Fated to Love

Chapter Seventeen: Healings in Lorien

(Late night of the 28th and early morning 29th )

Hours later, Cassie was awakened by a timid hand shaking her shoulder. Her eyes shot open. Sleeping so peacefully, she had forgotten that she was in Haldir's talan with his gray warden's cloak wrapped around her. Looking up, she found a beautiful young elleth looking down at her smiling. Cassie guessed that this was the maid her guide had told her about. 'What is her name again?' she thought. The elleth continued to smile sweetly.

“You must be Lady Cassie. I am the maid, Janiel. I came bringing your meal and to draw your bath. I walked in and found the March Warden's bedchamber door standing open. I hope I did not frighten you when I woke you?” she said sweetly.

“No not at all. Any idea how long I slept?” Cassie asked. She laid Haldir's cloak on the bed beside her and stood up.

“At least a couple of hours I assume. It is after dark. Now your supper is getting cold. Come and while you eat I shall run your bath,” the maid said stepping back away from the side of the bed.

Cassie swung her feet over the side of the bed and ran her hands over her face to wipe away the sleep from her eyes. She was amazed at how much she was tired. “Janiel,” she started, “Has there been any word on Rúmil and Orophin?”

Janiel's eyes lowered as the sadness shown on her face. “No and I am worried for Rúmil. The healers have given him the first dose and still there is no change as of yet. But that is what I as told an hour ago.” Cassie recognized the girl's response and realized that the young elleth had feelings for Rúmil.

“Rúmil is your love?” Cassie asked.

“Yes,” she said sadly as she turned a little red. “My heart belongs to him but I have not spoken to him on it.”

Cassie smiled as she stood up. “Well he would be lucky to have you. All you need to do is just tell him. I am sure with a little effort, we can get him to notice you. You are beautiful and sweet. You and he have that in common.” Cassie said confidently.

The young elleth looked at Cassie and smiled. “My lady, you really think so?” she asked.

“Of course, but it will take a little time and planning. I need to get ready and go to the healing houses. Maybe you can help me care for him and Orophin?” Cassie asked smiling. The girl nodded and then left the room to ready the bath.

Cassie sat at the table and looked at the food in front of her. It smelt good and consisted of a hearty stew of venison, cheese, bread, and fruit. The food in Rivendell was good but this was more phenomenal. Cassie ate until she was full and got up to go to the bathing room.

Walking into the bathing room, Cassie's senses were assaulted by the sweet aroma. She recognized it; it was the smell of vanilla and green apples. Janiel must have found it and used it. She walked in and started to undress. Janiel walked in behind her.

“Lady Cassie, I found your scented oils and soaps and thought I would add them to your bath. It is an unusual fragrance. What is it?” Janiel asked.

“It is vanilla and green apples. Elrond had it made for me after I first arrived. He asked me one day what scents I liked and told him. His soap maker made the oils and soaps for me within a couple days. I also have a bottle of perfume too.” Cassie said.

“I thought I recognized the bottles. I know that soap maker for he is my kin. A cousin on my mother's side. Oh by the way, I already laid out your clothes.” Janiel said reaching in the cabinets for the drying towels.

“Thank you, Janiel. I will need a little help with my hair. I am not used to it being this long. It got longer since my transformation. Will you help me?” Cassie asked.

“Yes, certainly. I heard the rumors of your illness and transformation. Is it true you are not from this time?” Janiel asked curious.

“Yes it is. I will tell you everything.” Cassie said.

As Cassie bathed, she told her story and confirmed everything down to the last detail. She even told of the battle of Helm's Deep, the books and the movies. This amazed the young elleth and left her with more questions for Cassie. Cassie was comfortable talking to the young elleth and in the little time they knew each other. They had become fast friends.

After Janiel finished helping Cassie get bathed and helped her dress, Janiel excused herself for the evening. Cassie made her ay to the healing halls. Walking through the city, Cassie as mesmerized by the beauty of the night. The lamps were lit throughout the city giving it a celestial glow of blue light. This effect made the city almost magical. 'No wonder Haldir loves his home so much' she thought. Each staircase and bridge in the trees were lined with these lights. It was simply breathtaking.

After a short while, she reached her destination. She found that the halls were bustling with healers going from room to room caring for other patients. The Lady, Cassie found, was sitting outside Rúmil and Orophin's room on a bench. She looked up as Cassie approached.

“Hello Cassie, I see you have come to sit with me. Was your accommodations to your liking?” she asked warmly and motioning for her to sit.

Cassie went and sat next to the Lady. “Yes, but was a little shocked to find out I had been placed in Haldir's talan. Does he know about that?” Cassie said.

“He is not aware that you have arrived early, but expressed his wishes for you to be put there upon your arrival with Elrond,” she said smiling warmly.

“I see. He is so protective of me. It is kind of humorous that he would do that.” Cassie giggled softly to herself. She put on a serious face and looked at Galadriel. “My lady, is there any news on how Haldir and Lord Celeborn are progressing?” Cassie asked. The lady turned to her as the healers passed by and went into the room.

“I know that the last time I peered into my mirror they were ready to cross the Great River of Anduin. They are camping there and then will cross over tomorrow morning. They will arrive for battle the following morning at Dol Guldor. But fear not, Haldir is well as is Celeborn.” The lady said patting her arm in assurance.

“My lady, I would like to thank you for inviting me to live here in Lorien. In my world, the way it was described, is nothing like seeing it up close.” Cassie said looking at the door to Haldir's brother's room, then finished, “Has there been any word on Orophin and Rúmil?”

“No but soon.” Galadriel said calmly.

The two sat there in relative silence, waiting for some word on the two brothers. Soon the door to the room came open and one of the healers came out. Cassie sat up straighter and looked at him wanting to hear the news. The healer had a look of relief on his face. He looked at the lady and addressed her. “My lady, it seems that the medicine is working. The worst of the effects is over. Both of them are being cleaned and re-bandaged, the effect however, was not as severe as what Lady Cassie had experienced. Elrond's healer said that he believed that the effects were less because they are full elf, where as Lady Cassie was transforming to elf kind. They are sleeping now, but have been in and out of consciousness. It has been decided by all of us, that they will make a full recovery.” Upon hearing the good news, Cassie breathed a sigh of relief.

“When shall we see them?” Cassie asked the healer.

“Soon, after they are finished being bathed and re-bandaged we will come and get you. If you like one of you can stay with them through the night. They will receive another dose in a few hours. Now I must return to check on other patients,” the healer said continuing on his way.

Galadriel and Cassie remained sitting on the bench waiting more. Galadriel spoke to her on many things; some of which were very interesting. She asked Cassie many questions on her home and how things worked in her time. Cassie answered all the questions openly and honestly. The lady seemed quite interested in the ways of the rulers of modern times. She felt sad at times knowing that things of the past seemed to disappear so quickly and become forgotten. Cassie had questions of her own wondering about the history of the elves and how Tolkien knew of Middle Earth. Galadriel had theories that suggested that maybe the Valar wanted Middle Earth not to be forgotten and to help the future generations to move toward the times of goodness. The possibilities were many.

After midnight, the healers came out of the room and announced that they were done and they could go in. Cassie sprang from the bench and almost ran to Orophin and Rúmil. She was greeted to the sight that they were back to their normal color and that they were peaceful in their reverie. Her heart was overjoyed that they were going to be alright. She pulled up a chair between the two cots and sat there taking each of their hands in hers. She cried silent tears of joy.

Galadriel came up behind her and looked at each of them then moved to make sure they were covered well with blankets. She would place a hand on their forehead and say a prayer of sorts in the elvish. Cassie realized that she really needed to learn the language. She knew very little. She looked up at Cassie. “Cassie, you looked tired. I will stay with them while you go and rest. I know you want to stay but I believe they would want you to rest.” she said quietly.

“No, My lady, I will stay. I am fine and want to be here in case they wake up,” she said simply, looking from one brother to the other.

“Very well, Cassie. But promise should you feel too tired, send for me. I will come and relieve you of the task. I will go and consult my mirror to find out what news from my beloved.” Galadriel said coming over to Cassie and placing a hand on her shoulder.

“That will be just fine my lady. Good night.” Cassie said bidding her a good night.

Cassie watched as the lady left the room then pulled up the chair in between the two cots. She watched them as they slept. She could panic at every twitch the two made. Finally relaxing, Cassie laid her head onto the table as sleep took her.

~~~~~~

Sometime through the night, Cassie was awakened by the gentle shaking of her shoulder. She lifted her head and wiped the sleep from her eyes. She had not heard anyone enter the room and wondered who had touched her. She glanced to Rúmil’s bed and became startled.

There Rúmil laid on the pile of pillows looking at her. He as weak.

“Rúmil?” she said shocked.

“Lirimaer, my sworn sister, what in Valar's name are you doing here? You are supposed to be in Rivendell?” Rúmil said in a weak and horse tone.

“I came here for you and Orophin. The Lady had contacted Elrond many days ago and told him that you two had been poisoned by the same poison I was. Elrond asked me to bring it so that I could explain the effects of it to the healers. I immediately came here,” she said grabbing his hand and lightly kissing it. “I am so glad that the medicine has helped you."

Rúmil gently pulled her to him for a brotherly hug. She embraced him tightly but not enough to reinjure him. She was so happy that he was going to be alright. About that time she heard a moaning sound come from the other cot. She and Rúmil looked over at Orophin. He was waking up. She quickly went to his side and grabbed his hand.

"Orophin, brother?" she spoke. His head went from side to side to clear his sight. His eyes shot open and he looked at her.

Orophin tried to speak but no words would come. His mouth was dried out. Seeing his discomfort she gave him a drink. Then spoke, "Little one, what are you doing here?"

"Elrond was sent word that you two were poisoned with the same poison as me and was asked to send the medicine. I brought it," she said taking his and Rúmil hands in hers. "I am so glad the both of you are alright."

"Where is Haldir? Is he alright?" Orophin asked.

"Yes he is alright but has already left with Lord Celeborn to Dol Guldor. The battle will begin tomorrow." She said.

A knock at the door sounded and Cassie got up to answer the door. On the other side were the Healers with the next dose of the medicine and Janiel standing beside him. Cassie stood to the side and allowed them to enter. The healer stopped at the door and smiled at the two brothers. Janiel's cheeks turned red when she saw Rúmil was awake.

Janiel stood there a moment and hesitated about coming further into the room. Cassie came up behind her and gave her a nudge forward. The elleth went to Rumil's bed side. Rúmil sat there staring as she handed him the cup with the potion. They spoke quietly as Cassie took the cup from the healer and went to Orophin's bedside. Cassie sat down and helped Orophin to sit up and drink. He was struggling to sit up because the cut on his chest was still greatly bothersome. So she allowed him to lie back down soon.

“I know this potion tastes awful but it is necessary.” Cassie explained.

“Tastes awful? I think it tastes quite good, like strawberries,” Rúmil said. Cassie gave him a look of disbelief.

“You must be joking? It is awful.” Cassie said. She looked up at the healer who stood silent. She gave him a curious look.

“My lady, it should taste quite good. We added flavorings.” the healer said.

“WHAT! Why did not Elrond do that for me? I had to suffer. Oh my Goodness! This is just not right!” she said. All could tell she was jesting.

“We guess you are not as liked as we are sworn sister,” Rúmil said smiling. Janiel sat next to him smiling and stifling a giggle behind her hand. Cassie huffed and then crossed her arms. Rúmil reached out and took Janiel's hand in his. She turned away and blushed. Cassie could see the love budding between them. This made her smile and she just gave up on the protest.

“You know that is okay. I am just grateful that you two are alright,” she said finally.

The healer left to get the lady and tell her of their waking.

~~~~~~~

The healer found the Lady in the glade of her mirror. She was gazing into the waters with a look of knowing on her face. She was watching the events unfolding.

Looking up she smiled at him.

“They have awakened?” she said smiling.

“Yes My lady. Just a short while ago.

“This I am glad to hear. It seems the battle will take place midday tomorrow. Prepare the other healers for three days hence more wounded will arrive from Dol Guldor. It only takes two days to travel from there. Elrond has left Rivendell yesterday. He will arrive in five days.” She stepped away from the Mirror and said, “I shall go and visit my foster sons.” The healer bowed and then went into the opposite direction.

~~~~~~~

Cassie and Janiel stayed beside the brothers, laughing and talking. Cassie had found out the details of the attack on Lorien and of the battle that the two were wounded in. She felt saddened of their suffering but was relieved that they survived.

The door to the room came opened and the lady glided in. Rúmil and Orophin put their hands to their chests in respect. Orophin tried to sit up but was stopped when Cassie pushed him back to the bed. The Lady smiled warmly at the both of them.

“My heart was filled with joy when I found that you two had awakened. How are you feeling?” she said taking Cassie's chair as Cassie stood up.

“We are fine my lady. Thank you for coming.” Rúmil said smiling at her.

“That is wonderful” she said. She lifted the blanket from Orophin's chest and looked at it. “You wound is healing well. Both of you I expect will be up and about in no time.”

Orophin smiled, “Yes My lady and causing trouble as usual.”

The room erupted into a fit of laughter. “This is for sure.” she said.

Cassie picked up on the lady's feelings. How she did this she was not sure but she did. The lady was troubled. Cassie made a mental note to ask her. The lady stood and went to leave. “I shall not stay for there is work for me to do. I shall come see you both later.” She said.

Cassie looked at Rúmil and Orophin. “I think I will rest for the night. Janiel will you stay?” she asked the elleth. Janiel nodded and Rumil's eyes lit up.

Cassie followed the lady from the room.


tbc