A few days later, I was sparring with the twins in the gardens- our lessons had been discontinued after all, but we still practiced together- when we were graced with a visitor. Lord Glorfindel was our caller, of course. Who else would it be?
"Lord Glorfindel," I greeted. "May I ask as to the occasion of this visit?"
"I bring a message for the twins, my lady," he informed me. I looked back at the two and they moved forward. After holding a whispered conference, the twins bid the lord farewell and agreed to come to their father's study after the evening meal. Lord Glorfindel bowed and moved off, but not before addressing me.
"Lady Caladhiel, I do wish that you would call me Glorfindel. I have no rank over you, and I certainly deserve no more respect than any other Elven lord here." I was a little shocked at his request, but answered with a request of my own.
"Then I must insist that you call me Cala, as my friends do," I stated.
"Very well, then. Until next we meet, Cala." He then moved off, the twins and I staring after him in amazement.
"What was that?" Elladan said in incredulity.
When I returned home late in the evening, I had already eaten- the twins had coerced me into dining in Elrond's halls again- and used the excuse to go to bed early. I was very tired from my eventful day, but I also wanted to reflect a little on the relationships I had formed. Elladan and Elrohir had become good friends, as had Aragorn before he left. Legolas had become a second brother to me, and grandmother and grandfather had become dear to me as well. I was puzzled over one acquaintance I had formed, however. What was Glorfindel to me, or I to Glorfindel? I certainly admired the powerful elf, and he apparently had a great deal of respect for me, but we were not even very close friends. What had spurred his sudden desire for me to call him Glorfindel, and why had I not only agreed, but asked him to call me Cala? I sat on my bed and thought, losing sense of time until a brisk knock came at my door.
I had long since changed into a loose nightdress, and so I now hurried to pull on a housecoat. Pulling the door open a little, I was surprised to see grandfather there. I opened the door a little more and stepped out into the hallway.
"Caladhiel, there is a visitor for you." I paled. I had not had very good experiences with unforeseen visitors in the past. I stepped past Grandfather and hurried to the cottage door. Outside stood a tall elf, hooded and cloaked. Only when I closed the door behind me did he uncover his face.
"Lord Elrond! What brings you here?" I asked politely, a nervous ball of ice forming in the pit of my stomach.
"I have no time for pleasantries. Change into more suitable attire and follow me."
I rushed back into the cottage, my mind racing. I pulled on one of my riding dresses and thought to fetch a cloak before hastening to the stables to fetch Marin. Mounting my mare, I followed the Elven lord to the Last Homely House once more.
When we came upon the House, Lord Elrond ordered me to follow him. We wound through the hallways until we came to a large, wooden door with intricate carvings. Lord Elrond flung open the door and bid me to enter.
When I crossed the threshold, it was to enraged argument. I stood in silence as I watched the elves in the room debate over an issue that had them at each others' throats.
"I will not allow this! We cannot travel to Rohan in utmost haste with a burden to look after!" and elf that I did not recognize shouted.
"It will not be a burden! She knows how to defend herself, my lord," another voice I recognized as Elladan's answered.
"It is too dangerous. Her mother sent her here for protection." I looked to the voice, realizing that it was Glorfindel speaking, his frustrated expression illuminated by low-burning candles scattered about the large room. Lord Elrond strode past me and sat behind a large wooden desk.
"We are not here to protest and argue," Lord Elrond declared. Everyone turned to look at the lord as his statement rang in the now silent room. I made to move into a shadowed corner of the room, feeling confused and just a little out of place. "Do not think you are not needed here, Lady Caladhiel." I stopped mid-pace. "I am sure you wonder why you have been stirred from your repose at such a late hour." I nodded slowly. "We have received very distressing news."
"King Théoden is, at this very moment, leading his people toward Helm's Deep," Glorfindel continued. "On the road to the same keep is a force of Uruk-Hai, ten-thousand strong at the very least." My eyes widened. "The King knows of this and hopes to meet them in battle. He has 300 at his command."
"Haldir of Lothlorien is assembling a militia to aid Rohan in battle. We plan to gather as many guards and warriors as can be spared. All of the elves from Rivendell will travel by the High Pass and into Mirkwood, where we will meet the Lorien and Mirkwood guards. From there, we will travel downriver by the Anduin, skirt the forest of Fangorn, cross the Entwash, and continue to Helm's Deep. Hopefully, we should reach the fortress on the eve of battle." Glorfindel sat down as well, seeming tired from outlining the situation. I looked to Elrohir, who had not yet spoken, as he took a deep breath.
"Elladan and I are of the opinion that you would be an asset in battle, but some of those present disagree," he said, glaring pointedly at Glorfindel, Lord Elrond, and the elf I did not recognize.
"We would like your opinion on the matter, my lady."
I looked at the elf, fire in my eyes. "I would fight. I would defend those who are helpless. Is that a proper answer, my lord?" The elf said nothing.
"Prepare to leave come morning, Lady Caladhiel. Lord Glorfindel, would you please escort the lady home?"
"Yes, my Lord Elrond. Come, Cala."
I followed Glorfindel to the stables. Mounting Marin, I risked glancing at him. However, instead of the angered look that I expected to see on his face, I saw a kind of sad acceptance.
I rose with the dawn the next day and packed quickly. I had no armor, but a few of my simpler riding frocks were made of sturdy leather. I packed tunics and leggings as well, knowing that dresses would not be very practical in battle. Leaving my hair down, I rushed out the door of the cottage just as the birds began to sing.
Marin was already saddled when I reached the stables, and Glorfindel held her reins along with those of his own horse. I took her reins wordlessly and led my horse to the gates of Rivendell, Glorfindel following close behind. Marley met us at the gates, even though she was not expected to return for at least four more days. I was surprised but said nothing; she seemed to be in a foul mood.
We rode hard until we reached Mirkwood, traveling through the night to reach the city in under a week. We stopped for a day to replenish our supplies in the forest kingdom, and then set off again.
Randir had joined the delegation with the Mirkwood guard, but I did not speak to him. Surrounded by Rivendell elves, I could not reach his place in the column. I hoped for a short break in our riding so that I could greet my brother, but we did not stop again. When we reached Lorien, The legion of the land was already mounted on horseback and simply swung out in from of the column, leading us on to Rohan.
We left our horses in the deserted stables of Edoras, sacrificing a few soldiers to take care of them. From there, we marched to Helm's Deep. As night fell, the sound of the Elven horn echoed through the darkness, and the gate was opened for our arrival.
We stopped as we reached the awaiting King Théoden. He and March Warden Haldir of Lorien exchanged words briefly before the Elven leader called out our positions. Running to the walls to stand behind the archers, I watched the skies as rain began to pour from the heavens.
The army of Uruk-Hai came into view, torches burning. The archers drew their bows as one and waited for the order to fire. Even as the order was called to hold fire, an arrow escaped from the bow of an elderly Man who looked to have seen too many winters. The orcs screamed their outrage as the world seemed to stop for a moment. Then, all hell broke loose.
Volleys of arrows were released by the elves as the Uruks launched their own projectiles. The cries of the wounded filled the keep. The distant shout of orders could hardly be heard among the sounds of battle. Yet those orders began to sound closer and closer as the commander walked the walls. I could now see the Man's face in the dim light; it was Aragorn shouting out commands. I smiled, knowing that our legion was in good hands, and turned to the sudden appearance of ladders.
The lines were broken as orcs scaled the walls. The unnatural screams of fallen elves stirred both pity and anger within me as I moved forward to meet the onslaught. The vile creatures came in floods over the walls, and we met them with our blades. Warm blood disgorged from the wounds of those in battle; elves, men, and orcs. The carnage raised the smell of death.
I moved through the keep, trying to reach a large group of orcs being just barely held off by a few boys and an elderly man. Cutting through the Uruk-hai, I ordered the Rohanians back to the keep. They were not of the right age to fight, and they would be more of a hindrance than a help. Distracted by my efforts to aid them to the gates, I did not notice the limping orc behind me until it was too late. I let out a savage cry of fear as the blade of the creature sliced into my shoulder. Pulling my sword up with great difficulty, I ran the thing through. I then sheathed my sword and staggered into a dark corner, praying that I would not be found by the vile Uruks as I let myself drift into unconsciousness.
When I recovered, it was to a pounding headache and a throbbing shoulder. I was disoriented and weak as I tried to stand. I briefly noted the movement of something in the darkness and tried to stay still. My knees betrayed me, however, and I found myself falling. The movement shifted toward me, and I looked up to see the face of an angel. Glorfindel ran swiftly to me, catching me as I neared the ground.
"Glorfindel?" My voice was weak, but he heard me. Holding me close for a moment, he lifted me into his arms and carried me to the caves. I rested my head on his collarbone and closed my eyes.
"Sleep, Cala," he murmured in my ear. I obliged gratefully and slipped into my dreams.
When I woke, it was to the sound of weeping and moans of pain. I could feel a blanket over me. I opened my eyes slowly and moaned as a headache hit me with more force than the last time I had awoken. I held a hand to my throbbing forehead and tried to sit up, but I was forced back.
"Oh, no you don't. You're not getting up for at least another day," a stern voice said to my right. I recognized it, to my relief.
"Leaf," I said softly as I closed my eyes against my headache.
"Yes, I'm here. So are Elladan and Elrohir. Lord Glorfindel is around here somewhere as well, trying to find Marley."
"By the way, Cala, we reserve the right to tell you that you are the idiotic spawn of dwarves and orcs for letting your guard down like that when you feel better," commented Elladan and Elrohir at the same time.
"Well, that will motivate me to have a quick recovery," I retorted sarcastically. I cracked an eye open to glare at them.
"It still wasn't the best idea to leave yourself open for attack," said a new voice, one that I knew all too well.
"Glorfindel…" I said, glad to hear his voice.
"If you ever do that again, I can and will enlist the twins to dye your hair a most unflattering shade of green for a week," he said sternly. I opened my eyes cautiously to see him grinning like a fool. "Dear Elbereth, I'm glad you're alright," he exclaimed as he knelt by my side and reached out to grasp my hand.
"Well, when Glorfy is done with his sappiness," a new voice commented, "I would like to add that I would help the twins without any hesitation." It was Marley. Only she had the gall to call Glorfindel 'Glorfy' and get away with it. She sat on my other side and punched me lightly on the arm. "Don't ever scare us like that again."
"Well," I said, "I think I've been told off by everyone that I know except Aragorn. Where'd he get off to?"
"I'm right here," came a voice from my left. I looked to see him glaring at me sternly in a look that had me nearly shaking in fear. After a few moments of terror, he broke out in laughter. "You should see your face, Cala. That was priceless," he exclaimed as the twins joined him in undulating mirth. I made a face and looked aside as another elf joined the group.
"Good, you're awake. I'm Healer Anduniel. Now, everyone shoo. I need to change these bandages. Here," she said, addressing me, "take this drought. It will help you rest." I took the glass of medicine from her and drank deeply, already feeling exhausted. As I drifted off to sleep, I noted that the others moved off in compliance to the Healer's orders. Marley was engaged in conversation with the healer, whom she seemed to know, and stayed close, but she still moved far enough away that she would not be in the way of Anduniel. However, I never felt Glorfindel move from his place near my makeshift bed, and I never felt him let go of my hand.
