Sixteenth chapter: Their strength


He had seen her putting the dress away, the wonderful green one which Eowyn had given her this time. Liliane had put it behind many others things in the back of the wardrobe. Frodo didnt understand that, but he sat down on his soft, comfortable chair in the corner of his working room, looking all about and thinking in silence.
His things were all where they belonged. Nothing had changed here in Bag End, only the children had grown. The rest was like before. Before their departure to Gondor.
He remembered Rosies words. She had spoken to him and he could not stop to consider what she had said.
Liliane was ashamed. She felt guilty. But why did she feel guilty? She, Liliane, his wife?
He could not help but look at all the damage he had caused. The damage his past had done to all of them.
Yes, the Messengers were had been the ones to actually do it, but he had to always ask himself why they had done so.
He sighed. He had talked to Eowyn and Rosie. Both of the women had tried to explain the problem to him which they could understand, but he still found it hard.
Rosie was right. Liliane wasnt guilty, it wasnt her fault that the lads had had evil intentions. So why did she feel guilty?
He understood that he felt ashamed. He had to admit that he didnt feel different either. It wasnt much better what they had done to him. He had felt as helpless. But in fact he was guilty!
Of course he was.
Whenever he looked at her, he saw sadness in her eyes. They werent lively anymore. They were dead. Yes, she needed his comfort, but she did seldom speak to anyone.
Where had his beloved wife gone? Where was she? Could he ever find her again? Her happiness, the warmth of her heart, her love...
Did she still love him? He couldnt even be sure of that. He hated himself, so why didnt she do so? Did she pretend it or was it really love?
What if the only thing to keep them together was the baby?
He cried without even noticing. He didnt want a life like that. He wanted to talk to Liliane, but he couldnt.
But she had accused him indeed, asking him whether the whole matter was nothing to him.
Of course it was. Maybe even more than the quest.
He missed her. In thoughts he pleaded for her coming back to him, but nothing happened.
He didnt even have an idea where she was right now. Maybe sitting somewhere like he was.
Hadnt she been happy about her new dress? She had. And now she put it away. What was it that made her do so? But if she felt ashamed - most likely she didnt dare to put it on because she might think she wasnt worth it.
She had never worn it since she had been given it.
But he would go and ask her to do so. He had to talk to her, to encourage her... But first he had to understand.
He rose and went over to the mirror which hung at the opposite wall near the door. It had always been there, been there for years and for no special reason, but now he wanted to make use of it.
He took a deep breath and looked at himself. Movelessly Frodo stared at at his mirrored figure. So he looked like this, the one who had failed in everything.
He had failed in the quest. He would have kept the Ring.
He would never be married if Liliane hadnt made the first step. He had been too shy.
And he had been unable to protect her from harm.
There was only one thing he could be proud of. He would be a father. It had been his wish as much as it had been hers.
Trembling he looked at himself.
But did she still want it now?
He raised his hands, slowly putting the white bandages away which still covered his wrists. He had gotten used to that feeling.
When the cloths were removed, he looked at the healing cuts. They had been long and deep.
And they would better have killed him.
He hated himself so much, regarding himself as the one cause of all evil that had happened.
What did Liliane think whenever she looked into his face? It was marked by the long cut. It would always be.
With weak fingers he unbuttoned his shirt, slowly but steadily until he could see the cuts.
He had never looked at himself that way.
Gasping he bit his lip as he saw the scars.
How should she ever be able to forget it this way? She could forget her own pain because there were no visible wounds, but his would always remind her.
he whispered tonelessly. He hated himself so much. And this hatred grew.
Suddenly a picture of Gordir flashed in his thoughts and before his eyes. He saw his mad grin, dagger in hand. He had such an ugly face.
And he felt the pain again. Frodo held his breath and leaned on the wall weakly. He felt it, cut by cut and he could not help but look at himself again.
All those wounds.
Shaken by sobs he sank down on the ground. He looked awful. And this was exactly what he deserved. He didnt deserve love. The least Lilianes love.
Why did she stay? She stayed because of the baby. His baby. She had no choice but to stay. This was also his fault. His child.
He was everything but happy.
His sobbing increased, getting louder and louder. He covered his head with his hands, letting it sink down on his knees.
When Sam entered the room, he found Frodo cowering like that, crying his heart out. Before his feet there lay his bandages, he saw him sitting with his shirt half opened and weeping uncontrollably.
Without saying a word Sam knelt down beside Frodo, putting his arms him and resting Frodos head on his shoulder. Frodo clasped him sadly and cried even louder.
I cant stand it... I just cant stand it... Frodo whispered, interrupted by sobs. Sam closed his eyes.
I know, Master Frodo. I know its hard. But what is it to trouble you this way?
t ask. Just look at me and youll now! Look!
Frodo raised his head, staring at Sam. The stout gardner sighed.
These wounds are healing, Frodo! Whats wrong? You will be able to live with the scars. Nobody will care.
Frodo laughed bitterly. Sure. Maybe Sam wouldnt care. Sam had also been the one to endure his rough behaviour while heading for Mount Doom toilsomely. Sam had always been with him. He had taken his poor hand, as he had said, and known nothing else but Frodos pain when Gollum had hurt him.
My biggest mistake was to return, Frodo whispered and Sam saw new tears streaming down his cheeks.
You know thats not true! Why should it have been a mistake? This is your home which you have been fighting for - just as if youd have known what for. Your own family.
Frodo shouted and leaned back, escaping Sams embrace.
This is why its a mistake. Now look at my wife! Look at her, look at what its made of her! I know she would go and leave me if she could and I cant even blame it on her!
Sams eyes grew wide. He sat down and took a deep breath, considering what Frodo had just said.
Yes! And do you know why she cant leave? Because of my child. Isnt that great? And shes the one I wanted to hurt the least!
Sam stared at the ground. This wasnt true. Liliane loved him too much, she would never stop loving him.
re being silly, Frodo. You know that this is not true! She would never go! And you can be sure of one thing: Its not the baby to keep her here. Its you. She loves you! This is love, Frodo. Love means to never leave the beloved, no matter how hard times are. Its not easy. Yes, its hard for her, I see that myself. And maybe it would even be a little different if there wasnt the baby. I know shes happy. She will need something to trust in, to hope for. And to care for.
They looked at each other in silence for a while. Outside they heard the children scream and Rosie was singing quietly in the kitchen. Frodo envied Sam so much in this moment.
Yes. Youre not the one who... I... I cant even look at me myself, Sam... how can she?
re not only silly, youre also stupid sometimes, Sam replied impatiently and determined. Frodo gasped. This was new to him.
Yes, stupid, Sam repeated. Unlike you she knows that its not to be blamed on you, but the Messengers. And right now shes talking to Rosie again. At least she is trying to leave it all behind! Believe me, she needs you, not your guilt which you think exists. And your child needs a father. No hero and no one to suffer from his own imagined guilt. You are not guilty, Frodo! Would you please finally be a little proud?

Sam nodded. He saw Frodo wiping away his tears. With a sigh he considered his behaviour. It hadnt always been easy with Frodo, but he didnt know him like that. Of course it was because of Liliane. He felt responsible for her.
This was the moment Sam had been waiting for. Throughout their journey and all the time in Gondor before Frodo had seemed to be fine. Better as Liliane - he had tried to hide his pain, but now it burst out. It had merely been a question of time.
Proud. Youll be a father, Frodo Baggins. This morning Liliane told me how happy she is. Shes not only happy that she will finally be a mother. She is also happy that its your child. And it will need you, need happy parents. Believe me. I know its not easy, but you love each other and you will be needed. Think of the baby. Doesnt that mean hope?
Frodo did not answer, but Sam was right. Indeed the baby was important now. It could heal wounds, so many wounds... just by giving them the feeling of being needed, being of importance again.
They belonged together. He knew that. His worst fear was to lose her.
He had to see her!
Suddenly he felt the pride. Had he really believed the Messengers lies?
Still he found it hard to believe that there was no problem at all, but he knew Sam was right.
The baby.
He wanted to be proud!
Smiling broadly Sam said: I like that expression in your face.
Then he rose and left the room.
Frodo cried. Wait... Ill follow you.
He had needed these words.

Why have you been crying?
Frodo turned his head to look at her. He was lying on his back, had been staring at the ceiling, losing in thoughts. Liliane had laid her arm on his belly, feeling his regular breath. They had been lying in silence, unable to sleep, remembering the day.
In the afternoon Frodo had entered the kitchen alone and sat down next to Liliane, not saying a word. He had helped her and Rosie with the cake as best as he could, being looked at attentively. Liliane had immediately noticed that he had been crying when she saw his red-rimmed eyes. Like Sam they had heard him, but he had been the one to look after Frodo because Liliane had had the idea that it was because of her.
She had noticed his worries, but she didnt yet know why Frodo felt this way. Sam had told her afterwards, but she had not been pleased with that. Frodo had behaved strange all day, not saying much, spending some time alone still, thinking about something. He didnt look sad anymore, but neither happy.
Now that they were lying in bed and he still didnt explain the reasons for his breakdown, Liliane grew impatient and finally decided to ask him.
Frodo pondered for a while until he answered. It was not easy at all.
Liliane, I... I... dont want to lose you. Dont let me lose you! But I feared you would... youd leave me if you could. I mean, I...
Liliane interrupted him. No, Frodo. How can you think that? I would never leave you! I love you, I truly love you.
Frodo swallowed. He saw it in her eyes, he saw that she spoke the truth. But yet he was feeling uncomfortable.
Do I not remind you of everything? All the ugly scars... and it was all because of my past, your pain was caused by my past...
Liliane shook her head and came closer, sighing quietly. She bit her lip and let her hand slip under his shirt, resting it on his chest. Frodo held his breath, but she did not stop looking at him when she slowly let her hand roam about his warm skin, feeling the cuts. It also felt ugly to her, but she knew it would pass.
It will not be more than a faint memory one day. Of course it reminds me of your torture and it also reminds me of my own. But your past is not you, Frodo Baggins.
Frodo raised his hand and laid it on his nightshirt, covering her hand under the fabric. He did not know what to say, but she continued.
You always wanted to protect me. You even wanted to protect me when I tried to confess my love. Theres nothing wrong to me in loving you, there never was. And yes, its your child because of which they wanted to hurt me, but still I want it more than everything else. Are you not proud?
She had also talked to Rosie about the matter again and although it was hard she tried to live with what had happened. Sam had also said that Frodo feared she wouldnt love him anymore.
It wasnt true. Of course it wasnt. She would show him.
Frodo smiled warmly and kissed her forehead.
I wasnt, but now I am. I have to be. Our baby will need us. We must not be sad.
They smiled at each other. They had finally managed to talk about it all. Just a little, but before there had been nothing.
The first days at home had been hard, but Rosie and Sam really helped them very much.
Frodo felt warmth spreading all over. It was the first time in months that he felt close to her again. He lifted himself up, supported by his arms, and smiled down at her. Liliane raised her hand and stroked his cheek. Again he smiled and then bent over her, being about to give her a loving kiss.
Lilianes smile faded as she saw him put his arm on the other side, wholly being over her, taking control. And she lost it. All of a sudden she felt so very helpless again, buried by the power of someone else.
Screaming in panic she pushed him away, backing away like he did, staring at him while breathing hard.
Frodo sat upright and answered her gaze in silence. The moment of relief was destroyed, the short time of returning closeness.
W-what... what did I do wrong? he finally asked when he felt able to speak again. He felt like paralyzed. But then he saw tears shining in her eyes. Very carefully he reached out his hand for her and she took it which surprised him. She clutched him despairingly, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around him.
He must not think that she didnt love him!
Easy, dear... dont cry. Im not angry now. But I dont understand, Frodo said, stroking her back. She was shaken by sobs.
I-it was like... like down... there... I lost control, you... You must not do that. I cant stand someone... bending over me...
Frodo closed his eyes. She was right - it was his mistake. He should have thought of that.
Oh, Im so sorry, Liliane! Sorry, Im so stupid, I... He sighed.
She raised her head and gazed at him for a while. Then she smiled through tears and came closer to kiss him. Frodo was surprised, but he answered her kiss gladly and then wiped away her tears.
No, youre not stupid, she said. But you must not do that. And I think its the only thing which scares me, but be careful, please...
He nodded and laid down again. She also laid down and cuddled up to him, hiding in his embrace.
re everything I have, he said, stroking her tenderly.
, Liliane replied and took his hand. She placed it on her belly, adding: s not only the two of us. Dont forget that. And I cant wait to be a mother.
Suddenly she laughed cheerfully and kissed his cheek.
May I tell you something? she asked. Frodo looked curious.
m the happiest Hobbit. I want your baby and youre the best which ever happened to me. I love you, Frodo. And you were so brave! Do you remember the first night in captivity?
In surprise he gave her a glance, then he nodded.
Yes. Of course. Why do you ask?
At first I was frightened when you went to ask the leader to cut your bonds. But I was so glad you did it. It was so courageous and it helped me so much. This was only the first of many things which let me know that I love you. And I feel so happy that Im loved by you. It did not make me stop loving you. It made me love you even more.
He could not believe what she said. But this made him lose all doubts in her love. There was truth in her words.
When she had fallen asleep, he still looked at her. She was so beautiful. And she was so strong.

Elanor was not pleased. Nobody could tell her anything. She had asked Liliane when the little baby would be born - but she couldnt tell her.
In early spring, I think, she had said, taking the little girl on her lap.
And will it be a little boy or a little girl?
I dont know that either. But I dont care. I think your Uncle Frodo would like to have a girl, a little princess just like you. Anyway - Im just happy that well be parents.
Liliane was right. Frodo loved Elanor, she was a cute little girl and little Frodo was still too young, so nobody could tell what he would be like.
But one thing was already for sure: Frodo was very cheeky. He couldnt yet speak, but he was cheeky whenever he could.
This was why he had the strange feeling of preferring a little girl, but he didnt really care either.
I want to know now! Elanor insisted. Liliane could not help but laugh.
m also curious, but you have to be patient. At least you will be able to, well, see it soon. Remember what your Mummy looked like before your little brother was born?
Ellie nodded eagerly. Of course she remembered that!
Suddenly Rosie entered the room. She had come down the hallway and heard them speaking. The subject was the interesting thing.
I have good news for you, she said and sat down beside her daughter and Liliane. They both looked at her expectantly.
You will have another sibling next year, my dear Ellie!
Liliane looked at her and smiled, then she embraced her happily.
s wonderful! But careful, this means two happy fathers pesting us...
They laughed. Indeed Sam and Frodo both were incredibly happy and didnt want to miss a single day concerning their children. As long as they werent born, they both were too worried about everything.
Yes. And Sam doesnt get enough - its the third child and he still acts as he did with the first!
Liliane understood what Rosie was talking about. Frodo was equally impatient and couldnt wait to be a father.
Elanor was so proud that she rose and left her mother and Liliane. First she ran to Sam and embraced him.
I will finally have little siblings to play with! she cried in excitement. She wasnt jealous of her brother, she liked to have him, quarrel with him and play with him. And there would be the baby of uncle and aunt and another baby sibling...
Uncle Frodo? she exclaimed when she entered Bag End again. Sam had been in the garden and Elanor knew she would find her uncle inside the smial in his working room.
m here, Ellie, she heard the faint answer. She had been right.
Frodo was writing a letter to Aragorn when she entered the room and jumped on his lap.
I will have another baby sibling soon! she reported proudly. Frodos eyes grew wide.
Wonderful! Did your Mummy just tell you?
Yes and... and Im so happy I will have many friends when theyre older!
Frodo smiled and kissed her forehead. She was such a lovely girl.
Does that still hurt? Elanor suddenly asked and touched the scar in his face with her little fingers. Frodo smiled warmly.
No, Ellie. The mean men didnt really hurt me. I dont care anymore.
re such a hero, Uncle Frodo! Auntie Liliane told me you always defended her. I also want to marry a hero when Im older!
Frodo burst out in laugher when he heard her words.
A hero? No. Im no hero, Ellie. But the mean men scared her. I had to protect her from them, her and our baby.
But what did they want? Why were they so mean?
Frodo sighed, embracing Sams daughter who leaned on him.
It was because of the journey your Daddy and I went on before. They didnt like what we have done and they wanted to take revenge. It was really scary. But your father and our other friends came to rescue us. Pippins friend Bergil was the real hero, he always helped us and he shot the leader when he wanted to hurt me. There are only my scars left.
But that must have hurt!
It did. Frodo nodded. Your auntie was afraid I would die, but as you can see I didnt. How could I leave her and our baby?
Elanor closed her eyes and enjoyed his loving embrace. To her it sounded like an exciting adventure, but Frodo was so glad she had no idea what he was actually talking about. Yet there was no reason not to talk about it. He knew it helped. He had already decided to talk to Liliane, too. This would be much easier since she knew what happened anyway. He trusted her.

He was breathing hard, wincing in pain. With weary eyes Frodo gazed out of the window, looking at the grey clouds, blown by the wind and passing by. He had woken up when it had been dark, very early in the morning, and he had been lying like that for hours now. With his cold hand he had clutched Lilianes which gave him a little comfort in his pain.
His shoulder had gone cold. A throbbing pain was tormenting him more intense with every minute. It would never let go of him. Every year there were two days of remembrance which did not pass. It would toil him to the end of his days.
Tears came to his eyes. He felt them streaming down his cheeks and he closed his eyes again.
It did not pass...
Trembling all over he remained lying there, unable to move and finally Liliane woke up. She looked into his deadly pale face, his bloodshot eyes and wiped away the tears from his cheeks.
My poor Frodo... she whispered and kissed him. Frodo backed away and shook his head.
No! I-its evil, be careful with the baby...
Liliane gave him an encouraging smile.
t worry. It doesnt do me any harm and it will neither do so to our child if I kiss you!
She put one arm about his belly and held the gemstone in her other hand, placing it on his shoulder. Immediately she felt the cold. She held him tight in her embrace and tried to warm him.
It didnt take long until Sam entered the room. He had been up for hours, waiting to hear voices and when he was sure that they had both woken up, he came in with some freshly smelling tea for Frodo.
May it ease your pain, he said and handed the cup to his friend. Frodo looked at him thankfully. Sam left the room again to prepare breakfast and served it to them, still lying in bed. Frodo felt awful.
t leave me... he whispered and looked at Liliane under a great effort of strength. Unsuccessfully she had tried to make him eat something, but she wasnt hungry herself. Liliane shook her head when she heard him speaking that way.
t be silly. You know it doesnt scare me. I will help you to bear your pain!
Frodo smiled and closed his eyes for a moment before he spoke again.
re really brave. Its a miracle that you simply understand it all... What would I do without you? Id have left the shores of the Hither Lands, never to return, if I hadnt had the feeling that it was a mistake. Now I know why. Indeed there was someone waiting for me to drive out all the shadows of my remembrance. It was hard to live normally again.
Liliane didnt interrupt him because she felt that he was about to speak of something which he hadnt spoken of before.
ve never before spoken of that. I couldnt. It was the most horrifying experience of my whole life.
He paused for a moment and closed his eyes, trying to imagine it all again.
I saw the light. I saw the exit of the hideous tunnel, I was making for it and only turned when I heard Sam calling for me. I couldnt see anything at first, it was all dark, but then I heard the rattling, bubbling noises again. She was right behind me. I raised Sting, trying to defend myself, but then I felt the pain of her sting in my neck. I dont know how she managed to sting me, but she did. And Sting fell from my grasp, hit the ground and I went to my knees when all blurred before my eyes. I was swaying and fell, I was lying on my back then and felt how some deadly cold spread from the wound in my neck. I lay like paralyzed - but I was paralyzed. She bent over me. I couldnt scream, nor could I move. The stench was unbearable. I felt the poison taking hold of me. I couldnt think anymore, but I remember my fear and agony when she began to... she... she spun me in cords, beginning at my shoulders. It was so much of relief when finally my eyes closed. I couldnt keep them open anymore. I wanted to die, I felt I was dying although I wasnt... and I heard Sam how he was wielding with Gollum. My poor Sam. Then all went dark. But it came worse. I woke up from the pain caused by biting claws clutching my arms. Lying with my back on a stony surface I froze and when I looked up I saw yellow fangs grinning down at me. The orc was binding me with thick ropes. I couldnt yet move, but he grasped my hair and hissed something at me. I dont remember what it was, I cant even remember whether I understood it. And then I realized why I was freezing. They had stripped me. They had taken everything from me. There were an orc and an Uruk, Gorbag and Shagrat. I faintly remembered their words of Barad-dur which made me wholly despair. They had knives and began to question me. They wanted to know where I was coming from and why, they asked me for my companion and where I had the precious thing. They kept it going for hours. I cant remember... I remained lying there for long. They were threatening with... they had a whip. Their prey, this is what they called me. The little rat. And Shagrat took me and locked me up in that room, shouting at me, talking of Barad-dur. I was asking myself where Sam was, whether Shelob had also killed him or if Gollum had strangled him. He was gone and so was the Ring. I had failed... this was torture. When they had questioned me, they had me lying like... like I was in Gondor...
Liliane held her breath. She couldnt imagine how Frodo had suffered from that. She didnt know orcs, but in Gondor she had seen pictures, huge pictures showing the battle on the Pelennor Fields with orcs fighting against men. They looked cruel, distorted faces they had. And what they had done to Frodo...
N-now I know, she said. Now I know why you didnt want me to know, why you wanted to protect me. How can you live with that?
Frodo smiled weakly.
Because of you, Liliane. Your love gives me the strength that I need. You showed me how to live a happy life. I have to thank you!
She kissed him.
re the saver of all, she said.
He had sacrificed so much. But he had also been rewarded now.
And the pain passed again.

The one to suffer the worst from your past is you, Liliane said and kissed him before she went over to the bed. Frodo felt better again, but this was no reason for Liliane not to care for him like the day before. She was convinced he deserved it and she wanted to let him know that she would always comfort him if he needed her.
She had laid down already, waiting for him to come to bed, too. He was still searching for his shirt which made her grow more impatient with every second.
m freezing. Will you come now?
Why dont you take the blanket to cover yourself? And why dont you tell me where the shirt is?
I have no idea where your shirt is, Frodo. I have mine. And Im waiting for you!
He turned around.
Waiting? For me?
Yes. Im too lazy to move, so will you finally come now? You dont need your shirt. I also like you without your shirt!
She laughed. She didnt care about all the scars which she could see.
Frodo had no order in his things. He had put the shirt away to some place where it normally would never be, so he didnt find it. But since he was marked by the scars, he was always eager to wear some shirt so that nobody had to see the wounds.
He was surprised that she looked into his face and not at his chest, but she had gotten used to the cuts. She didnt like the scars, but she didnt care because they belonged to him now.
All right. I obey.
Grinning broadly she reached out his hand for him and pulled him down to the mattress. When he wanted to lie down beside her, he suddenly halted and placed his hand on her belly.
s this? he asked and wrinkled his brow.
What do you mean?
Well, I... I just asked myself whether you have eaten too much or... or is this our little one I see?
Liliane looked at her belly and then she also noticed that it had indeed begun to grow round.
No. Thats not because of dinner... she whispered and suddenly smiled.
m jealous, she added. Frodo looked at her and it was obvious from his facial expression that he had no idea what she was talking about.
Well... youre paying far too much attention to our baby! What about me? Im enduring everything, Im sick because of it, I
Frodo laid down beside her and silenced her with a kiss, embracing her tightly.
re right, he then said. And Im the one who did this to you.
Liliane first didnt look at him when she answered: I couldnt say it was a mistake... and to be honest - I cant blame it on you. I dont even regret it! There are worse things...
I would dislike being sick all the time... Frodo said, but she shook her head at once.
No. Thats not what Im talking about.
Without any further explaination she kissed him passionately, stroking his chest and belly. Then she sat upright, pulling her nightshirt over her head and taking his hands to pull him up. Frodo hadnt expected that, but he did not refuse her tenderness.
He had been waiting for her to make the first step, it was her choice, and now it was the time. Liliane came closer, pressed herself to him and kissed him again.
re so beautiful, he whispered and carefully reached out his hand for her. She noticed that he was hesitating and said with a smile: t worry, its alright. Im not afraid.
Slowly he touched her and made her shiver when she felt him caressing her breast. They laid down again and he felt her stroking him lovingly. He returned her tenderness, letting his hand pass over her legs while he was kissing her. But then suddenly he stopped.
What is it? she asked. Anything wrong?
W-what about the child? Im not sure if... if...
She giggled. I see. It wont do any harm, believe me.
B-but I... it makes me feel awkward, he answered. Laughing quietly Liliane pinched him in his side and took his hand to rest it on her belly.
Well, ask for permission!
Frodo took a deep breath. re making fun of me! But Im serious.
I know. But you have the choice: Dare it or leave it...
Frodo hesitated for a moment, then at once he looked very determined and nodded.
re right. Were the ones allow things, its not the other way round!
She turned on the other side and looked at him back over her shoulder. He understood, took her into his arms and kissed her cheek. She knew best what he was to do and what he was to leave. He had to be careful not to scare her.
She gave him an encouraging smile. s no need to be afraid. But go slow, she asked of him and clasped his hand.
For a second Frodo felt even a little helpless - he had to consider everything he was doing. But then he just decided to let it happen and overcame his shyness, finally being so close to her again.
I missed you, he whispered. She knew what he meant.
I know. I dont feel different.
She trusted him. And he gave her all love that he could. Liliane felt protected in his arms, she lost her fear, she had wanted to feel him.
He did not let go of her again. In a loving gesture he covered her with the blanket when she had later cuddled up to him sleepily.
re wonderful, she said quietly and closed her eyes. Frodo smiled and stroked her belly with his hand.
It was fine.