Fated to Love

Chapter Ten: Day of Doom
March 15th/

The next morning Cassie found Haldir lying next to her asleep. His eyes glazed over in his elven sleep. 'That is just too weird' she thought to herself. She laid there for a moment staring at his face. He was so beautiful. His hair was unbound and his shirt was slightly undone at the top revealing the smoothness of his chest. She reached out and gently touched the skin. As she did this, his hand shot up to catch her wrist. She should have known better. He was a warrior who had seen millennias of battles and knew he would sense her.

His face turned to hers, his eyes cleared and sparkled in the early morning sunlight. She looked at him a moment and then blushed. He smiled.

“Hello, lirimear. How are you this morning?” he said softly.

“Good morning, how did you sleep?” she asked him sweetly.

“I slept well enough I guess. But being afraid to move, my neck feels like all of Morder's Armies sat on it,” he said jesting.

“Morder's Armies? That-” she stopped there and shot up abruptly. Haldir sat up beside her. She was shaking. “Haldir, what day is it?” she asked panicked. She remembered what was going to happen that day.

“March 15th, why?” he asked raising a brow.

“Oh, No! Haldir today is a sorrowful day for your world,” she said quickly. She stood up steadily. “I need to find Lord Elrond,” she said throwing on her robe.

“What is it, Cassie? Tell me!” Haldir said alarmed.

“Haldir was Lorien attacked a few days ago?” she asked looking at him.

“Yes. But all was taken care of. How did you know that? No one told you that. What is it Cassie?” he asked her standing next to her slipping on his boots. His concern evident in his voice.

“Oh, no! I have to tell Elrond,” she said ignoring his questions. She ran to the door, but the pain in her side started to slow her down tremendously. Out in the hallway, she ran into Orophin and Rúmil.

“Cassie, what in Mordor are you doing out of bed?” Orophin asked.

“Uh, can't talk now. Do you know where Elrond is?” she asked still walking.

“In his library. Why?” Rúmil said. He looked behind him and saw Haldir running after Cassie.

“Haldir, what is this all about?” Orophin asked the eldest brother.

“I do not know. But I think we shall find out shortly,” Haldir said continuing to follow Cassie.

Orophin and Rúmil followed them as well. Soon they ran into Elladan and Elrohir who was staring at the retreating form of Cassie. Soon they followed suit. All of them stopped to see where she was going. They were on her heels as she quickly ran into the Library without knocking.

“Lord Elrond, have you heard from the Lady?” she asked out of breath. Elrond stood at the window of his library talking to Glorfindel. He turned when she burst in.

“Cassie, what are you doing out of bed?” he asked in a chastising voice.

“My lord, have you heard from the Lady?” she asked again, causing her pain to labor her breath. The twins, Haldir and his brothers stood behind her but Haldir sensed her discomfort and reached an arm around her waist.

“No Cassie, Why?” he asked raising a brow.

“Today is a sad day for Lorien and Gondor. You know this do you not?” she asked watching the lord look at her with wide eyes.

“I knew it was for Gondor, but Lorien? Are you sure, little one?” Elrond said a little shocked.

“Yes, I am sure,” she said.

“Cassie, how do you know this?” Elrond said curiously.

“From the books in my world that is how. I know that, maybe I should not say this, but this will not be the last time Lorien will be attacked. There will be one more then a battle to take Dol Guldur back,” she said panting with pain. She bent over holding her side. About that time a messenger came running down the hall. He squeezed through the door and bowed before the elf lord.

Elrond looked at the elf. “What is it?” he asked him.

“My lord, messenger from Lorien arrived with a note for you,” he said handing the parchment to Elrond.

Elrond looked down at the paper and then back to Cassie, his face slightly paled.

Lord Glorfindel saw the Lord's expression an the reached for the paper. Lord Elrond was never one for being stunned, nothing ever stunned him, but this girl surely did. He could not speak. Lord Glorfindel read the letter and looked up with sad eyes. “It is from lady Galadriel. This letter is dated three days ago after the first attack. She is calling for Haldir and the other elves that are healed, to be in readiness for when she sends word. It has been revealed in her mirror that two more attacks are eminent. She says that if these truly occur that the call will be made for them to return within a few days after the last. She says she will contact Elrond by telepathy.” he said. Giving the details outlined. Cassie looked at Haldir and his brothers. They were stunned. Elrond turned back to the window and peered out in to the gardens.

Cassie felt fear rise up. She knew what was to come and it scared her. Haldir would have to leave to fight soon. She looked at them standing in the doorway and the room. The pain became unbearable at that time. Haldir, sensing her pain, scooped her up into his arms just as Cassie began to get dizzy. Elrond turned quickly and followed Haldir back to her rooms. The rest stayed in the library looking at each other silently. No words were spoken. Today was a day of doom and gloom. They all knew this.

~~~~~~~

Cassie slept fitfully. Her mind was on overload. Images of battles in other lands raged on. On one field she saw a massive host of orcs, flying beasts, wargs, wild men and giant elephants riding into battle against a white city. On the other, she saw a land filled with massive trees that shone like gold and a city filled with fair people. The enemy trying to get in to do their destruction. She watched each as if she was actually there. The blood, gore, and death reigned on the lands like a black cloud before a storm. The forest was not taken but in the battle field farther away, victory was at hand.

She witnessed as Éowyn killed the Witch King and watched as The King of Rohan passed into the halls of his fathers. Death came to the foes as a massive green cloud of the dead army swept the field. Victory was had. In the distant was the land of Morder, Hell on Middle Earth. The land blackened, marred, and desolate. The only living things there were the orcs and foes of Sauron. Suddenly in a flash, she saw the great eye before her. As it flashed into her face, Cassie jerked awake.

~~~~~

Haldir was brought out of his thoughts when Cassie jerked awake. Her eyes shone fear in them and he became alarmed. Elrond was still in the room with them preparing another round of potion.

“My Lord, she is coming around,” Haldir said alarmed.

Elrond dropped what he was doing and rushed to Cassie's bedside. It took Haldir and the elf lord to calm her down. Her face was stricken with fear.

“What is it Cassie? What have you seen?" Elrond asked worried.

Cassie tried clearing her mind on what she just saw in her dreams. It became apparent that all was not done. She looked at him with eyes of fright.

"I saw him!" she stated.

"Who? Who did you see?" Haldir asked glancing at Elrond then back to Cassie.

"I saw the Eye! It looked right at me!"

Elrond knew who she meant: Sauron. Only question was why? This child was nothing to him. She held no special powers and no real threat. Elrond only had a feeling so he made a mental note to contact Galadriel to try and find out. They continued to fight her struggle. After a few moments they got her calmed down and to tell them everything.

“Now Cassie, I know that this is difficult but I want you to tell us everything you saw,” Elrond said sitting on the bedside.

“I saw two battlefields in two different lands: one on a mass field outside a grand white city and the other took place in a forest. The trees were huge and looked gold in color. I watched as the battles took place. Victories on both ends. Then I saw a place marred, blackened and desolate. Then a huge eye looked at me in a flash. I felt so much evil and despair,” Cassie said leaning on Haldir's shoulder as he caressed her hair.

Elrond sat there pondering on what she had told them. He stood up after a moment and finished making the potion.

“Lord Elrond, what do you think that this means?” Haldir asked after a moment of silence.

“This is something I do not know the answers to. I will have to contact the Lady and see what she can tell us.” Elrond stopped for a moment and looked at Cassie. “Cassie, how are you feeling?” he asked a little concerned.

“I am okay but I just wonder why he would show himself to me. I am no one special, I have no powers,” she said sitting up away from Haldir.

“Lord Elrond, I wanted to take Cassie back to Lorien with me and my brothers when the lady sends for us. Do you think that she will be ready to go?” Haldir asked not looking at Cassie. Cassie stared at him for a moment not believing what she had just heard, then turned to Elrond to see how he would respond.

“Haldir, I have a feeling that Cassie would be in danger if she traveled. I know that the Lady would not want to put her in harms way. I think that it would be best if she stayed here with me so I can keep her safe,” Elrond said.

Cassie chewed on her bottom lip while waiting for Haldir to respond. She could tell just by looking at him he was not happy with the situation. She decided to say something. “Haldir, I believe Elrond is right. If Sauron has his sights set on me, I do not want to bring any attention to the traveling party or to Lorien. I think that it is safer here,” she said stroking his arm.

“How can I protect you and keep my promise if you stay here. I always make good on my promises,” Haldir said looking a little irritated at Cassie.

“Haldir, think about it. I mean you will be marching off to war at Dol Guldur. How can you protect me if you will be fighting? I will stay here until all is safe again. This will not be too long from now. Then when all is quiet, I will come to Lorien,” she said trying to ease his irritation.

Haldir hated to admit it but Elrond and Cassie were right. His irritation still remained. He did not know why, but it did. Maybe it was because he felt guilty for her getting injured and sick. He just knew he wanted to be the one that protected her but that it was his right, so he relented.

“Very well then. Cassie I will see you later, Lord Elrond” Haldir said nodding goodbye.

Cassie and Elrond watched as he left the room. Cassie could feel that Haldir had a growing concern and turmoil going on in him. She looked at Elrond who just sat there shaking his head slightly, he looked down at her.

“Cassie, I know he does not like the decision to leave you here but I truly do not see any other solution. It is my suspicion that Sauron has picked up on your presence but there is something about you that intrigues him. This I can feel,” he said handing her the potion to drink.

Cassie looked at the cup and made a face that spoke of disgust for the concoction. “Lord Elrond, I am better, do I really need to drink anymore of this stuff?” she asked wrinkling her nose up. 'Yuck' she thought to herself.

“I know the taste must be horrid, little one, but it is necessary to keep the effects of the poison from coming back. Your blood should be completely transformed soon, I promise,” he said frowning. He truly hated putting her through this torture of the medicine but knew it was necessary.

“Lord Elrond, I know the story of you half elven choice. I was wondering,” she said looking up at him.

“What did you want to know, little one?” he asked.

“When you made the choice to become elven, how long did your full transformation take?” she asked him sweetly.

“Well Cassie, considering I already had elven blood in me, it only took a day or two. But considering that you were completely human, I would say about three or four. But the fact that you were so sick, that process was slowed tremendously. Now that the medicine has taken an effect, the day after tomorrow, it should be complete. Now drink and then rest,” he said smiling at her.

Cassie took the cup and pinched her nose hoping to help block out the taste. Elrond only smiled and laughed lightly at her. She reminded him of a small elfling when she did this. Taking the cup back and putting it on the table, he bent to help her lie down. He covered her with the coverlet then lightly kissed her forehead. Cassie thought to herself on how much he reminded her of her father. She missed him greatly. Her mind drifted back to Haldir and his reaction to Elrond's decree for her to stay in Imladris. But Cassie decided to leave him be and deal with it. It was amazing to her how quickly Haldir had taken to her. She had always cared for him from the books and the movie, but in the flesh, he was more than she had expected.

~~~~~~

Haldir's POV

Haldir walked into his chambers with a heavy heart. He knew that the lady would send for him soon. The thought of leaving Cassie lay heavy on his heart. Never before had anyone, elleth or human, touched his heart and soul like her. The realization of his feelings was lying heavy on him.

He went over to his bed and lay on his back with his arm over his eyes thinking. Elrond was right. If she traveled with him and the company of elves, the attention toward them would be perilous. This he did not want. The need to protect her from harm was Haldir's number one concern.

Haldir soon felt his body become tired and fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~

Cassie found that even with the potion she could not sleep. Her mind kept drifting to Haldir. She was worried for him. The look on his face as Elrond stated she was to stay in Imladris, haunted her thoughts. The disappointment, the hurt and sadness in his beautiful blue eyes, made her heart cry out.

There was no doubt of the connection she had with him. She made the decision to go to him to see how he was. Placing her legs over the side of the bed, she reached for the robe lying on the chair. She slowly stood realizing that her pain in her side had considerably lessened in the last couple hours. She placed on her robe and slippers. Looking out the window the moon had raised high in the sky indicated it to be about midnight. She opened her door and stepped into the hallway. The halls were lit by small lamps that barely gave enough light. Staying close to the wall she used it to help her stand.

The next thing that came to her mind was that she had no idea which room was his. Out of nowhere she heard footsteps coming from the direction she had just come from. Who ever it was spoke to her, “Cassie, what are you doing roaming in the halls at this hour? You should be in bed sleeping.”

Cassie slowly turned to see Orophin and Rúmil standing behind her. She smiled at them. “Hello, I was wondering where Haldir's room was. Could you guys take me there?” she said sweetly. Orophin and Rúmil smiled.

“You just cannot stay away from him can you?” Orophin said jesting.

“Oh, you know me, always obsessed with the Captain,” she said with a slight giggle.

“Oh we can tell, little one,” Rúmil said smiling at her.

“No seriously, I would like to see him. He was a little upset earlier and I am worried for him,” she said honestly. Orophin and Rúmil looked worries all of a sudden.

“What was he upset about?” Orophin said curious.

“Haldir apparently had planned to take me back with you guys to Lorien when the Lady calls for you. Elrond told him it was for the best that I stay here for the time being,” she said.

“Yes, he had mentioned he did not want you out of his sight. But what happened that made Elrond want you to stay here?” Rúmil asked.

Cassie told them of the dream and what all had happened in it. Both brothers were shocked to hear this and agreed that it would be wise if she stayed.

“Well then, allow us to escort you. You are not fully healed and could get hurt if you tarry out here in the halls by yourself. Haldir would never forgive us if he knew we found you and did not at least see to your safety,” Orophin said offering her his arm.

“And do not forget what Elrond would do, brother,” Rúmil reminded him.
A short while later they came to the door to Haldir's chambers. Orophin and Rúmil bid Cassie goodnight and left her there. Cassie looked down to the floor and saw that a light came out under the door indicating that Haldir was still awake. Cassie raised her hand and knocked lightly on the door. No answer. She knocked again and still nothing. She made the decision to proceed into the room unannounced.

Cassie opened the door quietly and entered. She looked around and found Haldir lying on his bed asleep. She closed to the door behind her. When the door clicked shut Haldir sat up abruptly startled like he was ready to attack. Cassie spoke, “Haldir, calm down it is just me.”

Haldir relaxed a bit. “Cassie, what are you doing here?” Haldir climbed off the bed and walked over to her.

“I could not sleep and wanted to see you,” she said looking up at him. The candle light made his features stand out even more.

“You should not be out of bed, lirimear. Come, I will take you back to your room,” he said lightly grasping her arm. She stopped him from moving any further.

“No, Haldir, I wanted to see if you were okay. You were upset earlier,” she said. Haldir looked down at her.

“I am fine. You should not be up and moving around the halls alone,” he said scolding her a bit.

“I was not alone. I ran into Orophin and Rúmil, they brought me here. Can I stay for a little while?” she asked him.

Haldir looked down at her assessing her intentions. “Yes, but come and sit on the bed. Did you want anything to drink?” he offered while leading her to sit on the bed.

“No, I am fine,” she said shortly.

“So why did you really come here?” he asked.

“I told you, I wanted to see if you are okay,” she said as he helped her to sit.

“I do not understand what came over me. I just wanted to keep you near me that’s all. But I thought on it and agree that Elrond is right, you will be safer here for the time being,” he said looking a little sad.

Cassie picked up on the sadness. She looked at him and lightly smiled. “Haldir, are you afraid you will not see me again?” The question seemed to shock him a little. Truth was that is exactly what he felt. He looked away from her for a moment. Cassie placed her hand on his chin and turned him back to face her. “Haldir, you will see me again.”

Haldir looked in her eyes. She was so beautiful sitting there in the candle light. He wanted to express his true feelings but knew it was too soon. So quickly he had fallen for her. His every thought was of her. It made him sick to think that a vile villain like Sauron was showing himself to her. Haldir went to say something to her but was stopped when she placed an innocent kiss on his cheek. His hand shot to the placed she had just kissed. It still burned. He was stunned. It took all his reserve and control he could muster to keep from taking her in his arms and ravishing her with kisses.

Cassie hugged him close feeling that he needed the comfort. Haldir did not pull away but only returned the gesture. “Cassie, it is just that I am deeply concerned for you and feel the need to protect you. I failed to do so once and do not intend to do it again,” he said.

“Haldir, honestly, that is old news. Get over it. What could you have done, really? I mean you were injured and the chaos was tremendous. There was nothing you could have done but you did not fail me. It is I to blame, I should have paid closer attention,” she said smiling and lightly slapping his arm.

Haldir smiled at her. “I just feel sorry.”

“Don't worry about it. Besides I am okay. And there is a saying where I come from. It says a lot and is very true. 'That which does not kill us will only make us stronger'. Get the point?” she said hugging him again.

“I understand it but you literally almost died on us out there,” he said pulling her off him. “Now, I need to take you back to your rooms, you need your sleep.”

“Can I stay here with you?” she asked.

Haldir looked at her and then nodded yes. Cassie smiled at him. Haldir began to pull the covers down on the bed while Cassie took off her robe. The thin nightgown came to about mid thigh on her.

Haldir turned just as the robe fell off onto the floor. Cassie did not seem to mind it but Haldir's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her beautiful, long and smooth legs. They were well toned. Haldir felt the rise of desire come up in him and quickly averted his eyes else where. Cassie bent to pick up the robe from the floor. Haldir could not help it, he had to sneak a peak. He turned his head just slightly and saw Cassie bent over. He could feel his elfhood pushing on the confines of his leggings. He then turned around, closed his eyes and tried to ignore the feelings rising up in him.

Cassie jumped up onto the bed and was sitting on her knees in the middle adjusting the pillows. She stopped and looked up at Haldir who was standing there with his eyes closed and saying something in elvish. She cocked her head to the side and studied him. She smiled at him. “What is the matter Haldir? You act as though you never had a female in your bed before,” she said stifling a giggle. Haldir shot her a look that said he was not amused. Her smile faded. “Lighten up Haldir.” She laid down on the bed and made herself comfortable.

Haldir finally composed himself and then removed his tunic and boots, undoing his braids as Cassie watched him. His hair was quite beautiful. It looked like silk once it was released from the braids. He looked even younger with it down. Cassie decided she liked it down. Haldir quickly lifted the covers and climbed into the bed. Cassie came over to him once he had settled. She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arm around his waist. Haldir took his arm and draped over her shoulder. She felt safe and warm in his presence. They both soon drifted to sleep. Her mind took her to a place of pure joy. Her heart filled with warmth she only dreamt of before: love.