Seventeenth chapter: New life


It was one of the last days of October. They were lying in bed and Frodo had nearly fallen asleep when Liliane suddenly felt something strange which she had never felt before. There it was again, the unknown feeling, and she laid her hand on her belly.
She felt the movements. The baby had moved and with tears of happiness in her eyes she took Frodos hand. He blinked sleepily and watched her placing his hand beside her hand.
Her belly had grown round a little more, it was already easy to be seen.
What is it? Frodo whispered. Liliane didnt answer. Then he felt the movement himself. He smiled and found no words to say, but he felt tears in his eyes, too. He couldnt believe it. It was wonderful.
Immediately he rose and laid his head on her belly. He was so happy to feel it.
Our baby... he said and when he laid down again beside Liliane, his hand remained lying on her belly. There were movements!
Throughout the next days Frodo always trapped himself again and again how he laid his hand on Lilianes belly, nearly crying every time he felt the child moving. Soon it even seemed to be kicking his hand.
So its also cheeky, just like his mother... he muttered. Lilianes answer was a sceptical gaze.
How would it be if you were always kicked in your stomach, Frodo Baggins? she replied and crossed her arms. Frodo laid his arm about her shoulders and looked at her in a way which made her laugh out loud.
When Sam saw them together like that, he sighed in relief. Now it was all fine again. They had no nightmares anymore, but they were happy. They couldnt wait to be parents. Frodo asked him whether he was also jealous that they didnt have the chance to experience it like a mother did.
s not just, Sam said. But on the other hand we dont have to suffer... and we dont have to give birth to the children!
This was also a matter of which Liliane and Rosie were talking one day. Rosie smiled when the saw the happiness in Lilianes eyes. She remembered the day when she had first felt Elanor moving.
s a miracle, she said. A baby is the most wonderful proof for love, I think. And I mean it. Look at the two fathers! I think Sam would kill for his children, for every single one.
What else is there waiting for me? Liliane asked.
Oh, if youre feeling like I always was, youll turn out to be very lazy once you cant really move anymore... I always wished my belly wasnt as round. You feel so plump then! Sometimes the birth is like relief. But its also the most painful thing you can imagine.

Yes. But dont be afraid. You will be rewarded once it passed. Its not impossible to do it.
Liliane said nothing for a while. She remembered how Rosie had been screaming when little Frodo was born.
But... but may I ask something of you? Liliane then asked.
Would you help me if its the time? I mean, you know what to do...
Rosie gave her an encouraging smile. Of course I will. But there will be no problems, believe me. Dont worry.
Later she also talked to Frodo, asking him to stay with her when the baby was born. Frodo didnt seem to be very happy about the idea, he didnt feel comfortable about it, also remembering how Rosie had suffered from the labour pains.
I will be with you if you ask me to be, he said. How could he leave her giving birth to his child?
Her birthday passed and also the days of yule and Frodo loved to discuss with his baby, always trying to trick it. He placed his hand on Lilianes belly, trying to escape the kicks of the child.
Laughing in amusement he stated: Seems to be a little stubborn! But no matter how hard he tried not to look at Liliane, she pinched im his side and said: Thanks, Master Baggins, youre amazingly friendly today!
In a loving gesture he stroked her cheek and said: I hope its more like you than like me!

It was a day in the beginning of March when Frodo sank down on the matress sleepily, taking Liliane into his arms and passing over into sleep. He found himself dreaming of his baby, how much he would love it, and reckoned nothing to happen when suddenly an abrupt movement woke him up. Liliane had pulled her arm away which had been lying under his, then laid it on her belly for she had woken up from pain.
Frodo sighed quietly and did not intend to open his eyes until he suddenly heard a groan.
He squinted. Liliane was was lying beside him on her back, having placed her hands on her belly, she was cramped all over and bit her lips, but said nothing.
s wrong? Frodo asked wearily and she turned to him.
re awake?
He smiled warmly and murmured: Are you fine?
Yes... but... but I think its the time, Frodo... the baby...
He opened his eyes and in the nick of a second he sat updright.
What? Now? The labour pains? I... what can I do?
He was fully awake now. His heart was pounding painfully, the blood shot into his head and he took a deep breath.
Ask Rosie, shell know, Liliane said and tried to sit upright as well. Frodo jumped out of the bed, nearly stumbled over the carpet and fell, but then he tried to calm down and not to panic. This would be wrong, he felt it.
Yawning he left the bedroom, crossed the hallway and silently opened the door to Rosies and Sams bedroom. He sneaked to the bed soundlessly and placed his hands on Rosies shoulder.
Rosie, wake up... wake up! he whispered until she slowly blinked.
she asked. What are you doing here? Let me sleep...
Rosie, its time, Liliane told me to wake you... the baby! he explained breathlessly which made Rosies weariness pass.
Oh well. Calm down now, its all right! Im coming. But you can go and fetch the little bathtub for the children.
Nothing else? Whats next? he asked impatiently.
Calmly Rosie explained that he should light the fire in the kitchen so that they could later heat some water. He should also go and fetch some towels and quickly Frodo did as he had been told.
With the towels in his hand he ran back to the bedroom where Rosie was sitting beside Liliane, quietly talking to her. Liliane had also calmed down now, she had been so excited at once, but Frodo was not calm at all. He also sat down on the bed, took Lilianes hand and from time to time he felt her pressing his hand.
Time didnt seem to pass. It was late at night and nothing happened for long, but the labour pains came more frequently. Nobody spoke for a while, but suddenly Liliane whispered: It hurts...
Frodo stroked her forehead and smiled in an encouraging manner. Rosie told her that it was normal and it wouldnt take long anymore until the baby would be born.
Liliane tried to breathe slowly, clutched Frodos hand and soon her pain was so intense that she cried out. Frodo was nearly desperate, he would have loved to help her, but there was nothing he could do.
It was very early in the morning. They had been sitting like that for hours when the first grey mist was to be seen outside, the sun would soon rise. A red light warmed the world and the sun sent its light through the windows. While waiting for the birth to proceed, Frodo leaned back, taking Liliane into his arms, and he listened to the birds singing.
Still it took some time. Rosie placed her hands on Lilianes belly and said: It will soon come, there will be no problems, I think.
Liliane smiled wearily, there was sweat on her forehead, but suddenly Rosie got excited and sent Frodo to heat the water in the kitchen.
When he stepped out the door, he heard Liliane scream in pain, but he reminded himself that it meant nothing bad. He turned and wanted to go to the kitchen, but he suddenly nearly collided with Sam who had been disturbed by the noise.
Master Frodo... what is it? Its the baby, isnt it?
Frodo nodded in silence and said something of warm water. Sam smiled.
ll care for that. Just go back, Ill go and warm some water!
So Sam went to the kitchen and Frodo returned to the bedroom, staying with Rosie and Liliane who was shaken by pain, but it wouldnt take long anymore. Frodo was trembling all over because of excitement.
Sam was not stirred by that. He stood in the kitchen, eating an apple and waiting for the water to be heated on the stove.
He knew what that was like. He just concluded that it was time when he heard Liliane screaming, but then he suddenly got nervous.
He would be the father of three children later that year...
He ran up and down in the kitchen and always felt for the temperature of the water, then took it when it was warm enough, going to the bedroom.
Liliane was leaning on Frodo who held her tight and Rosie tried to help.
Make it stop... Liliane cried and screamed in pain.
Sam was so nervous at once that he left the room for a couple of minutes, but he returned very soon. He didnt want to leave them alone.
Hold out, please! Frodo whispered into her ear.
His voice reached Liliane like through dense fog, she first had to consider what he had said. Hold out. What a good idea.
Again she cried out when she was taken by pain again. She screamed loudly, then breathed faster which should ease the torment.
Frodo was sitting behind her and had laid one arm about her shoulders. He was aware of the fact that she needed him so bad. She had clasped his other hand and pressed it when the pain grew too intense. Rosie felt for the baby and Liliane suddenly cursed her wish of having a child. Why had nobody told her of that pain before? She wasnt jealous of Rosie anymore. Rosie had been through that twice... and she would have to stand that again!
It will be over soon, whispered Frodo and stroked her forehead again. Again Liliane felt how the labour pains were to take her and she tried hard to push and end it.
Make that stop, please... I cant stand that! she cried and gritted her teeth. She was cramped and taken by pain again which paralyzed her. She could hardly think.
She was shivering. The pain was growing. At least the birth seemed to proceed. Her mind had gone blank completely. She tried to focus on Rosie who was looking at her with big eyes full of expectations, then taking a towel.
One last time she pushed and cried out loudly, but suddenly the pain decreased, the pressure faded, the tension shrinked. Liliane let go of Frodos hand and fell back into his arms. Panting she closed her eyes. Sleep... she only wanted to sleep.
Frodo was speechless. He had been so afraid all the time, felt her shaking and held her close. There was nothing else for him to do which could have eased her pain. He had felt so terrible, so sorry that Liliane had to suffer so much.
He could hardly believe how someone was to stand this torment, but she did, being so relieved that he was with her. Frodo found it hard to stand, he could do nothing, couldnt help her, even blamed it on himself somehow when he heard her screams and wiped away her tears. He could only talk to her, encourage her and wait.
Then it had happened so fast, Liliane cried out so loud and Rosie reacted immediately. Sam, sitting at the wall near the door, winced as he heard it, he also found it hard to imagine what that felt like.
Frodo felt sweat on his forehead, kissed Lilianes cheek when she sank back into his arms and then held his breath.
It was in Rosies arms.
Liliane didnt stir anymore, she only tried to recover and breathed hard, but then she heard silent crying, screeching, the small voice of a little baby.
Her baby. Her child!
At once she opened her eyes again and saw everything in front of her so clear. Rosie held a bundle in her arms and approached her.
Your son, she said. Liliane reached out her arms, felt she would die if she couldnt hold her baby immediately. She was still trembling and felt tears of happiness in her eyes. She was sobbing when she finally held her little boy in her arms, held him tight.
She couldnt have described what she felt. Big blue eyes were searching for her and Frodo, tiny arms were searching for hold.
Liliane was overwhelmed by her feelings. She still tried to understand what had happened when Frodo slowly pointed at the little hand with his finger. The baby touched it and shrieked quietly. Liliane smiled happily.
Frodos hand was trembling when he reached out for the child, wanting to stroke his head. The boy tried to keep his eyes open, he was guggling and Liliane didnt want to let go of him again. She could hardly believe it, she wanted to touch him and tenderly stroked the wet curls of her son. Her little boy. Finally...
Look how wonderful he is, she whispered with her voice quavering.
She felt so exhausted, but the pain was forgotten. She rested her hand on her sons head while Frodo was already fighting with him. The little arms were searching their way out of the warming wool, the tiny hands were searching for something to grab for. Compared to the small hands Frodos finger looked huge. Frodo didnt know what to think, he only felt joy.
Speechless they were, they were parents now and looked at their baby in amazement. With one hand Frodo wiped away the tears from his eyes to be able to see something again and Liliane stroked the babys head.
She smiled, then she turned to Frodo. Tears were still streaming down his cheeks, he was smiling broadly and looked at his son in wonder.
Liliane felt Frodo in her back, held her son in her arms and she was right in the middle. She was deeply moved to see Frodo that happy. He was a father now. She had given birth to his child. She was finally a mother.
The boy was quiet, played with his fathers finger and seemed to like the loving touch of his mother.
Frodo looked at Liliane and kissed her. His happiness was as big as Lilianes.
He still held her in his arms, he supported her, whispering: You were so brave!
For some moments they only looked at the baby and slowly understood that he was finally born, until Rosie asked: Do you want to give him a bath, Frodo?
Frodo hardly turned away from his son when he answered: But hes so small... I... I can
ll help you. Dont worry, theres nothing to fear.
Slowly Frodo rose, laid another pillow in Lilianes back and then took his son in his arms for the very first time. And it looked just the way it had looked when he had held little Frodo.
Sam was still sitting on the ground, feeling so glad that Liliane had made it. He knew best what Frodo now felt like. He was close to tears himself when he saw Frodo with his baby son. All pain from the past was forgotten. A new life had begun. The Ringbearer deserved nothing less.
s so... tiny, Frodo whispered.
Oh, come on, you know that! Well then, he wants a bath. Rosie laughed. But although they hurried, the boy cried when he was freezing before he was lying in the warm water, but then Frodo and Rosie succeeded in washing him. Rosie asked Sam to get a crawler.
ll need that now!
Oh... of course, Sam said and nearly collided with his children when he left the room. They had been on their lair before the door and now ran inside when their father came out.
Frodo was very careful with the child and hardly knew what to do with him. With a smile Liliane observed him trying to dry him, but it wasnt easy to first take the crawler and then dress the baby.
Frodo gave in. He didnt want to hurt his son, so Rosie had to help him, being watched by her children who only gaped at the baby in silence.
Then Frodo took his baby again and went back to Liliane, lying him into her arms.
s the most beautiful... thing Ive ever seen... except for his mother, maybe... he whispered and grinned cheekily. Liliane shrugged.
Forget it. I will not give birth to any other baby!
Frodo gave her a surprised glance. I didnt mean to...
You didnt mean to? I should have known this before!
Rosie laughed. May I tell you something? I know Frodo will, just like Sam, find a way to have more children!
The women looked at each other. Liliane was dismayed.
I fear so... she replied and then laughed. Frodo was confused. She did not even understand a simple compliment...
The children were whispering curiously and asking their parents so many questions while Liliane said quietly: Frodo, whats the Elvish translation of Samwise?
In surprise Frodo wrinkled his brow and replied: Why do you ask?
Well, Frodo Baggins, this is my idea... for a name, if you agree...
Speechleesly he first looked at her, then answered: , turning to Sam and smiling happily.
This made a dream come true which he hadnt even known of before. Sam had deserved that. Frodo had never really thanked him, but now Sam should know that his best friends son was named after him.
Rosie handed Liliane a cup of tea which she accepted gladly. Then, when Frodo had taken his son and sat down on the bed, he announced: We decided on a name. Sam, do you remember what Arwen once called you in Sindarin?
She called me Perhail, why...
This is his name, Frodo said. Our sons name. He shall be called Perhail.
Sam took a step back. Overwhelmed by surprise he leaned on the wall and tried to find words to say. Such a cute little boy... named after him!
And it was Frodos son!
He felt tears in his eyes.
Liliane looked at the two friends. They had such a close relationship and she knew that Frodo would be dead if there hadnt been Samwise. He was an extraordinary brave Hobbit, he was Frodos best friend and meant nearly as much to him as she did. Sam was lovely, so warm-hearted and courageous - Liliane regarded him as her friend, too.
She was sure that it was the best idea.
In the afternoon Liliane was still in bed, she had been asleep for some hours while Frodo cared for his son. The baby boy was quiet and sleepy, but around noon Frodo had to wake Liliane when Perhail was first hungry. She was happy although she was exhausted, her baby needed her and looked at her with bright blue eyes which reminded her of his father.
Frodo had not let go of his son again. He had carried him all morning, walking through Bag End and the garden, being followed by Sams children. Later he would sit beside his sleeping wife, looking at her in a loving manner. She was smiling in her sleep, had cuddled up like a child and sighed quietly when Frodo put his arm around her shoulders. Now her dream of a baby had come true. They were a family now, a real happy family.
It was in the afternoon that there was a knock on the door. Frodo had nearly fallen asleep.
What am I to hear? Frodo heard Gandalfs voice outside in the corridor.
Frodo murmured and rose, taking his son with him, but Gandalf was already in the door and Frodo said with a smile on his face: re on time, as usual!
Liliane woke up from their voices. She rose when she saw the wizard who entered the room, first having a look at the baby.
Liliane answered the wizards gaze who sat down before the bed on a chair. Frodo let him hold his son which let Gandalf smile.
He has your eyes, he said to Frodo. The Hobbit blushed.
, he replied, s as lovely as his mother!
Gandalf was moved by what he saw. There was joy in Frodos eyes which he had missed when he had last seen him. In Lilianes voice there was gladness when she spoke.
The wounds had healed, Perhail had healed them.
Gandalf had felt it was time. He had pondered about when the baby would be born and he had felt he was to arrive predisely in time once again.
He was glad Frodo had decided not to leave, but to return to the Shire. It had been right. It would had been relief to live in the Undying Lands, but this wasnt where Frodo belonged. He preferred the simple but happy life in the Shire. He had never wanted anything else but his peace.
It was so wonderful - Gandalf sighed when he saw the little family.

With a tormented groan Frodo turned on his stomach, grabbed the pillow and threw it on his head. When Liliane blinked sleepily to look for him, she only saw his arms on the pillow and his shoulders come out under the blanket, but there was nothing else to be seen of him.
Despite of her weariness she smiled and got up, shaking her head. The baby was still screaming, as loud as he could, was screaming without finding an end and the little arms were helplessly reaching out for nothing.
My little darling, whats wrong? Liliane asked quietly, she would have found her way to the cradle blindly - the fifth time that night.
Frodo had decided not to stir. He wasnt even sure whether it was his turn to look for Perhail, so he had chosen not to do anything.
He was relieved when he guessed that he had been right and when the screaming slowly faded, he sighed relaxed and closed his eyes under the warm pillow, but then he heard silent giggling and squinted.
You know it was your turn?
Grumbling he lifted the pillow and looked at Liliane unwillingly with one eye.
he asked and yawned.
Yes, I am, my dear Frodo.
Lovingly she nursed her little son in her arms who was sucking at his thumb and calming down slowly. Frodo turned on his back again and looked at them.
Please, tell me something: Why cant he just be a good boy and sleep? he murmured sleepily and pulled the blanket up to the tip of his nose.
Liliane just shrugged while stroking the babys head reassuringly. The little one had fallen silent again and was nearly sleeping when she laid down again with Perhail still in her arms, handing him to Frodo.
Now he did it again. Im awake. Why cant he just sleep alone? he moaned, leaned back on the wall and rocked Perhail in his arms, taking a deep breath.
Some sleep... not much, but a little... He didnt want anything else! But soon the first cock would greet a new morning and he could count the few hours that he had slept.
He envied Liliane for her sleep. She was able to sleep again very fast and even the little torturer didnt seem to disturb her very much. But he disturbed his father!
What had he done?
He felt awful. His whole body was screaming for sleep, but he couldnt even think of it.
Suddenly he felt a hand on his belly and when he looked down, he saw Liliane cuddling up to him, resting her head in his side and sighing pleasantly. With one hand Frodo pulled her blanket up to her shoulders and she smiled.
She was nearly asleep. Frodo turned his gaze up to the ceiling.
Sleep! Just a little sleep... the little one was asleep, Liliane was asleep - and he didnt even know anymore what that felt like. Sleep.
It had been like that for months. Or was it weeks, but he didnt consider the reckoning of eternity - weeks or months, who cared...
She could sleep.
But with all his uneasy thoughts he fell asleep some time later.

The morning welcomed them with the usual heat of summer which made everyone rise very early. Perhail had a similar opinion to that, although he had slept the rest of the night, he wanted his parents attention very soon that morning.
With his high baby voice he screamed again and made Frodo start at once. His son had screamed into his ear and Frodo nearly hit the wall with his head when he started, but then he noticed it was only his boy to disturb his sleep.
His pulse slowed down again and he rubbed his eyes yawning.
Yes... oh well... I know its not my turn, but... no, you cant be hungry! he murmured and was nearly tempted to scream himself and maybe even scream louder than the little torturer, but then Liliane woke and asked: What is it?
ve no idea. I guess hes hungry.
She looked out of the window and gazed at the dust dancing in the sunlight brightening the room.
Yes, its time, she said and took him which made Frodo immediately sink down again in his bed, hiding under the blanket. He wanted to catch some sleep.
This time it wasnt his son to prevent him from finding sleep. It was the heat.
I cant bear that... he groaned. Does that ever stop?
Liliane laughed. t blame that on me. The weather is wonderful!
But its been hot for weeks now! Frodo muttered and laid his arm over his eyes. Sleep...!
ll go leave the room now with your son, Frodo, so you can still sleep for a while. Otherwise youll be annoying all day.
Frodo turned to her and sighed. Sorry. Youre right. But... your son is killing me!
This is what I thought during the birth.
She rose and left the room. Frodo took a deep breath. He wasnt really awake. She was right - she never complained and she had given birth to that screaming plague. What reason did he have to complain?
He was proud - as long as Perhail was asleep.
But he was so tired that he immediately fell asleep again.
Uncle Frodo! Ellie cried, jumping on him. Frodo groaned uneasily and blinked.
re a pest, Ellie. Whats it?
Frodo wants to scare me with a spider! He put it under my blanket! she complained. Frodo laughed.
The young boy could hardly speak, but he had nothing else in mind than annoying his sister. Immediately little Frodo entered the room and Frodo again noticed how much the boy looked like his father.
he cried. Shrieking loudly Elanor jumped off the bed to run after her brother who escaped hastily.
Frodo pulled the blanket over his head, but he found no rest anymore, so he finally got up and went into the kitchen.
Good morning, Frodo! Rosie welcomed him friendly when he, followed by Sam, entered the kitchen. It was time for second breakfast already.
Rosies belly had grown very round, she was sitting by the table lazily and did not stir. The baby would soon be born. Sam was very excited, considering many boys and girls names, but he would still have to wait.
Rosie picked some blades of grass from Sams curls before he sat down at the table with his hands just cleaned, but his clothes were green all over. Frodo could not help but smile when he saw that. Even the worst heat of summer could not stop Sam from doing his work in the gardens around Hobbiton.
But Frodo also noticed that Sam was wet, he had given water to the flowers and liked the cool of the water himself.
It was the end of May and this years wonderful spring was coming to an end. Nature was blossoming freshly, but the heat which was already lasting for two weeks now was only particularly welcomed by the little Hobbit children who used to play near the little brook. The sun was shining from a blue sky and the warm wind touched the green hills of the Shire.
Elanor pinched her uncle in his side.
Fael was so loud tonight, she stated. Frodo laughed. Elanor could not spell Perhails name properly, so the baby was only Fael to her.
I know, Ellie, I noticed that myself. At daytime hes asleep and at night hes tormenting us!
Indeed the baby boy was asleep in his mothers arms and looked very content. Liliane didnt feel different at all. She looked at Frodo and Elanor and observed their actions. Frodo was a loving father to his son and a wonderful uncle to Sams children. Liliane knew how important his family was to Frodo. She was endlessly happy to be in Bag End. She could not imagine to be without him.
They had breakfast and soon were all gone. While Liliane laid Perhail in his cradle, Frodo had gone outside with his pipe, then laid down on the bench and observed the passing little clouds in the sky. But it hadnt taken a long while until he had fallen asleep with the pipe on his chest. So Liliane found him when she came outside with one of Elanors dressed which had to be repaired. She laughed silently and took the smoking pipe away, sitting down in the grass before the bench.
The sun warmed them and Frodo had fallen into a deep sleep. Finally. Liliane felt so much pity for him, for she knew how much Perhail tormented his father. It had been like that for weeks and she had often suggested that he just left the bedroom to sleep somewhere else, but he had protested. He wanted to take his part of the work - after all he was as responsible for the baby as his mother. He couldnt leave her with the crying bundle.
He was lying on the bench for long without anything happening. Sam was busy in the village, Rosie was playing with her children and Liliane laid down in the grass when she had finished her sewing. Her baby still seemed to be asleep, she would have heard him with the door open.
Before she knew what was happening, she also fell asleep. But it didnt last for long. Very soon it was that Perhail was crying again. Liliane yawned and entered Bag End.
This was where she belonged.
Frodo, having pretended that he was still asleep, squinted and smiled. He loved his family, but Perhail was terrible sometimes.
And he was a tired father.
m here, dear, he heard Liliane say, then closed his eyes again.


The End