Seventh chapter: Leaving safety


Would you ever be quiet? Rosie groaned hopelessly. Liliane smiled and said: We will go alone then, just care for him. Or do you think Sam would manage to calm him down?
Rosie shook her head. Little Frodo was screaming loudly, but Rosie didnt know what to do about it. She had just looked at everything after he had eaten something, but the baby wasnt pleased at all.
Rosie rocked him in her arms, but still he was crying. He looked so cute with his blond curls, but crying like that he wasnt really cute.
Ellie stood beside Liliane who held the basket for the mushrooms and so they left Bag End. Rosie stayed with her baby and Liliane waved goodbye to Sam and Frodo who were sitting in the working room, studying old maps. They were so excited about their journey in half a year time that they spent much time finding the best route.
Will you let me eat some mushrooms, auntie? asked Ellie with big blue eyes when Liliane shut the door.
Yes, of course. But I will show you which ones are good to be eaten and which ones you must not take.
I love mushrooms!
Liliane took the girl by the hand and together they walked along the road that led to the forest. Elanor wore the small coat that Liliane had made for her, she herself had taken Frodos old one which he had worn when he had left Hobbiton years before for the quest. He also still kept his Elvencoat.
The air had grown cold, but it was a clear and sunny day in November, a week before Lilianes birthday. If they were lucky, they would still find mushrooms deep in the forests where it was wet and not as cold as outside. All of Bag Ends inhabitants would kill for mushrooms, so it was time to eat some again.
There was an earthy smell in the air when they entered the forest. It had rained the night before which resulted in a fresh atmosphere.
Do you see any? Liliane asked. Elanor shook her head. But the deeper they went into the forest, the better were their chances of finding what they were looking for.
Look! A big one! Ellie cried out and picked the mushroom which indeed was pretty big. Liliane collected all the mushrooms and separated a little from the girl while searching for more. Humming quietly she seeked everywhere when she suddenly heard some aggressive growling in the thicket. At once she rose and turned.
Elanor stood panick-stricken in front of a bush in which a wolf had been lying, but now the beast had risen, smelling for a possible prey.
Ellie! Run away! Liliane cried, hurried towards the little girl and took her on her arms, then ran as fast as she could.
The growling increased. It was an old wolf which wasnt good at hunting anymore, so the beast had been lying for some time, waiting for prey. Now it had found its prey.
Hunting the two Hobbits as fast as possible, the wolf followed them through the thicket. When Liliane looked back, she saw that they had no chance.
The nearest tree with deep branches was their only hope. Liliane lifted Elanor above her head so that the girl could grab a branch, then she tried to climb the tree herself - just in time to escape the mouth of the beast which was full of sharp teeth.
Take my hand! Liliane called and helped Elanor to sit down a little higher in the tree. She took the girl on her lap and held her close, then smiled grimly as she had an idea. Taking some chestnuts, she pointed them at the beast and threw them down.
she cried and the wolf howled loudly as the chestnuts hit it. Liliane took even more chestnuts to make the wolf leave them alone, but the beast first did so when a chestnut hit its nose.
Elanor exclaimed in excitement as the wolf ran away, howling in pain.
You are so brave! You are a real hero like Uncle Frodo!
Liliane smiled and waited for a minute, but the beast didnt return. This made her climb down again which was not easy with Elanor on her left arm. She grabbed all the branches firmly, but suddenly some branch broke under her feet and she could not prevent the fall. Crying out in surprise Liliane lost her balance and fell backwards on the ground, still trying to protect Elanor. She landed on her side and Elanor did not hurt herself, but when she turned to look at Liliane, she perceived the blood on her forehead and she was in panic since there had been a cracking noise.
Breathing hard the girl rose and looked at her aunt who was lying movelessly with her eyes closed. Her left arm was swollen soon. Elanor knelt down beside her and shook her in despair.
Auntie Liliane, wake up! Auntie! she cried with tears in her eyes, but Liliane didnt move. Elanor didnt know what to do. Liliane had broken her arm and lost consciousness.
She would never be able to take her back home, she was so small a girl... but could she leave her alone and go back home for help?
But of what use would it be to wait?
she weeped in fear. Helplessly she sank down and sat on the ground beside Liliane. She didnt dare to leave her since she feared to lose her way and get lost in the forest.
She was so afraid.
Elanor didnt know how long she had been sitting like that when suddenly Liliane moaned loudly and screamed in pain as she felt that her arm was broken.
Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at Elanor who was bending over her. A terrible headache had taken her, she felt the blood in her hair, but nothing worse had happened.
she whispered and managed to sit upright. She couldnt focus on anything, it was all shapeless before her eyes, but she remembered her responsibility for the girl.
s go back home... she said and managed to rise, nearly fell again, but managed not to lose the balance.
Elanor tried to support her as they slowly walked back home. Liliane had to fight not to lose track, it would be terrible if they got lost.
But they didnt. Elanor even picked up the basket full of mushrooms as they passed it and they made their way steadily. Liliane felt terrible and had to force herself to move on and take another step forward. Her headache made her wince in pain and she gritted her teeth regarding her broken arm.
Dusk was near as they reached the hill, climbed it and finally they had reached Bag End. Liliane went to her knees before the door and Elanor ran inside, screaming loudly.
Uncle Frodo! Auntie Liliane is hurt, quick!
As Frodo heard Elanor crying, he hurried towards the door and saw Liliane leaning on the wall. She was breathing hard and he was startled as he noticed the blood in her face.
Liliane, what on earth... what happened? Are you hurt?
There were tears in her eyes. Now that she had managed to return home, she couldnt stand the pain anymore. Frodo embraced her in a gesture of comfort, then took her on his arms and carried her to bed.
Rosie and Sam had also come and were worried to see Liliane wounded, but immediately Rosie hurried to get warm water and some cloth for the broken arm.
Liliane was sobbing and grabbed Frodos hand. He stroked her forehead and meanwhile listened to Elanor who told him of the events. Sam was sitting beside Frodo and shook his head in awe.
This was so dangerous! he murmured quietly.
Rosie came to wash the blood away, she laid a cold wet towel on Lilianes forehead and bandaged her arm. Liliane screamed loudly as she touched it.
All for a few mushrooms! she muttered. But soon she was done and Liliane felt better. Frodo still knelt beside the bed and held her hand. When Elanor, Rosie and Sam had left, Liliane asked: What is it? What are you looking at me like that?
Frodo took a deep breath. Now that suddenly something had happened to her, he was so much conscious of the fact that he wouldnt be able to deal with losing her.
Liliane, I... I am so glad nothing worse happened! I... I always fear for your safety, you know that... I must not lose you!
You wont, Frodo... dont worry, Ill be fine, she said. But she saw that he was fighting the tears. Of course he was. But she pressed his hand and stroked it lovingly. Frodo smiled and bit his lip.
That night he could barely sleep. He lay awake, listening to her regular breath, tenderly stroking the bandage of her arm. His brave wife... he kissed her cheek. He must never lose her! He would give his life for her life, that was for sure.
He was so relieved to see her without the headache the next day. Now she couldnt use her left arm, but as long as nothing worse had happened, he sighed and was thankful for that.
Now he was aware of the fact that he couldnt be without her.
But he didnt have to.

Her birthday passed and also the days of yule, snow covered all the Shire in winterly white and it melted again. Soon Lilianes arm had healed and the shock of the accident had been overcome.
Will... I mean... would it be alright if I left you to... to go to Gondor? Sam asked Rosie when spring was near. They were to leave the Shire soon, maybe in April or May. Rosie just shrugged.
Someone has to stay to care for the children. You cant take them with you - and since you will return sometime... dont worry about me. The world outside the Shire is too big for me.
Liliane also talked to Rosie concerning that matter. She had not seen the world either, but she was curious, unlike Rosie. She was curious to meet Frodos friends. There were no problems at all.
When March the thirteenth arrived, it was so much unexpected again. Liliane was shocked as she found Frodo the way she had in October. Another horrible day passed - but she learned how to accept it. There was no way to change it and Frodo convinced her that nothing bad happened to him.
Still it was something she would never get used to, but again it had passed the other day.
They were waiting for spring full of expectations, soon it was the time to pack their things - and on a warm morning in May they were sitting on their ponies, had met Pippin and Merry already and, passing Bree, they rode southward together. The meadows on both sides of the street were green and richly flowered, the sun warmed their faces and a soft wind played with their hair.
It was a fantastic idea! Pippin said and smiled at Sam warmly. Indeed the five Hobbits were all looking forward to their meeting with friends of old in Gondor. Merry and Pippin decided to tell Liliane everything about their journey years before and so they did. Although they took another, shorter route now, they could tell her many things and liked it when Liliane looked at them in awe with big eyes, so they often told her about their great deeds and their exciting adventures. They had not forgotten about all the sad and serious things which had happened, but since they only liked to tell her all the other things, they forgot about these.
All four of them, Sam, Frodo, Merry and Pippin had taken their swords and in addition to that Merry had his old uniform from Rohan taken with him and Pippin his noble clothing from Gondor, too.
While heading for Gondor, they crossed the empty lands of Eriador, but surprisingly fast they reached the fords of Tharbad and the North-South-Road led them to Dunland then. For a long period of many days the weather was good, warm and sunny, but the nights were still cold and without their warming campfire they would have frozen.
One evening they were sitting by the fire, chatting a little and only Liliane wasnt smoking some pipe-weed. She was leaning on Frodo who had laid his arm around her shoulders. He was smoking thoughtfully when suddenly something was tickling his hand. When he looked down, he began to tremble immediately and was scared stiff. Liliane raised her head and gazed at him whose eyes were widening in fear. Frodo didnt move.
Frodo? Whats wrong?
She followed his glance down to his hand. A spider was sitting on it, not even a big one, but Liliane knew of his panic.
It will sting me if I move, Frodo whispered and swallowed hard. The others looked at them in surprise.
No, it wont. Wait, Ill take it away, Liliane said, reached out her hand and with a quick movement she hit the little spider to remove it from his hand, throwing it to the nearby thicket.
Frodo took a deep breath and raised his hand. His heartbeat calmed a little, but he gaped at the thicket fearfully and came closer to her.
Oh Frodo, its just a tiny spider, dont be silly! she said and stroked his cheek with a smile. Frodo looked at her unhappily and she laughed.
Oh, come on. I will not allow any spider to bite you! Not as long as Im here!
He sighed. You know that... its enough if its eight-legged and... that makes me creep, no matter how big!
She looked at Sam who shrugged.
d think so, too, if youd seen the monster! Believe me... I dont like these beasts either, but as long as its smaller than I am, its fine! he said and Merry laughed.
The only one who was not impressed at all was Pippin. He just continued smoking.

The days passed and then weeks, their food and water decreased, but they approached the Gap of Rohan and had planned to rest in Edoras anyway and take new food.
When they passed the southern hills of the Misty Mountains, they could suddenly see Orthanc.
What tower is this? Liliane asked and Sam made a face. Then he spoke of Saruman.
Here he had lived before, the devil who brought terror and fear to the Shire.
Liliane nodded understandingly, still she remembered it all well and then she listened to the explanations concerning Isengart and the role that it had played during the War of the Ring. Each of them had much to tell. Now that Liliane saw all the places where war and fights had taken place, her interest in these stories even grew, it was quite a different feeling.
At the beginning of the fourth week of their long and sometimes still toilsome journey they finally saw the hill rising high in front of them on which there was Edoras built, the capital of the people of Rohan. Merry was so excited to finally see it and had many more things to tell about the city.
He had already changed his clothes and when they entered the city, they were greeted friendly and Merry was recognized by many.
Wait until youll meet the king! Hes generous and open-minded and...
Oh, so youre speaking of the Lord Faramir, arent you? Pippin interrupted him, but Merrys answer was short. He pinched his cousin in the side and crossed his arms before the chest.
re not in Gondor yet. Shell meet your lord soon enough!
Liliane laughed. Stop that now! I will meet both your lords and judge myself!
The five of them entered the Golden Hall. King Eomer of Rohan had already been waiting for them to arrive and gave them a warm welcome.
Merry! Serving Rohan even on his holiday... welcome! he said as he knelt down to embrace his little friend. Frodo and Liliane were the last ones to have his attention since he had already seen that there was someone new amongst them.
Frodo didnt lie as he told me of your beauty, little lady, Eomer said with a smile and laughed as Liliane blushed awkwardly.
My Lord... i-its my pleasure to meet you! she answered, stammering a little, for it was still a king to make her compliments. She was not used to such behaviour. It was all a little different in the Shire.
You must be hungry. Come on, sit down and let you be served now! Sam, hows Rosie and what about your children?
Sam told him of his family, also Merry did so, but Pippin was very silent at once.
What about you, Master Took? Not the Thain yet? But you must have lost your heart to someone!
Pippin blushed shyly. I - Ive just come to age, how could I be the Thain? But yes... I confess, you trapped me. Theres... theres a girl... ehm...
Diamond of Long Cleeve, to be precise, my dear Pip. And Pippin will have to wait until shes come to age, so... Merry explained with a cheeky smile. Pippin pulled a face.
, he mumbled.
Sam patted his shoulder. t worry, even Merry managed to speak, otherwise hed still be unmarried...
Merry looked at Sam with a gaze that told the gardner he should take care for his life.
He didnt really care.
When they were lying in bed later, Liliane cuddled up to Frodo and said: One might not notice that hes a king, such a kind person and... he was not different from us!
Frodo nodded. You know, they met him when he was not king yet. He was King Theodens nephew. But when the king died in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Eomer was his heir. Prince Theodred had been killed before, the only son to the king. And... well, we got to know them all before they followed the way that their fate had given to them. Aragorn was just Strider as we met him in Bree and now hes Aragorn Elessar, King of Gondor and Arnor. He reunited the kingdom. Arwen is queen now. Sam and I met Faramir as a ranger and now hes Aragorns deputy in Ithilien. Well, Eowyn was the Lady of Rohan, sister to Eomer, now shes Faramirs wife and well-known in Gondor. And... you might take it strange, but people all around Minas Tirith know all four of us halflings. They know about my deeds as the Ringbearer and this is why they might all recognize me. Its different from the people in the Shire. Dont be afraid of it.
Liliane sighed. When Frodo had told her that Edoras was small compared to Minas Tirith, she didnt know how to think of that. Men were so tall and their buildings, too, they were magnificent... she was impressed. It was so much different from the Shire, but she liked it.
They rested for two days at the capital of Rohan before they continued their journey to Gondor. Gimli would come from Aglarond and Legolas from Mirkwood, Gandalf from somewhere else, one could never be sure of that.
I think Faramir and Eowyn will come to Minas Tirith, too, Pippin said. He had sent a letter to them, written together with Merry who addressed it to Eowyn, his friend.
They had still a week to go and rode on. But one morning when she woke up, Liliane felt very strange at once. Sam had already gotten up to prepare breakfast, but she only felt sick as she smelled the bacon.
Soon they were all up and gathered around the campfire for breakfast, but when Sam wanted to hand Liliane something, she shook her head and made a face.
m not hungry, she said. Merry and Pippin gazed at her in disbelief, they both were busy eating.
Not hungry? Pippin repeated with his mouth full, shaking his head.
No. I... I will eat something later.
ll miss the bacon! Sam insisted, but she refused.
Frodo hesitated and looked at her who was leaning back on a tree, placing her hands on her stomach.
Are you fine, dear?
m not sure. Im not sick, but... Im not so fine actually... I dont know.
Merry wrinkled his brow.
s ill. She must be ill. A Hobbit who refuses to eat... or shes not a Hobbit!
, Liliane said and gaped at him a little angrily. He shrugged.
ll miss everything... but that means theres more left for me! he exclaimed happily.
, Liliane said.
Frodo let his hand sink. He found it strange, but she first ate something for lunch.
He was worried, but he didnt admit so. Still it was the same the next morning.
s the journey, Liliane said, but she didnt know herself what was wrong. She had no idea.

Behold! The Mindolluin, the mountain behind Minas Tirith. Or before? Well, the city is built...
Liliane didnt listen. Pippin gave further explainations, but she was only looking at the mountain which rose high before them. The tall White Mountains deeply impressed her, being part of both Gondor and Rohan. The Hobbits had left the lands of the horsemen behind and passed the small rural villages of Gondor, the land of stone.
ll be there by nightfall! Frodo said and smiled. He could not wait to meet Aragorn again.
And then they surrounded the last of the White Mountains to regard the White City finally. It stood in bright golden light of the sinking afternoon sun, the buildings were shining and when Liliane tried to see it all, she knew why Frodo had said that Edoras was much smaller than Minas Tirith.
Indeed it was. The seven rings of the city were so much different in their origin than the whole capital of Rohan had been.
This was a city built to protect the people from the perils coming from Mordor before the fall of Sauron. There had been an urgent need to build it from stone and in every possible way to endure a siege.
The White Tower of Ecthelion stood throne-like above it all.
Up there he lives, the King of Gondor. We always call it a palace, but actually its not. Still its a citadel leaving a very glorious impression... You will have a wonderful view down to the Anduin. And even the Mountains of Shadow are not threatening anymore. Peace has come to the lands.
Still impressed by the view of the huge city, Liliane listened to Frodos words and she would have described it as enchantment when they passed the gates of the city, friendly greeted by the guards.
The little lords! The halflings are coming! a young girl exclaimed as the Hobbits passed her standing in the street. This drew more attention on them. People looked at them and smiled warmly. Indeed it was as Frodo had said: he was recognized as the Ringbearer.
They were given way and Pippin was so proud, wearing the uniform of the Gondorian soldiers, that he felt like growing a few inches.
Sam felt a little awkward just like Liliane. He regarded himself as a little gardner from the Shire and he was pleased with it - but still he was Frodos true fellow, the one who had followed the Ringbearer to Mordor.
Frodo didnt care about it. He knew he couldnt change it and he knew who he was, so he accepted it.
Suddenly Sam was aware of a young lad, leaning on the wall of an inn with his arms crossed before his chest, staring at them grimly. He was all clad in black and didnt look friendly at all. This was so much different from the reactions of all other people that Sam immediately noticed it.
The young man didnt move nor say anything, but his eyes followed the Hobbits. When they had passed, he turned and went down the street thoughtfully.
After a while they had reached the citadel. The streets were not so crowded anymore, but some curious folks had followed them to see where the Hobbits were heading to.
Friends of the king, some said. The Hobbits passed the gate and were greeted by some royal guards, wearing wonderful uniforms showing the tree, sign of Gondor.
They took the ponies and the Hobbits dismounted.
s - huge, Liliane said as she looked at the wide stairs leading to where Aragorn lived with Arwen. Right in this moment the door was opened and Aragorn stepped out with Legolas, talking in a very emotional way.
That must not be, not in this country and not after all that happened. How did they forget about the cruelty of war? How can that be? How can they admire that out of boredom? Its my duty as their king to... look!
Both Legolas and Aragorn noticed the Hobbits.
Merry exclaimed and hurried up the stairs, followed by Pippin. Sam stayed with Frodo and Liliane since Aragorn and Legolas came down to them anyway.
Strider? I cant imagine him as a Ranger! Liliane said, facing Aragorn in his kingly robe. Frodo laughed. Indeed... Strider, King of Gondor. But thats what he is!
Frodo and Sam, its good to see you again! Legolas said and knelt down in front of them to be of their height, then he turned to Liliane and said: So youre my friends wife, arent you? Liliane?
She nodded and blushed when Legolas took her hand to kiss her.
m pleased to meet you!
So... youre Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood? she said quietly and looked at him in wonder. Sam and Frodo had truly spoken. The Elves were as they had said, she was unable to describe it, he was of beauty and honour, friendly and wise, he felt it at once. And very polite.
Frodo! Sam! I will also welcome you. Such a long journey... you must be hungry!
They laughed and nodded. Of course they were!
Then also the king turned his attention to Liliane and bowed.
m glad to meet the wife of a friend whose deeds I still admire. Welcome, Liliane!
She smiled and answered: ve been looking forward so much to meet the King of Gondor who saved Frodos life!
This was when they saw a figure hurrying towards them and they heard a grumbling voice: You did not start without me, didnt you?
Legolas rose and gave his friend a warm welcome. They hadnt seen each other for long.
Gimli looked all around and greeted everyone until he stopped in front of Liliane, saying: So thats you, youre the one to snatch Frodo from his bachelor existence? I welcome that!
He grinned at Frodo broadly who replied that with a sceptical gaze, but Lilianes first surprise gave way for a feeling of sympathy towards the dwarf. They liked each other immediately.
After the first welcome they all followed Aragorn inside the buildings and in amazement Liliane looked all about. It was the way Frodo had described it to her: Wide open hallways, flooded by the golden light of the sun, there were peace and silence and an immense beauty. She couldnt understand it at first, she was speechless.
Where on earth is Gandalf? she heard Pippin asking.
I dont know, but Im sure hell arrive soon, Aragorn said.
Soon dinner was served. This was when they met Arwen first. Her stunning beauty made Liliane look at her in awe, but she was of a good heart and met her with sympathy.
m happy to see you all again in these peaceful days of settlement! War was still too near when we parted years ago. It was time for another encounter, I welcomed the news of your visit! she said and Liliane had the impression that there was more Arwen wanted to say, but she didnt.
Gimli forced Frodo with his mouth full to narrate of his meeting with Liliane. While Frodo reported it all, Aragorns glance came to rest on him and his wife. He followed his own thoughts, drifting off.
It was long ago since he had seen Frodo the last time. When the Hobbit had returned to the Shire, his home, he had been everything but happy, but this was no surprise. He had even been about to leave Middle-earth.
Yet now it was all different. Aragorn felt how much Liliane meant to him, he could not overlook this love. It made him smile. Yes, he had wished that to happen, secretly and with no expectations to see this wish turn to reality once, but now that it was that way, he was very happy.
He had always taken care for Frodos fate, he honoured him and it was his honour to be
his friend. Now he was to see how Frodo lived his happiness. He exchanged a glance with Legolas. The Elf had also noticed what was hard to hide and they agreed.
A wonderful match, Legolas said quietly. Aragorn nodded.
s giving something to him that I havent even known in him at the very beginning. He deserves it.
The Hobbits went to sleep early that day. Frodo and Liliane had just left their friends and entered their room when they heard a knock on the door.
Come in, Frodo said and his face brightened when he saw Arwen approaching them. She held a bundle of fabric in her hands which looked like velvet, but it wasnt.
I will not disturb you for long. When your letter, Frodo, arrived which told us about your visit, I thought of something. Everyone of you halflings received a gift once, a gift of appreciation and friendship. Your wife must not be an exception. You wrote that she likes Elves the way you and Sam do, so I thought of something special. Look.
She unfolded the fabric and in amazement the two Hobbits looked at a beautiful dress which she held in her hands. It was of Hobbits size, but of Elvish appearance. Frodo could not tell, as usual regarding the Elves clothing, of what colour it was. It seemed black in the gloomy light, but when Arwen came closer to the candle, it seemed violet or even blue. Partly it was white, about the sleeves and the neckline. Threads of silver were woven in flower figures down its sides. Its cut was extraordinary, soft and fluent, similar to the dress that Arwen wore that moment.
Liliane gazed at her in disbelief.
s... its perfect, so wonderful... I...
Take it. It was not easy to find a cut that might fit since nobody knew what the halflings women wear. Im delighted to see that you like it.
Arwen smiled as she saw Liliane wearing the gemstone about her neck. A true gift of love it was.
Thank you, Lady Arwen, thank you... Liliane stammered and took the gift. It felt soft in her hands and as Frodo and Arwen looked at her curiously, she went to put it on.
Frodo smiled broadly. Arwen said: I like it to see how a gift can bring joy to someone.
She loves the Elves, really she does. In the Shire the women wear such dresses as she did today, so this is very different... but she loves it, I know.
Frodo still smiled thoughtfully.
When Liliane returned, he gaped at her in amazement and did not even dare to touch her since she looked so beautiful.
It fits perfectly. Its so wonderful! Liliane said. She had already seen it in a mirror and laughed as she saw Frodo staring at her in silence.
The Hobbits were full of joy as Arwen left them. She had reached her aim with such simple means as she regarded it. Indeed it was an expensive gift, something very special, but not for her as an Elf. Still it was for a Hobbit.
Liliane... I know youre no Elf, but like that... I cant be sure anymore! You... its breathtaking! Frodo said. Liliane smiled and sat down on the bed, making an inviting gesture to make him follow.
You may believe it. Its still me. Frodo... its her gemstone that you gave me? Now I know how wonderful she really is!

Again she felt sick when she woke up the next morning. Liliane opened her eyes and moaned. Her stomach felt like cramped. Frodo was still asleep, so she tried not to wake him when she got up and laid her hand at her temple. She closed her eyes again.
She was not ill. It passed after breakfast time, but she never felt hungry in the morning, only sick.
Suddenly she rose very quickly, making for the hallway. She had to get outside, take a deep breath of the fresh morning air - maybe it helped.
But the bad feeling increased. Liliane hurried to the little chamber in which they could wash. She was sick.
Some minutes later she left the bedroom and did not reckon to meet anyone, but she nearly collided with Sam.
Oh! Good morning. Also hungry? he asked and yawned, but then he noticed her pale face. She had laid one arm about her stomach and looked weak, he could not point it out clearly.
s wrong? asked Sam. Liliane shrugged.
m... Im feeling so sick again. I dont know...
Now that she had been sick, she had a special suspicion. Once she had talked to Rosie, asking her how she would notice that she was expecting a child. She wasnt sure about it all. Rosie had told her several things and Liliane was surprised that she showed everything that she had been told...
That meant... she had never expected it yet...
re sick? Sam repeated. They were both looking at each other in silence for a moment before he continued: But youre not ill, are you?
Liliane shook her head very slowly. There were so many signs... it was a real surprise, but there was nothing else that would be a possible explaination.
No, Sam. Im not ill.
Sam raised one eyebrow.
Tell me. What is it? He smiled a little. Yes, of course he knew, he was the father of two children.
I... Im not sure, Sam. I dont know that. But it has to be.
Sams face brightened up at once as a broad smile appeared on his face.
So Im right? he asked. Liliane shrugged, but then she nodded.
Probably... but please, dont tell Frodo. I... Im waiting for a special occasion to tell him. You know what that means to him.
Sam was searching for words. He was so happy. So she was finally having a child...
He embraced her wordlessly.
Sam! Sam... she began, but then she only laughed. Of course he was glad about hearing such news. He knew about Frodos and her wish and he was Frodos best friend.
ll be so proud, Sam said. She smiled.