Authors' Note: Well, here is my tenth chapter. I am so sorry that it isn't longer but I will try to lengthen my future chapters. I must thank you all for such wonderful reviews! They have really encouraged me to write and continue this story so thanks! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 10 Rumors
I rolled over on my side. Immediately I felt a wave of nausea overtake me. Oh, not again I groaned inwardly as I forced myself into a sitting position and threw off the covers. Every morning now, for the past week I had succumbed to nausea and became ill. It was near two months of my learning of my condition and near three months into the pregnancy itself. I had visited the healers the day before, but unfortunately they told me that it was just a normal part of childbearing and that there was nothing they could do. But only in the early morn did I feel ill and the rest of the day stretched forth, uninhibited by sickness of any sort. I went about my usual routine, cleaning and doing some cooking. Haldir had been patient, offering to fetch his meals in the dining hall instead. But that I refused, for though it would be easier on me, it would make things worse. I barely saw my beloved husband anymore. He was always delayed at the borders, staying overnight at times and not returning till near daybreak. At first I was terribly worried, dreaming up all types of horrible fantasies that invaded my mind during the deep night. But now, I was too sick to care. In a way I was almost glad that Haldir didn't see me like this, for throwing up every morning did not make me look or feel very attractive. I stood in our small bathroom, attempting to choke down a glass of water, hoping that it would clear my mouth of any undesirable flavor. I closed my eyes and let my breathing become steady once more. Oh how much longer would I have to endure this? The healers said that it should not last long as my case was not that severe. But then again, what did they know? They weren't the ones who were pregnant. I tried to regain my positive attitude by brushing my hand along my abdomen. The growth of our child had begun to show, even if it was just a little. I ran my fingertips over the slight bulge and smiled. The child was healthy and strong, growing rapidly in my womb. And even though a large child would make for a difficult delivery I tried not to think about it. I moved into the pantry, fetching some dried fruits and bread. It was early autumn, the heat of the summer had finally blown over and now the weather was mild and comfortable. The mellyrn leaves were tinged with gold and gentle breezes stirred there branches sending a rustling noise throughout the wood. I prepared myself a light breakfast. The healers told me it was essential that I ate even if I didn't feel like it. I was eating for two now, they reminded me, I had to keep up my strength. I was, however overjoyed at the excitement of my brothers-in-law. They were already planning on what to teach the child as he or she grew. If it was a boy, they swore that he would be the next March Warden, if it was a girl, they proclaimed that she would possess the beauty of Arwen Undomiel. I laughed at their wonderful, yet overzealous behavior. It was in these times of worry that they warmed my heart and promised me that all would be well. I never even dared to ponder what I would do without them. Other than that I rarely had visitors, though the Lady did send a beautiful greeting down to me, wishing me all happiness. I had remembered times before, when an elleth was with child, that there had been quite an excitement surrounding her and her family. Mayhap it was because I didn't have any friends or acquaintances, that mine was not as celebrated. But that did not bother me. I was just content to see Haldir, when I did see him that is.
My feet stirred the few dry grasses on the ground. I moved deftly over and around the fallen logs and brush that littered the forest floor. A jar was tightly clasped in my right arm as I headed back home from the healer's flet. They had bid me to stop by in the late afternoon to fetch some herbs that they deemed would help my illness. I had struggled to put my breeches on this morning, knowing that this would be one of the last occasions I would be thin enough to wear them. Soon I would be forced to switch my attire to dresses only, which did not upset me but did not leave me happy either. The sun was starting its great descent into the west and its rays cast a golden light upon the leaves, reflecting their own color. I had almost reached our flet, when the word "pregnant" came to my ears. I halted immediately, knowing that there was only one person being discussed. I stood still, straining my ears again for any faint whisper upon the wind and then I heard it. There were several ellith gathered in a glade close by. I moved over to further investigate, finally coming to stand behind a large tree trunk at their backs. At first, I wanted to move forward and join in on their lighthearted chatter, but still, something bid me to stay away and listen. There were but three of them, yet they all seemed to have much to say. The one, who's back faced me, seemed to be the most talkative.
"It seems quite peculiar to me, that the Captain would spend so much time away from his home, especially with his wife in her condition."
"That remains unknown to me. But it is strange that he is always in the company of that elleth on the guard. What is her name again?"
"Lintelin I believe. Does she not realize that he is married? She behaves so shamefully!"
"How so?"
"Well, she acts quite promiscuous around him. It is very shameful indeed."
"Does his wife know of this? Surely she would be angered greatly."
"Hmm, the poor thing is not aware. She has no friends, but from what I've heard from others, she truly loves him." This was followed by the clucking of tongues and the shaking of their golden manes. I swallowed hard and clutched the jar more tightly. So it was true, I was not just being paranoid or unjust in my first judgment of her. Lintelin was after my husband and I knew not what to do.
Elleth: Female elf
Ellith: Female elves