A/N: I know i never do this at the start of a fic but today i wanted to dedicate this chapter to djinnia who's review made me laugh as i wrote my fic while having a rough day. Thank you for the reviews and i hope you enjoy this chapter!
The ride through the trees of Fangorn was made in utter silence. The only sounds, other than the faint clop of the horses' hooves upon the occasional stone or rock, was the shifting of wood and leaves. Looking out over the faces of the company, Aragorn felt a tightness take his heart. He could see Legolas and Gimli from where he was near the front of the column.
The blonde elf had not spoken more than he had to since they had seen Haldir off with Cassandra's fallen body. He could still remember the blonde's face when he had returned from the battle to find Haldir and his men frantically tending to the girl. The look of horror that had spread over his face as he had returned, laughing and joking. the dwarf grumbling about some stunt the prince had pulled only to see the scene before him had been heart breaking.
Aragorn thought back to his own attempts to save the raven haired girl. She had suffered a vicious blow from her shoulder to her right side that bled quite heavily. The son of Arathorn had done what he could to clean the wound of the poisons that had been present upon the Uruk Hay's blades and sealed the wound with skills he had learned under the tutelage of Elrond. However even as he bent over the strong willed female Aragorn had heard her sigh in exhaustion. The body going bone still upon the bloody floor.
The feeling of her slipping away had torn the ranger's heart and he had sat back upon his heels for a long while. Holding her pale hand within his own, as if he could return the life that had slipped from her with that hold alone.
The grief that had run through their company since then had been like a heavy cloak of pain that was unending. Gandalf and Legolas had spoken long after the news that Cassandra, the mysterious girl that had fought as valiantly as any elf Aragorn had ever know, had passed from her wounds. The two finally coming to the decision that the black haired girl belonged no where but Imaldris. To this there had been no complaints.
That had been two days passed now. The company finally taking up the journey to Isengard to ascertain the fate of Saruman. To this Aragorn had left Gandalf to lead. He was grateful in this moment that the aged wizard had returned to them once more. He felt the strain upon him lessen as he had but to follow. The burden of leading weighing heavily upon his heart as he mourned the two who had followed him to their deaths.
Drawing himself from his thoughts Aragorn hardened the walls he had placed upon his heart. The latest grief's threatening to tear him asunder. The pain of his fallen comrades coupled with the loss of his true heart's keeper Arwen would leave him without the strength to act. So he solidified his defenses and focussed instead upon the task at hand.
Glancing towards the trees. The great forest's overwhelming presence and pressure acting to press upon them. This did not however Slow their progress. The trees not seeming to strike out upon them as they had done earlier to the orcs that had sought to flee from the battle within these powerful trees. There was no signs of the fate that had befallen those who had fled the battle at helms deep, only the sense of death about them.
Hearing Gandalf's voice softly speak his name Aragorn turned to face the white haired wizard. The aged man watching his face with kind understanding as he rode smoothly upon Shadowfax. The feeling that the other could see into his very heart came over the ranger then as he watched the other calmly. He could not shake the sense that he wanted to say something but had refrained himself from it.
"We will be arriving shortly. Do not allow the words of the Saruman to take a hold of your hearts. He would enchant you should he have but the chance" Gandalf spoke, his eyes locked upon Aragorn while his voice increased in it's volume to speak to all in their company.
Aragorn vaguely heard Gimli swear something in Dwarvish. The stout male having done his best to bring them some semblance of normalcy even despite his own grief. For that Aragorn could only thank the dwarf. For he had been the only one whom Legolas had allowed to console him in the last two days.
Looking forward as the trees parted to give way to the crumbled and destroyed gates of Isengard. Aragorn allowed his eyes to skim over the shattered structure before him. Wondering momentarily upon the strengths that could bring down such a wall. His attention was drawn then from his thoughts to the sounds of laughter as he glanced towards the entrance of the once impenetrable wall.
What he saw then was heartening to say the least. Seated upon a rock near the entrance was two familiar faces. The curly haired forms of Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took were splayed upon the warm rock, thick puffs of smoke wafting merrily from the two. It was a sight for a grief stricken heart, and glancing to the others in his company he could see that the image of them brought a similar feeling to the hearts of Legolas and Gimli.
"A merry chase you have led us upon and here we find you Smoking and basking in the sun?" Gimli grumbled half heartedly as he met the gaze of the halflings.
It was Merry who leapt from his lounging position to stand upon the stone. Leaning towards them the elder of the two beamed a welcoming grin to those that faced him. His arms opened wide in a gesture of welcome.
"We were tasked by Treebeard to bid thee welcome. To Isengard, of which he has recently placed under new management" Merry cried happily. Clearly his joy at seeing them was vast as he then leapt from his perch upon the rock to run to Aragorn's mount smiling upon the ranger.
The smile that beamed up at the ranger, Aragorn could not help himself as he felt a weak smile of his own slip across his face as he let himself slip from his horse to gather the Halfling into his arms. Lifting him into a strong hug he did not let the other go until he was yelping for air and then turned to give Pippin the same treatment, much to the younger hobbits laughing squeals.
"You are definitely a sight for sore eyes" The voice was softly spoken and barely recognizable as Legolas'. The blonde watching them with a faint flicker of happiness within his otherwise pain dimmed gaze.
"Well met master elf." Merry laughed as he gazed up at the other two of the fellowship before glancing around his face growing sober and calm in that moment. "Where is Cassy?"
The question, though so innocently asked opened still too fresh wounds within the hearts of those around them and Legolas withdrew once more into himself his head turning away. It was Gimli who was able to bring himself to answer the hobbit.
"She fell" Gimli stated simply as he looked upon the horror filled eyes of the younger male.
"However that is not why we have come. We must speak with Saruman. must find out what he knows" Gandalf spoke calmly. Bidding those with him to remember their task at hand.
The company continued forward in silence as Pippin pointed out the way towards where the others could find Treebeard. Aragorn allowing Pippin to ride with him while Merry rode with Gandalf. The heavy air had once again fallen upon the company.
Seeing Treebeard for the first time brought a thrill of awe to the son of Gondor as he looked upon the Ent. Listening in silence as Gandalf and Treebeard spoke together Aragorn watched closely. Knowing that the words of the two could be of use in the future.
The company fell silent as the voice of Saruman came upon them like a strike of thunder. The wizard appearing upon the highest tower of peak of his towers looking down upon them. Rage ran through Aragorn in that moment. The memories of those slain by this man's creations bringing a desire to see him fall before his sword. He managed a slim control upon his anger as he looked upon the wizard as he heard his words and allowed for Gandalf to handle speaking with him.
From the corner of his eyes Aragorn could see Legolas reach for his bow. Most likely fuelled but the same anger and rage that had whispered to him the blonde further goaded by Gimli's angry words to shoot him and be done with Saruman once and for all. It was the reminder from Gandalf that they needed the information that Saruman possessed that spared the wizard from tasting Legolas' arrow. Though the look of anger was still upon the blonde's face.
Aragorn sat in silence allowing the two wizards their time to speak. Holding onto the anger within him tightly as Saruman's words turned upon him. His mocking tones of who he was thrown at Gandalf like a lash. Aragorn felt a stab of pain within his heart as he heard the other. He had no intentions of taking the thrown. For he felt the words the wizard spoke all too true. He was as weak as his forbearers.
The explosion of fire that struck Gandalf brought a nickering from the horses of those in their company as several, his included, instinctively backed away from the heat of the inferno. Covering his eyes against the light of it Aragorn was relieved when Gandalf appeared moments later from within the inferno completely untouched.
"Saruman. Your staff is broken" The words were soft, but the power behind them and the meaning was not lost upon the ranger. Watching as Saruman's staff did in fact shatter he looked upon Gandalf in a new light. He truly had ascended into powers far greater than the other's.
The appearance of Worm tail behind the shamed wizard was a moment of hesitation for of all within their company. This man had betrayed the kingdom of Rohan to Saruman. Even as it was though Theodan called out to the other. Imploring that he return to them. That he would be forgiven. Aragorn hadn't seen what was coming until it was too late calling for Legolas to stop him even as Wormtail buried his knife into the wizard's unguarded back several times before the blonde could fire his bow.
The moment that followed was met with silence. Pain from Theodan as he watched his once beloved advisor fall under the arrow of the elf among them. Even as Saruman, who they had hoped to drag information from fell from the tower. The man becoming impaled upon a spike on the spiked wheel that had ironically been used for his war machines previously.
The silence did not lift until the other's body had been completely submerged within the water. Only then did the Ent, Treebeard speak a small phrase. Aragorn let loose the breath he had not realized he had been restraining with in his chest. He did however notice as Pippin slipped himself from behind him and wadded through the waters towards something.
The feeling of dread that took Aragorn's heart upon spotting the Palantir there within the Halfling's hands was terrible. He could not bring himself to truly look upon the seeing stone as his lessons had taught him the be weary of those that remained in the world. Aragorn almost felt relief slip through him as he heard Gandalf call the hobbit to him and took the Palanteer from Pippin.
"Alas there is naught much we can do now as we are. We must return to Rohan and regroup. Take council and decide upon our next course of action" Gandalf stated calmly. His eyes looking up on the faces of those with him as Aragorn and the remaining of the fellowship nodded their agreement.
"You wish to be there" The voice drew Cassandra's eyes from the visions before her. She had sat in total silence with the strange elf that now sat beside her. That was until she had felt her heart screaming for those she cared for. In those moments the empty plains of the world around her had changed and allowed for Cassandra to see her companions' fates in that moment. She had been watching them from the moment they had began their trip towards Isengard.
She could see their pain and she wanted desperately to sooth them. Even as she herself mourned her own passing. The pain of knowing that she had died was like an open wound upon her soul. She wanted to shake off that pain, her instinct to push away her own suffering for those that she cared for arising.
However with no one to speak with. No one to console or ease she was left then with naught but her own pain to heal. Leaving her curled up upon the roots of the great willow. Her mind torn between what she saw and what she was feeling inside.
The words of the black haired elf though brought a semblance of normalcy to the raven haired girl as Cassandra could think about something other than her fate and the pain that it had created. She did in fact wish she could be with the others. Turning she moved to face the elf with calm eyes.
"Of course i do. They are my friends and i would do anything to ease their suffering." Cassandra breathed her strength slowly returning to her aching soul.
The eyes that met her own she drew still as she watched the elf before her. She could sense the understanding from within that female. She knew that she understood her pain and desire to save her friends. She could feel the other's wish to do the same.
"I understand your desires. But you have wandered from your path too often now. The events of man are not for you to change" The black haired elf explained gently. Her eyes soft with understanding and kindness but alight with a fierceness that burned within.
"My path? How is trying to protect those i care about wandering from my path?" Cassandra allowed herself to snap at the other female. The smirk that twisted her lips brought a flush to Cassandra's cheeks.
"Ah but it was not just protection. You wished to change their fates. You wished to still death from taking them. The wizard you did not stop, for you knew that the path was as it should be. However the grief almost took your heart.
"The human you wished to save, you failed and yet your body was greatly wounded. The danger of death followed you for days to come. This third time when you sought to change the paths you could not escape the grip of death."
Cassandra's eyes burned with anger as she rose herself to glare upon the black haired elf. The knowledge the other was demonstrating of her doings unnerved Cassandra. Even as the accusation that her "wasted time" of trying to save them angered her greatly.
"I would do it again in a heart beat" Cassandra hissed at the other, her tone taking on a venomous tinge.
Her eyes burning into the eyes of the other. The gentle chuckling of the female brought a gentle silence from Cassandra as she turned her back to the elf beside her. Cassandra let her mind cast itself once more towards those she cared for. Wanting to know how they faired. She watched in surprise as the world changed once more. This time however they were no longer within Isengard. But instead the halls of Edoras...
The halls of Edoras were filled with the peoples of the city. All come to mourn and celebrate the fallen of Helms deep. The smell of men and sweat and mead had long since permiated the halls. Leaving Legolas to glance about the forms of those around him.
It had been long since Gimli had fallen under the influences of the mead that he had drank. The Dwarf having challenged him to a drinking contest. Legolas adjusted his hold upon the stouter male as he half carried and half dragged the dwarf from the main halls. Allowing his mind to wander as he brought the other with him to the halls in which they had been given for their resting.
Legolas sighed once his task had been completed. Looking upon the sleeping face of his companion. The grief that had gripped his heart in the days passed easing a slight bit as he looked upon his friend. The thought of how only a short few months passed he would never have thought he would think about a dwarf as his friend brought a weak smile to his face.
Taking the moment to draw the dwarf's cloak over him in his mead caused sleep. The snores that burst from the smaller male causing Legolas to shake his head with a weak smile upon the other. Gimli said a silent word of thanks to the dwarf as he turned to step from the main room then.
Allowing himself to wander through the halls of the city of Rohan. His mind far from his mediocre task of finding the way out into the open evening air. For his mind was trapped in the dark paths of grief. Stumbling through the agony that ripped through his being and tore at his Fea. Threatening to envelope his heart this night.
So far Legolas had found ways to keep himself busy. While they were at Helms deep he had busied himself first with preparing Cassandra so that she would be appropriate for her burial. Hunting down as many of her arrows as he had been able to find in the bodies of her fallen enemies. Braiding her hair in the customs of the warriors of the Mirkwood elves, for in his heart he knew that she was more fiercely loyal than any of his comrades in arms within his home lands. And finally found the best furs that could be spared to lay her upon.
Once she had been taken along on the the way to her burial Legolas had turned his attentions to helping the humans burry their dead. Working hard to dig and move the bodies of those that needed proper burial. The blonde prince had worked hard until his body ached and his fingers were numb. This having helped to numb his mind as he has pushed himself beyond his limits.
However since they had travelled from Isengard he had found that he had far to much time upon his hands. This leaving his mind to wander down these dark corridors. The paths that led his heart to pain and suffering. Legolas wished upon wish that Cassandra was here. She had been the one he turned to during the quest. She had always seemed to know when he suffered and what he needed to ease the pain.
From that moment within Lothlorien when she had simply held onto him. Allowing him to take comfort in her silent strength. To her providing him the an outlet for his rage and anger when he had thought that Aragorn had fallen. From the first moments of the quest he had noticed a trait that seemed ingrained within the raven haired girl.
She was the sort of person that pushed herself and her own needs away for the good of those who relied upon her. Many in the fellowship had let themselves lean upon her silent strength. Himself included. He had never wanted to burden the girl however she had known just what to offer to him in his time of need and he h ad found himself relying heavily upon the black haired girl without his even meaning to.
So then who did he turn to? Who did he rely upon now that she was gone? The thought of burdening Aragorn with his pain and grief was beyond the question. There was no way that he would push any more upon the already heavily stressed human. Legolas could see Aragorn struggling each day to keep from buckling beneath the expectations of those around him.
Surprisingly enough Legolas had found comfort in his dealings with Gimli. The dwarf having seemed to take it upon himself to keep an eye on him. The challenge the other had put on him this night Legolas suspected was an attempt to take his mind from these very thoughts. The dwarf had not realized how little the mortal drink called mead effected those of his kin. Legolas had barely felt a faint feeling within his fingers prior to the dwarf's collapse.
Legolas blinked as he realized that the sound that rang within his ears, that soft faint chuckle, had in fact come from him. A faint, almost non-existent smile upon his face. So he could still smile even though she was gone. Legolas sighed tiredly as he stepped outside just as he realized this sad fact. Stepping to out into the cool evening air Legolas realized that the days still passed despite the lack of that smiling, grinning face.
Gazing up into the starlit sky Legolas let his mind wander. both internally, wadding through the darkness of his own thoughts, and outwards. He was not sure how long it was that he stood there. It could have been merely a few minutes or it could very well have been hours before his ears caught the sound of footsteps behind him as he sensed the familiar presence of Aragorn. The ranger appearing near him in a moment.
Even as he stood there side by side with one of his closest friends Legolas felt himself unable to truly draw comfort. He was lost in his thoughts. That was until the presence of a darkness pressed upon his mind. He blinked his eyes wide as he glanced around, his eyes gazing across the horizon for signs of a physical manifestation of the darkness that was growing in his mind. Rushing violently towards them.
" The eye of Sauron is moving." Legolas found himself speaking without knowing quite how he knew. The moments passed as the presence grew worse upon his mind. Until at last the screaming of the dark speech burned his ears and he felt a darkness descend upon the hall of Edoras, completely enveloping the whole of the city.
"He is here" The words burst from him as he ripped himself around to stare upon the ranger. The two of them waiting only moments before he followed after the human as Aragorn ran off towards where the others were.
The sounds reached Legolas' ears as he ran. The sound of a silent screaming of pain and Merry's voice calling for someone to help him. This only spurring him faster as he and Aragorn burst forward into the room. The sight before him felt like that of a fist to his to his chest. His heart constricting at the agony upon the face of Pippin as he writhed upon the floor before him.
In his moment of hesitation Legolas felt more than saw Aragorn jump forward to pull the Palanteer from the hobbit's hands. The darkness that had until that moment been entirely centralized upon the Halfling turning instantly upon the human who now held it. Legolas moved forward to catch his friend as he collapsed to his knees and then to the side. Dropping the orb.
Legolas did not care to see where it went. Only working to feel for any damaged left upon the human from the vile contact that had been forced upon him by the ring of fire. Legolas held onto Aragorn's shoulders to support the ranger as he at last stirred and turned to look upon the fallen form of Pippin.
The entire room was silent as Gandalf managed to get the Palanteer covered and turned instantly to Pippin. The wizard working silently for quite a while before finally the Halfling responded. Legolas felt a stab of pain go through him in sympathy at the Halfling's terror as he jerked back into awareness.
The hall was silent as Gandalf finished his explanation of what exactly Pippin's mishap with the PalantÃr that morning had brought to light. Legolas silently watching the hobbit for any signs of lingering pain or darkness. He had also been keeping a close eye upon Aragorn. Throwing himself entirely into ensuring that the human was a hundred percent fine.
The words that were spoken next almost fell upon deaf ears as Legolas blinked once before glancing between Gandalf and Theodan as the words sunk in. Of course the dark lord would seek to destroy the kingdom who's throne awaited her true king. Glancing to Aragorn Legolas could see the look of concern and worry spreading over the man's face. For all Aragorn's denial of his destiny Legolas knew the ranger well enough to know that he was not the type to allow innocents to come to harm, and that he would find a special attachment to that city.
"Why should we ride to the aid of those who would not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?" The words, spat so venomously from Theodan brought Legolas' head around sharp as his eyes narrowed upon the human. His cold rage bubbling to the surface.
It was through sheer force of will alone that he did not strike out with his words. The thought that this human would so easily forsake all that Aragorn did for his people. That Aragorn had given all of himself and put his life in danger in place of this so called king? Aragorn was twice the man he was and Theodan was heartlessly stepping upon the sacrifices the ranger had given for him.
Legolas found himself feeling a satisfied smirk settle upon his face despite himself as Aragorn for once did not let Theodan's behaviour go without reprimand. Speaking coldly of how he would go to Gondor to warn them. His eyes locked upon the king of Rohan.
Legolas was all too willing to march beside the ranger, all the way to Gondor if he had to. He had decided, seeing Aragorn collapse that morning. That he wanted to protect his friend from the burdens that would soon fall upon his back. For Legolas knew, just as he always had, just as Arwen had. That in a time of great peril and need, Aragorn would not be able to help himself but to take up the station of his birthright.
Cassandra sighed once more as she turned away from the images that swam before her. Tears causing her vision to blurred and she was unable to see anymore what was unfolding before her. Wrapping her arms around her knees more she stayed that way for a long while. Refusing to allow herself to crumble. She could not give way. There was still much she needed to do. She just needed to understand why she was here in this place.
Turning to the black haired elf who had sat watching her in silence since their last brief conversation she met the other's eyes. The startling blues of her eyes softening as their eyes locked for that brief moment. Watching her all the more as the elf watched her they sat in silence until at last Cassandra conceded and pulled her eyes from the others.
"I relent."Cassandra breathed softly as she stretched her legs before and looked out into the white empty space that had once again settled around them. The overwhelming emptiness causing a sense of panic to spread through Cassandra's chest. She was not sure how longs he had sat here within this place now.
However she did draw comfort and strength from the tree that she leaned back against. Her mind slowly moving through her own memories. The three times before now that she had been welcomed so fully but one of the great mother trees.
The first had been like this time. She had felt complete and relaxed. Like coming home. Cassandra had associated the feeling with her willow, who she had always felt comfortable within. The next two times had been similar. The touch of a strong mind who reached deep into her heart to touch the part of herself that yearned for that sensation. They however had felt foreign. Similar and welcoming, but more like coming to a close friend's home rather than her own.
Each time she had touch one of the damaged mother trees she had felt the same presence and heard distinct voices, and each time. Once she had completed her mission to ease their pain the image of an elf who's voice was that of the one within her mind had come to her. Now she sat here, with an elf before her. Who's voice, the more she listened to it, She had to admit was that of her beloved willow.
"You are the one who spoke to me. The one who called out to me through the willow" She murmured softly. Expressing her understanding as she turned again to the other.
"Yes...i had not expected you to pick up on that so quickly. I am the voice of the willow. For i am born from her heart, from her consciousness." The black haired elf explained slowly.
The words began to slowly sink into Cassandra's mind. She could understand this in small doses. Turning away from the other she hesitated momentarily as she looked upon the face of the other. It was she, as part of her tree that had called to her in her world. This elf had been a part of her tree and had pulled her from her home to bring her here.
"Why did you bring me here? If the path I've chosen so far is wrong then what am i here for?" Cassandra felt the anger in her slipping away as she just sat where she was. Awaiting her answers.
The response was slow in coming as the elf stood from where she had sat in silence through out her thought process. Looking towards the willow then Cassandra could see a look of sadness that spread over the elf's face. She watched as the black haired elf reached forward to place her hand upon the willow's bark.
"The mother trees are being harmed. You've met two of those who were damaged already. Spoken with them and eased their pain." These were not questions. The other obviously knew what she was talking about.
"Yes. The oak in Lothlorien and the Maple of Fangorn. Each had had something carved into their bark." Cassandra admitted her pain at the memories manifesting itself in a flinch.
This drew a nod from the black haired elf as she turned to face Cassandra now. Looking fully upon her face. Her eyes locking with Cassandra's and the looking of understanding within them. there was something about the other that made Cassandra feel like she knew. that she understood the pain she had felt in those two she had met.
"There are six great mother trees in this world. They are in charge of drawing in life into themselves and cycling that life energy into the flow of the forests. It is because of the great mothers that the forests have thrived for so long.
"Unfortunately three of the six mother trees have been harmed. Their soul crystals ripped from within them." The black haired elf explained slowly. The words each ringing within Cassandra's mind as she took all of it in and felt understanding slowly dawning upon her. Cassandra glancing to the ring upon her finger.
"The wound in their bark is as though something had been carved from deep within their trunks." She breathed before tilting her head, "What are these soul crystals?"
"The soul crystal is what they were named, however it is a natural mineral that developed within each of the mother trees. it his this that allows them to draw energy into themselves and funnel the powers elsewhere. In past days the mother trees have been known to willingly expel their soul crystals. However this damages the mother tree and leaves it weakened, no more than a normal tree in hundreds."
The meaning of her words made the pit of Cassandra's stomach drop out. The crystal, when removed from the trees caused them such damage. The words she had spoken causing her to frown. The elf had said that three of the mother trees had had this mineral stolen. cut from them.
"What would happen if they were all removed?" Somehow Cassandra felt she knew what was coming before the other had even answered her question.
"The withering wood come." The elf explained softly. The words ringing in Cassandra's ears as she had heard it so often now that it was not unexpected. The idea of the trees of middle earth withering and dying was like a stab to her heart.
"But how can i stop it? I do not know who is doing it? I did not even know that three of them had been harmed. I stumbled upon the two that were out of pure accident." The words burned in her mouth and left Cassandra to think more closely upon what she had said. By accident. But that was not quite true now was it?
She had not accidentally found the Oak of Lothlorien. A voice had called out to her. The pain of the mother tree feeling like a wound within her own soul. The same had been for the Maple. She had sense the pain of the great mothers and heard their voices call out to her. No one else. It had been her name they called.
"You feel his pain because you are connected. You are not like normal mortals, yet you are not quite elfkin. A soul torn between both. You cannot stay divided. You must choose, will you be man kin or elf kind?"
The words came to her mind then as she sat in utter silence. The words the lady of Lothlorien had spoken once, seemingly so long ago now, echoing within her mind. Connected. Connected to the mother trees. Glancing up to the elf before her she studied her face once more.
"What do you expect from me? I can do no more because i am dead" The words were bitter in her mouth and she felt a wave of grief strike her.
She moved as though to say more, however a voice came to her from out of the emptiness of this place. The voices of two familiar faces that were slowly coming into view as once again the events of the world came to her.
"Haldir of Lothlorien. Greetings" The voice drew Haldir's attention up from where he was focussed upon the paths ahead of him.
He had long since set out from Lothlorien. Taking the long trail towards Rivendell to deliver the precious cargo of the cart that he sat upon. The horse that they had given him to pull the cart had not once slowed nor shown signs of growing weary. Simply continuing the journey.
Glancing around he spotted the two forms of the riders his men had told him were coming. The exhaustion and grief twisting within his heart like a dagger as he saw the merry faces of the two. The sons of Elrond had come upon them on their journey, most likely on their way from their father's kingdom on an errand or intending to join the Dunadain of the north.
"Well met sons of Elrond. Greetings and fair wishes." Haldir spoke softly. Knowing that the news that he had would bring great despair to the household of Elrond. For he had known the gifts that Cassandra carried were given from the sons themselves.
The looks upon the two as they shared a glance between themselves and then glanced towards him was one of concern and understanding. Clearly they could read the pain and grief upon his heart. Haldir had not the energies to push down the pain that most likely marred his face. He had fought his grief for the long days of his journey. The guilt of being the reason for the lady's death gnawing upon him like a warg devouring the bones of it's victims.
"My friend, you suffer so. Perhaps council would be accepted? Come. Sit with us a while and we can guide you on your journey in the morning. The path you take will lead you to our father's domain. We will accompany you upon your journey." It was Elladan that spoke. Dismounting and waving for elder to do the same.
For which Haldir did in silence. he allowed the young sons of Elrond and his men take care of setting their camp as he stopped to check the canvas that they had tied upon the top of the cart to protect the precious contents from the rain that had passed over the north these passed few days.
This task completed Haldir turned to make his way towards where the twins had seated themselves. Accepting the flask of water from the two he drank deeply and then turned his eyes to the fire. Staring into the flickering mass in silence.
"Alright, enough of this my friend . We had heard that the elves of Lothlorien marched to Helms deep to aid the humans in their battle. Has the losses of your warriors struck you so deeply?" The voice came from Elrohir as the younger of the two sat staring at his face in clear concern.
"The battle was won. But not for those of us who cared for one person. The humans are well on their way to returning to their homes and rebuilding their lives. But there is a great emptiness now with in the hearts of the fellowship and myself." The words left him before he could really control himself. The grief and his need to speak about the black haired female who had fallen to protect him overcoming his usual calm demeanour.
The look of horror struck the the two as they sat up more straight their eyes flying to one another and then to look upon him once more. He could see the gears of their mind working. Trying to figure out what that could mean.
"Who fell?" The whispered word burst from Elladan as he caught Haldir's arm. " Please. not Estle."
The shiver of the other's hope and desperation ran through Haldir. Of course the others would worry for their adopted brother. The human having always been one to put himself into danger. Always been one to risk his life for others. For a moment Haldir could only shake his head. The relief that spread over their faces only making the pain twist yet again.
"Then who? Not Legolas?" Elrohir breathed. His breath rushing from him as yet again Haldir shook his head.
The ease in the twins was short lived however. They took a moment to be grateful that the two were well. Until their minds worked quickly to those that were left of the fellowship. Their eyes going wide as they stared at one another for a short moment before turning their eyes upon him. The look of utter horror and pain that he could see within their faces bringing his own pain to the surface.
Elladan let out a cry of pain as no words were needed for the two to understand. They knew from the reaction they had gotten from him just who had fallen. Elrohir was staring at him seemingly unable to comprehend this. The younger of the twins shaking his head faintly.
"How. How did she die?" The question opened a hole in his chest and before Haldir knew it he had told the two pretty much the entire thing from start to finish. How after she had fallen into him he had gathered her into his arms and leapt from the battlements to wade through the water carrying her with him into the keep. He had stayed within the keep while Aragorn had re-joined the battle. Him and his men trying to stop the bleeding.
How Aragorn had returned after the battle to do his best to save her and how they had been unable. Finishing with the decision to burry the black haired girl within Rivendell and his volunteering to take her there himself. The look upon the two's faces when he finished was a mix of heart broken and anger. The rage at her death and the grief that gripped their hearts warring.
"Can. we see her?" Elladan asked glancing towards the cart. his grief clear upon his face.
Haldir found himself nodding as he stood up and led them to the cart. untying the canvas he flipped it from over the cart and looked away from the form that lay as still as ever before them. Cassandra, for the most part was as she had always been. some bruising from the battle was visible upon her face but mostly part she was fine. Dressed up in a pair of clean leggings and a silver tunic that Legolas had given her to wear. Her hair brushed and braided.
Haldir left the two then to grieve over the fallen female. Having already spoken his words of parting to the girl.
"I never wanted you to be in harms way. You , should never have gone on the quest"Elladan's voice lingered as the image of his and Elrohir's face remained before her for a moment. The two crying softly as they spoke to her.
"If you were to go back you would still put your life at risk for them wouldn't you" The voice of the elf cut into Cassandra's thoughts.
"Of course. I love them all." Cassandra sighed gently. Her eyes filled with tears at seeing the latest proof of her friends' grief. She had caused them so much agony.
The smile that spread over the other's face was startling a t first. But then eased Cassandra as she sighed faintly. the knowing look upon the other's face reassured her. Despite her words she could tell this elf knew where her heart was coming from.
Rising to stand before her the elf rested her hand upon the great willow's trunk. A silver light spreading out first from a ring upon her hand and then seeping into the trunk of the tree and spreading through out the tree. When at last she pulled her hand back however she was grasping the sheath of a silver sword. A jewel of silver inlaid within the center of the hilt.
Cassandra jumped to her feet with a cry as she saw this. The feelings from the willow being faint pain and sudden tiredness. Weakness spreading through out the tree and her voice growing silent. Running to press her hands to the trunk of the willow she turned upon the elf with wide eyes.
"What did you do...i cannot hear her any more." Cassandra snapped only to grow silent as the image of the other wavered faintly. Becoming temporarily transparent in this place before returning to full solidity.
"I have requested that she gift to you the soul crystal within her. It was this that allowed her to call me back to this place through you" The words rang in her ears as the realization dawned within Cassandra. the words spoken to her from the other trees, the familiarity of the other's appearance that had screamed to her through out this conversation. The fact that she too wore a ring of the same making upon her middle finger. These all bringing the truth to light.
"I am you."
The gentle smile that spread over the other's face as she spoke these words was all the confirmation that she needed. Cassandra staring i nto the face of the elf as Galadriel's words finally made sense.
"The mother trees needed a champion and it was you who was able to hear the voices of your tree. I am not sure if it is because you are still of the young age allowing you to hear the voices of the trees. Or perhaps it is because you have been drawn to her in your age. But through her I could, as part of her consciousness summon you here."
The explanation was slow in sinking into Cassandra as she watched the other's face. Finally she glanced to the sword the other held tightly within her hand.
"This will allow me to go back to them?" The understanding of the others words had left that one clear as day. The other. Her other self. Had used this to bring her to Middle earth to begin with. So it would send her back to those she wished to help.
The nod that came from the other had her stepping forward without a second thought. Reaching for the sword. Only to frown as it was pulled from her reach as the other her stepped away from her. Meeting her eyes.
"It does come with a cost. And a warning. Should you fall again, you will not awaken here in this place. There will be no chances. You will return to your time. You have lain asleep within your own time and this will become nothing more than a dream to you. The great tree can not bring you back a third time."
The warnings rang clear in her ears and she seemed unsurprised by them. She had spent the first weeks of her time within Middle earth believe this to be but a dream. She had come to realize that this was so much more than just a dream. However the mention of a cost did bring her attention to the forefront.
"And what is the cost?"
The smile that spread over the other's face as she glanced upon the sword within her hand was brilliant. It eased all of the exhaustion Cassandra felt and brought her from her own grief and worry.
"The mother trees must be protected. That was why we were summoned back here. You are me just as i am a part of the willow. You must find out who is harming them, and return to them their crystals if you are able."
" Of course. I would do anything to ease their suffering and bring them back to full health" Cassandra smiled gently as she reached out for the sword that was now being presented to her again. As her fingers curled around the silver blade she felt a thrill of power coursing through her.
Glancing to the black haired elf Cassandra could see that she was smiling as the silver light that seeped from her into the sword and through that she could feel a strength blooming within her. The words spoken not aloud but within her own head.
"The choice still lies before you. However, for now we are needed."
Cassandra felt as if she had been thrown through a tunnel and was now sinking beneath the cold crashing weight of waves. Thrashing faintly through it she tried desperately to draw breath, to open her eyes to see some semblance of light, to make her deaf ears work.
With a gasp she lurched upwards her body jerking up right. Her eyes flying open as the sounds and smells and light all slammed into her at once. Feeling coming to her limp fingers and her stiff limbs. She could feel herself seated upon wood and fur. She could smell the faintest hints of leaves and leather. She could also feel the weight of something upon her lap and the softness of the furs beneath her fingers.
Finally her ears began to make sense of the commotion around her. The voices shouting in surprise, the sounds of shock and confusion and joy. The sounds of the voices closer to her ears drew her attention around to look upon the two closest to her. The faces wavering before her face as her vision was still uncertain and the dim light of the evening causing her some difficulty.
The names of those before her came slowly to her mind as they stopped swimming before her. She could see them and knew that she knew these people but her mind it seemed was still running to catch up to her senses. When finally she could process al that was going on around her she turned to gaze upon Elladan. The elder twin having taken her into his arms and cradling her exhausted and sore body to him. Cassandra could barely register the words he was murmuring to her softly.
"Cassandra. bless the Valar. how is this possible. you were dead. There was no life within you" Cassandra could hear the words before they really registered. Elrohir had her had within is and she could see Haldir over the dark haired elf's shoulder scrambling into the cart.
Cassandra was still feeling the sensation of being detached from what was going on around her even hours since she had awoke within the cart. She could hear the words of the others but she was finding it difficult to truly understand them. To understand that she was actually sitting up eating with the others.
The warmth of the cup in her fingers did however keep her wandering mind more focussed. The heat from it reminding her over and over that this was real. She could feel these things. When she spoke the others heard and reacted to her.
The moments that had followed her abrupt revival had been filled with tear filled hugs and the others rambling and asking questions she did not have the mind to answer. When she had seemed so out of it and unresponsive though it had been Elrohir, ever the healer, that had suggested they get her seated by the fire. He had spent the time since then checking over her.
Cassandra could vaguely remember the younger twin marvelling at the amount her wound had seemingly healed. Haldir swearing that it was not possible. Despite his disbelief Cassandra was grateful when Elrohir had told her that the wound was well on it's way to closing up completely. the worst of it being near her right side where the sword had left a jagged wound. When Elrohir had finished with this he had then insisted upon feeding her until she could eat no more.
Despite all of this she found herself silently marvelling. For all intents and purposes she knew that she had been dead. The others now having begun to claim that she must have merely fallen into a healing coma. Cassandra could not figure out if this was really what they thought or if they had found it easier to believe this than to acknowledge the truth that she had come back from the dead.
That thought once again cycled Cassandra back into her thoughts. The memories of what she had seen and what she had learned playing in her mind once more. Glancing down at the silver sword that she had woken to find across her lap with the other weapons. The silver blade just as magnificent as it had been when she had first looked upon it.
Reaching down to rest her hand upon the sword Cassandra felt a very physical sigh leave her as she felt the familiar presence. It was so like touching the consciousness of her tree, without the actual voice that followed the contact. the feelings it brought up in her though were soothing. Like a salve placed upon a burn to ease the pain. It did help her organize her thoughts though.
Finally she was able to look upon the faces of the three that sat close to her and truly understand what she was seeing. She was here, among three who she had come to care for. Three of her friends. The three elves leaning forward as they noticed her expression had become one of understanding rather than the stunned and dazed one she had worn previously.
"How... far from Helms deep are we?" Cassandra swallowed hard against a lump in her throat. having had to tried twice before being able to continue again. Her voice was gravely and hoarse.
Cassandra turned to glance to Haldir as the other cleared his throat and moved to respond. The blonde's face, though still tight with guilt and pain looked as if a few years had been lifted from him. He met her gaze with an unwavering look as he reached out to touch her hand comfortingly.
"We are at least three weeks from the lands of Rohan. In fact we were to arrive in Rivendell in a few short days" The blonde offered the information with a soothing tone. Clearly doing what he could to keep her from feeling to disoriented.
The news did bring a frown to her face. Three weeks? It had felt like mere hours had passed as she sat in that place of nothingness speaking to the elf that was a part of her and the willow. The knowledge left a pit in her stomach as she thought about what was coming and what she had to do. Would she be able to travel that distance in time to be of any use?
Almost as if reading her thoughts Elladan reached out and touched her uninjured shoulder gently. His kind face smiling reassuringly as he leaned close to her. His eyes were hard set however and that of a warrior. Cassandra could tell that despite the easiness and gentle demeanour of this dark haired elf he had the skills and mind set of a hunter and warrior.
"You have done all that you can my lady. Allow us to escort you to my father's domain. You will be welcomed with open arms, and allowed the time you need to fully recover" The other's words were strong and there was the distinct feel that he had already decided to them.
Despite her desire to do just that. To be allowed to once again lounge in the healing halls of Imaldris, watched over by Eramin and doted upon by the sons of Elrond. Cassandra knew in her heart that she would find no rest therein. She would be unable to pull her mind from the grief stricken companions she would be abandoning to fend for themselves.
Shaking her head Cassandra closed her eyes and finally turned to meet their eyes. Her back straightening as she purposely locked their gaze with her own so that they would know that she meant every word that she spoke.
"I cannot lounge away and be taken care of when there are those i care for in harms way. I must go to Minas Tirith."
A/N: Hi all. Soooo finally i can submit this. I've been trying for the last few hours to log in and can finally add on the latest chapter.
I hope that you have enjoyed my attempts at switching points of views and depending on how it is received I may attempt to use other povs in the future chapters. When writing for Aragorn (played by a Danish actor) I found it fun to listen to Danish Disney songs :D
I was glad to finally let some of the truths about Cassandra's origin in Middle earth out. I hope it came across the way i want it to.
Thanks to the readers:
Thanks to those that added this story to their alerts/faves: LaraTass, Neo Nitro, Iris6951, kitsune light, cullen cult,
Thanks to reviewers:
Shades-Soul: I am so glad that i was able to touch you with my writing and got such an emotional reaction with her death. I will admit that it was a bit emotional to write myself so i love that others feel the same for her. I hope that you enjoyed the different point of views in this chapter. I may try and branch out to Multi pov in future chapters.
Pagan Twylight: I am very happy that you enjoyed the chapter. I totally agree that it should never have happened and never in my stories will i ever write his death in Helm's deep. I can only hope that the reaction to her being removed from the group is a like for the character and if so it makes me super happy :D I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read as the story continues
Lady Minuialwen: Thank you for your comments on chapter nine and ten. I am so glad that you have been enjoying the story so far and i hope that you will keep following the story as the fic continues.
Beatrix: I am so glad that you liked the twist i put on the last chapter. It makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed the fight between Legolas and Cassandra because it was so fun to write :D Thank you I hope that you will continue to enjoy the story as I continue to update the story.
djinnia: First and foremost i have to thank you for your review. You made me laugh while i was putting the finishing touches upon this chapter after a rather hard day of dealing with family emergency. Your review reminded me why i love posting my story here for all of you to enjoy. So thank you for your continued, and awesome reviews.
I also have found that Fanfiction has been acting pretty flaky today. It took me almost three hours to be able to log on again, it having logged me out sometime when i was not looking. I can totally relate to dreading the chapters of Helms deep. I hate Haldir dying so usually unless i get the sense that anything totally plot crucial is going down in that chapter i will read up to the battle and then skim it real fast. Hahaha ya for spoilers in that instance then :D You are very welcome for answering your questions. I actually thoroughly enjoy reading your questions, you seem to have a feel for where i am going and it's refreshing. God yes for men having to give birth to a child before calling women weakkkkk XD that comment made my dayyyy!
Thank you very much for the correction of Eowyn's name, I shall make a note of that for future chapters XD. Hahaha I was considering having her consol them, however i also had an image of the fight in my head for earlier chapters and felt this was the best (and by far the more fun) setting for this little no holding back fight. XD Oh man i was in fact tempted, however i was feeling evil at four in the morning when i wrote that bit and have decided to keep you hanging on a little longer for a kiss *laughs evilly*
Hahaha sorry hadn't really realized it was a cliff hanger until i finished writing it and rereading it. Then figured i would leave it as it was and then jumped head first into writing the next chapter :D A huge thank you for the grammatical correction. I shall definitely take care to remember the too rule in future chapters :D Hahaha write more huh? I am glad that you enjoy my fiction so much. I shall do my best to continue to entice and delight you all as my chapters continue.