Chapter Four
"Conversations Elrond and Archery Contests (How to beat a Mirkwood Prince)"
By the time the Council ended the noon meal was being served. Wanting to get down to business Elrond arranged for food to be brought to his private study for himself, Gandalf, Glorfindel, and Jesse. The small group entered the room in silence, the weight of what had just occurred still on their minds.
As everyone began to take their seats around the Lord of Rivendell's large desk Elrond looked to Jesse and spoke, breaking the silence of the room, "Jessica would you please tell the others what you told me before the council started this morning."
"Of course," she said taking a sip of the tea that Glorfindel had offered her, "I told Lord Elrond that there were going to be some things that were going to happen at the council. I knew Boromir was going to be tempted to try to take the ring. I also know why. As I explained to Lord Elrond, Boromir has been under some great pressure from his father to do just that. Denethor wants the ring for himself; a Palantíri has tainted him. He bid his eldest son to bring to him the ring, calling it a Mighty Gift. On top of that the ring itself was trying to temp Boromir, because the pressures his father placed on him weakened his mind. I told Lord Elrond that I was going to try to use my abilities to try and lessen the rings affects on Boromir, and that I may say things during the council to also try to get through to my Gondorian friend. Boromir is one of the people I am meant to save and while I have to save him, I also have to make sure that some things still happen the way they are supposed to only without Boromir as the cause. It is a balancing act but from what I was able to gleam from Boromir's mind when he volunteered for the Fellowship, I was able to get through to him, and the Fellowship formed just as it was supposed to," she paused not sure how to say the next part, "Only in the books that I read about the Fellowship of the Ring never included a tenth member, but I am guessing that was because Gideon removed me from this world before it ever happened. Does that make any sense?"
"Indeed it makes perfect sense. You were always meant to be a member of this Fellowship," Gandalf reassured her, "As for what you have said about Boromir, I am not surprised. I have always known Denethor to be more than a little hungry for power. That he would use his most beloved son as an instrument to gain such a power disturbs me greatly. I am however glad to see that Boromir has a friend in you Jessica, that is willing to fight for him. Hmmm. Very glad indeed."
"I had no idea that any of the lost seeing stones had been found," Glorfindel mused out loud, "It must be the Anor-stone." "It is," Jesse, replied looking to the blond haired elf lord, "Boromir and Faramir have no idea that their father has been using it. He keeps it in a tower in the palace at Minas Tirith. Between the corruptive power of the stone and the long lived grief over the loss of his wife, Denethor has become a cold and calculating person."
"Should we be concerned that the Steward is using, the Anor-stone, if he is able to see things happening in the stone, what is to prevent him from trying to take the ring in some other way," Glorfindel went on to question. "As I said before the stone is corrupted by the power of the Dark Tower. He will see some things that will occur, but because of the influence the Dark Lord has over the stone I believe he will be somewhat misinformed. He also has a very unstable mind, so it is also easily influenced by the false images I have no doubt Sauron has been feeding him all along," Jesse assured.
The room became silent as everyone digested the facts that Jesse had brought with her. Mild shock was a common theme among the small group around the table, with the exception of the elleth that quietly sipped her cup of tea. As she sat there she began to think about her family back home in San Francisco. She thought about Piper, Leo and their two little boys, of Phoebe and Paige, and of her friends at the Magic School, she found herself missing them terribly but she knew that what she was doing was as much for their good as it was for Middle Earth.
"I believe now would be a good time for us to discuss what Jessica has learned from her dream," Gandalf suggested looking to the elleth, sensing that her mind was drifting to her family in her previous world. "What would you like to know," Jesse asked giving the old wizard a grateful smile.
"Do you know what your father meant by 'The time is short, remember the old alliances,' " Glorfindel asked, looking around at the other faces around him. "He meant that Lord Elrond should remember the alliance that existed during the Last Alliance between elves and men. King Théoden of Rohan's people are under attack from Isengard, Saruman as Gandalf knows is now in league with the Dark Lord. He is attacking the people of Rohan. He is breeding an army to destroy Rohan. He is intent on killing every last man, woman and child. At some point King Théoden will take his people to Helm's Deep. Gandalf you won't be with us but you will be getting help. Trust me; you will know what I mean when the time is right. There will only be a small force of men and boys against Saruman's army of at least ten thousand. I believe my father was saying elves from Imladris and Lothlórien should go to the aid of Théoden, and his people and fight along side them. I think that my father intended for Glorfindel to lead the elves of Imladris, so that he would be there to help Boromir and I save Haldir's life. I am pretty sure that Haldir will be chosen by the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien to lead their forces," she explained trying to keep the thought of the brave March Warden of Lothlórien dieing in the hell that she knew Helm's Deep was going to be.
"I will be honored to fight by your side Jesse," Glorfindel said with a smile, "Though I must say, Haldir is one of the most arrogant elves in all of Middle Earth." "Thank you Glorfindel and I already knew about the arrogant bit," Jesse giggled her mood lightened with the Balrog Slayer's words, "I also know that the two of you have had a bit of a rivalry in the sparring ring for centuries." Glorfindel's musical laughter could be heard throughout the room.
"I will speak with the Lady Galadriel on this matter soon," Elrond said standing from his seat, signaling the end of the meeting, "There will be a feast tonight to announce the Fellowship. In the meantime I suggest that you Jesse try to explore Imladris. I am sure my friend Glorfindel will consent to show you around." "My Lady," Glorfindel said as he gave Jesse a sweeping bow, "It would be my esteemed pleasure to show you our fair city this day." As the pair made their way to the door they were stopped by Elrond, "Oh and Glorfindel, if the two of you are going to go to the training fields, be sure to take the lady to her rooms first so that she may find the appropriate attire and retrieve her own weapons." "Splendid idea my lord," Glorfindel exclaimed as he and Jesse continued out of the room.
"I believe Gandalf that Lothlórien's March Warden will have met his match in the elleth that just left this office with my Seneschal," Elrond said with a smirk in the direction of the old gray wizard. "Indeed, as I believe Glorfindel has when he challenges her to a sparring match, the girl has great skill with a blade. There is also a certain Mirkwood Prince that will be hard pressed to match her skill in the use of a bow. She will do a fine job, in her position in the Fellowship. A very fine job," Gandalf agreed with a chuckle.
As Jesse and Glorfindel made their way through the halls of the Last Homely House he asked, "So where would you like to go first?" "I would love to go back to my rooms so that I can change and then we could go down to the training fields. After the council I need something to get my mind off things for a while and I know training will do that," Jesse answered smiling up at her companion. "If training is the lady's wish who am I to deny her that," he laughed, his eyes sparkling with barely contained enthusiasm. "What do you say we find the hobbits and ask them to join us? I am sure Frodo could use the distraction as much as I could," she suggested.
Leaving Jesse at the door to her rooms, with a promise to return shortly, Glorfindel found himself walking toward the rooms in the guest wing of the house in search of the four hobbits. Rounding a corner he found them in the company of the rest of the Fellowship. "The Lady Jessica asked me to invite the hobbits to accompany us to the training fields. I am sure she would love for the rest of you to come as well. She thought it would be a way for everyone to relax after the council this morning," he said looking around the room at the faces of the group. Looking at the face of the young Gondorian as he talked with the youngest of the four hobbits, Glorfindel could begin to see the hope that Jesse felt in this man, and understand her need to save him.
"That is a wonderful idea," Merry said as he jumped from the chair in which he was perched upon. "Come on Mister Frodo, no sense sittin' round here all day," Sam said smiling at the dark haired hobbit. Glorfindel, Legolas and Gimli watched on happily as Merry and Pippin began to drag Boromir to a standing position, while Sam and Frodo did the same to Aragorn.
Still laughing the group made their way to meet up with Jesse. She was just stepping out of her room, still adjusting her sword in its sheath at her side, when they arrived. "Just in time," she said smiling as they approached her. "Miss Jesse, are all those weapons yours," Sam asked in awe as he looked at all of the weapons strapped to various places all over Jesse's body. "They sure are Sam," she replied smiling down at the pudgy little hobbit. She looked up into the faces of the rest of the Fellowship, seeing a few of them were also in awe of her weapons. She could tell that Boromir was highly amused at their surprise. He had seen her in a fight and knew that she was skilled in the use of those weapons.
"Do you know how to wield all those weapons you got there, Lass," Gimli asked dumbstruck when he spied a small throwing axe of a dwarf style, at her waist. "Yes, Gimli, I do," she paused for a second noticing where his eyes had been drawn, "Even the axe." "A worthy weapon Lass," he said patting her on the back heartily. "This axe," she began to explain as the group made their way down the hall, "It was given to me by a dwarf friend of mine named Dailin, back home," she finished by flipping the axe expertly in her hand.
"You are friends with a dwarf," Legolas asked astonished, the idea completely foreign to him. "Yes, Legolas I was friends with a dwarf. In fact he was one of my best friends. You have to remember I grew up in a world where I was the only elf so I really didn't have the influence of society to tell me who my friend should be. There was no line between elves and dwarves cause there were no elves except me and I really liked spending time with the dwarves I knew," Jesse said a little frustrated with the attitude between Legolas and Gimli. 'To think, they are going to be best friends,' Jesse thought, 'You sure can't tell it now.' "I am sorry I didn't mean to make you feel like you had to defend your friend to me, Jesse," Legolas said, sincerely. "Aye and I promise to try not to be bad mouthin' elves in your presence, Lass. Personally, I respect anyone who can wield a fine dwarf weapon like that," Gimli said offering Jesse his arm.
"Are there hobbits in that world you grew up in," Merry asked looking up at Jesse with the cutest little smile she had ever seen. "Actually, Merry, we do have hobbit there. In fact when I was little a hobbit was my nanny, and now I work with her granddaughter at the Magic School," she said smiling down at his happy face, "I got to visit the Shire for the first time when I was fifteen. Now I try to go there at least once a year."
As they came within sight of the archery range Jesse had the perfect idea. "Hey, Legolas, I am going to make you a deal," she said taking her bow off her back, "How about we have a bit of an archery competition? If I win you and Gimli have to try to get along." "And what if I win," the Crowned Prince of Mirkwood asked. "I don't know you come up with something," Jesse said confident in her ability. "Okay if I win you have to agree to be my escort for the feast tonight," Legolas said knowing there was no way he could loose.
"Jesse are you sure about this," Aragorn whispered to her, "He is one of the best archers that Middle Earth has ever seen." "I can handle this Aragorn," Jesse assured walking to one of the firing areas, "I have been using a bow since I was five years old, " turning so she could look at Glorfindel, "Glorfindel would you care to be the judge?" "I would be honored," he replied striding over to the judging platform.
Walking over to his position Legolas looked to his opponent, "Ladies first," he said smiling as he withdrew an arrow from the quiver on his back and notching it to his bow. Before he could get the arrow to his bow he heard the unmistakable thud of an arrow hitting the target. Taking aim he let loose his arrow, watching as it headed for its target. They both stood back and waited for Glorfindel to look at their respective targets. "Tie," he announced signaling for two elves to move the targets back one hundred paces.
Once the targets were moved he turned and signaled to Jesse to fire again. Within seconds the arrow thudded into the target. Legolas notched another arrow and fired seconds later. "Tie," the elder yelled, from his position, signaling for the targets to be moved again two hundred paces this time. As the targets were move he stood back and watched the way Jesse handled herself in this competition. He was surprised to see how relaxed she was, Legolas was one of the best, and she was matching him shot for shot; he hadn't seen that in almost three hundred years and he found it refreshing that an elleth was the one to do that. "Jesse, it is your shot," he said nodding towards her. When her arrow hit its mark he watched as she calmly lowered her bow and waited for Legolas to take his shot. Glorfindel followed the trajectory of the Prince's arrow as it flew towards the target, hitting within a fingers width of the center. Standing he walked to the targets to get a better look. "Jesse, you are the winner," he announced turning to face the two young elves at the other end of the field. From his position he could see Boromir and Gimli smiling from ear to ear and the look of complete awe on Aragorn's face.
"I knew you could do it, Lass. Well done," Gimli said smiling up at Jesse. "Indeed it was a marvelous contest," Boromir agreed smiling as well. As the three of them began to talk amongst themselves, Legolas and Aragorn made their way over. "How did you learn to use a bow like that," Aragorn asked in astonishment, "You grew up in a world without other elves to instruct you. How is it possible?" "I told you, I have been using a bow since I was five. I taught myself from things I read about in books about Middle Earth. In fact the only reason I picked up a bow to begin with was because I read about Legolas. It is just that in the life I led there becoming a good shot quickly became a necessity," she replied looking around at the faces of the people around her. "You have a natural talent for it, that you can be sure," Glorfindel supplied smiling down at Jesse.
"There are books that describe me, in the world that you are from," Legolas asked in wonder. "Yes though people even myself thought they were works of fiction. I still used them as guides for learning to use different weapons, among other books of course," she answered honestly, yet still trying to hold back information that would make her job harder, "The world I grew up in isn't actually a different world; it is the very distant future of this world. It is just that the elves all left because of what Gideon did when he took me from my parents. Hobbits and dwarves exist, they just fall under the category of magical creatures." "It was an honor to compete against you Jesse," Legolas said looking into Jesse's eyes, "For one who was self trained you trained very well." "Thank you Legolas, it was an honor to compete against you as well," she answered inclining her head toward the prince.
"Jesse, would you honor me with a sparring match? I believe it would be good for our hobbit friends to begin to train in the use of a blade," Boromir said smiling to himself. "I would love to Boromir," she said walking towards the ring set up for sparring. Pulling her sword from its sheath, she took up her position in the circle, waiting for Boromir to take his position. As the pair began to circle eachother Gimli spoke to the hobbits in a whispered tone, "Watch close young hobbits, this will be a skill that could help you in our quest."
Aragorn found himself surprised at how Boromir attacked Jesse without mercy and how easily she deflected each stroke then side stepping him with ease and a grace only an elf could possess. It was beautiful thing to watch he had to admit. He knew from what Lord Elrond told him about her that she had aided Boromir in a fight with orcs from the mountains near the Gap of Rohan, but to see her skill first hand, he realized that she must have used the skill to survive in the world she had lived in before. He also had to admit that he was honored that she pledged to use that skill to aid them in their quest to destroy the Ring.
He was disturbed from his thoughts by a slight tug at the bottom of his shirt, looking down he came face to face with Merry. "Do you think we can learn that, Strider," Merry asked his eyes big and full of expression. "I believe that Jesse, Boromir and I will do everything in our power to see that the four of you can learn the use of a blade. I also agree with Gimli in that the skill could be very useful for you in this quest," he replied honestly, before turning his attention back to the fight going on in the sparring ring.
The clashing of metal to metal was the only sound that could be heard for a long period of time. Every now and again elves could be seen making their way into the clearing to watch the match. Even Lord Elrond and Gandalf came down to the field to watch the pair. Every eye in the city of Imladris seemed to be riveted on the match between the daughter of the High King of Noldor and the eldest son of the Steward of Gondor.
"If I remember correctly," Elrond said standing next to Glorfindel, with a smirk, "I told her to relax after the stress of the morning." "I believe," Gandalf began, taking a puff of his pipe, "This is relaxing for Jessica. For her this is fun, and I do believe she has managed to get most of Rivendell to forget the stress of the morning as well." "I would have to agree with Gandalf, my lord. She has even managed to get the dwarf Gimli and Prince Legolas to get along better," Glorfindel agreed, smiling as he looked on the fight going on in front of him. "This could be very good to insure the unity of the Fellowship," the peredhil supplied, "They will need that unity to survive the trials that they will face in the quest to reach Mount Doom." This information pleased the Lord of Rivendell greatly as did the evidence that Jessica would be able to defend herself and others in the journey of the Fellowship.
Finally it looked as though Jessica was beginning to tire, and Boromir, not used to fighting an elf and not knowing that she was anything but tired, attempted to use it to his advantage. Bringing his sword up he made a faint as though he would strike to her left side, and then quickly brought his sword down on her right. Deflecting the blade with ease, Jesse pivoted around and brought her blade to his throat. "Do you yield," she questioned with a smile. "Ay, I yield," Boromir said with a smile and only slightly panting for air, "And I believe I will remember elves do not tire quite so easily, in the future." "It was a good fight," Jesse said as the pair began to walk toward the rest of the Fellowship, "I haven't had a decent opponent in a long time."
As Jesse made her way to the group she went about strapping her quiver and knives back in place, catching the attention of Lord Elrond, his gaze falling on her twin knives. Glorfindel had mentioned that they were similar to the ones used by her father, and at the time he had believed it merely a coincidence. However seeing the knives he knew immediately that they were none other than the knives he had searched for on the battlefield on the slopes of Mount Doom, the day her father fell. How she came to have them he was unsure. He had never been able to find them after the battle and had assumed they had fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Shaking himself from his memories he asked, "Jessica, may I see your twin knives?" Pulling the knives from their sheaths on her back with ease, "Of course Lord Elrond," she said, handing him the knives. Turning the knives over in his hands, he studied the engravings on the perfectly balanced blades, 'Let thy enemies feel the vengeance of thy blades as death strikes him'. "Jessica, how did you come by these weapons," he asked still looking at the blades. "My sister Paige found them in a hidden room that Gideon kept at the Magic School," she replied her curiosity getting the better of her, "Beyond that I have no idea where he got them. Why do you ask?" "I have seen these blades before," he said carefully, "I actually searched for these after the battle in which your father, Gil Galad, fell. These are the twin knives of Ereinion Gil Galad and as his daughter it is fitting that they are now finally in your possession. They are called the Gwanûn-Gûr it means the Twin Death."
Handing the knives back to Jesse, he smiled at the reverent way in which she held them in her trembling hands. "These were my father's," she asked a single tear streaming down her cheek. "Yes they were," he said touching his hand gently against her cheek and wiping the tears away, "It is nearly time for the feast. I will escort you back to your rooms, so Idril can assist you in getting ready." In silence the group that had congregated around the training field dispersed and the lord of the valley began to lead the daughter of one of his closest friends toward the Last Homely House.
Walking through the halls of his home Elrond became lost in thought. He had searched the battlefield himself and had never found Ereinion's knives. How they had ended up in the hands of the one responsible for so much grief to Ereinion and his family, he could not even begin to speculate. The only comfort he could draw upon the situation was that the knives were now in Jesse's possession where they truly belonged, and that despite what had befallen her she still had the power of Eru Ilúvatar, to wield them. He desired much to speak with Galadriel on this matter; perhaps she could shed some light on the situation.