Chapter Two
"Hobbits, Dwarves, and Grumpy Old Wizards Oh My"
Stepping out of the portal the first thing that Jesse noticed is that she was in the middle of small open space in the middle of a forest, the second thing she noticed was that she was not alone the sounds of a battle were coming from just to her left and it didn't sound good. Quickly moving in the direction of the sounds of clashing metal Jesse pulled out her bow and strung an arrow. Just over a small rise Jesse saw a lone man under attack by about a dozen grotesque creatures, and the man looked like he was about ready to loose. From her vantage point Jesse fired off a quick succession of arrows into the creatures, reducing their number by half. "I like those odds better," she said as she pulled her sword from its scabbard and ran to help the man who seemed to be tiring quickly.
Moving to deflect a swipe of one of the creature's rough swords that would have killed the man Jesse took off the creature's head, then ducked to the left to take out its little friend. "Who are you," the man questioned as he parried another attack. "Fight now chat later," Jesse, said as she kicked her leg out to take down another creature that was advancing on the man's blind side. Fighting back to back they made quick work of the remaining creatures.
As she walked over to the creatures that her arrows had taken out Jesse started to pull the arrows out, not sure when she would have the chance to get more. "The name is Jessica Halliwell but my family calls me Jesse," she introduced herself taking notice of the horn hanging at the man's waist for the first time. 'Ok, so I just saved Boromir's ass and let me just say a mighty fine ass it is,' Jesse thought, knowing exactly who that horn belonged too. "Boromir of Gondor and I thank you for your assistance my lady," he said walking over to stand in front of Jesse. "It is just plain old Jesse and it was my pleasure," she said smiling at the man in front of her. "Well I think you again, Jesse. I believed that I would not have survived this day if you had not been here. Are you heading to Rivendell? Perhaps we may travel together," he said bending down and pulling an arrow from one of the creatures. Which Jesse now figured had to be orcs and can we say ewwwww. "That would be wonderful, I wasn't looking forward to traveling by myself," she said taking the arrow from him and replacing it in her quiver, "The rest of my gear is just over the hill there. I should have something to fix up your arm," she added noticing the deep gash in his arm.
Closing her eyes for a second Jesse reached out with her mind attempting to sense Boromir's horse, what she found made her smile. Placing her fingers to her lips she let out a shrill whistle and the sound of hooves hitting the ground could be heard through the trees accompanied by the sound of a whinny. Within seconds two beautiful stallions came through the trees. One adorned in what looked like fine tack that looked like it had a Celtic influence; Jesse guessed it must have been Rohirrim. The second looked to be a wild stallion as black as midnight and with an ethereal beauty that rivaled Tolkien's description of Shadowfax. Walking slowly up to the stallion Jesse held out her hand to the horse. "Be careful Jesse," Boromir cautioned, "That horse is wild." As the horse began to sniff her hand Jess reached up and stroked its muzzle, "It is ok Boromir, I guess you could say I have a way with horses. All animals really," Jesse said as the horse began to nuzzle her neck, she spoke soft calming words to it, "He will carry me to Rivendell," she added swinging up gracefully onto the horses back. "Amazing," was all her male companion could say as he climbed onto the back of his own horse shaking his head?
Making their way up the hill to where Jesse had left her bag, they dismounted and Jesse set to work cleaning Boromir's wounded shoulder. Years of patching up countless demonic inflicted wounds had turned her into quite the field medic. "You have a very gentle touch, you seemed to have done this before," Boromir commented as she finished up tying off the gauze fabric from her first aid kit around his arm. "I guess you can say that. My brother-in-law taught me, when I was a child," she said, thinking back to the countless times Leo had taught her how to dress different types of wounds. "He taught you well, it is a worthy skill in these times," Boromir said with a smile. Packing her kit back into her bag Jesse grabbed her coat and stood, walking back over to her horse. "We had better be going something is bound to come investigate those bodies before long and the farther away we are the better," she said mounting her horse with ease. "You are right. These woods are not safe," the Gondorian agreed mounting his own horse and taking the lead heading in a northerly direction.
As they rode, Jesse began to sing softly to herself,
"So lately, I've been wonderin
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone, you'll need love
To light the shadows on your face
If a great wave should fall
It would fall upon us all
And between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
And maybe, I'll find out
The way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days
If a great wave should fall
It would fall upon us all
Well I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
Runaway with my heart
Runaway with my hope
Runaway with my love
I know now, just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart and your mind
I'll stay with you for all of time
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go"
(Where Ever You Will Go "The calling")
As she finished singing a single tear slid down her cheek as she thought of the last time she had listened to that song with Chris, before all hell had broken loose with Gideon.
"That was quite beautiful, though I have never heard anything quite like it before," Boromir said letting his horse fall back so he could ride along side Jesse. "A friend used to sing it to me all of the time, before he died," she replied wiping the tear from her eye with the back of her hand.
They rode on for sometime until began to get a strange feeling as though they were being watched. Before she could tell Boromir though five figures descended from the trees and surrounded them. Acting quickly Jesse put her hand over Boromir's that had gone to the hilt of his sword out of reflex. "Daro!" one of the figures announced loudly, "What business do you have in Imladris," he questioned. "Mae govannen," Jesse greeted trying to stay calm, "We are searching for Lord Elrond Peredhil, and we are seeking his council. I am Jessica Halliwell and my companion is the Lord Boromir of Gondor." "I am Lord Glorfindel, you will follow me," the tall elf replied and Jesse's jaw about hit the ground. The Balrog Slayer himself was leading them to Rivendell. To say Jesse was in shock would have been a huge understatement, here she was riding side by side with the entire reason she picked up a sword, Boromir, and now her idol was leading them to Rivendell. Tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, Jesse tried to keep her mind focused on the task at hand, that being not falling off her horse. She never noticed the look on Boromir's face when he saw her pointed ear.
As they came over a ridge opening out into the sheltered valley below, her breath caught in her throat. "It's more beautiful then I ever imagined," she whispered in complete an utter awe. Glorfindel for his part just smiled at the young elf behind him, he would never tire of the looks on the faces of people seeing his home for the first time. Boromir remained quiet, lost in thought.
When his Lord had asked him to lead the pair to the valley, Glorfindel did not question it. Now after one glimpse of the young she elf in the company of the Son on Denethor II, he immediately knew who she was. With her mother's beautiful green eyes and her father's noble bearing, there was no doubt in the Balrog Slayer's mind this was the daughter of Ereinion Gil Galad the High King of Noldor. It took his entire warrior training not to gasp when he caught site of the twin knives strapped to her back. There was no question they were the twin knives of the High King himself, though Glorfindel could not understand how she came to be in the position of them, they had never been found after the battle that took her father's life.
Making their way through the gates of Imladris, Glorfindel schooled his expression to one of a seasoned warrior. It would not do for Erestor to see him frazzled. Looking up he could make out the figures of his Lord and Erestor waiting in the courtyard of the Last Homely House. As the group approached grooms appeared as if by magic to retrieve the horses of the travelers.
Glorfindel watched as Jesse dismounted her horse saying some quiet words of thanks to the horse as she handed him off to the grooms. When she turned to Lord Elrond he watched as she struggled to school her expression. "Welcome to Imladris Jessica Halliwell and Boromir of Gondor," Elrond said with the faintest of smiles gracing his lips. "Thank you, Lord Elrond," Jesse responded with a slight bow. "Erestor, if you would be so kind as to show Lord Boromir to his rooms, so he may find his rest, before dinner. The Lady Jessica and I have much to discuss," Elrond asked politely. "Of course My Lord Elrond," Erestor answered with a bow, "If you would follow me my lord," he added motioning Boromir to follow him. "Jesse, are you sure you will be all right," Boromir asked before he followed Erestor up the stairs. "I will be fine Boromir. Don't worry about me," Jesse reassured him.
"Jessica, would you join Glorfindel and I in a walk in the gardens?" Elrond asked offering Jesse his arm. "I would be honored sir," she replied suddenly very shy. "Call me Elrond, child we are family," Elrond smiled as they began to walk down one of the winding paths, "Now I am sure you have many questions to ask of me and if I do not have the answers, we will work to find them." "Who am I really," Jesse asked the one question that had been burning in her mind for as long as she could remember. "You are the daughter of Ereinion Gil Galad and his queen, Aredhel Súrion, and the only surviving heir of the High King of Noldor," Elrond replied smiling down at Jessica. "Do you know if my parents had a name picked out for me before, well you know?" Jesse asked still trying to wrap her mind around what she was hearing. "Your mother had wanted to name you Isilwen Míriel, she would have been so proud of what you have become," he said gently wiping away a tear that was sliding down Jesse's cheek.
"When I was growing up I always knew there was something different about me. Then when I was about seven years old the man I call my Uncle Victor gave be a book called The Hobbit. It was Bilbo's story and though it was considered to be a work of fiction I always felt like I belonged in Bilbo's world more than I did in the one I was raised. Don't get me wrong the family that raised me was the best any kid could ask for. They didn't have to take me in when I was left on their doorstep but they did. They supported my decision to come back to Middle Earth and to find out about who I really am. When Paige called me and told me she had found something in Gideon's things about me, I never imagined it would lead me here. I have to tell you though; I know a lot of what is supposed to happen in the very near future of Middle Earth. I know about the Ring of Power and about the Council that you are holding. Also in some writings that Paige found Gandalf believed that had I been here some of the lives that were lost in the events to come would not have been lost. That is one of the reasons I came, I can't allow innocent people to loose their lives and do nothing to stop it if I can," Jesse said as they sat down on one of the benches lining the path. "I believe that you should be included in the Council I am holding tomarrow morning," Elrond said taking the crying elleth in his arms.
"I am so sorry," Jesse said straitening up and wiping away her remaining tears, "You have so many more important things to do, you shouldn't have to listen to some weepy girl, crying about her problems." 'I can't believe I just did that. They must think I am an emotional wreck,' Jesse thought, as she tried to get her head cleared. "You have every right to feel sad, Jessica," Glorfindel assured, speaking for the first time, "Your life has been stolen from you. I believe Lord Elrond would agree with me when I say this, you have shown more strength than anyone could have possibly expected of someone in your situation and I would be honored if you considered me your friend." Standing up Elrond offered Jesse his arm, "Now come child, let us return to the house, for there is much that still needs to be done before the feast tonight."
As the trio stepped into the main courtyard they were greeted by the sight of another party arriving for the Council, this one was a party of tall graceful elves, and Jessica just knew that the one striding towards them must be Legolas. "Welcome, Prince Legolas," Elrond greeted bowing slightly to the younger elf. "Thank you, Lord Elrond, I only wish my returning were under better circumstances," the prince replied bowing deeply at the waist, "Mae govannen,
Hîr Glorfindel," he added acknowledging the older warrior, "My Lady," he added smiling at Jesse. "Prince Legolas, allow me to introduce the Lady Jessica, she just arrived today as well," Elrond said smiling down at Jesse. "It is a pleasure to meet you Prince Legolas," she said with a small smile and a bow of her head, "and please call me Jesse everyone does." "Now Legolas, your usual rooms have been prepared for your arrival, Jessica's rooms are right across from them, if you would be so kind as to show her the way. Glorfindel and I have much to prepare before tonight's feast," Elrond asked with a ghost of a smile gracing his noble face. "It would be my honor," the Mirkwood Prince replied, taking Jesse's arm as he began to lead her towards the house.
As they walked down the halls of the House of Elrond, Jesse couldn't stop the smile that seemed to have taken up permanent residence on her face. So far Legolas was everything she had ever thought he would be. "Jesse," his voice interrupting her thoughts, "Please tell me about yourself." "I was born here in Middle Earth but was stolen from my parents the day I was born and abandoned on the doorstep of a family that took me in and raised me as one of their own. Not long ago the man responsible for taking me from my parents was killed and in some of his diaries and books we found out what he had done. One of the things we found was a spell that I used to return to Middle Earth. Now I am here trying to repair some of the damage Gideon caused by taking me away from here," Jesse replied shyly, "I am sorry. You probably didn't need to hear all of that. Sometimes my mouth has a tendency to get away from me, with everything that is going on around here you shouldn't have to hear my problems too."
"It sounded as though it was a story you needed to tell, and I am glad you chose me to hear it," Legolas assured as they walked up to a large set of oak doors, "I believe we have arrived." Opening the doors Legolas stepped back to allow Jesse to enter the room. The sight that greeted her took her breath away; it was a far cry from the tiny room she lived in back in San Francisco. "It's so beautiful," she breathed, looking out through the doors that led out to the balcony overlooking one of the falls. Looking around the room Jesse realized that her bag and weapons had found their way to the room. "I feel the same way every time I return here," Legolas replied looking at the weapons leaning against the wall, "Do you have skill with all of these weapons?" He was intrigued by this elleth before but now he truly was impressed. "I doubt I am as good with a bow as you but in the world I was raised in I was told I was pretty good," Jesse replied, "As for the other weapons, I am pretty new to the use of my knives but I am getting better. I have been using a sword since I was sixteen and a bow staff since I was fourteen." "That is a very impressive amount to accomplish," Legolas said in awe, "I would be honored to help you work your knife work and I am sure Glorfindel would be willing to help as well." "That would be so wonderful, I would love that very much," she replied with a genuine smile.
Any more conversation was interrupted by a knock on the open door. When Jesse turned around to see who was there she saw the most beautiful elleth she thought she would ever see and she knew immediately that it had to be Arwen Undómiel. "Welcome back Legolas," Arwen said making her way to the Mirkwood Prince. After hugging Legolas, Arwen turned to Jesse, "Father asked me to help you get settled and ready for the feast this evening. Idril has brought you a few gowns for us to choose from," she said with a smile. "Thank you so much, I wouldn't even know where to start," Jesse said with a laugh, looking down at her worn blue jeans and baby blue fitted tee, "I hope you know how to work miracles." "On that note I believe it is time for me to take my leave," Legolas said with a shake of his head, "It was an honor to meet you Jesse and I look forward to seeing you at the feast tonight." Both elleths practically fell over laughing when he made a break for the door. "Something tells me he wasn't looking forward to seeing us squealing over gowns," Jesse said with a laugh. "No I don't suppose he was," Arwen agreed still giggling.
It didn't take Arwen long to find Jesse the perfect gown. In less than an hour Jesse found herself sitting in front of a vanity mirror watching as Arwen worked magic with her hair, weaving soft yellow flowers into the braids. Just as Arwen was about to announce that Jesse's hair was done, there was a gentle knock on the door. Walking over and opening the door Arwen stepped back to allow her father to enter the room; in his hand he carried a black velvet bag.
"You look very beautiful Jessica," Elrond said walking to stand behind her, "Though I believe there are a few things missing," he added opening the bag and withdrawing a dark wooden box, with intricate carvings covering it. Setting the box on the dressing table, Elrond opened the lid and withdrew a stunning necklace, saying, "This belonged to your mother. The setting is a tribute to her mother's house. She was a member of the house of the Golden Flower and was Glorfindel's niece." Placing the necklace around Jesse's neck, he then went back to the box and withdrew a circlet of silver and gold with tiny stones dangling from it like stars. "This," he said placing the circlet atop her head, "Belonged to your father's mother. I know they would want you to have them and it has been my pleasure to keep them for you until you could wear them," he added kissing her gently on the side of the head.
"I… I don't know what to say," Jesse stammered through the lump that had formed in her throat, "You have all been so kind to me. Thank you so much." "It has been our pleasure, Jessica, and we are happy to have you as a part of our family," Elrond replied taking her into his arms and hugging her to him. "Now I believe there is a feast for you to attend, and there is someone waiting outside to escort you," he added standing up again and helping Jesse to stand as well. Taking her arm Elrond led her to the door where an old gray figure was standing looking out of a small window.
"Now this is a most beautiful site to greet an old wizard," the old man said as he turned and saw Arwen and Jesse exiting the room on each side of Elrond, "The two of you look absolutely beautiful," he added smiling at two ladies. "I will see you at the feast," Arwen said as her father led her down the hall, leaving Jesse in the presence of one of the most powerful wizards in the whole of Middle Earth.
"Welcome home Jessica," Gandalf said offering her his arm as they began to walk down the hall. "Thank you," she replied shyly. "You have no reason to be shy with me child," he said smiling gently at her, "I was most pleased when the Lady Galadriel said that she had seen your returning." "It is just so strange. I mean growing up I read stories about you and now to be here meeting all of the people read about in books that until just a few days ago I thought were works of fiction. Just now I found out that I am actually like Glorfindel's great niece or something and I have idolized him since I was seven," Jesse said looking up into the old wizard's eyes, "Sorry, I'm rambling again aren't I." "Ramble away, child, I know a little of what you experienced growing up, and I know this must be all more than a bit overwhelming. With everything that you have faced already and what is to come, you are more than welcome to ramble a little," Gandalf assured.
As they neared the dinning hall the sounds of music floated through the air making the place seem even that much more magical. The closer they got to the dinning hall the more the butterflies seemed get more active. Just as they arrived in front of the double doors she would explode with the excitement. Jesse was pretty sure Gandalf could tell how nervous she was because he kept patting her hand reassuringly.
Heads turned the minute Jesse and Gandalf walked into the hall, everyone was eager to see the strange elleth that arrived with the man from Gondor. As they made their way up to the dais, Jesse saw a huge smile grow on Boromir's face and a matching one on Legolas. "It looks as though you already have a couple of admirers," the old wizard whispered into her ear.
When the pair stepped up onto the dais, Glorfindel got up from his chair and pulled out the chair next to him motioning to Jesse that she would be sitting next to him. The sound of fine silver hitting glass got Jesse's attention as she stepped up next to the tall handsome Balrog Slayer. She watched as Elrond stood from his seat.
"I would like to first thank all of the numerous representatives that are here to attend the council tomarrow. Now for a happier announcement," Elrond said with a smile he took Jessica's hand, "I am honored to introduce everyone to the Lady Jessica Elizabeth Halliwell or for those of you who knew her parents, Isilwen Míriel, the Crown Princess of Noldor." Gasps could be heard throughout the hall, a pin dropping would have sounded like an avalanche. Jesse glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw duel looks of shock on Legolas and Boromir. "As many of you know, the Princess was taken from her parents on the day she was born, now she has returned home," he finished smiling down at the nervous elleth by his side. When Jesse worked up the nerve too look out over the occupants of the hall it erupted in thunderous applause. Through the den she could make out various "Welcomes" and "Thank the Valars".
Gradually things quieted down and they began their meal, Jesse had never seen so much food in all of her life, and she grew up with a chef. Jesse found herself comparing battles with Glorfindel through most of the meal, and for a while it seemed to Elrond that he should rescue the elleth from the Balrog Slayer's stories, that is until he heard her tell Glorfindel about battles she had been involved in with her adopted family. He found himself wondering what this world she had grown up in had been like, when there were creatures such as this Source, whoever he must have been, Elrond found he had a growing respect for the warriors that fought him. He had worried about the effect the battle with Sauron would have on Jessica, but hearing her tell his old friend about what she and her adopted sisters had done to defeat this Source, he knew she would be more than capable to handle the fight to come.
With dinner coming to an end, Jesse found she was really enjoying her time spent talking to Glorfindel. As time had gone on, she found herself realizing that while she had dreamed of adventures in Middle Earth, she had actually been living a real adventure with the Halliwells. She was now beginning to see her life in that distant future in a brand new light. She just hoped she could take what she learned there and make a real difference in her new home. 'Home,' she thought to herself, 'I am finally home.'
"May I have the honor of escorting you to the Hall of Fire, Jessica," Glorfindel asked as he stood from his chair. "That would be wonderful. Thank you," she replied taking his offered arm and walking away from the table. "I overheard Lord Boromir mention that you had a beautiful singing voice. Perhaps you would sing a song from your world for us," the reborn warrior said smiling down at his companion. "I believe I could be persuaded," Jesse replied with a laugh, "Though I think I will have to find just the right song. Most of the ones I loved from there aren't exactly appropriate for the Hall of Fire, but I think I may have the right one in mind."
Stepping into the hall, Glorfindel led Jesse to where Lindir was taking his place with the minstrels of Imladris. "Lindir, the Lady Jessica has offered to favor us with a song from her world. Would you be so kind as to help her with the proper accompaniment?" Glorfindel asked the tall ellon that was plucking away at the strings to a harp. "It would be my great pleasure," the ellon replied looking turning to look at Jesse with a kind smile, sensing her nervousness he added, "If you could maybe hum a bit of the tune for me, I am sure we could fine the right music for you." Humming the tune that had been going through her head in the walk from the dinning hall, Jesse watched in awe as Lindir began to strum the strings of his harp in a perfect match to her humming. "That is perfect," Jesse said with a smile. Smiling Glorfindel cleared his throat, getting the attention of all those gathered in the hall that night, "The Lady Jessica is going to honor us a song from the world in which she grew up in," he announced. With a nod of Jesse's head Lindir began to play and Jesse opened her mouth to sing one of her favorite songs.
""Sometimes it's hard you don't wanna look over your shoulder
'Cause you don't want to remember where you've been
There'll come a time you'd die,
If you could only hold her
'Cause I know that's where I am
So listen with all your heart
Hold it inside forever
You may find all your dreams have already come true
Look inside and find the part that's leading you
'Cause that's the beat of the heart
Sometimes you'll drown it out with all your rage and thunder
Sometimes you'll drown it out with all your tears
There'll come a time when you hear it and you'll wonder
"Where in the world have I been?"
So listen with all your heart
Hold it inside forever
You may find all your dreams have already come true
Look inside and find the part that's leading you,
'Cause that's the beat of the heart
No one can tell you how to get there
It's a road you take all by yourself
(All by yourself)
All by yourself
So listen with all your heart
Hold it inside forever
You may find all your dreams have already come true
Look inside and find the part that's leading you
'Cause that's the beat of
Oh it's the sweetest sound,
'Cause that's the beat of a heart "
(The Beat of the Heart "The Warren Brothers and Sara Evans")
As the last notes left her lips Jesse watched in amazement as everyone in the hall seemed to be hypnotized by the song. For a moment there was complete silence, then slowly the sound of clapping could be heard, and soon the entire hall erupted in applause. Looking around she could even see a few present that seemed to have cried. "Thank you," she said with a smile. Stepping over to a beaming Glorfindel, couldn't keep her smile from growing even more.
"I really must say, Lord Boromir has a very good ear for music," he said quietly to her, "A very good ear indeed," he added leading her to a seat near the fire next to Elrond. "Thank you. I haven't sang like that in a while," Jesse said as she took her seat. "With a voice like that you must play an instrument," Gandalf asked with a knowing smile. "I play something called a guitar it is a bit similar to lyre," she answered with a matching smile. "If you can draw a picture of one, I am sure that our craftsmen could build you one," Glorfindel replied looking to Elrond. "Glorfindel is correct, with a proper description of the instrument I believe they could craft one for you," the elf lord agreed.
The night was filled with much laughter and music, and Jesse even managed to sit next to Bilbo while he told his famous troll story, with Gandalf tossing in a revision here and there. Bilbo had even introduced Jesse to his friend Gloin and the dwarves that had arrived with him and his son Gimli. Frodo who had just been released from the Houses of Healing sat next to her, smiling at the various jokes and stories she was being bombarded with. She could tell the little guy was starting to get tired but he seemed to be fighting it just to keep Sam from worrying about him.
Sometime in the early hours of the morning Jesse felt a gentle weight on her arm, looking down she realized that Frodo had fallen asleep using her arm as a pillow. Quietly she whispered to Sam, "Would you go and fetch Lord Elrond or Strider for me. It appears Frodo has fallen asleep and I don't want to wake him up?" Within moments Sam returned with a tall dark haired man, that she assumed was Aragorn. "Strider, I presume," Jesse whispered. "May I be of service my lady," he asked smiling down at the sleeping hobbit. "Yes. Please. I was afraid to try and pick him up myself. I didn't want to wake him," she replied with a smile as he bent down and gently picked up the sleeping halfling.
Cradling Frodo gently against his chest, Aragorn led the way through the halls to the room the hobbit had been given when he left the Houses of Healing. As they came to the door Jesse opened it wide and walked over to the large bed, turning down the covers, then pulling them over Frodo as Aragorn laid him down. Quietly the elleth, man, and three remaining hobbits walked out of the room shutting the door without so much as a click.
Once out into the hall Jesse looked up at Aragorn and smiled, "Thank you. He was just so tired. I didn't have the heart to wake him." "It was my pleasure. May I escort you to your room?" he replied offering Jesse his arm. "Yes please, I am not all too sure I could find the way on my own," she said taking his offered arm, "My rooms are just across the hall from Prince Legolas." "Then our rooms are next to one another," he said turning to smile at her. "Well then at least now I know at least two of my neighbors," she said smiling up at the ruggedly handsome ranger. As they walked she found herself thinking, 'No wonder Arwen fell for this guy, he is hot and I do mean hot.'
Reaching her rooms she bid Aragorn a goodnight then stepped into the room closing the door behind her. She took a second to look around at the room once more with the evening glow of moonlight filtering into the small sitting room. Making her way to what would be considered the equivalent of a bathroom she began to carefully remove the circlet from her head, laying it gently onto a cushion that seemed to have been set there for that purpose. She then just as carefully removed the necklace from her long slender neck, placing it in the center of the circlet. Removing the flowers from her hair, she began to let down the braids that Arwen had placed in her hair. Finding her brush that Grams had given her sitting on the dressing table where she left it, she began to run it through her hair as she walked around the room. Finding a sleeping gown already laid out for her to use on the end of her bed she loosened the ties on her gown and let it slide from her body, followed by the gauzy shift she had underneath. Pulling the sleeping gown over her head she walked to the head of the bed and pulled back the covers. Climbing underneath them she laid her head back and fell into a deep sleep, a sleep of dreams.