Thirteenth chapter: Of love and hope


I... I am so thankful that I met you. It should have happened long before, now Im leaving you. Im sorry. Your child should have a father, but... but maybe you will take care, Sam... Frodo whispered.
Sam took his hand and smiled. He was weeping silently.
I will, Master Frodo, whatever you ask me to. You know I never left you...
Sam... Id be dead for long if there werent you. Thank you. And please dont forget me...
How could I, Frodo? But... but you will not leave me now, you wont... you... Liliane answered, interrupted by sobs.
Every breath was torture, it was all pain. Frodo swallowed hard and said: ll always be with you, dear... you saved me...
Liliane shook her head in disbelief. He must not die now, he would be a father and...
Frodo, I love you more than words can say. Stay with me, dont leave me, I need you!
Frodo gasped. He felt the tears on his cheeks and he was so sorry that he would leave her, but he was also taken by a feeling of relief. His pain vanished slowly and his weakness changed to weightlessness.
ll care for our baby. Dont cry for my, Liliane, my love, he whispered and closed his eyes when he had looked at her for long, one last time.
It happened with his last heartbeat.

Her tears were dripping down on the white coat. She clasped his hand as if she wanted to return strength to him to breathe again, but he didnt.
No... say something, come back to me, wake up... youll be a father, Frodo Baggins, you cant... why are you doing this? Dont leave me now... come back, just come back...
Sam gasped and let go of Frodos hand, hid his face in his hands and sank down sobbing.
Dismayed and helpless Aragorn looked at the Hobbits and Bergil. The boy just stared at Frodo and did not move nor say anything.
of Frodo and was sobbing in despair. Sam tried to give comfort while he had none himself.
Could he be dead?
They were all petrified. Frodo had lost so much blood...
I dont know, Legolas answered. But I might try...
Aragorn tried to realize what just had happened. Nobody had reckoned that.
Legolas knelt down beside the Hobbits who were weeping in grief. Carefully he took the bandages from Frodos wrists and laid his hands about them. Closing his eyes the Elf concentrated on the immortal strength he had and pressed his hands on Frodos wounds. Then he took one of his hands away. The bleeding had stopped.
Give me the gemstone, he asked of Aragorn and the king did so. Liliane was surprised that he had it. She hadnt even noticed the loss.
Legolas laid it on Frodos heart and placed his other hand on Lilianes heart, then waited. Deep in thoughts he tried to call the Valar, call for help by telling them that Frodo was still needed - but nothing happened. He felt no heartbeat.
he cried and put his hands on his heart. Then he pressed them down, again and again, he placed one hand on Frodos forehead and nearly gave up all hope when suddenly Frodo gasped and opened his eyes.
Aragorn knelt down beside Legolas and smiled. It had not needed any Elvish skills, but Legolas Elvish origin had helped to return some strength to Frodo by driving out the darkness in his heart. Morgoth had lost.
What... Liliane, Sam... I...
Sam and Liliane couldnt believe what they saw. He was back!
Now hurry! Aragorn said. Take them to Minas Tirith, Bergil. Frodo needs help. He lost too much blood!
Bergil rose quickly, he saw some horses near. In that moment Eowyn joined them, she went over to a horse with Sam. Bergil took Frodo on his arms, Aragorn helped the Hobbits to sit on the horses back and when Bergil took care he would not lose Frodo, Aragorn gave the gemstone back to Liliane.
s yours, he said. She smiled thankfully. Together she and Bergil held Frodo tight who had his eyes closed again, but they knew he was with them.
Come on! Bergil cried and so they left on two horses.
Aragorn stood for a moment watching them, then he turned to go back into the building. Legolas joined him, but they didnt reckon anything to happen when suddenly someone jumped forward, sword in hand, with a fierce cry and ready to attack Aragorn.
You let this bastard kill our leader? Because of you it all failed! Ortherion cried out. He knew it was the king, now that he stood in front of him, he did not doubt it was him.
Aragorn drew Anduril very quickly and parried Ortherions blow. He had wanted to land his sword on Aragorn, he was blinded by rage.
Aragorn saw Legolas stir uneasily, he was about to get involved, but Aragorn said: Help Gandalf, I dont need you now! Thats a matter between me and him!
Legolas shrugged, but he did not really leave. He watched the fight, always ready to help his friend.
re weak, Elessar! You should also follow our Lord, the Dark Lord is the mightiest...
, Aragorn interrupted him. The Dark Lord failed, he can never return to the world. You know that! And his deputy failed, too! Sauron is destroyed!
Ortherion yelled in anger, metal crashed against metal. He was a young, but tall man and skilled at fighting, Aragorn noticed that immediately. He had no idea who he exactly was, but he reckoned him to be a friend of the dead leader.
Bergil had no choice but to shoot your leader! Frodo was innocent, how could we let him die? I dont know yet what youve done to him, but I dont tolerate this!
Oh, the great king is speaking! Ortherion hissed. How can you think Melkor cannot return? We heard his voice, he spoke to us and gave us commands! He wanted revenge for Sauron, so how could the Ringbearer be innocent destroying the Ring?
Aragorn raised his sword again, trying to disarm Ortherion.
, he said, it was not Frodo to destroy the Ring!
Ortherion was so surprised that it was easy for Aragorn to make him lose the sword. Rattling loudly it hit the ground and Otherion was panting.
, he said. That cant be! He bore the Ring and destroyed it in the fiery mountain!
Aragorn gave Legolas a sign who grabbed Ortherions arms. While Aragorn was stepping close and binding him, he said: Yes, Frodo bore the Ring, thats true. But in the end he could not resist the power anymore. He claimed the Ring. It was Gollum who bit off his finger, taking a step too far and falling into the chasm!
Ortherion gazed at Aragorn in disbelief. He had never heard of that!
You lie! he shouted. Aragorn shook his head.
No. I dont. Its the truth. So it was wrong to blame it all on Frodo. And how, he hissed sharply, could you blame anything on his wife? Youre mad to take her as guilty! Lets hope nothing happened to my friends or youll get to know me!
Legolas told a soldier to guard Ortherion, then they entered the building.
Gandalfs staff was still glowing, lighting the whole room and driving out the darkness. The wizard knew how to handle that. Beside him there stood Faramir and the Hobbits, Aragorn and Legolas joined him. Soldiers guarded the boys who did not move but only look at Gandalf, standing before the plate of stone. Pippin gaped at the blood in dismay, but the others didnt react to that.
Aragorn looked at many boys and then began to speak.
I think I dont need to tell you anything about Morgoth. I know, your leader who is dead now may have told you everything about him, but all of you lost control, being unable to do anything about the things happening. I dont blame it on you. You took Morgoth back to us in your thoughts, you heard him, you were corrupted. I didnt reckon that to happen, I never thought one could be able to follow the Dark Lord, but you did. Still he is not here in person! I do not deny he might have been here as he took Gordir, but hes gone. Its over.
Aragorn took off his Rangers clothes and the boys looked at him in surprise when they saw his kingly gown.
You nearly witnessed the cruel death of my innocent friend. Was that worth it? What was it to corrupt you that way? Be glad Gandalf freed you from the spell of evil. Or maybe even Bergil took it away by killing Gordir and saving Frodos life? Im your king and I will not judge now, but I want justice!
Aragorn looked at Gandalf who took the word.
ve been searching for something different than you have found. Promises, excitement, whatever it was to lead you here - it was too late once Morgoth only needed to reach out his hand for you. Now that youre in possession of your mind again, come closer to see what youve done!
The lads did as they were told. The eyes of some grew wide in dismay as they saw the blood and saw Gordir lying dead beside the plate.
Can anyone of you imagine that you all stood here half an hour ago, watching this man to kill an innocent halfling in the cruelest way imagineable? Youve all seen it and you wont forget it, that may be enough of punishment. And yet there were some who have not witnessed that, but have been down with Liliane. Who was that?
Most lads stepped back to let these approach Gandalf. They did so, but didnt dare to look at the wizard.
I dont know what youve done to her and I dont want to know now. But Im asking something of you and all of you: You may go and ask them to forgive you. They will if they can. And when you return home now - never forget that. Ask yourself what it was to lead you that way.
Suddenly Torgil stepped forward, kneeling down in front of Aragorn and hiding his face in his hands. He began to cry, he lost his composure and while many lads left the building, Aragorn knelt down to Torgil and told him to look at him.
What is it, my son? Whats your concern?
Aragorn was worried. This was a very young boy and he was still trembling in terror.
I let him kill my brother... he said, sobbing loudly and gaping up at Aragorn in dismay.
I cant return home. I let him die...
Slowly Aragorn understood.
So Toron was your brother?
Torgil nodded and shyly took Aragorns hand.
My Lord, I did things worse than everything else... I handed Gordir my brothers sword, I... I even wanted him to kill my brother! Hes dead now, hes dead! Toron!
He broke down. Aragorn felt so helpless, but when Torgil lost control, he took him in his arms and looked up to Gandalf who said: He needs your help now.
Aragorn nodded, but then his attention was drawn on Torgil again who continued, suddenly backing away. He felt ashamed because he behaved like that in front of his king, but Aragorn smiled at him warmly.
s alright, you dont need to worry. You experienced the worst things.
My Lord, it was me... it was me to... Im the youngest and smallest of all, they told me to... but I didnt want to hurt her! I couldn
Aragorn did not understand at first, but then he asked: What happened?
I didnt do her any harm. They ordered me to, but the Lady Eowyn came to rescue the little one. Still I nearly...
Aragorn swallowed hard. This was done by evil - so young a boy...
s not hurt? Aragorn repeated.
Torgil shook his head. No, my Lord. Please believe me. I didnt want that to happen!
Aragorn sighed. If that was true, he should be relieved.
Torgil, Ill tell you something. Youll return to Minas Tirith with us now and Ill lead you the way to Frodo and Liliane. You should ask them to forgive you. Frodo will be concerned about her. And then we will see what to do.
He was referring to Toron. Probably Torgil feared that he could never return home again.
When they all left the building, some of the boys that were still there bowed or knelt down as they saw their king. He was arresting Ortherion who was still in rage, but Aragorn didnt know yet what to do with him.
When they sat on their horses, Faramir let Gandalf kindle an arrow and aimed it at the headquarters. He let go of the arrow and when they left, they heard the fire burning and saw it when they turned back.
It was over.

The horses were galloping down the road that led through the forest. It was not the shortest way to the city, but there they could ride the fastest.
Sam looked at Bergil and his friends. He could not believe what he saw. Frodo was wrapped in Gandalfs coat, he looked terrible. The white coat was bloodstained and still Frodo felt only pain. The wounds were still bleeding.
His eye wasnt that swollen anymore, but his face was bruised and full of dried blood on one side. Liliane had placed her hand on his forehead, holding him tight.
Her dress was dirty and torn, her wrists were red from the tight ropes and on her throat Sam could still see the bruises.
They were alive. But that was it. It tore his heart to see them like that.
ll reach the Houses of Healing soon, Bergil said. Liliane smiled a little. She was leaning on him, she had rested her head on his chest and felt safe with him.
Thank you, Bergil, Frodo whispered tonelessly and opened his eyes for a moment. Bergil smiled.
re welcome, dear friend. I had to take you out of there. At least you, now that Toron...
He trailed off. Frodo looked at him again and coughed.
You... know it?
I have his sword. Aragorn found him.
Both of them didnt say anything. Frodo closed his eyes again, he loved to feel Lilianes warm hand on his forehead. She was looking at Sam and Eowyn. She was so glad that they had come. Without them worse would have happened.
She was thankful that Eowyn had freed her. Eowyn had just arrived in time.
Suddenly she was aware of how cramped her stomach was. Liliane took a deep breath. She felt only pain.
Weakly she closed her eyes and leaned on Bergil heavily. All her stomach was cramped and painful. First she was not aware of the fact that she wasnt bound anymore, but then she laid her hand on her belly and unexpectedly groaned quietly. Her breath went faster.
What is it, little one? Bergil asked. He had noticed that she was not fine.
Liliane looked up to him and Bergil saw tears. He took one of her hands. Finally he could comfort her!
Tell me, what is it? Is there anything wrong?
She sat upright and whispered: I have stomachache, Bergil...
He looked at her with big eyes.
Y-you... what happened? Tell me! he said. He was very nervous at once.
Frodo opened his eyes and looked at them.
Anything wrong? he asked weakly.
N-no... nothing, Liliane said, but Frodo saw the tears in her eyes.
Why dont you tell me? he asked. Bergil held his breath. He considered that feverishly.
What have they done? Why? he said. He didnt understand anything, he only knew that this might cause problems with the baby. His aunt had also had that once.
They did nothing... I dont know why, but... Liliane did not speak farther. Frodo noticed that she was cramped all over and raised his hand. Under a great effort of strength he stroked her cheek and laid his hand on her belly. She covered it with her hand.
m fine, believe me... Liliane said, but Frodo didnt. Still he had not the strength to argue now.
The horses were speeding out of the forest, heading for the city. They could not be stopped anymore, even the guards let them through when they saw them coming with the Hobbits.
Bergil bit his lip. He had not been a single second too early. Frodo would be dead if he hadnt shot and he didnt know what was wrong with Liliane. He also feared she did not tell the whole truth.
They rode through the White City and reached the Houses of Healing. Eowyn and Sam dismounted first, then Bergil and Liliane let Frodo down on Eowyns arms. Bergil and Liliane followed, but she was trembling all over when she had to take a step forward.
She felt blood and she didnt know why. She had a bleeding.
After only one step she lost the balance and fell against Bergil who held her.
What is it? Eowyn cried. Bergil shrugged, taking Liliane on his arms who was sobbing. Sam was distraught.
Together they entered the Houses of Healings very quickly.
We need help! Sam cried. Immediately some healers appeared and they all prepared for helping the Hobbits.
What on earth happened? one of them asked, taking Frodo on his arms. Sam and Eowyn didnt follow, but when Bergil let one of the healers take Liliane, she begged: Eowyn, come with me...
And so she did. Bergil looked at her and stayed out with Sam once the doors were closed.
s wrong with Liliane? Sam asked. Bergil looked at him for a while before he said: s got stomachache. I dont know why and what the lads did to her. But that she asked Eowyn to follow...
Sam closed his eyes and sank down to the ground, leaning on the wall. That could not be.
Suddenly the door was opened again and Eowyn looked at Bergil.
Go get a midwife, quick! Hurry! she said and Bergil did not move at first, but then he ran to find a midwife. There was one in the Houses of Healing.
The he returned to Sam again and sat down beside him on the wall. They could only wait and so they did.
At least they are alive, Sam said sadly, hiding his face behind his hands.

The healers laid down Frodo and Liliane. First they cared for Frodo, took away the coat and the youngest of them nearly cried out in dismay.
s that? Lady Eowyn, what happened to him? he asked, shaking his head in disbelief. Eowyn still stared at Frodo movelessly, then she said: He was taken captive... they wanted to kill him, but we arrived in time.
Slowly Liliane turned her head. Eowyn held her hand stroked her forehead. Then Liliane winced as she saw what Frodo looked like.
No! No, he didnt do that... no... she whispered and began to shake. Frodo managed to look at her and said: t look. Ill be fine.
Liliane began sobbing again. When one of the healers came to look at her, she first let him as he gazed at the bruises on her throat, but when he saw how cramped she was, shifting uneasily from pain, he wanted to lie his hand on her stomach which made her cry out in panic.
Eowyn said. Now she knew why Liliane had asked her to stay.
What is it? the healer asked. Why is she cramped?
s cramped? Eowyn repeated. She looked at Liliane full of sorrow and Liliane said: There... theres blood, I...
The healer looked at Eowyn helplessly. He could see none, but at once Eowyn understood.
s expecting a child, then...
Liliane was crying and pulled her dress up a little herself. Then they saw the blood.
A midwife, the healer said. Eowyn ran to the door, asking Bergil to find one. Then she returned.
Look at me. What happened? I mean, I thought I wasnt too late! Eowyn said. Liliane nodded, telling her that she hadnt been.
I dont know where it comes from, but... but please help me, the baby...
Now the healer was wholly confused. He had no idea what the two were speaking of, he only saw that there was a problem. He asked Eowyn to follow him. They had to talk about that.
In a far corner of the room he asked: s pregnant, but why does she have the bleeding?
Eowyn shrugged helplessly. I dont know! I thought Id come before anyone could touch her, but now Im not sure anymore!
They didnt speak farther since the midwife arrived. Meanwhile Frodo looked at Liliane full of sorrow. He saw blood on one of her legs himself. The healers cleaned his wounds and bandaged him, but he didnt even notice.
Did they hurt you? he asked quietly. Again Liliane shook her head.
No... I dont know whats wrong!
Frodo couldnt believe it. But when finally the midwife came and looked at Liliane, she asked her and Eowyn many questions. Finally she knew that nobody had hurt Liliane, but she had been terribly afraid and was shocked by everything.
You must stay in bed, lie down. The bleeding will pass. Its because of your fear. It was too much. Nothing will happen now if you take care, then youll have your baby. It will be healthy!
The midwife stroked Lilianes head who gave her a thankful glance, then she left the room for a moment to return with clean white childrens clothing.
I guess these should fit for you halflings. Try them! You cant keep your dirty clothing! she said. Together she and Eowyn carried Liliane to another room and helped her change her clothes. She was so sad when she saw the dress that had been her present.
It was from Arwen... it was so wonderful, she whispered. Eowyn sighed, folding the dress. She said nothing, but she had an idea.
s return to Frodo. Maybe theyll be ready by now! she then said, taking Liliane on her arms so she didnt have to walk.
Frodo kept his eyes closed once Liliane had left the room. He felt how two healers were first cleaning his wounds, washing all the blood away, then they took some time to stitch the deepest wounds. First they bandaged his body and his wrists, finally they cared for his throat. Shocked by the bruises of his face and body they kept silent. He had been beaten up badly.
Was Liliane telling the truth? The midwife had said her bleeding came from her fear, but could he be sure of that? He had seen her fright. She had asked Eowyn to come with her. It had also been Eowyn to free her which was good, but what on earth had happened?
Frodo sighed. At least she wouldnt lose the baby. How should she ever bear that? She had endured too much already.
If she only wasnt hurt...
He had been petrified when he had seen the blood. That was it what she hadnt wanted to tell him. He also knew why, she didnt want him to worry since she knew how proud he was.
He was worried anyway, although there was no reason to fear anything.
The healers were just about to bandage his hurt foot when Eowyn entered the room again with Liliane on her arms. She laid her down again beside Frodo who was wearing a clean white shirt now. He smiled warmly.
Are you feeling better now? he asked. Liliane nodded.
The bleeding stopped. It will be fine, dont be afraid.
He was deadly pale. Frodo took her hand and she looked at the white bandage. There was no blood anymore. He looked so much better now.
Finally the healers were done and took them to a quiet room. Since they were so small, they laid the Hobbits together in one bed. Frodo smiled and asked for water, but he was also brought food by one of the healers.
Eowyn was sitting beside the bed. She had hidden Lilianes dress, but not laid it aside yet.
Suddenly Bergil and Sam entered the room. They smiled as they saw the Hobbits lying there peacefully. Liliane had leaned on Frodos shoulder and he had taken her in a loving embrace, placing his hand on her belly. There was no blood left, they looked as if they were ill, not hurt.
My dear Sam, Frodo said when Sam knelt down beside the bed with tears in his eyes. He took Frodos hand and pressed it a little. He was smiling through tears and looked at Bergil thankfully.
Would you excuse me? Eowyn suddenly said, rose and left the room with a last smile as she turned back. She had something to do.
Bergil and Sam stayed with Frodo and Liliane.
m so glad you are alive, Sam, I feared they killed you... Frodo said. Sam shook his head and wiped away his tears.
m fine, as you can see. Only a little headache! he replied, smiling happily.
Liar. That must hurt! Frodo said and replied his smile. Liliane kissed his cheek. It was so wonderful to be free again, be with him again.
She had mistaken him for dead when she hadnt heard him anymore, but he hadnt left her. Legolas had helped him and also saved his life.
Bergil was still sitting on the opposite side of the bed, looking at the Hobbits silently. In his scabbard there was Torons sword. He grieved for him. Bergil had been able to escape, so he was still alive. Toron wasnt.
He was a real brave hero, Toron Berenthalion, Bergil suddenly said. The others looked at him in silence.
Gordir cut his throat, Frodo said. Bergil laid his head sink.
You witnessed it?
In silence Frodo nodded. He would not be able to forget it. Bergil took Torons sword and raised it high. That was everything which was left from his friend.
But youre alive. Im so glad about that. You could also be dead, Frodo said. Bergil didnt answer, he didnt know what to say. Somehow he felt guilty.
There was silence for a moment, but suddenly Liliane said to Sam: I told him now. Actually I had intended to get some mushrooms and first feed my dear Frodo with his favourite food before I would tell him of the child, but it was a little different now.
Frodo turned to her and thought about her words for a moment, then he said: You wont tell me now that Sam knew it before?
Liliane smiled. He did. He found out about it and... yes.
Oh! Im disappointed, Frodo said, but he didnt mean it. Of course Sam would find out about such things, he knew that already. And now that he had heard how Liliane had wanted to tell him, he smiled happily and didnt care that it had been different.
It felt so good to lie in bed, finally being free again. They had forgotten the terror for a while when they were sitting with their friends. Sam told them about how bad he had tried to follow, but he had always fallen and lost consciousness when he tried to get up. Frodo laughed as he heard that. Sam was terribly stubborn!
Then Bergil narrated of his way to the city after his escape and how he had searched for them with Eowyn and Sam. The Hobbit was proud that he had Sting again, he had collected it once he had been free.
Suddenly they were startled by a shy knock on the door.
, Bergil said and Frodo nodded. It was Aragorn to come in, but he was not alone.
Here is someone to speak to you. Will you let him? he asked and gave way for Torgil. Frodos eyes grew wide, Bergil and Sam had no ideas who it was and Liliane stiffened for a second, but then she sat upright and looked at Frodo.
For my part, yes, she said, but her voice was quavering a little. Frodo nodded.
How are you? Aragorn asked. He was surprised how good they looked, compared to how they had looked before. There were no blood and dirt anymore, they were not afraid anymore and Frodo wasnt that pale anymore.
, the Hobbit said. They would talk later. Aragorn asked Sam and Bergil to follow him out of the room, but then he returned and sat down on a chair. He would not leave his friends alone now.
Torgil turned to his king, then he looked at the Hobbits and knelt down before the bed. The Hobbits could see that he had cried - so the spell was broken.
Please forgive me, he said, he knew nothing else to say. Biting his lip he looked at them and continued: I didnt want that to happen. Now that... now Im grieving for my brother the way you do. Im so sorry, I wish Id told Gordir to spare him, but I must have been mad... do you believe me?
Again there were tears in his eyes. Frodo looked at Aragorn in surprise, but he showed no reaction.
Yes, I do, Frodo said. Liliane couldnt speak. She knew he wasnt done yet. And Torgil continued.
Please believe me something else, too, Master Baggins, Torgil said with a low voice. Frodo could barely understand him, but he was surprised that Torgil spoke that way. Then the boy looked at Liliane who was not petrified anymore. She saw he was not evil.
Can you forgive me? I didnt want to do that, I didnt want to hurt you, but I didnt know what to do! Still I thought that everyone else would hurt you really bad and... Im so sorry!
Frodo looked at Torgil speechlessly. Still he only had a suspicion, but while Liliane took the hand of the sobbing boy, Torgil said to Frodo: Believe me I didnt hurt her! The lads told me to do it, they chose me, but I didnt harm her. I couldnt, she was so afraid and I felt so terrible because of that...
Frodo gasped. They had chosen Torgil? He was shocked.
he said quietly. Torgil nodded.
Forgive me, I felt so helpless, but nothing happened!
Torgil seemed to lose his composure. Liliane remembered how helpless he had been indeed, but she was surprised to hear his words now. He hadnt wanted to, she knew that, but actually he was right... everyone else would have hurt her really bad. But did that fit to what he had done before Eowyn had arrived?
She didnt care for a moment. She thought of the loss of his brother and the shock because of her, so she leaned forward and embraced him in a gesture of comfort.
I will forgive you, Torgil. I have seen what you thought... we should be glad that Eowyn arrived!
Frodo was confused. He didnt understand anything.
Torgil looked up to her thankfully, pressing her hand and smiling warmly, but at once they both turned when Frodo said: Wait. What are you speaking of? Well, I do believe that nothing happened, but what if Eowyn hadnt arrived? You would have hurt her, wouldnt you? Am I right? What would you have done then?
Torgil looked at Frodo helplessly.
I... I dont know, Master Baggins, but believe me, I didnt want that to happen! Still it would have and... and it would have been worse if one of the others were to do it!
Frodo managed to sit upright and shook his head. No. I dont understand that... do you excuse that youd have done so by comparing it to the others? Thats... I... no!
Wait, Frodo, Liliane said. Wait. You havent been there. Torgil is right, it would have been of no use for him to tell the others to stop. Someone different would have replaced him. Forgive him! I told you before that nothing happened, now hes here to tell you the same, why dont you believe it? I am fine, dont worry!
Frodo swallowed hard. He couldnt understand that, but indeed he had not experienced it. Of course Liliane was still horrified by the simple thought of it all, but indeed it could have been worse. She was glad that Torgil dared to come and excuse for it. She could forgive him.
I wont argue now about what you wanted and what you didnt want. I will accept your excuse since nothing happened, so its fine. And if Liliane forgives you, I shall do so, too, Frodo said, but he looked very unhappy. He was still confused.
Torgil rose. He knew he could expect nothing more from what he got now, so he rose, turned and looked back one last time before he left, saying: It was wrong. I know that now. Sorry.
Aragorn was still there when Frodo and Liliane looked at each other in silence.
s over, he said into the lurking silence. It felt like that to him - something had gone wrong some minutes before. Before he left them, he wanted to tell them something.
I arrested the deputy leader and the others went freely. They had enough. Once the spell was broken they were nearly as shocked as you are. Maybe there will be more to come to ask you to be forgiven. I dont know. Im glad youre here again. I could hardly forgive myself that I couldnt protect you before, but...
s not your fault, Aragorn, Frodo said quickly. re alive. The rest is evil doing.
Aragorn heard that Frodo was very impatient at once. The king decided to come back later.
ll leave you now, but the others and I, were out there in front of the door. Nobody will get in here.
He rose and left without saying anything else. Frodo gaped at Liliane, still he was silent and felt silent anger inside. He did not exactly know why, he was too confused.
Suddenly Liliane burst out in tears and clutched him despairingly. Frodo put his arms around her and sighed.
I... I didnt mean to be angry, he said.
I know. But you didnt believe me, I know that. You might be unable to understand why I could forgive Torgil, but it was the right thing. He would have done so, yes, I know that myself. But he had no choice, I know that. I have seen that he didnt want to, that was enough for me. Hes just a boy! Dont be angry. I know you are. But you dont have to be sorry for it.
Frodo sighed and made her raise her head, then he wiped away her tears and gave her a long kiss.
m so glad youre fine. My worst fear was to lose you. Theres nothing worse for me to imagine, now that we will finally be a family...
Liliane looked at him for a while before she answered.
m right here, Frodo. Im with you. You will not lose me. Youre the best that could ever happen to me and Im so glad its your child that I have. As long as youre fine... I heard you. Morgoth, this is what you said. What did that mean?
s another name for Melkor, the name that was given to him after the theft of the Silmaril. Only evil still calls him Melkor. He doesnt like Morgoth, so this was why I said it. I wanted to scare him. It was him who had taken Gordir. It was not Gordir anymore.
Did he do that to you? Liliane asked silently, pointing at the bandages and covering one of Frodos bandaged wrists with her hands. Frodo nodded silently.
I cant tell you. But you see yourself what he did. It was his revenge.
Liliane put her arms around him. She clutched him despairingly. Frodo remembered her words - she was with him, yes. She was sitting right beside him. But he felt he still might lose her. He had seen how scared she was and he knew it wasnt over yet.
I cant tell you either... she said right in that moment and he closed his eyes. Of course she couldnt - this was no matter of trust, it was a matter of fear.
But how should he be strong if he had no strength left? He had always found strength in protecting her, but this was before Morgoths act of revenge.
Frodo opened his eyes at once. He had seen Gordir above him. He would not be able to forget it either.
They embraced each other very tightly. They had nothing else left. But soon they laid down again, still keeping silent. Frodo wrapped his arms around her and was happy to feel her, but this was everything to be happy about.
Then, as he looked at her again, she had fallen asleep. He smiled. Sleep - this was a good idea, but he knew he would find no sleep.