Title & Chapter Number: The Foolish Wish 3/8
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website: Tortured Scribes
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I am only borrowing J.R.R. Tolkien's world for a bit. The only things that are mine are Jessy, Bella, and this twisted plot.
Warnings: Language
Betas: Alex and Hedda
Cast: Lord of the Rings characters and two O/C's
Timeline: Post The Return of the King; Sequel to The Wayward Wish
Spoilers: Some for The Return of the King
Summary: Five years have past since Jessy went to live in The Shire. Legolas returns unexpectedly to find Jessy is not very happy to see him.
Notes: I'm playing with official canon a bit for storytelling purposes. The Keepers of the Rings have not passed over the Sea. Frodo and the others have not taken on any positions of leadership in The Shire at this point. I have also shortened the distance between Buckland and Hobbiton. Celeborn and Galadriel still reign in Lothlórien. Brackets [] indicate italics.
Chapter Three: Reunions and Revelations
Rosie hummed softly as she swept the hallway at Bag End. She had taken it upon herself to help out with some of the chores, since Frodo was too busy worrying about Jessy to do it himself. She maneuvered the broom beneath the foyer table and was surprised when an envelope slid out with the rest of the dust.
She picked it up off the floor and shook the dust from it. She could see that it was addressed to Jessy and assumed it to be another letter of condolence. Well, she thought, best give it to Mister Frodo, so he can answer it.
Frodo looked up from his desk as Rosie entered his study.
"I found this letter beneath the foyer table." Rosie explained as she handed him the envelope. She left the room to finish her chores.
Frodo carefully opened it and extracted the letter. Frodo read it and then re-read it just to make sure he was not dreaming. Bella was alive and well with Legolas. He was trying to decide what he should do, when he heard a knock at his door. After a few moments, Rosie reentered the study.
"Mister Frodo, there is someone here to see you. He says his name is Elladan."
Frodo jumped to his feet and rushed into the hall to greet the Elf.
"Well met, Master Frodo. I have come for my Aunt Jessy." Elladan smiled sadly at the Hobbit. "My brother Elrohir has ridden ahead to Imladris to inform our Father of the situation."
"Please, step into the parlor. There is something I must show you." Frodo gestured for Elladan to follow him. "Rosie found this letter beneath the foyer table. It must have been knocked off the day Bella disappeared. It is from Legolas." Frodo handed the letter to Elladan.
He scanned the contents, his face hardening as he got to the end. "Have you shown this to Jessy?"
"No. I did not know, if she could handle it. She is very weak and not eating at all now. What should we do?" Frodo was secretly relieved that the Elf was here to give him counsel.
"Nothing." Elladan returned the letter back to the envelope and stuffed it into a pouch at his waist. "I will give it to my Father and let him decide what must be done. For now, I will take Jessy to Imladris as I had originally planned." He smiled then at Frodo. "I am afraid that you must remain here. I must make haste, if I am to get there in time."
"I understand." Frodo was secretly relieved, to be honest he had had enough adventure to last him two lifetimes.
~*~*~*~
Jessy could hear the voice calling to her, but she resisted the lure. She was tired and heart sore. Her Bella was gone.
The voice was persistent.
Jessy sighed. She opened her eyes but didn't recognize her surroundings. A male face framed by long, dark hair hovered above her. It took her a moment to realize who it was.
"Welcome back." Elrond smiled.
"Why won't you just let me go?" Jessy was surprised by how weak her voice was.
"You have much to live for, but we will discuss that once you are stronger." Elrond said firmly.
Jessy was too tired to argue with him. "Whatever."
Elrond reached down and pulled Jessy into a sitting position. She didn't resist but she did nothing to help him either. "I have brought you some broth."
He reached over and handed her a small bowl. Jessy frowned and refused to take it.
"You will drink." Elrond was adamant.
Jessy took the bowl between shaky hands and slowly drank the broth. It tasted good, and she was surprised at how hungry she truly was. Her stomach overrode her grief, and she asked for more.
~*~*~*~
It had been three weeks since Elladan had ridden into Imladris with Jessy.
Despite her best efforts, Jessy had rejoined the living. Elrond was not one to be disobeyed and had left Jessy little choice in the matter.
The time had come for Elrond to tell Jessy the truth of what had happened to Bella. He was not looking forward to it. He had heard stories of Jessy's temper, though he had never seen it first hand.
He smiled, when Jessy entered his study.
"You wanted to see me?" She asked somewhat sullenly.
"Yes. There is something I wish for you to read. It was left at Frodo's for you." He handed her the letter.
Jessy opened it and slowly read. Frodo had taught her to read and write Westron.
[Jessy,
I have taken Bella. We are going to my father's home in Eryn Lasgalen. I want us to be a family.
Join us as soon as you are able. Your guardians will be able to show you the way.
Legolas]
Her baby was alive. Legolas had stolen Bella. She felt a surge of joy followed by blinding rage. "That son of a bitch, I'm gonna kill him. That sorry, pointy-eared motherfucker."
Elrond blinked at the colorful words that passed between the young girl's lips. Most of them did not make much sense to him, but her tone told him that they were not terms of endearment.
Jessy finished ranting several minutes later and turned stony eyes on Elrond. "I want a horse, supplies and directions."
"I do not think that would be wise. I will send a missive to Eryn Lasgalen requesting Belladonna be returned to Imladris at once."
"Or what?" Jessy asked.
"Legolas will not be unreasonable. Belladonna will be returned, and then I will act as mediator between you and Legolas if you wish."
Jessy wanted to scream. Her child had been stolen from her, and Elrond wanted to play Family Counselor. "I want my baby. I don't want to see him, I don't want to talk to him, and I don't want either of us around him."
"Jessica, you will let me handle this. I have more experience in dealing with Elven politics. Regardless of what you say, Belladonna is royalty and her father is entitled to see her." Elrond said smoothly in an attempt to calm Jessy.
Jessy figured the wisest course would be to allow Elrond to have his way. Once Bella was back with her, she would see to it that they disappeared. Perhaps, they could seek sanctuary in Lórien. She doubted Galadriel and Celeborn would turn her away, but she didn't know what their stance would be on allowing Legolas to see Bella. She would just have to worry about that later.
She regarded Elrond for a moment more. "Very well, do it your way." Getting up, she left the study intent on finding the things she would need once Bella had arrived.
~*~*~*~
Thranduil leaned against a tree and watched as his son showed his granddaughter the proper way to hold a bow. He had been shocked when Legolas had returned home with Belladonna and that Dwarf he claimed was his friend. Legolas would only say that the child's mother would be along shortly, but gave no details as to who she was. Not that it mattered because he had been completely charmed by his Granddaughter. The how and whys had not seemed important.
He scanned the missive from Imladris once again. It was a request that Belladonna be escorted there at once. Apparently, his son had snatched the child from her mother. Thranduil wondered why his normally placid son had been forced to resort to such tactics. There was more to this than met the eye, and he was determined to find out what was really going on. In the meantime, he did not feel inclined to send his only grandchild anywhere.
With a course of action in mind, Thranduil left the glade and returned to his study. He would see to it that no one disturbed the peace of his household.
~*~*~*~
"What do you mean, he refused?" Jessy's bellow caused Elrond to cringe slightly.
"Legolas is just trying to establish his rights as a parent. I had expected a response such as this."
Elrond was cut off by a second outcry from Jessy.
"Then why in the hell did you waste my time by sending the damn message in the first place? I could have been there by now."
"And done what? Strolled past the border guards, walked into Thranduil's court, and snatched Bella back. Do you think they would allow you to do that?" Elrond sighed. "Be reasonable. This will all work out, but you must be patient."
Jessy glared at Elrond. She didn't know if she wanted to laugh at the impossibility of the situation or cry. She took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself. She knew that he had a point, but she just couldn't bring herself to sit around and wait. "Perhaps you are right. Maybe I just need to get my mind off the situation. Would you provide me an escort to Lothlórien? Some time spent with Celeborn and Galadriel might do me some good."
Elrond smiled at her suggestion. Sending her to Lórien was an excellent idea. "I can have everything ready in the morning."
Jessy smiled for the first time in weeks. "Thank you."
She left to the study, and Elrond sunk into a chair. Perhaps he should let Celeborn and Galadriel sort out this mess. Suddenly feeling as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, he pulled a piece of parchment from his desk and began a letter to Celeborn explaining the situation.
~*~*~*~
Three weeks later, Jessy and her escort of Elladan and Elrohir entered beneath the first boughs of the Golden Wood. They slowed their horses to a walk, knowing that they were being watched. Yet no one came forth to challenge their progress.
The day was had grown old, when Elladan finally called for a halt along the banks of the Celebrant.
"We will rest here for the night, and on the morrow, seek a shallow ford by which to cross."
Elrohir nodded and set about seeing the their horses.
"It looks so different," Jessy commented as she set about building a small fire. "The trees seem dimmer somehow."
"The powers of the Three Rings are fading now that the One Ring has been destroyed. The Golden Wood is fading as well. Our time here is drawing to a close." There was a tinge of sadness to Elladan's voice.
"What will happen when your time is done here?" Jessy asked.
"We will cross the Sea to Valinor to join our kin," Elrohir answered.
Jessy was thoughtful for a moment. "What about Bella? What will happen to her?"
Elladan smiled. "Do not worry about Bella. When that time comes, you will have gone onward to the fate of Man. We will take care of our little cousin."
Jessy pushed her morbid thoughts from her mind and continued feeding kindling into the small blaze she had started.
~*~*~*~
Early the next morning, Elladan roused Jessy from sleep. She sat up slowly; wincing as her back protested after a night spent sleeping on a thin blanket. She smiled gratefully has Elrohir handed her a cup of coffee. She wasn't surprised to note that their group had grown in the night.
She studied the new arrivals.
"This is Caladar and Polde, they are going to guide us to Caras Galadon." Elladan motioned to the silent Elves in gray.
The female Elf said something in Elvish to Elladan who translated for Jessy. "She says that they are pleased to meet you and hope that your journey has been a pleasant one."
Jessy nodded. "Give them my greeting and thanks. Tell them I'm sorry I can't greet them properly."
Elladan spoke quickly to the pair, who returned Jessy's nod.
After a few moments, their guides motioned for them to prepare to leave. Jessy sighed, for she had forgotten just how much she hated eating on the go.
Soon enough, they were back on their horses and heading towards a shallow crossing. Caladar had insisted on riding with Jessy, much to her chagrin. Elven memories are long, and it was well know to the Galadrim exactly who Jessy was. The fact that she had ventured nowhere within the city without any escort had also not been forgotten. At the time, there had been a good reason for the edict, but now it grated on her nerves.
The morning had not grown very old, before they crossed the Celebrant and had returned to the road. They rode onward throughout the day, pausing only briefly to stop for lunch.
Jessy smiled as she glimpsed the great wall that surrounded Caras Galadon. She could hear the musical voices of the Galadrim carrying on the afternoon breeze. It sounded like a multitude of wind chimes, and Jessy wished that Bella were here to experience it. The thought of her daughter sent a wave of sorrow through her. She missed her terribly.
They rode though the great gates to find a welcoming party awaiting them. Jessy smiled as she caught sight of Celeborn and Galadriel. It had been five long years since she had last seen them. She dismounted and hurried over to greet them.
Suddenly remembering her manners, she bowed slightly. "Well met, My Lord. My Lady."
Celeborn threw back his head and laughed heartily. "It seems someone has taken the time to teach you some manners." He pulled her into his embrace and hugged her tightly.
Galadriel was not to be outdone, and as soon as Celeborn released Jessy, she too hugged the girl. "We have missed you greatly. It is good to see that you are well."
Jessy heard in her mind. Rest easy, Little One. I know of your sorrow, and you will find respite here. We shall see to our granddaughter, have no fears on that matter.
Elladan and Elrohir had also dismounted and come forward to greet their grandparents. Celeborn hugged each of them just as fiercely as he had Jessy. It had been too long since they had graced his presence.
Galadriel kissed her grandsons before hugging them in turn. "You are weary from your journey. Come. Let us see to your comfort. There is much to discuss, but there will be time enough on the morrow."
~*~*~*~
"I do not like it Gimli. Something has happened. Jessy should have been here by now." Legolas sent a worried look to his friend.
"You are worrying for naught, My Friend." Gimli puffed lightly on his pipe. "She has probably lost track of time. You know what Lórien is like."
Legolas sat back into the chair and eyed the fire burning in the fireplace of the solar. His father still insisted on holding court from his cavern home. Most of the Sylvan Elves in his realm preferred to live out among the trees as did Legolas, but for the sake of Gimli and his daughter, he had taken up residence in his old suite of rooms.
"Why has she not answered any of my missives?" Legolas could not shake the feeling that something was wrong.
"Bah. She is no doubt still angry with you for taking Bella." Gimli sighed. "Legolas, do not seek trouble where there is none. Nothing would keep her from Bella, and if she was not going to come here, she would have sent word."
"You are probably right." Legolas smiled. "What do you say we do a spot of hunting in the morning?"
"I thought you would never ask." Gimli laughed though secretly he too had begun to wonder why Jessy had not arrived.
~*~*~*~
Galadriel entered the glade, which held her Mirror. Over the last year or so, it had shown her less and less. She did not know if it would show her anything now, but it was worth a try. She crossed to the shelf behind the stone pedestal on which the Mirror sat and retrieved the silver pitcher stored there for this purpose. Turning she filled the silver bowl with water, and then set the pitcher aside.
Glancing into the bowl, she saw nothing but the night sky reflected at her. Patiently, she waited to see if a vision would come. Slowly the water clouded over and a scene began to appear. Galadriel watched in shocked horror as Elves battled Elves in an open field. She shuddered as memories of another time came flooding back to her, threatening to override the vision. Back to her past when the Noldor had earned the title Kinslayers.
Galadriel forced herself to push aside her memories and concentrate on the moment at hand. She did not know how much of the vision she had missed, but the scene had shifted. She saw Jessy arguing with Celeborn, a small child at her side. Celeborn was dressed in armor, and Jessy was trying desperately to keep him from leaving.
The scene shifted yet again and Galadriel felt the icy finger of fear lance through her. In the middle of a small glade lay Celeborn. His eyes were open yet they would never see again. His chest was riddled with arrows. Standing over him was Legolas, a look of hatred on his face.
Galadriel could take no more of the vision and turned away. She reached up and was surprised to find tears streaming down her face. It had been long since she had cried. She tried to reassure herself that the vision was only one possible future, but it was hard. Walking shakily from the glade, she returned to her talan. The vision would haunt her for many nights to come.
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