Chapter forty one
True to Fatty's word, a party was in preparation . . . hobbits had excitedly been gossiping through out the market place and getting ready for the big event.
Lömadia seemed to be the most excited hobbit in the Shire; so excited that Nina couldn't let her out of the house until the party. Lömadia had been so eager to see what was happening . . . it may ruin the surprise for the rest of them.
Lilla Roper had spent all morning baking in her kitchen, much to the dismay of her husband who carried on to point out the fact that it was all a 'waste of time' and a marriage like that would never last. He himself, knew the truth, but was too selfish to admit it to himself.
Rosie, too, had been doing an awful amount of baking in her kitchen, along with helping Nina as the baby was already a week overdue. Nina was starting to worry . . . only last week had one of the Hornblower's died from childbirth . . . and she had had a healthy pregnancy. As much as Nina loved having children, the thought that something terrible could happen at any moment shocked her.
"Do not worry your pretty head Nina," Rosie had assured her. "Worrying shall only make it worse. I have taken a great amount of time making that unborn child a blanket and dear, that child shall use that blanket!"
If any one was worrying, it was certainly Frodo. The impact on the Hornblower's had been tough, and very scary indeed. But all Frodo could think about was his wife. He had confided in Sam, who always amazingly had assured him, but unfortunately, the assurance had not lasted long.
"Perhaps, you and I should not go to the party" Frodo suggested, sitting beside his wife who lay in bed.
"Don't be silly Frodo," Nina smiled. "Everyone has gone to a lot of trouble, and you can see how excited our little ones are"
Frodo held her hand gently and looked to the giant lump her stomach now was. "Nina, I could not bear it if something terrible happened tonight. Since young Bella Hornblower's death I cannot think of anything else . . ."
"I know" she whispered gently, trying to overcome her own fear. If something did happen and she did die, at least she would die happy. "We shall have to wait and see"
~*~
"Dear, are you finally going to come to your senses and get washed and changed?" Lilla strode towards her husband, who still sat in his armchair puffing on a pipe.
"I see no reason to . . . I shall be the laughing stock of the Shire"
"I cannot believe I married a hobbit like you!" Lilla scolded. "All you care about is gossipers and what other people think of you! You haven't got a second thought for our children!"
Meruda remained silent.
"And do you know how scared our little Nina is?!" Lilla put her hands on her hips. "Bella Hornblower died in agony from child birth! Do you want our youngest daughter to live in fear over that?"
Meruda sighed. "Nina has had a healthy pregnancy, what is there in Middle- earth to be scared about?"
"You do not understand" Lilla shook her head. "You do not understand what Nina and Frodo are going through! Once, to want this child and be happy over a seventh child and now to live in fear thinking something awful is going to happen! I was once a cold hearted, unfit mother - and I saw no reason for our children to forgive me! But they have and intend to put right all the things *we* have put wrong, whether you help me or not! Do not expect me to return tonight Meruda Roper. You want to be alone, I shall leave you alone" Lilla actually felt brave and happy about herself. Of all the things her husband had made her do was now starting to make her see what was truly important. For now, there was a welcome home party to attend and three daughters and two sons to repay.
~*~
"Everybody, be quiet!" Sam hollered to the mass party group. Fatty certainly knew how to throw a party . . . having invited nearly half the Shire!
Rosie and Holly stumbled over the hill with Frodo and Nina. Along with them were the children, skipping and mouth's open in excitement.
"Three cheers for the Bagginses!" Fatty hollered. The crowd cheered and clapped as they reached the party group. Merry, Pippin, Friagrin, Sogrin, Portia and Nissa were amongst the group, screaming louder than anyone. Lömadia stood proudly and gave a small courtesy . . . having learnt it from the Elves! Nina winced slightly at it, never getting round to tell her children the ways of their own culture. She felt as though she had neglected them of living how *they* were supposed to.
Music began to start playing and everyone rejoiced in laughter and excitement. Nina could not answer enough questions on Rivendell and what *really* happened during the early days of her and Frodo's affair! She had almost forgotten how much the Hobbiton folk liked to gossip!
"Why does your father keep to his home?! Why does he not come out in public?!" questions blurted out from all around her and she felt as though she was about to give birth with all the frustration!
Nina felt relieved when her mother showed up and shooed the mass crowd away from her daughter.
"I'm sorry about that" Lilla apologised, helping Nina to a seat. "You sit down dear; you shouldn't be on your feet!"
"Oh mama, do stop fussing, you're getting as bad as Frodo, I swear!"
"With good reason" Lilla said, making sure Nina was comfortable. "I sometimes wonder why Frodo allows you to be so stubborn . . . a party like this is no place for a pregnant hobbit lass like yourself!"
"Mama," Nina rolled her eyes. "I'm fine, I promise you! I wanted to come because it has been long since I attended a party like this!"
"But never as so grand as Mr Bilbo's 111th" Lilla finished, a smirk on her lips remembering all the times her daughter would state that on a regular basis whenever a party was mentioned.
"Never as so grand" Nina repeated with a slight chuckle. "Mama, where is Rosie, she said she would not leave my side tonight. She fears for the birth too"
"Rosie is there" Lilla pointed out Rose, as promised, not far away talking to some guests and nearly chocking on her ale with laughter.
Lömadia skipped forward. "Mama! Mama! Look! There's a big cake made for us! Did you see?!"
"Yes, darling, I saw" Nina answered, exchanging smiles with Lilla.
"It's got pink icing and lots of candles! May I blow them out?! Please!"
"No mama, I want too!" Daisy and Frodo rushed forward, Krystal lagging on behind them. Nina smiled.
"You all may blow them out"
"But no mama! I want to! I asked first and I'm older!" Lömadia stamped her foot on the ground.
"Do not talk to your mama like that Lömadia Baggins" Frodo scolded from behind her. Lömadia gulped and looked to her father.
"But Daisy and Frodo always ruin things"
"Do not!" Daisy called.
Frodo silenced them all. "Do you really wish to make mama upset by arguing like this? It won't be long before you get another brother or sister and making mama upset will not make it a happy birth will it?"
Lömadia, Daisy, Frodo and Krystal looked down to their toes and shuffled them along the grass. "I'm sorry" they mumbled, looking from one parent to the next.
"It's fine sweethearts" Nina said. "Now play along with the guests."
They soon were smiling and dashing off, forgetting all about cakes and candles and pink icing.
"Well Frodo, they certainly know who is in charge when you come along" Lilla commented.
"No," Nina corrected. "It's very rarely Frodo gives them a good talking too." She raised an eyebrow. Frodo sat beside her taking Samwise from her.
"I do not want them disturbing you like that; they know what state you are in"
"Frodo, please, I wish you'd stop worrying"
"Come now" Lilla tried to lighten the mood. "This is a welcome home party, and I think one dance shall be enough for you Nina. Sitting around here worrying over nothing is not what I would call celebrating! Just look at Holly, Merry and Pippin!"
The three hobbits were standing and stomping on the tables, laughing, joking and throwing food onto the crowds of hobbits dancing. They clapped their hands and sang merry old tunes and Faramir was stood next to the table frowning, wondering what in Middle-earth his parents and uncle was doing?!
Lömadia was not far away, skipping around, looking as graceful as an Elf - her brother and sisters following her lead, dancing around hobbits, tables and trees, until eventually falling down on the grass with laughter.
Nina gave up on the subject and Frodo handed Samwise to Lilla as they danced slowly. Lilla watched from a distance, smiling at the couple. Rosie moved toward her and nudged her.
"I see you allowed Nina to a dance" she said.
"Yes" Lilla answered. "Rosie how could I have been so blind before?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Well . . . not seeing the obvious connection to love those two have. And there I was, about to give her hand to a monster that raped and tormented her . . ." Lilla barely got the last words out.
"You weren't to know . . . no one was to know. I did not even know until a few weeks after Lömadia was born."
"That makes no difference on the matter . . . I have left Meruda"
Rosie's eyes shot wider and moved closer to Lilla, whispering, "left him?!"
Lilla nodded and Rose noticed the unshed tears in her eyes. "I have put up with his arrogance for long enough . . . the way he treat our children and forced me into marrying each and everyone of them off - no matter how suspicious I was of the hobbit. His last words to me troubled me . . . and I saw there was no care left in him Rose. Not for me, not for our children. And I know he does not care a cent for the grandchildren he has yet to meet"
"I believe he cares a great deal" Rosie said. "But is too stubborn and arrogant to admit. But I also believe you did the right thing Mrs Roper . . . nobody should have gone through what you had"
"Neither should Nina" Lilla was regretful and felt like a demon at that moment. She rocked Samwise gently and walked over to a table and sat in silence.
~*~
"Anyone for a dance?!" Pippin swung around drunkenly.
"No, no, but thank you for the offer!" Nina chuckled, resting at the table beside her mother.
"Nina isn't it time that wee one came out into the world?!" Pippin's face scrunched up as he could not understand why he couldn't stand up straight. It was as if he was oblivious to the fact that he had even had a drink.
"It is about time" Lilla said, patting Nina's stomach lightly. Nina shook her head with a chuckle and stared forward. Something caught her eye which made her frown. Someone was staring at her from behind a tree . . . a face all too familiar. No one else seemed to notice it, for they were all laughing at Pippin's antics and ordering more and more ale. She slowly stood up and walked towards the tree.
"I shall be back in a moment" she said. Everyone paused, shrugged and carried on with what they were doing.
Nina felt her heart race as she edged closer to the figure. "Papa?" she asked.
Meruda Roper stood there, staring at her . . . as if they were the only two beings in the world at that moment.
"Me dear, dear Nina" he said, smiling slightly. Her behaviour made Nina feel odd.
"Papa . . .?"
"Please, no question's me dear. Let us go for a small walk where we can talk"
Nina followed him reluctantly into the dark forest. She was so overwhelmed to see him . . . for he had not spoken a word to her since that day when she told him he could do nothing to stop her marrying Frodo.
Meruda finally stopped in his path and faced his daughter, his eyes wandering to the bulge in her stomach. "You're home," he let out a sigh and a smile crept up on his lips.
Nina blinked confused. "But . . . I thought . . ."
"Thought I despised you and hated you for the whole of eternity?" Meruda finished off though it was not the words Nina was about to let loose. "My child, I could never hate you."
"What about Frodo?" the one question burning in her mind at the moment and she trembled at what the answer would be. Meruda gritted his teeth.
"Must I approve? You cannot ask me to approve of someone who took away my child."
"He did not take me away Papa; you know it all too well. You and mama had several chances to attend our wedding in Rivendell - we both wanted you there"
"He would not want me there" Meruda growled.
"He wanted you there for my sake Papa; he knew how much it meant to me. I so wanted you to have given me away at the alter . . . but we both know you would have refused"
"Nina, my patience is fast dying. For many years I have tried to put up with the constant gossiping and waggling tongues of the Shire. And now you're home, people are seeing me as a monster. Did I really treat you with such disrespect that I should be looked upon as a monster?"
"You asked and I shall answer"
"Truthfully" he beckoned.
"When I was a young hobbit you played with me, cared for me and my siblings - I can't deny that Papa. You were very fond of Frodo, you'll remember. But when I got older and you started talking of suitors and marriage I was confident and hopeful you'd give me away to Frodo . . . but then Friado came and you changed . . . into the monster people are saying you are" speaking the horrid truth was not easy and Meruda sighed in defeat.
"I see" he answered after a long pause. "And what do my grandchildren think of me?"
Nina winced. "They . . . they do not know of you Papa, I wanted them to be introduced to you face to face"
"And you did not even tell them of me" he said.
"Papa, you were so horrid to Frodo and I . . . what was I to say to them?!"
Meruda folded his arms behind his back. "I only wanted what was best for my girl"
Nina wanted to protest but a sudden pain in her stomach made her wince in pain. She felt like it was a stomach cramp, pulling her down to the ground. She suddenly realized and trembled.
"P-papa, please . . ." she gasped.
Meruda frowned and kneeled down beside her as her breathing grew heavy. "Nina?" he said, placed a hand on her shoulder uncertain.
"Get Frodo" she pleaded. "Please . . . I'm in labour . . ."
~*~
Frodo had not danced with some many hobbit lasses before and continuously looked around for Nina. He guessed she did not want him dancing with other hobbit lasses and had gone somewhere were she could not see. Finally pulling himself away from the crowds, he remembered the vow to himself not to leave his pregnant wife. He strolled along the field, dodging other hobbits who were dancing merrily. He saw Lilla chewing her nails frantically.
"Lilla?" he frowned, edging towards her.
"Frodo! There you are! Where is Nina? I was worrying she was all alone. I have not seen her since she stood up and left!"
Frodo frowned. "Nina is not with you?"
It was then a look of terror and panic swept through Lilla and she called Rosie to her.
"We've . . . I . . . Nina's gone!" she gasped.
Rosie looked like she was going to explode with worry but kept her cool. "Now, now, calm, I saw her wandering into the forest earlier on with a hobbit. She did not seem frightened or distraught. She is most probably still talking with him"
"A hobbit?" Frodo inquired. His wife was gallivanting in the forest with another hobbit without so much as an explanation. Frodo trusted her, of course, and cursed himself for having that slight thought that she would be with a male hobbit in the forest for that horrid reason.
"Come, come, let's go see" Rose said. Frodo and Lilla followed, ignoring Fatty's enquiries to what was going on.
~*~
"Papa, please get Frodo" Nina gasped, clutching her stomach as she lay on the floor.
"I am not leaving you here like this" Meruda panicked. "Not even to get Frodo or a doctor!"
"I want Frodo" she cried. To Meruda, she sounded as though she would rather have that Baggins around rather than he own father. The way she pleaded for him to get Frodo told him that she no longer cared for her father and wished him to leave altogether.
"Don't you want your Papa, Nina?"
Her green eyes opened and she looked at him through her pain. "You know I do Papa . . . I just . . . need Frodo right now . . ."
Meruda's troubles where lifted slightly but still would not leave her. "What would . . . Frodo . . . do if he were here?" Meruda tried not to scowl at the thought of that Baggins around his daughter.
"He . . . he would kiss me . . . and hold my hand and tell me everything will be fine and that he loves me . . ." she gasped. "It seems to ease the pain when he is around me Papa . . . understand . . . I love him and I want him near me . . . please go get him"
Meruda leaned back slightly, trying to let her words sink in. It was then he saw Rose Gamgee and his wife running towards them, Frodo rushing as fast as he could.
"Meruda?!" Lilla gasped as they reached them. Frodo fell to his knees beside his wife, not even considering reacting to Meruda. The first thought in his kind was that Meruda had hurt his Nina.
"Frodo?" Nina gasped. "It's our baby . . . it's . . ."
"I'll get Doctor Proudfoot" Lilla said, running back through the forest back to the party, Rosie at her heels.
"It'll be alright" he said shakily, scared himself as the memory of Bella Hornblower's death came flooding back into his mind. He held Nina close and whispered soft endearments to her in Elvish. Meruda just stood and watched as Frodo soothed Nina and it *did* seem as though her pain was decreasing now Frodo was there. He kissed her cheek softly and she closed her eyes against his neck, her breathing still heavy and teeth clenched with the pain in her stomach.
"Where is Lilla?!" Meruda said, disrupting the silence. Frodo held his blue eyes onto Meruda helplessly. Meruda suddenly remembered what Lilla had told him about Frodo and Nina being in fear over Bella Hornblower's death and he suddenly realised why they both trembled.
Meruda knelt down and took Nina's other hand. "Nina, Nina dear don't worry about a thing . . . your mama shall return with the doctor and everything will be fine"
Nina gave her Papa a weak smile. "I love you Papa" she said weakly, closing her eyes again. Meruda smiled.
"I love you too sweetheart . . ."
~*~
"It's a boy" Doctor Proudfoot exclaimed as Nina fell back into Frodo's embrace, sweating tremendously and out of breath. The pain had been far too much and there was no Elvish medicine to cure it this time. Sam had returned with Rosie, Lilla and the Doctor and had now rushed off to find and make some Athelas for Nina's pain.
"A boy?!" Frodo gasped. "Is he well? Is Nina well?!"
Doctor Proudfoot handed the baby wrapped up in an old raggy apron to Rosie. "Your baby is fine Master Baggins . . . Nina may look tired and exhausted, but I'm happy to say she'll be fine too. She looks the same as any other hobbit who has just given birth"
Nina stretched her arms out. "Can I see my baby?" she asked weakly. Rosie turned to her.
"I shall tend to your child Nina . . . as of now; we need to get you and the baby back to Bag End"
Frodo picked up Nina and followed Sam, Rose, the doctor and Lilla back to Bag End.
Meruda followed behind as though he was not even there.
"I shall get the other little one's" Lilla said, waling in an opposite direction to the party where Lömadia, Frodo, Daisy and Krystal still were.
Sam handed Nina a cup of boiled Athelas as Frodo carried her and Nina sipped it gently, looking over Frodo's shoulder at Rosie who rocked her new born baby gently.
They reached Bag End and Frodo gently put Nina down in the nearest room on the nearest bed. He covered her up with the blanket, making sure she was warm. Meruda stood in the doorway and watched as Rosie laid the baby boy in Nina's arms and Frodo sat close to them, admiring his new child.
"Dear, we have another boy" Nina smiled, kissing Frodo gently.
"He is so beautiful" Frodo said.
"You've said that time and time again about our other Little One's Frodo!" Nina was giggling.
"Because they are all beautiful" Frodo said again. "Just like you"
Meruda watched, a smile suddenly creeping up on his face. Everyone else had left but Meruda wanted to watch the scene for himself, as if to judge whether Frodo was the right one for his girl . . . but Meruda knew the answer already.
"Bilbo?" Nina said the name aloud, breaking the silence and Frodo turned to her. Nina smiled. "You wanted a boy named after your uncle Frodo, you told me many times before . . . so a son you have and the name it shall be given. Bilbo Baggins"
Frodo smiled and kissing the sleeping child's forehead. "I only wish Bilbo was here to see the baby named after him"
Meruda smiled but was taken aback as a stampede of children pushed past him in the doorway and leapt onto the bed.
"Children!" Frodo said. "Hush . . . your new brother is sleeping"
Lömadia leaned forward. "What is his name Mama? What have you called him?" she whispered.
"Do you remember Uncle Bilbo whom your father has told you about?"
"Uncle Bilbo who travelled with the dwarves to save their treasure from Smaug the Dragon?" Lömadia smiled.
"That is who we have named your brother after. Bilbo"
All the children's faces beamed. Samwise stirred in his sleep (Rose had put him in the cradle after bringing Nina home) and Frodo bent over the cradle and picked him up.
"Our six little one's" he said.
Meruda walked closer into the room, getting a better view of the family.
"Seven children" he said, smiling. "Who was I to doubt you Frodo Baggins?"
Frodo looked to Nina confused.
"You do love my daughter, you do care for her. I can tell by seeing you together just now . . . and the way you cared for her when she was in pain. There can be no gentler hobbit. And seeing you all together like this makes me feel as though my family is indeed a happy one and my daughter has wed the finest hobbit in the Shire"
"Papa . . ." Nina began to weep. "I have longed to hear you say that"
"And I" Frodo smiled. Meruda shook his hand and Nina felt completely happy. Finally . . . it had all gone the way she had wanted. She felt happy to introduce him to the children and finally to baby Bilbo.
As Sam, Rose, Pippin, Merry, Holly and Lilla entered the room, they smiled happily, glad that happiness was allowed to roam and that all those years of hurt and risks were finally paid off.
As for Nina and Frodo, their story was heard many times by the Shire folk. The way that they had both come across obstacles, and still stayed together and were happy in love was the strongest part of it all. Married with now seven children, they were looked upon with happiness and joy all through the Shire.
The Roper family history had been long forgotten since . . . and Portia and Nissa married hobbits they soon fell in love with.
To the Shire folk, Frodo and Nina were eternal, and for eternity it would stay.
THE END
PHEW! FINISHED! Can't believe it! Hope you all enjoyed it and I want to say thank you so much for the lovely reviews which gave me the confidence and motivation to carry on and finish this story. Cannot name you all individual because there are just too many of you! Thank you so, so much again! Must get to work on my Faculty fic and my Elijah fics! If you want to view my Faculty fic, look on my profile. As for my Elijah fics, they are on http://www.geocities.com/elijahwoodschick And a little note . . . where did I get the name Nina Roper? Well . . . went on lordoftherings.co.uk and used the middle-earth name translator and yes, if I was a hobbit, I'd be called Nina Roper! Hehe ( And if I was an Elf, I'd be called Ril-Gania . . . yes used that name in this story too . . . so sue me! Hope you enjoyed 'Eternal' and thanks again for reviewing and reading. Love you all, Luv 'n' Elijah Hugz Holly xxx
True to Fatty's word, a party was in preparation . . . hobbits had excitedly been gossiping through out the market place and getting ready for the big event.
Lömadia seemed to be the most excited hobbit in the Shire; so excited that Nina couldn't let her out of the house until the party. Lömadia had been so eager to see what was happening . . . it may ruin the surprise for the rest of them.
Lilla Roper had spent all morning baking in her kitchen, much to the dismay of her husband who carried on to point out the fact that it was all a 'waste of time' and a marriage like that would never last. He himself, knew the truth, but was too selfish to admit it to himself.
Rosie, too, had been doing an awful amount of baking in her kitchen, along with helping Nina as the baby was already a week overdue. Nina was starting to worry . . . only last week had one of the Hornblower's died from childbirth . . . and she had had a healthy pregnancy. As much as Nina loved having children, the thought that something terrible could happen at any moment shocked her.
"Do not worry your pretty head Nina," Rosie had assured her. "Worrying shall only make it worse. I have taken a great amount of time making that unborn child a blanket and dear, that child shall use that blanket!"
If any one was worrying, it was certainly Frodo. The impact on the Hornblower's had been tough, and very scary indeed. But all Frodo could think about was his wife. He had confided in Sam, who always amazingly had assured him, but unfortunately, the assurance had not lasted long.
"Perhaps, you and I should not go to the party" Frodo suggested, sitting beside his wife who lay in bed.
"Don't be silly Frodo," Nina smiled. "Everyone has gone to a lot of trouble, and you can see how excited our little ones are"
Frodo held her hand gently and looked to the giant lump her stomach now was. "Nina, I could not bear it if something terrible happened tonight. Since young Bella Hornblower's death I cannot think of anything else . . ."
"I know" she whispered gently, trying to overcome her own fear. If something did happen and she did die, at least she would die happy. "We shall have to wait and see"
~*~
"Dear, are you finally going to come to your senses and get washed and changed?" Lilla strode towards her husband, who still sat in his armchair puffing on a pipe.
"I see no reason to . . . I shall be the laughing stock of the Shire"
"I cannot believe I married a hobbit like you!" Lilla scolded. "All you care about is gossipers and what other people think of you! You haven't got a second thought for our children!"
Meruda remained silent.
"And do you know how scared our little Nina is?!" Lilla put her hands on her hips. "Bella Hornblower died in agony from child birth! Do you want our youngest daughter to live in fear over that?"
Meruda sighed. "Nina has had a healthy pregnancy, what is there in Middle- earth to be scared about?"
"You do not understand" Lilla shook her head. "You do not understand what Nina and Frodo are going through! Once, to want this child and be happy over a seventh child and now to live in fear thinking something awful is going to happen! I was once a cold hearted, unfit mother - and I saw no reason for our children to forgive me! But they have and intend to put right all the things *we* have put wrong, whether you help me or not! Do not expect me to return tonight Meruda Roper. You want to be alone, I shall leave you alone" Lilla actually felt brave and happy about herself. Of all the things her husband had made her do was now starting to make her see what was truly important. For now, there was a welcome home party to attend and three daughters and two sons to repay.
~*~
"Everybody, be quiet!" Sam hollered to the mass party group. Fatty certainly knew how to throw a party . . . having invited nearly half the Shire!
Rosie and Holly stumbled over the hill with Frodo and Nina. Along with them were the children, skipping and mouth's open in excitement.
"Three cheers for the Bagginses!" Fatty hollered. The crowd cheered and clapped as they reached the party group. Merry, Pippin, Friagrin, Sogrin, Portia and Nissa were amongst the group, screaming louder than anyone. Lömadia stood proudly and gave a small courtesy . . . having learnt it from the Elves! Nina winced slightly at it, never getting round to tell her children the ways of their own culture. She felt as though she had neglected them of living how *they* were supposed to.
Music began to start playing and everyone rejoiced in laughter and excitement. Nina could not answer enough questions on Rivendell and what *really* happened during the early days of her and Frodo's affair! She had almost forgotten how much the Hobbiton folk liked to gossip!
"Why does your father keep to his home?! Why does he not come out in public?!" questions blurted out from all around her and she felt as though she was about to give birth with all the frustration!
Nina felt relieved when her mother showed up and shooed the mass crowd away from her daughter.
"I'm sorry about that" Lilla apologised, helping Nina to a seat. "You sit down dear; you shouldn't be on your feet!"
"Oh mama, do stop fussing, you're getting as bad as Frodo, I swear!"
"With good reason" Lilla said, making sure Nina was comfortable. "I sometimes wonder why Frodo allows you to be so stubborn . . . a party like this is no place for a pregnant hobbit lass like yourself!"
"Mama," Nina rolled her eyes. "I'm fine, I promise you! I wanted to come because it has been long since I attended a party like this!"
"But never as so grand as Mr Bilbo's 111th" Lilla finished, a smirk on her lips remembering all the times her daughter would state that on a regular basis whenever a party was mentioned.
"Never as so grand" Nina repeated with a slight chuckle. "Mama, where is Rosie, she said she would not leave my side tonight. She fears for the birth too"
"Rosie is there" Lilla pointed out Rose, as promised, not far away talking to some guests and nearly chocking on her ale with laughter.
Lömadia skipped forward. "Mama! Mama! Look! There's a big cake made for us! Did you see?!"
"Yes, darling, I saw" Nina answered, exchanging smiles with Lilla.
"It's got pink icing and lots of candles! May I blow them out?! Please!"
"No mama, I want too!" Daisy and Frodo rushed forward, Krystal lagging on behind them. Nina smiled.
"You all may blow them out"
"But no mama! I want to! I asked first and I'm older!" Lömadia stamped her foot on the ground.
"Do not talk to your mama like that Lömadia Baggins" Frodo scolded from behind her. Lömadia gulped and looked to her father.
"But Daisy and Frodo always ruin things"
"Do not!" Daisy called.
Frodo silenced them all. "Do you really wish to make mama upset by arguing like this? It won't be long before you get another brother or sister and making mama upset will not make it a happy birth will it?"
Lömadia, Daisy, Frodo and Krystal looked down to their toes and shuffled them along the grass. "I'm sorry" they mumbled, looking from one parent to the next.
"It's fine sweethearts" Nina said. "Now play along with the guests."
They soon were smiling and dashing off, forgetting all about cakes and candles and pink icing.
"Well Frodo, they certainly know who is in charge when you come along" Lilla commented.
"No," Nina corrected. "It's very rarely Frodo gives them a good talking too." She raised an eyebrow. Frodo sat beside her taking Samwise from her.
"I do not want them disturbing you like that; they know what state you are in"
"Frodo, please, I wish you'd stop worrying"
"Come now" Lilla tried to lighten the mood. "This is a welcome home party, and I think one dance shall be enough for you Nina. Sitting around here worrying over nothing is not what I would call celebrating! Just look at Holly, Merry and Pippin!"
The three hobbits were standing and stomping on the tables, laughing, joking and throwing food onto the crowds of hobbits dancing. They clapped their hands and sang merry old tunes and Faramir was stood next to the table frowning, wondering what in Middle-earth his parents and uncle was doing?!
Lömadia was not far away, skipping around, looking as graceful as an Elf - her brother and sisters following her lead, dancing around hobbits, tables and trees, until eventually falling down on the grass with laughter.
Nina gave up on the subject and Frodo handed Samwise to Lilla as they danced slowly. Lilla watched from a distance, smiling at the couple. Rosie moved toward her and nudged her.
"I see you allowed Nina to a dance" she said.
"Yes" Lilla answered. "Rosie how could I have been so blind before?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Well . . . not seeing the obvious connection to love those two have. And there I was, about to give her hand to a monster that raped and tormented her . . ." Lilla barely got the last words out.
"You weren't to know . . . no one was to know. I did not even know until a few weeks after Lömadia was born."
"That makes no difference on the matter . . . I have left Meruda"
Rosie's eyes shot wider and moved closer to Lilla, whispering, "left him?!"
Lilla nodded and Rose noticed the unshed tears in her eyes. "I have put up with his arrogance for long enough . . . the way he treat our children and forced me into marrying each and everyone of them off - no matter how suspicious I was of the hobbit. His last words to me troubled me . . . and I saw there was no care left in him Rose. Not for me, not for our children. And I know he does not care a cent for the grandchildren he has yet to meet"
"I believe he cares a great deal" Rosie said. "But is too stubborn and arrogant to admit. But I also believe you did the right thing Mrs Roper . . . nobody should have gone through what you had"
"Neither should Nina" Lilla was regretful and felt like a demon at that moment. She rocked Samwise gently and walked over to a table and sat in silence.
~*~
"Anyone for a dance?!" Pippin swung around drunkenly.
"No, no, but thank you for the offer!" Nina chuckled, resting at the table beside her mother.
"Nina isn't it time that wee one came out into the world?!" Pippin's face scrunched up as he could not understand why he couldn't stand up straight. It was as if he was oblivious to the fact that he had even had a drink.
"It is about time" Lilla said, patting Nina's stomach lightly. Nina shook her head with a chuckle and stared forward. Something caught her eye which made her frown. Someone was staring at her from behind a tree . . . a face all too familiar. No one else seemed to notice it, for they were all laughing at Pippin's antics and ordering more and more ale. She slowly stood up and walked towards the tree.
"I shall be back in a moment" she said. Everyone paused, shrugged and carried on with what they were doing.
Nina felt her heart race as she edged closer to the figure. "Papa?" she asked.
Meruda Roper stood there, staring at her . . . as if they were the only two beings in the world at that moment.
"Me dear, dear Nina" he said, smiling slightly. Her behaviour made Nina feel odd.
"Papa . . .?"
"Please, no question's me dear. Let us go for a small walk where we can talk"
Nina followed him reluctantly into the dark forest. She was so overwhelmed to see him . . . for he had not spoken a word to her since that day when she told him he could do nothing to stop her marrying Frodo.
Meruda finally stopped in his path and faced his daughter, his eyes wandering to the bulge in her stomach. "You're home," he let out a sigh and a smile crept up on his lips.
Nina blinked confused. "But . . . I thought . . ."
"Thought I despised you and hated you for the whole of eternity?" Meruda finished off though it was not the words Nina was about to let loose. "My child, I could never hate you."
"What about Frodo?" the one question burning in her mind at the moment and she trembled at what the answer would be. Meruda gritted his teeth.
"Must I approve? You cannot ask me to approve of someone who took away my child."
"He did not take me away Papa; you know it all too well. You and mama had several chances to attend our wedding in Rivendell - we both wanted you there"
"He would not want me there" Meruda growled.
"He wanted you there for my sake Papa; he knew how much it meant to me. I so wanted you to have given me away at the alter . . . but we both know you would have refused"
"Nina, my patience is fast dying. For many years I have tried to put up with the constant gossiping and waggling tongues of the Shire. And now you're home, people are seeing me as a monster. Did I really treat you with such disrespect that I should be looked upon as a monster?"
"You asked and I shall answer"
"Truthfully" he beckoned.
"When I was a young hobbit you played with me, cared for me and my siblings - I can't deny that Papa. You were very fond of Frodo, you'll remember. But when I got older and you started talking of suitors and marriage I was confident and hopeful you'd give me away to Frodo . . . but then Friado came and you changed . . . into the monster people are saying you are" speaking the horrid truth was not easy and Meruda sighed in defeat.
"I see" he answered after a long pause. "And what do my grandchildren think of me?"
Nina winced. "They . . . they do not know of you Papa, I wanted them to be introduced to you face to face"
"And you did not even tell them of me" he said.
"Papa, you were so horrid to Frodo and I . . . what was I to say to them?!"
Meruda folded his arms behind his back. "I only wanted what was best for my girl"
Nina wanted to protest but a sudden pain in her stomach made her wince in pain. She felt like it was a stomach cramp, pulling her down to the ground. She suddenly realized and trembled.
"P-papa, please . . ." she gasped.
Meruda frowned and kneeled down beside her as her breathing grew heavy. "Nina?" he said, placed a hand on her shoulder uncertain.
"Get Frodo" she pleaded. "Please . . . I'm in labour . . ."
~*~
Frodo had not danced with some many hobbit lasses before and continuously looked around for Nina. He guessed she did not want him dancing with other hobbit lasses and had gone somewhere were she could not see. Finally pulling himself away from the crowds, he remembered the vow to himself not to leave his pregnant wife. He strolled along the field, dodging other hobbits who were dancing merrily. He saw Lilla chewing her nails frantically.
"Lilla?" he frowned, edging towards her.
"Frodo! There you are! Where is Nina? I was worrying she was all alone. I have not seen her since she stood up and left!"
Frodo frowned. "Nina is not with you?"
It was then a look of terror and panic swept through Lilla and she called Rosie to her.
"We've . . . I . . . Nina's gone!" she gasped.
Rosie looked like she was going to explode with worry but kept her cool. "Now, now, calm, I saw her wandering into the forest earlier on with a hobbit. She did not seem frightened or distraught. She is most probably still talking with him"
"A hobbit?" Frodo inquired. His wife was gallivanting in the forest with another hobbit without so much as an explanation. Frodo trusted her, of course, and cursed himself for having that slight thought that she would be with a male hobbit in the forest for that horrid reason.
"Come, come, let's go see" Rose said. Frodo and Lilla followed, ignoring Fatty's enquiries to what was going on.
~*~
"Papa, please get Frodo" Nina gasped, clutching her stomach as she lay on the floor.
"I am not leaving you here like this" Meruda panicked. "Not even to get Frodo or a doctor!"
"I want Frodo" she cried. To Meruda, she sounded as though she would rather have that Baggins around rather than he own father. The way she pleaded for him to get Frodo told him that she no longer cared for her father and wished him to leave altogether.
"Don't you want your Papa, Nina?"
Her green eyes opened and she looked at him through her pain. "You know I do Papa . . . I just . . . need Frodo right now . . ."
Meruda's troubles where lifted slightly but still would not leave her. "What would . . . Frodo . . . do if he were here?" Meruda tried not to scowl at the thought of that Baggins around his daughter.
"He . . . he would kiss me . . . and hold my hand and tell me everything will be fine and that he loves me . . ." she gasped. "It seems to ease the pain when he is around me Papa . . . understand . . . I love him and I want him near me . . . please go get him"
Meruda leaned back slightly, trying to let her words sink in. It was then he saw Rose Gamgee and his wife running towards them, Frodo rushing as fast as he could.
"Meruda?!" Lilla gasped as they reached them. Frodo fell to his knees beside his wife, not even considering reacting to Meruda. The first thought in his kind was that Meruda had hurt his Nina.
"Frodo?" Nina gasped. "It's our baby . . . it's . . ."
"I'll get Doctor Proudfoot" Lilla said, running back through the forest back to the party, Rosie at her heels.
"It'll be alright" he said shakily, scared himself as the memory of Bella Hornblower's death came flooding back into his mind. He held Nina close and whispered soft endearments to her in Elvish. Meruda just stood and watched as Frodo soothed Nina and it *did* seem as though her pain was decreasing now Frodo was there. He kissed her cheek softly and she closed her eyes against his neck, her breathing still heavy and teeth clenched with the pain in her stomach.
"Where is Lilla?!" Meruda said, disrupting the silence. Frodo held his blue eyes onto Meruda helplessly. Meruda suddenly remembered what Lilla had told him about Frodo and Nina being in fear over Bella Hornblower's death and he suddenly realised why they both trembled.
Meruda knelt down and took Nina's other hand. "Nina, Nina dear don't worry about a thing . . . your mama shall return with the doctor and everything will be fine"
Nina gave her Papa a weak smile. "I love you Papa" she said weakly, closing her eyes again. Meruda smiled.
"I love you too sweetheart . . ."
~*~
"It's a boy" Doctor Proudfoot exclaimed as Nina fell back into Frodo's embrace, sweating tremendously and out of breath. The pain had been far too much and there was no Elvish medicine to cure it this time. Sam had returned with Rosie, Lilla and the Doctor and had now rushed off to find and make some Athelas for Nina's pain.
"A boy?!" Frodo gasped. "Is he well? Is Nina well?!"
Doctor Proudfoot handed the baby wrapped up in an old raggy apron to Rosie. "Your baby is fine Master Baggins . . . Nina may look tired and exhausted, but I'm happy to say she'll be fine too. She looks the same as any other hobbit who has just given birth"
Nina stretched her arms out. "Can I see my baby?" she asked weakly. Rosie turned to her.
"I shall tend to your child Nina . . . as of now; we need to get you and the baby back to Bag End"
Frodo picked up Nina and followed Sam, Rose, the doctor and Lilla back to Bag End.
Meruda followed behind as though he was not even there.
"I shall get the other little one's" Lilla said, waling in an opposite direction to the party where Lömadia, Frodo, Daisy and Krystal still were.
Sam handed Nina a cup of boiled Athelas as Frodo carried her and Nina sipped it gently, looking over Frodo's shoulder at Rosie who rocked her new born baby gently.
They reached Bag End and Frodo gently put Nina down in the nearest room on the nearest bed. He covered her up with the blanket, making sure she was warm. Meruda stood in the doorway and watched as Rosie laid the baby boy in Nina's arms and Frodo sat close to them, admiring his new child.
"Dear, we have another boy" Nina smiled, kissing Frodo gently.
"He is so beautiful" Frodo said.
"You've said that time and time again about our other Little One's Frodo!" Nina was giggling.
"Because they are all beautiful" Frodo said again. "Just like you"
Meruda watched, a smile suddenly creeping up on his face. Everyone else had left but Meruda wanted to watch the scene for himself, as if to judge whether Frodo was the right one for his girl . . . but Meruda knew the answer already.
"Bilbo?" Nina said the name aloud, breaking the silence and Frodo turned to her. Nina smiled. "You wanted a boy named after your uncle Frodo, you told me many times before . . . so a son you have and the name it shall be given. Bilbo Baggins"
Frodo smiled and kissing the sleeping child's forehead. "I only wish Bilbo was here to see the baby named after him"
Meruda smiled but was taken aback as a stampede of children pushed past him in the doorway and leapt onto the bed.
"Children!" Frodo said. "Hush . . . your new brother is sleeping"
Lömadia leaned forward. "What is his name Mama? What have you called him?" she whispered.
"Do you remember Uncle Bilbo whom your father has told you about?"
"Uncle Bilbo who travelled with the dwarves to save their treasure from Smaug the Dragon?" Lömadia smiled.
"That is who we have named your brother after. Bilbo"
All the children's faces beamed. Samwise stirred in his sleep (Rose had put him in the cradle after bringing Nina home) and Frodo bent over the cradle and picked him up.
"Our six little one's" he said.
Meruda walked closer into the room, getting a better view of the family.
"Seven children" he said, smiling. "Who was I to doubt you Frodo Baggins?"
Frodo looked to Nina confused.
"You do love my daughter, you do care for her. I can tell by seeing you together just now . . . and the way you cared for her when she was in pain. There can be no gentler hobbit. And seeing you all together like this makes me feel as though my family is indeed a happy one and my daughter has wed the finest hobbit in the Shire"
"Papa . . ." Nina began to weep. "I have longed to hear you say that"
"And I" Frodo smiled. Meruda shook his hand and Nina felt completely happy. Finally . . . it had all gone the way she had wanted. She felt happy to introduce him to the children and finally to baby Bilbo.
As Sam, Rose, Pippin, Merry, Holly and Lilla entered the room, they smiled happily, glad that happiness was allowed to roam and that all those years of hurt and risks were finally paid off.
As for Nina and Frodo, their story was heard many times by the Shire folk. The way that they had both come across obstacles, and still stayed together and were happy in love was the strongest part of it all. Married with now seven children, they were looked upon with happiness and joy all through the Shire.
The Roper family history had been long forgotten since . . . and Portia and Nissa married hobbits they soon fell in love with.
To the Shire folk, Frodo and Nina were eternal, and for eternity it would stay.
THE END
PHEW! FINISHED! Can't believe it! Hope you all enjoyed it and I want to say thank you so much for the lovely reviews which gave me the confidence and motivation to carry on and finish this story. Cannot name you all individual because there are just too many of you! Thank you so, so much again! Must get to work on my Faculty fic and my Elijah fics! If you want to view my Faculty fic, look on my profile. As for my Elijah fics, they are on http://www.geocities.com/elijahwoodschick And a little note . . . where did I get the name Nina Roper? Well . . . went on lordoftherings.co.uk and used the middle-earth name translator and yes, if I was a hobbit, I'd be called Nina Roper! Hehe ( And if I was an Elf, I'd be called Ril-Gania . . . yes used that name in this story too . . . so sue me! Hope you enjoyed 'Eternal' and thanks again for reviewing and reading. Love you all, Luv 'n' Elijah Hugz Holly xxx