Disclaimer: see chapter 1
Chapter 17
A few weeks passed since Elanor's birth. An atmosphere of pride and love filled the house. Rosie nearly glowed every time that she was with Elanor. Sam's joy spread through the house and it was inevitable that his joy spread to my general well being. However, the arrival of Elanor stirred my longing to be home with my family. I wished to be home, but every waking hour I spent running the house, never catching a moment to spend by myself or with Frodo.
On a rather mild morning in mid April, I entered Frodo's study, his lunch in hand. I set it on the table and said, "Lunch Frodo," before turning around and making my way to the door.
"Mira, please stay for a minute. I'd like to talk to you," his soft voice flowed to me. I neared him as he turned in his chair to face me. "Is there anything the matter?" he continued, glancing up at me.
"Not especially. Why do you ask?" I responded, taken back by his question.
"Because I can tell that there is a sorrow in you."
"Oh?"
"It's not much, but I can see it in you during the rare times that I see you these days. You miss your family, don't you?" he said, his voice not faltering.
"How did you know?"
"First of all, whenever you are around Elanor, your heart sinks and your face does not do much to hide it. Second, I've only seen you sad when your mind dwells upon your family."
"I never knew you could read me that way."
"There's a lot of things that I am surprised I can tell about people these days." Frodo stared blankly through the ground as he dropped his gaze. I could tell that his memories were returning to him as they always did. His head slowly lifted up and his expression had not changed. "Why don't you go see your family today?"
"I can't, I have many responsibilities these days that I cannot ignore."
"You have not had time to yourself in a while and I believe that Rosie can handle Elanor for one day on her own."
I hesitated in my response, wanting to see Lily again, but not wanting to let Rosie or Sam down. It was then that I realized just how much I missed Lily. Slowly, my head nodded without my mind coming to a full decision on the matter.
"You had best go so you can return with ample time to finish your chores," Frodo said as he turned back to his writing.
I left the room and went to the hallway, wrapping my shawl around my shoulders and exiting the house before I lost my nerve.
~*~
"Mira!" Lily squealed as she saw my face after opening the door. She ran out of the doorway and hugged me tightly. It was then that I realized how much I missed her. After a moment, her grip released and she stepped back, searching my face.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "Aren't you supposed to be working?" she asked, taking my hand and pulling me inside with her.
"I missed you so much and I had to talk to you again." I followed her into the front room where we sat down by the fireplace.
"How are they treating you there?"
"Very well as always, although the last several weeks have been very busy. How is everything here?"
"Good. Oddly enough, Father has been kinder ever since you left."
"How so?"
"His temper does not flare like it used to and his tone is softer."
Her words lingered in my mind. I remembered my father being calm and gentle before my mother's passing, but never after.
"It's good to hear that you're managing well," I said, snapping out of my thoughts. Raising my gaze, I saw Lily's smile and it warmed my heart.
"Are you hungry at all?" she asked, getting up to go to the kitchen.
"No, I ate before I came over here."
Lily was about to say something when the door opened with a loud creak that resounded through the house. A look of fear crossed her face and I turned to look at the hall towards the door. Before I heard his voice or saw him, I knew it was father. My gaze shot back to Lily, in search of a way to escape. I knew that being there would only anger father and worsen Lily's situation. She shrugged her shoulders and I knew I was in for something.
His footsteps fell hard as he entered the room. I dared not to look at him. Instead, I stared at Lily and saw a faint smile cross her face as she tried to feign cheer.
"Mira?" he asked, his voice carrying through the room clearly. I rotated my body to look upon him standing near the doorway.
"I must be going," I said lowering my eyes and raising myself from my seat. As I made my way to the door, his looming presence haunted me.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
My feet froze as I tried to take my next step towards the door. Slowly, I turned to see him. "I wished to see Lily."
"You should be working."
"They let me come over here for a short while." I knew it was not the truth, but I needed to get out of there.
"That's no excuse."
"What is wrong with the fact that they like me and allow me to have some time to myself?" I said, my head rising to meet his gaze.
"They are your employers and should not take too kindly to you."
"'Tis no surprise that you would say such a thing since you haven't liked me ever since mother passed away." I felt my blood boil.
"You have no right to tell me how I feel."
"They why else have you been pawning me off to who ever will hire me when we do not need money as desperately as you say we do."
"I've told you thousands of times about how much we are indebted to everyone around here."
"But one afternoon's work is not enough to send us into poverty. Besides there are many kind folks that would never let us live in such a manner. Tell me the truth for once and state your displeasure with me since it seems that my every action is a disgrace to you."
My father stood in shock for a second, but then his rage came barreling back at me more than I had expected.
"Because you are the cause of your mother's death. She was fine until you helped in the delivery of Everard."
"That was not my fault." I yelled.
"I loved her and you took her away from me." He neared me as I took a few steps away, knowing what his anger spurred.
"I did nothing of the sort. I was there and her spirit just fled her body, as if she let go willingly."
"Don't lie to me. You are still my daughter and mustn't talk to me in such a manner."
"I'm old enough to do as I please. The only reason I stayed here was to help Lily and the others. I care for them."
"Are you implying that I do not care for my own children?" He neared me again, but I was backed against the wall with no where to go.
"You haven't cared for me."
He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him. "Hold your tongue. You know not of what you speak." After staring me down, he shoved me to the side, causing me to run into a side table. It broke under my weight, the legs splintering and scraping over my legs. I hit the floor hard and stared at him, holding back my rage in fear of any further punishment.
"You had better be gone by the time I return," he said coldly, leaving abruptly.
Lily rushed to my side and helped me from the floor to the chair. I glanced down at my leg, blood starting to run out of the wound. "Let me get something to tend to that." She hurried into the washroom and came back with a basin and some cloths. Both of us stayed silent for a while. I considered all that had happened, knowing I could have left quickly without a confrontation, but my rage towards my father continually burned and I could not keep quiet when around him. I took the abuse at the Green Dragon and I tolerated the jeers of the men when they overtook the land, but the fact that he was family and persecuting me was more than I could stand.
After cleaning out the rather minor scrape, Lily began to wrap it with a cloth. "I guess we won't be seeing you much," she said softly, averting her gaze.
"I suppose so." I paused for a moment, unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry for all of this. It was a mistake to come over."
"It wasn't a mistake. I enjoyed it."
"I did too," I replied as she finished tucking the last corner into the bandage.
"You should probably change that every day for a while." She lifted herself from her hands and knees and then took the basin away. Returning promptly, she smiled at me.
"I guess I should go," I said, standing up.
"You probably should. Are you hurt anywhere else?"
"Just a little sore from the fall, but nothing that won't heal soon." I smiled, trying to lighten the mood, but we both knew that I had to leave before our father returned.
Lily hugged me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling remorse as I knew it was the last time I could see her for a while. I let go first and her grip quickly eased as well. Slowly, I neared the door, turning to her and waving slowly before leaving.
~*~
I opened the door to Bag End and entered slowly, hanging my shawl in its spot. I picked up my apron and tied it about my waist, heading to the kitchen, each step causing a slight twinge of pain in my leg. It had not occurred to me how much time had actually passed while I was home.
"Where have you been?" Rosie asked, coming to me in a panic. "I've been looking all over for you to start dinner. Elanor's been fussy all afternoon."
"I'm sorry-" I started, but she cut me off quickly.
"Sorry does not excuse your absence, now tell me where you were."
"I visited my sister."
"Why didn't you inform me of this. I needed you here. You cannot leave as you wish anymore, there's more to be taken care of."
"I already said that I am quite sorry," I said, trying to choose my next words carefully.
"Mira, I did not think you for being one so irresponsible," Sam said. I looked past Rosie to see him sitting at the table with Elanor in his arms. His disappointment in me was clearly written on his face.
"It was not all her fault," a soft voice carried through the kitchen. I turned to see Frodo entering the kitchen through the other hallway. Rosie and Sam both looked at him in confusion.
With a sigh, he continued. "I saw her discontent and suggested that she visit her sister."
"But you know Rosie needs her, Mr. Frodo." Sam said.
"I understand that, but I figured that one afternoon would not hurt."
"It's all right, I guess no real harm was done." Rosie said, returning to the table. Frodo took his place at the table and I took up my duties of serving the rest of the meal.
That evening as I was heading to my room to turn in for the night, I passed Frodo's study and knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," he said. I entered the room and stayed in the doorway as he turned around to see me. "You can come in further than that if you wish."
"I only wished to thank you for standing up for me back there."
"It was nothing since it was mostly my fault that you were in trouble."
"But I should have had the sense to stay here, where I was needed. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I must get my sleep for I have a lot to do to make up for my actions today." Before he could say anything, I left and closed the door. I went to my room and changed into my nightclothes, laying awake for a while thinking about the rage in my father and then dwelling upon the disappointment I had seen in Rosie and Sam. Because they were usually cheerful and happy, I did not like being the cause of their sorrow. I never wanted to see it in them again. My mind drew to a troubled sleep as I continued to ponder upon such occurrences through the day.
~*~*~*~
I hope that chapter explained a few things for everyone. As always, I have no idea when I'll get the next chapter up. Have fun ;) Thanks for all the reviews and it's nice to see some new readers.
Linriel: the anniversary of shelob's attack was in chapter 14. As for Frodo being pretty friendly to Mira, she's helping relieve the sorrow that haunts him and he wants to repay her someway. I know you intend to help and I appreciate it.
Lonemirage: thanks for posting! sorry to hear that it wouldn't let you on earlier though.
Firefly: as I've said before, I'm still not sure whether or not this is going to evolve into a romance. I don't know about angst either. Both ideas are possibilities, but the story is kinda running on it's own and I have some idea where it is going.
Bex: yeah, I was scolded a little for the anachronisms, and it took me a while to get into the full mindset of old english type speaking and sorts. This is my first Lord of the Rings fic as opposed to modern day ones so the shift took a little while.
Elven-Star-Jewel: I'm not going to tell what happens in the end. I'll be mean and evil and make you wait. ;)
Chapter 17
A few weeks passed since Elanor's birth. An atmosphere of pride and love filled the house. Rosie nearly glowed every time that she was with Elanor. Sam's joy spread through the house and it was inevitable that his joy spread to my general well being. However, the arrival of Elanor stirred my longing to be home with my family. I wished to be home, but every waking hour I spent running the house, never catching a moment to spend by myself or with Frodo.
On a rather mild morning in mid April, I entered Frodo's study, his lunch in hand. I set it on the table and said, "Lunch Frodo," before turning around and making my way to the door.
"Mira, please stay for a minute. I'd like to talk to you," his soft voice flowed to me. I neared him as he turned in his chair to face me. "Is there anything the matter?" he continued, glancing up at me.
"Not especially. Why do you ask?" I responded, taken back by his question.
"Because I can tell that there is a sorrow in you."
"Oh?"
"It's not much, but I can see it in you during the rare times that I see you these days. You miss your family, don't you?" he said, his voice not faltering.
"How did you know?"
"First of all, whenever you are around Elanor, your heart sinks and your face does not do much to hide it. Second, I've only seen you sad when your mind dwells upon your family."
"I never knew you could read me that way."
"There's a lot of things that I am surprised I can tell about people these days." Frodo stared blankly through the ground as he dropped his gaze. I could tell that his memories were returning to him as they always did. His head slowly lifted up and his expression had not changed. "Why don't you go see your family today?"
"I can't, I have many responsibilities these days that I cannot ignore."
"You have not had time to yourself in a while and I believe that Rosie can handle Elanor for one day on her own."
I hesitated in my response, wanting to see Lily again, but not wanting to let Rosie or Sam down. It was then that I realized just how much I missed Lily. Slowly, my head nodded without my mind coming to a full decision on the matter.
"You had best go so you can return with ample time to finish your chores," Frodo said as he turned back to his writing.
I left the room and went to the hallway, wrapping my shawl around my shoulders and exiting the house before I lost my nerve.
~*~
"Mira!" Lily squealed as she saw my face after opening the door. She ran out of the doorway and hugged me tightly. It was then that I realized how much I missed her. After a moment, her grip released and she stepped back, searching my face.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "Aren't you supposed to be working?" she asked, taking my hand and pulling me inside with her.
"I missed you so much and I had to talk to you again." I followed her into the front room where we sat down by the fireplace.
"How are they treating you there?"
"Very well as always, although the last several weeks have been very busy. How is everything here?"
"Good. Oddly enough, Father has been kinder ever since you left."
"How so?"
"His temper does not flare like it used to and his tone is softer."
Her words lingered in my mind. I remembered my father being calm and gentle before my mother's passing, but never after.
"It's good to hear that you're managing well," I said, snapping out of my thoughts. Raising my gaze, I saw Lily's smile and it warmed my heart.
"Are you hungry at all?" she asked, getting up to go to the kitchen.
"No, I ate before I came over here."
Lily was about to say something when the door opened with a loud creak that resounded through the house. A look of fear crossed her face and I turned to look at the hall towards the door. Before I heard his voice or saw him, I knew it was father. My gaze shot back to Lily, in search of a way to escape. I knew that being there would only anger father and worsen Lily's situation. She shrugged her shoulders and I knew I was in for something.
His footsteps fell hard as he entered the room. I dared not to look at him. Instead, I stared at Lily and saw a faint smile cross her face as she tried to feign cheer.
"Mira?" he asked, his voice carrying through the room clearly. I rotated my body to look upon him standing near the doorway.
"I must be going," I said lowering my eyes and raising myself from my seat. As I made my way to the door, his looming presence haunted me.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
My feet froze as I tried to take my next step towards the door. Slowly, I turned to see him. "I wished to see Lily."
"You should be working."
"They let me come over here for a short while." I knew it was not the truth, but I needed to get out of there.
"That's no excuse."
"What is wrong with the fact that they like me and allow me to have some time to myself?" I said, my head rising to meet his gaze.
"They are your employers and should not take too kindly to you."
"'Tis no surprise that you would say such a thing since you haven't liked me ever since mother passed away." I felt my blood boil.
"You have no right to tell me how I feel."
"They why else have you been pawning me off to who ever will hire me when we do not need money as desperately as you say we do."
"I've told you thousands of times about how much we are indebted to everyone around here."
"But one afternoon's work is not enough to send us into poverty. Besides there are many kind folks that would never let us live in such a manner. Tell me the truth for once and state your displeasure with me since it seems that my every action is a disgrace to you."
My father stood in shock for a second, but then his rage came barreling back at me more than I had expected.
"Because you are the cause of your mother's death. She was fine until you helped in the delivery of Everard."
"That was not my fault." I yelled.
"I loved her and you took her away from me." He neared me as I took a few steps away, knowing what his anger spurred.
"I did nothing of the sort. I was there and her spirit just fled her body, as if she let go willingly."
"Don't lie to me. You are still my daughter and mustn't talk to me in such a manner."
"I'm old enough to do as I please. The only reason I stayed here was to help Lily and the others. I care for them."
"Are you implying that I do not care for my own children?" He neared me again, but I was backed against the wall with no where to go.
"You haven't cared for me."
He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him. "Hold your tongue. You know not of what you speak." After staring me down, he shoved me to the side, causing me to run into a side table. It broke under my weight, the legs splintering and scraping over my legs. I hit the floor hard and stared at him, holding back my rage in fear of any further punishment.
"You had better be gone by the time I return," he said coldly, leaving abruptly.
Lily rushed to my side and helped me from the floor to the chair. I glanced down at my leg, blood starting to run out of the wound. "Let me get something to tend to that." She hurried into the washroom and came back with a basin and some cloths. Both of us stayed silent for a while. I considered all that had happened, knowing I could have left quickly without a confrontation, but my rage towards my father continually burned and I could not keep quiet when around him. I took the abuse at the Green Dragon and I tolerated the jeers of the men when they overtook the land, but the fact that he was family and persecuting me was more than I could stand.
After cleaning out the rather minor scrape, Lily began to wrap it with a cloth. "I guess we won't be seeing you much," she said softly, averting her gaze.
"I suppose so." I paused for a moment, unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry for all of this. It was a mistake to come over."
"It wasn't a mistake. I enjoyed it."
"I did too," I replied as she finished tucking the last corner into the bandage.
"You should probably change that every day for a while." She lifted herself from her hands and knees and then took the basin away. Returning promptly, she smiled at me.
"I guess I should go," I said, standing up.
"You probably should. Are you hurt anywhere else?"
"Just a little sore from the fall, but nothing that won't heal soon." I smiled, trying to lighten the mood, but we both knew that I had to leave before our father returned.
Lily hugged me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling remorse as I knew it was the last time I could see her for a while. I let go first and her grip quickly eased as well. Slowly, I neared the door, turning to her and waving slowly before leaving.
~*~
I opened the door to Bag End and entered slowly, hanging my shawl in its spot. I picked up my apron and tied it about my waist, heading to the kitchen, each step causing a slight twinge of pain in my leg. It had not occurred to me how much time had actually passed while I was home.
"Where have you been?" Rosie asked, coming to me in a panic. "I've been looking all over for you to start dinner. Elanor's been fussy all afternoon."
"I'm sorry-" I started, but she cut me off quickly.
"Sorry does not excuse your absence, now tell me where you were."
"I visited my sister."
"Why didn't you inform me of this. I needed you here. You cannot leave as you wish anymore, there's more to be taken care of."
"I already said that I am quite sorry," I said, trying to choose my next words carefully.
"Mira, I did not think you for being one so irresponsible," Sam said. I looked past Rosie to see him sitting at the table with Elanor in his arms. His disappointment in me was clearly written on his face.
"It was not all her fault," a soft voice carried through the kitchen. I turned to see Frodo entering the kitchen through the other hallway. Rosie and Sam both looked at him in confusion.
With a sigh, he continued. "I saw her discontent and suggested that she visit her sister."
"But you know Rosie needs her, Mr. Frodo." Sam said.
"I understand that, but I figured that one afternoon would not hurt."
"It's all right, I guess no real harm was done." Rosie said, returning to the table. Frodo took his place at the table and I took up my duties of serving the rest of the meal.
That evening as I was heading to my room to turn in for the night, I passed Frodo's study and knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," he said. I entered the room and stayed in the doorway as he turned around to see me. "You can come in further than that if you wish."
"I only wished to thank you for standing up for me back there."
"It was nothing since it was mostly my fault that you were in trouble."
"But I should have had the sense to stay here, where I was needed. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I must get my sleep for I have a lot to do to make up for my actions today." Before he could say anything, I left and closed the door. I went to my room and changed into my nightclothes, laying awake for a while thinking about the rage in my father and then dwelling upon the disappointment I had seen in Rosie and Sam. Because they were usually cheerful and happy, I did not like being the cause of their sorrow. I never wanted to see it in them again. My mind drew to a troubled sleep as I continued to ponder upon such occurrences through the day.
~*~*~*~
I hope that chapter explained a few things for everyone. As always, I have no idea when I'll get the next chapter up. Have fun ;) Thanks for all the reviews and it's nice to see some new readers.
Linriel: the anniversary of shelob's attack was in chapter 14. As for Frodo being pretty friendly to Mira, she's helping relieve the sorrow that haunts him and he wants to repay her someway. I know you intend to help and I appreciate it.
Lonemirage: thanks for posting! sorry to hear that it wouldn't let you on earlier though.
Firefly: as I've said before, I'm still not sure whether or not this is going to evolve into a romance. I don't know about angst either. Both ideas are possibilities, but the story is kinda running on it's own and I have some idea where it is going.
Bex: yeah, I was scolded a little for the anachronisms, and it took me a while to get into the full mindset of old english type speaking and sorts. This is my first Lord of the Rings fic as opposed to modern day ones so the shift took a little while.
Elven-Star-Jewel: I'm not going to tell what happens in the end. I'll be mean and evil and make you wait. ;)
