Hey, I was in the mood to write so I guess I just do whatever my muse tells
me to. I have so much ideas right now but I want you guys to keep on
sending me new ones ok.
Thank you to all my reviewers, I passed 1200 reviews. . . THANK YOU!!!!
Ishiera: I know this is long and I hope you reach this chapter so you can see me thanking you for reviewing. . . does that make sense? Anyway I'm happy you like it.
Sarah G: Happy (belated) birthday to you too!!!! This chapter is my present to you.
Tap-dancing hobbit: Elladan will return in the story but now Rita needs some alone (well alone with friends) time. The angst will return though, no worries.
Lady Eleclya: Thanks, I'm happy you liked the chapter. Do you have any requests to what may happen in Mirkwood?
Alina11: I'm happy you like this fic. University does take some time getting used to but I like it already though the workload is enormous.
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: I ususally suck at making up names but this time I wanted her to have a bow so I had to find some occasion to give her one.
Danceingfae: I totally forgot that she had to have a birthday but then I noticed I had made a year gone by and left Rita without a birthday. So tada, a belated one she got this time.
Prophetic Fire: You'll be patient yet you want to know? Isn't that a paradox? To quench your thirst for this information I'll give it to you. Elladan will return, when I do not know, but he'll return.
Blahblah: She will see him again I swear. Please keep those orcs of yours away from me, I'm no Rita, I can't kill them!!!!
Aislin2: I know, ff.net is getting on my nerves too, but hey, I love it! I'm happy you liked this chapter, I'm not big on birthdays either, I never know what to say when people ask me what I want.
Leitheindel: Thanks for the link, I love the sight. I watched the movies so many times that I can now speak together with the characters, pathetic isn't it.
MaverickGirl: Glad you liked the chapter. I don't think aging is a sad thing, it's the living forever thing that would spook me. Think about it, watching all you care about die around you only to live yourself.
Mademoiselle Morte: Thanks, but I didn't get drunk. I don't drink that much, I hate drunk people cause they are mostly annoying.
Aurumlupi: Thanks!!!
Mellon1: I hope you didn't have to wait too long, enjoy!
Darlene5: I have some adventures and yes, I might use some of your ideas. I always want more suggestions so send them to me if you have some more.
Lady of Legolas: There's going to be mischief. . . honestly with Rita and Legolas how could there not be any?
The Great One: Stop it right there. . . no excuses. I know all about school and no apologies are necessary for me. Happy you liked the chapters.
Crimson Demon: I know it's not as good as previous chapters but I hope this chapter is a little better. I'm better at the action thing but that returns in the next chapter so you'll have to wait a little longer.
Pikabo: You know, I first thought your name was Pikachu (as the pokemon) but then I read a little more closely. . . well now that's over. Thanks for your review and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
LalaithoftheBruinen: I'm writing! I'm writing. Jeesh, some reviewers can't wait. ;) Just kidding. I hope you like this one.
Kate: Did you eat any form of sugar before you wrote this review by any chance? Cause you looked a little hyper to me. ;)
Melia: Happy you liked this chapter, thanks!
Feanen: Thanks.
Siren6: I love your gift, a life time supply of hot elves. . . *drools*. . . ooh and the cookies of course, mjum now I'm hungry.
Kayli: Good luck with your testing. . . black belt? Wow you must be good. Anyway, don't beat him up yet, you have no idea what I have in store for him. *grins evilly* Besides, Siren6 has abused him enough for the entire world.
Dragonfly: I'm happy you liked the name, I was worried people would think it sucked. Any way somewhere down the line Rita and Elladan will get back together, I even wrote it already. Too bad I have so many ideas that have to come first.
DISCLAIMER: :P Not in the mood.
The road between Lothlorien and Mirkwood was not very long but the three travelers took their time, enjoying being on the road once more. Though Gimli would complain every day about everything varying from the horses to what they were having for dinner.
Finally they could see the woods of Mirkwood in the distance and like a horse smelling his stable, Legolas started to speed up and he was glowing in anticipation to see his home once more.
Rita just smiled at her friend and his anxiousness, but secretly she was just as excited. For Legolas had told her much about his home and childhood and she was eager to see the things he had told her about.
When they reached the borders Legolas touched one of the trees and a look of wonder passed over his face.
"What is it Legolas? Is something wrong?" Rita asked.
He shook his head. "No, nothing is wrong but the trees. . . the trees feel different somehow. Before I left for Rivendell and later went on the quest, the trees were always sad. Yet now they seem happy, more alive then I have ever felt them before."
"Here he goes again." grumbled Gimli "Trees feeling different, happy trees, sad trees. I'd rather have a good sturdy rock then a tree, but that's my opinion."
Both Legolas and Rita smiled at this and they moved forwards once more, Rita following Legolas as he guided them through what seemed to Rita, an endless maze in the woods.
Suddenly they heard a voice above them and they halted. "Who goes there? You are trespassing the borders of the Woodland Realm. This is a punishable offence and you will be taken captive. Speak now or I will release the arrows I have aimed at you."
Legolas jumped of Arod and called upward. "Have I been gone so long that you no longer recognize your own kin? It is I, Legolas, can you see it now my brother?"
An elf, whom Rita assumed to be the brother Legolas had been speaking to, jumped out of the tree and landed in front of them.
He took Legolas's appearance in with a scrutinizing look and then observed Rita and Gimli and slightly raised his eyebrow before he started to speak in Sindarin.
"So, you have finally arrived have you little brother? I must say, your appearance has changed during the time you were gone, I nearly did not recognize you. Did you get lost on your way here? It took you long enough to get here." The words were nice but to Rita the tone sounded almost scolding and she decided that she didn't like the elf in front of her.
Legolas seemed to take it all in stride though and remained as calm as ever. "Nay my companions, Gimli son of Gloin and Rita of Gondor and I have explored the vast Fangorn Forrest and stayed in the beautiful realm of Lady Galadriel and the Galadhrim."
"Strange companions you have Legolas, a dwarf and a female who dresses like a man. You always were the odd one though you sank in level. At least the last time you befriended a mortal he was of the blood of kings."
Now Rita knew for certain that she didn't like this elf and before Legolas could say a word she spoke in Sindarin as well, which seemed to startle the elf.
"And here I was thinking that elves are supposed to be all gentle and kind, especially to those of the opposite sex. Besides weren't you ever taught that it is rude to speak about others behind their back? Especially when you think they don't understand a word you say."
Her eyes were lit with her inner fire and she glared at the elf, whose name she hadn't heard as of yet, and locked her gaze with his.
Neither Gimli nor Legolas interrupted their little staring contest. Gimli didn't understand what was going on and Legolas knew Rita could fend for herself.
After a minute or so the elf looked away and a look of triumph passed over Rita's face but she quickly masked them away and looked coolly at the elf with a look that would have made Haldir very proud.
Then the elf broke the lingering silence. "Forgive me, my lady, I was merely jesting. A joke between brothers you understand? I am Anglas, prince of this realm, pleased to meet you."
"I'm sure." Rita said in a tone that clearly stated that she was not impressed so Anglas spoke to Legolas again.
"Come little brother, our father has been ever waiting for your return and mother has been anxious to see you."
Rita swore she could see Legolas clench his jaw as his brother spoke and decided to keep a close eye on the elf. After all, he hadn't given her any reason to trust him.
Seeing as how they had horses and Anglas did not, the three travelers got off their horses and walked the rest of their journey by foot.
Strangely Gimli hadn't spoken a word during the encounter and was still holding his tongue. Rita sensed his tenseness patted his shoulder and winked at him before she started to speak with Legolas, in common so that Gimli could understand them as well.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me about your family. No. . . wait. . . I can't believe I never asked you about them. After all you told me about Mirkwood it would have made sense for me to ask about any relatives besides your father."
Legolas seemed relieved that the silence was broken and answered. "Aye, I am the youngest of three, Anglas over there is the middle child and I also have another older brother, Narathan."
"How much younger are you?"
"I am 398 years younger then Anglas and a number of 626 years younger then Narathan."
Gimli sputtered a little when he heard about the age difference and Rita realized that the dwarf still had not accepted that elves could be so old yet look so young.
Legolas must have had the same though since he started to tease Gimli. "Is something the matter master dwarf? Do you need to sit down to give your old feet some rest?"
"Rest? I need nor rest. Nor am I old, it will be long years still until I will be old though I know that is of little difference to you."
"Aging does not affect me that is true Gimli, yet it will grieve my heart to see my mortal friends around me grow old and tired."
Rita sighed and shook her head a little. "Lets talk about something more cheerier will we, I mean you're almost home Legolas and here we are discussing a topic as depressing as aging and people withering away."
Her two companions agreed and they started to speak about Lothlorien once again and about the fact that they missed the blessed realm.
"Mirkwood is no less then the Golden Wood in beauty. Even though it is darker it has more spirit then Lothlorien will ever have. Besides our soldiers are better trained in battle for the Galadhrim haven't seen or fought as much as we did." Anglas said, mingling in their conversation.
Rita bit her lip and decided to remain nice, the elf was Legolas's brother after all. "Let me ask you, have you ever ventured in the realm of Lady Galadriel? Have you ever seen the golden mallorn trees as they sway in the wind and sing their heavenly song? Have you ever watched the sun rise over the woods, making the wood shine and sparkle? And about the Galadhrim, have you ever seen them fight?"
Anglas did not meet her eyes and shook his head as a negative on her questions. "Then I suggest," Rita continued "That you refrain from judging on things you have no knowledge about."
For he rest of the journey Anglas stayed silent as the three chattered about everything and nothing at the same town.
Then they heard a call that was being echoed over and over. "The Prince has returned. Prince Legolas has returned from war."
Many appeared to greet him but they were weary about Rita and Gimli, save those who had ridden with them during the Final Battle and they approached the dwarf and the woman as well, exchanging pleasantries.
Then a woman broke through the circle that surrounded the three and pulled Legolas in her embrace. "Legolas, you have finally returned my son. Long have I feared for you and it heals my heart to see you again."
Rita smiled at the interaction between mother and son as Legolas rested his head on his mother's shoulder for a moment.
Then she explained to Gimli who had no idea what was going on and she whispered in his ear. "That's Legolas's mother, the Queen of Mirkwood, she missed her son a lot as you may see."
Even though she whispered the Queen picked up her words and she turned her attention to the two. Legolas introduced them to his mother.
"Mother, these are Gimli son of Gloin and Rita of Gondor, or should I call you Voronwer of Lothlorien now my friend?"
Rita smiled. "Either name is fine with me." Then she remembered her manners and got on one knee and bowed her head for the queen. "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you Milady."
Since she had her head bowed she didn't see the smile at the queen's face. "It is I who should be honored Voronwer of Lothlorien, for I have heard much praise about you from the soldiers whom returned from the Final Battle."
"I fear I do not deserve such praise for it was a joint effort of all, men and elves. . . "
Gimli coughed a little and Rita chuckled. "Fine, of men, elves a dwarf and four brave little hobbits. Satisfied now Gimli?"
Legolas chuckled and Gimli grinned as well. The queen looked from one to the other, trying to understand the joke. Finally she gave up and bid them to follow her. When Rita looked around she couldn't find Anglas anymore and for that she was glad.
As they followed the queen to wherever they were going Rita looked around and found that once again she was awed by the beauty of the forest.
In three forest she had been by now and though all different, she loved them. Fangorn had the mystery and Lothlorien the beauty, but Mirkwood. . . Mirkwood seemed to have the character. Though Rita couldn't be sure since she had only been there for a while.
Then they went underground and Rita picked up the smell of flowers, even underground. Everything was just like Legolas had told her. There were many windows to let the light in and the paths were well lit.
Legolas was having a conversation with his mother and Rita had to fight a giggle when she heard the queen ask whether or not Legolas had been sleeping and eating enough. It was fun to see the elf being mothered for a change.
They reached a grand room where many elves had gathered and there it was the first time Rita and Gimli laid eyes on Thranduil, king of Mirkwood.
He was mighty to see. Tall and fair he was, with his blond hair that seemed to fall like a halo around his head. When he saw his youngest son approach him a smile came to his face but he frowned when he saw the companions that Legolas had brought with him.
Legolas walked forwards with his mother, who took a seat next to her husband, and bowed for his father. "Short have I gone if one would look at time, yet long have I been in happenings. You sent me as a messenger and I return to you as a tired soldier from war."
"Tired is something I believe you will never be my son, but a soldier you are. Grand have been the tales of your accomplishments as a part of the Fellowship and the armies. I am happy you returned to us unharmed."
As he said this Thranduil embraced his son and Legolas was quick to return it. When they broke apart Thranduil's eyes fell upon Rita and Gimli and he addressed them.
"It has been a while since the last time a dwarf dwelt in my realm and humans seldom venture in here, yet it seems that both are before me now. State your names and business here."
Gimli stepped forwards and Rita pleaded inwardly for Gimli to keep his cool, the dwarf could be so easily offended and if there was one thing she didn't long for it was a night in the dungeons. She saw that Legolas was holding his breath as well.
But the dwarf surprised the both of them when he kneeled on one knee and answered. "I am Gimli, son of Gloin, and I am here at the invitation of your son Legolas, whom I consider my friend. Much he has told me of his home and it is as fair as he told it to be."
Whatever Thranduil was expecting from Gimli, it was not something like this. "Long has there been a grudge between my race and yours, yet it seems that you were able to look past this. So I will not look for strife either, be welcome Gimli son of Gloin."
Then the king looked at Rita and she stepped forwards and took the same position Gimli had taken only minutes before. "I too, am here at the invitation of Legolas and I must agree with Gimli when he says that your realm is as fair as Legolas made it out to be."
"You did not give me your name girl." The king said and Legolas and Gimli winced, they both knew Rita could have a temper worse then Gimli's.
Rita bit her tongue before she said something rude and remained friendly. She did stand up though. "I have many names. Rita Saunders I was called once, yet I now go by the name Rita of Gondor or Voronwer of Lothlorien, a name given to me by Lady Galadriel herself."
"How is it that you came in the company of my son Rita of Gondor and why do you dress like a male?" the king asked.
"I was a member of the Fellowship of the ring and the reason I dress like I do is because it is simply more comfortable while traveling to wear pants. Besides, how would I be able to fight in a dress?"
"The battlefield is no place for a woman, of all the decisions Elrond has made this has to be one of his most foolish." Behind his father Legolas put his face in his hands in despair as he saw the fire in Rita ignite.
Rita was fighting the urge to yell at him but allowed her anger to be seen in her eyes. She used the same tone she had used with Anglas, a very cold one.
"I agree with you when you say Elrond can make foolish decisions but I assure you that this woman can handle herself in battle very well."
"Women should stay where they belong and let the men do the fighting." Thranduil stated and Rita glared at him.
"You are wrong." Rita nearly growled.
The king narrowed his eyes at her. "Your insolence would have had you end up in the dungeons if you were anything but a friend of my son."
"And if you were anything but a king and Legolas's father I would have hit you for your words so that makes us even. Throw me in the dungeons if you must, it seems that even though Legolas described his home well he missed something in the description of his father. For I cannot see the good man I was told you were, but I see a chauvinistic king with prejudice who cannot see past the exterior."
Audible gasps were heard at her statement and the king's eyes widened a bit. "How dare you?"
"How dare I?" Rita mocked. "How dare you? You insult me and expect me to accept that without a fight. No way! You don't know me and at the rate this is going I don't want to know you either. If you will excuse me I will now take my leave."
She turned around and stormed the way she had come from. Once outside she whistled long and hard and Asfaloth came running within seconds.
Just when she was about to climb on his back and ride off she could hear Legolas calling her. "Rita, Rita wait."
She turned in anger. "Wait for what? I believed you when you said your father was a good man who would welcome us to his kingdom. He accepted Gimli and chose not to accept me. That's his right Legolas and I will not overstay my welcome. I think I'll go back to Lothlorien, come and get me when you're leaving for the Lonely Mountain."
Legolas grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving and in reflex Rita lashed out at her friend and hit him in the jaw. The force of the blow made Legolas release her.
Suddenly realization sank in and Rita covered her mouth in horror. "Oh God what did I do? I didn't mean to hit you I am so, so sorry. I was just so angry and. . . I can't believe I hit you, here let me see."
She winced when he saw that her blow would leave a mark on his face and her anger had disappeared entirely as she let herself sink to the ground.
"I made a mess didn't I? Even Gimli could control his temper then me. I actually insulted the king, well that's not new, but I insulted your father. Could you ever forgive me?"
Legolas, who could see the regret in her smiled and put an arm around her and started to guide her back into the palace. "It is not I you should apologize to Rita. But on my turn I must ask for your forgiveness as well, for I did not expect my father to react as he did."
"I just had this flash-back to the day King Theoden tried to refuse me to come with the you guys to Helm's Deep and I just got so angry. I mean, I've proved my worth on the battlefield time and again and. . . "
"And my father touched a sore spot." Legolas finished for her and Rita nodded as she sank to the ground in the middle of the hallway.
She buried her face in her hands and moaned. "What do I say to him Legolas? Sorry I called you chauvinistic and prejudiced but you touched a sore nerve with your words, which caused me to be very defensive? Or maybe this one is better. Sorry I offended you but hey, you offended me first. How do you think he'll react to something like that?"
"Perhaps he will surprise you." Rita heard behind her and it certainly was not Legolas's voice. She turned around and found king Thranduil towering above her.
To her surprise he smiled at her and motioned for her to take his hand. She accepted it hesitantly and was pulled to her feet by him. She looked at him questioningly.
"I must say that it is not oft that I found someone with a temper like my own. Rash and tactless. Your words were spoken in a burst of anger as were mine. Perhaps it is better to start with a clean slate. After all, you are a close friend of Legolas."
Rita managed a grin and bowed her head for the king. "My name is Rita, Rita of Gondor, but if you wish you may call me Voronwer. It is an honor to meet you, your highness."
"The honor is all mine, milady. Long has it been since one from the race of man entered this realm, be welcome and accept our hospitality."
"I graciously accept your offer and feel like I should compliment you on your dwelling. For a palace under the ground it is light and filled with fresh air, quite an accomplishment."
The king smiled and the two entered the hall again and both were calm. Rita went to stand next to Gimli while the king climbed on his throne and made an announcement.
"Tonight there will be a feast in honor of the return of my son and our guests. All who wish to come are allowed to attend."
A cheer rose and Rita could see the people start to leave to get ready for the feast. Then an alarm went off in her head and she groaned again for what seemed the millionth time in an hour.
Legolas raised his eyebrows at this and asked for an explanation. "Are you not in the mood for a feast Rita, or is the matter with y father still bothering you?"
"None of the above, you silly elf, I don't hold a grudge and you know me and my temper, I get angry but I forgive just as fast."
"Then what is the matter?"
Rita pointed at her appearance. "This is what's the matter. My pack is large and I have a lot of things in it but the one thing I did not pack is a dress. And guess what women wear during feasts host by kings. . . a dress!!!"
Legolas started to chuckle and Rita sent him a glare. "Shut up you evil elf or I will give you a bruise to match the one on your jaw."
"You would not be able to strike me a second time, I was merely surprised. It was a lucky shot."
"Would you like to test that theory?" Rita asked, a glint in her eyes.
Behind her she could hear laughter and when she turned Gimli stood there with Legolas's parents and an elf Rita hadn't met yet.
"A maiden was able to catch you off guard. Have I taught you nothing brother?" said the unfamiliar elf.
A huge smile came upon Legolas's face and he grabbed the elf by his shoulders and hugged him. "Narathan, many a time have I longed to see you my brother. I missed you during the final battle though I heard you had your hands quite full."
"Aye, the battle was long and not without losses of both our men and the forest, yet our army prevailed and the woods have finally been cleansed from all evil. But before we talk battle, introduce me to the maiden who has not only been able to top Ada's temper but also catch you off guard."
Rita felt a blush rise on her cheek as he said this, still embarrassed about her behavior earlier. But this was ignored as Narathan took her palm and placed a kiss on it. "As you may have understood, I am Narathan, Legolas's oldest and wisest brother."
"Wisest?" snorted Legolas. "Don't listen to him Rita for though brave and bold my brother is far from being wise."
"This coming from who?" Rita joked and with satisfaction she saw Legolas at a loss of words for a moment.
Gimli chose that moment to interrupt. "That is 2-0 for Rita, you are falling behind elf." Legolas glared at the dwarf as the others chuckled.
Then Rita hit her forehead. "The joking is nice and all, but I still have to get myself a dress. I guess it is too much to hope for that a tailor will be able to make me a dress within a few hours?"
"Do not be silly." said the queen. "You may borrow one of my gowns." When Rita opened her mouth to protest the queen silenced her with a look. "And that is my final word. Come, let us get ready."
For Rita there was no other option then to follow her and she waved at those who remained behind before she ran to catch up with the queen, lest she get lost. The queen was speaking to a maid as she waited for Rita to catch up before she went on.
They stopped in front of a door, which the queen opened. "This will be your room during your stay here, one of the guest rooms. The door over there leads to a bathroom. I already ordered hot water so you may bathe."
On cue there was a knock on the door and two elves walked in with hot water which they poured into the bath.
The queen sat on a chair and Rita saw no other choice then to follow her example as the maids walked in a few more times to fill the bath.
When they had finished the queen started to speak again. "Go, bathe and I will find you a dress. You are lucky that we seem to have the same height and posture."
"I don't think how I can thank you, your highness. I do not deserve such a treatment, especially after I insulted your husband like I did."
To her surprise the queen started to smile. "Ah, Thranduil can be such a hot-head. His words were far from gracious and I highly disagree with them. For women can be of use in battle. It is rather the men who fear to see them enter it then it is the weakness of women."
Rita smiled and nodded her head in agreement. "Exactly, I couldn't have said it better. Now I believe I will do as you bid me to do before the water turns cold."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After Rita had finished her bath she went back into the room the queen had done as she promised, a dress had been laid out for her.
"Your highness!" Rita gasped. "I couldn't possibly wear that dress, it is far too beautiful. It is fit for a queen, not for a warrior like myself."
"Please, call me Araniel, for that is my name. If you were to call me highness all the time I should start to address you as Milady, for you are a lady at the court of Gondor if I remembered correctly from the reports of my handmaiden."
Rita rolled her eyes. "I'm no lady, I'm just a normal girl who has been given a title that she doesn't deserve."
"The people of Gondor and the king seemed to have thought otherwise or else you wouldn't have given such a title. Now stop protesting and let me help you get ready."
One last time Rita tried to persuade the queen. "I can dress myself, it would be wrong for a queen to help me. It should be I to help you, not the other way around."
"I must admit it is usually not fit for a queen to dress another." Said the queen. "Yet I ask you to allow me this privilege for even though I love my sons dearly, I sometimes mourn the fact I do not have a daughter to dress up."
Rita smiled at Araniel and nodded her head. "Well if you put it that way, I would be honored to be of your service."
The elf-queen smiled in return and the ritual of getting ready started.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The feast had just started and Legolas and Gimli were sitting together on the table, both looking at the empty seat next to Legolas.
"Where is she?" grumbled Gimli. "It doesn't take that long to get ready does it?"
Opposite to Gimli Narathan grinned. "Ah but she is a woman master dwarf, women always take a long time getting ready for everything."
Gimli, who had brushed his beard and made some new braids in them, laughed loudly at this. "You know lad." He said. "You're not so bad, elves aren't as bad as I once thought them to be. Too bad it took a war to make me see that."
"You honor me elf-friend. Never before had I thought that dwarves could be so noble." Narathan raised his goblet. "To my friend dwarf, may we learn from his nobility."
Then a voice behind him said. "Toasting before your old mother has even arrived, shame on you Narathan, I thought I raised you better then that."
"I apologize mother." The elf said and then Legolas addressed his mother.
"Where is Rita?"
Araniel looked behind her and smiled. "If you were but a little more patient you would know. I present to you Voronwer of Lothlorien, Lady at the court of Gondor."
As soon as she said this Rita made her way to the table and many mouths dropped open. For no longer they could see the woman who dressed like a man and wore her head in a braid.
No, there stood a woman, a noble woman, with her hair flowing around her head and a soft smile upon her lips. She wore a purple dress and flowers had been braided into her hair.
Blushing from the attention Rita walked as quickly as she could to her chair and sat down in such a manner that she hoped to hide herself from others behind Legolas.
Speaking of Legolas, he was softly smiling, remembering the times she had dressed up in both Rivendell and Gondor. "I don't think that you can escape attention by hiding behind me Rita, you are one of the guests of honor."
"I know, it's just. . . you know I hate to be the center of attention. I hate it when it happens with people I know, but with strangers it's even worse."
Narathan started to talk to her. "But you are such a lovely sight to behold Voronwer, you don't mind if I call you that do you?"
She shrugged and looked around for a while. "There are some familiar faces but most I don't recognize." As she said this she caught the gaze of none other than Tári Minyatur, and the elf-maiden glared at her.
Rita had to stop herself from bursting out in laughter and she whispered softly. "Legolas, check the second table on the right. Seventh chair if I'm not mistaken."
He did as she asked though not knowing why and when he noticed his once persistent admirer sitting there he nearly choked on the sip of wine he had just taken.
An insane smile came onto Rita's face. "I wonder what she would do if you were to ask her for a walk again."
Legolas couldn't help it and burst in laughter, Rita soon following his example. Their exchange had remained unnoticed since most were listening to Gimli's version of the battle in Moria and of how the mines had lost all the glory they once held.
So when they started to laugh for seemingly no reason weird looks were thrown their way. But Gimli just shrugged his shoulders. "Pay no heed to those two, they'll recover in a while."
Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "This is a common thing?"
"They are crazy, the both of them. Always bickering and playing pranks on one another."
By then the two had calmed down enough to pay attention and Rita stuck her tongue out to Gimli. "Look who's talking, if there's one person in this room who loves to bicker it's you and don't you forget it. Besides, we needed the humor, it were dark days."
This statement made them a bit more solemn and they finished the meal in relative silence. Then an elf approached Rita and knelt in front of her.
"You may not recognize me Milady, but I remember you all too clearly. If not for your presence I would now be in the halls of Mandos and for this I owe you my. . . "
"No." Rita interrupted him. "No offering me your duties or life. You owe me nothing. We were at war, if we don't look out for each other then how were we supposed to win it."
The elf got up and looked at her in wonder. Rita looked at him for a while as well, trying to figure out where she had seen him before, she knew his face from somewhere.
"Ithilien." She mumbled, "I know I saw you there but I can't place it."
The elf smiled. "It is not odd you do not recognize me for the last time we met I was rather bloody. I nearly lost my life yet the healers were able to fix me up after all."
"I'm happy to hear that, you look healthy to me now." In her head she was searching for his face, looking for when she saw him.
He smiled at her. "You do not recall do you? It is of no matter, we never spoke yet you made an impression on me as you saved my life. I fell under your command at the first orc-hunt after the Final Battle."
Then things clicked in Rita's head. "You were the elf with whom I rode Asfaloth, the wounded elf. You were in bad shape, it's a miracle you're here today. If that arrow had hit you any lower. . . I should have seen that attack coming."
"You were not at fault, we all missed the band of archers."
Rita frowned. "It still bothers me that a group of ten at most could make so much damage. So many wounded or killed."
The elf was offered a seat by Narathan, who was growing more curious by the second. "You had command over a battalion?" he asked her.
"Not only did she command over 300 men and elves, she was second-in-command of the Galadhrim during battle." Said the elf and Narathan looked in wonder at Rita.
"The Galadhrim? You must be quite the warrior Voronwer, if they placed such an honor upon you, for I have heard that they seldom let any outsider within their circle."
Gimli grinned widely. "Give the lass a sword and she'll chop off any orc- neck that comes in her way. A warrior she is indeed."
Shaking her head Rita chuckled. "Stop it Gimli, you're going to make me blush." Then she looked around as she noticed that someone was missing. "Where is brother number three, Anglas right?"
Narathan shrugged. "He comes and goes as he pleases."
"Right." Rita couldn't help a frown to appear on her face and Narathan laughed.
"Did dear Anglas offend you in any way? He is known to do that you know. He can be quite unpleasant but he is my brother and I love him."
Gimli grinned. "The lad did the most offensive thing in her eyes. He offended both the Golden Wood as the Galadhrim in one sentence. Her temper flared and he didn't dare and speak with her again."
Then they heard a voice behind them. "Did the party start already? Too bad I missed it. Well little brother, tell us some stories in which you play the hero."
Anglas stood behind them and it was clear he was drunk. His words were slurred and he wasn't standing steadily on his two feet.
You had to hand it to him, Thranduil knew how to handle a situation. With a single glance at one of the guards Anglas was silently removed from the party and only those on the table had noticed his drunkenness.
"I see he still practices his favorite hobby." Legolas said without humor and to Rita it seemed that he looked much older than only minutes before.
"Addicted to alcohol?" she asked and she received a nod as answer. "I'm sorry."
Thranduil sighed and Araniel had her head bowed in grief of seeing her son like that. "Sometimes I wonder what we did wrong with him." she sighed and the king patted her hand.
The two decided to call it a night and left for their chamber. After that the party slowly ended and Legolas escorted Rita back to her room.
Before he left Rita grabbed his arm and looked at his jaw again, a bruise was now very clear. "I'm sorry Legolas." She said.
And somehow he knew she meant more then the bruise with that and hugged her for a few seconds. "Sleep well my friend, tomorrow I will show you the places I loved while growing up."
"That would be nice Legolas. Sleep tight. . . don't let the bedbugs bite."
He had been walking away but turned around as she said this. "What does that mean?" he asked her.
"It's something me and Carol used to say every night. It's a special good night wish, I just missed saying that to someone."
Legolas just smiled and nodded his head, amused at his friend's randomness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning Rita was awoken by Legolas even before the sun had come up. He forced her to get dressed and get her weapons so they could go out and explore.
He himself had his bow strapped to his back and his daggers on his belt. Rita couldn't see them but she knew that the small throwing daggers must be on him as well.
They tried to wake Gimli as well but the dwarf would only snore louder and turn around. Finally giving up the two sneaked to the kitchen and grabbed a few pieces of fruit to eat on the way as well as some lembas that was lying around.
"So where to first oh guide?" Rita asked as they had left the underground palace. The first rays of light had yet to show themselves and the ground was wet from the dew of the night.
Legolas smiled at her and started to walk in the direction of the forest, which could have been any direction since the palace was surrounded by trees.
"I will take you to one of the most beautiful spots in this forest. I usually go there to clear my head or to get away from the palace life or Anglas."
Rita stayed silent, knowing Legolas had to get whatever it was off his chest. and sure enough, soon he started to speak again.
"I do not know when he started to drink, or when it became such a problem. He used to be different; happier and nicer. Then he lost the girl he was courting, she was killed by one of the spiders when she was out for a walk, and things changed for him."
"It couldn't have been easy to loose the one you love, I should no. So that's when he started to drink, trying to drink his pain away?"
Legolas nodded and his eyes darkened a bit. "This was over 800 years ago and still he is in pain. But now he tries to dull the pain with wine and he is only a shadow of who he once was."
"Why doesn't he go to the west?" Rita asked. "To lessen his pain."
"I often wondered about that as well, yet I never found an answer to that. he would be much happier there, away from pain and desperation." He sighed and his shoulders slumped a bit.
Rita squeezed his arm and he looked up at her with a slight smile and looked around. "We're nearly there. All we have to do now is climb a few trees."
"Climb a few trees? Man am I happy I decided to leave my bow behind, I would get stuck with it on my back." Rita commented.
Then Legolas jumped and grabbed hold of a branch and pulled himself on it with the kind of grace only an elf could have.
Rita looked up with raised eyebrows, there was no way in hell that she would be able to do that. The only time she had climbed a tree was when she was ten years old and that was because Carol had climbed it and was too afraid to come out.
"Come on Rita." She could hear Legolas say above her. "It's easy. Just jump and grab the branch, I'll help you with the rest."
She shrugged and took a few steps backwards. Then she ran until she was directly beneath the branch and jumped as high as she could, grabbing the branch like it was a life-line.
In the momentum she had gained quite some speed and she swung so high, as if she was a gymnast on the bridge. She started to panic as she lost her grip and closed her eyes, waiting for her descent to start.
But nothing of the sort happened as she felt Legolas wrap his arms around her, pulling her to safety, thus saving her from embarrassment.
When she had grown accustomed to sitting in a tree she opened her eyes, only to look in Legolas's laughing one's.
"I told you I would help you, you didn't really think I would let you fall now did you? That was quite the jump you made, I didn't plan to teach you how to swing on a branch until you at least learned how to climb one but you seemed to think you were ready for swinging already."
She growled at him. "You could have said that before I took a running leap you evil elf. Now this place of yours has to be very special if you want me to forgive you for putting me through this."
"Oh, but it is Rita. . . it is." Legolas said and he climbed further in the tree. For Rita there was no other option then to follow him.
Thankfully the branches were sturdy and rough, making it easy to walk on them without losing your balance.
Then Legolas did something that shocked Rita. He leaped from one tree to another like it was nothing to him, which it of course wasn't.
Her eyes widened and she started to move back a little. "You want me to jump that gap? You are insane." That last was stated as if it was a fact instead of a joke.
"You jumped over the gap in Moria, this one isn't half as large." Legolas coached her.
"You forget one thing, I had sturdy ground under my feet and Goblins shooting arrows at me. I had every reason to jump that gap, whereas this is for fun."
Then she sighed in defeat and leaped over the gap. This time Legolas didn't even had to come to her aid as she grabbed a branch over her head by herself to steady her.
"Hey" she exclaimed "That was actually quite fun."
Legolas just grinned at her and from there on the trip went on in the same fashion. Rita had no idea how long they had been climbing trees or jumping from one tree to another and she didn't care.
The smell of the trees was so strong that her nose sometimes tingles as she breathed deeply as to catch as much of it as she could.
Suddenly Legolas leaped down instead of to another tree and Rita decided to be bold and jumped after him.
The distance was a little more then she had calculated so when she hit the ground she fell quite ungraceful on her back. When she opened her mouth to scold Legolas for not catching her she caught sight of the surroundings.
It was a clearing, much like the one in Rivendell or even Gondor, but totally different at the same time.
The thing that caught her attention first was of course the stunningly gorgeous waterfall. The stones that surrounded it were all covered in some kind of purple flowers and their sweet scent made her head feel light.
But the thing that was different from other waterfalls was the fact that there was no lake or another body of water. It seemed as if the water disappeared right into the ground but that was impossible, wasn't it?
Next to her Legolas had been studying her as she gaped at his hideout with open mouth and widened eyes. When she turned to him she smiled and he smiled back at her.
"Wow, the water. . . it. . . how is that possible?" Rita half stammered through her sentence.
Legolas grabbed her arm and started to pull her in the direction of the waterfall. As they got closer Rita could see that the water didn't disappear into thin air.
"A cave." She breathed and Legolas nodded.
"You're right, this is a cave. The water goes down into the cave and underground is a river. It's this river that makes it possible for us to live like we do. We made dams and pipelines in order to control the water a little."
Rita put out her hands to catch some of the water and brought it to her face. It was cold but Rita felt refreshed immediately.
Then she looked up at the sky and saw to her surprise that it was at its highest point already. "It's afternoon already, when did that happen? It seems like no time passed at all. We should get back I guess."
But Legolas seemed reluctant to leave and Rita couldn't help but give in. He showed her two huge trees and then climbed up a little and pulled on a branch. To her surprise a woven hammock appeared.
It was a huge one as well and before she could blink Legolas was lying in it comfortably already. The hammock was swaying a little and Rita made it stop doing that.
"Aren't you going to climb in as well?" Legolas asked and Rita raised an eyebrow yet again.
"And how do you suppose I do that. No offence Legolas but it would get very, uhm, cozy if I were to get in as well and sorry but I'm not one of your girlfriends."
He pretended to be offended. "Why I have never heard such accusations before in my entire life, and that has been quite long I assure you."
Then he got a little more serious. "I never brought any of the maidens I was wooing here, this is my refuge, mine alone."
"Why did you bring me here if it's your refuge like you put it?" Rita wondered.
"You trusted me with so many things, confided in me more then once and you have been my friend through many dangers. How could I refuse to trust you like you have trusted me?"
Rita smiled at his explanation and budged. "Scoot over elf, I take up a lot of space." He laughed at this but did as she asked as she tried to get in without falling out at the same time.
It took some time but finally they were both lying in the hammock. Rita closed her eyes and was completely at ease. The breeze was pleasant and the hammock swayed back and forth.
"Would you tell me a story?" she asked Legolas.
"What kind of story would you like me to tell?"
"Doesn't matter, I just want you to talk so I can fall asleep." Rita said honestly.
Legolas laughed. "Are you implying that I am boring to listen to? That's the second time you have offended me in less then an hour."
"Nah, you're not boring. You're voice is just nice to listen to, it makes me all sleepy."
He sighed. "The things I do for friendship." He muttered but he started to speak nonetheless. "I will tell you of Ilúvatar and how he gave life to the Valar, who forged the world as we know it."
Rita was fascinated by the story but soon she started to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
A/N: Well that was it with this chapter. . . what did you guys think??? Did it suck??? I think it did but it's your opinion that counts so please let me know what you think. I survived first week of University, big yea to me and I hope to update next week again with more adventures and more drama.
Thank you to all my reviewers, I passed 1200 reviews. . . THANK YOU!!!!
Ishiera: I know this is long and I hope you reach this chapter so you can see me thanking you for reviewing. . . does that make sense? Anyway I'm happy you like it.
Sarah G: Happy (belated) birthday to you too!!!! This chapter is my present to you.
Tap-dancing hobbit: Elladan will return in the story but now Rita needs some alone (well alone with friends) time. The angst will return though, no worries.
Lady Eleclya: Thanks, I'm happy you liked the chapter. Do you have any requests to what may happen in Mirkwood?
Alina11: I'm happy you like this fic. University does take some time getting used to but I like it already though the workload is enormous.
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: I ususally suck at making up names but this time I wanted her to have a bow so I had to find some occasion to give her one.
Danceingfae: I totally forgot that she had to have a birthday but then I noticed I had made a year gone by and left Rita without a birthday. So tada, a belated one she got this time.
Prophetic Fire: You'll be patient yet you want to know? Isn't that a paradox? To quench your thirst for this information I'll give it to you. Elladan will return, when I do not know, but he'll return.
Blahblah: She will see him again I swear. Please keep those orcs of yours away from me, I'm no Rita, I can't kill them!!!!
Aislin2: I know, ff.net is getting on my nerves too, but hey, I love it! I'm happy you liked this chapter, I'm not big on birthdays either, I never know what to say when people ask me what I want.
Leitheindel: Thanks for the link, I love the sight. I watched the movies so many times that I can now speak together with the characters, pathetic isn't it.
MaverickGirl: Glad you liked the chapter. I don't think aging is a sad thing, it's the living forever thing that would spook me. Think about it, watching all you care about die around you only to live yourself.
Mademoiselle Morte: Thanks, but I didn't get drunk. I don't drink that much, I hate drunk people cause they are mostly annoying.
Aurumlupi: Thanks!!!
Mellon1: I hope you didn't have to wait too long, enjoy!
Darlene5: I have some adventures and yes, I might use some of your ideas. I always want more suggestions so send them to me if you have some more.
Lady of Legolas: There's going to be mischief. . . honestly with Rita and Legolas how could there not be any?
The Great One: Stop it right there. . . no excuses. I know all about school and no apologies are necessary for me. Happy you liked the chapters.
Crimson Demon: I know it's not as good as previous chapters but I hope this chapter is a little better. I'm better at the action thing but that returns in the next chapter so you'll have to wait a little longer.
Pikabo: You know, I first thought your name was Pikachu (as the pokemon) but then I read a little more closely. . . well now that's over. Thanks for your review and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
LalaithoftheBruinen: I'm writing! I'm writing. Jeesh, some reviewers can't wait. ;) Just kidding. I hope you like this one.
Kate: Did you eat any form of sugar before you wrote this review by any chance? Cause you looked a little hyper to me. ;)
Melia: Happy you liked this chapter, thanks!
Feanen: Thanks.
Siren6: I love your gift, a life time supply of hot elves. . . *drools*. . . ooh and the cookies of course, mjum now I'm hungry.
Kayli: Good luck with your testing. . . black belt? Wow you must be good. Anyway, don't beat him up yet, you have no idea what I have in store for him. *grins evilly* Besides, Siren6 has abused him enough for the entire world.
Dragonfly: I'm happy you liked the name, I was worried people would think it sucked. Any way somewhere down the line Rita and Elladan will get back together, I even wrote it already. Too bad I have so many ideas that have to come first.
DISCLAIMER: :P Not in the mood.
The road between Lothlorien and Mirkwood was not very long but the three travelers took their time, enjoying being on the road once more. Though Gimli would complain every day about everything varying from the horses to what they were having for dinner.
Finally they could see the woods of Mirkwood in the distance and like a horse smelling his stable, Legolas started to speed up and he was glowing in anticipation to see his home once more.
Rita just smiled at her friend and his anxiousness, but secretly she was just as excited. For Legolas had told her much about his home and childhood and she was eager to see the things he had told her about.
When they reached the borders Legolas touched one of the trees and a look of wonder passed over his face.
"What is it Legolas? Is something wrong?" Rita asked.
He shook his head. "No, nothing is wrong but the trees. . . the trees feel different somehow. Before I left for Rivendell and later went on the quest, the trees were always sad. Yet now they seem happy, more alive then I have ever felt them before."
"Here he goes again." grumbled Gimli "Trees feeling different, happy trees, sad trees. I'd rather have a good sturdy rock then a tree, but that's my opinion."
Both Legolas and Rita smiled at this and they moved forwards once more, Rita following Legolas as he guided them through what seemed to Rita, an endless maze in the woods.
Suddenly they heard a voice above them and they halted. "Who goes there? You are trespassing the borders of the Woodland Realm. This is a punishable offence and you will be taken captive. Speak now or I will release the arrows I have aimed at you."
Legolas jumped of Arod and called upward. "Have I been gone so long that you no longer recognize your own kin? It is I, Legolas, can you see it now my brother?"
An elf, whom Rita assumed to be the brother Legolas had been speaking to, jumped out of the tree and landed in front of them.
He took Legolas's appearance in with a scrutinizing look and then observed Rita and Gimli and slightly raised his eyebrow before he started to speak in Sindarin.
"So, you have finally arrived have you little brother? I must say, your appearance has changed during the time you were gone, I nearly did not recognize you. Did you get lost on your way here? It took you long enough to get here." The words were nice but to Rita the tone sounded almost scolding and she decided that she didn't like the elf in front of her.
Legolas seemed to take it all in stride though and remained as calm as ever. "Nay my companions, Gimli son of Gloin and Rita of Gondor and I have explored the vast Fangorn Forrest and stayed in the beautiful realm of Lady Galadriel and the Galadhrim."
"Strange companions you have Legolas, a dwarf and a female who dresses like a man. You always were the odd one though you sank in level. At least the last time you befriended a mortal he was of the blood of kings."
Now Rita knew for certain that she didn't like this elf and before Legolas could say a word she spoke in Sindarin as well, which seemed to startle the elf.
"And here I was thinking that elves are supposed to be all gentle and kind, especially to those of the opposite sex. Besides weren't you ever taught that it is rude to speak about others behind their back? Especially when you think they don't understand a word you say."
Her eyes were lit with her inner fire and she glared at the elf, whose name she hadn't heard as of yet, and locked her gaze with his.
Neither Gimli nor Legolas interrupted their little staring contest. Gimli didn't understand what was going on and Legolas knew Rita could fend for herself.
After a minute or so the elf looked away and a look of triumph passed over Rita's face but she quickly masked them away and looked coolly at the elf with a look that would have made Haldir very proud.
Then the elf broke the lingering silence. "Forgive me, my lady, I was merely jesting. A joke between brothers you understand? I am Anglas, prince of this realm, pleased to meet you."
"I'm sure." Rita said in a tone that clearly stated that she was not impressed so Anglas spoke to Legolas again.
"Come little brother, our father has been ever waiting for your return and mother has been anxious to see you."
Rita swore she could see Legolas clench his jaw as his brother spoke and decided to keep a close eye on the elf. After all, he hadn't given her any reason to trust him.
Seeing as how they had horses and Anglas did not, the three travelers got off their horses and walked the rest of their journey by foot.
Strangely Gimli hadn't spoken a word during the encounter and was still holding his tongue. Rita sensed his tenseness patted his shoulder and winked at him before she started to speak with Legolas, in common so that Gimli could understand them as well.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me about your family. No. . . wait. . . I can't believe I never asked you about them. After all you told me about Mirkwood it would have made sense for me to ask about any relatives besides your father."
Legolas seemed relieved that the silence was broken and answered. "Aye, I am the youngest of three, Anglas over there is the middle child and I also have another older brother, Narathan."
"How much younger are you?"
"I am 398 years younger then Anglas and a number of 626 years younger then Narathan."
Gimli sputtered a little when he heard about the age difference and Rita realized that the dwarf still had not accepted that elves could be so old yet look so young.
Legolas must have had the same though since he started to tease Gimli. "Is something the matter master dwarf? Do you need to sit down to give your old feet some rest?"
"Rest? I need nor rest. Nor am I old, it will be long years still until I will be old though I know that is of little difference to you."
"Aging does not affect me that is true Gimli, yet it will grieve my heart to see my mortal friends around me grow old and tired."
Rita sighed and shook her head a little. "Lets talk about something more cheerier will we, I mean you're almost home Legolas and here we are discussing a topic as depressing as aging and people withering away."
Her two companions agreed and they started to speak about Lothlorien once again and about the fact that they missed the blessed realm.
"Mirkwood is no less then the Golden Wood in beauty. Even though it is darker it has more spirit then Lothlorien will ever have. Besides our soldiers are better trained in battle for the Galadhrim haven't seen or fought as much as we did." Anglas said, mingling in their conversation.
Rita bit her lip and decided to remain nice, the elf was Legolas's brother after all. "Let me ask you, have you ever ventured in the realm of Lady Galadriel? Have you ever seen the golden mallorn trees as they sway in the wind and sing their heavenly song? Have you ever watched the sun rise over the woods, making the wood shine and sparkle? And about the Galadhrim, have you ever seen them fight?"
Anglas did not meet her eyes and shook his head as a negative on her questions. "Then I suggest," Rita continued "That you refrain from judging on things you have no knowledge about."
For he rest of the journey Anglas stayed silent as the three chattered about everything and nothing at the same town.
Then they heard a call that was being echoed over and over. "The Prince has returned. Prince Legolas has returned from war."
Many appeared to greet him but they were weary about Rita and Gimli, save those who had ridden with them during the Final Battle and they approached the dwarf and the woman as well, exchanging pleasantries.
Then a woman broke through the circle that surrounded the three and pulled Legolas in her embrace. "Legolas, you have finally returned my son. Long have I feared for you and it heals my heart to see you again."
Rita smiled at the interaction between mother and son as Legolas rested his head on his mother's shoulder for a moment.
Then she explained to Gimli who had no idea what was going on and she whispered in his ear. "That's Legolas's mother, the Queen of Mirkwood, she missed her son a lot as you may see."
Even though she whispered the Queen picked up her words and she turned her attention to the two. Legolas introduced them to his mother.
"Mother, these are Gimli son of Gloin and Rita of Gondor, or should I call you Voronwer of Lothlorien now my friend?"
Rita smiled. "Either name is fine with me." Then she remembered her manners and got on one knee and bowed her head for the queen. "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you Milady."
Since she had her head bowed she didn't see the smile at the queen's face. "It is I who should be honored Voronwer of Lothlorien, for I have heard much praise about you from the soldiers whom returned from the Final Battle."
"I fear I do not deserve such praise for it was a joint effort of all, men and elves. . . "
Gimli coughed a little and Rita chuckled. "Fine, of men, elves a dwarf and four brave little hobbits. Satisfied now Gimli?"
Legolas chuckled and Gimli grinned as well. The queen looked from one to the other, trying to understand the joke. Finally she gave up and bid them to follow her. When Rita looked around she couldn't find Anglas anymore and for that she was glad.
As they followed the queen to wherever they were going Rita looked around and found that once again she was awed by the beauty of the forest.
In three forest she had been by now and though all different, she loved them. Fangorn had the mystery and Lothlorien the beauty, but Mirkwood. . . Mirkwood seemed to have the character. Though Rita couldn't be sure since she had only been there for a while.
Then they went underground and Rita picked up the smell of flowers, even underground. Everything was just like Legolas had told her. There were many windows to let the light in and the paths were well lit.
Legolas was having a conversation with his mother and Rita had to fight a giggle when she heard the queen ask whether or not Legolas had been sleeping and eating enough. It was fun to see the elf being mothered for a change.
They reached a grand room where many elves had gathered and there it was the first time Rita and Gimli laid eyes on Thranduil, king of Mirkwood.
He was mighty to see. Tall and fair he was, with his blond hair that seemed to fall like a halo around his head. When he saw his youngest son approach him a smile came to his face but he frowned when he saw the companions that Legolas had brought with him.
Legolas walked forwards with his mother, who took a seat next to her husband, and bowed for his father. "Short have I gone if one would look at time, yet long have I been in happenings. You sent me as a messenger and I return to you as a tired soldier from war."
"Tired is something I believe you will never be my son, but a soldier you are. Grand have been the tales of your accomplishments as a part of the Fellowship and the armies. I am happy you returned to us unharmed."
As he said this Thranduil embraced his son and Legolas was quick to return it. When they broke apart Thranduil's eyes fell upon Rita and Gimli and he addressed them.
"It has been a while since the last time a dwarf dwelt in my realm and humans seldom venture in here, yet it seems that both are before me now. State your names and business here."
Gimli stepped forwards and Rita pleaded inwardly for Gimli to keep his cool, the dwarf could be so easily offended and if there was one thing she didn't long for it was a night in the dungeons. She saw that Legolas was holding his breath as well.
But the dwarf surprised the both of them when he kneeled on one knee and answered. "I am Gimli, son of Gloin, and I am here at the invitation of your son Legolas, whom I consider my friend. Much he has told me of his home and it is as fair as he told it to be."
Whatever Thranduil was expecting from Gimli, it was not something like this. "Long has there been a grudge between my race and yours, yet it seems that you were able to look past this. So I will not look for strife either, be welcome Gimli son of Gloin."
Then the king looked at Rita and she stepped forwards and took the same position Gimli had taken only minutes before. "I too, am here at the invitation of Legolas and I must agree with Gimli when he says that your realm is as fair as Legolas made it out to be."
"You did not give me your name girl." The king said and Legolas and Gimli winced, they both knew Rita could have a temper worse then Gimli's.
Rita bit her tongue before she said something rude and remained friendly. She did stand up though. "I have many names. Rita Saunders I was called once, yet I now go by the name Rita of Gondor or Voronwer of Lothlorien, a name given to me by Lady Galadriel herself."
"How is it that you came in the company of my son Rita of Gondor and why do you dress like a male?" the king asked.
"I was a member of the Fellowship of the ring and the reason I dress like I do is because it is simply more comfortable while traveling to wear pants. Besides, how would I be able to fight in a dress?"
"The battlefield is no place for a woman, of all the decisions Elrond has made this has to be one of his most foolish." Behind his father Legolas put his face in his hands in despair as he saw the fire in Rita ignite.
Rita was fighting the urge to yell at him but allowed her anger to be seen in her eyes. She used the same tone she had used with Anglas, a very cold one.
"I agree with you when you say Elrond can make foolish decisions but I assure you that this woman can handle herself in battle very well."
"Women should stay where they belong and let the men do the fighting." Thranduil stated and Rita glared at him.
"You are wrong." Rita nearly growled.
The king narrowed his eyes at her. "Your insolence would have had you end up in the dungeons if you were anything but a friend of my son."
"And if you were anything but a king and Legolas's father I would have hit you for your words so that makes us even. Throw me in the dungeons if you must, it seems that even though Legolas described his home well he missed something in the description of his father. For I cannot see the good man I was told you were, but I see a chauvinistic king with prejudice who cannot see past the exterior."
Audible gasps were heard at her statement and the king's eyes widened a bit. "How dare you?"
"How dare I?" Rita mocked. "How dare you? You insult me and expect me to accept that without a fight. No way! You don't know me and at the rate this is going I don't want to know you either. If you will excuse me I will now take my leave."
She turned around and stormed the way she had come from. Once outside she whistled long and hard and Asfaloth came running within seconds.
Just when she was about to climb on his back and ride off she could hear Legolas calling her. "Rita, Rita wait."
She turned in anger. "Wait for what? I believed you when you said your father was a good man who would welcome us to his kingdom. He accepted Gimli and chose not to accept me. That's his right Legolas and I will not overstay my welcome. I think I'll go back to Lothlorien, come and get me when you're leaving for the Lonely Mountain."
Legolas grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving and in reflex Rita lashed out at her friend and hit him in the jaw. The force of the blow made Legolas release her.
Suddenly realization sank in and Rita covered her mouth in horror. "Oh God what did I do? I didn't mean to hit you I am so, so sorry. I was just so angry and. . . I can't believe I hit you, here let me see."
She winced when he saw that her blow would leave a mark on his face and her anger had disappeared entirely as she let herself sink to the ground.
"I made a mess didn't I? Even Gimli could control his temper then me. I actually insulted the king, well that's not new, but I insulted your father. Could you ever forgive me?"
Legolas, who could see the regret in her smiled and put an arm around her and started to guide her back into the palace. "It is not I you should apologize to Rita. But on my turn I must ask for your forgiveness as well, for I did not expect my father to react as he did."
"I just had this flash-back to the day King Theoden tried to refuse me to come with the you guys to Helm's Deep and I just got so angry. I mean, I've proved my worth on the battlefield time and again and. . . "
"And my father touched a sore spot." Legolas finished for her and Rita nodded as she sank to the ground in the middle of the hallway.
She buried her face in her hands and moaned. "What do I say to him Legolas? Sorry I called you chauvinistic and prejudiced but you touched a sore nerve with your words, which caused me to be very defensive? Or maybe this one is better. Sorry I offended you but hey, you offended me first. How do you think he'll react to something like that?"
"Perhaps he will surprise you." Rita heard behind her and it certainly was not Legolas's voice. She turned around and found king Thranduil towering above her.
To her surprise he smiled at her and motioned for her to take his hand. She accepted it hesitantly and was pulled to her feet by him. She looked at him questioningly.
"I must say that it is not oft that I found someone with a temper like my own. Rash and tactless. Your words were spoken in a burst of anger as were mine. Perhaps it is better to start with a clean slate. After all, you are a close friend of Legolas."
Rita managed a grin and bowed her head for the king. "My name is Rita, Rita of Gondor, but if you wish you may call me Voronwer. It is an honor to meet you, your highness."
"The honor is all mine, milady. Long has it been since one from the race of man entered this realm, be welcome and accept our hospitality."
"I graciously accept your offer and feel like I should compliment you on your dwelling. For a palace under the ground it is light and filled with fresh air, quite an accomplishment."
The king smiled and the two entered the hall again and both were calm. Rita went to stand next to Gimli while the king climbed on his throne and made an announcement.
"Tonight there will be a feast in honor of the return of my son and our guests. All who wish to come are allowed to attend."
A cheer rose and Rita could see the people start to leave to get ready for the feast. Then an alarm went off in her head and she groaned again for what seemed the millionth time in an hour.
Legolas raised his eyebrows at this and asked for an explanation. "Are you not in the mood for a feast Rita, or is the matter with y father still bothering you?"
"None of the above, you silly elf, I don't hold a grudge and you know me and my temper, I get angry but I forgive just as fast."
"Then what is the matter?"
Rita pointed at her appearance. "This is what's the matter. My pack is large and I have a lot of things in it but the one thing I did not pack is a dress. And guess what women wear during feasts host by kings. . . a dress!!!"
Legolas started to chuckle and Rita sent him a glare. "Shut up you evil elf or I will give you a bruise to match the one on your jaw."
"You would not be able to strike me a second time, I was merely surprised. It was a lucky shot."
"Would you like to test that theory?" Rita asked, a glint in her eyes.
Behind her she could hear laughter and when she turned Gimli stood there with Legolas's parents and an elf Rita hadn't met yet.
"A maiden was able to catch you off guard. Have I taught you nothing brother?" said the unfamiliar elf.
A huge smile came upon Legolas's face and he grabbed the elf by his shoulders and hugged him. "Narathan, many a time have I longed to see you my brother. I missed you during the final battle though I heard you had your hands quite full."
"Aye, the battle was long and not without losses of both our men and the forest, yet our army prevailed and the woods have finally been cleansed from all evil. But before we talk battle, introduce me to the maiden who has not only been able to top Ada's temper but also catch you off guard."
Rita felt a blush rise on her cheek as he said this, still embarrassed about her behavior earlier. But this was ignored as Narathan took her palm and placed a kiss on it. "As you may have understood, I am Narathan, Legolas's oldest and wisest brother."
"Wisest?" snorted Legolas. "Don't listen to him Rita for though brave and bold my brother is far from being wise."
"This coming from who?" Rita joked and with satisfaction she saw Legolas at a loss of words for a moment.
Gimli chose that moment to interrupt. "That is 2-0 for Rita, you are falling behind elf." Legolas glared at the dwarf as the others chuckled.
Then Rita hit her forehead. "The joking is nice and all, but I still have to get myself a dress. I guess it is too much to hope for that a tailor will be able to make me a dress within a few hours?"
"Do not be silly." said the queen. "You may borrow one of my gowns." When Rita opened her mouth to protest the queen silenced her with a look. "And that is my final word. Come, let us get ready."
For Rita there was no other option then to follow her and she waved at those who remained behind before she ran to catch up with the queen, lest she get lost. The queen was speaking to a maid as she waited for Rita to catch up before she went on.
They stopped in front of a door, which the queen opened. "This will be your room during your stay here, one of the guest rooms. The door over there leads to a bathroom. I already ordered hot water so you may bathe."
On cue there was a knock on the door and two elves walked in with hot water which they poured into the bath.
The queen sat on a chair and Rita saw no other choice then to follow her example as the maids walked in a few more times to fill the bath.
When they had finished the queen started to speak again. "Go, bathe and I will find you a dress. You are lucky that we seem to have the same height and posture."
"I don't think how I can thank you, your highness. I do not deserve such a treatment, especially after I insulted your husband like I did."
To her surprise the queen started to smile. "Ah, Thranduil can be such a hot-head. His words were far from gracious and I highly disagree with them. For women can be of use in battle. It is rather the men who fear to see them enter it then it is the weakness of women."
Rita smiled and nodded her head in agreement. "Exactly, I couldn't have said it better. Now I believe I will do as you bid me to do before the water turns cold."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After Rita had finished her bath she went back into the room the queen had done as she promised, a dress had been laid out for her.
"Your highness!" Rita gasped. "I couldn't possibly wear that dress, it is far too beautiful. It is fit for a queen, not for a warrior like myself."
"Please, call me Araniel, for that is my name. If you were to call me highness all the time I should start to address you as Milady, for you are a lady at the court of Gondor if I remembered correctly from the reports of my handmaiden."
Rita rolled her eyes. "I'm no lady, I'm just a normal girl who has been given a title that she doesn't deserve."
"The people of Gondor and the king seemed to have thought otherwise or else you wouldn't have given such a title. Now stop protesting and let me help you get ready."
One last time Rita tried to persuade the queen. "I can dress myself, it would be wrong for a queen to help me. It should be I to help you, not the other way around."
"I must admit it is usually not fit for a queen to dress another." Said the queen. "Yet I ask you to allow me this privilege for even though I love my sons dearly, I sometimes mourn the fact I do not have a daughter to dress up."
Rita smiled at Araniel and nodded her head. "Well if you put it that way, I would be honored to be of your service."
The elf-queen smiled in return and the ritual of getting ready started.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The feast had just started and Legolas and Gimli were sitting together on the table, both looking at the empty seat next to Legolas.
"Where is she?" grumbled Gimli. "It doesn't take that long to get ready does it?"
Opposite to Gimli Narathan grinned. "Ah but she is a woman master dwarf, women always take a long time getting ready for everything."
Gimli, who had brushed his beard and made some new braids in them, laughed loudly at this. "You know lad." He said. "You're not so bad, elves aren't as bad as I once thought them to be. Too bad it took a war to make me see that."
"You honor me elf-friend. Never before had I thought that dwarves could be so noble." Narathan raised his goblet. "To my friend dwarf, may we learn from his nobility."
Then a voice behind him said. "Toasting before your old mother has even arrived, shame on you Narathan, I thought I raised you better then that."
"I apologize mother." The elf said and then Legolas addressed his mother.
"Where is Rita?"
Araniel looked behind her and smiled. "If you were but a little more patient you would know. I present to you Voronwer of Lothlorien, Lady at the court of Gondor."
As soon as she said this Rita made her way to the table and many mouths dropped open. For no longer they could see the woman who dressed like a man and wore her head in a braid.
No, there stood a woman, a noble woman, with her hair flowing around her head and a soft smile upon her lips. She wore a purple dress and flowers had been braided into her hair.
Blushing from the attention Rita walked as quickly as she could to her chair and sat down in such a manner that she hoped to hide herself from others behind Legolas.
Speaking of Legolas, he was softly smiling, remembering the times she had dressed up in both Rivendell and Gondor. "I don't think that you can escape attention by hiding behind me Rita, you are one of the guests of honor."
"I know, it's just. . . you know I hate to be the center of attention. I hate it when it happens with people I know, but with strangers it's even worse."
Narathan started to talk to her. "But you are such a lovely sight to behold Voronwer, you don't mind if I call you that do you?"
She shrugged and looked around for a while. "There are some familiar faces but most I don't recognize." As she said this she caught the gaze of none other than Tári Minyatur, and the elf-maiden glared at her.
Rita had to stop herself from bursting out in laughter and she whispered softly. "Legolas, check the second table on the right. Seventh chair if I'm not mistaken."
He did as she asked though not knowing why and when he noticed his once persistent admirer sitting there he nearly choked on the sip of wine he had just taken.
An insane smile came onto Rita's face. "I wonder what she would do if you were to ask her for a walk again."
Legolas couldn't help it and burst in laughter, Rita soon following his example. Their exchange had remained unnoticed since most were listening to Gimli's version of the battle in Moria and of how the mines had lost all the glory they once held.
So when they started to laugh for seemingly no reason weird looks were thrown their way. But Gimli just shrugged his shoulders. "Pay no heed to those two, they'll recover in a while."
Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "This is a common thing?"
"They are crazy, the both of them. Always bickering and playing pranks on one another."
By then the two had calmed down enough to pay attention and Rita stuck her tongue out to Gimli. "Look who's talking, if there's one person in this room who loves to bicker it's you and don't you forget it. Besides, we needed the humor, it were dark days."
This statement made them a bit more solemn and they finished the meal in relative silence. Then an elf approached Rita and knelt in front of her.
"You may not recognize me Milady, but I remember you all too clearly. If not for your presence I would now be in the halls of Mandos and for this I owe you my. . . "
"No." Rita interrupted him. "No offering me your duties or life. You owe me nothing. We were at war, if we don't look out for each other then how were we supposed to win it."
The elf got up and looked at her in wonder. Rita looked at him for a while as well, trying to figure out where she had seen him before, she knew his face from somewhere.
"Ithilien." She mumbled, "I know I saw you there but I can't place it."
The elf smiled. "It is not odd you do not recognize me for the last time we met I was rather bloody. I nearly lost my life yet the healers were able to fix me up after all."
"I'm happy to hear that, you look healthy to me now." In her head she was searching for his face, looking for when she saw him.
He smiled at her. "You do not recall do you? It is of no matter, we never spoke yet you made an impression on me as you saved my life. I fell under your command at the first orc-hunt after the Final Battle."
Then things clicked in Rita's head. "You were the elf with whom I rode Asfaloth, the wounded elf. You were in bad shape, it's a miracle you're here today. If that arrow had hit you any lower. . . I should have seen that attack coming."
"You were not at fault, we all missed the band of archers."
Rita frowned. "It still bothers me that a group of ten at most could make so much damage. So many wounded or killed."
The elf was offered a seat by Narathan, who was growing more curious by the second. "You had command over a battalion?" he asked her.
"Not only did she command over 300 men and elves, she was second-in-command of the Galadhrim during battle." Said the elf and Narathan looked in wonder at Rita.
"The Galadhrim? You must be quite the warrior Voronwer, if they placed such an honor upon you, for I have heard that they seldom let any outsider within their circle."
Gimli grinned widely. "Give the lass a sword and she'll chop off any orc- neck that comes in her way. A warrior she is indeed."
Shaking her head Rita chuckled. "Stop it Gimli, you're going to make me blush." Then she looked around as she noticed that someone was missing. "Where is brother number three, Anglas right?"
Narathan shrugged. "He comes and goes as he pleases."
"Right." Rita couldn't help a frown to appear on her face and Narathan laughed.
"Did dear Anglas offend you in any way? He is known to do that you know. He can be quite unpleasant but he is my brother and I love him."
Gimli grinned. "The lad did the most offensive thing in her eyes. He offended both the Golden Wood as the Galadhrim in one sentence. Her temper flared and he didn't dare and speak with her again."
Then they heard a voice behind them. "Did the party start already? Too bad I missed it. Well little brother, tell us some stories in which you play the hero."
Anglas stood behind them and it was clear he was drunk. His words were slurred and he wasn't standing steadily on his two feet.
You had to hand it to him, Thranduil knew how to handle a situation. With a single glance at one of the guards Anglas was silently removed from the party and only those on the table had noticed his drunkenness.
"I see he still practices his favorite hobby." Legolas said without humor and to Rita it seemed that he looked much older than only minutes before.
"Addicted to alcohol?" she asked and she received a nod as answer. "I'm sorry."
Thranduil sighed and Araniel had her head bowed in grief of seeing her son like that. "Sometimes I wonder what we did wrong with him." she sighed and the king patted her hand.
The two decided to call it a night and left for their chamber. After that the party slowly ended and Legolas escorted Rita back to her room.
Before he left Rita grabbed his arm and looked at his jaw again, a bruise was now very clear. "I'm sorry Legolas." She said.
And somehow he knew she meant more then the bruise with that and hugged her for a few seconds. "Sleep well my friend, tomorrow I will show you the places I loved while growing up."
"That would be nice Legolas. Sleep tight. . . don't let the bedbugs bite."
He had been walking away but turned around as she said this. "What does that mean?" he asked her.
"It's something me and Carol used to say every night. It's a special good night wish, I just missed saying that to someone."
Legolas just smiled and nodded his head, amused at his friend's randomness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning Rita was awoken by Legolas even before the sun had come up. He forced her to get dressed and get her weapons so they could go out and explore.
He himself had his bow strapped to his back and his daggers on his belt. Rita couldn't see them but she knew that the small throwing daggers must be on him as well.
They tried to wake Gimli as well but the dwarf would only snore louder and turn around. Finally giving up the two sneaked to the kitchen and grabbed a few pieces of fruit to eat on the way as well as some lembas that was lying around.
"So where to first oh guide?" Rita asked as they had left the underground palace. The first rays of light had yet to show themselves and the ground was wet from the dew of the night.
Legolas smiled at her and started to walk in the direction of the forest, which could have been any direction since the palace was surrounded by trees.
"I will take you to one of the most beautiful spots in this forest. I usually go there to clear my head or to get away from the palace life or Anglas."
Rita stayed silent, knowing Legolas had to get whatever it was off his chest. and sure enough, soon he started to speak again.
"I do not know when he started to drink, or when it became such a problem. He used to be different; happier and nicer. Then he lost the girl he was courting, she was killed by one of the spiders when she was out for a walk, and things changed for him."
"It couldn't have been easy to loose the one you love, I should no. So that's when he started to drink, trying to drink his pain away?"
Legolas nodded and his eyes darkened a bit. "This was over 800 years ago and still he is in pain. But now he tries to dull the pain with wine and he is only a shadow of who he once was."
"Why doesn't he go to the west?" Rita asked. "To lessen his pain."
"I often wondered about that as well, yet I never found an answer to that. he would be much happier there, away from pain and desperation." He sighed and his shoulders slumped a bit.
Rita squeezed his arm and he looked up at her with a slight smile and looked around. "We're nearly there. All we have to do now is climb a few trees."
"Climb a few trees? Man am I happy I decided to leave my bow behind, I would get stuck with it on my back." Rita commented.
Then Legolas jumped and grabbed hold of a branch and pulled himself on it with the kind of grace only an elf could have.
Rita looked up with raised eyebrows, there was no way in hell that she would be able to do that. The only time she had climbed a tree was when she was ten years old and that was because Carol had climbed it and was too afraid to come out.
"Come on Rita." She could hear Legolas say above her. "It's easy. Just jump and grab the branch, I'll help you with the rest."
She shrugged and took a few steps backwards. Then she ran until she was directly beneath the branch and jumped as high as she could, grabbing the branch like it was a life-line.
In the momentum she had gained quite some speed and she swung so high, as if she was a gymnast on the bridge. She started to panic as she lost her grip and closed her eyes, waiting for her descent to start.
But nothing of the sort happened as she felt Legolas wrap his arms around her, pulling her to safety, thus saving her from embarrassment.
When she had grown accustomed to sitting in a tree she opened her eyes, only to look in Legolas's laughing one's.
"I told you I would help you, you didn't really think I would let you fall now did you? That was quite the jump you made, I didn't plan to teach you how to swing on a branch until you at least learned how to climb one but you seemed to think you were ready for swinging already."
She growled at him. "You could have said that before I took a running leap you evil elf. Now this place of yours has to be very special if you want me to forgive you for putting me through this."
"Oh, but it is Rita. . . it is." Legolas said and he climbed further in the tree. For Rita there was no other option then to follow him.
Thankfully the branches were sturdy and rough, making it easy to walk on them without losing your balance.
Then Legolas did something that shocked Rita. He leaped from one tree to another like it was nothing to him, which it of course wasn't.
Her eyes widened and she started to move back a little. "You want me to jump that gap? You are insane." That last was stated as if it was a fact instead of a joke.
"You jumped over the gap in Moria, this one isn't half as large." Legolas coached her.
"You forget one thing, I had sturdy ground under my feet and Goblins shooting arrows at me. I had every reason to jump that gap, whereas this is for fun."
Then she sighed in defeat and leaped over the gap. This time Legolas didn't even had to come to her aid as she grabbed a branch over her head by herself to steady her.
"Hey" she exclaimed "That was actually quite fun."
Legolas just grinned at her and from there on the trip went on in the same fashion. Rita had no idea how long they had been climbing trees or jumping from one tree to another and she didn't care.
The smell of the trees was so strong that her nose sometimes tingles as she breathed deeply as to catch as much of it as she could.
Suddenly Legolas leaped down instead of to another tree and Rita decided to be bold and jumped after him.
The distance was a little more then she had calculated so when she hit the ground she fell quite ungraceful on her back. When she opened her mouth to scold Legolas for not catching her she caught sight of the surroundings.
It was a clearing, much like the one in Rivendell or even Gondor, but totally different at the same time.
The thing that caught her attention first was of course the stunningly gorgeous waterfall. The stones that surrounded it were all covered in some kind of purple flowers and their sweet scent made her head feel light.
But the thing that was different from other waterfalls was the fact that there was no lake or another body of water. It seemed as if the water disappeared right into the ground but that was impossible, wasn't it?
Next to her Legolas had been studying her as she gaped at his hideout with open mouth and widened eyes. When she turned to him she smiled and he smiled back at her.
"Wow, the water. . . it. . . how is that possible?" Rita half stammered through her sentence.
Legolas grabbed her arm and started to pull her in the direction of the waterfall. As they got closer Rita could see that the water didn't disappear into thin air.
"A cave." She breathed and Legolas nodded.
"You're right, this is a cave. The water goes down into the cave and underground is a river. It's this river that makes it possible for us to live like we do. We made dams and pipelines in order to control the water a little."
Rita put out her hands to catch some of the water and brought it to her face. It was cold but Rita felt refreshed immediately.
Then she looked up at the sky and saw to her surprise that it was at its highest point already. "It's afternoon already, when did that happen? It seems like no time passed at all. We should get back I guess."
But Legolas seemed reluctant to leave and Rita couldn't help but give in. He showed her two huge trees and then climbed up a little and pulled on a branch. To her surprise a woven hammock appeared.
It was a huge one as well and before she could blink Legolas was lying in it comfortably already. The hammock was swaying a little and Rita made it stop doing that.
"Aren't you going to climb in as well?" Legolas asked and Rita raised an eyebrow yet again.
"And how do you suppose I do that. No offence Legolas but it would get very, uhm, cozy if I were to get in as well and sorry but I'm not one of your girlfriends."
He pretended to be offended. "Why I have never heard such accusations before in my entire life, and that has been quite long I assure you."
Then he got a little more serious. "I never brought any of the maidens I was wooing here, this is my refuge, mine alone."
"Why did you bring me here if it's your refuge like you put it?" Rita wondered.
"You trusted me with so many things, confided in me more then once and you have been my friend through many dangers. How could I refuse to trust you like you have trusted me?"
Rita smiled at his explanation and budged. "Scoot over elf, I take up a lot of space." He laughed at this but did as she asked as she tried to get in without falling out at the same time.
It took some time but finally they were both lying in the hammock. Rita closed her eyes and was completely at ease. The breeze was pleasant and the hammock swayed back and forth.
"Would you tell me a story?" she asked Legolas.
"What kind of story would you like me to tell?"
"Doesn't matter, I just want you to talk so I can fall asleep." Rita said honestly.
Legolas laughed. "Are you implying that I am boring to listen to? That's the second time you have offended me in less then an hour."
"Nah, you're not boring. You're voice is just nice to listen to, it makes me all sleepy."
He sighed. "The things I do for friendship." He muttered but he started to speak nonetheless. "I will tell you of Ilúvatar and how he gave life to the Valar, who forged the world as we know it."
Rita was fascinated by the story but soon she started to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
A/N: Well that was it with this chapter. . . what did you guys think??? Did it suck??? I think it did but it's your opinion that counts so please let me know what you think. I survived first week of University, big yea to me and I hope to update next week again with more adventures and more drama.