It's my anniversary!!! I have posted this story exactly a year (and 2 days)
ago. In this period of time I collected over 1300 reviews, made friends and
most importantly; I connected with people who know what I'm talking about
when I compare something against the books. Being the only LotR-fan/freak
amongst my friends (I'm now training my sister but she's too young for
now), has been hard and being here helped me see that I wasn't weird or
unusual. Plus it helped me develop my writing and gave me heaps of
confidence.
So thank you to all you readers and reviewers for being there and giving me support. And I wish you all a creative and terrific 2004.
Miriellar: Thanks and no worries, I'll keep on writing.
D-Chan4: Happy you liked this one better and I hope this one will be to you liking as well.
Crecy: I know it's long, I'm rather amazed by it myself actually. I'm happy I've been able to hold your attention for an entire month, even with all the computer problems you had.
Last_True_Bard: Glad you liked it and I reviewed your fic, I liked it!
Elrohir Lover: Sorry, ik ken geen translater sites. Hoop dat je er een zal vinden. Hope you like this chapter as well.
LOTRfreak2000: I'm happy you like my fic and you even made me blush a little since this fic is far from being the best.
Aranel3: Not sure if you reached this chapter yet but I'd like to thank you for your reviews and I hope you have liked this story so far.
Haldir lover: Thanks for the long review and though I have some plans for Narathan and Haldir, I'm not sure of them just yet so just keep on reading. Oh and if you post your fic let me know so I can read ok.
Nenuial aka Cheese Monkey: More adventures are on their way like you said and Narathan will be back sometimes but I have no idea when. As for the plans, they're not really set in stone. They are now going to Gimli's home and after that you'll just have to wait and see. ;)
FakeLover: Thanks for reading and reviewing, especially now you have exams, they suck!!! I'm happy you like it though and thanks for the compliment on my English, it's not always easy.
Aquitaineq: I'm happy you think so and hope you enjoy this one as well.
Mademoisel Madeline: Yeah, I'm still alive and well. I've had vacation actually but with Christmas and all I didn't get to updating a lot. Plus I gave myself a present the Extended editions for both FotR as Two Towers. Plus I went to see RotK and I absolutely loved it!!!!!!!
Prophetic Fire: It's nice to see you so happy with last chapter and I hope you'll like this once just as much.
Cookies-will-invade: Love the name, and no you never reviewed before but now you have. I'm happy you did though and I hope you'll like my new update.
Susie: Hope I didn't make you wait too long.
Kier: I'm happy your friend told you to read it as well and glad you liked.
Melia: Thanks for forgiving me!
Leitheindel: Sorry to tell you but apparently you've been writing Elrohir wrong for a while then since it really is Elrohir and not Elohir. Never read the fic you mentioned but I don't normally read parodies. And I haven't read the book you mentioned either. Oh and to put you out of your misery, I won't be posting chapters on my HP fic anymore. I couldn't keep up with two fics at the same time and I had to choose and I chose Protector.
Elanhin: I'm happy you liked last chapter and I have of course the closeness of Gondor in my head when I'm talking about the city they'll be founding. Aragorn is one of my favorites.
Soul: What's next? You'll just have to read and see won't you. ;)
Wandering Prophet: *pouts* First you made me all happy with hot elves and cookies and then you say you don't have them, you're evil. No really, thanks for the review.
The Great One: There's no need to be sorry since you were never really harsh to start with but thanks for the apology anyway if that makes you feel better. Hope you like this chapter.
LunarEclipse3412: Happy you liked last chapter even though you had to wait a while for it.
Bosso12787: Thanks for the review, I'm happy you liked it.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Well they have reconciled but they're just not together yet. As for Elrond, I have no idea what I'm going to make of that yet so it'll be a surprise for us both.
Kate: You have snow? It started snowing today here, but it's not the kind of snow that stays you know. Anyway, hope you like the new chapter.
Feanen: Thanks happy you liked.
Serpent of Light: I know what you mean, not all fluff is good and I'm happy you did like my little fluff part that popped up.
Mademoiselle Morte: Yup, it took me a long time once again but I hope you'll like this one as well.
Mellon1: I know it's a bit of a shock but I reread LotR and I read somewhere that Legolas had plans to come back and found a city so I might as well work it out huh?
Mornie Utule: I hope you forgive me for making you wait for awhile once again, I just couldn't get this chapter out.
Shinigami29: I'm very pleased you liked it and it was actually hard to make up the pranks, I'm not so good at them usually.
Dragonfly: It took longer then you'd like I'm sure, but here it is. . . my new chapter. I hope you'll like it.
Lady Mirwen: I'm happy you liked last chapter, I tried to give it as much aspect as I could, with the romance and humor and such. Happy you appreciated it. I didn't recognize you for Darlene until after I reread your review a few times, shows how blind I can be.
Musicgrl: I'm not angry since I started to notice that my chapters were getting rather monotonic to say at least, so I'm trying to break through that and I hope you will like it. The ending of the chapter wasn't as much an ending of the story but it was a new beginning for Elladan and Rita, as friends first at first.
DISCLAIMER: Not all mine, if you want to borrow whatever IS mine please ask.
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I want to warn you now that my knowledge of dwarves, their culture and their land is small to none. So most of what you will read here will be made up.
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The trio had been on the road for days already and Gimli was getting more and more impatient with the pace they were holding up. He wanted to go home as fast as possible and he wanted to go now.
In the end Legolas and Rita gave in to his grumbling and rode as fast as Arod and Asfaloth could go. It was miraculous to see that they got to the edge of the mountains within a day.
Because it was getting dark and there were more and more cliffs around the three dismounted from the horses and after a short discussion between Legolas and Rita they sent Arod and Asfaloth off for a while.
"Where are the horses going?" Gimli asked in alarm.
"No worries my friend dwarf." Legolas answered. "For the mountains are not a place for horses like ours, so attached to nature they are. So we sent them to dwell where they wish, be it Mirkwood or Rivendell or just on the plains."
Rita looked at the path that was going up and sighed. It was a loooong way up and she said so. "I know we climbed Caradhras and all but still, I don't think we'll be able to get to the top before it's completely dark."
At this Gimli began to laugh loudly. "We're not climbing to the top lassie, my home lies deep within the mountain, the entrance should be merely half an hour of a walk."
"Oh" Rita said, feeling stupid. But she broke out of her stupor when she saw Legolas follow the dwarf as he led the way. "Wait up!"
The way up wasn't as steep as they had thought it to be and as they hiked up the clear path Gimli told them all about his land, his family and the great community.
Finally they were stopped by a couple of armed dwarves who pointed their axes towards them. They spoke in a gruff language and Rita tried to understand what they were saying but failed miserably since Dwarvish was very different from Elvish. Whereas Elvish was flowing and melodious, Dwarvish was gruff, hard and a little raspy as well.
While she was pondering the difference in languages Gimli was talking to his fellow dwarves, apparently they were as pleased to see an elf as the elves were to see a dwarf.
In the end it seemed that Gimli 'won' the small discussion as the three were allowed to pass. Legolas and Rita shared a look that said 'what are we getting ourselves into' but managed to hide their apprehension from Gimli who was so happy to be home he was nearly skipping.
Now if there was one thing that was humorous it was a skipping dwarf and it took all of Rita's self-control not to burst out in laughter.
They reached two heavy doors and Gimli banged on them, a sound that echoed throughout the halls behind the doors or so it seemed.
Gimli yelled something in greeting but since they couldn't understand it Legolas and Rita just observed and when the massive doors opened they followed Gimli once again.
The moment they entered Rita felt her mouth sagging to the floor. They were standing in a hallway that was lit by seemingly hundreds and hundreds of torches and when she looked up she could see the great pillars go up until she couldn't see them anymore.
"It's huge!" she whispered.
"Aye" agreed Legolas. "It reminds me a little of Moria, only without the danger that lurks there. . . or so I hope."
Gimli didn't notice their exchange as he was nearly running to the end of the hallway. They realized he had reached his destination when a loud roar of cheers burst loose from the room at the end of the hallway.
Smiling Rita followed the noise with Legolas just behind her. The sight that met them made Rita smile even more.
There Gimli stood in the middle of what appeared his friends and family and he was getting pats on his shoulders from all sides.
She recognized his father Gloin, since he was the only dwarf who had silver hair. That and the fact that he was the only other dwarf that she knew in the entire room.
Gloin noticed them standing in the doorway and walked towards them. The sound of laughing and talking dimmed down as soon as the dwarves noticed the human woman and more shockingly, the elf.
"Long it has been since one of the Eldar set foot in a dwarvish dwelling, not since the days of Durin, so therefor I welcome you." Gloin nodded in Legolas's direction.
On his turn took a step forwards and began to speak as well. "Long it has been indeed since elves and dwarves were friendly, yet it is not been the first time I set foot in a dwarvish dwelling. Now I can see once again the skill and craftsmanship of your people without fear of my life. I am honored to be here."
This little speech seemed to please Gloin for he smiled before he turned to Rita. "So little lass, I can see you have survived your adventure fine and well. It's often those reluctant to go on an adventure who become great heroes, look at my friend Bilbo."
"I wouldn't call myself a hero but I did survive our Quest. And just so you know, I think that Legolas is right. Well not about me being an elf too and all that but your home is great and. . . when I come up with a better word for it I'll call it that as well."
Gloin nodded. "I can tell that there are many tales to share about your journey, but I also know that King Dain is eager to see you Gimli and your friends as well. He wishes you to dine with us in the main hall where you will be seated at his left."
"That is a high honor indeed." Said Gimli and he turned around to Legolas and Rita and motioned them to follow him and the company.
They walked through a broad hallway that seemed to split in several directions per turn and soon Rita was helplessly lost, so she was happy to have guides.
When they reached the main hall they saw a king on his throne and Gimli went forwards first and said a few words in greeting to the king (in Dwarvish), but then he spoke in Common again and introduced his two friends to the king.
"May I present to you my companions and members of the Fellowship; Legolas, son of Thranduil, with an aim which is deadly to all his foes. And Rita of Gondor, a woman whose will is stronger then that of a dwarf."
Rita raised an eyebrow. "Nice introduction Gimli, that gives them a good impression of me."
"Well you are more stubborn then ten dwarves together, don't you agree Legolas." Gimli retorted.
Seeing the situation he was in Legolas raised his hands in defeat. "I will not mingle myself in this one, I think that you are both right if my opinion should be asked though."
Frowning Gimli and Rita exchanged a look and then grinned at one another. "Right you are master elf." Gimli exclaimed. Suddenly realizing where they were Gimli turned to his king. "Begging your pardon King Dain."
"No Gimli, do not apologize for you meant no disrespect." Then he stared long and hard at both Legolas and.
Even though the king was old, his hair was gray as well as his beard, he has clear eyes that seemed to try and pierce through to your soul.
At last the king spoke. "Welcome to my kingdom Legolas, son of Thranduil, and Rita of Gondor. Many years have passed since the last time either elf or human entered it. Let us celebrate this and feast tonight and you shall tell me about the Quest of the Ring."
"We would be honored Milord." Rita said while bowing a little towards the dwarf king. She saw that Legolas and Gimli nodded in agreement and they followed the king as he walked towards the Feasting Room, like he called it.
A Feasting Room it was indeed. The room was huge and the pillars all around were high. The entire room was filled with torches and lanterns and if she hadn't known they were far under ground Rita would have relaxed entirely.
For even though she didn't fear the dark any more, she still felt a bit uneasy.
The feeling of unease was pushed back as they were seated at a table at the side of the king, Gimli seemed to glow up at the honor, and the meal was brought forth.
Whatever meat seemed to lack at the most dinners with the elves seemed to be made up for during this meal. There was a variety of swine, rabbit, deer, birds and more species that Rita didn't want to identify.
Lucky for Legolas and also a bit for Rita, there was also salad, potatoes and rolls. Different from the elves there were no servants with the dwarves, each did what they had to and beside the king, who was waited, each had to get up to get there meal. Much like a buffet.
While Gimli was speaking to one of his kin Rita and Legolas were walking passed the buffet and filled their plates.
Rita grabbed a balanced meal with lots of potatoes and salad and also meat. Taking some things that looked like chicken wings and a small piece of something that looked like steak she reached a few pots that were filled with an unknown substance.
Deciding to leave the soup-like substance for what it was Rita turned to Legolas and saw that he had filled his plate with the 'vegetarian' food.
She made fun of him speaking Elvish. "Is there any salad left Legolas? You seem to have piled your plate with it."
"I don't think the dwarves will miss it." he retorted while he glanced at the plate of a dwarf behind them, which was filled with all the kinds of meat, stacked high.
Seeing he wasn't taking the bait Rita decided to leave it as it was and sat down next to Legolas, who was in the middle of her and Gimli. On her right sat Gloin who seemed to be hanging on to his son's words as he described the journey over Caradhras.
Mealtime was usually a loud and noisy affair with the dwarves but that evening they were completely silent as Gimli spoke of his and the Fellowship's adventures. He spoke in common so that Rita and Legolas could follow the tale as well, and often they added things to the tale as well.
When the meal had ended the king addressed Gimli. "I have heard you speak about your journey and it pleases me that one of our kin has played an important part on the destiny of the world, yet I have detected a gap in your tale. What of Moria? What have you found in the greatness that was founded by our ancestors at the times of old?"
After a long silence, which Gimli seemed unable to break, it was, surprisingly, Legolas who broke the silence.
"The reason we have not spoken of it is because our memories on our journey there is still mingled with pain and grief. It was there that we learned of fate of the dwarves and it was there that we lost our friend and guide at the hands of a Balrog of Morgoth."
Murmurs broke out at this since this was a piece of information that had been left out. They had known that Gandalf had been 'killed' in Moria and later came back to them but they had not known how that had happened.
Taking a deep breath Gimli started to speak of Moria and what had happened there and he spoke in his own language.
But both Legolas as Rita could understand the emotions in his voice and remained silent and listening to what he said.
Slowly Rita started to drift off in her memories and she remembered the Balrog and the orcs and the darkness, oh the terrible darkness.
Noticing her discomfort, though she hid it well, Legolas grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed it a little, drawing Rita back to the present.
Squeezing back she silently thanked him and then she focussed on Gimli once more. When he finally finished talking it was already very late according to the king (how he knew Rita couldn't understand since there were no windows or the such in the cave) and told them all to rest.
Gimli had gotten the task to showing his friends to rooms and this he did. They were given rooms that were pretty basic but seemed comfortable enough. There was a bed and a small basin of water. It was lighted by a few candles.
"This is the guest hallway." Gimli explained. "The rooms are of used often but they are clean." After he had showed them to their rooms Gimli hastened to get back to his family and friends and left his two companions behind on their own.
"Something tells me a bath is not something I'll be likely to find here." Rita joked and as always when she spoke to Legolas when they were on their own in Elvish.
He laughed at this and sat down on her bed. "I believe you are right about this, have you ever seen the dwarf bathed or in fresh clothes?"
"Aaah, mental picture of Gimli bathing. My eyes, my eyes!!! I mean I like Gimli, he's a great friend, but the thought of. . . " and she shuddered.
At this point Legolas was laughing hysterically and his melodious laughter was catching and soon Rita had caught the giggles as well and fell back on her bed as well.
Once they had calmed down again Rita sat up again. "I don't think I've ever laughed as much as in the past few months. You do realize that most people think we're crazy don't you?"
"If I am crazy it's because you made me that way." Legolas retorted.
"No, I'm pretty sure you always have been pretty crazy out of your own." Rita joked but soon she grew serious again. "Thank you Legolas."
He looked at her questioningly. "What for Rita?"
"For making me laugh all the time and also for not pushing me about the Elladan thing, I know you're dying from curiosity about that."
"Only a little, but I would like to know what happen if you are willing to share for the way you bid each other farewell was rather confusing."
Sitting up a little Rita started to talk. "Well, it's like this. . . "
". . . and here we are." She had finally finished her dialogue for almost 15 minutes and was now waiting for Legolas to react.
He remained silent for a little while, digesting what she had told him and then smiled a little. "I am happy for you that you have sorted everything out with Elladan and though it will not always be easy I do believe you made the right decision."
"I did?" Rita had been questioning herself for a while now and it was a relief to hear from someone else that she had done the right thing.
"Aye, it will take some time for the trust between the two of you to be rebuilt and your friendship will have to be the start."
Rita grinned broadly as an odd though came up. "You know, you are the only one who knows all my Elladan-troubles and you always know what to say. Have you done this more often? Giving love-advice I mean."
"Oh elves and men alike from all around the world gather themselves around me for my council on love. No seriously though, I only give you my opinion and it seems to be right sometimes. But have you not discussed this with Aragorn or Haldir?"
She snorted. "Aragorn wriggled the story out of me in Gondor and freaked out, but I was able to calm him down eventually. And no, I haven't told Haldir, well I told him it didn't work out but no details whatsoever."
"Why not?" asked Legolas getting thoughtful. "I thought he was your best friend."
"He is my best friend but as much as I love him I didn't want him to kill Elladan. Haldir has dealt with a lot of my old demons in silence and acceptance but he would have blown up had he known what Elladan had done."
"I do not blame him as I myself exchanged a few words with Elladan after I had found out you gave his necklace back."
Looking up in shock Rita exclaimed. "You did what?!?"
"I merely told him he was the biggest fool on Arda and that if he ever hurt you again I would hurt him so badly that he would pray for Mandos. . . that's all." Legolas decided to leave out the bit where he had told Elladan to stay away from her.
Gaping Rita opened her mouth a few times but no words came out. Finally she managed to sputter the word 'why'.
"He hurt you my friend and I for one was not pleased about this."
Rubbing her head Rita kicked her boots off and crawled towards the top of the bed. "I think I have to sleep for a while, yeah sleep would be good. You have confused me."
Laughing Legolas pulled a blanket over her. "I did not mean to do that Rita, I think sleep will help you clear your mind."
Then he turned away and as he was at the door he heard her say. "Goodnight."
He smiled as he replied. "Don't let the bedbugs bite." He closed the door, missing the enormous grin that spread on her face before things started to get hazy and she fell asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rita didn't know what happened or what she had dreamed about but it hadn't been nice. She woke up feeling disoriented and anxious and quickly opened her eyes to get rid of those feelings.
To her fright there was only darkness around her, the candles had apparently gone out while she was sleeping, and her breath quickened.
*There's nothing to be afraid of* the rational part of her brain told her but her instincts were just screaming at her, telling her to get out of there, get out as fast as she could.
Her instincts won over rationality and by the time she had untangled herself from her blanket, that had tangled all around her, she was hyperventilating and using all her willpower not to give into the urge of clattering her teeth like she had done in Moria.
Once free from the blanket she jumped from her bed, throwing over a small table at the cabinet, and she started to despair when she realized she didn't know where the door was.
She was about to just run into a wall from tension when the door opened and Legolas stood in the doorway. "Rita are you. . . "
He had no time to finish his question because Rita just attached herself to his neck and refused to let him go.
Not knowing how to react he held her close and slowly he felt her breathing even out and her shaking stopped. When she loosened his hold on him a little he pulled back to look at her, yet he didn't let her go.
She was deathly pale with the exception of her cheeks, which seemed to be afire. There was a hunted, urgent look in her eyes and though she had stopped hyperventilating she was as tense as a bowstring.
"I'm sorry Legolas I don't know what happened, it was just. . . it's so dark and I couldn't see or breath fresh air and I panicked."
Legolas could hear the shame interlaced in her voice and for a moment he squeezed her a bit tighter before he pulled back from her and led her to the bed where she sat heavily.
Sitting next to her he wrapped an arm around her. "There is no need to feel ashamed Rita, I am amazed that you dare to enter the mountain at all. Especially after all you have been though."
"But I got over me fear, or so I thought. I could deal with it earlier."
Trying to ease her mind Legolas made a confession. "I have to confess to you that I have not been able to go to sleep at all this night. You are not the only one discomforted with the darkness here."
Rita smiled a little, feeling better already. "So how will we deal with this? We can't just up and go, Gimli is so excited to share this all with us."
Silence reigned the room until Legolas smacked his forehead. "We have been so foolish."
"What? What goes on in that head of yours?"
"We could sleep outside under the stars, where we both feel at ease and will be able to rest."
She smiled at the oh so simple solution. "That's perfect, I can't believe we didn't think of that from the start. Come on lets find Gimli and tell him about this."
Looking around the room she squinted her eyes so she could find her boots. The room was only dimly lit from the hallway where the torches hung. After finding them at last she put them on while Legolas put the table up again like it was supposed to.
As they wet to the main hall where they hoped to find Gimli, Rita asked Legolas how he had known she was in trouble.
"Since I was wide awake I was very focussed on any sound, so when I heard a crash coming from your room I was alarmed and decided to investigate."
"Well, thank you for that. I was very close to going into wild panic." Rita told him and then they ran into Gimli who had apparently been on his way to them.
Legolas took charge immediately and explained in as few words as possible his and Rita's troubles with the sleeping conditions and their solution for it.
"I'm sure I'll love this place Gimli." Rita added. "But I can't sleep here, I need to see the stars or the sun at least. I don't even know if it's night or day at the moment."
The dwarf patted her arm. "It is early in the morning lass and I blame myself for not realizing this predicament earlier. We will need to find you two a good resting place, comfortable and sheltered. But first we will have breakfast."
He led them to a smaller hall then the one they had eaten in the day before and it was empty save the table with food on it.
Rita and Legolas each took a roll and ate it but Gimli seemed to make up for his lack of meat as he crunched on one piece of bacon after the other.
Once he had finally finished the three went out in the open and Rita closed her eyes in relief as she felt the sun on her and breathed the fresh air deep in her lungs.
They walked downhill for ten minutes until they reached a small lake, well it was too small to even call it a lake, where bushes grew on the stony area.
"It's not much and not very comfortable but it is sheltered from the wind and unfriendly eyes." Gimli told them.
"We've been more uncomfortable and survived, besides this place isn't that bad. Okay, sleeping on the rocks. . . not so good, but we'll make due, right Legolas."
"I'm not planning on sleeping on the rocks, but if you want to go ahead."
Rita frowned. "How do you mean you're not planning on sleeping on the rocks, if you haven't noticed there are only rocks around here."
"Well, I was planning on sleeping in this." And then Legolas dug up something out of his pack that made Rita gasp.
"You brought your hammock with you!" She exclaimed. "I though you always left it at your spot."
"I normally do but I doubt I will return to it often and in this way it might have some use for me, like at this very instant. It's not overly large but we can share it during the nights and then spend the days with Gimli. What say you friend dwarf, is it a suitable plan."
The dwarf frowned a little. "If the lass can bare being so close to you during the nights I have no troubles with it. It might send a wrong signal to those who do not know you as well as I do though."
"How do you mean?" Rita asked.
"The hammock is rather small so sharing it would seem rather. . . well, intimate wouldn't it?"
Thinking it over a little Rita finally shrugged. "Let others think what they want but I'm not going to sleep on hard rock when I can do so in a comfortable hammock."
"I agree with you Rita, I just hope you don't make us fall out." Legolas joked.
"Hey, it's not my fault you take up so much space. But we should get this place ready for tonight before we go back."
The other two agreed and the next hour was spent with hanging up the hammock between two rocks and manipulating the bushes so that they were completely hidden from view while sleeping. Also they hid their packs into small chasms in the wall and covered them with other rocks and branches to hide them.
Then they returned to the mountain and Gimli led them through all kinds of hallways and rooms. They went to see the forge where dwarves were making all sorts of things and they also went to see the armory and many other places until at last the sun started to go down and they went to the dining hall from that morning.
After finishing their meal Rita and Legolas started to make their way out when they were called by the king.
"Are you leaving us already noble guests?" he asked them and Legolas was the one to answer him.
"Even though your kingdom is grand king Dain, I am of the Eldar and sleeping without sight of the stars is a feet impossible for me."
Nodding in acceptance the king turned to Rita who was a little nervous. "Long have I feared being in enclosed spaces and even though I now can walk in your kingdom without fear I cannot sleep here. Last night was one filled with anxiety for me and even though it grieves me to say this, I will find no rest here, no offence to you Milord."
"None taken Lady, so this means the two of you will grace us with your presence during the day?"
"Of course." Both Legolas and Rita said.
The king smiled and then waved his hand towards the exit. "Then have a good rest and we will see you tomorrow."
Taking their leave Rita and Legolas went outside only to find it completely dark already. Luckily Legolas's aura shone so bright that they could find their way to their sleeping space easily.
Rita grabbed her cloak and a big blanket and then they were faced on how to get in the hammock in order to sleep.
Finally Legolas went into the hammock first and motioned for Rita to follow. She did so after she had wrapped herself in her cloak and though they nearly tipped over they finally lay comfortably.
With a little teamwork they managed to wrap the blanket around them both and they only needed to find good positions to sleep in.
In the end Legolas was lying on his back with his arm around Rita, who was lying on her side with her head resting on his shoulder.
She sighed deeply. "This is nice." She commented.
"Yes it is." Legolas agreed. "Much better then sleeping in there."
"Yeah, not only is there fresh air and stars but I'm also warm and comfy. But now I'm sleepy so I'm gonna sleep okay? Night."
And once again Legolas answered her in order to finish the ritual she had told him about. "Don't let the bedbugs bite."
"No bedbugs." Rita muttered softly. "Not in a bed remember?"
Legolas chuckled and rephrased his words. "Don't let the hammock-bugs bite then." But he got no answer since Rita had fallen asleep. Listening to her breathing Legolas finally let himself relax enough in order to slip into a peaceful sleep.
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A/N: I know it's a little corny and not one of my best chapters but I'm really at a loss here. Dwarves never interested me much and I had no idea how to handle this. I hope you all liked this or at least thought it was acceptable. Let me know what you think please!
So thank you to all you readers and reviewers for being there and giving me support. And I wish you all a creative and terrific 2004.
Miriellar: Thanks and no worries, I'll keep on writing.
D-Chan4: Happy you liked this one better and I hope this one will be to you liking as well.
Crecy: I know it's long, I'm rather amazed by it myself actually. I'm happy I've been able to hold your attention for an entire month, even with all the computer problems you had.
Last_True_Bard: Glad you liked it and I reviewed your fic, I liked it!
Elrohir Lover: Sorry, ik ken geen translater sites. Hoop dat je er een zal vinden. Hope you like this chapter as well.
LOTRfreak2000: I'm happy you like my fic and you even made me blush a little since this fic is far from being the best.
Aranel3: Not sure if you reached this chapter yet but I'd like to thank you for your reviews and I hope you have liked this story so far.
Haldir lover: Thanks for the long review and though I have some plans for Narathan and Haldir, I'm not sure of them just yet so just keep on reading. Oh and if you post your fic let me know so I can read ok.
Nenuial aka Cheese Monkey: More adventures are on their way like you said and Narathan will be back sometimes but I have no idea when. As for the plans, they're not really set in stone. They are now going to Gimli's home and after that you'll just have to wait and see. ;)
FakeLover: Thanks for reading and reviewing, especially now you have exams, they suck!!! I'm happy you like it though and thanks for the compliment on my English, it's not always easy.
Aquitaineq: I'm happy you think so and hope you enjoy this one as well.
Mademoisel Madeline: Yeah, I'm still alive and well. I've had vacation actually but with Christmas and all I didn't get to updating a lot. Plus I gave myself a present the Extended editions for both FotR as Two Towers. Plus I went to see RotK and I absolutely loved it!!!!!!!
Prophetic Fire: It's nice to see you so happy with last chapter and I hope you'll like this once just as much.
Cookies-will-invade: Love the name, and no you never reviewed before but now you have. I'm happy you did though and I hope you'll like my new update.
Susie: Hope I didn't make you wait too long.
Kier: I'm happy your friend told you to read it as well and glad you liked.
Melia: Thanks for forgiving me!
Leitheindel: Sorry to tell you but apparently you've been writing Elrohir wrong for a while then since it really is Elrohir and not Elohir. Never read the fic you mentioned but I don't normally read parodies. And I haven't read the book you mentioned either. Oh and to put you out of your misery, I won't be posting chapters on my HP fic anymore. I couldn't keep up with two fics at the same time and I had to choose and I chose Protector.
Elanhin: I'm happy you liked last chapter and I have of course the closeness of Gondor in my head when I'm talking about the city they'll be founding. Aragorn is one of my favorites.
Soul: What's next? You'll just have to read and see won't you. ;)
Wandering Prophet: *pouts* First you made me all happy with hot elves and cookies and then you say you don't have them, you're evil. No really, thanks for the review.
The Great One: There's no need to be sorry since you were never really harsh to start with but thanks for the apology anyway if that makes you feel better. Hope you like this chapter.
LunarEclipse3412: Happy you liked last chapter even though you had to wait a while for it.
Bosso12787: Thanks for the review, I'm happy you liked it.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Well they have reconciled but they're just not together yet. As for Elrond, I have no idea what I'm going to make of that yet so it'll be a surprise for us both.
Kate: You have snow? It started snowing today here, but it's not the kind of snow that stays you know. Anyway, hope you like the new chapter.
Feanen: Thanks happy you liked.
Serpent of Light: I know what you mean, not all fluff is good and I'm happy you did like my little fluff part that popped up.
Mademoiselle Morte: Yup, it took me a long time once again but I hope you'll like this one as well.
Mellon1: I know it's a bit of a shock but I reread LotR and I read somewhere that Legolas had plans to come back and found a city so I might as well work it out huh?
Mornie Utule: I hope you forgive me for making you wait for awhile once again, I just couldn't get this chapter out.
Shinigami29: I'm very pleased you liked it and it was actually hard to make up the pranks, I'm not so good at them usually.
Dragonfly: It took longer then you'd like I'm sure, but here it is. . . my new chapter. I hope you'll like it.
Lady Mirwen: I'm happy you liked last chapter, I tried to give it as much aspect as I could, with the romance and humor and such. Happy you appreciated it. I didn't recognize you for Darlene until after I reread your review a few times, shows how blind I can be.
Musicgrl: I'm not angry since I started to notice that my chapters were getting rather monotonic to say at least, so I'm trying to break through that and I hope you will like it. The ending of the chapter wasn't as much an ending of the story but it was a new beginning for Elladan and Rita, as friends first at first.
DISCLAIMER: Not all mine, if you want to borrow whatever IS mine please ask.
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I want to warn you now that my knowledge of dwarves, their culture and their land is small to none. So most of what you will read here will be made up.
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The trio had been on the road for days already and Gimli was getting more and more impatient with the pace they were holding up. He wanted to go home as fast as possible and he wanted to go now.
In the end Legolas and Rita gave in to his grumbling and rode as fast as Arod and Asfaloth could go. It was miraculous to see that they got to the edge of the mountains within a day.
Because it was getting dark and there were more and more cliffs around the three dismounted from the horses and after a short discussion between Legolas and Rita they sent Arod and Asfaloth off for a while.
"Where are the horses going?" Gimli asked in alarm.
"No worries my friend dwarf." Legolas answered. "For the mountains are not a place for horses like ours, so attached to nature they are. So we sent them to dwell where they wish, be it Mirkwood or Rivendell or just on the plains."
Rita looked at the path that was going up and sighed. It was a loooong way up and she said so. "I know we climbed Caradhras and all but still, I don't think we'll be able to get to the top before it's completely dark."
At this Gimli began to laugh loudly. "We're not climbing to the top lassie, my home lies deep within the mountain, the entrance should be merely half an hour of a walk."
"Oh" Rita said, feeling stupid. But she broke out of her stupor when she saw Legolas follow the dwarf as he led the way. "Wait up!"
The way up wasn't as steep as they had thought it to be and as they hiked up the clear path Gimli told them all about his land, his family and the great community.
Finally they were stopped by a couple of armed dwarves who pointed their axes towards them. They spoke in a gruff language and Rita tried to understand what they were saying but failed miserably since Dwarvish was very different from Elvish. Whereas Elvish was flowing and melodious, Dwarvish was gruff, hard and a little raspy as well.
While she was pondering the difference in languages Gimli was talking to his fellow dwarves, apparently they were as pleased to see an elf as the elves were to see a dwarf.
In the end it seemed that Gimli 'won' the small discussion as the three were allowed to pass. Legolas and Rita shared a look that said 'what are we getting ourselves into' but managed to hide their apprehension from Gimli who was so happy to be home he was nearly skipping.
Now if there was one thing that was humorous it was a skipping dwarf and it took all of Rita's self-control not to burst out in laughter.
They reached two heavy doors and Gimli banged on them, a sound that echoed throughout the halls behind the doors or so it seemed.
Gimli yelled something in greeting but since they couldn't understand it Legolas and Rita just observed and when the massive doors opened they followed Gimli once again.
The moment they entered Rita felt her mouth sagging to the floor. They were standing in a hallway that was lit by seemingly hundreds and hundreds of torches and when she looked up she could see the great pillars go up until she couldn't see them anymore.
"It's huge!" she whispered.
"Aye" agreed Legolas. "It reminds me a little of Moria, only without the danger that lurks there. . . or so I hope."
Gimli didn't notice their exchange as he was nearly running to the end of the hallway. They realized he had reached his destination when a loud roar of cheers burst loose from the room at the end of the hallway.
Smiling Rita followed the noise with Legolas just behind her. The sight that met them made Rita smile even more.
There Gimli stood in the middle of what appeared his friends and family and he was getting pats on his shoulders from all sides.
She recognized his father Gloin, since he was the only dwarf who had silver hair. That and the fact that he was the only other dwarf that she knew in the entire room.
Gloin noticed them standing in the doorway and walked towards them. The sound of laughing and talking dimmed down as soon as the dwarves noticed the human woman and more shockingly, the elf.
"Long it has been since one of the Eldar set foot in a dwarvish dwelling, not since the days of Durin, so therefor I welcome you." Gloin nodded in Legolas's direction.
On his turn took a step forwards and began to speak as well. "Long it has been indeed since elves and dwarves were friendly, yet it is not been the first time I set foot in a dwarvish dwelling. Now I can see once again the skill and craftsmanship of your people without fear of my life. I am honored to be here."
This little speech seemed to please Gloin for he smiled before he turned to Rita. "So little lass, I can see you have survived your adventure fine and well. It's often those reluctant to go on an adventure who become great heroes, look at my friend Bilbo."
"I wouldn't call myself a hero but I did survive our Quest. And just so you know, I think that Legolas is right. Well not about me being an elf too and all that but your home is great and. . . when I come up with a better word for it I'll call it that as well."
Gloin nodded. "I can tell that there are many tales to share about your journey, but I also know that King Dain is eager to see you Gimli and your friends as well. He wishes you to dine with us in the main hall where you will be seated at his left."
"That is a high honor indeed." Said Gimli and he turned around to Legolas and Rita and motioned them to follow him and the company.
They walked through a broad hallway that seemed to split in several directions per turn and soon Rita was helplessly lost, so she was happy to have guides.
When they reached the main hall they saw a king on his throne and Gimli went forwards first and said a few words in greeting to the king (in Dwarvish), but then he spoke in Common again and introduced his two friends to the king.
"May I present to you my companions and members of the Fellowship; Legolas, son of Thranduil, with an aim which is deadly to all his foes. And Rita of Gondor, a woman whose will is stronger then that of a dwarf."
Rita raised an eyebrow. "Nice introduction Gimli, that gives them a good impression of me."
"Well you are more stubborn then ten dwarves together, don't you agree Legolas." Gimli retorted.
Seeing the situation he was in Legolas raised his hands in defeat. "I will not mingle myself in this one, I think that you are both right if my opinion should be asked though."
Frowning Gimli and Rita exchanged a look and then grinned at one another. "Right you are master elf." Gimli exclaimed. Suddenly realizing where they were Gimli turned to his king. "Begging your pardon King Dain."
"No Gimli, do not apologize for you meant no disrespect." Then he stared long and hard at both Legolas and.
Even though the king was old, his hair was gray as well as his beard, he has clear eyes that seemed to try and pierce through to your soul.
At last the king spoke. "Welcome to my kingdom Legolas, son of Thranduil, and Rita of Gondor. Many years have passed since the last time either elf or human entered it. Let us celebrate this and feast tonight and you shall tell me about the Quest of the Ring."
"We would be honored Milord." Rita said while bowing a little towards the dwarf king. She saw that Legolas and Gimli nodded in agreement and they followed the king as he walked towards the Feasting Room, like he called it.
A Feasting Room it was indeed. The room was huge and the pillars all around were high. The entire room was filled with torches and lanterns and if she hadn't known they were far under ground Rita would have relaxed entirely.
For even though she didn't fear the dark any more, she still felt a bit uneasy.
The feeling of unease was pushed back as they were seated at a table at the side of the king, Gimli seemed to glow up at the honor, and the meal was brought forth.
Whatever meat seemed to lack at the most dinners with the elves seemed to be made up for during this meal. There was a variety of swine, rabbit, deer, birds and more species that Rita didn't want to identify.
Lucky for Legolas and also a bit for Rita, there was also salad, potatoes and rolls. Different from the elves there were no servants with the dwarves, each did what they had to and beside the king, who was waited, each had to get up to get there meal. Much like a buffet.
While Gimli was speaking to one of his kin Rita and Legolas were walking passed the buffet and filled their plates.
Rita grabbed a balanced meal with lots of potatoes and salad and also meat. Taking some things that looked like chicken wings and a small piece of something that looked like steak she reached a few pots that were filled with an unknown substance.
Deciding to leave the soup-like substance for what it was Rita turned to Legolas and saw that he had filled his plate with the 'vegetarian' food.
She made fun of him speaking Elvish. "Is there any salad left Legolas? You seem to have piled your plate with it."
"I don't think the dwarves will miss it." he retorted while he glanced at the plate of a dwarf behind them, which was filled with all the kinds of meat, stacked high.
Seeing he wasn't taking the bait Rita decided to leave it as it was and sat down next to Legolas, who was in the middle of her and Gimli. On her right sat Gloin who seemed to be hanging on to his son's words as he described the journey over Caradhras.
Mealtime was usually a loud and noisy affair with the dwarves but that evening they were completely silent as Gimli spoke of his and the Fellowship's adventures. He spoke in common so that Rita and Legolas could follow the tale as well, and often they added things to the tale as well.
When the meal had ended the king addressed Gimli. "I have heard you speak about your journey and it pleases me that one of our kin has played an important part on the destiny of the world, yet I have detected a gap in your tale. What of Moria? What have you found in the greatness that was founded by our ancestors at the times of old?"
After a long silence, which Gimli seemed unable to break, it was, surprisingly, Legolas who broke the silence.
"The reason we have not spoken of it is because our memories on our journey there is still mingled with pain and grief. It was there that we learned of fate of the dwarves and it was there that we lost our friend and guide at the hands of a Balrog of Morgoth."
Murmurs broke out at this since this was a piece of information that had been left out. They had known that Gandalf had been 'killed' in Moria and later came back to them but they had not known how that had happened.
Taking a deep breath Gimli started to speak of Moria and what had happened there and he spoke in his own language.
But both Legolas as Rita could understand the emotions in his voice and remained silent and listening to what he said.
Slowly Rita started to drift off in her memories and she remembered the Balrog and the orcs and the darkness, oh the terrible darkness.
Noticing her discomfort, though she hid it well, Legolas grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed it a little, drawing Rita back to the present.
Squeezing back she silently thanked him and then she focussed on Gimli once more. When he finally finished talking it was already very late according to the king (how he knew Rita couldn't understand since there were no windows or the such in the cave) and told them all to rest.
Gimli had gotten the task to showing his friends to rooms and this he did. They were given rooms that were pretty basic but seemed comfortable enough. There was a bed and a small basin of water. It was lighted by a few candles.
"This is the guest hallway." Gimli explained. "The rooms are of used often but they are clean." After he had showed them to their rooms Gimli hastened to get back to his family and friends and left his two companions behind on their own.
"Something tells me a bath is not something I'll be likely to find here." Rita joked and as always when she spoke to Legolas when they were on their own in Elvish.
He laughed at this and sat down on her bed. "I believe you are right about this, have you ever seen the dwarf bathed or in fresh clothes?"
"Aaah, mental picture of Gimli bathing. My eyes, my eyes!!! I mean I like Gimli, he's a great friend, but the thought of. . . " and she shuddered.
At this point Legolas was laughing hysterically and his melodious laughter was catching and soon Rita had caught the giggles as well and fell back on her bed as well.
Once they had calmed down again Rita sat up again. "I don't think I've ever laughed as much as in the past few months. You do realize that most people think we're crazy don't you?"
"If I am crazy it's because you made me that way." Legolas retorted.
"No, I'm pretty sure you always have been pretty crazy out of your own." Rita joked but soon she grew serious again. "Thank you Legolas."
He looked at her questioningly. "What for Rita?"
"For making me laugh all the time and also for not pushing me about the Elladan thing, I know you're dying from curiosity about that."
"Only a little, but I would like to know what happen if you are willing to share for the way you bid each other farewell was rather confusing."
Sitting up a little Rita started to talk. "Well, it's like this. . . "
". . . and here we are." She had finally finished her dialogue for almost 15 minutes and was now waiting for Legolas to react.
He remained silent for a little while, digesting what she had told him and then smiled a little. "I am happy for you that you have sorted everything out with Elladan and though it will not always be easy I do believe you made the right decision."
"I did?" Rita had been questioning herself for a while now and it was a relief to hear from someone else that she had done the right thing.
"Aye, it will take some time for the trust between the two of you to be rebuilt and your friendship will have to be the start."
Rita grinned broadly as an odd though came up. "You know, you are the only one who knows all my Elladan-troubles and you always know what to say. Have you done this more often? Giving love-advice I mean."
"Oh elves and men alike from all around the world gather themselves around me for my council on love. No seriously though, I only give you my opinion and it seems to be right sometimes. But have you not discussed this with Aragorn or Haldir?"
She snorted. "Aragorn wriggled the story out of me in Gondor and freaked out, but I was able to calm him down eventually. And no, I haven't told Haldir, well I told him it didn't work out but no details whatsoever."
"Why not?" asked Legolas getting thoughtful. "I thought he was your best friend."
"He is my best friend but as much as I love him I didn't want him to kill Elladan. Haldir has dealt with a lot of my old demons in silence and acceptance but he would have blown up had he known what Elladan had done."
"I do not blame him as I myself exchanged a few words with Elladan after I had found out you gave his necklace back."
Looking up in shock Rita exclaimed. "You did what?!?"
"I merely told him he was the biggest fool on Arda and that if he ever hurt you again I would hurt him so badly that he would pray for Mandos. . . that's all." Legolas decided to leave out the bit where he had told Elladan to stay away from her.
Gaping Rita opened her mouth a few times but no words came out. Finally she managed to sputter the word 'why'.
"He hurt you my friend and I for one was not pleased about this."
Rubbing her head Rita kicked her boots off and crawled towards the top of the bed. "I think I have to sleep for a while, yeah sleep would be good. You have confused me."
Laughing Legolas pulled a blanket over her. "I did not mean to do that Rita, I think sleep will help you clear your mind."
Then he turned away and as he was at the door he heard her say. "Goodnight."
He smiled as he replied. "Don't let the bedbugs bite." He closed the door, missing the enormous grin that spread on her face before things started to get hazy and she fell asleep.
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Rita didn't know what happened or what she had dreamed about but it hadn't been nice. She woke up feeling disoriented and anxious and quickly opened her eyes to get rid of those feelings.
To her fright there was only darkness around her, the candles had apparently gone out while she was sleeping, and her breath quickened.
*There's nothing to be afraid of* the rational part of her brain told her but her instincts were just screaming at her, telling her to get out of there, get out as fast as she could.
Her instincts won over rationality and by the time she had untangled herself from her blanket, that had tangled all around her, she was hyperventilating and using all her willpower not to give into the urge of clattering her teeth like she had done in Moria.
Once free from the blanket she jumped from her bed, throwing over a small table at the cabinet, and she started to despair when she realized she didn't know where the door was.
She was about to just run into a wall from tension when the door opened and Legolas stood in the doorway. "Rita are you. . . "
He had no time to finish his question because Rita just attached herself to his neck and refused to let him go.
Not knowing how to react he held her close and slowly he felt her breathing even out and her shaking stopped. When she loosened his hold on him a little he pulled back to look at her, yet he didn't let her go.
She was deathly pale with the exception of her cheeks, which seemed to be afire. There was a hunted, urgent look in her eyes and though she had stopped hyperventilating she was as tense as a bowstring.
"I'm sorry Legolas I don't know what happened, it was just. . . it's so dark and I couldn't see or breath fresh air and I panicked."
Legolas could hear the shame interlaced in her voice and for a moment he squeezed her a bit tighter before he pulled back from her and led her to the bed where she sat heavily.
Sitting next to her he wrapped an arm around her. "There is no need to feel ashamed Rita, I am amazed that you dare to enter the mountain at all. Especially after all you have been though."
"But I got over me fear, or so I thought. I could deal with it earlier."
Trying to ease her mind Legolas made a confession. "I have to confess to you that I have not been able to go to sleep at all this night. You are not the only one discomforted with the darkness here."
Rita smiled a little, feeling better already. "So how will we deal with this? We can't just up and go, Gimli is so excited to share this all with us."
Silence reigned the room until Legolas smacked his forehead. "We have been so foolish."
"What? What goes on in that head of yours?"
"We could sleep outside under the stars, where we both feel at ease and will be able to rest."
She smiled at the oh so simple solution. "That's perfect, I can't believe we didn't think of that from the start. Come on lets find Gimli and tell him about this."
Looking around the room she squinted her eyes so she could find her boots. The room was only dimly lit from the hallway where the torches hung. After finding them at last she put them on while Legolas put the table up again like it was supposed to.
As they wet to the main hall where they hoped to find Gimli, Rita asked Legolas how he had known she was in trouble.
"Since I was wide awake I was very focussed on any sound, so when I heard a crash coming from your room I was alarmed and decided to investigate."
"Well, thank you for that. I was very close to going into wild panic." Rita told him and then they ran into Gimli who had apparently been on his way to them.
Legolas took charge immediately and explained in as few words as possible his and Rita's troubles with the sleeping conditions and their solution for it.
"I'm sure I'll love this place Gimli." Rita added. "But I can't sleep here, I need to see the stars or the sun at least. I don't even know if it's night or day at the moment."
The dwarf patted her arm. "It is early in the morning lass and I blame myself for not realizing this predicament earlier. We will need to find you two a good resting place, comfortable and sheltered. But first we will have breakfast."
He led them to a smaller hall then the one they had eaten in the day before and it was empty save the table with food on it.
Rita and Legolas each took a roll and ate it but Gimli seemed to make up for his lack of meat as he crunched on one piece of bacon after the other.
Once he had finally finished the three went out in the open and Rita closed her eyes in relief as she felt the sun on her and breathed the fresh air deep in her lungs.
They walked downhill for ten minutes until they reached a small lake, well it was too small to even call it a lake, where bushes grew on the stony area.
"It's not much and not very comfortable but it is sheltered from the wind and unfriendly eyes." Gimli told them.
"We've been more uncomfortable and survived, besides this place isn't that bad. Okay, sleeping on the rocks. . . not so good, but we'll make due, right Legolas."
"I'm not planning on sleeping on the rocks, but if you want to go ahead."
Rita frowned. "How do you mean you're not planning on sleeping on the rocks, if you haven't noticed there are only rocks around here."
"Well, I was planning on sleeping in this." And then Legolas dug up something out of his pack that made Rita gasp.
"You brought your hammock with you!" She exclaimed. "I though you always left it at your spot."
"I normally do but I doubt I will return to it often and in this way it might have some use for me, like at this very instant. It's not overly large but we can share it during the nights and then spend the days with Gimli. What say you friend dwarf, is it a suitable plan."
The dwarf frowned a little. "If the lass can bare being so close to you during the nights I have no troubles with it. It might send a wrong signal to those who do not know you as well as I do though."
"How do you mean?" Rita asked.
"The hammock is rather small so sharing it would seem rather. . . well, intimate wouldn't it?"
Thinking it over a little Rita finally shrugged. "Let others think what they want but I'm not going to sleep on hard rock when I can do so in a comfortable hammock."
"I agree with you Rita, I just hope you don't make us fall out." Legolas joked.
"Hey, it's not my fault you take up so much space. But we should get this place ready for tonight before we go back."
The other two agreed and the next hour was spent with hanging up the hammock between two rocks and manipulating the bushes so that they were completely hidden from view while sleeping. Also they hid their packs into small chasms in the wall and covered them with other rocks and branches to hide them.
Then they returned to the mountain and Gimli led them through all kinds of hallways and rooms. They went to see the forge where dwarves were making all sorts of things and they also went to see the armory and many other places until at last the sun started to go down and they went to the dining hall from that morning.
After finishing their meal Rita and Legolas started to make their way out when they were called by the king.
"Are you leaving us already noble guests?" he asked them and Legolas was the one to answer him.
"Even though your kingdom is grand king Dain, I am of the Eldar and sleeping without sight of the stars is a feet impossible for me."
Nodding in acceptance the king turned to Rita who was a little nervous. "Long have I feared being in enclosed spaces and even though I now can walk in your kingdom without fear I cannot sleep here. Last night was one filled with anxiety for me and even though it grieves me to say this, I will find no rest here, no offence to you Milord."
"None taken Lady, so this means the two of you will grace us with your presence during the day?"
"Of course." Both Legolas and Rita said.
The king smiled and then waved his hand towards the exit. "Then have a good rest and we will see you tomorrow."
Taking their leave Rita and Legolas went outside only to find it completely dark already. Luckily Legolas's aura shone so bright that they could find their way to their sleeping space easily.
Rita grabbed her cloak and a big blanket and then they were faced on how to get in the hammock in order to sleep.
Finally Legolas went into the hammock first and motioned for Rita to follow. She did so after she had wrapped herself in her cloak and though they nearly tipped over they finally lay comfortably.
With a little teamwork they managed to wrap the blanket around them both and they only needed to find good positions to sleep in.
In the end Legolas was lying on his back with his arm around Rita, who was lying on her side with her head resting on his shoulder.
She sighed deeply. "This is nice." She commented.
"Yes it is." Legolas agreed. "Much better then sleeping in there."
"Yeah, not only is there fresh air and stars but I'm also warm and comfy. But now I'm sleepy so I'm gonna sleep okay? Night."
And once again Legolas answered her in order to finish the ritual she had told him about. "Don't let the bedbugs bite."
"No bedbugs." Rita muttered softly. "Not in a bed remember?"
Legolas chuckled and rephrased his words. "Don't let the hammock-bugs bite then." But he got no answer since Rita had fallen asleep. Listening to her breathing Legolas finally let himself relax enough in order to slip into a peaceful sleep.
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A/N: I know it's a little corny and not one of my best chapters but I'm really at a loss here. Dwarves never interested me much and I had no idea how to handle this. I hope you all liked this or at least thought it was acceptable. Let me know what you think please!