I hope you guys enjoy... Happy Mothers Day! Let me know what you think and I promise that I am already working on the next chaper.
Chapter Forty-One
Their Momma's Eyes
As dawn approached on the first day of March, Jesse's mind was plagued with dreams. Her mind was racing through images at lightening speed; she could barely focus on one before it was quickly replaced by another at a dizzying rate. One by one the images came filling her mind with whispers of what was to come. Forcing herself to focus she was finally able to latch onto images and slow them down enough to try and make some sort of logic out of them.
The first image she was able to hold onto was one she had seen before. She watched as images of the school passed before her mind's eye. She was able to pick up more details that she had not been able to see before. Once again she witnessed Oropher Sorting the students into their houses. She was able to make out more faces among the students as well as the teachers that she recognized.
Once more her mind shifted and the image of what she guessed to be the rebuilt City of Lindon appeared before her. She could see the gleaming towers of her future home and the rolling landscape that surrounded the beautiful city. Before the gates a massive lake stretched out for miles giving the landscape an even more regal appearance. She could make out distant mountains in the background where dragons flew in lazy circles. She saw herself standing before the massive mithril gates, surrounded by her family and friends from all over Middle Earth.
Again the image changed and she could sense that this was a distant future but that it would someday be very important. As she watched a massive army prepared to set out from Minas Tirith. Among the army she could see banners for Gondor, Rohan, Imladris, Lothlórien, Dol Amroth, Mirkwood, as well as the banner Glorfindel had once carried for her into the Battle of the Black Gate. She knew in her heart that she and many that she loved were among the army. Worry filled her heart at the thought of another war.
Another image flashed before her and she watched as a group of men and women fled before an advancing army. She witnessed the men that had led the refugees making a stand on the surface of a frozen lake. She watched as the largest of the men heroically ran to the center of the lake and began to frantically bash the surface of the ice with an axe, in an attempt save his companions. Just as the enemy began to fire countless arrows toward the brave man, Jesse saw a flash of iridescent blue and herself appear behind the man enveloping him with in her shield.
Next she saw images of herself and Haldir standing with her sisters, Leo, and the two unknown men once more, watching as dozens of swan ships sailed into the Harbor of Mithlond. She watched as those she knew would be long dead walked down the gang plank of the most regal of the ships. She watched her mind crying out with joy as the Fellowship stood complete once more.
The images faded from her mind as Jesse awoke to the feeling of the rising sun bathing her face with warmth. In her heart she knew that they would still have struggles to over come but ultimately they would succeed and she would be reunited with all of those she loved.
"It was a good dream, was it not, my love?" Haldir asked as he looked down into his wife's smiling face. With a gentle hand he wiped away the tears of joy that were falling from her green eyes.
Sitting up Jesse looked deep into his eyes, before she answered a brilliant smile lighting up her face, "It had a wonderful ending at least, but I believe that it was a bit more of a vision. There was a lot that confused me and worried me but in the end it had a wonderful outcome. I will have to speak with the Lady about all that I have seen. It was all a bit confusing and some of it worries me. Still it does ultimately give me hope." Reaching up she placed a soft kiss at the corner of her husband's mouth and continued, "Glorfindel, Mithrandir, and Radagast will be arriving sometime this afternoon. It would appear that my great-uncle is most adamant that he not miss the birth of our elflings.
"I must admit that he seems far happier since your return," Haldir said as he pulled her body against his and gave her a proper kiss before he continued, "Though he took great care to always seem carefree for his friends. I can only imagine how he must have felt to be the last living member of his family." Placing a line of kisses along the shell of her ear, he implored, "However I beg of you. Do not tell him I said that. He will become even more insufferable than he already is."
Later that morning Jesse went in search of the Lady Galadriel. Wandering her way through one of the more secluded of the Lady's gardens she found the older elleth lounging with her maids. When she noticed Jesse she set down her needlepoint and excused herself. "My Lady, I am in need of your council," Jesse began, as Galadriel led her into an adjacent garden, "I had a very confusing vision. There was just so much that I saw, that I find it difficult to understand."
"Tell me what has you troubled my child, for I can sense that you have been worried by what you have seen," Galadriel said calmly as she took a seat on a bench and motioned for the younger elleth to take a seat as well, "I have seen much that is to come within my mirror."
Taking a seat Jesse began to explain her concerns, "I saw so much that my mind almost could not keep up. I have had intense visions before but never anything like that. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before." Sighing softly she rubbed at her bulging stomach as one of her twins moved around excitedly within her womb, "It almost felt like I was viewing the visions of two people. The closest I have ever come to that is when Phoebe and I would have simultaneous visions."
Smiling gently the Lady of the Galadhrim replied, "That is actually very close to what has actually occurred. It would appear that at least one of your elflings, the elleth I believe, is beginning to come into her own gifts and because you are so in tune with your younglings you are privy to her visions as well. I experienced much the same shortly before the birth of my beloved daughter. It would seem that you are destined to be the matriarch of a very powerful family of your own."
"I can only hope that I handle it as well as you and Grams have. It is actually quite an intimidating prospect," Jesse replied with a smile as she continued to run her hand soothingly over her swollen middle, "They are feeding off of my excitement over Glorfindel's arrival. They also know that they will be born soon and are most anxious." Turning to look into the brilliant blue eyes of the Lady, she asked, "My Lady I also saw all of the allied realms preparing to go into battle. We were ready to ride to war. What evil are we going to have to endure now?"
Pulling the now crying Jesse into her arms, the Lady answered, "I have seen what it is that you have seen and I am unsure of the answer myself. I do know that this shall not come to pass for a very long time. I also believe that this shall lead to the separating of Middle Earth and, that the Earth you know shall take its place." Placing a gentle kiss against the younger elleth's temple she continued, "I think that what you and I have seen shall ultimately lead to your being reunited with the family that you left behind when you came here to fulfill your destiny."
"I guess the thought of another battle again so soon, just sort of scared me a little, especially so close to the birth of my babies. Prue called it my momma bear complex," pausing Jesse smiled a sad smile at the memory of her dead sister, "I have always had the need to protect all of those close to me." Looking toward the Lady she asked, "So this vision was a way of letting me know that I am on the right path, so to speak.'' Laughing softly she added, "I guess I can blame the hormones."
Laughing with the elleth next to her the Galadriel advised with a smile, "Worry not child, I understand. All ladies be they elleth, woman, or hobbits, experience the heightened emotions that come from impending motherhood. I myself went through it. It is all to be expected, for one such as yourself, who not only experiences her own thoughts and emotions but that of others. You will be fine; your time has nearly arrived." Giving Jesse one more motherly hug, Galadriel stood and helped the younger elleth to her feet as well, before speaking again, "Mithrandir, Radagast, and Lord Glorfindel have arrived and are awaiting us within my home. Let us go and greet them, for your great uncle is most anxious to see you."
Soon Jesse found herself standing within the same receiving room the Fellowship had, all of those months before, only this time she had entered at Galadriel's side, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her great uncle and her good friends. Smiling brightly she waited as the Lord and Lady greeted the visitors.
"Welcome my Lords and most treasured friends," Celeborn greeted with a smile, "It is wonderful to have you here once more." Looking toward the maids that had entered the room he continued, "Rooms have been made ready for you, so that you may rest and refresh from your journey before the mid-day meal."
Once the official greetings had been made Glorfindel wasted no time in hugging his niece. "You look absolutely radiant my dear one," he said with a smile, "How are you feeling? You do not have much longer to wait now."
"I feel wonderful," Jesse replied happily as she returned his hug enthusiastically, "I still remember how miserable my sister Piper was at this stage of both of her pregnancies and am thankful the Valar have spared me. The babies are quite active and have all ready been able to use some of their gifts."
Laughing Gandalf greeted Jesse with a hug as well before stating simply, "It is no surprise with the power that you carry within you, Jessica. It was to be expected that your children would inherit your powers. Though showing their power before birth is most astounding."
After greeting Radagast the elleth explained, "They have been adding to my empathic and telepathic powers, and at least one of them added to a vision I had this morning. I really shouldn't have been surprised though. Aunt Patty had visions while she was pregnant with Phoebe, and Piper was practically invincible while she was pregnant with Wyatt." Placing her hand lovingly over the swell of her abdomen, she added, "It is however very comforting to know a little of what they are thinking and feeling."
After promising to attend the noon meal with her uncle and friends, Jesse made her way toward her home in the next tree, not for the first time, she found herself thankful for the numerous bridges that interconnected the city. Singing softly to herself as she stepped into her home she could not help but laugh at the scene that met her eyes. Every available surface of the sitting room was covered in butterflies of every color, shape, and size, and there in the center of all of the chaos laid her daughter and husband laughing hysterically. "Do I even want to know how this happened?" she asked when she was finally able to stop laughing herself, "When I left this morning I am certain that our sitting room was most definitely butterfly free."
"Our daughter was practicing the spell you taught her yesterday," Haldir began to explain between a few more laughs, "And everything was fine. Until that is she sneezed. It was all down hill from there I am afraid." Standing up with as much dignity as an ellon could with butterflies still fluttering around his braids, he walked up to his wife and pulled her into his arms before continuing, "One moment she was playing with one small butterfly, and the next we had been invaded by hundreds."
"Be glad it was only butterflies. When I was her age I filled the entire Manor with frogs," Jesse laughed as she waved her hand casually and the flying intruders were returned to the grains of rice they had originally been, "It happens to us all when we are learning. The only problem is that with the power that Brigid, I, and even my nephew Wyatt have, it just happens on a much larger scale." Waving her hand again the grains of rice disappeared altogether. "Accidents happen and we learn from the experience," pulling her daughter into a hug, she added, "And just think of the funny story this will make at the mid-day meal, when we tell my Uncle and the others about how Lothlórien was invaded by butterflies." Pausing she placed a kiss on the end of Brigid's nose and then instructed, "Now why don't you go and play with the doll that Uncle Rúmil gave you, until it is time to eat."
"She has been looking forward to showing our guests all of the things she has learned," Haldir said as he led Jesse to sit on the lounge. Pulling her to cuddle against his side he asked, "Was the Lady able to help ease your troubled mind?"
"Yes and she also helped me to realize that the twins are already coming into their gifts. They are amplifying my telepathic and empathic powers," she replied softly, "I really wasn't that surprised. Wyatt was the same way when Piper was pregnant with him." Closing her eyes she allowed the memory of the time Piper and Leo were forced to switch bodies by their unborn son. When she felt Haldir's surprise she told him, "He wanted them to stop arguing. It did have the desired effect. They did eventually learn how difficult the other's life truly was and they were restored to their own bodies." Laughing softly she added, "Poor Leo, no male is truly ready for the experience of pregnancy. That is just not something males are equipped too handle." Looking up she could not withhold the giggle that escaped her when she saw his indignantly raised eyebrow, "Do not look at me like that. I was not including you in that statement. Because of our bond you have always felt my discomfort. I will say this however. Be thankful I am not human. For them pregnancy is often far more difficult. With both of her pregnancies Piper had mourning sickness twenty-four seven. She was miserable."
Growling playfully Haldir pulled her even closer to his body and kissed her lips passionately he ordered, "Behave wife." Placing his hand lovingly over their growing twins he continued, "I look forward to the day we may look upon the little ones that you carry. I am most thankful that it shall not be a long wait."
"I can not wait either," she said softly, "I can not wait until I can hold them in my arms." Rubbing soothing circles over her enlarged stomach Jesse sighed, "I miss playing my guitar. I have been unable to hold it properly for months now and I miss it. The vibrations from it would sooth the babies better than anything." Moving his hand to rest over where their son was kicking she continued, "Your son wishes to say hello," with a second kick on her other side, she added with a laugh, "And your daughter does not wish to be left out. They do not have the room to be too active lately but they still like to let you know they are still in there."
The days that followed were a time of peaceful anticipation for the whole of the Golden Wood. Not since the birth of the Evenstar had an elfling been born and the coming birth was looked upon with great joy. Finally as the evening meal was being served in the dining hall on the evening of the 28th day of March, Jesse began to experience the first painful twinges of labor. Reaching out with her mind she told her husband, 'Haldir, I believe that it is time.' As he helped her to stand, she turned her mind to that of the Lady's, 'My Lady, it is time.'
"Haldir, please take Jessica home. Idril, Larien, and I shall join you shortly," Galadriel commanded, nodding in approval when she saw her former March Warden sweep his wife up and carry her from the hall. Turning to kneel before the couple's wide eyed toddler she soothed, "Do not fear little one. Your father will return to you shortly, and until then you shall stay with your Grandfather and Uncles. Your Naneth will be just fine and by morning you shall have a younger brother and sister." Standing she placed a kiss upon Celeborn's cheek before motioning for Larien, and Idril too follow her, as she gracefully exited the hall.
In the early hours before the dawn of March 29th all of the forest seemed too hold its breath in anticipation of something monumental. From the smallest rabbit to the mammoth mellorn, all of Lothlórien was silent and still, all except for those gathered around the home of Haldir and Jesse. It was there in the home she shared with her family that Jesse labored to give birth to her twins. Outside with his sleeping daughter in his arms, Haldir waited impatiently with the other males of their extended family. Finally as the first rays of Anor struck the forest the cries of two newborn elflings broke the silence of their forest home. All around the city elves stepped from their homes to sing with joy for the two tiny elflings that had just joined their number.
Looking down as Brigid began to stir in his arms, Haldir whispered softly, "Listen little one, our people are singing for your brother and sister," placing a kiss on the crown of her head he looked to the door of his home in anticipation.
"Relax my son," Tóur told him gently, as he looked with sympathy toward his eldest son, "They are merely preparing Jessica and your children for you. It takes time." As the Lady stepped out of the talan he walked up he took his still sleeping granddaughter from her father's arms and continued, "We will watch over Brigid and see that she gets her morning meal. You see to her mother and the new elflings."
"Give Jesse my love and tell her that I shall stop by after she has had a chance to rest," Glorfindel said with a bright smile, "Take care of my niece, Brigid shall be well looked after." Patting Haldir on the back, the Balrog Slayer added, "You have been blessed this day, Haldir, and I can not think of one more deserving." Turning he led the others down the walkway in the direction of the dining hall.
Jesse was sitting propped up in their bed an elfling in each arm. Her brow still wet with perspiration she cried out with joy, "Haldir, look at what we did." Looking down at her drowsy newborns she could not stop the tears that fell from her eyes. "Have you seen anything more perfect?" she whispered in awe as her eyes met his. Motioning for him to sit beside her she carefully placed their son into his arms for the first time and said, "Here hold Telperion, while I feed his sister."
"He has your eyes," he whispered through the lump that had formed in his throat at the sight of his first born son, "But he has my coloring in all else." Looking to his newborn daughter as she sleepily opened her bright green eyes, "And Laurelin is the image of you. They are both most beautiful." Leaning down he placed a gentle kiss on Jesse's lips he finished, "Your Uncle was right. I truly have been blessed."
Once she had finished feeding both of her children, Jesse looked to her husband and asked, "Lay with me and rest for a bit. They will probably only sleep for a couple of hours and I crave to being held in your arms." Once they were comfortably tucked in their bed she sighed, "Now I will be able to sleep."
The days that followed were quite hectic for Jesse and Haldir, as they learned the best way to care for two newborns at once. Already used to caring for Wyatt and Chris allowed Jesse to adjust quite quickly and it was not long before she was back to her regular routine. I was not uncommon to see her conducting Brigid's lessons in one of the Lady's gardens, the twins sleeping peacefully in their padded basket. Often Idril could be found with them relaxing as her own pregnancy moved into its final stages.
"Have you and Haldir decided when you will go to Imladris?" Idril asked as she sipped a cup of tea and rubbed her swollen abdomen in an attempt to settle her restless unborn child, "Boromir and I wish to travel with you when you decide to go. Larien told me yesterday that I should expect my little one near the beginning of the summer."
Setting her mending aside the other elleth looked to her friend and surrogate sister and replied, "We have talked about it and have decided to go with my Uncle and Radagast when they leave. We will probably leave sometime near the end of summer. I want to spend as much time as I can taking council with the Lady Galadriel. She will sail in a few years and I want to learn as much as I can before she does." Taking a moment she reached over and adjusted the blanket that covered her sleeping twins before continuing, "The Lady and I discussed it and we will perform a Wiccaning ceremony for Brigid as well as the twins on the first day of May. That is an important holiday for witches and I thought it the perfect day to give my children the blessings of their ancestors. That is also the day that they will receive their full names." Seeing a look of confusion the other elleth's face she explained, "The Wiccaning will make them official members of the Halliwell Coven. They will receive their middle and surnames of that day as well. For a Halliwell witch our middle name is just as important as our first. It is a symbol of our ancestors, as well." Picking up her mending again she quoted, "Grams always said, 'You can't deny a child their ancestral blessings. It is a witch's compass for good. It sets the witch in the direction of good or white magic.' "
"Momma, Auntie Idwil, Wook what I can do," Brigid cried out from where she was sitting under an arbor of tea roses. When the two elleth turned their attention toward her, she began to scrunch up her little face in concentration. After a few seconds her doll began to rise into the air, before leveling off too hover three feet above the ground.
Smiling Jesse watched her daughter levitate the rag doll and encouraged, "Very good, my little dove. Keep practicing and you will be able to show your Ada at dinner tonight." Turning her attention back to Idril she told the other elleth about Brigid's lessons, "Her powers have been expanding. It's sort of like a witchy growth spurt. By the time she is six they should level off until she becomes a teenager. Haldir and I have been working with her to learn control. If she learns basic control now while she is still so young, it will be instinct for her later on in life."
That night as she closed her eyes in sleep Jesse's mind was pulled into a familiar landscape. Standing before her with joyful smiles were her parents. Looking around her she realized that she was alone and she closed her eyes in concentration. Soon Haldir and their children joined her in her dream walk. "Naneth, Ada, I would like to present your newest grandchildren," turning her youngest daughter in her arms and handing the sleeping elfling to her mother she continued, "This little angel is Laurelin, and the handsome little ellon that Haldir is holding is Telperion."
"Let me see my grandson," Erenion said with a proud smile, as he was handed his first grandson, "A fine little ellon, daughter. As handsome as his Grandfather, this one is." Placing a reverent kiss on his grandson's brow the former High King looked at his eldest granddaughter as she yawned and was picked up by her father, he asked, "How are you enjoying your new little brother and sister, my dear little one?"
Rubbing her eyes Brigid grinned and replied as she wrapped her arms around her father's neck, "I be's a big sissy now. Momma lets me make magics, see." Scrunching up her face she proceeded to levitate his circlet off of his head, "See I makes magics now. Just likes Momma."
"She is taking to her lessons, like a fish to water," Jesse laughed proudly, "She has already preformed transfigurations that I would normally teach someone three times her age." Brushing a golden curl from her daughter's eyes, she continued, "I even caught her and Haldir mounting their own invasion of Lothlórien, with conjured butterflies." Placing a placating kiss on her husband's cheek she laughed, "Glorfindel has taken to catching butterflies and letting them go within Haldir's and my bedroom."
Reaching out Jesse allowed her mind to connect with that her great uncle and soon the Balrog Slayer was standing confused next to her. "Erenion, Aredhel, bless the Valar," he whispered in awe, "How can this be?"
From behind them there came a response, "My granddaughter has brought you here, brother. My beloved Alatar shall be most proud of all that she has accomplished since her return to Arda."
"Oh Eáránë, my sister, my heart cries with joy to see you again," Glorfindel said as he hugged his sister to him. Turning to look at Jesse, he told her earnestly, "I may have been reborn long ago, but not until you returned to us, did I truly begin to live again." Looking toward her father he said, "My hear sings to see you whole and with your queen once more, my friend."
"The joy of my heart is multiplied to see you as well, my friend," Gil Galad replied, Telperion still held gently in his arms. Looking down into the elfling's wide innocent green eyes he said, "The Valar have truly blessed our family. My beloved daughter has been returned to us and now she has bestowed three beautiful grandchildren upon my joyful heart. Many are the blessings of this family."
Aredhel walked over to Jesse and after placing a kiss on her daughter's brow she returned Laurelin to her arms and said, "Dawn is approaching soon. We will see you again when Noldor's crown rests upon your brown." Kissing Brigid and Telperion as well she continued, "We are so very proud of our grandchildren and worry not for your other family is as well." Stepping into Erenion's arms she finished, "All three of them bring great joy to our hearts."
The sound and smell of a light spring rain greeted Jesse as she opened her eyes, shortly followed by the sounds of her elflings waking up hungry from the cradle next to the bed. "Alright, little ones, Naneth is here," she cooed as she lifted Telperion from the cradle and laid him on the bed next to her before reaching for his sister. As she lifted Laurelin to her breast she watched as Haldir began to expertly change their son into a fresh diaper. "There is just nothing more appealing to an elleth's eye than that of an ellon changing his son's dirty diaper," she said with a smile as she nursed their daughter. When she was finished feeding Laurelin she looked to Haldir and said, "Now hand me my handsome son, so that he can break his fast. We are going to have a busy day. Mithrandir is leaving for Minas Tirith today and I have something I wish for him to bring for the new Prince of Gondor. I made him a blanket like the ones I made for our children. I thought that it would be a nice gift, for the little guy."
"Amras asked to meet with Lord Celeborn, my father, and I," he told her as he finished dressing their daughter for the day, "With so many of our people now wishing to remain on these shores he would like to add to the number of wardens. He believes that by adding to the numbers will allow for the wardens to have more time to spend with their families away from the borders."
"Placing Telperion against her breast she made certain that he had latched on before suggesting, "You should ask my Uncle to join that meeting. Imladris will no doubt face the same issues. He may benefit from the meeting and have some good ideas of his own to contribute." Running her finger lovingly against her son's face she told him, "After we say good bye to Mithrandir, I am going to take the children to visit the seamstress. All of them are growing out of their clothes almost as fast as she makes them. Brigid also needs a new pair of riding shoes before we leave at the end of summer."
The month of May arrived and the forest of Lothlórien bloomed with new life, bringing with it the day on which Jesse and Haldir's children would have their Wiccaning. In the glade near Pyre's new home Jesse set up a ring of protective crystals in preparation for the ceremony she was about to perform. Soon she would be summoning the matriarchs and history had taught her that you could never be too careful when that much power was concentrated in one place. Rúmil and Orophin had helped by building a bonfire near the small stream that wound its way through the glade. Once she was satisfied that all was in order she looked to her brother-in-laws and announced; "Now everything is ready. We can't do anything else until sundown." Smiling at her husband's younger brothers she suggested, "What do you say we head back to the house, so that I can finish fixing lunch? That soup I started this morning should be just about done. Then we can relax until the ceremony."
"What spirits do you think will attend the ceremony?" Orophin asked as they began to climb the stairs to their home, "Who are the Halliwell Matriarchs here in Middle Earth?"
Sighing as they stepped into the talan the elleth retrieved a loaf of bread from the night before and answered, "Lady Galadriel and I have talked about that." Cutting the bread into slices she began to make sandwiches for her family as she explained, "We believe that the women and elleths of her, mine, and Brigid's lines will come, or at least the ones that have yet to be reborn anyway. That is the theory at least." Placing all of the sandwiches and fixings on the table she looked to Rúmil and asked, "Would you go next door and tell the others that it is time for lunch?" Turning back to Orophin she continued, "The Lady thinks that the Valar may allow those in the Halls of Waiting to attend." As the rest of their family trickled into the room she finished lunch by setting a pot of soup onto the table as well and finished, "We will just have to wait and see what happens."
That evening dressed in her most delicate baby blue gown, Jesse led her family into the glade, and in her arms she carried her youngest daughter. Coming to a stop at the center of the circle of crystals she motioned for Haldir who was carrying their son and Tour who held Brigid, to join her. Looking around at all of their friends and family that surrounded them she smiled serenely and said, "Before we begin I would like to thank every one of you for coming to share this huge milestone in the lives of Haldir and my children. It means the world to us." Closing her eyes she centered herself and began to speak in a sure and steady voice,
"I call forth from space and time
Matriarchs of the Halliwell Line
Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends
Our family spirit without end.
To gather now, in this sacred place
And help us bring these children to grace."
Gradually beautiful ethereal white figures began to appear all around them. Some their features as distinct as the living and others merely a beautiful white haze. Tears of joy streamed down Jesse's face as she recognized some of the spirits not yet born that were in attendance. Taking a deep breath and facing the spirits, she spoke once more, "The next generation has been born into our family, our legacy. We pledge to be with these children. These beautiful elflings and this beautiful girl always. Apart but never separate. Free but never alone. They are a part of us and because of that we will bless them with all of the goodness that we are. Welcome to the family Telperion Christopher Halliwell, Laurelin Prudence Halliwell, and Brigid Penelope Halliwell." One by one she kissed each of her children and said, "Blessed be," her final words of blessing echoed by all of those in attendance, living, unborn, and dead.
As the summoned spirits began to fade away some of the more undefined figures surrounded Jesse as if embracing her in their light, before they to disappeared leaving an openly weeping Jesse to face the curiosity of her friends and family. Taking a moment to calm down, the young elleth began to try and explain, "I don't know how but that was my family, even Chris and Wyatt. I don't know how to explain it. They will not be born for at least three more ages."
"I believe," the Lady began, "That though that they have not yet been born that they reside within the Halls of Waiting, where all souls reside until their time. The Valar I believe have allowed them to attend for they are the family that you know, and hold dear. They have helped you to become the elleth that you are. It was I believe a gift to your on this their special day."
That night as they feasted on a glorious picnic under the stars, Haldir turned to Jesse and asked, "Will you sing for our children. Your Uncle has brought your guitar."
Rolling her eyes, she took her guitar from the grinning Glorfindel and closed her eyes in thought. After a second she began to play,
"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
Time is a wheel in constant motion always
I hope you dance
Rolling us along
I hope you dance
Tell me who
I hope you dance
Wants to look back on their youth and wonder
Where those years have gone
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Time is a wheel in constant motion, always
I hope you dance
Rolling us along
I hope you dance
Tell me who
Wants to look back on their youth and wonder
I hope you dance
Where those years have gone
Tell me who
I hope you dance
Wants to look back on their youth and wonder
Where those years have gone"
(I Hope You Dance "Lee Ann Womack")
That night as she closed her eyes, Jesse thought of what had happened that night. She could still feel the love that had poured into her when she was surrounded by her unborn family. She could still feel Grams's pride, she could still feel Aunt Patty's gentle love, she could still feel her sisters embracing her in a giant group hug, and she could still feel Chris giving her one of his one armed hugs that she missed so very much. It gave her a new sense of hope that she would one day see them again. With that in mind she finally gave into sleep, ready to start the next leg of her journey to that distant future.