Chapter Eleven
"Jesse, you got some 'splainin' to do."
The feeling of the sun's warmth brought Jesse into the waking world, the memories of the night before still wrapped around her like a warm blanket in the form of the arms of her love. She lay there listening to the comforting sound of the beat of his heart as it beat in time with her own. She knew that her life would never be the same again. She knew that she would have a lot of explaining to do when she saw the rest of the Fellowship. All Legolas would have to do is see her face to know why she had not gone to the pavilion the night before. Legolas and Aragorn she was pretty sure would take the news all right, after all Legolas was an elf and Aragorn had been raised by them, but she wasn't sure how it would sit with Boromir, Gimli and the hobbits. 'I hope they don't hate me,' she thought to herself.
"You are thinking to much my love," Haldir said, his voice shaking her from her thoughts, "The other members of the Fellowship look upon you as a sister and I believe that as long as you are happy they shall be as well." "What about Gimli?" she asked with a small laugh. "Though I am loath to admit it, I believe the dwarf will be your most staunchest supporter, but please do not tell him I said that," he laughed. "I promise not to breath a word to Gimli," she vowed giggling along with her new husband, "I still can't believe he called you a warg's ass that night in the flet." "I must admit that I now believe I deserved that for the way I treated him. Though I will never admit that to anyone," he replied laughing a deep musical laugh that made Jesse laugh even harder. "Your secret it safe with me," was Jesse's reply as she looked up at his smiling face. Their piece was suddenly disturbed by the sound of her stomach growling. "I guess we should make our way back into the city. So we may find you some breakfast," Haldir declared as he sat up taking Jesse with him. "I think I have been in the company of hobbits for too long. I am starting to eat like them," Jesse laughed as her stomach growled again causing both of them to laugh again.
They quickly swam across the pool to where they had left their clothing and used Haldir's cloak as a towel before dressing. Jesse cast a transformation spell on her gown turning it to a pale blue silk. She then turned her attention to her hair and quickly braided it back in a simple haring bone plait. "Would you like me to transform you cloths as well?"she asked putting the final touches on her hair. "That isn't necessary. The talan I share with my brothers is on the way to the dining hall I can change there," Haldir assured taking her arm and leading her across the courtyard.
As they reached the base of tree that held Haldir's home they passed a group of elleths, it was all Jesse could do to restrain her laughter when she heard their exclamations of surprise and utter despair over the binding of the handsome March Warden. She chanced a side ways glance at Haldir and found him silently laughing as well. Once they reached the top of the landing and were out of the earshot of the elleths, the pair burst into laughter. "You handled that quite well my love, even I found it hard to contain myself," Haldir declared wiping a tear of mirth from his eye. "I used to teach school, and I had many students that resembled the twin sons of Lord Elrond in their behavior. I had to learn how to keep a straight face," Jesse explained with a giggle at his surprised expression, "I really sympathize with Lord Erestor. To think he has been dealing with those two for thousands of years." "I sympathize with him as well. As March Warden I have had to deal with many of their pranks when they visit these woods," he sighed, "I do not know if I would have the strength to deal with more than just the two of them."
Reaching the door to his family's talan Haldir opened the door and allowed Jesse to enter before him. The sight that met them had them both laughing again. Rúmil was bent over with his bottom in the air reaching under a day bed trying to reach something far to the back of it. Upon hearing laughter he tried to straighten up but only managed to bump his head on a small side table. "What are you searching for little brother?" Haldir asked trying to contain his laughter. "The necklace I plan to give Lórwyn fell behind here and I can not reach it," Rúmil replied not turning around.
Silently Jesse motioned for Haldir to go to the opposite end of the seat that she was walking too. They wordlessly moved the offending piece of furniture and Jesse bent down retrieving the necklace. She then dangled the coveted necklace in front of her new brother-in-law's face and asked, "Would this be what you are searching for?" Looking up Rúmil followed the hand that was dangling the necklace up to an arm and finally to the face of a smiling elleth that he immediately recognized. As he looked into her eyes he noticed something then turned his gaze to his brother's. "Brother, you have bonded," he exclaimed in surprise an instant smile coming to his face, "Congratulations!" He quickly embraced his brother, then turned to look at Jesse once more, "Welcome sister," he said as he pulled her into a hug as well. "Thank you," Jesse said as they parted and Haldir made his way to her side.
The sound of a door opening caught their attention as Orophin made his way into the main sitting room still rubbing sleep from his eyes. "What is all this noise," he yawned not noticing the trio. "Our brother has bonded Orophin. Come welcome our new sister," Rúmil exclaimed happily. "Rúmil have you been sneaking some of the Lord Celeborn's wine again," Orophin accused before he turned to face his little brother for the first time noticing Haldir and Jesse's presence. "I assure you brother, Rúmil is neither inebriated nor jesting," Haldir assured as he watched Orophin's eyes grow to the size of saucers.
He and Rúmil burst into laughter as Jesse used two fingers to push their brother's chin up effectively closing his gaping mouth and said, "You might want to close that mouth before you catch a fly in there." "Well done sister you have rendered him incapable of speech," Rúmil exclaimed with a laugh as Jesse stepped back into Haldir's arms. "I must agree with my little brother, very well done indeed my love," Haldir laughed as he kissed the top of her head.
Finding his voice Orophin embraced Jesse and said with a smile "Welcome to the family sister. Maybe you will have better luck at changing our brother's sour disposition. That is the most I have seen him smile in a millennium. I had wondered if he were even capable of smiling. " "I shall remember that comment when next I am assigning border duties little brother," Haldir vowed as he took his wife back into his arms and winked down at her causing Jesse to laugh when she heard Orophin sputtering behind her. "Come my love," Haldir said as he lead Jesse away from his brothers towards his room, "We will see you in the dining hall brothers," he added turning back to look at his smiling brothers as he followed Jesse through the door and closed it behind him.
"I have to admit that was a bit of fun," Jesse said as she looked around the room, "At least they handled it well." "My brothers have seen me grow more and more lonely over these long years. I have lived only for my duties as the March Warden and I refused to allow myself much happiness," Haldir admitted as he walked over to Jesse and pulled her into his arms, "But now my beautiful wife you have given me a reason to smile again," he added before claiming her lips with his own in a heated kiss that left them both breathless. "I was much the same in my old world, especially after my friend Chris died. I had begun to loose my hope," Jesse admitted snuggling into his arms, "But now I have my hope back and can not wait for the future. A future with you." "I won't be but a few moments and then we can see about breaking our fast," he said as they finally pulled away from one another.
Soon they were entering the dinning hall rendering the bustling hall into dead silence. "I just love making an entrance," Jesse whispered with a smile. "It does seem to be amusing the effect we are having on people this morning," Haldir commented with a smile as they reached the table of the Lord and Lady of the Wood. Bowing to the Lord and Lady, Haldir pulled out a chair for Jesse before seating himself.
"On behalf of my wife and I, I would like to congratulate you both," Celeborn, said sharing a knowing smile with Galadriel. "Thank you both," Jesse said smiling back at the Lord and Lady. "We shall have to plan a feast to celebrate," Galadriel declared, "Jessica, have you thought of honoring your Wicca upbringing with a Handfasting ceremony?" "I honestly had not even thought of it my Lady but I know that my Grams would have wanted it that way, but I wouldn't want to even consider it until things are settled and I can have everyone I care about in Middle Earth there," Jesse said honestly as she looked into the timeless eyes of the Lady of Light. "I understand completely child," the Lady replied taking Jesse's hand in comfort, knowing precisely which things the elleth wished to be settled, "We will discuss that further after we have had our meal and you have had a chance to speak with your companions and do not worry child, they will understand."
Their conversation was soon halted as the rest of the Fellowship arrived for breakfast. Pippin was the first to see Jesse at the Lord and Lady's table and made his way to her, "Where were you last night Jesse?" he asked as he came up between her and Haldir. "I am sorry Pip, I hope I didn't make you guys worry too much," she said as she looked down at his smiling face. "No we wasn't so worried after Aragorn said you would be safe here," he answered honestly. "Well Aragorn was right, I was perfectly safe where I was I promise you," she replied sharing a smile with her husband as the rest of the Fellowship came to the table. Jesse turned her attention to the rest of her friends, "I hope I didn't worry any of you."
Jesse watched as a look of understanding came over the faces of Legolas and Aragorn. "I believe congratulations are in order are they not," Aragorn said as he shared a knowing smile with the Mirkwood Prince. "I believe you are correct Aragorn. There seems to be a change in our dear Jesse," Legolas said in a musical voice. "What are you lads talking about?" Gimli asked oblivious to the situation. "I find myself curious to that as well Gimli my friend," Boromir said as he took a drink from a cup of coffee. "Well out with it lads, the day isn't getting younger," Gimli pressed shifting his gaze between the smiling prince and ranger. "Gimli look at Jesse's eyes and tell me if you notice anything different," Aragorn suggested diplomatically. "Her eyes are just as pretty as they always have been," Gimli began, then he noticed the change her eyes sparkled with a light he had not seen before that was mirrored in the elf next to her, "I see it Lad but I don't understand it." "The light you see reflecting in their eyes my friend is the light that comes from the binding of what the elves call the fëa. Our dear Jesse has become the wife of Haldir," Aragorn explained before getting up from his seat, making his way to Jesse's side pulling her up from her seat and into a hug, "Congratulations Jesse and to you as well Haldir." "Thank you Aragorn," Jesse said with a relieved smile as they pulled away from each other and Aragorn shared a handshake with Haldir. Soon the rest of the Fellowship was surrounding Jesse and Haldir hugging the bride, shaking hands with the groom and offering their congratulations. Even Gimli congratulated the couple with only a mild warning of maiming in the event Haldir hurt Jesse in anyway.
Once breakfast was over Jesse and Haldir joined the Fellowship at the training grounds and Jesse sparred a bit with Boromir and Aragorn. Haldir and his brothers watched as Jesse sparred and were in awe of the strength and speed in which she fought. Her skill also gained the attention of the Lord and Lady who were strolling a path near the training field and they stopped to watch as she rendered both of her opponents weaponless and at her mercy.
"I have not seen one with so much skill since the days of her father," Celeborn commented his eyes never leaving the elleth on the field, "She has her father's strength in her to be sure." "Yes my husband she does indeed and it will not only serve her well but the whole of Middle Earth," the Galadriel agreed watching the field as intently as her husband.
"Jesse would you honor me with a spar with our twin blades," Legolas asked from his place on one of the benches that lined the end of the field. "That Legolas is a challenge I would greatly enjoy," Jesse said withdrawing her blades from their sheath as the Mirkwood Prince made his way towards her drawing his own blades. The pair circled eachother slowly before Legolas made his first move. Which Jesse easily blocked and countered with a move of her own. They continued that way for a long while trading attacks and blocks neither one of them gaining more than an inch of ground. To those watching it was a blur of speed. Legolas moved to Jesse's right with an attack that gave her the opening she had been waiting for. As his blades came down on her right side she tilted her body back bringing her foot behind his and flipping him onto his back, with her blades crossing over his neck. "Do you yield," she asked smiling down at him. "Aye, I admit defeat to an honorable opponent," he replied with a smile. Jesse offered him her hand and helped him to a standing position, before she locked eyes with that of her beaming husband.
"That Lass was a fine show of skill," Gimli exclaimed as he walked up to Jesse's side. "I would have to agree with the dwarf that was wondrous my love," Haldir said as he pulled Jesse into his arms, "Now if you will all excuse us I believe my wife would like a bath before we are to meet with the Lord and Lady." "Yes that does sound like a good idea," Jesse said with a smile as she thought of a nice hot bath with her husband, "I will see you guys at dinner tonight."
Making their way to the talan as quickly as they could, they went straight to Haldir's private bathing chamber. As the tub filled with fragrant heated water they quickly divested eachother of their clothing. Climbing into the heated water Jesse let out a satisfied sigh as she leaned back into the waiting arms of her husband. "Now this a girl could get used to," she stated firmly as she enjoyed the feel of the warm water and his hands upon her body, "but," she added sitting up, turning around to face her love she straddled his hips and joining their bodies, "this is something I could get used to even more." "Who am I to deny my beautiful wife," he replied with a smile as he claimed her lips and they were swept away by their passion for one another.
Some time later they made their way towards the Lord and Lady's royal talan. As they reached the main landing Haldir felt the brush of the Lady's presence in his mind and he led Jesse up the stairs towards the Lord's study. Reaching their destination they were greeted by the knowing smiles of Celeborn and Galadriel. Jesse just knew she was blushing and she could just make out the presence of a slight pink tinge making its way to the tips of her husband's ears.
"There is no need to feel embarrassment with my husband and I, young ones, for we have been in your position many times over the course of our long marriage. In times such as these we must make use of what time the Valar see fit to give us," the Lady said wisely as she walked from her place by the window to stand behind Lord Celeborn. "I agree completely with my wife on that matter. We must take what time fate allows us," Celeborn agreed grasping his wife's hand in his own, "Now please have a seat and we shall discuss what needs to be done."
Taking their seats Jesse looked into the eyes of her husband then asked, "Where would you like to begin, my Lord?" "I believe we should start with the information you received causing you to return to Middle Earth. For there may be crucial information we may gleam from it," Celeborn said nodding his head toward Jesse with a kind smile. He knew well from what his wife had told him that Jesse was going to have a hard time relaying everything that she knew but that she would do so for the sake of everyone she loved.
Taking a deep cleansing breath Jesse looked up at the Lord and Lady and began her tale, "Well I guess I should start with explaining who Gideon is," Jesse said pausing to glance at her husband, "He was a leader in a race known as the elders. The job of the elders was to watch over and guide witches and other magical creatures. Gideon was in charge of the Magic School and that is how I knew him. About a year ago my friend Chris came back in time twenty some years to prevent some evil from turning my sister Piper's son Wyatt evil. It seems that some force had caused Wyatt to turn from the side of light and become what we called the Source. I was the only person that actually knew who Chris really was at the beginning, but finally his secret came out and the rest of my family found out that he was actually Piper and Leo's youngest son. Chris was with us for a little over a year until the day that he was actually supposed to be born. That day we found out that Gideon was responsible for Wyatt's turning to evil. He kidnapped Wyatt and brought him to the under world to try and kill him and eliminate what he saw as a threat. We had left Chris watching Wyatt while Leo and I were trying to find Gideon. Piper was in the process of giving birth to what we called little Chris at the time and Paige and Phoebe were with her because she was having trouble with the birth. Gideon took advantage of Leo's absence and mine and with the help of a demon called Barbus, was able to get into the Manor. Chris tried to fight off Gideon but was stabbed with an athame that was blessed to prevent Leo and me from being able to heal the wound. With Chris down he took Wyatt to the underworld and had Leo and I not gotten there in time the trauma of it would have caused Wyatt to turn. We saved Wyatt and Leo killed Gideon but we were unable to save Chris and I had to watch my best friend die without being able to do a damn thing about it," Jesse explained tears streaming freely down her face.
Haldir was by her side in an instant, pulling her into a comforting embrace, he looked up at the sadden faces of the Lord and Lady and asked, "Why must she have to relive such grief?" "It was the only way for her to be sure that we would be able to understand the information she needs to impart to us," Lord Celeborn replied his own voice tinged with grief for what the young elleth had been forced to face. "This is also a grief that until now Jessica has not allowed herself to share with others. In sharing her burden with the three of us she has taken a step toward healing," the Lady of Light said as she walked over to the younger elleth and stroked her hair, as a mother would have done.
Gathering her strength Jesse looked up into her husbands face and agreed, "The Lord and Lady are both right. You all needed to hear my back-story with Gideon to understand how I got the information I did. And I have not allowed myself the time to grieve over loosing Chris because honestly I did not want to have face the fact that he was not going to come back." "Will you truly be alright?" Haldir asked worry still creasing his features. "I will be," Jesse promised as she looked into to his eyes.
Straightening herself back up in her seat Jesse began again, "Shortly before I came to Middle Earth my sisters and I began the task of going through Gideon's private library and rooms at the Magic School. We wanted to know what else he might have done for what he called 'The Greater Good'. One night I received a call from my sister Paige. She had found something that night that had to do with me. There were several manuscripts, journal entries and a spell to travel in time to Middle Earth. Some of the information they needed me to translate, because it was written in Sindarin. Gideon wrote in his journal that he had taken me from my parents and taken me into the world that I grew up in, leaving me on the doorstep of the Manor. He figured that because of the amount of demonic attacks the Halliwell family experienced that I would not survive very long. Basically he felt that if I died at the hands of demons he would be able to keep his own hands clean. Paige also found manuscripts in written by Gandalf, Lord Elrond and even the Lady herself. Those manuscripts for the most part all said the same thing that if I had not been taken some of the lives that had been lost in the war that is coming would not have been lost and that the elves would have not had to leave Middle Earth. That they would have united as one and worked to strengthen the world of men. I used the spell that Gideon had used to return to Middle Earth," finishing with her story she took a deep breath and looked up at the Lord and Lady.
"The manuscripts you have described already exist in the libraries of Lothlórien and Imladris," Galadriel assured knowing of Jesse's concern to preserve the timeline, "Do not fear child the timeline has been preserved." Lord Celeborn rose from his seat, walked over to a window, looking out at the city and asked, "My Lady wife has told me of a conversation in which you were able to speak with your father. I have been made aware that he was able to impart some information to you on behalf of the Valar. Could you please tell us what information you were able to obtain from that meeting?"
Taking a deep breath Jesse began to speak, her eyes clouding over as her memory transported her back to the woodland glade where had spoken to her father, "Ada, told me that just my presence in some of the battles to come would help to save lives. He also told me that I must save to lives of two people in the very near future. I have already begun working towards saving the life of one of them, because his fall was directly connected to the One Ring taking hold of his mind. I have been trying to keep his mind shielded from its effects as best I could and as far as I can tell he has not been tempted to take the ring since we left Rivendell." "You have nothing to fear for Lord Boromir, Jessica; the One Ring is not tempting him. Of this I am certain," the Lady of Light assured. "Thank you my Lady, that makes me feel much better. Boromir has become a great friend to me and I do not want to loose him that way. I also made a promise to Idril that I would watch out for him," Jesse said sharing a smile with the Lady of the Wood. "You are most welcome my child. I understand the depth of grief that Idril has suffered and do not wish to see more added to her already heavy burden," the Lady replied. "As for the other life I am meant to save, my father said that Boromir and Lord Glorfindel will be able to assist me," Jesse said carefully trying to keep the image of her brave and handsome husband's death at the hands of those filthy Uruk-hai on the battlements of the Hornburg from her mind.
Noticing the sadness that came to the young elleth's features Celeborn did not feel the need to push the subject further knowing the life at stake was that of Jesse's own husband. Instead he turned his mind to other information that could be helpful and asked, "Jessica could you tell us of anything else that your father has told you?" "Of course my Lord," Jesse answered giving him a grateful smile, "He told me that King Théoden of Rohan's people were in danger from Saruman and he gave me a message to deliver to Lord Elrond on the subject. He said, 'The time is short, remember the old alliances.' He meant that we should not forget the alliance that existed between elves and men and he suggested that a force of elves from both Lothlórien and Rivendell go to Helm's Deep to fight along side the people of Rohan," Jesse explained, "Lord Glorfindel has already volunteered to lead the forces of Rivendell," she added holding her breath for what she knew was sure to come. She found herself squeezing her eyes shut as she heard the words that came from her husband's mouth, "My Lord with your permission I would like to lead the forces of Lothlórien should you decide to send them to the aid of Rohan."
Seeing the look of fear that went across Jesse's face Lady Galadriel looked to her husband and suggested, "Now I believe would be a good time for Jessica and myself to take our leave. She is weary from our questions and I believe fresh air will aid her greatly." "Of course my love," Celeborn replied locking knowing gazes with that of his wife as she took Jesse by the arm and led her towards the door. Shock seemed to have descended upon the younger elleth as she wordlessly allowed herself to be guided from the room.
Looking towards the wise elf lord, Haldir asked, "I am the one that she is expected to save. Am I not?" "Do not be angry with her for withholding this information from you my Son. I do not believe she was conscious of it herself. The burden of many lives has been laid upon her shoulders and she will need your strength and understanding to see this to the end. For good or ill," Celeborn replied wisely as he looked at the face of his adopted son. "Had I known I would have never allowed myself to bind with her. For surely if I fall she will fade," the March Warden declared in frustration. "She would have faded upon your death even before you bound yourself to her in the physical world. Such is the nature of the bond of your fëar," the older ellon said, his heart going out to Haldir, "Now with the binding in the physical world you have been at least given a chance to act on the love you share for what ever time the Valar have given you."
"Do not worry yourself, Jessica. His anger is not directed at you but the situation he feels he has put you into. Haldir sometimes forgets that there are things that he is truly unable to control," the Lady assured as they made their way to her glade. "I can't loose him my Lady," Jesse declared as tears poured from her eyes, "I just can't loose him." "You have what you need to save him child," Galadriel explained, "And it is not a task you must face alone. Glorfindel has departed from Imladris with the forces of Lord Elrond. The son of the steward is strong and with your help will survive the attack at Amon Hen. All that remains is for you to take the time you have here in the safety of these woods to strengthen your bond with your husband. For that bond will be your strongest asset in what you will face. I know what you have seen in your dreams for I have also seen it in my mirror. You know how and when he will need you the most. Do not allow the dream to give you fear but allow it to teach you what must be done to prevent it." "Thank you my Lady," Jesse said as she dried her eyes. "No my child it is I who should be thanking you. For you have given my adopted son a reason to smile again," Galadriel corrected smiling down at the elleth next to her.
"My Lady, I do need your council on another matter. Since Boromir will not try to take the ring from Frodo. How can I be certain he and Sam continue their journey the way they should?" Jesse asked the question that had been plaguing her since Rivendell, "Short of telling him exactly what is supposed to happen I don't know what else to do," looking up from her hands Jesse noticed for the first time that they were not alone in the glade. "Help me to understand what I need to do, Jesse," he said as he made his way to stand in front of her. As Frodo and Jesse began to talk the Lady wordlessly left the glade in search of her husband.
"Oh, Frodo," she whispered looking into his big blue eyes, "First of all I want to tell you that I think you are probably the bravest person I have ever met. And second it has been an honor to help you, but there will come a time in the not to distant future when you will have to take Sam and go on to Mordor without the rest of us. You see in my world there is a series of books telling about the Fellowship and in that book at a place called Amon Hen, Boromir tried to take the ring from you. When he did you and Sam set out on your own. But that was without me as a member of the Fellowship. You see I have been keeping the ring from taking hold of Boromir so he will not try to take it from you, without that to give you a nudge in the right direction. I have been at a loss of what to do. I can't let Boromir die because he fell for the ring. But I have to make sure you and Sam go on. I am so sorry to have to add to you burden Frodo." "This was not your doing Jesse. You are just trying to protect us and for that I am grateful. Gandalf would be very proud of how you have handled things," Frodo declared as Jesse pulled him into a tight hug.
"Come on Frodo," Jesse said getting up and drying her teary eyes, "Let's go find the others and go have lunch." "I think I like that idea," the hobbit laughed as they walked to the entrance of the glade hand in hand, "Jesse can I ask you something?" "Of course Frodo, what would you like to know?" Jesse asked as they walked toward the kitchens. "Would you sing for us?" the hobbit asked looking up at his companion. "I will see if I can think of one," she replied with a laugh.
"Hey everyone Mister Frodo brought Miss Jesse wit'em," Sam announced from his spot on a massive tree root as Jesse and Frodo approached the pavilion, their arms laden with food various other objects, "An it looks like they brought lunch." "Hey Boromir could you give Frodo a hand with that," Jesse said as she struggled to keep the pile of things in her arms from tipping. The Gondorian quickly ran to the rescue of the hobbit just as he was about to fall over a log he could not see. "What is all this?" Boromir asked as he looked at contents of a box he had taken from Frodo. "Well Frodo and I decided that we as a Fellowship should spend the afternoon together. Since we got here I have not had a chance to spend much time with you guys and well we are talking about feeding hobbits here. I also managed to get a sketchbook from Rúmil and I want to draw pictures of everyone," Jesse said with a satisfied smile as she set down the stuff she was carrying. "But first lets eat," Pippin said as he started looking through one of the baskets of food, causing everyone to laugh.
As the Fellowship of the Ring lounged around their bellies full Jesse sat on a low hanging branch with the sketchbook Rúmil had given her head bent down in concentration every now and then she would glance up her gaze falling on the future king of Gondor as he lazily smoked on his pipe. "You have a beautiful talent Sister," Rúmil said as he walked up quietly to her side. "Thank you, I haven't had the chance to draw since we left Rivendell and I really wanted to have some way to remember my friends," Jesse said as she made room for him on the branch, "Oh I wanted to ask how did Lórwyn like the necklace it was really quite pretty by the way." "She was most pleased with it and me," Rúmil replied with a mischievous gleam in his eye causing Jesse to giggle. "Oh and I have something for you by the way," Jesse said as she dug through the drawings she had already done and handing it to the younger ellon. "This is most beautiful you have truly captured her beauty. I will cherish this always. Thank you," Rúmil said his eyes never leaving the image of his beautiful Lórwyn. "I have a question to ask you. If I could draw a picture of a necklace do you think I could get the smiths here to craft it?" Jesse asked a plan for her next sketch already going through her mind. "Of course what is it you want them to make?" he asked curiously. "Well it is called a locket in the world I came from. I had some made in Rivendell before we left as gifts for Aragorn, Arwen, Boromir, and Idril, but I would like to have one for myself so I can carry a picture of Haldir with me," she explained. "I am sure they will be able to craft it for you in no time. If you would like I can take you there," he assured looking at the picture she had quickly sketched of the necklace. "Oh thanks so much," she said with a smile, before she walked over to Aragorn and whispered, "I will be back shortly I want to see the metal smiths here to get a necklace made for myself, like the ones I had made for Idril and Arwen and Rúmil has offered to take me there." "If it is alright with you I would like to accompany you. I am in need of a walk after that fine feast you and Frodo brought for us," the ranger said as he quietly stood, then added picking up his sword, "I also have a favor to ask of the smiths of Lórien."
With a promise from the metal smith that the necklace would be finished before the Fellowship was due to depart Lothlórien Jesse and Aragorn, having left Rúmil at the training fields, were just approaching the pavilion as Haldir arrived. His gaze falling to the elleth who had so captured his heart as she made her way toward him. He wordlessly opened his arms to her and she fell into the embrace smiling up at him. She could feel the power of his love pour through their bond and couldn't help but smile even more.
"Hey now that you and Aragorn are back will you sing for us Jesse," Pippin asked as he ran up to her and Haldir, smiling up at the pair. "Yes, Jesse, sing for us you promised," Frodo reminded from his place next to Sam. "Ok, you guys win. I think I have thought of a song you guys will enjoy. It is one of my favorites," Jesse conceded as she and Haldir settled themselves on the same branch that she and Rúmil had sat on earlier that afternoon. She closed her eyes as she began the words of the song.
"Every now and then
We find a special friend
Who never lets us down
Who understands it all
Reaches out each time we fall
You're the best friend that I've found
I know you can't stay
A part of you will never ever go away
Your heart will stay
I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
If life will just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesturday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
I don't need eyes to see
The love you bring to me
No matter where I go
And I know that you'll be there
Forever more a part of me and everywhere
I'll always care
I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
If life will just be kind
To such a gentle mind
And if you lose your way
Think back on yesturday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
And I'll be right behind your shoulder
Watching you
I'll be standing by your side
All you do
And I won't ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe
I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
If life will just be kind
To such a gentle mind
And if you lose your way
Think back on yesturday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
Oh, this way"
(Remember Me This Way "Jordan Hill")
"Lass, that was very pretty," Gimli smiled in approval. "I have to agree, that was most beautiful my love," Haldir added as smiled down at his wife. "Yeah Miss Jesse that were awful pretty," Sam declared with a happy smile as he smoked on his pipe. "It is good to hear you sing again, Jesse," Aragorn added with a smile. "Won't you sing another Jesse?" Boromir added from his place next to the ranger. "Oh yes do sing another one," Pippin added as Merry shook his head in agreement. "Thank you," Jesse replied blushing slightly, "Let me see if I can think of one," she added as she rested her head on Haldir's shoulder as she began a song that she thought fit how she felt in her husbands arms and knew that Boromir and Aragorn would be able to understand it as well.
"I can't imagine, any greater fear
Then waking up, without you here,
And though the sun, will still shine on,
My whole world, would all be gone,
But not for long,
If I had to run, if I had to crawl
If I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,
Always know that I will find a way, to get to where you are,
There's no place that far
It wouldn't matter why we're apart,
Lonely minds or two stubborn hearts
Nothing short of God above
Could turn me away from your love
I need you that much
If I had to run, if I had to crawl
If I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,
Always know that I will find a way, to get to where you are,
There's no place that far
If I had to run, if I had to crawl
If I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,
Always know that I will find a way, to get to where you are,
There's no place that far
Baby there's no place that far"
(No Place That Far "Sara Evans")
As she sang she watched the far away looks that came over her friends as they thought of their loves so far away and she felt Haldir pull her even closer to his body as the words also touched his heart. "I do hope you put that song in the book that you gave to Lindir, for it was most beautiful," Legolas said with a smile. "Oh trust me Legolas, every song you have heard me sing is in that book as well as many others. I have a feeling that the poor souls of Rivendell will be subjected to songs from my old world for a very long time," Jesse said with a laugh shared by many in the group. "Don' get me wrong mine you, Mister Lindir has a wonderful voice but he don' sound near as good as our Miss Jesse," Sam proclaimed with certainty. "Thank you Sam," Jesse said blushing profusely causing Haldir and the others to laugh.
"The Lady has declared that tonight there shall be a feast in the main forest clearing, in honor of our marriage. Lórwyn has brought several gowns to our talan for you to choose from. She also said that she would come by to assist you in getting ready," Haldir explained as he cradled his wife close to him. "That means I have to get up from this most comfortable spot though doesn't it," Jesse replied with a pout as she looked up into his eyes. "I am afraid it does," her husband laughed as he jumped gracefully from the branch then reached up and plucked her off as if she weighed nothing at all. "Of course you are all invited," Haldir assured as he turned from his laughing wife to the rest of the Fellowship. "I believe I speak for all of us when I say we will be most honored to attend," Aragorn said with a smile. "I will see you guys tonight," Jesse said waving back at her friends as Haldir led her towards their home.
'Boy that is going to take some getting used to,' Jesse thought to herself causing Haldir to laugh quietly. "You heard that didn't you?" Jesse said looking up at him with an accusing smile. "Yes my love your thoughts are as clear to me as my own," he assured as they began to climb up towards the canopy. "Why can't I hear your thoughts? I can hear the thoughts of like everyone on the planet, it doesn't make sense," she said in frustration. "I am not certain why you can not hear my thoughts perhaps you should ask the Lady for her abilities are similar to your own and the bond we share is also like the bond she and Lord Celeborn share," he suggested as they reached the top of the stairs. "Tomarrow I will," Jesse stated firmly stepping through the door that he had opened for her, "I would like to be able to talk to you when the Fellowship has to continue on our journey. It will be so lonely without you there with me." "I will miss you greatly when we have to be parted but know it will only be for a short time. I know that my going to Rohan brings you great pain but I do not believe we will be parted in this battle," he assured taking her into his arms and hugging her closely to his body. "I love you so much Haldir. I do not think I really started to live until I saw your face scowling at Gimli that day in the forest," she said trying to smile. "I believe I behaved quite well considering my position in the matter," he said in defense, "After all he did later refer to me as a warg's ass. Now let us go to our bathing chamber so that we may refresh ourselves before this evening's feast."