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Chapter Thirty-Eight
A Tale of Two Kings
The three days following Jesse and Haldir's hand fasting were hectic as preparations were made for King Théoden to be brought home to Rohan fro burial. Jesse, with the help of Larien and Vanora, had finally finished getting her family's things packed for the trip the day before they were set to leave.
Jesse took great delight in seeing how well the young woman had blossomed since having been reunited with her father. The elleth also noticed how Vanora's entire face would light up whenever the young ranger, Ganis, would be around, and she pointed out her observations to the Queen of Gondor. "I am telling you Arwen, it is as though the past twenty years never happened, whenever that boy is around. They are like the human equivalent of Haldir and I. Their souls are so perfectly matched," she said with a smile as she and Arwen sat and watched Brigid run around the Queen's Garden on the sunny afternoon of the second day of August.
"My grandmother has marked it as well," the Queen of Men replied with a serene smile, "She told me that she foresaw Halbarad bouncing grandchildren on his knee in the near future."
Laughing as she watched Brigid playing with one of the small kittens that wandered the castle, Jesse replied, "It will give Halbarad something to do while his King is busy building his own family." Pausing she closed her eyes briefly then added with a smirk, "After all in about twenty years Brigid will need a husband."
"I could not ask for better for my son, than that precious daughter of yours," Arwen answered with a knowing smirk of her own. "I wish I could be there with you when your little ones are born," she added with a sigh, "But I believe travel will be most uncomfortable for me come spring."
"Does Aragorn know?" Jesse asked in excitement as she hugged her now nodding friend, "I am so happy for you. Now I wish that I could be here for you, myself, but I know you will have the best care possible. You have no reason to worry about me either. I shall have your grandmother, Idril, Larien, Lórwyn, and Ailinel, there with me and I will be just fine."
"I told Estel this morning," the Gondorian Queen answered, "He is convinced that I shall have a girl. It has lifted the sadness that has plagued him over the coming burial of Théoden King."
Sighing Jesse glanced back toward her daughter before revealing to Arwen, she and Merry's conversation with the spirit of the dead king. "It was the only way I could think of to help Merry. He was grieving so deeply. I feared for his health," she explained shaking her head sadly.
"You did what you believed to be right. The Valar allowed the spell to work, so they must have approved of your actions. Do not worry over much for it my friend. I have little doubt that you acted correctly," Arwen advised hugging Jesse once more.
That night after tucking her daughter into bed, Jesse curled up next to her husband and allowed her mind to relax. That done she began to focus solely on the tiny life forms she carried and what she found astounded her.
Before she could only feel two tiny flickers of life where she knew her babies to be, but now she could sense who they were. The little flickers had grown into two of the most perfectly radiant flames. "Hello my little darlings," she whispered softly, placing her hand over her stomach.
Another hand soon joined hers and Haldir bent down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "They are strong like you, my love," he whispered with a smile, "Now rest. All three of you need to keep up your strength for the journey home." Then pulling her closer to his body he kissed her one last time and whispered, "Goodnight, my love. I love you."
"Goodnight, Haldir, my love," she answered with a sleepy smile, "I love you too." Closing her eyes once more she allowed herself to fall into the realm of dreams. Dreams of the day she would get to hold her babies in her arms.
Morning came and with it the sad task of bringing King Théoden's body out of the Halls of the Dead. As the wagon carrying the body pulled up in front of the King's Hall, Jesse led Brigid over to where Haldir was waiting with their horses. Climbing onto Swiftwind's back she solemnly raised her arm to allow Galahad to land on it before turning to face the wagon once more. She watched as Háma helped Merry into the wagon, where the young squire would perform his last duty to the fallen king, by carrying his sword through the journey back to Rohan.
Once everyone was in position the signal to move out was given. All through the city people stopped what they were doing to pay respects to the king that had sacrificed his own life to come to Gondor's aid.
The funerary precession moved at a gentle pace. The wagon baring Théoden's body as well as the supply wagons unable to move as quickly as the riders could. It was a four day trip from Minas Tirith to Dunharrow and finally in the early afternoon on the fifteenth day of August they reached Edoras.
It seemed as though all of Rohan had journeyed to bid Théoden a final fare well. The people cried as the king's body was carried down the hill toward the burial mound that had been constructed for him. As Éowyn began to sing a haunting funeral dirge and Théoden's body was placed within the tomb, tears streamed down Jesse's face.
That night a feast was held in honor of the fallen king. At Éomer's request Jesse sang Newgrange and by the time she finished singing everyone stood transfixed as the elleth honored their beloved king. A minstrel stood and began to sing a ballad about the kings of Rohan. When he finally reached Théoden's name everyone stood raised their glasses and mugs high and shouted, "Théoden King!"
Stepping out a side door Jesse walked along the veranda of the Golden Hall until she reached the point where she could just make out the shapes of the newest burial mound. A single bright moonbeam was illuminating the mound and within the light stood a lone ghostly figure. For a moment the figure stared at the Meduseld and then ever so slowly the spirit began to fade into nothingness. "Farewell, Théoden King," the elleth whispered, her voice choked with tears, as a cloud covered the moon and she could no longer see the figure.
"My lady is everything alright?" Háma asked as he stepped out of the main doors and walked toward the elleth that was looking toward the burial mounds. Looking in the same direction as the she-elf trying to see what had caught the elleth's attention so completely.
Turning to face the door warden she answered with a sad smile, "I was just saying good bye to King Théoden in my own way, is all." Turning back to face the tombs again she continued, "Over the years I have had to say good bye to many that were dear to me. Sadly it never gets any easier, no matter how many loved ones I bury."
"You were raised by humans, were you not?" Háma asked as he stood next to the she-elf that had saved his life. The man and elleth stood together facing the tombs of the fall kings for several moments, the only sound was that of the crickets. "My wife and children are all I have left in this world," he confessed with a sigh, "If I were to loose any of them, I fear I would not survive the loss."
"Humans are more resilient than my race gives them credit for. You guys can survive and go on after loss. Elves as a rule can not do that. You are stronger than you realize, my friend," she answered with conviction, "It is like my Grams always used to say, 'What does not kill us, only makes us stronger,' and I believe that with all of my heart."
"You have given me much to consider, my lady," he replied with a smile as he bowed his head in respect to her. Turning at the sound of the doors opening, he saw Haldir exit the hall carrying a sleeping Brigid in his arms. "I wish you good night, my lady, for I must see my own family home before it gets to late," he said with a kind smile and a bow of his head as he turned to go back inside.
"Goodnight Háma, and thank you for keeping me company," Jesse answered with a gentle smile. Turning her attention to her husband she told him, "Théoden has finally made the journey to the halls of his fathers. I could not let him go without saying goodbye one last time. In the short time I knew him he became another father-figure to me."
"There is no shame in the grief you feel at his loss, my love. He was a good and honorable man," Haldir responded wrapping his free arm around her waist and pulling her close to him, "Come it is time to retire for the night. We shall all have a long day tomorrow. You will need your rest."
"Your right," she agreed soaking up his comforting presence, "Brigid needs to be put to bed." Looking back one last time at the burial mound of the former king Jesse smiled sadly and then allowed herself to be led back into the Golden Hall.
The dawn sun streaming through the window was how Jesse woke on the morning Rohan would crown its new king. Rolling over so that she could face her still sleeping husband she carefully began to lay gentle kisses upon his face and whispered, "It is time to wake, my love. Today Éomer becomes king and we have much to prepare." When she heard a disgruntled growl come from his slowly waking form she decided to have a bit of fun. Sliding her hands up until they rested just below his jaw line, and she began to draw them upward, passing lightly over his sensitive ears until the growl was replaced by a husky moan. "We must be there for our friend," she added bringing her lips to his in a passionate caress.
Rolling his wife over so that her body was pinned beneath his own, Haldir began to lay a trail of kisses down her throat toward the valley that lay between her breasts. "That was a most interesting way in which you chose to wake me, my love," he growled as he lay a steaming trail of kisses down her body, "Most interesting indeed."
"Well husband I do so enjoy keeping you on your toes," she whispered breathlessly, "It is ever so much fun after all." Any other words she would have said died on her lips, for she was over come by the sensations he was making her feel. Her world exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors and she felt as though her entire existence only for the moment their bodies became one.
A couple of hours later when they finally emerged from their room they found their daughter enjoying breakfast with the four hobbits and Gimli. The dwarf was cutting up an apple for the small girl at his side when he noticed the child's elven parents, "Good morning Lass. Elf."
"Good morning, Gimli, Sam, Frodo, Merry, and Pip," the elleth replied with a laugh, "Good morning, Baby. Did you have a good sleep?" she added turning her attention to her daughter who was happily chewing on pieces of apple.
"Mmmhmmm.." Brigid replied around a mouth full of apple slice. Taking a drink from her small wooden cup she said happily, "Unca Mewwy gaves me a apple an Unca Gimwe cuts it up." Holding up a slice of the juicy fruit she showed how Pippin had taught her to dip the pieces into a small bowl of honey.
Smiling Jesse took a seat at the table and fixed herself a plate. As she poured herself a cup of coffee she looked over at her little girl and asked, "Your Aunt Éowyn told me yesterday that there is a new litter of puppies in the stables. Would you like to go and visit them tomorrow?" When she received an enthusiastic nod she added, "Well then lets get finished with breakfast and get you all cleaned up. Uncle Éomer gets his crown today and we can't have a sticky princess there."
An hour later found Jesse, Haldir and a much cleaner Brigid standing with their friends watching as the crown of Rohan was placed upon Éomer's brow. The people gathered cheered for their new king and celebrated the new found hope they had for the future. A picnic style feast was laid out on the steps of the Meduseld and the new king and his friends enjoyed the warm summer's day eating and dancing.
As the hour began to grow late Éomer stood and silence fell upon the crowd. "My friends I would like to first thank you for coming here to share this day with me. I would also like to share some most joyous news with you. In four months time my beloved sister, Éowyn, shall wed Prince Faramir of Ithilien, Steward of Gondor. Please help me to congratulate them on their most wonderful announcement. "To Éowyn and Faramir!" he shouted his deep rich voice carrying over the crowd.
The crowd roared their approval of the match between their beloved Shieldmaiden and the young Steward, and congratulated the betrothed couple with all of their hearts. As she watched the people of Rohan celebrate the union between Gondor and Rohan, Jesse caught a small glimpse of another union that would strengthen the two kingdoms even more, as she watched Éomer dancing with Lothíriel. Closing her eyes she could clearly see a clear spring day in the very near future when the young king would wed the only daughter of the Prince of Dol Amroth. For the next three days Jesse spent as much time as she possibly could with Éowyn, Lothíriel, and Arwen, for she knew that it would be at least a few years before she would see all of them once more. It was with a heavy heart that on the morning of the twentieth day of August that she bid goodbye to her friends. As she was about to leave she whispered softly in Arwen's ear, "When Lindon is rebuilt, you had better come and visit me, and I will not take no for an answer. Your people will not leave you behind, my friend. You may have chosen to live as a human but that does not me we shall turn out backs on you. You will always be welcome in my home and in my kingdom. Do you understand?" Silently with tears streaming down her face the other elleth embraced Jesse and nodded her head in understanding. "You will always be my heart-sister," Jesse declared finally as she turned and climbed onto Swiftwind's back before joining the others.
The five day journey to Helms Deep was a surreal experience for those that had fought in the battle of the Hornburg. For a moment as she stood atop the wall where she had once awaited battle, Jesse had a brief memory flash of the night that her world almost came to an end. Wrapping her arms around her now slightly bulging middle she turned away from the clean up still going on and headed back inside to search out her husband and daughter.
"It's just hard being here again," she confessed as she curled up against her husband that night. "I don't think that I could stay here for very long so soon after…" her voice trailed off as her mind would not allow her to go on and she buried her face into his chest.
Wrapping his arms protectively around her, Haldir, placed a soft kiss on her head and replied, "We will leave this place tomorrow, my beloved, and we will only return when you are ready too. You have my word. Now try to get some rest. I shall be here to guard your dreams."
The next morning before leaving the Hornburg, Gimli took Jesse and Legolas down into the Glittering Caves. While they had been staying in Edoras the dwarf and the new King of the Mark discussed the possibility of a dwarven settlement in the caves.
As they were looking around Jesse noticed small veins of mithril running through out the caves making them sparkle and glitter all the more and showed them to Gimli, whose eyes were not as strong as the an elf. If possible the dwarf grew even more excited at the prospect of mithril.
"Lass, that was quite the find down there. Did that Dailin friend of yours teach you that?" he asked as they rode toward Isengard later that day. Sitting behind Legolas on Arod's back the dwarf was telling anyone who would listen about Jesse's find.
"Yes, Gimli, Dailin did teach me how to look for ore veins. With my eyesight I was able to spot veins that dwarven eyes would never see. When I was younger I would make a game out of it," the elleth replied with a smile as she tried to keep from blushing. "Legolas probably saw it. He just did not know what to look for."
That night camped along the banks of the River Isen Merry and Pippin told the story of how they had met Treebeard and the other ents. As their story unfolded those around the fire listened with rapped attention and Jesse could not help but smile as her two young friends acted more like the innocent hobbits they had once been.
"They will be a guiding force for the future of the Shire," Galadriel assured with an understanding smile, "Because of them the Shire shall grow and prosper. Do not worry penneth. They shall be well."
"Yes they will," the younger elleth agreed with a soft smile, "They will do very well and the Shire shall be better for it." Looking back at where the four hobbits were answering questions about their beloved Shire she noticed how Frodo was behaving and added almost silently, "But Frodo will be sorely missed. It will devastate them when he goes and the world will be a darker place without his light."
"Yes, child, he shall be missed," the Lady of the Golden Wood replied, "But they will have you to guide them through the loss, and I believe that the Fellowship shall endure. In your heart you know that the Fellowship shall one day stand together again. No, this shall not be the end of the Fellowship of the Ring." As she finished the Lady embraced Jesse and placed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head.
'Perhaps, my love, we should plan on escorting our kin to the Gray Havens,' he suggested that night when his wife shared her earlier conversation through their bond. 'Then we would be able to escort the remaining hobbits back to the Shire,' he added as they lay in their tent.
'I would like to be able to see those I love so dearly, safely to the Havens,' she agreed smiling sleepily up at her husband, 'It would be nice to spend some time with Merry, Pippin, and Sam as well and Arnor is not so far away that I could not oversee the construction of the school.'
'It will also give the children time to grow a little before we must do more traveling,' he commented lightly, 'And we shall be near those close to us. For now though, my love, rest. Tomorrow will be yet another long day of travel and you must maintain your strength.' Carefully he reached over their sleeping daughter and kissed Jesse tenderly.
I already have a start on the next chapter so hopefully it will not take me too long to update.