Sorry it took me so long to get this up guys but I hope you like it. I promise it won't take so long for the next few chapters. You know that I love your reviews so send them my way. Enjoy!

Chapter Thirty

To Take A Breath

It was decided that the Army of the West would set up a more permanent campsite in the relative safety of the Forests of Ithilien. Riders were sent to Minas Tirith baring word of the Army's need for aid and the black ships were drummed into service fairing supplies and healers to assist the recovering army. Among those that sailed to Ithilien were Meriadoc Brandybuck and Vanora daughter of Halbarad, now released from the Houses of Healing.

Jesse was thrilled to find out how her friends were doing since she had last seen them and accompanied Pippin and Halbarad to the makeshift dock to welcome them when they disembarked from the ship. Bending down to the hobbit's level she hugged him and said, "It is about time you got here Merry. Pippin was at a loss without his partner in crime. How are you feeling?"

"I am feeling a lot better now," he replied as she returned the elleth's hug, "Lady Éowyn asked me to bring you this," he added as he pulled a roll of parchment from his bag, "I also have letters for King Éomer and Boromir."

"They rode out with the patrols this morning but they should be back before dinner," she responded as she took the scroll. Standing she welcomed Vanora, who looked much better than the last time she had seen the young woman. "You look like you are doing much better Vanora," she stated with a happy smile.

They young woman smiled shyly from her place in her papa's arms, "I am feeling very well. The Lady Éowyn, Lord Faramir, and Merry have been most kind. I am also happy to be with Papa again."

"I am glad to hear it," Jesse responded with a smile, "Why don't we get you guys settled in your tents and then find some lunch. Pippin's stomach was growling louder than a warg just before you arrived."

After lunch Jesse took out Éowyn's letter and found a quiet place in the trees that surrounded the camp. Settling down with her back against an ancient oak she carefully unrolled the scroll and began to read.

My Dearest Friend,

When they told me that the ships were going to be bringing supplies to the camp I asked Merry to bring letters to you and my brother. I hope that you and those we care for are all doing well. I would have come to Ithilien but I find myself wanting to remain in the city. I have grown most fond of the Lord Faramir. He has been most kind and helped me to recover from my distress. We have grown very close.

Faramir has asked me to become his wife and I have said yes, but that we can only be married once my Uncle has been laid to rest and Éomer has been crowned King officially. Only then will I feel right leaving my brother's side.

I look forward to seeing you when the army returns to the city. I have been helping Faramir to prepare for Aragorn's return. Merry has just returned to retrieve my letters so I must end here to allow him time to make his way to the ship. Be safe.

Your Friend

Éowyn

As she sat there Jesse couldn't help but smile over what Éowyn had said in her letter. She already knew that the White Lady of Rohan would fall in love with Faramir but hearing it from Éowyn herself brought a smile to her face.

She was still smiling when Haldir found her upon his return from the patrols. "What word from the Lady Éowyn has brought such a smile to your face my love?" he asked as he took a seat next to her and pulled her into his arms.

"She has agreed to marry Faramir," she answered smiling as she kissed her way from his jaw to the tip of his ear, eliciting a low growl from her husband. Running her hand across his chest casually she said, "Frodo and Sam will be waking up soon. What is there not to smile about?"

Taking her hand he brought it to his lips, kissing each knuckle before he responded, "All acceptable reasons to smile to be sure." Bending down he captured her lips in a sensual kiss while running his hands along her sides and asking, "Are you cold?" when she shivered in anticipation, "Why do you shiver my love?"

"Shut up and kiss me," demanded the elleth as she pulled him into a passionate kiss, that left them both gasping for breath. Gathering herself for a moment she stood and led Haldir deeper into the woods, away from the prying eyes of the busy camp to a small rock grotto. "Now where were we?" she asked with a smile once they were safely hidden away.

Silently Haldir responded by dipping his head down and kissing his way across his wife's exposed collarbone, as he began to loosen the ties of her gown to gain better access to the treasures beneath.

Jesse made quick work of her husband's tunic and began working the ties of his leggings loose as she moaned, "Yep that's were we left off." Stepping out of her gown when it pooled around her feet she finally managed to get the ties of his leggings undone and they joined the rest of their cloths at their feet. Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled his face to hers in a heated kiss, moaning as she lifted her legs and she wrapped them around his waist finally making their bodies one.

Kneeling down onto his knees he lowered her to the ground gently laying her on the pile of their discarded cloths. Kissing his way to her pointed ear where he began to suckle on the sensitive point, causing her to moan into the flesh of his shoulder, her world exploding into a shower of colors.

As they lay there holding each other, their rapid heart beats finally returning to normal Jesse whispered tiredly, "I don't think I could move right now even if I wanted to." Cuddling closer to his warmth she tried to smother a yawn unsuccessfully as her eyelids grew increasingly heavy with exhaustion.

"Sleep my love," he whispered kissing her gently as he pulled his cloak over them as a makeshift blanket. Closing his eyes he allowed himself to join her in the world of dreams. His last conscious thoughts were of the elleth in his arms and the daughter waiting for them in Dunharrow, before sleep fully claimed him.

The couple finally made their way to camp just before dinner earning more than a few knowing smiles from the others. Sitting down in the spot left for them by the fire Jesse announced, "Sam will be waking tomorrow. Frodo will take a little longer because of the effects of the ring and Shelob's venom, but no more than a couple of days."

"That is good news," Pippin declared smiling happily, "And Sam will be happy that Frodo is doing so good considering. Don'tcha think Merry?" he added turning his attention to his best friend.

Looking thoughtful for a minute the older hobbit finally answered, "Your right Pip. Sam won't relax till he knows Frodo is going to be alright. He is going to be alright won't he Jesse?"

"I won't lie to you guys," she cautioned, "Frodo's little body has been through a lot. Even before Shelob got him, he was suffering the wound in his shoulder that the Witch-King gave him. The venom just made it worse. I have to wait until he is stronger to try anything else but I am afraid he may always have problems with that shoulder. Unfortunately there are no guarantees. If there is one thing I can promise, it would be that I will do everything in my power to help him," the elleth said solemnly from her place at her husband's side.

The effect her words had was clearly written on everyone's face, especially Merry and Pippin. "It ain't your fault Jesse," Pippin said honestly, "You aren't the one who stabbed him on Weathertop. You've done everything you could to help Frodo and the rest of us."

"Pippin is correct, Jesse," Aragorn agreed digging his pipe out of his pack, "Had you not been here Frodo would be suffering even more. You have eased that and I have no doubt that what you have done already will make a great deal of difference."

"Your right I know, guys," she conceded with a sigh, " I already know that I have managed to change some of what was written in my old home. I just hope that I will be able to do more for him."

"I have no doubt that you shall be most successful," Gandalf assured as she puffed thoughtfully on his pipe, "You will have a most positive influence on what would have been young Frodo's fate," he added, his eyes locking with those of the elleth for a brief moment.

Aragorn puffed on his pipe for a few minutes before declaring, "We shall hold a feast in honor of them both as soon as Frodo is able to leave his recovery bed. Their deeds must be recognized and celebrated."

"We definitely have reason to celebrate," Jesse agreed with a smile as she sipped on a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Still feeling a bit tired she lay her head against Haldir's shoulder and allowed herself to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of her friends' voices.

The next morning found Jesse sitting at the bedside of a slightly groggy Sam. "Take it easy, Sam. It will take a bit for you to get your bearings back," she advised placing a restraining hand on the hobbit's shoulder, "Your body has to adjust to being awake." She reached over and poured a small amount of water into an earthenware cup. "Here this should help a bit," she said as she placed her arm under his shoulders and helped him to take a drink, "Sip it slowly. You don't need to make yourself sick with too much too fast," she cautioned.

Once he was finished she helped him to sit back on a mound of pillows. "How's Mister Frodo?" he asked his voice thick with sleep, "He was fixin' to give up. He was so tired."

"It will be a couple of days yet before he wakes up," the elleth replied with a reassuring smile, "I have done what I can for him until he is a lot stronger. He is just going to take a bit to build up his strength."

Before the hobbit could say anything to her response the tall figure of Haldir entered the tent carrying a satchel. "Hello, Haldir," Sam greeted with a smile when he realized who had entered the tent.

"Greetings," the ellon replied smiling gently in return, "It is a most welcome sight to see you awake." Opening the satchel he produced a set of hobbit sized leggings and a matching tunic and said, "Mithrandir, Aragorn, and Prince Imrahil are holding council so I shall help you to change into some fresh cloths."

"Thank you my love," Jesse said smiling, "I am sure Same would like to get out of this bed. I know the rest of the Fellowship is very anxious to see him up and around. He should be fine sitting by the fire without tiring too much."

Soon the two elves were assisting Sam out of the tent and over to the fire where many of their friends were sitting. The moment their presence was noticed Merry and Pippin rushed over and took over helping their friend to the fire.

Once settled Sam realized who was sitting around the fire. He smiled and exchanged greetings with each person in turn until his shocked eyes fell Boromir. "How? Mister Faramir told us that you had died," he asked shock, "He had your broken horn for proof."

"Jesse saved my life the day we were separated. The horn was broken in the battle so I left it behind, adrift in the river," the Gondorian answered smiling, "I have seen my brother since then. He now knows of my survival."

"Mister Frodo will be really happy to see you," the hobbit replied with a relieved smile, "What happened after me and Mister Frodo left?"

The group took turns telling Sam about their adventures. He listened with rapt attention as Merry and Pippin told him about their adventures with Treebeard and the other Ents. He was delighted to hear about Brigid and how Haldir and Glorfindel had led the elvin army to help defend Helms Deep. He was thrilled by Pippin's description of Jesse's actions against Saruman and the Mouth of Sauron. He eagerly listened as each story was told with unwavering attention.

After lunch Jesse decided that it was time to talk to Gandalf about what she and her parents had discussed. She found the white wizard in the tent where Frodo lay still unconscious from his ordeal. I need to run something by you," she said as she sat down on the edge of the small hobbit's bed, "I was able to speak with my parents in the dream world again and I learned something that I need your opinion on."

Sitting back in his chair the old wizard lit his pipe, "Then by all means tell your tale my dear and I shall offer what advice I can," he replied interest sparking in his eyes. He was thankful for the advice and warnings the Valor sent to Jesse via her parents.

Taking a deep breath Jesse began to explain what she and her parents had discussed about the Dead Marshes and her theories, "I think they mean for me to turn that spell into a power of three spell. I've been thinking about it and I think the best chance we would have for success would be for you, myself, and probably Radagast to work the spell. I will need to consult my Book of Shadows but I think the three of us would have enough power. What do you think?" she finally asked.

"I believe that you may have a very interesting but not impossible plan. Alatar's power is very strong within you. I have no doubt that there is enough power within you to free those that have been trapped inside the Marshes," he replied puffing thoughtfully on his pipe, "You were correct in thinking to take council with the Lady Galadriel and Lords Celeborn and Elrond. Their participation is I believe critical."

Two days later Frodo finally regained consciousness. The first thing he saw as his eyes finally focused was Gandalf and Jesse standing side by side at the foot of his bed. Jesse made her way to his side and checked him over quickly before helping him to sit up and take a drink of an herb infused water. "Welcome back Frodo," she said with a smile, "Just take it slow and let yourself wake up. I want you fully awake before I let that bunch waiting outside in here."

"Sam has only just left your side. He only left for his afternoon meal because Jessica enlisted the aid of Merry and Pippin," Gandalf supplied with a chuckle when he sensed whom Frodo's mind had drifted to.

Dinner that night was joyous affair for the members of the Fellowship and their friends. They each told Frodo all that had happened since Amon Hen. Frodo much like Sam was delighted to learn of Boromir's survival and as the evening wore on it seemed as though the weight of the world had been lifted from the shoulders of the group, allowing them to for a time at least completely let their guards down. Stories were shared and the bonds of friendship that began in Imladris months before were strengthened.

The following morning with Sam and Gandalf's aid Frodo was led into a large open field. At one end of the field was a raised dais, where before a large throne like chair stood Aragorn and Jesse. Shakily the two hobbits approached the pair and started to kneel. Quickly Jesse stepped down in front of Sam and Aragorn in front of Frodo, and as one they stopped the hobbits' actions. "Oh no my friends you bow to no one," Aragorn declared as he and Jesse knelt in reverence before the two stunned Halflings. Their actions were soon copied by everyone else within the field.

Standing again Jesse and Aragorn led the still shocked hobbits to stand upon the dais and in a clear and strong voice Jesse called out, "Behold two that without whom our world would have surely perished. Praise them!" At her words shouts of praise rang out through the massive number people crowding the field.

"Let it be known that from this day forth all shall sing praise to their bravery and sacrifice. Praise them!" Aragorn called out standing as strong as the ancient kings of old. Another cheer rose up from the crowd as they paid homage to the two small Halflings.

Celebration and feasting were the order of the day and by the end of the day even Merry and Pippin had to admit they could not eat another thing, earning much laughter from those that knew them best. No one seemed to want the day to end as they sat around the high table exchanging stories and jokes.

It was within the field of Cormallen and the surrounding forests of Ithilien that the Army of the West took its rest and recovered from their injuries. Finally though on the morning of May ninth the army began to make its way toward Minas Tirith, toward home.