Chapter Ten
The days and nights went slowly as they traveled endlessly. The moon's glow dulled with every night and the sun seemed to cloud over every day they awoke. Maeg kept her eyes on the East as the looming clouds seemed to spread further and further from its birth place. A cold fear snarled its icy fingers around her heart the closer they came to Edoras.
Maeg could see the hill with the Golden Hall far off on the distance, a glimmer of hope and relief filled her hollow being.
"Finally…" Maeg whispered to herself, the sun's rays glinting off the top of the building which caused her to squint.
"Yes, only one more days ride," Legolas muttered beside her, admiring it with his Elf eyes.
Maeg's body weakened with every step the horse took. Her heart slowed, her lungs labored, her eyes heavy with weariness.
I didn't know that child-bearing could be so weary… Maeg thought to herself as she sighed, her lungs seeming heavy to lift. Though, even with the thought, something tugged at her mind that something was wrong.
Maybe it's just all the traveling… Maeg thought, a panic fluttering her heart as she tried to comfort herself. She swallowed; her throat was dry and swollen. Her eyes fluttered in nervousness.
Her heart began to droop as fear curled its captivating fingers about her being.
"How much longer is it going to be?" Maeg gasped, her breath coming in short. Maeg cleared her throat, trying to cover up her breathlessness. But Legolas noticed.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his hand encircling Maeg's which held the horn of the saddle. He looked up into her face which she lowered trying to hide her expression.
"Yes, quite all right, just tired is all," Maeg said quickly, smiling. Legolas did not seem to have bought her fake smile and reassuring words, but he didn't say anything to her, just went from her side to Aragorn's, who was leading.
What is wrong with me? Maeg asked in fright, looking into the sleeping face of Gwythilian. Something is not right…
Before she cold finish her train of thought, Legolas was back at her side.
"We will stop soon, and for the night. At Aragorn's request," Legolas said, taking the reins once again.
His request…please! A ranger requesting a rest? Absurd! This is my doing…how I long to be in the protective borders of Edoras…sleeping in a warm bed…eating food to my delight. Maeg's heart yearned for the warmth and welcome of Edoras, but she dreaded the distance.
Maeg sat upright, her legs crossed Indian fashion, Gwythilian lying in the circle of her legs. The moon hung low over head, the glow eerily casting shadows upon their faces.
The crackle of the fire was the only sound heard besides the low hum of the baby's breath as it slept peacefully. Maeg smiled, her heart constricting with love at the soft cheeks of the plump babe. She slowly traced the outline of Gwythilian's jaw with her slender finger, a tear sliding down her cheek.
What a miraculous soul! She is perfect in every way…she even has his nose… she choked on a sob. Quickly wiping her shameful tears from her face, Maeg looked at Gimli's back as he sat opposite from the fire. Legolas sat on the ground, his knees in the air, his arms resting on them. He stared into the glowing embers thoughtfully, his face wiped clean of any emotion.
Maeg finally set her eyes upon the lonely ranger who leaned on his elbow, staring at his hand before he threw the small stick, in which he held, into the fire. Maeg watched silently as she noticed the heavy slump of his shoulders and his haunted eyes.
He must be in so much pain…suffering this horrible task to save Middle-Earth…for others to live.
Maeg tore her eyes from his form to see Gandalf lying on the grass, his hands underneath his head as he slept soundly, his chest rising and falling with his heavy breathing.
Sleep…yes, I must rest before the final lap of this endless journey… Maeg's thoughts screeched to a halt as a sudden stabbing pain hit her unawares. Her abdomen lurched forward, her hands clutching her side in agony. She gasped, trying to catch her breath which felt as though a heavy rock sat upon her lungs.
What is happening? What is wrong with me? Maeg cried within herself, not able to mutter any words.
Legolas jumped in attention when he noticed Maeg gasping for breath, her body trembling in pain and bewilderment. He leapt to her side, his hand grasping her arm.
"What is it?" Legolas asked, concern swimming in his eyes. Maeg inhaled deeply, the tension in her chest lightening, the pain subsiding. Her eyes filled with tears, but none fell. Several minutes went by as Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli sat in impatience as she caught her breath enough to form words.
Maeg swallowed hard, her heart slowing. She lifted her face to the three concerned ones, her cheeks flushing.
"I am quite all right, I just felt out of breath…most likely from child-birth…" Maeg said, picking up the babe which began whimpering with the sudden movement.
"I don't recall this from any other child-bearing women…" Aragorn muttered in suspicion, his eyes narrowing as Gandalf stirred from sleep.
"What is going on?" Gandalf asked hoarsely, his voice filled with sleep. "Can't an old man get some sleep?"
Aragorn turned to the groggy Wizard.
"Nothing!" Maeg said quickly, sitting up straight before Aragorn could form words. "I just felt out of breath…from child-bearing and the traveling…but I am quite all right now,"
Aragorn shot Maeg a scolding glare, but he kept silent as he plopped to the ground, his arms encircling his knees in a thoughtful gesture.
Gandalf looked from the silent ranger to the precarious mother in question, his shaggy brow curving up in puzzlement. He cleared his raspy throat and nodded, yet still timid in believing Maeg's words. He lay back on the grass and slowly fell back into sleep.
The sun was barely visible when the travelers awoke to start their last part of the journey. All was silent. No jolly songs of the birds or the whispers of the crickets, but complete silence. The travelers said not a word as they trudged through the grass and rocky hills of the plains of Rohan.
Maeg sat once again upon Hasufel, keeping her eyes forward, unwilling to meet the steady gaze of the all-knowing Elf beside her. She knew she didn't convince them of her tale, but Maeg felt uneasy of even herself believing what she thought was true.
I must have been injured in the fall…but I won't tell them…at least not until we reach Edoras…for I know that Aragorn will stop and not continue, and oh how I want real food and a warm bed tonight! I shall keep silent…for now…
***A/N: Well…isn't this an interesting twist? Hehehe. Review!!!