Fated to Love

Note: The Song used for this chapter is by Billy Gillman. Due to copyright laws I cannot use the lyrics to it. But this song I felt fitting for this chapter. The song is entitled “There's a Hero” here is the link to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYaEX2p7JNwHYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYaEX2p7JNw" .

Enjoy.-

Chapter 12: Skirmish over and dinner

The picnic party arrived at the Last Homely House a little after the battle. Most of the guards had stayed behind to clean up the mess down at the falls. You could smell the faint odor of burning bodies in the air. Word of the attack had reached the House before the party got back there.

Arwen came running down the stairs to meet them. Healers were waiting to see to the injured including Haldir. Most of the wounded only had minor injuries and for this the healers were glad. They were still dealing with some of the severely wounded that came to them with Haldir and the others from Helms Deep.

Arwen quickly began to assist her father and the other healers in taking care of the wounded. She looked up at Cassie with a look of relief on her face.

“Cassie, I heard what happened, mellon. I am glad to see you are alright,” she said.

“Thank you Arwen, but Haldir was wounded a little,” she said pointing to Haldir who was now sitting on a nearby bench being bandaged. He looked up at the two elleth with a look of pain on his face. “I told him I should have ridden with someone else but he would not have it. So now he is in pain.”

“I can see that. Serves him right for not listening to a woman,” Arwen said looking at him jesting. Haldir looked at her for a moment then smiled.

“I will tell you like I told her, I wanted her near me. I will not break my promise to keep her safe,” he said smiling.

“A little possessive are we not, mellon?” Arwen said with a tone of pure amusement.

Haldir proudly smiled and said, “Yes. I am My lady.” Cassie could not help but laugh at the smile on his face. He looked so young and childish to her. He had a playful side and that was something she liked. He turned to her not amused and asked, “And what may I ask is so funny, lirimear?”

“Oh, nothing just that you look like the Cheshire Cat just now. Smiling like you know everything and thinking you own me. Which you do not,” she said smiling sweetly.

“Ah, but that is what you think. Besides what is this Cheshire Cat you are talking about?” he asked simply.

“It is a character from a fairy tale book, called “Alice in Wonderland”. The cat was mischievous and smiled all the time,” she said honestly. She left out the part where the cat was also very intelligent. Giving Haldir a big head was not the effect she wanted.

“Ah, I see. So I am a cat huh? Well then here you go...Meow!” he said giving a small chuckle. Cassie and Arwen laughed along with others standing nearby. Who would have thought that the infamous Captain of the Galadhrim would have a sense of humor?

Arwen took Cassie by the arm and started to lead her to her room. They were stopped when Haldir limped up behind them and spoke, “Ah, Lady Arwen, where do you think you are taking her?”

Arwen turned and looked at him. “I am taking her back to her rooms to rest and get prepared for dinner. Is there something wrong?” she said raising a brow.

“No I am just not letting her out of my sight. So I am coming with you,” he said simply.

Haldir walked up to the both of them and offered each an arm. While they walked, Cassie leaned forward to look at Arwen. They both looked up at Haldir and wondered what had gotten into him. Haldir had a smirk on his face as he escorted the two ladies to Cassie's room.

Reaching the room, Haldir sat down on the settee and rested his throbbing leg while the two elleth made their way into the bathing room to help Cassie get cleaned up. Knowing they would be busy for a while, Haldir decided to get a little nosy. He slowly stood and made his way to Cassie's wardrobe and opened the door.

Standing in front of the wardrobe. He looked over the countless gowns. He thought on how they would look on Cassie. Flipping through the clothes Haldir thought he would be nice and pick out something for her to wear for dinner this evening. Haldir found one that caught his eye. The dress was made of a gossamer material the color of deep red wine with flowing sleeves and a low neckline. 'Beautiful' he thought looking at it. He took the gown to the bed and spread it out. Going back to the wardrobe, he looked for matching shoes. After his task was done he returned to the sitting room and sat down, waiting patiently.

After a few minutes he decided to return to his bedchamber and ready himself for dinner.

~~~~~
In the bathing room Arwen began to help Cassie get ready for her bath.

“What has gotten into Haldir?” Arwen said.

“I don't know. One minute he is sweet, the next minute possessive and then turns into a total comic,” Cassie said looking at her figure in the mirror. “I can't understand it. He is nothing like what I thought him to be.” Cassie turned forward and saw the nasty scar on her side. She stared at it. It was ugly, red and raised. Cassie made a face at it and Arwen came up beside her. Sensing insecurity rising up.

“Don't worry it will fade with time. My Adar knows ways to make it less pronounced. Once it is healed more, he will help with it,” she said brushing out Cassie's hair to be washed. “Now I will get your bath ready,” she said sweetly. She turned around and walked away from her.

~~~~~
Later Arwen had finished helping her bathe. Cassie felt a little drained from the day’s events. The hot bath helped relax her sore and tired muscles. Wielding an elvish sword was a lot harder than that of a man's making. Her arms ached. She winced in pain as she tried to dry herself. Arwen stood behind her helping her to towel dry her hair.

“Cassie, are you alright?” Arwen asked.

“Actually, no. My arms are killing me. I did not realize that an elvish sword was so much more heavier then a human one. Do you think I can get something to help the ache?” Cassie said rubbing her arms.

“Yes, I will. Go ahead into the next room. I will fetch Adar. he can take a look at them and then help out,” Arwen said turning to leave the bathing room. Cassie wrapped the towel around her and followed Arwen into her own bedchamber.

Laid out on the bed was the deep wine colored gown that Haldir had picked out. Cassie stopped dead in her tracks and looked at Arwen with a curious eye.

“Arwen did you lay that out?” Cassie asked.

“No I did not. But I do say it would look beautiful on you. Come on let’s get you dressed and then I must go and ready myself,” she said.

After dressing and then getting her hair done, Cassie stood in front of the full mirror. Arwen had left to prepare herself and Elrond's assistant healer came in with the pain draught a short time later. The dress was a perfect fit. It fit her curves in all the right places. The gossamer material flowed in the skirting and the sleeves came to her wrists and bellowed out into long flowing mass of material. Her new look spoke of her new transformation. Arwen had done her hair in an intricate half up do with beautiful braiding.

Her thoughts were broken when someone approached her from behind. It was Haldir. She turned around to see him. He had bathed and was dressed in the finest robe, the color of sliver and light blue. The colors brought out the silvery tones of his hair and the blues of his eyes. He had left his hair down. It flowed in the light breeze that blew through the open door to the terrace. Cassie's breath caught in her throat.

Haldir looked at Cassie with eyes of delight. She was a vision of elven beauty. He had been right to pick out this gown. It had brought out the radiance of her hair and the twinkle of her eyes. She was beautiful in every sense of the word. He could not take his eyes off of her. He felt a warm feeling spread across his heart and watched as her eyes drifted to the floor. She started to blush, which made Haldir think her more alluring. The dress had managed to bring out all of her curves, leaving little to the imagination. Haldir grew hard just thinking about it, but with all the restraint he could muster, he was able to push back the thoughts. Shaking his head he looked at her smiling.

“I see I was not wrong by picking out that dress for you. You look beautiful, Cassie,” he said smiling devilishly then slowly walking toward her.

Cassie saw the look in his eyes and did not know what to think. She backed away slowly, not afraid of him, but not knowing how to take this attention. She stopped when she backed into the door jamb. “Thank you, um…” she stammered, “You look very handsome Haldir. The dress fits a little to snug for my liking.”

“It makes you more alluring,” he said in a low seductive tone and looking at her form in an appraising manner. On the inside he was smiling knowing he was making her uncomfortable. He stood over her sensing that she was a little taken aback. She looked up at him and smiled nervously. He loved teasing her.

Cassie looked up at him nervous at his dominating presence knowing he was toying with her. She tried to hide this emotion but was failing horribly. He was so beautiful standing there. She managed to speak. “Haldir, I think it is time for dinner. Is it not?”

Haldir snapped out of his playful and seductive thoughts. “Yes, I am escorting you. Come we will be missed,” he said offering her his arm. Cassie looked down at it. She was still not used to all the formalities of the elves; she timidly put her arm in the crook of his. He guided her to the door and out into the hall.

They walked silently into the Dining Hall. All the elves in the room stopped what they were doing as they entered. Silence reigned in the room. Elrond stood and motioned for them to sit in the chairs next to him. Haldir went to her chair and pulled it out for her bidding her to sit. After she was seated, Haldir took the seat next to hers. The food was brought by the servants and merriment of the conversations began. Laughter filled the room as the meal was ate.

Cassie looked around and noticed many of the elves that came from Helms Deep were there and was healed well. She knew that this would be the last time she would see them before they left for Lorien. She felt a wave of sadness wash over her knowing that Haldir would leave in the matter of a few days. She looked over at him. He was taking a drink of his wine and conversing with Lord Glorfindel who was sitting across from them. Her thoughts were broken when Lord Elrond touched her arm.

She looked up at him.

“Cassie, how fare your arms this evening? Arwen had told me earlier that they were sore,” he asked.

“Better, I took the pain draught. I did not realize that the elvish sword was so heavy. The swords of men are not so heavy,” she said taking a drink of the wine. She made a face; the wine was strong, but tasty.

“Well, yes they are heavier. More efficient and more accurate for better performance. The swords of men are effective, but not as well made. It takes our soldiers many years to build immunity to its weight. Why I remember when Estel first learned to wield an elvish sword, I had to keep a supply of pain draught on hand. But after a couple years, he finally became strong enough to handle it,” Elrond said smiling at the memory. Cassie smiled with him on that. She had remembered that Aragorn was raised by Elrond.

Arwen smiled slightly at the conversation but the smile was overshadowed with the longing of wanting him to be near. Now that the main war was over he would soon take the throne of Gondor. Cassie could sense her missing him deeply. The Light of Elendil had left Arwen and she was now a mortal. Cassie knew the story well and knew that Arwen would soon take the journey of her life to be his wife.

“So Cassie, how do you like Rivendel?” Elladan said looking at her. She smiled at him.

“Oh I think I is breathtaking. More then described in the books or the movie. I have not seen much of it, but it is simply wonderful here,” she said honestly.

“Aw that it is. My brother and I will show you more when Haldir and the others leave,” he said. Cassie looked at Haldir when Elladan said this. His look was of pure annoyance. She knew he did not want to leave her. He glanced at her and then back to eating.

Cassie noticed how calloused he was and wondered if he was a little upset. She glanced down at her plate. She had barely eaten, and lost what was left of her appetite. Elrond patted her arm. She looked up. A tear threatened to fall. He smiled at her.

“Cassie, I was wondering if you sing,” he asked her whispering.

“A little, why, Lord Elrond?” she asked.

‘I thought maybe you would like to share a song with us,” he said taking a drink from his goblet. Cassie panicked a little and felt self conscious. Knowing that elves did everything perfect. She knew she could sing, but what could she possibly sing that would impress the elves then a song came to mind.

“I would love to Lord Elrond. But I feel that any song I sing will not be as good as the ones that you have in your language,” she said honestly.

“Oh do not worry on that. I am sure whatever you choose will be beautiful. I will let the minstrel know you will sing for us. There will be some dancing after the meal is over,” he said motioning for the minstrel to come to his side. The elf left his place from the band and came to stand next to the Elf lord. He bowed and Elrond spoke to him in elvish. The minstrel looked at her and smiled. He nodded and then returned to the rest of the stringed band. Cassie felt a little nervous. Cassie looked at Haldir who had apparently did not notice she was asked to do this. He was in conversation with the twins and Lord Glorfindel about some sort of military tactics.

After the meal was done and the dishes was cleared. Cassie quietly stood and walked over to the band and spoke to the minstrel. She spoke with him privately and explained the song to him. It was one of her favorite inspirational songs she had always loved. She hoped that all in the company would love it as much as her. The minstrel understood the particulars and assured her they could adapt. Cassie was nervous and began to get weak at the knees. She looked up to see if anyone noticed her. Haldir was still in conversation. Elrond was watching her as was Arwen.

The music started and Cassie stood there watching as the company of the dining hall stopped and began watching. The first notes played and she began to sing. All eyes were on her as she looked straight ahead, feeling the music reaching her soul. She felt the music and the deepening in her heart.

As the words came to her, she looked up to find Haldir looking intently at her. A small smiled played upon his lips. She focused on him for a moment and then to the others. The dinner party was in awe of the song. It seemed perfectly fitting. The song played out to the end.

Once the song ended, those in the dining hall stood and clapped. Cassie felt a rush. She bowed to all of them and said thank you and walked back over to the table to sit down. Lord Elrond looked at her and smiled.

“Cassie that was beautiful. What was it called?” he asked.

“There's a Hero,” she said smiling. Haldir sat next to her. He leaned down and spoke into her ear.

“I did not know you could sing lirimear,” he said softly.

“Well that just proves how much you actually know about me, Captain,” she said smugly.

Haldir stood there waiting for her to sit down. As she sat down, Haldir moved the chair closer to the table. The servants began removing the plate and refilling the goblets with wine. Cassie picked up hers and took a drink. Elrond set his down and spoke to her.

“Cassie you did wonderful. Was that a song from your home?” he asked.

“Yes it is by a young man, named Billy. I love that song, it is so inspiring. I admit he does the song better,” she said honestly.

“Well I think you did it beautifully,” he said smiling at her.

“Thank you,” she said simply.

The band began to play a lively tune. Several of the elves made their way to the floor and began dancing. Cassie watched as several couples danced around the floor in fluid motion. The beat made into her soul and she began to tap her feet. Haldir looked over at her and he leaned down. “Would you like to dance with me?” he asked.

“Sure, can you keep up?” she asked smiling at him.

Haldir stood and reached for her hand. She took it and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. The song suddenly ended and turned into a slow song. Cassie grew nervous as Haldir looked down at her and smiled. He slowly snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She felt his hard, well muscled body through her dress. His grip around her waist got tighter. They began to sway to the music. Haldir pulled her even closer and she laid her head on his shoulder. He laid his head on top of hers. She felt so safe and warm in his arms. His scent was so male and woodsy, very intoxicating to her. She loved the feeling of being in his arms. She pulled away a little and looked up at him. He smiled at her.

“Haldir, you are lovely dancer. Where did you learn to do it?” she asked.

“My mother. She felt it fitting to teach me,“ he said smiling at the memory.

She looked up at him and wanted to say something to him but he gently pushed her head to lay back down on his shoulders. He smiled to himself, reveling in the feeling of her in his arms. Her scent reached his senses and he became aroused. He wanted so much to take her from the room and make her his. But he held his restraint and just focused on the music. She moved and looked back up at him.

Cassie saw Haldir’s eyes and saw something in them she had recognized: pure desire. She looked down. Haldir reached down and placed his hand on her cheek and guided her eyes back to his. She looked at him intently.

“Why do you look away from me?” he whispered. His voice sent shivers up and down her spine.

“I do not know. You are so domineering,” she said honestly.

“Ah I see now. You are innocent and do not know how to deal with the attention,” Haldir said smiling.

“I am not as innocent as I seem. Just around you I feel shy,” she said.

Haldir lowered his head and was about to kiss her. She quickly turned her head and his lips touched her cheek. She was not ready for this. So much had happened to her she did not know how to act. Haldir continued to kiss her cheek and then her jaw. The heat rising up in them both. Haldir stopped and looked down at her.

“Let us leave now and take a stroll in the gardens,” he said taking her hand in his.

“That would be nice. The moon is out and I would like to see the garden in the moonlight. I hear it glows,” she said ignoring the fact that Haldir was smiling at her devilishly at her.

Haldir turned to Elrond who had been watching them. He bowed to the elf lord and continued leading Cassie out of the dining hall and to the terrace. The night air was still slightly chilly and Cassie shivered. Haldir led her across the terrace to the steps leading into the gardens. Reaching the bottom of the stairs Cassie found that they stood in the midst of a statue garden. The flowers glowed in the moonlight making the entire statue come alive. There were statues of some of the most famous elves mentioned in Tolkien’s books. Cassie looked at them in awe.

Cassie shivered again, but this time Haldir stood close to her. His warmth enveloped her. He slowly snaked his arm around her waist as they looked at the statues. Cassie looked up at him. The moonlight shone down on his features giving him an ethereal glow. He was beautiful. He looked down at her at that moment.

“What are you thinking?” he whispered.

“I was just thinking about how beautiful and peaceful it is here,” she said looking at the statue that looked a little like Galadriel. It must have been Celebrían. Cassie moved away from Haldir a moment only to feel him capture her again and pull her closer to him. She spun around to face him. He looked down at her intently. “Um, is this Celebrían?” she asked nervously.

Haldir smiled at her devilishly. “Uh yes,” he said moving his face closer to her. Cassie froze. She did not know what to think. Haldir kept moving closer but was interrupted when Rúmil and Orophin showed up in a hurry.

“Haldir, Elrond needs us now!' Orophin said hurriedly. Haldir pulled away from her pursing his lips together tighter. He was irritated by the interruption. He looked at them for a moment and said something to them in Elvish. He looked down at her for a moment.

“Cassie I am sorry. I will see you later,” he said. He bent and kissed her forehead. She looked up at him. She had a feeling what was going on.

“Okay. That is fine. I am tired and will go to my rooms,” she said letting him go.

“I will check in on you when I am done,” he said smiling at her. He looked at Rúmil and Orophin.

“Rúmil, can you see her to her rooms?” he asked.

“No Haldir, I can find my way. You all need to meet with Elrond. Go. I will be okay,” she said smiling at him.

Haldir looked at her with a questioning eye. He raised his brow, “Are you sure, lirimear?”

“Yes you silly, elf. Now off with all of you. I will see you later,” she said pushing at him.

Haldir didn’t like this, but did as she asked him. He turned and left the gardens. Cassie turned back to the statue and stared at it with reverence . A small voice touched her mind.

Cassie, let not your heart be troubled in the days to come. On the morrow he will leave to fight. You shall see him again soon.

Cassie could not believe it. It was the Lady of Lorien. “My lady, is that you. Or does my mind deceive me?”

It is I young one. I sense your troubled heart. All will be well. Go and rest. For tomorrow will be a sad day.

“I shall, my lady. This is what needs to be done. I just hope he realizes this,” she said calmly.

Ah, he does. But as of late his heart is in turmoil. In the end he always does what he knows is right. Now go and rest child.

“Yes my lady. Good night to you and your lord,” she said turning from the statue and walking silently to her rooms.