Chapter38
Three days later we were in Osgiliath. My heart had wrenched to see Frodo and Sam go. And my deeds of the past days were prickling in the back of my mind. I had given them extra food, water and a blanket, but I can only think of what little it is going to do for them.
Frodo was almost tearful at our parting, but not quite. And when he kissed me on the cheek, I could feel that he wished he could do more, but would not dare, with the esteemed Captain of Gondor watching.
Sam looked at me hard, after our embrace, and I could tell he knew something was up. He was just too good at guessing Frodo's moods, after all.
The words of warning to them of Gollum were heavy on my tongue, but I didn't make a sound. I would not change this story more than I already had.
What was I going to tell Pippin?
Not telling him had crossed my mind, yes. But he would be aware of everything soon enough.... And so I was troubled.
When Frodo and Sam were gone, I spoke naught a word. And kept close to the captain. I had a growing suspicion in my mind. And my tears salted the road dust when no one was looking.
The fighting in Osgiliath was brutal. And I fired many arrows, before being caught, and sent to a secluded barrack filled with the wounded and dying..... I suppose this is the beginning of my payment..... My debts are many....
OOO
Oh no. We have traveled six days. Far more than we should have, and we are approaching the White City. My stomach is twisting. I will see Pippin soon. The questions are flying through my brain. And my thinking is twisting around, and muddled.
Will he know? Can he hear my thoughts, so loud are they pounding my skull? Will the keen eyes of Gandalf bore through me until they find what I am hiding? I feel sick, and retch.
I seem to be doing that often. And Faramir shoots me a concerned look. Keep looking o captain. He seems more determined to get me to a healer. Thinking I have caught something in the barracks. Now he feels responsible.
And he should. Because he is. That thought strikes me suddenly. Heavier than a blow from a blacksmith's hammer. I choke back on bile, and pinch my earlobe with my nails. I can see the city gates.
I feel truly sick now, and I am desperate to get off of this horse. Get away from Faramir and his eyes. All the stares of the onlookers...I know that they know...
The Gates are open now. And we have begun to enter the city. Far off two figures hurry towards us. I feel sicker, if possible. I feel through my coats, and the map I have stolen is still there. The food heavy in the pockets of every garment I am wearing.
I have to get out. I have to. My heart is pounding in my temples now. And I can't hear the words that are being spoken. Then suddenly Gandalf the white is before us, and Pippin at his side. Gandalf's eyes widen a bit to see me, and he speaks rapidly to Faramir. Who nods and answers quickly.
When Faramir sees Pippin, he chokes on his words. And Gandalf knows he has seen other hobbits before, and not just me. Pippin is ecstatic. He asks the obvious question. 'You've seen Frodo and Sam?'
Oh, we've seen them, Pip my lad....my love. We've seen them. Then the captain seems to remember me, and puts me into Gandalf's arms. "She needs a healer," he says.
And so I squirm out of his arms. "I can walk, Gandalf." I tell him. I don't want him to hold me. I don't want anyone to touch me. I feel so, so..... Low. But that was a mistake. Pippin takes me into his arms, and squeezes me.
"I missed you," he whispers, as he breathes on my neck, hands in my hair.
And then I can't help it. I wrench away from him, and vomit on the worn, white stones...
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Author: Well, this is what you've all been waiting for I guess. And now you all know. If you are asking, 'Know what?' at this point in time; I pity you. For you obviously aren't reading in between the lines. So you know what you do now? Read the chap again, and then REVIEW!
Thanx, Kitties; and as a side note, yes, this chapter was supposed to be a little screwy.
Pippinsgal011890