolas was waiting for her in her room. When she came out he tucked her into bed and kissed her forehead as her eyes started to droop.
"Sleep now my friend, I will come and get you later."
Nodding she surrendered to the sleep that had been desperate to catch her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elladan started awake when the door of his room slammed open first and the closed with a very loud bang.
What he saw surprised him. There stood a fuming Legolas with a murderous look in his eyes. "You fool." The normally elf growled. "How could you do that to her?"
No words exited his mouth as he opened them and Legolas immediately cut him off and grabbed his collar and banged him against the wall.
"Do you have any idea how much you hurt her, do you? Her eyes are pools of pain even she cannot hide anymore. Would it have hurt to answer her, to talk to her? Would it?"
Elladan supressed a groan as he was slammed against the wall again and he silently wondered why he had never noticed his friend's temper before.
But his silence was misunderstood by Legolas, who actually growled with anger while his eyes narrowed menacingly.
"You don't even care do you? Did you even love her or was it just a game to you? I used to believe that you did love her but now I am not sure."
He released Ellladan and looked at him with a hint of disgust, which ignited Elladan's anger.
"Of course I loved her, I still do. It is not that what is the problem. The problem is her. She does not trust me, she does not talk to me about what is happening to her. I have been questioning myself if she ever loved me and. . . don't look at me like that."
He meant the shocked but horrified look Legolas was shooting him.
"I know she loves me up here." He tapped his head. Then he placed his hand on his heart. "But in here I am doubting her and this is why I said nothing yesterday. I was afraid of what I may say, afraid I would hurt her. But I guess I lost anyway."
Finally regaining his voice Legolas spoke in a cold voice that would have made Haldir proud. "You lost this is true, but it is her who lost the most. Do you have any idea what you mean to her, or meant to her should I say."
Legolas shook his head. "But that is of no matter to you anymore. You should consider yourself lucky that it was I who found out about this and not Aragorn or Haldir. For while I can control my temper I do not believe they would. I have one piece of advice to you. Stay away from Rita, you hurt her enough. If I ever find out you have hurt her again, whether while speaking or by actions, I will hurt you so badly you will be wishing for Mandos to accept you."
With this Legolas stormed out of the room again and Elladan, who finally realized what had happened in the past twenty-four hours leaned against the wall.
"What have I done?" he whispered to the nothingness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rita awoke after heavy slumber and was surprised when she saw the stars were already twinkling brightly outside.
She sat up and noticed three packs with a letter. Reaching out she gathered the three things on her bed while she unfolded the letter.
Dear Rita
I know I promised you that I would wake you but when I came to do this as you asked you were sleeping so soundly I had not the heart to wake you.
Knowing full well that you will not be pleased with missing dinner, I put a goblet of water and a few loafs of bread next to your bed.
Rita checked this and noticed that there indeed was a meal waiting for her and she took a sip of water before she continued reading the letter.
In hopes to ease your anger with me I have gotten you a few gifts I know you'll find useful. Now there is little left to say only that you should rest for we will continue our archery-lessons tomorrow again.
Sleep well and see you soon.
Your friend forever, Legolas
Well, she was pissed that hadn't come for her but she was flattered he went through the trouble of getting her something.
She decided to open the smallest first and the largest last. The first pack held a quill, a beautiful eagle feather it appeared to be with the end sharpened enough to write neatly.
With a grin she found a jar of ink in the second pack and to her joy there was a large book in the third. An empty book. A book she could use to write her memories in.
The cover was midnight blue with yellow stars. Rita loved it and decided to hug the sweet elf the following day. Before slapping him for not waking her that is.
Eager to start writing Rita grabbed a robe Fioma had made her, a fluffy ivory one, and put it on before moving to the desk in her room.
She absolutely loved her room, it had so many things in it that all fit her somehow. She opened the book and wrote the following on the first page.
For the past, present and future so I may remember my roots
Smiling a bit Rita turned the page and thought hard about what to write first. Finally she decided for a song that depicted her inner turmoil perfectly.
(Emotions by Destiny's Child)
/It's over and done but the heartache lives on inside And who's the one you're clinging to instead of me tonight?/
She knew it was over and it hurt her.
/And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart./
The writing paused for a minute. That was true. She would never let him see her fall apart, not ever again. He blew his shot with her. He didn't want to anything to do with her? She doesn't want to do with him either.
/In the words of a broken heart It's just emotion that's taken me over Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling Dont you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight. Dont cha know there's nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight./
On the other hand, she loved him, like she told Legolas earlier. And it was also true that she would never love another ever again. She still wanted him, needed him. . . but those thoughts were futile.
/I'm there at your side, I'm part of all the things you are But you've got a part of someone else You've got to find your shining star./
What would she do if he ever found someone else like she had suggested in her attempts to drive him away?
/And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart./
/In the words of a broken heart It's just emotion that's taken me over Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling Dont you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight./
/And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart./
/In the words of a broken heart It's just emotion that's taken me over. Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling. Nobody left in this world to hold me tight Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight./
When she finished writing she read the lyrics over and over again until she was sure the ink was dry. She turned to another page to get another song on paper. It was weird to write with a quill but she got the hang of it.
(My Sacrifice by Creed)
/Hello my friend we meet again
It's been a while where should
we begin.feels like forever
Within my heart are memories
Of perfect love that you gave to me
I remember./
/When you are with me
I'm free.I'm careless.I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice/
/We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh how quickly life can turn around in
an instant
It feels so good to reunite
Within yourself and within your mind
Let's find peace there/
/When you are with me
I'm free.I'm careless.I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice/
/I just want to say hello again/
The song needed no explanation, it was obvious that it fit her. She and Elladan had shared so much together, love and pain, and now it was gone. She wanted the simple days from the beginning back.
She wanted to go back to the days of laughter and kisses. Of hugs and secrets being pried out of her mind. Back to the time they spent in Rivendell.
Rita knew this would never happen but a person could dream. She closed the book with a smile on her face and climbed back into her bed. God knew she would need the strength the following day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She was happy to have slept so much for the next day was tiring. Legolas had woken her early in the morning and after they had taken some food from the kitchen they went to the archery-field.
And they had practiced. . . and practiced. Around lunchtime Gimli and the hobbits joined them and they brought a huge picnic with them.
They all sat together on the grass and chatted while nibbling on their food. The hobbits were all very pleased when they heard that Rita would go with Legolas and Gimli on an adventure.
Only Frodo seemed to understand that she didn't go with them just for the fun of it, since he seemed to look deep in her soul with those big haunted eyes of his.
He never mentioned it however and for that Rita was glad. After finishing their lunch Legolas made Rita practice once again, but this time she had an audience.
The hobbits clapped and cheered every time Rita hit the target, no matter what ring she hit. Even Frodo was acting happy and this made Rita smile.
They left again once the lesson was over and Rita was very happy when hearing this news. This was shattered when Legolas told her to come with him.
"Legolas. . . where are we going?" She whined as she was dragged along the streets.
He just gave her a bright grin and kept pulling her along with him. Rita decided that struggling wasn't any good so she just followed him.
They ended up in a part of the city she never saw before and she looked at the elf beside her questioningly.
"We are at the weapon smith. When you will be traveling with Gimli and I, well, lets just say the journey won't be without dangers. So I decided we should get you some extra weapons for we will be travelling for a long time. Longer than with the Fellowship even."
He opened the door for her and she stepped into the small shop. She smelled burnt iron and it was very warm as well.
On the wall hung all kinds of weapons, shields and other artifacts Rita didn't recognize. She looked at Legolas with a gleam in her eyes but soon sobered as she realized something.
"We need to come back later, I have no money." She hissed.
"There is no need for it, you are the Lady of Gondor after all."
Rita narrowed her eyes. "I will not use the title the people have given me to get free things Legolas. If I see something I like or need, I will pay for it."
"Fine, you can get the things you need now and we will pay for them later."
"How, I don't have any money, or have you forgotten."
Legolas shook his head, sometimes his friend could be so ignorant. "You are Lady of Gondor, royalty so to speak. You get a monthly allowance for getting things like gowns, books and other things you might need."
A smile spread on her face. "Things like oh, weapons and handy clothes, herbs and so on?"
The smile was contagious as he smiled as well. "You get my drift now Rita, now let us see where the owner of the shop is."
They walked around a little and found a tall and slender man working on a sword. He seemed to be fairly young, maybe 21 years old not much older though. She didn't recognize him from any of the battles but she figured she hadn't met everyone yet. They watched as he was doing his work, forming a sword out of a piece of metal.
It was very interesting to watch the red-glowing metal bend a little with every hit the forger gave it. Finally he seemed to be satisfied with the result for he threw the sword in a barrel filled with water and steam rose from it while the hissing metal hit the cool water.
Only then did the man realize that there were others in his shop. He was very shocked when he noticed who they were.
"Lady, Prince Legolas. It is an honor to see you in my establishment. How may I help you?"
Rita blushed a little. "Please call me Rita, I feel really uncomfortable when people call me Lady."
"But it is not proper for me to call someone above me by their name and not their title. My mother would fall ill if she ever heard me do so."
"No" Rita retorted "I am not, nor will I ever be above you. I may have a different role than you but I will never see myself as above you. Now maybe you can help me, I need some new weapons."
Yes of course La. . .R-Rita." The smith stammered and he walked towards a desk. "What kind of weapon are you looking for?"
"I need a dagger, and a sheath for it to place on my belt."
Legolas interrupted. "Wait, a new dagger? What happened to the old one?"
"It was borrowed and it needed to be returned to the rightful owner." Rita said cryptically but Legolas got the message. It was Elladan's.
The smith had already assembled a fair amount of daggers and Rita was drawn to a silver one with a light blue jewel on the handle.
When he saw her looking at it the smith started to tell her about it. "I see you have an eye for quality. This dagger has been forged by my grandfather, the last one he ever forged before his death. It has not been sold yet because it was not right for those who tried it."
"What do you mean with not right?" asked Rita.
The smith seemed to be getting over his shyness for he started to speak more enthusiastic. "A dagger, or any other weapon for that matter, has a certain weight, a balance. Every person needs a weapon that matches their balance and that is often hard to find. Of course you can fight with every weapon but your matched weapon will be more useful and powerful."
Rita nodded and looked at the dagger again. "May I hold it?"
"Of course." The smith said and he handed her the dagger.
Legolas and the smith watched as she weighed the dagger in her hand and smiled a little. She then started to make movements with it.
Stab, slice and throwing up and catching again. This continued for a few minutes and during that time Rita's smile grew wider.
When she stopped she looked at them. "I'll take it. It's perfect, better than my former dagger I dare to say."
The smith smiled at her and asked if they needed anything else. Rita wanted to say no but it seemed that her companion had other plans.
"We will need to see different weapons as well." Said Legolas "We will both need a set of throwing knives that we can strap on our chest and also smaller daggers we can hide in our boots and strap on our thighs. All of these items need to be able to well hidden and unnoticeable for other to see."
As the smith rushed to collect the things Legolas requested Rita turned to him with risen eyebrows. "Since when do we need so much weapons?"
"We will no longer be in a large group or the Fellowship. There will be three of us and the world is still dangerous. These items will be very useful in time, you will see."
She immediately accepted his word. After all, he was thousands of years older than she was and had more experience than her.
After a while the smith returned with his arms full of straps, belts and daggers and knives of all sizes. Rita and Legolas examined a few of them as the smith made two more trips to the back to give them more choice.
Soon they were weighing knives and measuring straps. They left with quite an arsenal of weapons in the end.
Legolas had gotten a set of throwing knives that all had golden handles with green decoration. The decorations seemed to be some kind of leaves and Legolas had smiled at this. His name was Greenleaf after all.
He also had a dagger to strap on his thigh. This dagger's hilt was decorated in the same fashion as the knives. He also got the straps to bind these items to his body.
Rita had chosen a set of throwing knives as well, well after Legolas promised her to teach her how to use them that is.
The funny thing was that the knives were a match to her dagger. They were silver with handles that were the same colour of blue as the jewel in her dagger.
It seemed that the smith's grandfather had made them as a set and the smith was very pleased that he could sell it as a set.
But the set was not yet complete. It also included a small dagger that Rita could strap on her thigh, one she could hide in her boot and also one she could place on her forearm inconspicuously.
"I feel like I am packed with metal. I never carried this many weapons."
Legolas laughed at this and ensured the smith they would come to pay for the items the following day as they left the shop.
Feeling in the mood to shop some more the twosome started to make their way to the main street, the street with the most important stores and such.
Rita spent more money in one afternoon than in her entire life. She bought a vast supply of potion-ingredients and healing liquids which she let the pharmacist place in a flat wooden box. The box was not only water-repellent but also nearly unbreakable. The only thing that would break it was if seven people were to throw their weight upon it on the same time. Seven heavy males, at that.
She also bought more ink and quills. She had them put in a box as well, to keep them from breaking while they would be traveling.
While she was shopping for parchment, ink and quills, she saw Legolas buy a sketchpad and charcoal. He did this in a time she was not looking so Rita figured he did this for a reason so didn't mention it.
Next up was a bookstore and Rita felt at home between the endless rows of books immediately. Legolas and she spent an hour browsing and Rita finally bought a book on astrology, written by an elf according to Legolas and a book on how to brew healing potions.
After all, what use were herbs if she didn't know how to use them?
She also found a map of Middle Earth that seemed to be fairly accurate.
They walked past a store and Rita stood still when she saw a backpack that was bigger than the one she had. She entered the store, Legolas tailing behind her, and asked to see it.
As soon as she held it she noticed it was made from a water-repelling fabric just like her old one. This one however was not only bigger, the straps were broader and cushioned a little as well. So the straps wouldn't cut into your shoulders.
In the same shop Rita bought a new bedroll and blanket as well. Her old ones were torn and worn by now.
Then she did a very un-Rita like thing to do. She dragged Legolas into a jeweler. She oohed and aahed over the pretty things in there. Finally Legolas told her that he would wait for her at a tavern at the other side of the street while she was shopping.
When he left Rita spoke to the woman in the store and the two got right to business. Rita had decided to give every member of the fellowship a necklace so they could remember their bond to one another.
In the end Rita bought beady necklaces with leather straps. She didn't want to give gold chains because this might remind Frodo of The Ring and pearls were out of the question of course.
The leather straps could be adjusted, as one would please, so the necklace could be hidden beneath your clothes if you chose to.
For herself she chose a blue one, the same shade of her weapons. Blue also meant water, faithfulness, calming and heal.
For Legolas she chose a green necklace, to match his name and knives. It seemed to fit him. Green also meant earth and Legolas was an elf very connected to the earth even after he heard the gulls cry.
For Aragorn she chose a violet necklace, for according to the owner it represented calm, heal, air, peace, royalty and prosperity. She got it for obvious reasons.
For Gimli she chose red, for it stands for love, fear, fire, passion and power. This colour would suit him because beneath his gruff exterior Gimli had loving heart.
For Frodo she chose white for it meant purity, magic, innocence and spirit. She hoped that the necklace would somehow help him regain that what he had lost during the quest.
For Merry and Pippin she bought the same colour necklace, both orange. It stands for fire, friendship and enthusiasm and friendship. The two hobbits were a lot alike and they had a fire inside them that shone brightly.
For Sam she chose silver beads for it meant stability and neutrality. If there was one thing for sure it was that Sam was the most stable person ever. He had probably saved the quest.
For Gandalf she chose gold ones, for it meant power and understanding. Those were Gandalf's two most prominent characteristics.
She also bought three bracelets, all blue mixed with white made out of leather for herself, Fioma and Arwen. To show that the bond between them was forever.
Finally she bought two rings, for herself and Haldir. They were worn on the pink of the left hand as not to confuse them with wedding rings. There was an inscription inside, it was in common but Rita loved it nonetheless.
It said. . . Best friends forever.
Never had there been a truer statement, because he was her best friend and they would be so forever.
After the woman that ran the shop packed every gift in some kind of parchment she wrote a letter on every package, so she would be able to be able to tell one from the other.
Legolas's had an L, Aragorn's an A, and so on and so on.
When she arrived at the tavern she spotted the fair-haired elf immediately and joined him. He took one look at her large bag before he started to question her.
"What on earth have you been doing? I have been waiting for over an hour for you and you come with so many bags. Maybe I should not have told you about your allowance, I believe you have spent it all by now."
"It was all worth it, lets go back to the castle ok, dinner starts in three hours or so and I feel like taking a long soak in the tub."
Legolas agreed with her and they made their way to the castle. Thankfully he helped her carry all her things and the two were laughing a lot.
When they dumped all the packages on her bed Rita realized that she hadn't thanked him for his gift yet so she gave him a big hug as he opened the door.
"Thanks Legolas" she whispered in his ear "For distracting me and the gift. I had a great time. Come pick me up for dinner?"
"Of course, I believe Gimli wants to discuss the route we will be taking in detail. The hobbits requested we plan a visit with them as well and we want to go there as well. They told us so much about it."
Then he left and Rita soaked in the tub as she wanted to. *Maybe* she thought *Maybe something good will come out of all this mess. My friendship with the others is growing stronger, even if I thought it to be impossible.*
Once again Legolas arrived while she was struggling with her hair and he took the matters in hand himself and braided it quickly.
Rita wore a simple blue dress and they made their way to the hall. Together with Gimli the three sat apart from the others, because they were discussing their journey.
The map Rita had bought was spread out in front of them and Rita and Legolas were debating the routes they should take. Gimli was still eating his food at this time but he soon got involved as well.
Finally they made a list of sights they had to see, or revisit. In the end it had the following places:
Glittering Caves Fangorn Forest Mirkwood Lonely Mountain Rauros Falls Lothlorien Shire Ithilien
And they were all sure they would come up with more as they traveled.
None of the three noticed that the hall was clearing out and soon they were the only ones left. Neither had they noticed how much attention they were attracting while they were planning.
One of them was always talking while gesturing with their hands and sometimes laughter escaped hem all.
There was much more to discuss but they decided to leave that for the day after, seeing as it was now very late.
Legolas told Rita to be ready again for they would be training early again the next morning. Rita laughed and said she expected nothing less from Legolas before she turned towards her own room.
With some hesitation she looked towards her book again and opened it again and wrote another song in it; this time it was the song Stronger by the Sugababes.
/I'll make it trough the rainy days
I'll be the one who stands here longer than the rest
When my landscape changes, rearranges
I'll be stronger than I've ever been
No more stillness, more sunlight
Everything's gonna be alright./
This was true for Rita. She had been moved from world to the other for some reason and she had become stronger.
/I know that there's gonna be a change
Better find your way out of your fear
If you wanna come with me
Then that's way it's gotta be
I'm all alone and finally
I'm getting stronger
You'll come to see
Just what I can be
I'm getting stronger/
She had changed, she had chanegd a lot during the months she had spent here. She was still changing.
/Sometimes I feel so down and out
Like emotion that's been captured in a maze
I had my ups and downs
Trials and tribulations
I over come it day by day,
Feeling good and almost powerful
A new me, that's what I'm looking for/
It hadn't been easy on her, she had been hurt many times. She had been reborn, she was a new identity now. Now she only had to fins out who this new person was.
/I know that there's gonna be a change
Better find your way out of your fear
If you wanna come with me
Then that's way it's gotta be
I'm all alone and finally
I'm getting stronger
You'll come to see
Just what I can be
I'm getting stronger/
This new person would have a lot of her old character but there would be changes, she would just have to find out what these changes would be.
/I didn't know what I had to do
I just knew I was alone
People around me
But they didn't care
So I searched into my soul
I'm not the type of girl that will let them see her cry
It's not my style
I get by
See I'm gonna do this for me/
This part made her think of her past. Nobody cared about her back on earth and here she had changed everything but her behavior. She had still given up everything for others. Now it was time to think for herself, she was going to do things for herself.
/I'm all alone and finally
I'm getting stronger
You'll come to see
Just what I can be
I'm getting stronger/
She was getting stronger and even with the heartache that still lingered close, she knew she could be happy and content. For she had friendship and that was all she needed at the time.
A/N: No, this is not the end, just wanted to say that because it looked like one but do not worry there are still more chapters coming. I hope you guys don't mind the songs I put in, they will be a part of this fic now. If you know a good song send me a title and who sings it so I can find the lyrics. Please let me know what you thought about it, it was different then my other chapters and I hope you all liked it.