Chapter Six
"By the Sword or the Frying Pan"
Breakfast was a quick affair, everyone was eager to get out to the training fields to get started on seeing to the hobbits' sword skills. Jesse couldn't get over the look on Boromir's face. 'You can so tell that boy got kissed,' she thought with a laugh and one look at Idril screamed that she was falling in love.
"You would not happen to know why our lovely Idril looks as though she is glowing more than usual, would you," Glorfindel asked, Jesse as she returned her gaze to her meal. "Oh nothing much. She just happens to be falling in love," Jesse replied with a knowing smile. "It would not happen to be her dance partner last evening would it," he asked getting more intrigued by the minute. "Actually it would, but don't you dare breathe a word about it because Idril will never trust me again," Jesse warned pointing her finger at blond Balrog Slayer. "You have my word; I shall not speak of the matter. Personally I am happy for Idril, she deserves a bit of happiness. I just pray to the Valar that Lord Boromir can live to see the end of this journey," he said honestly. "I know, but I was able to speak with the Lady Galadriel last night and she said that with Idril's love he will be less likely to fall prey to the Ring's influence," Jesse supplied taking a sip of her tea. "If the Lady has given her blessing then, who am I to disagree," he said with a smile.
After breakfast Jesse made her way quickly to her room to get changed. "Oh, bless you Idril," she said when she found her wardrobe filled with new leggings and tunics for her to use, as well as pair of lovely black boots. Changing quickly Jesse grabbed a scrunchie from her bag and pulled her hair back out of her way in a loose ponytail. On her way out of the door she grabbed her weapons, still adjusting them as she walked down the hall.
Making her way down to the training fields she met up with the four hobbits, nervously waiting just outside the main doors leading out towards the fields. "Don't tell me you guys are nervous," Jesse said smiling down at them, "You have nothing to worry about. Boromir, Aragorn and I are going to make sure you guys know how to defend yourselves. We will take it slow so you have plenty of time to get it down, and I have taught young hobbits to use a sword before so don't worry, ok."
"You taught hobbits, Miss Jesse," Sam asked in astonishment, "When'd you do that?" "Well Master Gamgee, I used to teach at a place we called the Magic School. It was where the children of witches, hobbits, dwarves and a few other races went to learn about magic. I taught kids how to turn something like a say a rock into a flower, which is called Transmogrification. I also taught the kids how to master weapons of all kinds. Everything from the use of a bow to learning swords and axes," she explained to the chubby little hobbit.
"Are witches good or bad in your world, Jesse," Frodo asked interested in Jesse's description of this Magic School. "Well, Frodo. There are both good and evil witches in my world. We call the good witches, white witches; they protect innocents and fight demons and the like. Evil witches or Black witches, fight for the dark forces of my world and have a tendency to hurt innocents. I was raised by a family of good witches, and they taught me to use the magic that was given to me by the Valar to help people and to teach others," she said, as they walked down the path, "In that world I am even considered a witch."
"Can you show us some magic," Pippin asked excited by the prospect of seeing a real witch. "Ok," she paused looking around her for something she could transfigure, "Sam hand me that stick there by your feet," taking the stick in her hand she closed her eyes and instantly the stick was replaced by a perfect pink rose, handing the rose to the wide eyed hobbit. "Now there's an eye opener for you, to be sure," Sam said turning the rose around in his pudgy little hand.
Aragorn and Boromir were already at the training fields when they arrived, the hobbits were still chattering on about what they had just seen and it took a minute for them to realize they had arrived. "Ok now that everyone is here, how about we start with the basics," Jesse announced looking around at the group, "How to properly hold a sword," she added as she pulled her sword from its sheath at her side.
The group divided a bit to give them some room, Jesse working with Sam, Boromir working with Merry and Pippin, and Aragorn working with the Ring Bearer. The hobbits were a bit of a quick study; their only trouble was finding their proper footing for their somewhat larger hobbit feet. By lunchtime they could take a perfect battle stance. Idril and Arwen came into the training fields carrying baskets filled to the brims with food and drink for the tired group.
"I just hope I can remember what I learn when it matters," Sam said looking down at his lunch. "Don't worry, Sam, we will be there to help you and if all else fails improvise," Jesse said trying to make the hobbit feel better, "Use the tools you have at your disposal, frying pans, and walking sticks. They are all good weapons in a crunch," she said with conviction, "Don't be afraid to use anything you have handy as a weapon." "Very well said, Jesse," Aragorn agreed, as he leaned against one of the shade trees that lined the field, "The world around you can supply you with many weapons to use in a fight." "If all else fails, Sam," Jesse advised thoughtfully, "Whack an orc upside the head with one of your frying pans, it may not kill it but it will knock it six ways from Sunday and buy you the time you need to use your sword." "I can do that," Sam said with excitement. "I know you can, Sam," Jesse said confidently.
Once lunch was over the group was joined by Legolas, who had been sending a message to his father, and Gimli who had been seeing off the dwarves that had arrived with him. The hobbits' training commenced much as it had that morning, the hobbits being eager students.
Sam for his part was the best student Jesse had ever taught, not allowing his small stature to hinder him in anyway. His steadfast approach comforted Jesse, in that she knew he would be there for Frodo when it mattered. She knew that once the Fellowship went their separate ways at Amon Hen, Sam would do anything to protect his Mister Frodo.
By the end of the day all four hobbits were doing well in their training and Jesse, Aragorn and Boromir felt comfortable that they would have the same success in the days to come. Calling a halt to the training, Aragorn suggested a spar between himself and Jesse, "Jesse, would you honor me with a match?" "I would love too, besides it is not everyday a girl gets to take on one of the Rangers of Arnor," she said with a smile, "Let's see what you got old man," she added playfully as she took her stance in the sparing ring. Laughing in response the ranger, joined her in the ring, and soon the sounds of swords clashing rang out through the clearing once more.
The twin sons of Elrond just happened to be returning from the archery field when they came upon the group. "What is going on," Elladan asked his sister as they walked up. "Is Estel really going to fight an elleth," Elrohir asked in astonishment. "That is the Lady Jessica, she is the daughter of the High King Ereinion Gil Galad, and she is more then capable of meeting Estel, in a spar," Arwen stated with conviction, not even bothering to look at her older brothers.
The match continued with each trading blows equally. Jesse enjoyed the fact that Aragorn while equally skilled to Boromir had a different style that was less straightforward; it offered her the challenge she craved. While Boromir had been more controlled in his strikes, Aragorn was all over the map, keeping her guessing where the next attack would come and she loved every minute of it.
He hardly seemed to tire but Jesse knew she could out last him, but that wasn't the point of a sparring match. She also knew that he would not fall for the same trick that Boromir did, 'Time to think outside the box,' she thought. Using the agility only an elf could possess she spun around and brought herself up behind him, placing her blade carefully against the flesh of his neck. "Do you yield," she asked with a laugh. "Aye, I yield. Why did you wait so long? You could have used that move at anytime," Aragorn said as they walked back towards the group. "I was having too much fun," she said honestly, "The way you fight reminded me of my sister Phoebe's former husband Cole, and I hadn't faced anyone like that since he died. Cole knew how to keep me on my toes and I enjoy the challenge. Even though he went evil and we had to eventually vanquish him, I still miss the sparring matches we had together."
As the group made their way back to the house, the twins descended on Jesse once again. "Where did you learn such skill," Elladan asked looking down at Jesse, with his most charming smile. "It is not everyday we see an elleth with the skill to defeat our brother Estel," Elrohir added a matching smile upon his face. "I taught myself how to fight," Jesse said honestly, and then sparing a glance to a giggling Arwen she added, "Of course. Though I would not expect the two of you to know how to wield a blade with my skill I would be happy to teach you if you would like." She nearly laughed out loud at the looks of shock on the twins, as they were rendered incapable of speech.
"Jesse, I must commend you on being the first person to ever render my brothers speechless," Arwen said with a laughing smile. The twins had not moved from their spots, mouths still hanging open in shock, as the rest of the group disappeared into the house. "It was a bit fun, I must say," Jesse said with a laugh, "The look of shock alone would have made Lord Erestor's day I believe." "I believe it would have," Aragorn supplied, it was no secret that the twins made an art form out of ruffling the feathers of Lord Elrond's Chief Advisor.
Arriving back at her rooms Jesse quickly removed her weapons and went to her bathing chamber. Taking advantage of the huge sunken tub she quickly went about filling it with hot steaming water and fragrant bath salts. Soon the room was filled with a rich rose and honey scented steam.
Lying back in the tub Jesse allowed her thoughts to drift. So much had happened since she left the Magic School through that portal and so much more was still yet come. Some of it scared her, more than anything she had ever known. Her thoughts drifted to her sisters, she wondered how they were doing. She missed them terribly. As silent tears made their way down her cheeks she finished her bath and quickly dried off. Grabbing her brush from the dressing table on her way into her bedroom she began to run it through her damp hair.
"Jesse, are you ready for me to help you get ready for dinner," Idril asked as she walked into the room. Noticing the fading trails of tears on Jesse's face she quickly made her way to her friend's side. "Oh, Jesse, what is the cause of your tears," she asked in concern. "Oh I am just thinking about my family back in San Francisco, Idril. I will be fine," Jesse assured wiping her hands against her cheeks. "You do not have to pretend with me Jesse; I know how it is to miss one's family. They are the only family you have ever known and though you have family here, you are still very much entitled to miss them," Idril scolded gently.
"Thank you, Idril, I guess I needed that, "Jesse said with a smile, as she went to her wardrobe and pulled out simple sage green gown. "Oh that gown will look beautiful on you, Jesse. It compliments your eye color wonderfully," Idril, said with a smile, "Oh and Prince Legolas will be here shortly to escort you to dinner and Boromir asked me to be his escort for dinner." Jesse did not miss the blush that accompanied that last bit of information. "So, Boromir finally worked up the courage to ask you to join us for dinner," Jesse said with a knowing smile. "I was almost afraid to say yes," Idril confessed, "I am but a servant here, I do not belong at Lord Elrond's table." "Nonsense, Idril, your father was one of his advisors, and he died defending the Lady Celebrían, you belong at that table as much as any of the rest of us do," Jesse assured strongly, "And if Boromir asked you to join him, then there is nothing anyone can say and if they do they will answer to me. Now you just have a seat right here at the dressing table and I will be right back," Jesse added as she quickly made her way out of the door.
Stepping out into the hall she saw Legolas walking out of his room. "Good, Legolas, I need you to find Arwen and ask her to come give me a hand," Jesse said quickly as she walked back into her room without even glancing back at the Mirkwood Prince. Within moments there was a knock on her door. Opening it Jesse found a very interested Arwen and a somewhat clueless Legolas. "Legolas, I will be back in a little while, just make yourself comfortable," Jesse said as she dragged Arwen into her bedchambers.
"Arwen," she said once the door was closed behind them, "I need you to help me get Idril dressed for this evening. She will be on the arm of Lord Boromir and she needs something a bit better than a simple brown gown." "You are quite right, Jesse," Arwen agreed walking to the now open wardrobe. "Idril is about your size so she should be able to wear any of these with ease. How about this one," she asked pulling out a simple yet beautiful royal blue gown with simple belled sleeves. "Oh that is perfect. It will look amazing with her eyes, and I have some beads here that will compliment it, for her hair," Jesse supplied walking to the dressing table and opening a box that had various colors of beads and ribbons, "I think there is also a pearl necklace in the drawer on the left here," Jesse said as Arwen set about getting the nervous elleth into the new gown, "Ahh ha, found it," she added triumphantly as she held up the simple strand of pearls.
Between Arwen and Jesse it did not take long to get Idril ready and by the time Jesse heard a knock on the main door to her chambers, the three elleths were ready and stepping into the sitting room. Legolas had answered the door to reveal Aragorn and Boromir both joining the prince in a look of shock at what Arwen and Jesse had done to Idril. Aragorn to his credit gained his voice first, "You ladies look stunning this evening." Poor Boromir was stunned speechless and it took him a few seconds to get his voice to work, "I must agree. The three of you look most lovely this evening," though Jesse and Arwen knew he was only really seeing Idril. "Thank you gentleman," Jesse said with a smile as she walked over to Legolas, "Shall we," she added noticing the nervous look on Idril's face.
"However did you manage to get Idril to dress like that," Legolas asked quietly as they made their way down the hall. "It wasn't easy, and it took both Arwen and I to convince her, but I think we did pretty good with such short notice," Jesse replied with a smile, as she watched Boromir and Idril talking quietly ahead of her. "She has not dressed as a lady of her station, since the death of her mother," Legolas commented. "It took me a little to convince her that she even belonged sitting at the table with us. She seems to only think of herself as a maid, and we all know that she is so much more than that," Jesse added as they walked into the dinning hall.
For the first time since she arrived in Imladris, it was not Jesse that turned heads at dinner. Many had given up hope of ever seeing Idril shine as the elleth she had been before loosing her parents, and now here she was smiling and literally glowing, on the arm of the eldest son of Denethor. From his place on the dais, Jesse could see Lord Elrond smiling his approval and Glorfindel practically beaming with happiness, at the changein the shy, broken elleth that they had known since the day of her mother's death.
'Now I understand why, Galadriel insisted that Idril be the one to attend to Jesse,' the Lord of Imladris thought with a smile. As she passed his place Elrond said in a kind and loving voice, "It is good to have you at our family's table once again, Idril. It has been much to long," standing and kissing the elleth on the forehead, he added, "Much to long, you have been greatly missed." "Thank you, My Lord Elrond," she replied with a shy happy smile. With a nod to the elf lord, Boromir helped her into her seat and then took his place next to her.
"Something tells me, that Jessica had a hand in this transformation," Gandalf commented as he sipped his wine in his seat next to Elrond. "I believe you are correct. Galadriel insisted that Idril be the elleth to attend, Jesse when she arrived. I understand now why she was so persistent," Elrond replied glancing at Jesse as she talked with Idril and Boromir, "Though I fear that she has made the same choice my daughter has," he added sadly. "She would have faded from her lingering grief, had this new love not come into her life, my friend. I do not see this as an ending for her," the old gray wizard assured.