I am so sorry for not updating for awhile but I have been writing ideas
down by hand and also I started University last week, so it has been a
little hectic for me lately. Plus I had to celebrate my 18th birthday, so I
have been busy. Now I'm back and ready to write.
For some unknown reason ff.net won't let me see my reviews, which means I can't thank each and every one of you personally as it's my habit. I hope you understand.
Thank you to all who reviewed, I love you all and you guys are my inspiration. There have been times i wanted to stop writing but your encouragement has kept me going, for which I'm grateful.
DISCLAIMER: Nope, not mine though I wish they all were. Think about it, to be the creator of such a wonderful and enthralling book, *sigh* I wish I had the talent.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Completely refreshed, Rita met up with her travel companions as they made their way to the dining-hall, where dinner would be served.
Legolas and Gimli had honorary seats as guests next to Galadriel, but Rita was offered a seat next to Rumil and Jerian and opposite to Haldir. She was one of them after all and not a guest.
Understanding she wanted to sit with her friends Legolas gave her a nudge to join them. At this Rita gave him a beaming smile and nearly skipped to her chair.
As they also took their seats, Gimli and Legolas noticed Galadriel smiling at Rita and later to them as well. "The change in her still amazes me. She has made such progress since she first arrived here. This adventure will be good for her, good for the three of you."
Gimli nodded. "After all this war a nice adventure is just what we'll be needing. Though I could do without the elf's cruel jokes."
"It was merely a friendly race between Rita and I, master dwarf. I wouldn't call that cruel nor a joke." Legolas faked a hurt face but actually had to fight a smile.
"Not cruel, I'll give you not cruel. . . . " Gimli muttered some more but it didn't make a lot of sense to those who heard him speak.
Legolas laughed and Rita looked over to see what was going on when she saw Gimli's expression: absolutely sour. "Stop teasing him Legolas." she said "Give him a rest for the day, after all the race did shake him up and he'll need some time to recover."
"Recover?!?!?" Gimli sputtered. "I am a dwarf lass, dwarves do not need to recover. " His reaction was so predictable and Rita couldn't help herself as she burst out in laughter.
Gimli finally realized he had walked into a trap and growled in frustration, though not saying a word anymore out of fear of embarrassing himself again in front of Lady Galadriel.
After Rita had recovered from her outburst things settled down and the meal went on in peace. Chatter surrounded them and the mood was light and happy.
When dinner had finished Rita wandered of on her own for a while. It was dark but she could still find her way for Lothlorien seemed to have a glow about it.
She walked with her head tilted up at the sky and she could see the stars twinkling brightly. When she got tired from walking around she let herself fall to the ground and lay down, still looking at the sky.
*It's a shame I never took the time to do this before* Rita thought *The sky is so beautiful and the sky so clear.*
With her finger she started to play connect the dots and so far she had found a horse, a bow and to her amusement she also found Gandalf's hat.
She started when someone spoke beside her. "Stargazing are you? And here I was searching for you, wondering about your safety."
Recognizing the voice Rita lazily turned her head. "And here I was, thinking you actually kept this wood safe enough for a mere maiden to wonder on her own for some time. Tsk, tsk, Haldir. I expected more from you."
"And I expected more from a nearly eighteen-year-old, I expected for such a person not to wander on her own. Though nearly adult in human years, you are but a mere child to us." Haldir sat down next to her as he said this and relaxed against the tree.
Rita grinned. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong my friend, for I am no longer nearly eighteen, I am eighteen. Big difference there, plus like you said I am now an adult in human years so there." She stuck out her tongue at him and rolled over completely so she was facing Haldir.
The elf sat up and looked at her in astonishment. "You never told me your birthday had gone by, if you had done so I would have arranged a feast of some sort. Even though age does not matter for elves, we stand still at the day we were born."
"It's not that big of a deal, I forgot about it actually. My birthday was months ago August 11th, but time isn't important any more. Not here at least. I used to count the days till my eighteenth birthday, the day I could legally leave my house with Carol. Without getting arrested for it that is. But here. . . here it doesn't matter anymore. Here I'm at home and at peace, so why should I keep track of the days?"
Haldir suddenly pulled her up and started to drag her towards the city again. Rita knew better than to argue with him and just followed him.
They reached a grove where, though the hour was late, a group of elves were talking and singing together and telling stories. Gimli could be heard above them all, as he was telling them about the great realm Moria had been before the darkness had set in.
Then Haldir called for attention and Rita suddenly realized with horror what he was going to do and tried to get away, but Haldir held her tight.
"My friends, it is my pleasure to announce to you that Rita has aged another year. Eighteen she is now, though her birthday was a few months ago. Apparently she forgot all about it but I say we will give her a feast to remember."
Rita felt herself grow red and tried to kick Haldir for putting her on the spot but the elf was quick to dodge her. "I hate you." she hissed. "You know I hate to be the center of the attention."
But before she could say more she was swarmed by those who wanted to congratulate her and he had slipped off.
Suddenly Legolas and Gimli appeared in front of her and the latter began to scold her for not telling them about this so they could have prepared a gift for her.
She buried her face in her hands and groaned. "I forgot ok, I only realized the day had come and gone when Legolas said that it was a soft autumn this year. I didn't see the point of saying, oh by the way, I had my birthday a few months ago."
"Well" Gimli said "You should have said it anyway but I'll forgive you this time. Though I do not have a present for you now I will get you one. When we reach my homeland I will forge you a light battle axe and teach you how to handle it."
Rita smiled at him. "I'd like that Gimli. Your axe has come in handy during our journey and I have to agree that I admired the way you handled it, though the sword will always be my favorite weapon."
"It would seeing it was the one you were taught first, but I will teach you the joy of handling a battle axe, not a better feeling there is I tell you."
Now Legolas spoke up. "I have to disagree with you my friend, for there is no better weapon than the bow. Your axe cannot compete with the agility and swiftness of the bow and arrow."
"Yet I seem to remember that my axe beat your bow during our little bet at Helm's Deep. 42 was my count and yours was only 41." He looked quite smug and Rita felt the urge to tease him once again.
"That is an admirable number indeed Gimli." Rita said and then she smiled a little too innocent. "But I seem to have beat you both, for my count stands on 57."
Gimli gaped like a fish and Rita sniggered. "So I believe that neither axe not bow can be superior to the sword." Finally Gimli started to laugh loudly attracting the attention of the elves around them.
"What's so funny master dwarf?" asked Legolas. "For you were not this cheerful when it seemed that I would win our little contest."
"I laugh because the lass has defeated us both master elf, a human, a woman, beat both elf and dwarf. Who would have believed if they had not known Rita."
Legolas just shook his head as the dwarf laughed some more at his own joke, which only he seemed to understand. He turned to Rita with a smile on his face.
"I fear I do not have a gift for you either Rita, but like Gimli I will make one ready for you when we reach my homeland. Though I will have to give it a bit of thought before I can tell you what I will give you."
Rita opened her mouth to answer him when Haldir popped up beside her. "Though I had planned to give you this when you were to depart again, I will give it to you now. This is a present from me to you."
He handed her a majestic looking bow which looked like Legolas's only it was a bit smaller, perfect for her size and posture.
She gaped at it and she caressed the smooth wood and then she noticed that there were markings in it and recognized the Elvish runes. Since she couldn't read them she looked at Haldir for an explanation.
"The words I carved into the wood are 'Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa', for if there is one thing you have proved is that your bravery surpasses that of most."
"It sounds nice and well but what does it mean. I'm no elf and I have no idea what it says." Gimli complained.
Rita was still a bit shocked at the generosity of the gift and her fingers ran over the words as she translated them for Gimli. "Your heart is that of the lion. . . I can't find the words to thank you for this Haldir. Where did you get this? It's so beautiful."
"I carved it myself, I have been working on it since the day the Fellowship left Lothlorien for I was determent to teach you archery after the war was over. I only finished it yesterday so it must have been fate that I give it to you now."
"You made this. . . for me? I. . . uh. . . " Not finding the words she enveloped Haldir in a tight embrace and squeezed him to her.
Haldir understood and whispered so softly only she could hear. "You're welcome Rita. It was my pleasure."
Pulling back from him Rita smiled at him and picked up her bow again and studied it once more, it really was a nice bow.
Legolas asked if he could see it and Rita handed it to him. "This bow is a piece of art Rita. My compliments to you Haldir for making it, the craftsmanship is exquisite."
He handed Rita the bow back and she looked at it once more. "It's almost too pretty to actually use, but I'm sure you won't agree to that will you Haldir?" Seeing him frown at her she chuckled. "I guess that means no."
"Bring it to the archery-field tomorrow so you can get the feel of it." said Haldir. "I haven't made the quiver or the arrows yet, but you can always use some of our spare arrows."
Rita started to protest. "You already made me this gorgeous bow, you don't have to give me anything else."
But Haldir waved her protests away. "Nonsense Rita, what good can a bow do if you do not have arrows or a quiver to store your arrows in."
"I stand firm on this matter Haldir, this bow is already too much I couldn't accept any more from you." seeing that he was going to counter her again she held up her hand. "I know you can be stubborn but on this matter I can and will be more stubborn then you." And she shot him the do-as-I-say look.
Then she heard laughter behind her and found Orophin and Rumil behind her. They each hugged her and grinned at their brother.
"Now you know what it is like to me subjected to your own stare brother. But do not despair, for we have the solution for this conflict of yours. Children, come here."
From out of nowhere Imari, Ilwen and Salmir seemed to appear and they carried. . . yes you guessed it, they carried a quiver filled with arrows and handed them to Rita with huge smiles on their faces.
Once again she gaped at the gifts she had been presented and looked at the elves for an explanation, this time Orophin answered.
"We knew Haldir was working on a gift for you, it is hard to go unnoticed. When I was to stay in bed to recover from my injury I had to do something to occupy my time and since I knew Haldir was working on a bow I decided to make you a quiver to match."
The quiver, like the bow, was a piece of art. It was made of a strong and sturdy kind of leather and in the leather there was a sketch of the woods of Lothlorien.
Rumil continued the semi-speech. "I, as the third brother, did not wish to remain behind in the gift department and decided to complete your archery set by making enough arrows for you to fill your quiver."
"We helped too." Said Salmir and the twins nodded eagerly. "We helped search for good branches and good feathers."
Rita got on her knees and kissed each of the children on the cheek and after that she hugged Orophin and Rumil. "Thank you seems too simple for such great gifts but it is all I can offer you, so thank you."
They talked a little more and Rita was surprised when more elves came to her, presenting gifts to her. When they sang for her in honor of her birthday Rita got goosebumps, nothing could sound better than an elvish song.
The feast lasted until the sun's first rays fell over the country again and Rita was almost dead on her feet. Lamiel and Elmère helped her gather her gifts and walked with her to the talan.
After they had set the things down they made her sit down while they helped her in her nightgown and brushed her hair for her.
Rita was so tired that she didn't have the willpower to protest. When they pushed her under the covers she mumbled a thank you and fell into a deep sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The three travelers stayed in Lothlorien for 5 beautiful months and Legolas was content for he finally got to see the golden leaves of autumn he had spoken of almost a year ago.
It was so surreal for Rita, the knowledge that she had been in Middle Earth for just a year. It felt like a lifetime and she was the first to admit she had changed from the person she once was.
Every day Rita would train with her bow and she was always counseled by one of the elves who would try to help her perfect her skill.
Now she was adequate in handling a bow and Rita knew she wouldn't progress any further. But she wouldn't just train with her bow.
She had made a habit of training with the march-wardens at least three times a week. During those training (which Haldir led) the elves practiced swordplay and hand-to-hand combat. The elves were formidable opponents and Rita learned a few neat tricks she was eager to use sometime.
But after 5 months of happiness Rita started to notice that both Legolas and Gimli started to long for their home and they made the decision to leave.
The parting from Lothlorien was even harder than the first time but Rita vowed to return to Lothlorien to see them all. Gimli seemed to somehow know he wouldn't return ever for he took in every detail and was distant.
They decided to ride out at dawn and the three each went their own way, saying goodbye privately and in their own way.
Rita had made a round past all her friends to say goodbye and the hardest part was to say goodbye to the children. She had grown fond of them. After her round she wandered for a while.
She was surprised when Galadriel approached her and asked her to follow. The Lady led her to a beautiful grove with a small stream running through it. They sat down on the grass and Rita waited for Galadriel to speak.
"You must wonder why I asked for you to follow me." Galadriel didn't ask, she stated a fact and Rita nodded to that question, still waiting for more.
The Lady touched Rita's cheek. "I have been meaning to ask you a question young one. Do you ever regret making the choice you had to make? Immortality can be a complicated thing to grasp."
"I would be lying if I said it was simple, but your people and my friends helped me make it through the adjustment. Now I can only be happy for I will be able to spend eternity with my friends and you have even given me the chance to follow you all to Valinor."
Galadriel smiled sadly. "It was the least I could offer, our plan did not work out as it was supposed to did it? You were supposed to gain immortality and live happily ever after with my grandson, but that did not happen."
"If there's one thing I should be used to by now it's the fact that things never go according to plan, though I was hoping that this plan would work."
"He hurt you, didn't he young one? I do not claim to understand the reasons for him backing away from you but I can tell that you are both hurt."
Rita couldn't bear to look in Galadriel's eyes anymore and focussed her gaze on the stream. "It hurt, I admit. I don't think that without the friendship of Legolas and the others I would have turned out the same. This adventure will keep my mind off Elladan for now. They say all wounds heal with time, so the wound on my heart will heal as well."
A long silence followed her words until Galadriel broke that silence. "You are wise for one so young Rita of Gondor. I will place one more gift on you, a name to suit you. You are known as Rita of course, but you shall also be known as Voronwer of Lothlorien."
"Voronwer" Rita echoed, getting the feel of her new name and she smiled. "Loyal one? Am I really worthy of such a title?"
"Look into your heart to find the answer. Now I suggest you get some rest Voronwer, you have a long journey ahead of you. Though we had a victory against Dol Guldur the road can still be dangerous, be on your guard."
Rita stood up again and bowed and made her way to the talan and went to rest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dawn was upon them and Rita, Legolas and Gimli were getting ready to depart. Many came to see them off and amongst the crowd Lord Celeborn could be found and he approached Rita.
"My Lady has asked me to bid you farewell for her Voronwer, and I do the same. Though I feel we will meet again I fear it may be many years when we do so. May your road be safe from danger Voronwer of Lothlorien."
Rita bowed her head in respect and smiled at the Lord in front of her. "Thank you Milord for your kind words. I bid both you and the Lady a farewell as well, though it grieves my heart to do so."
Celeborn nodded at her and returned to his duties while Rita turned to walk to Asfaloth, who was eager to get onto the road once more.
Haldir stood next to the horse and looked at her in wonder. "Voronwer? Where did that come from?" he asked her as he hugged her once more before helping her on Asfaloth.
"Lady Galadriel decided to give an elvish name, a final gift from her to me. I like it though it will take some time getting used to." She smiled at her best friend and held his hand for a few moments. "I'll see you Haldir, stay out of trouble you hear me!"
Haldir smiled back at her and chuckled. "Me? It is you who gets into trouble, I should be saying this to you."
Finally Rita locked eyes with Legolas and the two urged their horses forwards at the same time. "Farewell my friends" Rita called as they left. "Until next we meet."
Then Gimli apparently said something amusing for Rita burst in laughter and it was so that the three departed from Lothlorien the same way they had entered it. In laughter and happiness.
A/N: I know, the chapter isn't super long but it was hard to write. Next chapter they will reach Mirkwood and boy, do I have plans for them in there. Just you wait. I'm going to try to update next week, perhaps Sunday but don't keep me to it. University is still new to me and I have to deal with the workload and such. Rita's birthday sprung from my own actually, I finally turned 18 on September 4th (yay me) but anyway I realized Rita still hadn't had hers yet while he was almost there for a year. Anyway, let me know what you think about the chapter ok.
For some unknown reason ff.net won't let me see my reviews, which means I can't thank each and every one of you personally as it's my habit. I hope you understand.
Thank you to all who reviewed, I love you all and you guys are my inspiration. There have been times i wanted to stop writing but your encouragement has kept me going, for which I'm grateful.
DISCLAIMER: Nope, not mine though I wish they all were. Think about it, to be the creator of such a wonderful and enthralling book, *sigh* I wish I had the talent.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Completely refreshed, Rita met up with her travel companions as they made their way to the dining-hall, where dinner would be served.
Legolas and Gimli had honorary seats as guests next to Galadriel, but Rita was offered a seat next to Rumil and Jerian and opposite to Haldir. She was one of them after all and not a guest.
Understanding she wanted to sit with her friends Legolas gave her a nudge to join them. At this Rita gave him a beaming smile and nearly skipped to her chair.
As they also took their seats, Gimli and Legolas noticed Galadriel smiling at Rita and later to them as well. "The change in her still amazes me. She has made such progress since she first arrived here. This adventure will be good for her, good for the three of you."
Gimli nodded. "After all this war a nice adventure is just what we'll be needing. Though I could do without the elf's cruel jokes."
"It was merely a friendly race between Rita and I, master dwarf. I wouldn't call that cruel nor a joke." Legolas faked a hurt face but actually had to fight a smile.
"Not cruel, I'll give you not cruel. . . . " Gimli muttered some more but it didn't make a lot of sense to those who heard him speak.
Legolas laughed and Rita looked over to see what was going on when she saw Gimli's expression: absolutely sour. "Stop teasing him Legolas." she said "Give him a rest for the day, after all the race did shake him up and he'll need some time to recover."
"Recover?!?!?" Gimli sputtered. "I am a dwarf lass, dwarves do not need to recover. " His reaction was so predictable and Rita couldn't help herself as she burst out in laughter.
Gimli finally realized he had walked into a trap and growled in frustration, though not saying a word anymore out of fear of embarrassing himself again in front of Lady Galadriel.
After Rita had recovered from her outburst things settled down and the meal went on in peace. Chatter surrounded them and the mood was light and happy.
When dinner had finished Rita wandered of on her own for a while. It was dark but she could still find her way for Lothlorien seemed to have a glow about it.
She walked with her head tilted up at the sky and she could see the stars twinkling brightly. When she got tired from walking around she let herself fall to the ground and lay down, still looking at the sky.
*It's a shame I never took the time to do this before* Rita thought *The sky is so beautiful and the sky so clear.*
With her finger she started to play connect the dots and so far she had found a horse, a bow and to her amusement she also found Gandalf's hat.
She started when someone spoke beside her. "Stargazing are you? And here I was searching for you, wondering about your safety."
Recognizing the voice Rita lazily turned her head. "And here I was, thinking you actually kept this wood safe enough for a mere maiden to wonder on her own for some time. Tsk, tsk, Haldir. I expected more from you."
"And I expected more from a nearly eighteen-year-old, I expected for such a person not to wander on her own. Though nearly adult in human years, you are but a mere child to us." Haldir sat down next to her as he said this and relaxed against the tree.
Rita grinned. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong my friend, for I am no longer nearly eighteen, I am eighteen. Big difference there, plus like you said I am now an adult in human years so there." She stuck out her tongue at him and rolled over completely so she was facing Haldir.
The elf sat up and looked at her in astonishment. "You never told me your birthday had gone by, if you had done so I would have arranged a feast of some sort. Even though age does not matter for elves, we stand still at the day we were born."
"It's not that big of a deal, I forgot about it actually. My birthday was months ago August 11th, but time isn't important any more. Not here at least. I used to count the days till my eighteenth birthday, the day I could legally leave my house with Carol. Without getting arrested for it that is. But here. . . here it doesn't matter anymore. Here I'm at home and at peace, so why should I keep track of the days?"
Haldir suddenly pulled her up and started to drag her towards the city again. Rita knew better than to argue with him and just followed him.
They reached a grove where, though the hour was late, a group of elves were talking and singing together and telling stories. Gimli could be heard above them all, as he was telling them about the great realm Moria had been before the darkness had set in.
Then Haldir called for attention and Rita suddenly realized with horror what he was going to do and tried to get away, but Haldir held her tight.
"My friends, it is my pleasure to announce to you that Rita has aged another year. Eighteen she is now, though her birthday was a few months ago. Apparently she forgot all about it but I say we will give her a feast to remember."
Rita felt herself grow red and tried to kick Haldir for putting her on the spot but the elf was quick to dodge her. "I hate you." she hissed. "You know I hate to be the center of the attention."
But before she could say more she was swarmed by those who wanted to congratulate her and he had slipped off.
Suddenly Legolas and Gimli appeared in front of her and the latter began to scold her for not telling them about this so they could have prepared a gift for her.
She buried her face in her hands and groaned. "I forgot ok, I only realized the day had come and gone when Legolas said that it was a soft autumn this year. I didn't see the point of saying, oh by the way, I had my birthday a few months ago."
"Well" Gimli said "You should have said it anyway but I'll forgive you this time. Though I do not have a present for you now I will get you one. When we reach my homeland I will forge you a light battle axe and teach you how to handle it."
Rita smiled at him. "I'd like that Gimli. Your axe has come in handy during our journey and I have to agree that I admired the way you handled it, though the sword will always be my favorite weapon."
"It would seeing it was the one you were taught first, but I will teach you the joy of handling a battle axe, not a better feeling there is I tell you."
Now Legolas spoke up. "I have to disagree with you my friend, for there is no better weapon than the bow. Your axe cannot compete with the agility and swiftness of the bow and arrow."
"Yet I seem to remember that my axe beat your bow during our little bet at Helm's Deep. 42 was my count and yours was only 41." He looked quite smug and Rita felt the urge to tease him once again.
"That is an admirable number indeed Gimli." Rita said and then she smiled a little too innocent. "But I seem to have beat you both, for my count stands on 57."
Gimli gaped like a fish and Rita sniggered. "So I believe that neither axe not bow can be superior to the sword." Finally Gimli started to laugh loudly attracting the attention of the elves around them.
"What's so funny master dwarf?" asked Legolas. "For you were not this cheerful when it seemed that I would win our little contest."
"I laugh because the lass has defeated us both master elf, a human, a woman, beat both elf and dwarf. Who would have believed if they had not known Rita."
Legolas just shook his head as the dwarf laughed some more at his own joke, which only he seemed to understand. He turned to Rita with a smile on his face.
"I fear I do not have a gift for you either Rita, but like Gimli I will make one ready for you when we reach my homeland. Though I will have to give it a bit of thought before I can tell you what I will give you."
Rita opened her mouth to answer him when Haldir popped up beside her. "Though I had planned to give you this when you were to depart again, I will give it to you now. This is a present from me to you."
He handed her a majestic looking bow which looked like Legolas's only it was a bit smaller, perfect for her size and posture.
She gaped at it and she caressed the smooth wood and then she noticed that there were markings in it and recognized the Elvish runes. Since she couldn't read them she looked at Haldir for an explanation.
"The words I carved into the wood are 'Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa', for if there is one thing you have proved is that your bravery surpasses that of most."
"It sounds nice and well but what does it mean. I'm no elf and I have no idea what it says." Gimli complained.
Rita was still a bit shocked at the generosity of the gift and her fingers ran over the words as she translated them for Gimli. "Your heart is that of the lion. . . I can't find the words to thank you for this Haldir. Where did you get this? It's so beautiful."
"I carved it myself, I have been working on it since the day the Fellowship left Lothlorien for I was determent to teach you archery after the war was over. I only finished it yesterday so it must have been fate that I give it to you now."
"You made this. . . for me? I. . . uh. . . " Not finding the words she enveloped Haldir in a tight embrace and squeezed him to her.
Haldir understood and whispered so softly only she could hear. "You're welcome Rita. It was my pleasure."
Pulling back from him Rita smiled at him and picked up her bow again and studied it once more, it really was a nice bow.
Legolas asked if he could see it and Rita handed it to him. "This bow is a piece of art Rita. My compliments to you Haldir for making it, the craftsmanship is exquisite."
He handed Rita the bow back and she looked at it once more. "It's almost too pretty to actually use, but I'm sure you won't agree to that will you Haldir?" Seeing him frown at her she chuckled. "I guess that means no."
"Bring it to the archery-field tomorrow so you can get the feel of it." said Haldir. "I haven't made the quiver or the arrows yet, but you can always use some of our spare arrows."
Rita started to protest. "You already made me this gorgeous bow, you don't have to give me anything else."
But Haldir waved her protests away. "Nonsense Rita, what good can a bow do if you do not have arrows or a quiver to store your arrows in."
"I stand firm on this matter Haldir, this bow is already too much I couldn't accept any more from you." seeing that he was going to counter her again she held up her hand. "I know you can be stubborn but on this matter I can and will be more stubborn then you." And she shot him the do-as-I-say look.
Then she heard laughter behind her and found Orophin and Rumil behind her. They each hugged her and grinned at their brother.
"Now you know what it is like to me subjected to your own stare brother. But do not despair, for we have the solution for this conflict of yours. Children, come here."
From out of nowhere Imari, Ilwen and Salmir seemed to appear and they carried. . . yes you guessed it, they carried a quiver filled with arrows and handed them to Rita with huge smiles on their faces.
Once again she gaped at the gifts she had been presented and looked at the elves for an explanation, this time Orophin answered.
"We knew Haldir was working on a gift for you, it is hard to go unnoticed. When I was to stay in bed to recover from my injury I had to do something to occupy my time and since I knew Haldir was working on a bow I decided to make you a quiver to match."
The quiver, like the bow, was a piece of art. It was made of a strong and sturdy kind of leather and in the leather there was a sketch of the woods of Lothlorien.
Rumil continued the semi-speech. "I, as the third brother, did not wish to remain behind in the gift department and decided to complete your archery set by making enough arrows for you to fill your quiver."
"We helped too." Said Salmir and the twins nodded eagerly. "We helped search for good branches and good feathers."
Rita got on her knees and kissed each of the children on the cheek and after that she hugged Orophin and Rumil. "Thank you seems too simple for such great gifts but it is all I can offer you, so thank you."
They talked a little more and Rita was surprised when more elves came to her, presenting gifts to her. When they sang for her in honor of her birthday Rita got goosebumps, nothing could sound better than an elvish song.
The feast lasted until the sun's first rays fell over the country again and Rita was almost dead on her feet. Lamiel and Elmère helped her gather her gifts and walked with her to the talan.
After they had set the things down they made her sit down while they helped her in her nightgown and brushed her hair for her.
Rita was so tired that she didn't have the willpower to protest. When they pushed her under the covers she mumbled a thank you and fell into a deep sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The three travelers stayed in Lothlorien for 5 beautiful months and Legolas was content for he finally got to see the golden leaves of autumn he had spoken of almost a year ago.
It was so surreal for Rita, the knowledge that she had been in Middle Earth for just a year. It felt like a lifetime and she was the first to admit she had changed from the person she once was.
Every day Rita would train with her bow and she was always counseled by one of the elves who would try to help her perfect her skill.
Now she was adequate in handling a bow and Rita knew she wouldn't progress any further. But she wouldn't just train with her bow.
She had made a habit of training with the march-wardens at least three times a week. During those training (which Haldir led) the elves practiced swordplay and hand-to-hand combat. The elves were formidable opponents and Rita learned a few neat tricks she was eager to use sometime.
But after 5 months of happiness Rita started to notice that both Legolas and Gimli started to long for their home and they made the decision to leave.
The parting from Lothlorien was even harder than the first time but Rita vowed to return to Lothlorien to see them all. Gimli seemed to somehow know he wouldn't return ever for he took in every detail and was distant.
They decided to ride out at dawn and the three each went their own way, saying goodbye privately and in their own way.
Rita had made a round past all her friends to say goodbye and the hardest part was to say goodbye to the children. She had grown fond of them. After her round she wandered for a while.
She was surprised when Galadriel approached her and asked her to follow. The Lady led her to a beautiful grove with a small stream running through it. They sat down on the grass and Rita waited for Galadriel to speak.
"You must wonder why I asked for you to follow me." Galadriel didn't ask, she stated a fact and Rita nodded to that question, still waiting for more.
The Lady touched Rita's cheek. "I have been meaning to ask you a question young one. Do you ever regret making the choice you had to make? Immortality can be a complicated thing to grasp."
"I would be lying if I said it was simple, but your people and my friends helped me make it through the adjustment. Now I can only be happy for I will be able to spend eternity with my friends and you have even given me the chance to follow you all to Valinor."
Galadriel smiled sadly. "It was the least I could offer, our plan did not work out as it was supposed to did it? You were supposed to gain immortality and live happily ever after with my grandson, but that did not happen."
"If there's one thing I should be used to by now it's the fact that things never go according to plan, though I was hoping that this plan would work."
"He hurt you, didn't he young one? I do not claim to understand the reasons for him backing away from you but I can tell that you are both hurt."
Rita couldn't bear to look in Galadriel's eyes anymore and focussed her gaze on the stream. "It hurt, I admit. I don't think that without the friendship of Legolas and the others I would have turned out the same. This adventure will keep my mind off Elladan for now. They say all wounds heal with time, so the wound on my heart will heal as well."
A long silence followed her words until Galadriel broke that silence. "You are wise for one so young Rita of Gondor. I will place one more gift on you, a name to suit you. You are known as Rita of course, but you shall also be known as Voronwer of Lothlorien."
"Voronwer" Rita echoed, getting the feel of her new name and she smiled. "Loyal one? Am I really worthy of such a title?"
"Look into your heart to find the answer. Now I suggest you get some rest Voronwer, you have a long journey ahead of you. Though we had a victory against Dol Guldur the road can still be dangerous, be on your guard."
Rita stood up again and bowed and made her way to the talan and went to rest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dawn was upon them and Rita, Legolas and Gimli were getting ready to depart. Many came to see them off and amongst the crowd Lord Celeborn could be found and he approached Rita.
"My Lady has asked me to bid you farewell for her Voronwer, and I do the same. Though I feel we will meet again I fear it may be many years when we do so. May your road be safe from danger Voronwer of Lothlorien."
Rita bowed her head in respect and smiled at the Lord in front of her. "Thank you Milord for your kind words. I bid both you and the Lady a farewell as well, though it grieves my heart to do so."
Celeborn nodded at her and returned to his duties while Rita turned to walk to Asfaloth, who was eager to get onto the road once more.
Haldir stood next to the horse and looked at her in wonder. "Voronwer? Where did that come from?" he asked her as he hugged her once more before helping her on Asfaloth.
"Lady Galadriel decided to give an elvish name, a final gift from her to me. I like it though it will take some time getting used to." She smiled at her best friend and held his hand for a few moments. "I'll see you Haldir, stay out of trouble you hear me!"
Haldir smiled back at her and chuckled. "Me? It is you who gets into trouble, I should be saying this to you."
Finally Rita locked eyes with Legolas and the two urged their horses forwards at the same time. "Farewell my friends" Rita called as they left. "Until next we meet."
Then Gimli apparently said something amusing for Rita burst in laughter and it was so that the three departed from Lothlorien the same way they had entered it. In laughter and happiness.
A/N: I know, the chapter isn't super long but it was hard to write. Next chapter they will reach Mirkwood and boy, do I have plans for them in there. Just you wait. I'm going to try to update next week, perhaps Sunday but don't keep me to it. University is still new to me and I have to deal with the workload and such. Rita's birthday sprung from my own actually, I finally turned 18 on September 4th (yay me) but anyway I realized Rita still hadn't had hers yet while he was almost there for a year. Anyway, let me know what you think about the chapter ok.