Fated to Love

Chapter Six: Sad good byes, The journey begins.
Takes place now around March 7,3019
Three days and four nights after battle.


Cassie slowly walked down the stairs of the keep. Éowyn had to assist her as the draught had started to take affect. The bodies were almost gone after the battle, but the stench of death fell to her nose which made her nauseous. Haldir climbed up the stairs a bit to take Cassie's hand and lead her to the horse. The sun was barely rising over the mountain and there was a slight chill in the early morning of the spring. Stopping at the foot of the stairs, Cassie looked back over the walls with a newer appreciation for the world.

She looked at the company of Rohirrim that was to escort the elves to Imladris. Looking around, she saw that the company of elves both injured and well abled had dwindled greatly after the battle. She made a note of this with great sadness in her heart. As if feeling her pain and sadness, Haldir grabbed her arm in reassurance. Tears began to well up in her at the thought that so many had died the night of the battle. She looked up at Haldir with this sadness, showing openly.

“It is alright, lirimaer. Their deaths are not in vain. They all died honorably,” Haldir said lightly hugging her. She looked around once more.

They were standing exactly on the same spot that she had first seen him in the movie and on the night of her arrival. She looked up at him, a little amused by this. “Haldir, this is where I first saw you.”

“I know, little one, I know. But let us leave this place for it is saddening to the heart,” he said turning her toward the horse. She stopped him.

She turned to Éowyn and smiled sadly. “Thank you again, Lady Éowyn. I say this to you, there will come a moment not long from now, that a woman will prevail to the most extraordinary of tasks. Have courage friend. I will see you again one day.”

Éowyn stood stunned by her words. Cassie rushed to her and hugged her tightly. The shock was still on Éowyn’s face. “I will look forward to seeing you again too, Lady Cassie. Take care of her Captain, for she is a friend to the Rohirrim.”

Haldir nodded in agreement. “Tell King Théoden, I thank him from the bottom of my heart. I fear that his path will never cross mine again. This I say sadly; but all will be victorious in the end. Nothing will be in vain,” she said tearfully.

Éowyn embraced her again with tears in her eyes. Both women parted. Haldir said his goodbyes as Lord Glorfindel helped Cassie onto Haldir's horse. Upon resting on top of the hard muscled beast, Cassie winced in pain. Haldir bowed to the Rohirrim princess and soon mounted upon the horse behind Cassie.
Haldir reached around her to gather the reins of the horse. Cassie felt safe on the horse with his arms wrapped around her. The dizziness returned this time causing her head to spin harder. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back to rest on Haldir's shoulder. “Are you alright, sweetling?” He asked whispering in her ear.

“Yes, but I never been on a horse before and heights affect me some, not to mention the smell of this horrid place. I will be fine.” she assured him. She looked down at Éowyn one last time and waved goodbye to her. Haldir looked at the company behind him. A nod to the Rohirrim guard told them they were ready.

The trip through the gates proved to be even more wretched: pyres of dead orc bodies littered the grounds, the ground marred with the footprints of the enemy, dead horses and bodies of Rohirrim solders lay ready for burial. The elves had chosen spots to bury their dead, as they passed the elvish burial sites. All eyes pointed toward the skies asking for prayers to the Valar for their souls lost. Soon the Elves lifted their voices one last time in lament for their fallen kin. The Rohirrim just sat and listened to the melody of the laments. The sun was now fully over the mountainside and was not casting a light on the aftermath. Cassie looked on with trepidation in her heart for the sights she had just beheld.

The lulling ride of the horse’s strides soon took her into sleep.

Haldir's POV

Riding in close proximity of this young female proved to be difficult. He had noticed her emotion upon leaving the Helm and now she was asleep. He felt in his heart that something was amiss with her earlier in the morning. Her pain bothered him. Then the dizziness kept him worried even more. Lord Glorfindel rode up beside him, as did Elladan. They had been traveling for nearly half a day and were making excellent time. Haldir figured that they should be at the Gap of Rohan by nightfall.

“Haldir, how is she faring?” Glorfindel asked looking concerned for his charge.

“She sleeps, but I feel we will have to stop soon for the night. I sense she is not faring well. She has not stirred in hours, mellon.” Haldir said looking down into her face. Even in her sleep, she looked uncomfortable.

“Haldir, I can take her for a while so you can let your arm rest,” Elladan said looking at the March Warden.

“I will be able to rest when we stop for the night. I promised her I would keep her safe,” he said looking on.

The three rode on in silence until she awoke suddenly.

Cassie’s POV

In her reverie, she saw images played out in her mind which caused her to feel discomfort. Cassie saw the battle began to replay in her mind: the sights, the sounds, and the smell. Everything fogged her mind. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the images of the orc coming at Haldir and the one that attacked her reared their ugly heads. The faces flashed in her mind and startled her. This caused her to jolt from her sleep.

~~~~

Haldir nearly lost control of his horse when Cassie jerked from her sleep. The horse sensed her fear and began to rise on its hind legs. Haldir tried to get the horse under control. Lord Glorfindel came to his aid, grabbing the reins, and began to speak soothing words to the steed. The horse began to calm again as Haldir embraced Cassie tighter.

“Cassie, what happened?” Haldir asked in a panicked voice.

“I am sorry, Haldir. I did not mean to, I swear,” she said frightened. “I am so sorry, forgive me.”

“Shhh, it is all right, little one. I have you, calm down,” Haldir said soothing her. The whole company of elves and men came to a stop. “Keep going on, we will catch up,” Haldir yelled to the Rohirrim guard. He nodded and they continued.

“Little one, what is it?” Lord Glorfindel said worried for her.

“It was just a bad dream is all,” she said clutching Haldir tighter. Elladan rode up beside them to check and soon joined by his brother. “I am fine now, I assure you. I am sorry for causing any trouble,” she said apologetic.

“It is alright. We will soon stop for the night. We have a couple more hours of travel.” Haldir held her tight to him and put the horse on the straight path again. Soon they caught up with the entourage.

~~~~~~

They reached the spot where they met up with Orophin and Rumil. They stopped by a small river that was perfect for watering the horses and taking care of the injured. It was difficult finding a few trees around to help break the wind that blew across the plain. Night would soon completely fall. Elves and men worked together preparing meals and making sure that the injured were comfortable. The elven healers had their work cut out for them tending to each of the wounded. Everyone helped. Haldir even took it upon himself to help. The Rohirrim soldiers took the first of the watches with elves by their side.

The battle of previous days sealed a friendship between everyone. Cassie found that this evening some of her pain had subsided some and began to help the healers with the bandaging of the wounds. Since there was no great effort to it, it proved to be helpful. She made her way through the camp helping with the feeding and bringing of food to the elves. Occasionally, she would strike up a conversation with some who commented on her courage for saving their March Warden. She would just smile at them and bid them good night.

Haldir would steal glances from time to time to see how she fared, noting every twinge she would have come across her beautiful features. He worried for her. This bothered him that she would not stop and rest herself.

Soon Orophin and Rumil made their way to the camp and the company greeted them heartily. They spoke to Haldir and Glorfindel privately on what happened at Isengard. Seeing them made Cassie happy. She did not need to hear what had happened there as she already knew.

Cassie continued to work with the healers. From time to time, the feeling of dizziness and nausea would hit her hard. The healer she was helping kept asking if she was okay. She would simply nod and continue. Soon she could stand it no longer and excused herself to her bedroll. The chill of the spring night went straight to her bones. She sat quietly contemplating on eating something but when putting the food to her mouth she began to feel the urge to wretch everywhere, so she set it aside. Wrapping herself tightly in the blankets, she watched the happenings of the camp. Her side hurt, her stomach sore from no food and the dizziness just would not end. 'What is wrong with me?' she asked herself.

Haldir looked over at her on the bedroll seeing her discomfort. He turned to the healer beside him, the same one that took care of her over the past days, who just finished putting a bandage on the elf in front of him.

“You may need to check one more patient before you take your rest,” Haldir said to him as he pointed to Cassie. The healer looked up.

“Ah, yes, I believe I do. She has worked diligently to help us this night. I fear she may have overexerted herself. I will be there shortly, March Warden,” the healer said.

Haldir walked over to Cassie and sat beside her.

“Cassie, are you alright?” he asked concerned.

“Yes Haldir, just a little tired, why?” she asked looking at him sweetly.

“You seem as though something is wrong. Are you in pain?” he asked her looking at her intently.

“A little but I will be fine,” she said brushing off his concern a little.

Haldir sat and watched her for a moment. The moon shone down on her at that moment and lit up her features. The beauty before him captivated him. He reached over to brush a stray hair from her face. The healer interrupted when he arrived.

“My lady, I need to check your wound, if I may?” he said kindly.

Cassie looked over at Haldir. She was feeling modest about him being there. Haldir stood quickly and looked down at the healer. The healer motioned for Cassie to pull up her tunic so he could take a quick look.

“March Warden, if you be so kind, please get me some pain draught. I feel she needs it,” the healer said dismissing him.

Haldir walked over to get the tea.

~~~~~~

The healer looked closely at the wound. His demeanor changed instantly. The wound began to fester and red streaks were starting to spread over her abdomen. Greatly worried he looked up at her.

“My lady, the infection is getting worse. I will have to apply a salve to it to help stop it spread. I fear if I do not, it will only get worse,” the Healer said reaching into his medical pack for the salve. He opened the jar and the smell caused a wave of nausea to hit her. She held down the urge to vomit.

“Do what you have to, just don't let anyone know,” she said adamantly.

“My lady, if this gets any worse, I will have to tell someone. If I hide this, I would be in trouble for sure. Especially with the March Warden,” the healer said, stating the facts.

“Tell no one until that happens. Blame it on me,” she said.

The healer continued to apply the clean bandages to her. Haldir soon arrived with the tea. Kneeling beside her, Haldir had no idea what the healer and her said. He handed the cup to Cassie, drinking it down as quickly as she could then she made a face of disgust.

“I know it tastes awful but it will help you sleep,” the healer said smiling with understanding.

“Awful is not the word for it. That is an understatement,” she said looking at the healer.

“Now, my lady, you must rest and not move much. You are not fully healed,” the healer ordered her.

Cassie laid back and watched as Haldir removed some of his armor. He soon settled on the bedroll a few feet away from her. Soon her mind settled and she fell fast asleep. However, that did not last.
~~~~~

Later in the night, the camp laid quietly sleeping. All the injured elves were in their healing sleep. Occasionally you would hear the stirring of the horses.

Haldir laid there watching a sleeping Cassie a few feet away. Her sleep seemed peaceful at first. Her face seemed at rest, but then she began to fidget and thrash around. Haldir rose to get closer to her. His heart hated to see this beautiful woman sleeping unfittingly. He lay down close to her and pulled her to him. Much to his surprise, she calmed once again. He placed feather light caresses to her forehead with his good hand and whispered sweet, soothing elvish endearments into her ears. He was surprised when she turned her body to his and grasped his under tunic tightly and then began relaxing. Soon her hand found his loose hair and twirled it around in her fingers. He rubbed her back feeling her relax to his touch.

Haldir looked around to see if anyone saw him lying next to her then looked back down at her face. He traced the outline of her jaw and memorized the softness and the feel under his calloused touch. His heart felt something for this young woman. Having her in his arms felt right and good. Haldir could not explain this feeling welling up inside him. Never had anyone captivated him like this.

Soon his thoughts made him sleep, in restful peace.

~~~~~~~

Halfway through the Journey, Illness takes over

Three days into the journey, they all seemed well, but Cassie soon began to exhibit odd behaviors that were unusual. Though she kept helping the healers, her injuries were getting worse. The dizziness, the nausea, the nightmares ensued, the wound itself began to ache and turn odd colors but the healer did as she asked and revealed it to no one. Nothing he tried seemed to work. Soon the lack of food in her stomach caused her to develop dark circles under the eyes. Haldir knew something was wrong but still she insisted that she was fine. This bothered and pained him greatly. He became more protective of her as the days wore on. Each morning he would find himself holding her tightly. No one seemed to notice that the March Warden was being so protective of her. They all wrote it off as he was protecting the one that had saved him.

They were still four days journey outside of Imladris. Haldir had sent the twins on ahead of him to take word of their soon arrival and for them to make ready for the injured. Orophin and Rumil scouted the areas for impending dangers and the Rohirrim stayed behind to help keep the entourage safe.

On this third night of this journey, a scream came in the night. Haldir jolted from his sleep, as did his brothers and Lord Glorfindel. Cassie was screaming wildly for something to leave her alone. No one could get near her. She was clutching her knives ready to attack any that came near her. Her eyes were wild with hate and this startled everyone that was trying to get her to put down the weapons. The healers bounded from their bedrolls worried what could be wrong with the youngling. They quickly put a plan into place as to how to get the elleth to surrender.

The plan was simple since there was nothing behind her. Orophin and Rumil would go around to the back and Haldir and Glorfindel would attack her from the sides. The plan seemed to be a good one. Cassie would lunge at the elven healers when they tried to get her to calm down. It seemed to all that were there, that this young girl was still asleep and reliving Helms Deep.

The plan worked. Glorfindel came from her left while Haldir came from her right. Orophin and Rumil attacked from behind and threw her to the ground. Haldir was able to disarm her right hand and Glorfindel her left. After the disarming of this young one, Haldir took her in his arms and held her tightly to him. Her sobs of pain and fear rocked his very core. She was hysterical with her sobbing. She tried to pull from him, but Haldir was not having it. As soon as Haldir shook her to wake her, Cassie's eyes began to change and roll back into her head.

Haldir quickly laid her on the ground and held her. She began thrashing wildly. After a few moments, she calmed enough for the healers to aid her. The healer that had taken care of her looked at the March Warden.

“What devilry is this?” Haldir yelled out to those around him. He was worried and grief stricken for her.

“Haldir, there is something I must tell you. You will be angry with me but the lady bid me to say nothing to you. I am sorry for my actions, but my silence cannot be held any longer,” the healer spat.

“What have you not been telling us? Me?” Haldir said scowling at the healer.

“Her wound is infected severely. I have applied every medicine I know and nothing is working. There is something not normal for this infection, something foreign about it. The signs point to something I have not seen the likes of before: her behavior, the inability to eat or hold anything down. The pain is worse and nothing eases it, even her fitful dream and now this. I fear that it is something far more serious. I do not know how much longer she will hold out,” he said looking at the girl, worried filled his eyes.

Haldir looked at him in disbelief. He was not angry with the healer, only that he knew something had been wrong and never fully addressed it. His lady, the one that saved him was ill and possibly could die. This pained him. Haldir looked at the healer. “Help her then, do everything you can,” Haldir said hurriedly and with panic in his voice.

The healers ran all possibilities through their heads. Then the idea came that Haldir did not want to hear.

“There is one way that could possibly help her that I have not tried. It is one that I do not take pleasure in doing because it could cause more infection,” the healer said looking at Haldir then to Glorfindel.

“Well, what is it?” Glorfindel said in a tone that sounded irritated. Orophin and Rumil moved beside their brother. They both sense his worry.

“We must bleed it. Try to get some of the infection out. That is the only thing I have not tried,” the healer said.

“What will happen? Will it help?” Orophin said looking from Haldir to Rumil.

“The infection getting worse is a possibility, as for helping her it could buy us sometime till we get her to Lord Elrond” the healer said with optimism in his voice.

Haldir did not like where this was going. He hated the thoughts of her being put through this. He had promised no harm would befall her again but options were slim. He nodded to Glorfindel who turned to the healer. “Do it,” he said calmly.

Haldir walked to the tree on the other side of the camp with his brothers following him heel to heel. Haldir stood looking up into the night sky praying to the Valar to guide the knife that was going to cut the lady of his heart. The three brothers stood in silence as they heard her began to scream in pain. Haldir winced with every whimper she let out. His heart wanted to stop the madness. His brothers placed comforting hands on his shoulders wishing that it did not have to be this way.

Soon after Lord Glorfindel came to them and told them. “The job is done. All we have to do is wait until morning. The healers said that much of the infection has been relieved. However, she is far from being out of danger. They are cleansing the wound and bandaging it now. Cassie is awake but is in a darken state.”

Haldir ran to Cassie's side. Kneeling slowly, he looked down at her face. Her skin was no longer the healthy color it had been and her face looked of death. This pain struck his heart. “Cassie,” he spoke gently to her, “can you hear me?”

Cassie turned her head toward him. Orophin and Rumil stood by close watching. “Haldir,” she mumbled. “ I am sorry.” Was all she was able to get out before falling into a deep sleep.

The healers seeing that there was nothing there to do for now, decided to go to bed. Haldir looked up at Lord Glorfindel. “I want to be alone with her. I will watch over her,” he said quietly.

“We will help you Haldir,” Orophin spoke. Rumil nodded in agreement. Haldir did not argue. His brought his bedroll near hers so that he could be there while she slept.

After the others settled around them, Haldir gently brought her safe into his arms careful not to hurt her. Softly he whispered into her ears. “Sleep lirimaer, I am with you.” He leaned in and brushed a light kiss to her temple.


~~~

The following morning everyone had slept in a bit. Some of the injured elves were finally moving about the camp. They inquired to Lord Glorfindel of the young maiden's condition. Orophin and Rúmil were readying to help gather Cassie up for her to ride in one of the carts loaned to them from the Rohirrim for the transport of the elves.

Haldir awoke to find Cassie still fast asleep in his arms. Although her color had improved some, she now was burning with fever. Haldir yelled for the healers. After assessing the wound and finding it even more inflamed, the fever had rendered her in a state of sleep. Haldir was saddened and refused to leave her side so he rode with her in the cart holding her tightly to him. They continued for many more days while she slept.


Note: Whew this is a long chapter. Never thought I would get that out. Hope you like