Chapter Thirteen
The warmth of the water that hugged her slim body felt like silk caressing her skin. Maeg sighed with relief as she laid her head upon the rim of the large tin tub which stood in the corner of her room. The steam of the water warmed her face. Smiling in satisfaction, Maeg rubbed her arms, watching as the dirt dripped from her and fell into the clean water. The bubbles tickled her shoulders and cheeks as she dipped her head into the water, running her hands through her hair. The softness of her golden hair was revealed as the sticky and dried dirt drifted from within her locks. Sitting up, Maeg reached for a white robe which lay on a small stool which stood next to the tub. She wrapped herself inside the downy softness and hugged herself.
This feels like heaven! Maeg thought in bliss as she twirled around on the rug which massaged her blistered feet.
Her dripping hair lay upon her shoulders, wetting the robe. Pulling her back, Maeg bent to retrieve her old dress which looked as though it had come form a mud pit. Something caught her eye as she lifted her dress, and she noticed the leather and rope which had bound her feet before. She smiled as she remembered Aragorn kneeling before her, his strong hands gently wrapping them about her ankles. Her heart fluttered and her cheeks warmed.
"This is silly," Maeg scolded her self as she picked the leather up from the ground as well. She set them by the door, for Eowyn had notified her that she would come and take them to be cleaned.
As she made her way to the large bed, which held little Gwythilian, her head seemed to become heavy, and the room began spinning uncontrollably. Swaying, Maeg fell to her knees and held her head with her shaking hands. Breathing deeply, Maeg closed her eyes tightly, as the room became steady once again. Opening her eyes, Maeg swallowed hard.
What was that about? Maeg wondered, her heart thumping wildly.
Still on her knees, Maeg heard the door creak open and then a sudden gasp. Eowyn had entered and flew to her side, her skirts splayed upon the floor as she grabbed Maeg's arms.
"Are you all right?" Eowyn asked, her breath shallow. "You look so pale!" Eowyn's eyes filled with concern when Maeg looked up. Her face was as white as the flowers which sat beside her bed. Her eyes were red and she had dark circles beneath them.
"I…" Maeg began, but she couldn't catch her breath. Her heart continued to beat wildly and her breathing quickened. Maeg panicked and grabbed for Eowyn's arm, tears spilling from her eyes.
"Oh dear," Eowyn whispered frantically. "Let's get you into bed,"
Eowyn's arm slipped about Maeg's waist and she slowly lifted her from the floor. Gradually, they took small steps closer to the bed, and with every step, Maeg whimpered as though in pain. Eowyn's heart hammered within her breast and tears burned her eyes, but she refused to show Maeg she was as scared as she was. Lowering Maeg onto the bed, Eowyn took the quilt and pulled it over Maeg to her chin.
"I am going to find help," Eowyn whispered lovingly as she caressed Maeg's forehead. Smiling, Eowyn stepped back from the bed. As soon as she was out the door, Eowyn lifted her skirts and sprinted down the hall.
***
Gandalf sat on a long wooden bench, his hand upon his knee as he blew upon his pipe. The dining hall was long but empty, but he still sat at the long table. His thoughts clouded his mind as he puffed smoke rings into the air which hovered above his white head.
His heart constricted when his thoughts roamed to the moment he met up with Aragorn. The memory flashed before his eyes, and he remembered the frightened look upon the woman's face when she stepped forward. He closed his eyes in remorse as he saw her fly off the rocky edge.
Darkness surrounded him when he lingered on that memory, and he shook it off as he heard the dining hall door creak open with haste. He looked up to see Eowyn; her face blanched and tears rolling down her puffy cheeks. He stood swiftly, taking the pipe from his lips. His bushy brows furrowed.
"Oh, Gandalf!" Eowyn exclaimed in relief as she ran to his side.
"What is it, Eowyn?" Gandalf asked in alarm. He took her elbow in his large hand in a grandfatherly gesture.
Choking back a sob, Eowyn spilled her heart.
"It's Maegraukowen, she is ill!" Eowyn said, grabbing Gandalf's arm and pulling him toward the door. "I found her in her room on the floor, her face is pale and she is weak."
Gandalf followed the distressed Eowyn down the darkened hall and into a bright room. The sun shone directly through the balcony, and the rays rested serenely upon the figure in the bed. Gandalf left Eowyn's side, who remained by the door, and dragged the stool to the side of the bed. He sat upon it and took up Maeg's clammy hand from the quilt.
Her eyes fluttered open and Gandalf's worst fear bit at his heart. Her eyes were blood red and her face was paler than the sheets on which she rested upon. Maeg opened her mouth, but no sound came out, only her struggle to draw in breath.
Gradually, Gandalf faced Eowyn, her hands twisted in her skirt.
"Fetch Aragorn, only he has the Healing Hands," Gandalf muttered hoarsely. Eowyn nodded and raced from the room.
***
The wind blew at Aragorn's freshened hair as he sat upon a grassy hill which looked about the village. He tore a piece of golden grass and balanced it between his lips as he gnawed upon it. He leaned back, resting on his elbows as he wafted in the evening air.
The sun was beginning to hide itself from view, and the villagers began gathering their children and animals. The hustle and bustle of the village peoples quieted.
Closing his eyes, Aragorn lifted his face to the sky. The dark loving eyes floated above him. The large red lips which whispered warm greetings reached his ears. The soft, pale skin surrounded by the dark wavy hair taunted him.
Smiling, Aragorn listened to her velvety whispers and loving comments in the wind.
"Aragorn!"
Lifting his head, Aragorn looked about him, his brows furrowing. Nothing. Sighing, Aragorn smiled at himself in amusement.
"She is gone…" he muttered, his smile turning into a frown.
"Aragorn!" This time it was louder. Jumping up, Aragorn looked behind him, and in the distance he saw Eowyn's figure running towards him.
Aragorn spit out the piece of grass and met her halfway through the grassy land.
"What is it?" Aragorn inquired, noticing Eowyn's puffy eyes.
Breathing deeply, Eowyn rested her hand upon her chest as she swallowed.
"It's Maegraukowen, Gandalf needs you!" Eowyn gasped.
Aragorn's heart dropped when he heard Maeg's name and he raced off toward the Golden Hall, not hearing Eowyn's excited calls.
Eowyn paced the floor outside Maeg's door, cuddling Gwythilian who whimpered in hunger.
Legolas squatted against the stone wall opposite the door, his hands resting on his knees, his eyes set upon the closed door. Gimli sat, cross-legged on the cool floor, his gloved finger running over the blade of his axe. Gandalf's murmurings could be heard through the thick door, though the words could not be translated.
"Why is it taking so long?" Eowyn exasperated, moving Gwythilian into a different position, hoping to silence the babe's moaning.
Legolas tore his eyes from the door to meet Eowyn's.
"Aragorn is a skilled healer, it takes time."
Eowyn rolled her eyes, not satisfied by the answer.
After several more minutes of silence, the door creaked open and out came Aragorn, Gandalf right behind. Eowyn stilled her pacing and Legolas stood as did Gimli. They all surrounded Aragorn, their faces showing concern and alarm.
Lowering his head, Aragorn cleared his throat.
"Maeg is bleeding," Aragorn muttered hoarsely.
Eowyn frowned.
"But I saw no blood!"
"She is not bleeding externally. She is bleeding on the inside, bleeding to…death,"
***A/N: Dun, dun, dun, DUN!!!! Wow, what a drastic turn of events…even though you pretty much knew in earlier chapters, but now it's REAL!!!! Review!