Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings, and all its characters, races, and creatures, as well as our beloved Middle Earth, belong to JRR Tolkien.

A/N: I want to take this opportunity to thank my reviewers from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea what your encouragement has meant to me. As a first-time writer of anything, I have been very nervous about putting this story up for all to see. It helps so much to have kind and thoughtful feedback from the readers.

It had been two weeks since I had informed Aragorn that he would be a father. I had not seen him since he had followed me into my garden, the morning of that dreadful meeting in the Citadel. That was just as well. I liked him well enough—in fact, had he not been married, I would find him very attractive. I suppose that should not surprise me, considering I was having his child. But circumstances were as they were, and there would never be anything between us ever again. At least between us personally. We would, of course, come to some agreement as to when and how Aragorn would be allowed to see his child. One thing that was becoming very apparent to me was, that he would never agree to stay away.

However, his royal advisers felt differently about things. I had been approached by one of them, a man by the name of Glosten. He was an adviser from the 'old school'—Denethor's rule. Why Aragorn kept the old bird around was beyond my way of thinking, especially after I had the pleasure of meeting with him earlier today. I was surprised it had taken the King's advisers this long to seek me out. After the verbal attack visited on me by the Lord of Imladris, I had not expected Aragorn's promise of his advisers' amity toward me to be one he could enforce. It appears that I was correct.

This morning, Lord Glosten approached me in the Houses—at about ten, to be somewhat precise about it. He bade me to find a place where we may speak, so I quickly ushered him into my office, such as it is. He got right to the point. No beating about the bush for this lord. No indeed.

"My lady," he said. "As you know, I am an adviser to the King." He was also a pompous ass, if looks were of any value in sizing someone up. He was a plump sort of man and his jowls quivered when he spoke—which was often and loud, if this visit was any indication. His eyes were placed too close together and his nose was sharp. Beak-like, if I had to put a name to it. I despised him on sight. My intuition was working frantically, shouting to me that this man was of a reptilian species. I was doubly on my guard, carefully weighing my responses to him.

"Yes, my lord," I replied. "I am aware of your station. What exactly do you wish to speak to me about?"

"I see no reason to not be forthcoming, so let me get to it," he replied. "I understand you are with child, and for some reason, you believe the King to be involved. Upon what do you base your claim?"

I shook my head, wondering if my ears had suddenly gone daft, muddling the man's words around so that they did not make sense. I had been nauseous since before the sun rose, so I was in no mood for his serpentine hissing.

"What exactly are you implying, my lord?" I asked, my eyes narrowing more with each word.

"I imply nothing," he said, trying to be as noncommittal as he could. "I simply asked a question and I am waiting for an answer." He was picking at his nails, as if to make sure they were not chipped or dirty. I had an image of a vulture, cleaning its talons after a meal of rotting flesh.

I rose from my chair and went around my desk - standing before him, nose to beak. He straightened his stance, pulling back slightly, apparently surprised by my nerve.

"My lord," I said. "I do not believe I heard you correctly. Did you just ask me if I was falsely naming the King as my consort?"

He stepped back, smoothing the lapels of his vest, as if he were trying to brush away some dirt or debris I had somehow gotten on his person from my closeness. His smile was cruel and his eyes were cold.

"That is exactly what I am asking, my lady," he replied. Why did everyone think to punish me with that particular slur? I was quickly growing tired of hearing it.

I stepped up into his face again, even though his breath was foul enough to kill an ox. I had put up with too much lately and he was going to regret he had ever darkened the door to the Houses of Healing today. I know I was certainly regretting it.

My voice was quiet, but deadly, as I told him exactly how I saw things. "Has the King not answered this question for you, my lord? I suppose he has, or you would not be here. If you think to intimidate me into withdrawing the truth of his involvement, you have another—think—coming." I backed off from him, starting to pace. I could feel a rant coming on. It seemed he would learn the hard way about the moodiness of a woman in the condition of being with child.

I circled around him. My office was small, so I was by necessity, having to be nearer him than I liked. And I liked it not at all. "The King assured me that I would not be dealing with any of the counselors to the Crown, but it seems he was mistaken, in your case. Or perhaps he was only speaking of the men of his counsel, not meaning to include the serpents that may coil in the dark corners of the Citadel."

I have to hand it to him. He seemed not one bit flustered. He acted as if being assailed verbally by a woman was a common thing for him. Maybe it was.

"I know not your game, Miss—" he began.

"Game?" I asked. "I am playing games, sir? I am playing no games. But it certainly appears as if you are. Let us get to the bottom of this, Lord Glosten - what do you want?"

"If we are speaking bluntly," he said coldly, "I want you gone. Away. Out of Gondor. Off of Middle Earth, if it were possible!"

"You are wasting your breath sir," I said quietly, as I stood next to the bookcase on which sat the skull. I traced the outline of its eye socket and continued, "If I decide to leave, I will do it on my own terms and in my own time. You have absolutely no bearing on my decision at all. Are we clear on this, my lord?"

"Your life is but that of an insect in the vastness of the King's rule," he said. "Highly expendable, if you get my meaning."

"I do believe you are threatening me, Lord Glosten," I said, my ire rising with every passing second. "You and what army will get between the King and his child? Have you asked him how he would feel, were the mother of his child 'expended' before said child was even born?"

If I had expected him to back down, I was sorely disappointed.

"Never would any of the advisers to the King come between him and a child of his. The question is, is this a child of his? I have dealt with your sort before, lady. You seek out the King's bed and get yourself with child by whatever means necessary—and by whomever necessary—in order to coerce the government into paying you off."

I slapped the wretch as hard has I could. My hand was stinging, but it was a welcome pain. Slapping him did my heart very much good. He grabbed my wrist, squeezing it painfully, and brought his nose to within an inch of mine. A horrible image crossed my mind—that of him trying to kiss me. Well, let him try! I possessed teeth and knees and I would not hesitate to use them. I had four older brothers and if this fool thought me defenseless, he was truly a fool.

I wrenched my hand from his grasp. "Get out of here, Lord Glosten," I snarled. "You do not scare me with your threats. I have also dealt with your sort before. No, let me rephrase that. I have never been unfortunate enough to have had dealings with anything like you prior to this."

He laughed. It was a sinister laugh, full of malice. But he did leave. I slammed the door behind him and went behind my desk, lowering myself into my chair. I took several deep breaths. I have not been that angry ever before, I do not believe. I actually saw red. I always thought that but an expression, but for me, it was now a truth.

I sat at my desk, willing my heart to resume its normal rhythm. I was beginning to have doubts that I would live to see this day through. It was getting worse by the hour. I knew not how much more stress I could endure before it killed me.

My thoughts were in turmoil. What, if anything, should I do about Lord Glosten and his idle threats? And were they, in fact, idle? I had no doubt that behind the coldness of his eyes, slithered a serpent that would have no qualms about having another killed. It wasn't just me I was concerned about. I had a responsibility to this child I carried. If its life was in danger, I would protect it with all my being. I was its mother and that is just a mother's way.

Yes, I would have to tell someone. I knew not who to go to with this. Faramir had already done more than his share of handling my problems. However, I wished to not be involved with Aragorn more than was absolutely necessary. But I knew, given the status of this baby's father, that I had to inform someone about this threat. It would be careless of me if I did not.

I wondered what possible reason this Glosten would have for seeing me dead. My child posed no threat to the King. Perhaps it was simply that this reptile felt the need to have power over someone he deemed helpless. I hardly felt the government would go broke even if I wanted the wealth from coercion. Was it because they wanted no confusion when it came to heirs to the throne? Perhaps it was feared that if the child were allowed to reach adulthood, he may at some time come forth, and resort to coercion himself, or challenge any legitimate heir. If that were the case, even if I did leave Minas Tirith, that would not take away the threat of the child. Those who felt the King or the government was in peril would see to it that the menace was vanquished. Yes, disclosure of this adviser's threat was imperative.

I was startled by a soft knock on the door. Valar! I hadn't been shouting loud enough for anyone to hear me in the wards, had I?

"Who is it, please?" I called back.

"It would be your friend and walking partner, Gimli," was the reply.

I hurried to the door and opened it, not sure if I was happy about seeing him or not. After all, I had all but deceived him about my condition. I was apprehensive about how he may feel about me.

"Come in, Gimli," I said breathlessly. "It is so good to see you. I have been missing my walks these past few days. And missing your company, very much."

He entered the room and I closed the door. He seated himself in the chair in front of the desk. I walked around the desk, sitting in my own creaky chair. I was horribly afraid Gimli was hurt or angry with me.

Gimli didn't give me a chance to speak. "Maeren, before you say a word, I feel it important to tell you that I understand why it is that you did not tell me of your condition. I would have gladly heard you, but some things are hard to speak of, even among friends."

I smiled at him, but my tears had started. I placed my elbows on the desktop and covered my face with my hands. Gimli came around the desk and put his arm around my shoulders, offering his handkerchief to me.

"There, there, Lass," he said softly, patting my back. "You needn't cry. I hope you did not think I would disdain you for this. You are far too special for this small thing to have any bearing on our friendship. The turmoil you must be going through is daunting, I am sure. Dry your eyes and speak to me, lass." He retreated back to his chair, never taking his eyes from me for a moment.

"Gimli, I love you, my friend," I said, my voice stuffy from weeping. "You are the sweetest, dearest person I believe I have ever had the pleasure of knowing." I used his proffered hanky and dabbed at my eyes. My voice would not stop trembling. I was so overwrought by the morning's events, I was having trouble keeping it steady.

"Oh, Maeren," he said, frowning and shaking his head, pretending to be shocked. "Sweet is hardly a word used to describe a Dwarf. If you wish to offend me, well, you have found the way to do it, if you persist in calling me names!" He was smiling, trying to cheer me up and stop my crying.

"I am sorry, Gimli," I said, returning his smile. "It will never happen again."

"That is better," he replied. "Now, is there aught I may do for you? Anything. You name it and it shall be done."

I thought about the threat made by Glosten. Perhaps Gimli would know whom I should tell about his attempted intimidation.

"Gimli," I said, "there is something I would speak to you about." I tried to settle myself down somewhat more and then began my tale of my morning caller.

"Just before you came here, I had a visitor," I said. "It was one of the King's advisers, a man by the name of Lord Glosten." I couldn't help an involuntary shiver. I could tell Gimli saw it by the resulting frown on his face. "The man was most vile, Gimli. It has been long since I have detested someone on sight, but it took only seconds before I knew he was up to no good. He threatened me, Gimli. Now that scares me a bit, do not get me wrong. But it is the child I carry that I am concerned about. What if he makes good on his threat? He told me I was quite expendable and that he wanted me gone from Gondor."

The anger building in the Dwarf was plain on his face. I would not have been surprised to see smoke waft up from his ears, he appeared so angry.

"He threatened you?" he asked, his voice caustic.

"Yes, Gimli, he did," I replied.

He rose from his chair and began pacing as I had done just a few minutes before.

"You worry no more about it, Maeren," he said at last. "I will see to this Glosten, have no fear. However, it is something Aragorn must be apprised of and I will also see to that. I hope you have no quarrel with that plan, but I will not be put off. He must know of this threat to you."

"You will have no quarrel from me, my friend," I said. I was glad this would be something I need not concern myself over any more. And I would not concern myself over it. I had great faith in Gimli and I knew he would not take a threat to my life lightly. It showed on his face. "I agree with you. The King must be told."

"The King?" he asked, eyebrows raised. "I would think you would be on friendly enough terms to call him by name." He added quickly, "And I mean no disrespect by that remark."

"I take no slight from your words, Gimli," I replied, even though I felt my face grow warm in a blush. "But I really feel it best to not become too familiar with him—well, any more familiar with him. He is the King. He is very married to a Queen of extreme grace and sweetness and I refuse to be a threat to that in any way."

"I well understand," he said. "I just wanted to be sure you understood whatever guilt you may feel is his to feel as well. He is not more exalted than you, my dear. I have known him long—well, not so long, I suppose. Let me say, very intensely for a somewhat short while—and he is not the pretentious type. He, nor I, would ever feel you inferior to him in any way."

I smiled at my friend. "Thank you, Gimli. You know not how much I treasure you." I sniffed and my breath hitched, unable to stop my tears, even though Gimli comforted me and eased my mind.

"Maeren, Maeren," he said, shaking his head. "You will have me convinced you are sweet on me, should you persist in your declarations of love. And do not forget what I just told you about calling a Dwarf names. The same offense can be taken, if you tell a Dwarf he is lovable."

I smiled again. I wanted to laugh, but could not summon the energy to do so.

"Maeren, I must take my leave of you now," Gimli said, rising from his chair. "I wanted the air cleared between us, especially since we will be traveling together in a very short while. Have you a notion as to when that may be?"

"I suppose I am ready whenever my escort would be ready," I replied. "And after this toad's threat today, I will be more than ready to leave Minas Tirith behind me for all time."

"There I have it, then," he said. "I will inform Aragorn that you have given the go to our departure when all else is ready. And I will also tell him of the toad's visit to you and his subsequent threat." Gimli gave me a bow, smiled, opened the door and left.

I rose and went to my room. Let Ioreth have the Houses of Healing. I could not deal with the responsibility—or her interference, truth be known—any longer. I was tired, sick it would seem, and very ready to get on with the next phase of my life. I was going to bed and sleep. For hours if I felt the need to do so.

For days, would be more my need.

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As soon as I reached my room, I fell upon my bed. I lay on my stomach, my arms crossed with my head cradled upon them. My tears were spent, so I just lay there, wallowing in self-pity for a few moments. I was so tired of it all—the morning sickness, the weeping, the threats, the people trying to control my life, Ioreth being Ioreth—everything. I could not leave Minas Tirith soon enough. However, with that thought, I was brought up short by doubt. Fear, almost, of having to live in a completely foreign place with a foreign people. I knew nothing of Elves or their ways, only snippets told to me by Arwen and Elrond. I wondered if they did possess magic, and if so, to what extent did they possess it? All I knew of Elves was that they were tall, willowy, elegant, and above all graceful in their movements. I knew they were immortal, which was very hard to fathom. I knew that they no longer had Elflings and that Arwen was just about the youngest one alive—and she was almost three thousand years old! How was I going to get through these last five and a half months?

I began thinking of what I would be leaving behind. Faramir and Eowyn. While I had known Eowyn for years, and had much in common with her, it was Faramir I would miss the most. He had been a rock for me these past few weeks. Without him, I doubt I would have survived at all. He was kind, compassionate, and understanding without being patronizing—most of the time. I would miss him greatly. And Arwen. I knew not how to feel about Arwen. I was coming to consider her almost a friend, but how was that possible? Anyway, I would miss her also.

My dream of being a Warden in the Houses of Healing was all but dead. I certainly knew how to throw my life into disarray, did I not? How could I have let this happen? I could blame the times and circumstances, but I knew if I were not so weak, none of this would have come to pass. I should have been stronger. My father did not raise any weaklings or cowards, at least that is what he always said. Little did he know that I harbored the results of my weakness within my womb right now. I had nothing or anyone to blame but myself. Since it seemed that sleep, even though I was tired beyond belief, was not going to visit me right now, I decided to try and put some order to my possessions. I would have to decide which things to take with me and which things I was going to have to sacrifice, or give to someone for safekeeping until I could return for them. I suppose Faramir would do it, or find someone who could help me. There I go again. Leaning on someone else to solve my problems. Would I never learn?

I wandered around my room, deciding the fate of my belongings. The washstand and bed were here when I arrived, as well as the table and chairs. The dishes had been furnished, as well, but I had brought my own, so would have to decide what to do about them. I was not giving up my old chest. I kept everything that was of value to me in there. None of the things that were stowed inside of it would be of any value to anyone else, but I would be crushed if it or its contents were lost. It would definitely have to be kept somewhere here in Minas Tirith.

I had assorted odds and ends that could also be stored within the chest. Various and sundry clothes could stay. I would not be able to fit into them soon anyway. My boots I would wear on the journey to Rivendell, so I could store the shoes I wore every day in the bottom of my valise while I traveled.

I was finally getting tired to the point of being sleepy again. I lay back down on my bed, snuggling in the quilt I always had draped upon the foot of it. It took not long for me to fall asleep, but my sleep was not peaceful.

I dreamt of snakes surrounding me, striking and biting at my ankles as I stood tethered and alone in my garden.

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