Fated to Love

Chapter Eighteen: Of Battles and Throwing Down Walls
March 29th and 30th : Dol Guldor

Haldir POV

Haldir stood amongst the massive host of Elves looking out as the enemy approached. Lord Celeborn and King Thranduil stood side by side looking onward. They had arrived this morning to find that the enemy was already starting to gather. Haldir looked on, this battle was different than Helm's Deep and any others he had fought in his lifetime. This one was the final battle for Middle Earth.

The sight of the enemy made many of the elves ill especially those from Lorien. In the midst of the enemy stood enormous spiders of all color. Brown, black and some the color of snow with huge beady eyes and thick bodies. They had small tails with stingers. The sight of them made Haldir shudder. All the spiders that were present according to Thranduil were poisonous. He recognized them from the many years they had been living in his realm. His land was full of them. It seemed, he told them, that they could not vanquish them. Haldir listened as Celeborn said “Today, mellon, your land shall be at peace and shall return to its formal glory.”


Before the battle Thranduil had warned all those in commands of different regiments, to be careful around the spiders and also told them how to avoid their stings. Amongst the enemy stood the wild men from the west, Uruk hai, orcs, and even goblins. The goblins had been a surprise, for they were known to stay in dark places. The elves stood at the ready waiting for the battle to begin.

Cassie's POV

Cassie stepped out in to the Hall away behind the Lady. Something was amiss with her and Cassie picked up on this. Never had this happened before to Cassie, she reached for the lady's hand. The lady stopped and looked down at the hand that stopped her. Cassie pulled the hand away from the lady wondering if the lady would punish her. She winced.

“Cassie, I see your fear. I will not punish you for reaching out. It is in your nature to care. Fear not, I am only a person,” she said slightly smiling.

“My lady, I feel as if something is wrong. I know you are wise and knowledgeable, but sometimes even the wisest of people need someone to talk to. You helped me in my darkest reverie to choose best. Can I please help you?” Cassie said in a low pleading voice.

Galadriel looked a little taken aback but smiled warmly. She reached out and embraced Cassie. Very few people had apparently offered to lend an ear, or at least that’s the impression Cassie got.

“Come, I shall show you what lays heavy on my mind. It is not often someone wants to speak to me. Celeborn usually does, but in his absence I have no one.” She said tucking Cassie's arm in hers and walking toward her mirror glade.

Haldir's POV

The battle started with the elves fighting toe to toe with the enemy. The enemy advanced with renewed anger toward the elves. For hours the battle raged on with no stopping in sight. Fighting the spiders proved to be quite a challenge in itself. They moved forward with their tails and legs swinging. Haldir watched as many of the elves were either stung or slung off to the side. Lord Celeborn fought near him as did King Thranduil.

As the enemy swarmed the battlefield, Haldir only stopped for a brief moment to observe the carnage being done. Cries of wounded elves and even the wild men from the west lay on the ground. Hearing the sounds of his fellow kinsmen, brought on a new feeling of hate toward the enemy. This would be the last day of darkness. In his heart, Haldir fought with not only one goal, but two. One to defend his land and people, but the other was to remain alive so he could see his love. His thought of her was his one diversion. In this diversion, an advancing orc caught his arm with a sword.

He screamed out in pain. Looking down at his arm he saw the blood and the fact that his arm was nearly severed. Through the pain, he found a new wave of energy. He fought through one handed, killing and destroying the advancing enemy. He thanked the Valar for the training he had in his early years, one of the techniques he was trained in was the art of fighting one handed. He snarled as the spider came his way. Celeborn came in between Haldir and the horrid beast.

Cassie's POV: At Galadriel's mirror.

Cassie stood with Galadriel in the glade of her mirror.

The lady stood to her left looking into the mirror. Her eyes not leaving the images playing in the waters. Cassie was drawn to see what was happening. She watched as the carnage unfolded before. Images of the spiders made her skin crawl. They were grotesque. Galadriel explained that these spiders were enchanted and filled with venom and hate for the elves. Cassie whimpered as she watched beasts pick up elves like rag dolls, sting and throw them to the side. Cassie looked away for a moment and then returned her gaze.

The next image came was of Celeborn. He was fighting along side an elf that could only have been King Thranduil. They called out orders to the others. Cassie watched as Celeborn looked to his side searching for someone. It was Haldir. An Orc was advancing on him and swung a sword which struck him in the left arm, nearly severing it. Cassie cringed, realizing her dream was playing out. She began to cry seeing him in pain, and looked away. Galadriel reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Cassie looked back into the water. The next image that came was of a large spider coming toward Haldir. She gasped. The lady spoke into the mirror to Celeborn.

Celeborn stopped for a brief moment and leaped out in front of Haldir, blocking the beast from attacking. Celeborn fought as did others to keep the horrid beast from killing the March warden. Haldir bent over in pain, blood pouring from his wounds.

Galadriel's expression turned from worry to pure anger.

“This has gone on long enough.” She spoke in a voice that caused the woods to go into a stunned silence. Birds sitting in the branches suddenly flew away.

Cassie stared at the Lady. She watched as the Lady's face burned with anger. The glade became full of darkness and the air changed. The scene reminded Cassie of the movie when Galadriel resisted the ring that Frodo offered her. The lady spoke in a voice that thundered. Cassie was frightened to see the Lady like this. She moved to the side of the Mirror away from Galadriel and watched the images in the mirror.

Galadriel began to speak. First in the ancient language of her people, but then she spoke to the Valar.

“I call upon the power of Nenya to rid these lands of Evil. Let the foes fall and the peace restored. Valar, hear my pleas, the walls shall fall and this land, given to us by Ilúvatar, shall be restored. Come upon me, my ladies and lords of the Valar, allow this to come to pass. Rid the land of the evils of Sauron. Hear me, Galadriel, your humble servant. Let the walls fall, bring peace and restore. “

With that said, Galadriel stopped and became entranced. Cassie watched the images in the mirror as Galadriel continued to chant the ancient words in her native tongues.

In the mirror, she could see the land began to shake and the ground began to open up. The quake caused not only the elves to fall, but the enemy was being swallowed up. Cassie watched as Haldir fell to the ground holding his injured arm, Celeborn slowly crawled on all fours to get to his March warden. Cassie could not believe the destruction that the lady had called forth upon. Inside, she cheered the lady on. Once the ground stopped shaking, the massive breaks in the ground closed, the dust had settled and the entire enemy was gone. Cassie watched as the remaining elves that could, stood up and began to shout for the victory.

The chanting stopped and the Lady stumbled a little and fell to the ground. Her strength was now gone. Cassie looked at the lady and ran over to her side. The lady looked up at Cassie with tears in her eyes. Cassie felt sorry for her, she looked so weak. Cassie grabbed the lady in that instant and pulled her into an embrace.

“It is finished. My power will now begin to diminish. I will sail soon,” she said with a tear in her eyes.

“My Lady, are you alright?” Cassie asked.

“I shall recover. We must prepare for the wounded. Elrond will be here in a matter of a few days as will the warriors. “ Galadriel said slowly standing up.

“My lady will the King of Mirkwood be with your beloved when he returns? I know that you plan a discussion of the southern lands for Lorien.” Cassie said helping her to stand.

“Yes, he will. I have asked Elrond to bring more healers,” Galadriel said.

“Good, we shall need them. I am not a healer, but I will help.” Cassie said.

Galadriel smiled at her warmly. “Yes. Celeborn will want to meet you upon returning. Haldir I fear will be among the wounded.” she said looking at Cassie. “Thank you penneth for being here for me.”

“Think nothing of it my lady. You helped me, I was glad to be here.” Cassie said smiling. She helped the lady back to the Royal Talan.

Haldir's POV

Haldir lay resting in a healing tent that had been set up not far from the old battlefield. Celeborn entered and spoke to the healers. He came to sit next to his March warden.

Haldir felt his lord's presence and slowly awakened.

“Haldir, you fought well, mellon. Soon we shall return to our beloved Lorien.” He spoke with great emotion.

“Was it a victory?” Haldir asked weakly. He had lost a lot of blood and his energy had been wiped out.

“Yes, thanks to my Lady wife and the grace of the Valar. This day has been won and the Fortress retaken,” The Lord said.

“Where will we go from here my lord?” Haldir asked.

“Tomorrow at first light we shall make our way back to our home. There Thranduil and I will negotiate the dividing of the land and renaming of his realm. Too long it has been a place of evil. Now is shines anew with the green and lush beauty. This day is not likely to be forgotten.” Celeborn said with a smile of relief.

Haldir tried to sit up but found his arm would not move much. It tingled slightly and felt a little numb. He looked down to see if it was still there. Celeborn saw his concern and spoke. “It is still there mellon. They had to sew it completely. Once we reach the city, my wife will mend the inner workings for the nerves have been completely damage. Once she has done this then shall you heal and be able to use your arm again.”

“I cannot see how I can be of use to anyone without it.” Haldir said sadly.

“I have good news,” he started looking at him. Haldir looked up in interest. “It seems you will have a surprise once we return. Your brothers are healing well and wondering how you are plus one other thing. Lord Elrond will be there by the time we arrive.”

“This is good news, but I cannot see Cassie like this. She will be most upset and may not want me with my useless arm.” Haldir said starting to feel sad.

“Haldir, Cassie cares not just for your arms, she cares for you. If she did not, would she have risked saving you at Helms Deep?” Celeborn said looking down at him. “Now mellon you must rest we have quite a journey ahead of us tomorrow.” The lord turned to leave.

“I will my lord. Thank you.” Haldir said. Celeborn nodded and then left the tent.

Haldir settled into a sweet reverie with Cassie laying on his mind.

~~~~~~
Three days after the battle. April 3rd


The city was a hustle and bustle of activity. Tents were being set up to be used for the wounded. Elrond had arrived the evening before and was helping in the preparations for the warriors to arrive. Cassie had done what she could to help. Word had reached them just a few hours before that the caravan of warriors and the wounded would arrive. Celeborn, along with King Thranduil, was with them. Cassie's heart skipped a beat knowing that soon she would see him. She went to his talan and readied for his arrival with Janiel helping her.

Rúmil had come by much to Cassie's and Janiel's surprise and informed them that Haldir had arrived and was placed in the healing room next to Orophin's.

After finishing with her getting ready, the three made their way to the healing halls.

~~~~


Arriving at the healing halls, Cassie and the others found it quite busy. Elrond was going diligently from room to room taking care of patients. Stopping outside the room where Haldir was placed, Cassie knocked on the door with shaking hands.

Celeborn came to the door and opened it.

Cassie stood there staring at him. He was more handsome than she ever remembered being described. He looked down at her with curiosity.

“My lord,” she spoke while taking a bow before him, “I am Cassie. How is Haldir?”

Celeborn's brow shot up and he glanced back into the room and then stepped out into the hall. “Cassie, huh? Well it is finally an honor to meet the one that has captured my March warden’s heart,” he said smiling.

“It is finally an honor to meet you as well.” Cassie said smiling up at him.

“My wife has told me of you. I thank you for being there for her when she needed you. I am indebted to you,” he said placing a hand on her shoulder.

“It was a great honor to be there for her. Please, my lord, how is he?” she asked sweetly. Her nerves were frayed with wondered.

“He is fine, but I shall say a little worried about you seeing him in his current state of condition. My wife is taking care of the internal damage now, I will see if he is willing for you to go in,” he said smiling at her. She looked up at him. Suddenly all manner of reserve left her and she rushed into his arms giving him a hug.

Celeborn was stunned but quickly folded his arms around her. He was touched by her affectionate behavior. He pulled away and she looked up at him. “Tell him please let me,” she said quietly. He smiled and nodded. He left her there and entered the room.

~~~~~~~~

Cassie waited patiently outside the room with Rúmil and Janiel.

She heard something crash on the other side of the door and her head shot to the door. She stood up. Rúmil grabbed her hand.

“Mellon, he is wounded badly. Do not expect him to allow you entrance while in this state,” Rúmil said shaking his head.

“Why would he not allow me? I have seen him wounded before.” she said.

“The wound he received at Helms Deep was nothing compared to this one. You saw it in the mirror, there is much damage. There is a possibility that the lady may not be able to fully heal him. His pride is what makes him like this. Worry not, he cannot stay away from you,” he assured her.

Another crash sounded and then a stern “No, she cannot see me like this” was heard. Cassie began to tear up hearing him. He was so angry. It ripped her heart out hearing him refuse. Cassie sat on the bench in stunned silence. Tears fell silently.

The door to the room opened and Lord Celeborn appeared out into the hallway. He shut the door and then looked at it for a brief moment. He turned around with sad eyes. Cassie stood there feeling helpless. “I am sorry little one, I tried. He told me he wanted to see you, but not now,” he said his eyes showing distress.

Cassie breathed in a long sigh and let her shoulders fall in defeat. Celeborn feeling her upset, came over to her and placed a reassuring arm around her shoulder.

“I see,” she said sadly. “Thank you for trying.”

He tilted her head up. “Haldir is arrogant, aloof, and stubborn. This is how he is, his pride is all he is protecting. Go and rest little one, he will be along soon. His blood is slowly restoring and he will be sent to his talan soon. Go and wait.” He said. His smile was warm.

The Lord left the halls and went into Orophin's room. Rúmil and Janiel stood to leave.

“Cassie, would you like for us to see you back to your talan?” Rúmil asked.

“No, you two go on. I can find it. If you hear anything…” she stopped in mid thought, “Never mind. It is not like he will want me tonight.” She put on a fake smiled and left the Healing hall. Janiel looked at Rúmil and nodded her head in shame.

~~~~~~~

Cassie leisurely walked through the city on her way to Haldir's talan. She was worried for him and his injuries. Walking some ways she found herself at the door of the talan. She made her way into his chamber and began to put away his things. One of his wardens had apparently brought up his armor. Cassie looked at it and saw the place where the sword had sliced through the arm. Tears came upon seeing it. She could still see the blood on it. His sword and bow lay on the bed. She thought on how to help him.

Haldir, she knew, was adamant on his weapons being well cared for. So she gathered up the quiver, bow and sword and took them into the dining area. She looked around to find something that looked like a cleaning kit of some kind and found nothing. Going back into his bedchamber she searched the pack she had just emptied and found a small box. She opened it and found some cleaning solution and some cleaning cloths. This was it. She grabbed it up and then grabbed another lantern and took them to the dining area. She lit the lantern and sat down.

She spent a great deal of time going through the quiver finding the arrows still a little filthy. She cleaned each one with great care. She even found a sharpening stone and ran it across the tips until they were sharp as knives. She checked the fletching and found all were still intact. She looked at the bow and checked it for any blemishes or frays in the string. She found some and found an extra bowstring in the box. She removed the old string and proceeded to place it back onto the bow. It was harder to do than she thought but after several tries she got it done. She saw on the wall next to the talan door a set of pegs and placed the bow on them and then the quiver. This must be where he kept them. It had to be. They looked like they belong there.

Not knowing what to do, she just stared at it. A knock at the door sounded. She called out “Enter!”

In came Lord Glorfindel and Arwen with him. She looked at them then to the sword. She picked it up and held it to her, the tears fell quietly at first, then into sobs. Arwen's heart broke and tears began to fall. Glorfindel came over to the table and set down.

“Little one, what are you doing?” he asked reaching out to touch her shoulder.

She could not speak at first then stammered, “Haldir...his wea- weapons. I am trying to clean them. I took care of his bow the best I could but I don't know how to do his sword. Please help- help me. He would not want them to be left unattended.” She cried. Arwen reached out and pulled her into an embrace.

Glorfindel stroked her hair and said, “I will help you. Let me see the bow first.” Cassie pointed to where she had hung it. After quick inspection he said chipper like, “Well you did a fine job. Now shall I do the sword or will you?” he asked.


“I want to. Will you show me?” Cassie asked wiping her tears away. “How did you two know where I was?”

“Rúmil and Janiel told us. So we came. We heard that he refused to see you.” Arwen said helping to lay out the cleaning supplies.

“I understand, but it hurts. He was there for me, but he will not allow me to help him,” she said composing herself. Both looked at her knowing her pain.

“We will not keep you little one, but I will tell you what to do with the sword and we shall go then. Alright?” Glorfindel said.

“His armor needs worked on. It has some damage to it. How can I get that fixed for him?” she asked looking at Arwen.

“Glorfindel will retrieve it before we leave and will take it to the smithy to have it fixed.” Arwen said looking at the Golden Lord who nodded.

He gave instruction. They laughed as she started to clean up the sword. But soon she told them she was tired and they left. Glorfindel retrieved the armor and carried it out the door. Arwen laid the cloak on the table with a sewing kit. Cassie, she knew, would want to try and mend it. She bade Arwen goodnight and watched her leave. She returned to the table to clean the sword and the long knives.

After they were done she looked at the cloak and assessed on how to fix it. Now this is what she knew how to do. She felt tired but kept on with the need to feel helpful. She sewed the many tears that had been ripped into the materials each one making her cry knowing that he could have died. She did not know how long she had been at it. The last thing she felt was her eyes growing heavy. Soon nothing.


tbc