Fated to Love

Chapter 11: Pleasant outing, Attack!

The next morning Cassie awoke to find that she was alone in a strange bed. She looked around and found Haldir standing next to the window with a cup in his hand. She laid there looking at him in utter awe. His profile was perfect. All he wore was his leggings and his boots. Cassie did not say anything, only looked at him. He was so handsome.

Haldir turned and looked at her. “Good morning, lirimaer. Did you sleep well?” he asked smiling at her. He turned fully and began to walk to the bed. Cassie sat up and brought her knees to her chest.

gYes and how about you?” She said watching him start to sit on the bed. A shadow came across his face. He was sad about something. “Haldir what is wrong has something happened?”

gElrond received word from Galadriel a short while ago. She has revealed that she knows the date in which the next battle will occur and what date I should leave for Lorien with the others.” Haldir said sadly, putting his cup on the side table.

gThe next date of attack will be March twenty second. Then a few days after that Lord Celeborn will lead an army to Dol Guldor. I know it,” she said looking away from him. A tear threatened to fall knowing that he would have to leave soon. She wiped the tear away and turned back to face him. She did not realize how bad it would affect her.

Haldir looked at her. “That is what she said. I will have to leave on the date of the third attack. It will take three days to get there. They want me to arrive the day before we leave to fight,” he said looking at her.

She sadly looked at him and he reached out to caress her cheek knowing that it bothered her what he told her. He brought her to him in a tight embrace. “I know you don’t want to leave me, but your people need you, Haldir,” she said burying her face in his shoulder. She breathed in his scent to memorize it. Haldir felt the overwhelming urge to keep her in his arms.

gHonestly, Cassie, I know, but I also feel the need for you to be near me too. Once this is all done I want you to stay with me,” he said sincerely. “How about we do something together today? I know that you have been cooped up inside since you got here. I was thinking maybe we could go on a picnic by the falls. Would you like that?” he said pulling away to look down at her.

gI would love to.” she said smiling up at him sweetly.

gVery well, I will make the arrangements. I will even see to having someone to come and help you get ready. Come let me escort you back to your chambers,” he said.

Haldir stood up to leave. Cassie sprang from the bed happy that she would be allowed out of the house. She walked over to Haldir and put her arms around his waist to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head then led her down the hall to her rooms not letting go of her all the way to her rooms.

~~~~~

Haldir found Elrond in his library with Glorfindel and Erestor. They were discussing the recent attacks on the borders. Elrond looked up just as Haldir entered the room.

gHaldir, glad you could join us. Have you been to see Cassie?” The Elf lord said.

gYes, I have. I told her what the lady had said to you. I want to take her on an outing to the falls if you think it will be okay,” Haldir said.

gI think that would be fine, however, I believe it necessary that you two take a few guards with you. There were some attacks on the border and that is too close,” Elrond said.

gI will, my lord.” Haldir said in compliance.

gLord Glorfindel, would you round up a few more guards and have them go with Haldir and Cassie?” Elrond said.

gYes, my lord, I will go myself and I believe that your sons and Haldir's brothers will be sufficient,” Glorfindel said.

Elrond nodded. “I will tell the kitchens to prepare the meal, enough for you two and pouches for the guards. I will also send Arwen and her handmaiden to help Cassie get ready,” Elrond said to Haldir.

gThank you, my lord,” Haldir said bowing.

~~~~

After bathing and getting dressed in a very light dress made of a light linen material the color of the sky, Cassie was escorted to stables by Arwen and the other elleth. There were horses everywhere. Haldir was dressed in a gray tunic and black leggings, heavily armed with a sword, bow and knives. Cassie thought that strange since all they were doing was going for a nice picnic. But soon Haldir was joined by his brothers, Arwen's brothers and Lord Glorfindel. She did not know why they were coming. She walked slowly to the horses and stood there while the others packed the horses then putting saddle blankets on them. None noticed that she had stepped up behind them. Arwen looked at her for a moment and then smiled. She cleared her throat. “Ahem, hello all,” she said sweetly.

All the elves standing there turned around except for Haldir. Orophin, Rúmil, the twins and Lord Glorfindel stood there looking at Cassie. Their jaws dropped in surprise at her transformation. Cassie knew that some of the changes were evident but did not feel much different. Arwen had done her hair, which was now even longer, past her backside, in intricate braids. Cassie blushed at the stares.

Orophin stood next to his brother and whispered in his ear, “Brother, look.” Haldir finished his task and then turned to find the most beautiful sight he ever saw. There stood Cassie looking quite beautiful in her sky blue dress. Haldir was speechless. This morning she seemed the same as she did the night he had first seen her but now she was a vision of elven beauty. He breathed in deeply and then walked over to her.

gCassie, I do say you are even more beautiful then this morning,” he said curtly.

gThank you. Haldir. I thought this was to be a simple picnic not a hunting party. Why the escort and all the weapons?” she asked.

gWell, it is all just for precaution. I assure you. Are you ready?” he asked offering an arm to her.

gYes, but I am a little afraid of horses,” she said honestly. She looked at the horses with a nervous eye.

gThat is what I suspected and why I would like for you to ride with me,” he said smiling.

gOkay, I think I can do that. How long will it take to get to the falls?” she asked.

gAbout an hour. The terrain is quite uneven and the horses are better able to deal with it,” he said grabbing her by the waist to help her onto the horse. After she was safely on the horse, sidesaddle, Haldir mounted and sat closely to her back and putting his arms around her waist then grabbed the reins. Haldir nodded to the others as they mounted. Arwen stood there watching them ready to turn and leave.

gYou all have a nice time. Will you be back for supper?” Arwen said sweetly.

gYes, we shall, sister. Tell father we will be back before dark,” Elladan said nodding to his sister.

gHaldir, you take care of her,” Arwen said giving him a mock look of concern.

gI will my lady,” Haldir said smiling down at her.

gBye Arwen see you later,” Cassie said waving to her as the horses left down the path toward the gates of the city.

Haldir leaned his head onto Cassie's shoulder. “You okay, lirimaer?” he asked. Cassie felt safe with his arms around her and she giggled a little feeling his breath in her ear.

gYes, I am thank you. You never did tell me why we have to have an escort,” she said raising a questioning brow at him.

gI will say this, do not be alarmed, but there was an attack on Imladris borders this morning. Elrond felt that it would be best to have one just to be on the safe side,” Haldir said.

gOh, I did not know. What happened?” Cassie asked.

gWell there was a small band of orcs and wild men that attacked. As far as we know they were quickly dispatched but in case any slipped through, guards are in order. So don't worry, the rest will not interfere with our little picnic,” Haldir said assuring her. He gently placed a small kiss on her cheek.

Orophin and Rúmil watched their older brother in awe at his very public display of affection. Never before had they seen him so intrigued with one lady and this made them happy. Both of them loved their older brother and believed Cassie to be the best thing for him. They had grown to care for her like a little sister. And gladly accepted the position of guards for their brothers special day outing. Elladan and Elrohir also gladly accepted thinking her a very good friend. So protecting them was not a job but a pleasure.

They continued riding on through the valley and down into the canyon to reach the falls. The plan was for the five escorts to split up in the vicinity of the glade where the falls were only to watch the surrounding area where Haldir and Cassie's little picnic would take place. Leaving them some peace and quiet but close enough that if trouble happened, they could be of assistance. All had been briefed on the mystery surrounding the dream that Cassie had had the day before. And knew that something could be in the midst.

~~~~~

Once they reached the picnic area, the escort party went their separate ways. Haldir and Cassie continued on to find a spot to get out the picnic. Haldir dismounted under a large oak tree and turned to help Cassie off the horse. Her heart skipped a few beats as she felt his hands on her waist. He gently lifted her off and put her to the ground. The captain’s hands lingered a little longer she thought but she looked up at him and smiled sweetly. Haldir broke the contact and began to unpack the saddle packs that held the blankets. Haldir found a small patch of smooth ground and laid out the blanket then the contents of the basket.

While he did this Cassie looked at her surroundings. The falls were breathtaking. There were four of them that fed a small pool. It was quiet and the only sounds you could hear were the sounds of rushing water and an occasional singing bird. The sun shone through the trees, its rays dancing off the water causing a glow. Cassie's reverie was interrupted when Haldir came up behind her and touched her arm.

gCassie, what are you thinking about?” he asked in a low voice.

Cassie was startled. She did not hear him approach her. “Oh, I was just taking in the beauty of this place. Never before have I seen anything so wonderful before; so peaceful,” she said looking around then to him.

gIt is that. I have only been here a handful of times,” he said looking around then to her. He moved a little closer and placed his arm around her waist from behind. Cassie stiffened a little, shocked by his touch. 'When did he feel he can do this?' she thought. Not that she did not like it, it was just that she was shocked that he felt so comfortable to do this to a woman he barely knew. She felt the jolt of energy from his touch immediately. She turned around in his arms and looked up at him.

gHaldir, what has gotten into you? I mean you are nothing like the books or the movie,” she said.

gWhat? I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” he said pulling away from her.

Cassie looked up at him and immediately responded. “No, you did not make me uncomfortable. It is just that in the books and the movie you were portrayed as arrogant, aloof and a little standoffish. But I am finding you are not like that at all,” she said honestly.

gOh, well, I just feel really drawn to you and comfortable. Now come let us sit and eat,” he said taking her arm.

They went over to the blanket. Haldir prepared them both a plate and poured them wine. They ate in silence only making comments on the food in the basket. Cassie could tell something was on Haldir's mind but he spoke nothing of what he was thinking. She stared at him for the longest time. She could not figure it out. He was exactly like she had imagined him, but yet he was not. It baffled her, even made her care for him more. She took a bite of an apple and chewed on it. Haldir looked at her and studied her.

Finally the silence consumed her and she decided to be blunt.

gHaldir, is something bothering you?” she asked.

gOh, no. Not at all. I was just thinking on something,” he said not finishing.

Cassie was about to say something when the feeling of dread welled up in her. It felt like it did while she was sick, like it was trying to take over her. Apparently feeling that something was wrong, Haldir looked at her intently then spoke again. “Cassie, is something wrong?” he asked.

Cassie shook it off. “No, just a feeling. I am okay.”

They continued to sit there talking of the weather and the beauty of the area. Cassie asked Haldir what Lorien was like and he spoke of it so fondly.

gLorien is unlike the other realms. There are small rolling hills in the depth of the woods, mallorn trees that are older than me and glades everywhere. The beauty of Lorien is not only in the land, but the people as well. Galadriel, our Lady, rules the land with such a love, that all the inhabitants feel the love in everything they do. I cannot wait for you to see it. I miss it,” Haldir said smiling on the thoughts of his home.

Cassie smiled at him. Suddenly her new elven senses picked up on something foreign. Haldir did not seem to notice it. He looked up at her, “Cassie, I brought you out here for two reasons. One to get you out and about and the other…” he said stopping to ponder the next part. Cassie looked at him wondering what he was about to say. “The other is, I know that I have not known you long, but…” he stopped again, like he was afraid to say something.

Cassie looked at him. “Haldir, what is it?”

gWell I was wondering,” he said stopping yet again. Cassie was tired of this game.

gHaldir just spit it out, elf. Don’t beat around the bush,” Cassie said looking at him.

gWell I was wondering how you felt,” he said simply.

gAbout what? Haldir, what is this all about?” she said a little confused.

gAbout me. I was wondering about how you felt about me,” he said finally letting it out.

Cassie sat there a little stunned. She had had feelings for Haldir in the movies and books for years, but now being here with the real one, she was nervous. Butterflies began to flutter in her stomach. 'How are you going to handle this one girl?' she thought. Cassie bit her bottom lip trying to contemplate the situation. Haldir sat there staring at her intently.

She finally felt that the blunt truth would be best. “Oh, boy, you really know how to put someone on the spot don’t you Haldir?” she said giggling off the nervous.

gI am sorry, but I just want to know,” he said reaching out and taking her hand in his. The electricity ran up her arm and caused it to tingle.

gWell, bear with me, I am a little nervous,” she said. Haldir scooted a little closer to her. “Well, to be honest with you, I have always had affection for you. I mean, your character always held a special place in my heart. Seeing you at Helms Deep sent me into a frenzy. I guess what I am trying to say is, that I do feel something for you,” she said honestly. Haldir looked at her, he smiled. “So what is this about?” she asked.

gI wanted to know, because, even though it has only been a short time since meeting you, I have grown quite fond of you even before I met you. When the lady showed me everything in the mirror, I knew that I had a fate I could not escape. But seeing you on the stairs at Helms Deep, I felt hope for the first time in all my long life. A connection of sorts. Are you following me?” he said looking at her hopefully.

gYes, I am. But you hardly know me, Haldir,” she said.

gI know, but elves feel things differently than humans. I mean when you were so sick on the journey here, I was very affected by it,” Haldir said.

gOh, I had no idea. But why would you be affected by that?” she said.

gCassie, I am trying to say that in my heart, I feel something for you I have never felt before,” he said taking her hand in his again and then pulled her a little closer. He brought his hand up to his chest for her to feel his heart beat. Cassie looked down at her hand. His heart was beating so fast that she was stunned and looked up Haldir. He had moved closer to her, his face was mere inches from hers. Her heart started beating faster and she closed her eyes in anticipation.

Just as Haldir leaned in to kiss her, a noise sounded behind them. Haldir's eyes shot in the direction of the horrid sound. Cassie gasped as she saw an orc coming at them. She screamed. With lighting speed Haldir got to his feet and engaged the beast with his sword.

Cassie watched in horror as more of them came from the trees. She started to shake and felt sick at the sight of them. Lord Glorfindel and the others soon arrived and began to fight. Orcs kept coming, all were fighting with swords. Cassie stood back next to the tree watching on. As quickly as the orcs came, they would be joined by more.

Cassie could not move. She was scared. Before Cassie knew it more elves arrived to fight led by Lord Elrond. The fighting continued on. Soon the entire area was covered in orcs and wild men from the east. These orcs were different then the ones she had seen at Helms Deep, they were bigger and stronger. The wild men fought along with them. They were heavily tattooed and pierced. There was one that stood out to the side watching them fight.

She looked around to find Haldir. After she spotted him, she noticed that he was surrounded. She was so fearful for him, she ran toward him. Haldir saw her coming.

gCassie, get out of here. Run!” he yelled over the loud sound of clanking metal.

Soon an orc caught him off guard and knocked him to the ground making him lose his sword. The orc had cut him on the leg. Seeing him bleeding caused Cassie to become angry. She felt the fear melt away and turn into rage. She ran to the sword and picked it up. Cassie looked up and saw the orc was standing over Haldir getting ready to strike him. She stepped in between Haldir and the orc and growled at the beast.

gDon't you touch him you filthy beast!” She was angry now. The orc laughed evilly.

gAnd who will stop me little elleth. You cannot defeat me,” it said. The orc was huge, black and stunk of rotting flesh, its eyes were gold. Cassie raised the sword.

gI will. Your kind tried to kill me once and failed. Now I am still alive and I will make you pay for all those who died at your hands,” she said. Haldir watched the battle between her and the orc. He yelled over to Lord Elrond who was engaging the enemy along side his guards.

Cassie struck the orc as hard as she could. The sword ripped through its flesh and it let out a horrible growl. She continued to fight it with everything in her. Haldir tried to stand and found that it was harder than he thought. The blood was gushing from his leg. He whistled to his horse. The horse came running. Haldir reached into the saddle bag and found his long knives. Just as he turned around, he saw Cassie being thrown to the ground. She had been disarmed and looked up at the beast that stood over her. Several came over to them.

Haldir looked around and saw that most of the orcs had been slain. Elrond looked up and saw where Haldir looked. Elrond ran to them. “Haldir, help me!' she cried out.

A wild man from the east was approaching the orcs that were now snatching Cassie to her feet. Cassie cried out in fear. This wild man seemed to be the leader of the others. He was pierced and had markings all over his body. He snarled at Cassie. He was powerful and Haldir could sense this. Haldir's heart raced. Elrond had a look of utter rage. They both began to fight through the orcs protecting the Wild man. Soon Orophin, Rúmil, the twins and Glorfindel joined in as did the others that came with Elrond. The Orcs had formed a ring around Cassie and her captors. Cassie began to cry as the Wild man approached her.

Cassie began to scream wildly. Haldir only had one thing on his mind: save his love. Soon the orcs began to drop as the border guards began to fire their bows. The fighting was continuous. The larger orcs were the hardest to kill with the arrows. Haldir's keen hearing began to pick up Cassie's pleas.

gNo, don't touch me!” she pleaded. Her voice was strained.

gYou know why I was sent don't you little girl. It will only hurt for a moment,” the wild man said to her.

gNo, I do not. Why me?” she asked crying.

gGive me what I need to please my lord!” he said venomously.

Haldir glanced and saw this leader touch Cassie’s face with his hands. His hands glowed orange. Cassie began a blood curdling scream. This made Haldir more determined. Elrond and the others quickly dispatched the remaining orcs. Cassie began to weaken and fall to her knees in front of the wild man. Elrond ran forward with Haldir near him. Haldir, joined by his brothers, reached them and quickly killed the wild man including the ones that held Cassie. Cassie was conscious but sobbing badly, as she laid on the ground, curled up into a ball. Elrond went to her and quickly assessed her. He reached out and began to calm her. Haldir went over to them, kneeled beside them and pulled Cassie into his lap. Cassie sat there sobbing into Haldir's hair. Elrond noticed Haldir's bleeding leg and began to look at it.

gLord Elrond, how did you know?” Haldir said breathless.

gThe Lady called to me and showed me what she saw not long after you all left. Not to mention I sensed him,” he said pointing to the now dead leader of the raid.

gWhat is he?” Haldir asked.

gHe is a Melder. He is a rarity. Not many like him around. Mostly from the East,” Elrond said reaching out to stroke Cassie's hair.

gA what?” Haldir said.

Elrond looked up at Glorfindel and spoke, “Get this place cleaned up, please. Burn them all.” He looked up at Haldir. “A melder is someone that takes things from people by invading their mind. He can project images and information to whoever he is loyal, like an exchange. One touch is all he needs.”

gI heard him say to her to give him what he came for. Any idea what that was?” Haldir asked. Cassie stirred and wiped her tears away. She looked up at them both.

gHaldir, Lord Elrond doesn't know. But when he touched me, I then knew. He wanted to take the good part of my soul. And then leave me an empty shell. I saw what they were planning. Sauron is planning to continue his work thinking he will not be destroyed. You know the inner light you saw in me at Helms Deep? Well he wants it to make beasts that can appear good but have an evil lining. Kind of like spies to do evil. This inner light is of the Valar and he wants to harness it for evil. But this will not happen because there will be a battle at the black gates of Mordor that will destroy him. Then the Battle of Dol Guldor will finish him completely. This I can assure you. I was able to block this knowledge from him,” Cassie said.

Elrond and Haldir sat taking in the knowledge, not believing how much she actually knew.

gYou blocked him?” Elrond questioned. “How did you do that?”

Cassie looked up at him. “I emptied my mind. It is a trick I learned to do when I became stressed out from work. But the thoughts he projected back to me, were awful. I don't even want to relive it. Not to mention it hurt me.”

Cassie looked down at Haldir's injured leg and gasped. She had forgotten he got cut and looked up at him with a look of worry. Haldir smiled. “Don't worry, lirimaer, I am okay it only hurts a little.” He bent and kissed her forehead. Her eyes welled up a little with tears and Haldir quickly dispatched a hand to wipe away the tears.

gAre you okay?” she asked concerned.

gYes and I will heal quickly. So let us get you back to house,” he said. Cassie slowly got up, her knees nearly giving out as she did. She was still a little shook up. Elrond stood there helping her to stand. Haldir's brothers came over to him and helped him up. He winced in pain as he stood. Cassie looked at him with those ‘and you said it only hurts a little’ look. Haldir ignored the glare she gave him. After finding a nearby stump to stand on, he mounted his horse Haldir and motioned for her to mount up in front of him.

gHaldir, I don’t think I should, I could ride with one of the others. You are injured and do not need me to be near that leg,” she said protesting. Haldir looked at Lord Elrond who stood behind her. Elrond understood and lifted her up onto the horse with her protesting.

Haldir leaned forward to speak into her ear, “No, you will ride with me and I do not want to hear any arguments.” Cassie did not like his tone, he was too demanding.

gHaldir of Lorien, you will not speak to me in that tone. I only wanted for you to be comfortable for the trip back,” she said pouting a little. She looked ahead with a smug look on her face.

gOh, really now. Well let me tell you something. I want you near me as much as possible. After all, I am leaving in a few days and if you don’t like it, I am sorry. But I am much older than you and you must obey your elders,” he said smiling behind her. He leaned a little more forward and planted a kiss on her neck below her ear. This sent chills down her spine. He was playing the 'I am older than you' bit on her and showing his authority to her. It kind of irked her that he had done this.

gWell let me tell you something, Captain. You may be older than me but, you do not own me and never will,” she said curtly.

Haldir kept kissing her neck lightly, “Oh, I do not huh? Well we will see about that.” He seemed a little too sure of himself. Cassie stifled a giggle. He tightened his hold on her waist to show her he meant what he said.

All the way back to the house, Haldir held her tightly to him and snuggled her neck. This made Cassie feel really good. She felt safe with him. The others sang laments for the deaths of the enemy. Cassie thought this strange, but Haldir mentioned that Elves had a great respect for all creatures. Even the foes they fought.

~~~~~~~
N/A: Whew! Is it me or is it hot in here? Wow, Haldir sure did take possession of her didn't he? Man, where did that come from.

Hope you enjoy. Please Review I love knowing what you think. Now onto writing Chapter 12.