Chapter Thirty-Four
Going To The Chapel
Pyre was back and sitting atop the massive dragon's back was a brown robed figure that Jesse knew to be Radagast the Brown. Smiling she walked over and greeted the pair, "Welcome back my friend," she said looking first to the dragon, "Thank you for finding Master Radagast so quickly."
'I am pleased that I could assist you Princess,' the deep rumbling voice of the dragon echoed through the elleth's mind in response.
"Thank you for coming Master Radagast," she said turning to greet the wizard next, "There would be little hope of accomplishing our mission without your aid."
"It is a pleasure to be of assistance Princess. Yours is a most honorable mission, and it will bring great comfort and relief to many," the wizard replied hopping easily from Pyre's back and bowing to the elleth, "I was pleased to learn of the adoption of your daughter. I could not have hoped for a better family for the last of my kin."
"She is helping the hobbits today. They are planting flowers in the Queen's garden, in preparation for Arwen's arrival. Brigid has the whole of the Fellowship wrapped around her little finger. Gandalf most of all," the elleth replied smiling fondly at the mention of the little girl that had stolen her heart, "She has been a light in the dark for my husband and I."
"I look forward to meeting her. First however I must speak with the King and Gandalf," he said smiling jovially as he followed Jesse up the steps to the King's Hall.
When they approached Faramir who was speaking to his cousin Elphir, Jesse began the introductions, "Master Radagast, I would like you to meet Lord Faramir the Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien, and this," she continued turning to the eldest son of the Swan Prince, "Is Prince Elphir, eldest son of the Prince Imrahil."
Upon entering the King's Hall they were greeted by the sight of an irate Chief Healer being relieved of his position by the King. "From now on the Chief Healer of this city will be the Lady Ioreth," the King declared calmly. Jesse could tell that under that calm regal facade that her friend and brother, that he was truly steaming over something that had been said.
Faramir seeing the worry on the elleth's face motioned for two of the Citadel guards to remove the deposed healer from the hall. "Spread the word to the other guards, Healer Toramir is not to be allowed back into the King's Hall," he ordered.
"Take a deep breathe Aragorn, and tell me what happened," Jesse ordered walking up to the former ranger and sending soothing waves of emotion to heal his frayed nerves. "You handled him marvelously by the way," she added once she had him calmed down and sitting down in his throne.
Sighing, Aragorn began to explain, "Healer Toramir, came to inform me that he would not authorize the use of his healing house's supplies for the treatment of elves," clenching his hands around the arms of the throne he continued, "He then proceeded to tell me that he would not treat a she-elf. Even if she managed to trick the King into marring her."
"You did the right thing, Aragorn. It was his inaction that cost Faramir and Boromir their mother and he nearly killed Faramir with his treatment. Ioreth will be a wonderful master for the Houses of Healing and I would be comfortable with her as my healer, so I know Arwen will love her. Now I want you to greet Radagast and then go find someone to spar with. You need to work out your anger," she ordered patting him on the back in sympathy.
"Forgive my manners, Master Radagast. Welcome to Minas Tirith. Rooms have been prepared for you if you wish to rest from your journey. Gandalf has gone to join the hobbits in the peace of the garden that they are preparing for my future bride and I find myself in need of that peace as well," Aragorn said tiredly.
"Then please allow me to join you in this peaceful garden. For I would like to speak with Gandalf and meet my kin," the brown wizard replied in understanding, "And there is nothing to forgive my boy. I dearly loved my wife and had anyone insulted her as that man did your future Queen, I would have been most displeased. I must confess that you handled that situation far better than I would have."
"Walking into the garden they witnessed a most pleasant sight. Gandalf sat surrounded by half a dozen children, Brigid sitting on his lap, telling the troll story that Bilbo was so famous for. The laughter of the children lightened everyone's mood.
Jesse made her way over to where Haldir sat lounging against a tree repairing the fletching on some arrows, his hands moving expertly over the delicate feathers, and Galahad perched contentedly on the branch above him. Taking a seat next to her husband, she commented playfully, "My don't the two of you look comfortable."
Putting his work aside he opened his arms for his wife. Once he had her settled against his body he replied, "I do not know about Galahad but now that you are in my arms I find myself most comfortable." His lips caressed the tip of her pointed ear and he asked, "Did you find what you and Lord Faramir were searching for?"
"Yes, we did and our people owe the man who wrote this a great debt. No one more that Legolas's father," she replied handing him one of the copies she had made of the scroll Faramir had found.
Rerolling the parchment once he was done reading Haldir stated, "You are most correct my love. We do owe a great debt to this man. He not only risked his life to save one of our kin but he also provided you with the means to rescue the others from their torment. It has always been difficult for me to know that my father was trapped within that cursed place and I could do nothing to help end his suffering."
"It will not be long now, Haldir. Radagast is here and soon the others will be as well. We will help them very soon," she said soothingly as she kissed him softly on the lips, "It will not be much longer."
The days passed and soon it was the morning of July First. Jesse found herself humming Going To The Chapel as she pulled her hair back into an elegant style with the pearl, turquoise, and mithril beads Glorfindel had given her the day before. She wore a beautiful gossamer gown of baby blue that flowed over her form like a waterfall. Her triquetra pendant sparkled like the sun after the thorough polishing from Gimli.
Glancing over at her husband as he finished putting on his armor she could not withhold the girlish giggle that escaped her lips. At his questioning gaze her voice took on a husky quality as she said, "I am just enjoying the view, my love, and I know I will be the envy of every elleth and woman there."
"And you my love will out shine the bride. That gown is most beautiful on you my wife," he replied taking her into his arms and kissing her passionately.
A gentle knock on the door separating their room from Brigid's heralded the arrival of their daughter. Aniese and Aranel, had taken a temporary leave from their work in the Houses of Healing and readily volunteered to help in preparing the three year old for the day.
Answering the door Haldir swept the small girl up and kissed her forehead before saying, "You look most lovely my little princess. Are you to meet your uncles today?"
Nodding her small head the girl answered, "You, all shiney, Papa." She then turned her attention to her mother and added, "You, pwetty Momma. I get to see Unca Rummy and Unca Phin tday."
"Thank you Baby, so are you. Did you thank Aniese and Aranel?" Jesse answered walking over to join her husband and daughter. "Thank you for your help ladies," she said turning to face the twin maids.
"It was our pleasure My Lady," Aniese answered for the two of them, "The little one has been a joy when she comes to visit the Houses of Healing with the Lady Larien. The light she brings those still in the Houses has been a gift. It was the least we could do."
Once the two maids had left to return to their duties, the small family made their way to the King's Hall to meet up with their friends. Aragorn was pacing nervously up and down the length of the hall and the rest of the group seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
"How long has he been like this?" Jesse asked Faramir when she saw the state Aragorn was in, "And this lot did nothing about it?" she questioned further motioning to the rest of the Fellowship. At the Steward's affirmative nod the elleth walked over and stood in front of her friends with her hands on her hips and said, "I am ashamed of you. The hobbits, Boromir, Gimli and even Legolas but you Gandalf and you Glorfindel. I expected better of you." Having sufficiently chastised the others she intercepted Aragorn and spoke in a soothing tone, "Aragorn relax. I know why you are nervous but you have to calm down. You and Arwen were made for each other. This is right. Everything is going to be fine."
"Thank you, Jesse," he said pulling himself together as a messenger made his way into the hall, "You truly are sister to me and I know that you would not give me ill council."
"My King, I bring word from the guards at the wall. Great hosts of fair folk are approaching the city. They bare the colors of Rivendell, Lothlorien, and Mirkwood," the messenger stated after bowing to his king.
"Well people you heard the man. They are here. Let's go get this one married off before he has the chance to get nervous again," Jesse ordered with a smile.
The group made their way down to the city gate and as they approached they could just make out the elvin banners coming across Pelennor Fields. Trumpets were sounded as the people of the city welcomed their new queen.
The grip Jesse had on Haldir's arm tightened as she was able to make out the forms of those that she had not seen in so long a time. Her eyes welled up with tears of joy when she laid eyes on Idril to see the once broken elleth beaming with love and happiness riding alongside Erestor.
As the elvin host approached the gate Aragorn stepped forward and bowed to Lord Elrond who was leading the group of elves. "Hail and welcome My Lord Elrond," he greeted solemnly as he rose from his bow.
Jesse watched with pride as Lord Elrond placed Arwen's hand into Aragorn's and blessed their union. She felt a deep welling of respect for what the elvin lord was giving up by allowing his only daughter to marry a mortal man, knowing that he would someday loose his child to death. She could not help but wonder if she would have the strength to make that sort of a sacrifice for her child.
As Aragorn placed the Queen's crown upon Arwen's head a loud cheer echoed through out the city as the people of Gondor their new queen. Trumpets rang out once more and as he had done during Aragorn's coronation Pyre let out a blast of fire-breath as he soared over the city.
Slowly the King and his new Queen led the way up through the city toward the Citadel. When they reached the King's Hall the royal couple turned toward the crowd and Aragorn began to speak, "My friends, thank you for coming to share this day. Please be our guests and join us in the celebration."
Jesse and Haldir lingered by the door until they finally saw Orophin and Rúmil stepping out of the crowd. As they approached the small family they both dropped to one knee before Brigid and bowed low.
Laughing at the antics of her brothers-in-law the elleth told her daughter, "Brigid these are your Uncles Orophin and Rúmil," as she spoke she pointed to each ellon in turn, "Guys this is Brigid." The two younger ellons took turns greeting the small child that had become part of their family.
Orophin stood embraced Jesse and spoke to his older brother, "The Valar have smiled upon you brother. She is truly a beautiful child." Becoming serious he continued, "The Lady has told us of the planned rescue of the souls trapped within the Dead Marshes. Rúmil and I wish to accompany you."
"Thank you brother. Your words mean a great deal," Haldir replied his demeanor much more relaxed than it had once been, "I would never ask you to stay behind from this brother. My only fear is for what we shall find once the curse has been lifted. My beloved has seen Oropher in a vision but not our Ada."
"You are afraid it will be only his fëa that is freed from captivity. At least then brother he will finally find peace and join Naneth in Mandos' Halls," Orophin stated sadly, "At least Brother, we will finally know."
"It may take time my love but he will find the healing he needs and can be reborn when he is ready, my Ada has," Jesse said consolingly wrapping her arms around her husband's waist.
Sighing Haldir hugged his wife close and replied, "You are right, I know. It is the unknown that worries me I guess. Not knowing what truly happened to our father has always plagued my mind."
"I must speak with the Lady and Lords Celeborn and Elrond. Why don't you and Brigid spend some time with your brothers," Jesse suggested gently, "You guys need to catch up after everything that has happened."
"Go and speak with them my love. We shall be fine," her husband assured kissing her tenderly on the lips, "There is much that you need to discuss with them. Do not worry for us."
Walking into the hall she located the Lady Galadriel and the two elvin lords in a casual conversation with Gandalf and Radagast. As she was about to step up to the group a very harassed looking Legolas approached her with an older elaborately robed ellon that she assumed must be his father. "Hello Legolas," she greeted with a gentle voice as she picked up on his frazzled emotions.
"Ada allow me to introduce Jessica Elizabeth Halliwell the Crowned Princess of Noldor and a member of the Fellowship of the Ring," the frustration in Legolas's voice was very evident to the elleth and she felt bad for him.
The King of Mirkwood smiled a tight smile as he bowed shallowly in Jesse's vague direction, "Princess, it is a pleasure. My son has told me of your travel with the Fellowship."
"It is nice to meet you, Your Highness, Legolas has spoken of you often," the elleth greeted with a friendly smile that seemed to catch the older ellon off guard.
"How is it that you found yourself involved in so dangerous a quest? I find myself questioning the risk," the elvin king said finally really looking at the elleth. What he saw floored him. He could not believe the amount of power he could sense coming from the elleth. He now realized just how wrong he was in his assumptions about the daughter of his former rival.
Smiling serenely the elleth replied honestly, "The skills I have were needed on the journey. Growing up I was not only trained in the use of several types of weapons but also in magic. I am the granddaughter of Alatar the Blue and I inherited many of my abilities from him."
"While the Fellowship would have succeeded without Jessica's presence within their ranks, there would have been many losses that would have effected all of the races of Middle Earth," Elrond said with confidence as he walked up to stand next to Jesse, "It is good to see you once more child, motherhood and marriage seem to agree with you," he added with a gentle smile as he kissed the elleth's brow in greeting.
Smiling happily Jesse replied, her heart shining in her eyes, "Haldir and Brigid are my strength. I would have not fared so well had I not had them in my life."
"And now you shall only become stronger," Galadriel said mysteriously as she and Lord Celeborn came over with Gandalf and Radagast. "I believe you and Haldir shall be very blessed in the coming years," she added lightly embracing the younger elleth, "You look radiant child."
"As always you are truly Noldor's treasure, my dear," Celeborn stated embracing Jesse as well , "I look forward to witnessing the gift you and young master Took have planned for my Granddaughter and her new husband."
"Pippin has been so excited," the younger elleth laughed, "He has been practicing for almost a month. I should probably find him now that everyone is in the hall."
She quickly located the youngest hobbit and the pair stepped up onto the dais with Faramir and Lindir, who had been part of Jesse's plan since before she left Imladris. The Steward of Gondor cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and announced, "The Princess Jessica of the Noldor Elves and Peregrin Took Guard of the Citadel have prepared a special gift for our King and his new Queen." Lindir began to play a beautiful melody on his harp as Jesse and Pippin stepped forward and began to sing,
"From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on."
(From This Moment On "Shania Twain and Bryan White")
As they stepped off of the dais the pair were swept up in hugs from both Arwen and Aragorn. "That was beautiful," Arwen said as she embraced her friend, "Thank you, Jesse," tears of joy sparkling in her eyes.
"That was a wondrous gift. Thank you," Aragorn said hugging Jesse as well, "I find myself enjoying the songs from your old world more and more. It was truly beautiful. Thank you both."
As she left the new couple in the company of Prince Imrahil and his wife, Idril and Boromir approached the elleth. "Thank you for saving him," Idril said tearfully as she threw her arms around Jesse, "I do not know what I would have done if I had lost him too."
"You would have faded just as I would have, had Boromir not helped me to save the life of my husband. They are a part of us. The very best part," Jesse replied smiling over the other elleth's shoulder at her husband who had just walked up with Brigid in his arms, "Now dry your eyes. I want to introduce you to my daughter."
"She is most precious Jesse. I am so happy for you," Idril said from her place next to Boromir once she had calmed down and been introduced to the golden haired toddler, "You no longer have to live vicariously through Arwen and I, it would appear."
That night the city of Minas Tirith celebrated. Their King now had a Queen. For the people of Gondor there was a real hope for the future.
I hope I managed to answer a few of the questions with my last couple of chapters. I promise that there is alot more to come and it will be worth waiting for I promise. Don't forget to review please!!! I love to hear what you think.