Chapter Thirty-Three
Something Familiar
The morning of June eighth found the members of the Fellowship and their friends riding out of the White City. Casually they made their way into the foot hills of Mindolluin, toward a clearing in the forest that circled the mountain. Boromir had told Jesse about the clearing the night before and she suggested that they take the day off just to relax and enjoy each other's company .
"Aragorn we need a break," she had said walking into the King's study and sitting down across from him, "You my friend need a break. The meetings and councilors will wait for a day. We are all going on a picnic tomorrow, and no you have no say in the matter. In these matters Arwen gave me complete control in her stead."
True to her words she had not given him any say in the matter and the following day found the group lounging the day away in the forest glade. A friendly archery contest was held and Jesse and Gimli took turns teaching Amrothos, Prince Imrahil's youngest son, how to properly throw an axe.
After lunch Jesse helped her daughter to gather wildflowers so that Legolas could show the small girl how to weave her own crown of flowers. The elleth had just stepped into the tree line to pick some wild daisies when she felt it. Something was crying out for help and whatever it was, it was in a great deal of pain, causing the elleth to stumble slightly at the onslaught.
At first she didn't see it but just as she was about to turn and search in the other direction she caught a glimpse of white. There lying in a heap at the base of what she originally thought was a birch sapling was a young red tail hawk. Kneeling next to the frightened bird she sent out a soothing telepathic caress to the injured creature's mind, 'Easy there fella. I going to help you.'
Once she had the young raptor calmed down she was able to find out that he had been attacked by a flock of crows. Taking off her cloak she carefully wrapped the bird snuggly inside to keep further damage to his wing from occurring, and called out to her husband through there bond, 'My love I have found an injured hawk,' she told her husband through their link, 'I could really use a bit of help. I fear the crows that attacked him are lying in wait.'
It was only a few short moments before she was joined by Haldir, Aragorn, and Glorfindel. Aragorn gasped when he saw the young sapling next to the elleth. "Jesse that is the sapling of Nimloth the fair," he said in a choked voice as he looked down at the tiny tree.
"It is so small I didn't recognize it," she replied gazing at the tiny little sapling with awe, "It will not do very well here with so many large trees crowding it so I guess it is a good thing it will be coming with us."
Gently he removed the soil from around the small but precious tree and carefully bundled it up in his cloak to protect it. He was just about to say something else when the crows made their presence known. "Those are no mere crows," he declared in disgust, "Those are Crebain, Saruman's twisted scouts. We will have to find a way to destroy the beasts before they cause more damage."
'The eagles and I shall hunt the vermin,' Pyre's deep voice echoed through her mind, 'They are easier to track from the air.'
"Pyre says that he and the eagles will take care of it. It will be easier from the air," the elleth relayed, "Don't worry Aragorn. Their days of terrorizing the innocent are coming to an end."
"Then we best be on our way with our new charges. Your new friend needs to have his injuries tended and this tree needs to be planted before the roots dry out to badly," Glorfindel suggested just as the roar of a dragon echoed through the forest, "It would seem Pyre has already located his prey."
"So it would seem," Haldir replied as black feathers began to flutter to the ground. He helped Jesse to her feet and the group returned to the glade.
Upon reaching the others Aragorn explained what had happened and what they had discovered. The Gondorians in the group were in awe of the precious little sapling wrapped in their King's cloak. They quickly gathered up their things and headed back to Minas Tirith.
When they arrived men were recruited to carefully remove the old dead tree in the court yard. It was decided it would have a new home in the main courtyard on the first level of the city, as a symbol of all of those lost in the defense of the city. Aragorn personally assumed the task of planting the sapling and Jesse who had finished tending to the hawk, gave the young tree its first drink of water in its new home. All over the city the people were celebrating the discovery of the sapling. The tree became yet another symbol for the future of the people of Gondor and her new King. "Now everything is ready for your wedding day," she said with a smile as she looked down at the tiny tree, "Arwen will be here very soon."
That night after dinner Jesse sat by the fire mending a small tear in a pair of Brigid's riding pants, on her shoulder sat the hawk, its broken wing tightly bound, and at her feet Brigid lay drawing a picture with pieces of parchment and charcoal Faramir had found for her. "I believe you have found the familiar that your parents mentioned," Gandalf commented as he sat down across from the trio and lit his pipe, "Have you decided on a name for him yet?"
Setting her sewing down the elleth turned her attention to the white wizard and replied, "I have decided to call him Galahad after one of the Sarmatian Knights that served King Arthur. The name just seemed to fit."
Looking down the old wizard looked at the drawing that Brigid was diligently trying to create. It looked as though the child was drawing a picture of her family. He could make out the basic representations of Brigid herself, Jesse, Haldir, and Glorfindel. What surprised him was the addition of two tiny figures that flanked the child's self portrait. "You may feel the need to add the gift of foresight to this young one's list of abilities," he said thoughtfully as he turned a knowing gaze back to the elleth who was now looking in shock at the drawing.
"I wasn't sure," stuttered the shocked elleth, "I thought it was possible but I figured it was only my imagination. I thought I could feel something but it was just so subtle," she placed her hand reverently on her still slender stomach and smiled, "As for Brigid having the gift of foresight I am not surprised really. I think that she will be pretty powerful witch when she grows up."
"With you as her teacher I have no doubt that she will be a most talented young witch. Radagast and Alatar share many of the same abilities so it is not surprising that Brigid and yourself share them as well," he said with confidence as he looked down at the now sleeping child, "Now she will no doubt share her gifts with her brother and sister as well. Congratulations my dear. I am happy for you."
"Thanks Gandalf coming from you it means a great deal," she answered smiling as she looked up and noticed her husband walking into the hall with Aragorn.
Later as she lay curled up in Haldir's arms Jesse allowed her mind to relax. She soon found herself falling asleep her mind however was pulled into the dream world.
As the world came into focus Jesse found herself standing in the Lady Galadriel's private garden. Sitting regally on the matching stone benches were Galadriel and Lord Elrond.
Decorum was thrown from the proverbial window when the young elleth laid eyes upon the regal elf lord that she had last seen in the courtyard of Imladris and she flew into his open arms. "I have missed you as well child," he whispered as he held the elleth he loved as a daughter, "Much has happened since I last saw you. Our world is now free because of what you and the rest of the Fellowship have achieved. Because of you the cost was not as great as it would have been without your presence." He carefully brushed away her tears and kissed her forehead, "Because of you and Estel the races or men and elves will thrive. Now is the time for you to raise your family and enjoy what you have worked so hard to achieve."
"The Valar have given me another message. On the way to the Black Gate I used a spell to release the souls of several innocents from the cursed land of a devastated village. Through another dream vision with my parents I was told that there may be a way of releasing those trapped in the Dead Marshes using that spell. Then later while Haldir and I were in Rohan retrieving our daughter I had what I believe to be a premonition. I saw an ellon that looked vaguely familiar to me. Once we returned to the White City I showed a drawing of him to Gandalf and Aragorn and they told me that it was Oropher," she told them once she had recovered.
"I am certain what you saw was in fact a vision of things to come for I have seen it as well. To be successful you will need to combine your strength and magic with Gandalf and Radagast. Also I believe that Elrond, Celeborn, and I should be present to act as anchors for the three of you during the casting of the spell," Galadriel suggested.
Looking toward the older elleth Jesse asked, "When do you think we should do this? Is it safe for the babies?" worry for her unborn children evident in her eyes and voice.
Smiling gently Elrond answered, "Unlike human pregnancies, there is little cause for worry during the early stages of an elvin pregnancy. When we anchor you to this plane we will have Haldir and Glorfindel act as anchors for your children. Your Istari blood will strengthen the babies and yourself."
Relief was clearly written on Jesse's face as she said, "I was worried about that. I want to try to free those people from the Marshes but I would not risk my children."
"Be at peace child the children you carry will be very safe," Galadriel assured, "Haldir and Glorfindel have both acted as anchors to myself and Elrond on many occasions so there is no reason to worry."
"Alright," Jesse answered wrapping her mind around what they planned to do, "I can ask Pyre to retrieve Radagast. He saw him recently so he should be able to find him."
"We will arrive in Minas Tirith on the first day of July," Galadriel said as she stood from her seat and walked toward her mirror, "Your Book of Shadows is among the items that we carry for you. The answer to free those trapped will be in there."
"Jessica, dawn will be soon approaching," Elrond advised seriously, "We will see you very soon. Goodbye child."
Opening her eyes Jesse found herself back in her husband's arms and facing a crying Brigid. "Did you have a bad dream baby?" At the small girl's nod she lifted the quilt and motioned the child under the covers, "That's alright you can stay with your Pappa and I tonight. Do you want to tell me about it?"
"Mean birds hurt Gal," Brigid whimpered as she buried her little face into her mother's chest.
"Oh Baby," Jesse sighed, "Galahad is safe. What you saw already happened. Mamma and Pappa saved Gal and Pyre and the eagles took care of those mean old birds. They can't hurt Gal anymore, I promise." Using her mind the elleth sent a sense of calm to the mind of her daughter, allowing the small girl to fall asleep once more.
The next morning after breakfast Jesse made her way to the rocky out crop that Pyre had made his temporary home. In her hand she carried a letter explaining everything to the Brown wizard.
'I will find the Brown Wizard, Princess,' the dragon assured before taking to the air and flying north. His form quickly disappearing even from the sight of elves.
Watching as the dragon disappeared Jesse whispered a silent prayer to protect her ancient friend. "Good luck my friend," she said out loud as she turned and headed back to the King's Hall to find Aragorn and Gandalf.
She lucked out and found the wizard and King in the main hall talking with the Swan Prince and Glorfindel. She explained her dream conversation with the Lady of Light and Lord Elrond and about the plan to free the trapped people in the Dead Marshes.
"So Pyre has gone to retrieve Radagast?" Aragorn asked in a thoughtful voice. At Jesse's nod he led them to a large table where a large map lay spread out. The route to Mordor that had been used by the Army of the West was clearly marked out. "If we are to go to the Dead Marshes then we will need to decide our route," he pointed to the section of the map where the Marshes were clearly marked.
Shaking her head in wonder Jesse walked over to Aragorn and hugged him, before saying, "Thank you my friend." Taking Aragorn's lead she smiled turning to the others and said, "If we are going to do this then we need to be prepared. We do not know what condition those people will be in when they are released so we will need healers and supplies. Also I want as much Athelas as possible, it will help in treating many wounds both physical and mental. That is cursed land so we will have to bring everything we will need with us."
"I will see to gathering the Athelas. There was quite a bit of the herb near the glade," Glorfindel volunteered, "Perhaps Legolas and Gimli will accompany me." He bowed cheerfully and left the hall in search of the Mirkwood Prince and the dwarf.
"I will speak with Ioreth in the Houses of Healing," Imrahil spoke up from his place next to Jesse, "I will also ask my wife to coordinate the gathering of healing supplies. She is very talented in that area."
Smiling Jesse suggested, "Have her speak with Larien, she may be of assistance to her," she turned to Aragorn and added, "I will have to do some research to make certain the spell works the way we want it to. Sadly I do not believe any of the dwarves and men that were trapped will have survived. The best we can hope for will be that their spirits find rest and healing in the Halls of their Fathers. Ada told me that Firetooth was trapped while trying to help Oropher and Haldir's father. He may have survived. Dragons are practically as immortal as elves but we won't know for sure until we work the spell. Gandalf do you know if there were any records of that particular battle? Perhaps written accounts from survivors?"
"I believe Faramir will be able to help you find the information you seek. He did a fair bit of research into the Last Alliance some years ago. I would wager he knows the library better than the librarian," Imrahil suggested with a fond smile when speaking of his studious nephew.
"I will ask Boromir to help me with other arrangements so that Faramir will be free to help in your research," Aragorn supplied, "I shall also be meeting with the head house keeper to finish the arrangements for our guests."
Puffing thoughtfully on his pipe the white wizard spoke, "I shall speak with Samwise and Frodo. Their journey through the Marshes may be able to shed some much needed light on what we shall be facing.
After lunch Faramir led Jesse to the city's massive library. He led her past the main section and deep into the bowels of the building where some of the most ancient documents were housed. Lining the walls were rows and rows of scrolls and books that looked as though they had not been touched in over a thousand years.
Taking a giant tome from one of the shelves the new Steward explained, "These are the accounts of several men who survived the last war. We should be able to find something useful in here."
"I hope so," Jesse replied sitting down next to Faramir and looking at the ancient book. "Depending on what we find I may need to rewrite the spell. Right now we plan to use the spell that I used on the way to the Black Gate."
With that the two began the task of sorting through the countless reports and stories. Some of what they found was clearly written by someone who had not actually took part in any sort of fighting and they quickly set those works aside.
It was late on the second day of their search that they finally found what they were looking for. "How about this?" Faramir asked excitement tingeing his voice as he handed the elleth the scroll he had been studying.
The account of a squire was written in the shaky script of the young man who had been clearly changed by his experiences. The squire had been assigned the task of relaying messages between Oropher's army and the regiment of his lord and prince Isildur. No more than fifteen, the boy had barely escaped being trapped in the Marshes himself.
Jesse was moved to tears as she read the account. She could see what happened that fateful night as though she had been there herself. Wiping her eyes she looked to Faramir and smiled sadly before answering, "This is exactly what I needed, and the spell will work. We will owe this squire a great debt that can never be repaid for he has passed long ago but I will see to it that my people know of his role in the rescue of those trapped."
"Lady I must say you shall make a wondrous leader for your people. I am most confident that our two peoples will be able to work as one with leaders like you and my King leading us," the man said honestly, moved by her declaration of respect for a squire that had died more than an age before.
"Thank you Faramir I appreciate that," she replied honored at the man's words. "Would it be alright if I made a copy of this document. I want it to be added to the libraries in Imladris and Lothlorien. I can copy it with a simple replicating spell," she asked looking down at the ancient text.
"Of course my Lady," he replied with a smile.
Once she had made copies of the precious document for both the Imladris and Lothlorien libraries, she and Faramir made their way back to the King's Hall. Just as they were about to enter the hall a large shadow covered them blocking out the bright sun.
Okay that was the last of the stuff I already had typed out. I will try to have more up soon. Don't forget to leave me some reviews. I love to hear what you guys think.