Chapter Thirty-Seven
My Best Friend's Wedding
I hope that you guys enjoy this chapter. It is a long one let me warn you. This one definately has some adult content so be warned. You know I want to know what you guys think so let me know. I did do a bit of the unexpected in this one but believe me it was needed. By the way when their is bold print that means the Valar are having their say. I will try to update soon.
As her eyes opened Jesse found herself standing once more in the presence of her mother and father but this time she was not alone. Standing next to her were Haldir and Brigid, both looking slightly confused. "Who tey be Momma?" the little girl asked yawning as she raised her arms in a silent request to be picked up by her Papa.
"They are my Momma and Papa, Baby," Jesse answered with a smile, "Naneth? Ada? How is this possible?" she added turning toward her parents.
Smiling Ereinion enveloped his daughter in a strong embrace and began to explain, "The Valar have decided to reward you for all that you have managed to do since your return to Middle Earth. They have made it possible for your mother and I to welcome our first grandchild and for us to share the joy of the little ones you will soon be blessed with."
"The twins you will be having have been blessed by the Valar and shall be most treasured by our people, for within them they carry a spark of what until now has only been glimpsed by the first born who dwelled here before Morgoth's treachery," Aredhel began to explain further as she took her granddaughter into her arms, "They shall carry within them the surviving sparks of the two blessed trees."
Laughing and shaking her head Jesse replied, "Well that explains why I felt so compelled to name them Telperion and Laurelin." She then grinned and added, "Naneth and Ada, I would like you to meet, Brigid, your granddaughter. Oh and Ada she has now added Kings Oropher and Thranduil to her list of elven lords she now has wrapped around her little finger."
"I fear I must confess to having to be added to that list," the former High King said laughing as he tickled the small child's side making her giggle, "But at least I shall have most prestigious company on that list," turning back to his daughter and son-in-law he added, "She is most beautiful." Turning he led them to a small brook where a blanket had been laid out for them. Taking a seat he spoke again, "Though this visit is meant to be a gift to our family the Valar have asked that we relay a message to you once again. Tomorrow the eldest son of Denethor II shall bind his spirit to the fëa of an elleth as dear to you as a sister. The Valar have decided to offer you a choice. You may keep your reward for yourself or you may choose to give it to Boromir of Gondor and the Lady Idril as a binding gift."
"It is up to you, my love. Boromir is your oldest friend in this world and claims you as his heart-sister, and you made Idril a part of our family," Haldir said honestly when his wife looked toward him.
Looking back toward her father, Jesse answered having made the only choice she ever could. The only choice her heart could have ever made. The only choice her heart would have allowed her to make, "There is only one choice. Without Boromir I would have lost my husband at Helms Deep. I choose to give my reward to Boromir and Idril. They deserve the Valar's blessing every bit as much as Haldir and I do."
"Then at the moment of the binding of their bodies and spirits, Boromir shall be given the gift normally reserved for the first born. Boromir son of Denethor shall be made immortal," said a beautiful elleth with delicate sculpted features, "Hello, my son."
"Naneth?" Haldir asked in shock, "How? When?"
Smiling the elleth approached the still stunned March Warden and answered, "I was released from Mandos's Halls the day your father was given back his freedom." As she finally reached him, he was released from his temporary paralysis, and he enveloped his mother in his strong arms, "I am so very proud of you my son."
Slowly the little girl who had been happily sitting new grandfather's lap got up and walked over to her father. "Up pwease," she said as she raised her little arms into the air. Once her father had complied with her request she lay her tiny hand on his cheek and asked, "Papa, who tat be?"
"Princess, this is my Momma," he explained to the little girl that was looking up at him with innocent blue eyes, kissing her on the end of her little nose and making her giggle. Turning to face his mother he pulled Jesse to his side and said proudly, "Naneth, I would like you to meet my beloved wife, Jesse, and our daughter, Brigid."
Smiling Elenwë approached Jesse and enveloped the younger elleth in a warm hug, "It is a joy to meet you child. I can tell that you have made my son very happy." Turning toward Brigid she continued, "And such a beautiful child. I am so happy for you my son. You have a stunning family and soon you shall two more children."
"Ada, is there no way for Tóur, Orophin, and Rúmil to be here. They need this chance as much as we do," Jesse asked her father as she stepped back to allow her husband to speak with his mother, "They should be here too."
"Jesse had no sooner finished speaking then her mind was filled with a beautiful lilting voice, 'You are most correct, Jessica Halliwell. The entire family should be present to share in this gift. You, yourself have the power to bring them here, as long as you are present. Reach out to their minds and allow your mind to be a bridge for them.'
Reaching out first to her father-in-law and then each of her brother-in-laws, she guided them one-by-one to her. Tóur was the first to arrive and he wasted no time in rushing to his beloved wife's side. As their father was pulling their mother into his arms Orophin and Rúmil appeared. At the two confused younger ellons's looks she walked over and whispered, "It is alright guys. We are in the Healing Gardens of Lórien and that elleth over there would very much like to see her two youngest sons."
"You have done a wonderful thing by bringing them here," Aredhel said as she walked over to her daughter with Brigid happily perched on her hip and Gil Galad at her side, "For her to truly heal, Elenwë, needed to see her husband safe and her sons strong and happy."
"I hope so," the younger elleth told her mother, "I just worry that this may have made the separation more difficult for them to endure. I do not want to make things harder on them. I do not want to make things worse," she added as her father put a comforting arm around her.
'Fear not young one,' the voice echoed through Jesse's head once more, 'Because of you they shall remain strong. You have shown them that all is not truly lost and that there is always hope.'
Once the voice had left her mind again, Jesse , led her parents toward where her husband's family were talking. As they approached Gil Galad called out to his old friend, "It would seem, old friend," he paused with a subtle wink in his daughter's direction, "That your son has married my only daughter. If my memory serves you and I are now kin."
"Aye my brother, we are and happy I am that your daughter has bonded with my son. Her presence has made our lives most enjoyable and now she has reunited me with my beloved Elenwë," Tóur replied with the first easy going smile Jesse had ever seen on his face not caused by his granddaughter. "It is good to see you have found your Queen, as well, my friend," he added grasping the former High King's forearm. Turning his attention to his daughter-in-law who was now being held by his eldest son, he added, "Thank you for bringing my sons and I here. This has truly been a most treasured gift."
"You belonged here just as much as I did," Jesse answered bowing her head respectfully from her place in her Haldir's arms, "I only wish it would last longer for you but the sun will be rising soon and we will have to return to the waking world. I promise though that if the Valar will allow it, I will do this again."
All to soon it was time for them to leave and before long it was just Jesse standing before her parents and mother-in-law. "It is time for you to wake my darling. We will visit you in your dreams again when the Blessed Trees blossom once more," Aredhel said as she hugged her daughter one last time.
Opening her eyes Jesse found herself in her husband's arms and staring into his endless gray eyes. Silently he dipped his head down and captured her lips in a passion filled kiss. "I love you my beautiful wife," he whispered haggardly as they broke for air, before claiming her lips once more.
As his hands began to move over her body she replied, "And I shall always love you, my husband," her own hands working their own magic on the delicate points of his ears. Soon the only the only sounds that could be heard were the sounds of their love making.
The sun had just barely made it into the sky when the couple woke for the second time. This time however it was to the sound of someone knocking on the door to their rooms. "No, I will get it," Jesse said, when Haldir went to get up, before getting up, pulling on the gown she had worn the day before, and walking to the door, "It is Boromir and he needs to talk to me. I will be back before breakfast."
Blowing her scowling husband a kiss she slipped giggling out of the door. After clearing the door behind her she turned to face a very nervous looking Boromir. Smiling gently she took his arm and led him to the door leading to the Queen's Garden.
"I am sorry if I woke you, but I did not know who to talk to," Boromir said as they stepped out into the garden. Taking a seat at a small tea table, he explained, "I worry that Idril will be giving up her life if she marries me. I do not want her to have to make the same choice that Queen Arwen had to make when she married Aragorn."
"Arwen and Aragorn are a very special case," Jesse began to explain, "Arwen's father is half-elven, meaning that he and his twin brother were the sons of a elleth and a mortal man. The Valar allowed them to choose to live as elves or as men. Elros, chose to live as a mortal man and became the first King of Númenor. Lord Elrond however chose to live as one of the first born. Because he made that choice, his children were also given the choice. Idril does not have that choice and she will always be an elf. Unlike Arwen, she will never grow old and wither as humans do. Now it is possible for Idril to fade if she were to loose you but had she not met you she would have faded from the grief of the loss of her family. You gave her back her will to live. For her, Boromir, there is no sacrifice to be made. You are her soul-mate. With out you she is incomplete. Believe me, one life time as a human with the man you love is far better than eternity alone." She debated on telling him about the wedding gift the Valar were giving them, but she decided to wait until she could tell them both.
The pair were just stepping into the corridor leading to Jesse's rooms when Haldir exited the room with Brigid perched in his arms. The small child squealed at the sight of her favorite surrogate uncle, "Unca Bomir, I gets ta be princess tday," she exclaimed excitedly.
Taking the child from her father, Boromir, deftly swung her up onto his shoulders and answered, "I have heard of that, little one, and I am certain that you shall be one of the prettiest princesses today. Now will the little princess allow me to escort her to the morning meal?"
"You siwwy, Unca Bomir," Brigid exclaimed with laughter lighting her eyes.
As they walked down the corridor people would stop and smile at the interaction between their beloved Captain and the small child. As they passed a group of older maids, Jesse over heard one of their comments, "He will make such a wonderful father someday."
Entering the dining hall they quickly took their seats and began to fill their plates. As they ate Jesse and Arwen discussed the plans for the day. "Aniese and her sister, Aranel, are going to help Brigid to get ready so that I am free to help Idril. I think it just may take all of us to keep her calm. I have already had a long talk with Boromir to calm him down this morning," Jesse said with a smile.
"He feared what should happen if he died. Did he not?" Arwen asked quietly so that their conversation remained private, "My husband was the same before we wed, but my situation is very different from Idril's."
"I explained all of that to him. I also told him that Idril had been fading and that his love has saved her life. That one happy human life time was worth much more than fading from grief as she had been. What he does not know yet is that when their bonding is complete, he shall be immortal. It is a reward from the Valor," Jesse explained softly, "They offered me a choice and I gave my reward to them. If Boromir had not been at Helms Deep I would have lost my husband. It was the least I could do for him."
"You made the right choice, Jesse. I shall grow old with my husband. Idril did not have that luxury," the Queen of Gondor assured, "He was the first person you met when you arrived in this world, and he is as dear to you as a brother. It was the right choice. When do you plan to tell them?"
Sighing, Jesse, leaned forward and whispered, "Not until they have bonded. I am certain that we will know when he is immortal. I do not want to risk anything getting messed up, so it is best to wait until it is done."
After breakfast Jesse and Arwen along with the other ladies, made their way to Idril's room, where the elleth was waiting nervously. The ladies set about helping Idril into a relaxing bath of lavender and honeysuckle filled water. The warm fragrant waters having worked their magic, Arwen helped the bride to be to wash her hair.
After making certain that Idril was all ready Jesse, excused herself to get ready as well. Haldir was already in their rooms waiting for her. Taking her hand he led her into their wash room where a steaming tub was waiting for her. Tugging the ties on the back of her gown loose and allowing the garment to pool to the floor, he whispered huskily into her pointed ear, "Now it is your turn to be pampered, my love." Shivers ran down her spine as he lifted her into his strong arms, placed her into the steaming water, and gave her the bath of her dreams.
Jesse was just placing her circlet on her head when Aniese arrived with Brigid. The little girl was dressed in a beautiful pastel pink dress and carrying a small basket filled with spring flowers. Her blonde curls were pulled back to allow the curls to cascade around her own circlet and down her back.
"Are you ready to throw flowers at Uncle Boromir and Aunt Idril, Baby?" Jesse asked as she knelt down in front of her daughter. Looking up toward the young maid she said, "Thank you, for helping out again, Aniese. Where is your sister?"
"She is speaking with one of Lord Elrond's sons, my Lady. My sister and I are to go to the feast with Lords Elladan and Elrohir," the young maid replied bashfully, her cheeks tinted a slight pink, causing Jesse to chuckle softly.
"I had wondered what those two were up to yesterday," Jesse commented with a smile, "Well then I hope you have a nice time and thank you, again."
"It was an honor my Lady. My sister and I will miss the little one when she has gone. She has been a true joy," the young maid said before she left the room.
Haldir escorted his wife and daughter down the hall to where the bridal party was gathering. Jesse and Lady Galadriel draped a long shimmering silver cloak over Idril's shoulders, pulling the hood up to hide her features. As tradition dictated the bride could not be seen until she was presented to Boromir on the steps of the King's Hall. Using the door to the Queen's Garden the bridal party made its way through a servants' corridor to the entrance of the seventh gate where the other elves, residing in the White City, were waiting.
The standard bearers took up their positions and the bridal precession began to move up toward the hall. As they reached the courtyard Jesse could make out the forms of Boromir, Aragorn, and Faramir standing on the top step. She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the way the King and Steward were trying to keep the groom from fidgeting.
The party of elves divided revealing a regally dressed Lord Elrond and the silver cloaked Idril at his side. Slowly the pair began to make their way forward and as they reached the step they turned to face each other.
"Today my house looses another of its treasures, but I know that my lose shall be the gain of all of Middle Earth. May the Valar bless you and this good and noble man you marry today," Lord Elrond said in his calm deep voice as he removed the cloak from Idril. Smiling gently at the young elleth he placed a kiss upon her brow before turning and speaking to Boromir in a much more commanding tone, "I, Elrond Peredhil Lord of Rivendell present the Lady Idril daughter of Gelmir to Lord Boromir son of Denethor to take as his bride. May the blessings of the Valar rain upon their union." As he finished speaking he placed Idril's hand into Boromir's and a cheer rang out through the crowd. Flowers rained down over the couple as Brigid enthusiastically threw them from her basket.
The doors of the King's Hall were thrown open at Aragorn's signal and the King and Queen led everyone inside where a feast had been laid out. The musicians began to play and soon the afternoon was filled with joy and laughter.
As the meal came to a close Jesse stood up and made her way to the center of the dais and began to speak, "Idril and Boromir are two of my oldest and dearest friends in Middle Earth. I can honestly say that I was there the day they met. When I found out that they were going to marry I started to think about just the right song to sin for them. I hope you like it." With that Lindir began to strum his harp and the room was filled with a beautiful melody, as Jesse began to sing,
"I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Well, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Lying close to you
Feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna miss one smile
I don't wanna miss one kiss
Well, I just wanna be with you
Right here with you, just like this
I just wanna hold you close
Feel your heart so close to mine
And just stay here in this moment
For all the rest of time
Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
'Cause I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep, yeah
I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna miss a thing."
(I Don't Want To Miss A Thing "Aerosmith")
As the elleth's voice began to fade Faramir stood, raised his goblet high into the air, and shouted, "To Boromir and Idril!" An echo of 'Boromir and Idril!' made its way around the hall as Jesse retook her seat.
It was still very early in the evening when Boromir and Idril left the hall and feast still going strong. Jesse and Haldir also bid goodnight when Brigid began to yawn. "We had better get her to bed. Tomorrow is going to be just as long as today," Jesse said with a smile as Haldir pulled her chair out for her, "We will see you guys in the morning."
Tucking her daughter into bed that night she began to tell her daughter yet another chapter in the life of Harry Potter, "Not for the first time, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive. Mr. Vernon Dursley had been woken in the early hours of the morning by a loud, hooting noise from his nephew Harry's room." Kissing her little girl on the cheek the elleth walked into her own room and her husband's arms.
"Tomorrow we shall honor your Wiccan family's heritage and you my beautiful wife shall need your rest," the handsome March Warden whispered as he helped her out of her gown.
Raising her arms and looping them around his neck she replied, "Tomorrow we finally have the wedding we have dreamt about all of our lives. I can't believe it is finally happening."
"It is happening, my love, and soon I shall take you and our daughter home," he answered picking her up and carrying her to bed, "And we will welcome our little trees in the spring."
The next morning Jesse and Haldir woke with the sun. As she was getting out of bed he told her, "I am to meet my family outside of the stables and we will ride ahead to the glade."
"Okay, I will see you at sunset. Brigid and I will have a very full day, "she replied walking over to where Haldir was standing, "The crystals are in the bag of supplies. We can set them up after the others leave tonight," she went on wrapping her arms around his neck once more and kissing him passionately one last time, "I love you."
"Enjoy your day, my love. I shall see you this evening," he said before slinging the pack of supplies over his shoulder and walking out of the door saying, "And I love you my beautiful wife."
Pulling her robe on Jesse walked into the bathing chamber and began to run a bath for Brigid. Once she had the tub filled with warm bubble filled water she went to her daughter's room and began to gently wake her up. "It is time to get up, Baby," she cooed running her fingers through the little girl's messy hair, "You get to spend the day with me today. Your Papa, Uncles, and Grandpa will meet us in the forest later today."
"Otay, Momma. I's hungwy, Momma," she answered her little voice heavy with sleep. Holding up her arms she allowed her mother to pick her up.
"Alright lets go and get you a quick bath and dressed. Then we will go to breakfast. Okay, Baby," the elleth said carrying the small girl into the wash room.
After getting dressed Jesse and Brigid set out for the King's Hall. Along the way they met up with Glorfindel, Erestor, and Lord Elrond, Glorfindel swinging Brigid up onto his shoulders. "How are you this morning, my dear?" Elrond asked as a guard opened the door for them.
"I am fine. I am just looking forward to tonight," the elleth answered with smile. Taking the seat that Erestor had pulled out for her at the table she went on, "Since Grams is not here, Lady Galadriel is going to be performing the ceremony with Gandalf. She is after all the ultimate matriarch of the Halliwell line. I think Grams would understand."
"You once told me that the Halliwells were one of the four most powerful families. Who are the others?" Erestor asked as he sipped his morning coffee.
Thinking for a moment the elleth answered as she buttered toast for her daughter, "Well there are the Halliwells, or Warren line, as some call it. Then there are the MacLeod, the Bloom, and the Yashida lines. The Yashida family is also known as the Pendragon line. All four families are distantly related, so they can all trace their lines back to a common ancestor. My guess would be Lady Galadriel."
Thoughtfully the Lord of Rivendell sipped his tea before asking, "They are descended from my daughter's line as well, are they not?" Setting his cup down he sat back in his chair and looked across the table at the daughter of his dearest friend.
"Yes, Lord Elrond, they are," she answered as honestly as she could, "I believe it is that connection to the race of elves that has kept those four families so strong. In my old world they are the leaders of the light and protect the innocent from the darkness, sometimes to the death." Taking a drink of her coffee she added, "I believe one of the reasons that Gideon chose to leave me on the Halliwells'
doorstep is because they have a tendency to live very short lives. Lady Galadriel believes that he had set out to separate me from Aragorn, Arwen and the others but by leaving me on the Manor doorstep he unknowingly left me with their descendants. In a way he only made me stronger because I had the opportunity to learn magic properly and used that magic to help vanquish him."
"And then you came back to us," Glorfindel said looking proudly at his beloved niece, "Now I must ask a question. For it has intrigued me from the moment the little one told me. Who is this Harry and what is a quipich?"
Laughing Jesse explained the bed time stories that she had been telling her daughter. "And it is Quiditch, Glorfindel. It is a game played on flying brooms in the story."
"Hmmm," Erestor commented thoughtfully, "You say a human woman wrote a complete series of stories based on this fictional magical world?" When the elleth answered yes he continued, "Perhaps this school she called Hogwarts is based on something that actually existed. We have been discussing the formation of a school, have we not?"
Laughing Jesse poured herself some more coffee before replying, "As insane as that sounds, you may have a point. There is a great deal of similarity between the real magical world and the one in the one J. K. Rowling wrote about. The four founders could easily be compared to my father, you Erestor, you Glorfindel, and Lord Celeborn. Erestor you could have easily inspired Hufflepuff. You are loyal to the core and I know for a fact that you are the reason Imladris runs so smoothly. Lord Celeborn would have inspired Ravenclaw. He is known as Celeborn the Wise after all. Glorfindel you would have to be the inspiration behind Slytherin, brilliant on the battlefield, cunning, and down right sneaky. I happen to know that you were the one to teach the twins the fine art of pranking, and before you say Slytherin was evil. I do not think so. Snape is one of the good guys in the stories and I happen to be a big fan of he and Draco Malfoy."
A gentle tug on Jesse's sleeve interrupted her from saying more. When she looked down at her little girl, Brigid declared proudly, "Momma be Gwippindor. She bwave and, she be weader too."
"That is very true, penneth. Your mother is a very brave elleth and she is a leader of our people," Elrond agreed with a kind smile as he placed a kiss on the crown of the little girl's head.
Smiling and hugging her daughter close Jesse whispered, "Thank you, Baby. It means a lot to me that you that you think that about me." Looking up she noticed Idril and Boromir entering the hall, "Good morning, you two." She knew the moment that she looked at her friend that the Valar had given him the gift of immortality. Glancing over at the Lord of Imladris she noted that he, too had picked up on the change in the young Gondorian.
"Would you care to share with me how this has happened?" Elrond asked softly so their conversation could not be overheard.
Turning to face Lord Elrond, Jesse told him about the choice the Valar had given her. "I actually had no idea what they had planed to do until I made the choice," she admitted softly, "You have to know that if I could have I would have done the same for Aragorn and Arwen."
"I know you would have, child, and I do not fault you for your inability to do just that. Idril's fate would have been far worse. No dear one, you made the best choice you could have ever made," he said confidently, "I do however believe you should tell them what the Valar have gifted them with before someone who does not know what truly happened says something."
Looking over toward Boromir and Idril she quickly excused herself and made her way over to them. "Guys, I need to speak with you alone for a few minutes," she said as she walked up to the new couple and motioned for them to follow her into the antechamber. Once the door was firmly shut behind them and they had taken a seat she began to speak, "The night before your wedding I was allowed to dream walk with my parents again. The Valar were going to reward me for what I had managed to do since I returned to Middle Earth. They presented me with a choice to keep the reward or give it to the two of you as a wedding gift. I chose to give it to you and at the moment marital bond was complete they gave Boromir the gift of immortality."
For a moment they sat shocked by what they had just been told. "I do not know what to say. That you would give up a gift from the Valar for us means more than a mere thank you is worth," the Gondorian whispered in a choked voice. Standing he walked around the table on shaky legs, knelt before his elven friend and said, "You introduced me to my beloved, you have saved my life, and now you have given me this most precious of gifts. Thank you my friend, my heart-sister," before pulling the now crying elleth into his arms.
"How could I not? You have been my friend from the moment that I stepped into this world. You helped me to save my husband's life. You treat me as a sister," Jesse said honestly as she hugged him back, "Idril is as much a sister to me as Prue, Piper, Paige, and Phoebe are. How could I not give you this chance at forever?"
Silently with tears in her eyes and a happy smile upon her face, Idril, stepped up to Jesse and embraced the other elleth. After a moment she stepped back into her husband's arms and said, "Boromir and I have decided that we would like to live in the Golden Wood for a time. We would both like to help you rebuild Lindon, and I wish to be with you when the time comes for your little ones to be born. We plan to speak to the Lord and Lady of the Wood this afternoon."
"Aragorn has ordered a house to be built for us in Osgiliath but we wish to make out home with the elves of Lindon," Boromir explained with a smile, "From time to time we shall have to travel to the White City but our home will be Lindon, if her Queen will permit it."
Laughing Jesse smacked the now smirking Gondorian on the back of the head and said, "As if you ever had to ask. You guys are family and family is always welcome." Pausing for a moment she wiped away the tears and added, "Now we had better get back out there and get breakfast because today is going to be a long one."
Two hours later found Jesse putting the finishing touches on her hair when a knock came on the door of her chambers. Idril who was in the outer chamber waiting for her answered the door, admitting Oropher, Erestor, Glorfindel, Celeborn, and Elrond. Standing back she said, "Come in my Lords. Jesse will be out in just a moment. She is just finishing up."
"Actually I am done," Jesse said with a smile as she entered the room, "Aniese and Aranel, will be here soon with Brigid." Walking over to where her father's friends were standing she asked, "Are the other's ready to go?"
Smiling Oropher stepped forward and while embracing the elleth answered, "All is prepared, my dear. The rest of the bridal party is waiting outside of the city gates. Boromir is waiting with the King and Queen in the courtyard."
Next Celeborn stepped forward and after hugging Jesse as well, he began to explain, "As your oldest living male relative, Glorfindel shall be presenting you. We however would also like to act as your escort to the glade."
Pulling something from the pocket of his robes Elrond stepped over to the daughter of his former king and took hold of her right hand. "This was also left in my keeping after your father's death. I believe that he would want you to have this on a day such as this," he said as he slid a beautiful garnet studded gold signet ring. The face of the ring was decorated with a stylized griffin, its talons clutching a large garnet star.
As one Glorfindel and Erestor stepped forward and draped a golden cloak around Jesse, fastening it with a broach that matched her father's ring. "Now you are ready, child," Glorfindel said with a smile as he carefully raised to hood of her cloak to hide her face.
Less than an hour later found Jesse atop Swiftwind's back making her way toward the city gate. As the bridal party rode through the city people would line the streets throwing flowers into its path.
When they reached the gate the rest of the party took up positions around the golden cloaked elleth, her daughter, and her escorts. The banner of Noldor was flying proudly at the head of the company, being carried by a beaming Lindir. Overhead two massive dragons, five giant eagles and one small hawk soared.
As they rode into the glade the bridal party began to separate revealing the bride and her escorts. Slowly her escorts dismounted and Glorfindel helped Jesse from Swiftwind's back, while Elrond helped Brigid. The small child took her place next to Lindir. As the pair walked forward she threw white rose petals along the ground for her mother to walk upon with her bare feet. Next came Celeborn and Oropher, followed by Elrond and Erestor, all four ellons dressed as the elven Lords they were, their swords at their sides. Finally Glorfindel walked forward and golden draped Jesse on his arm.
As she walked forward Jesse could feel a deep sense of completion as her childhood dream played out. When she finally reached the alter, Jesse turned to face her great-uncle, tears of joy shining in her eyes.
"The moment I saw you riding next to the son of Denethor, I recognized you and knew that I was no longer alone. Since that day you have brought a light into my life that I believed to have died with your mother. No matter where the future leads you child that I shall always be there for you," the Golden elf lord whispered for his niece's ears only, as he released the catch on the broach holding the cloak around her neck. As the golden fabric fell away revealing the beautiful elleth beneath, he turned to face Lady Galadriel and Gandalf, and in a strong voice said, "I, Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower present my great-niece, Jessica Elizabeth Halliwell, Crowned Princess of Noldor and daughter of Gil Galad High King of Noldor to Haldir of Lothlórien, March Warden of the Galadhrim and son of Tóur to be his bride. May the Valar's blessings grace their love," with that he placed Jesse's hand into Haldir's and stepped back next to Brigid.
Galadriel raised her voice and began to speak, "Today we honor the family that raised our beloved Jessica, and bind her to Haldir in the Wiccan tradition of a hand fasting."
As the ceremony began all of those present within the glade could feel the power of the Valar as they passed their blessings upon the union. When the pair broke from their kiss a cheer rang out through the crowd of well wishers. As one the couple turned to face the crowd and Haldir bent down and picked up their little girl. One by one people streamed by to congratulate the couple before going to their horses and leaving the glade.
"Be good for Larien, tonight Baby. Papa and I will see you tomorrow morning when we get back," Jesse said as she kissed her yawning daughter and handed her up to the healer. Stepping back into her husband's arms she spoke again, "Thank you again for watching over her."
"I enjoy watching over the little one. She is a joy. We shall see you in the morning," Larien said with a smile as she rode away with Brigid in her arms, Legolas and Gimli riding beside her.
Soon it was just Jesse and Haldir left within the glade. From behind the alter he pulled the bag of crystals that he had brought with him that morning. At Jesse's instruction he helped her to place the protective crystals evenly around the glade. As the last one was set into place a clear blue dome of light briefly shimmered overhead.
"Now what does Wiccan tradition require of us, my love?" Haldir asked as he walked toward his wife. His hair blew gently around him as he took her into his arms.
Smiling she looked up into his eyes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and replied, "Now husband we do exactly what we did that night in the garden of my father's watch tower under the stars."
"Hmmm," he growled deep within his throat before capturing her lips with his own and kissing her passionately. Slowly he allowed his hand to run up her side and around her back until he was able to loosen the ties of her gown. "Beautiful," he growled when the fabric fell away from her body, "So beautiful."
Slowly she began to pepper his jaw line with small nibbling kisses. Working her way down to his neck she unclipped the broach holding his cloak in place and began to work the ties of his tunic loose. As she worked on getting rid of his tunic she moved her kisses up the side of his jaw until she reached his ear and whispered, "I love you, Haldir."
"And I love you my beautiful, Jesse, " answered as she picked her up and carried her over to where the moonlight streamed down on a patch of soft clover. As he gently lay her down on the soft green blanket he whispered soft endearments in Sindarin, placing soft kisses against her warm flesh. Slowly he worked his way down her body worshiping her from as he went.
A gasp escaped her lips as he began to focus his attention on her breasts with his lips as his hands were working their own magic on the rest of her body. Pulling his tunic over his head she quickly undid the ties of his leggings and pushed them down over his hips.
When their bodies finally became one it was as though a million stars exploded as the light of their combined fëa filled the forest glade. For a moment time itself did not exist and the world ceased to turn. A warmth filled their entwined bodies as the One smiled with joy at the pure love that radiated out from the two young elves and his blessings rained down upon the pair.