Mr. Frodo spent the day packing for the journey. I told him that I would help, I almost like packing, truth be told. Leastways I can distract meself with it, always helped before. "You should never be afraid of an honest day's work" as my Gaffer says.
After arguing awhile, I finally got him to see my point. I'm starting to feel rather useless lately. I get tired so easily. I swear some days, all I've to do is walk from bed to the washroom before I need a nap. It bothers me to have to leave all this work to Frodo, I'm sure he'd rather be in his study translating, instead of out in the cold, packing the wagon.
I know that I have to be careful, now. A'int nothing I would do to harm our baby, again. I learned my lesson the last time. I don't think I've ever been as scared as I was after Frodo's birthday. Not even facing all the orcs of Mordor could've frightened me more, and no mistake.
I think it scared Frodo, too. He's terrible nightmares, he does. Not that he'd tell me mind you. I don't think he even knows that I've been awake most times that he wakes with a cry and jumps out of bed to check on me. What a fine pair the two of us make. Neither telling the other about our fears in an effort to protect the other.
I've plenty of fears, don't get me wrong. I would just never burden Frodo with them. He's had to deal with so much, already. I'm not about to add to his worries. I vowed long ago that I'd protect him, and that's what I mean to do.
After the wagon was packed, we set off through Hobbiton, and over the bridge. It was an uncomfortable ride, and no mistake. No matter how I shifted in my seat, my back still ached something terrible. I was also feeling very tired as I'd forgone my usual nap in order to have everything done in time.
I'd almost forgotten how nosey folk could be. I'd spent most of my time stuck at Bag End over the past few weeks. I've grown so large out front that my cloak had no hope of hiding my condition. I can only imagine the stories that would be told, now. Me, heavy with child, riding upon a loaded wagon, heading away from Bag End. While Mr. Frodo walked, leading Ol' Bill. What a sight we must have looked.
It was a long trip out to Crickhollow. I could tell that Frodo was frustrated at having to stop so often, so I could relieve myself. He never said anything, mind you, but I knew by the look on his face. I thought about suggesting that he try having a babe bouncing on his bladder for an hour, but thought better of it. The last few days, I'd been rather moody and snappy, if you follow me.
It was dark when we finally reached Merry and Pippin's. I was thankful when Merry offered his hand to me as I got down from the wagon. My back was aching something fierce, and I was cold and hungry. We'd only left Bag End a few hours ago, and I was already dreadful sore, and having second thoughts about continuing on. Rivendell was still two long weeks away.
"Come along, Sam. We've readied the guestroom already, and supper's almost done." Merry said cheerfully as he guided me through the door, followed by Frodo and Pippin.
The big armchair by the fire felt real good. It was nice to not be moving and bumping around. I was able to just sit while the three of them ran around gettin' everything ready. I felt like I should've been helping, but really didn't have the energy.
Supper was very good, Pippin's a talented cook, he is. There was so much food we four were stuffed to the brim by the end. I knew I'd eaten too much about a half hour afterwards. Little Lyndir started kicking up a storm. At times it felt like she'd caught hold of my ribs and was pushing out with all her might.
I'd closed my eyes tight, willing her to stop. Not that it ever worked, mind you. When I opened my eyes again, Pippin was kneeling beside me. There was a light in his eyes and he wore a tearful look of longing on his face.
"Sam … may I … that is … could …" he stumbled over what to say. I couldn't help but smile. He may be a wee bit naive, but least his heart's in the right place.
"'Course you can, Pippin!" I told him, taking his hand and placing it on my belly where Lyndir was most active.
Pippin's eyes widened as he felt the baby within me kicking. His mouth forming a little "Oh" that made the rest of us laugh.
"Hello there, little cousin! How're you doing in there? I hope your Mama's treating you well." He finally whispered to my belly, which made me smile.
"Oh! That reminds me!" Merry exclaimed suddenly. "We've a present for the baby."
He ran from the room, and Frodo's eyes met mine. I could tell he was excited by the sparkle in his big blue eyes. I would die a very happy hobbit if I could look into those eyes all the rest of my days.
Merry came back into the room, and I nearly burst into tears, I did. It was the most beautiful present I'd ever received from anyone.
"I made it myself." He stated with pride as he set the tiny cradle down in front of me.
It was so tiny, made of a deep colored oak. There was a small ivy vine that climbed, in carving, up over the ends. Inside the cradle was the softest looking yellow bedding that I've ever seen.
I could feel tears running down my cheeks when I hugged Pippin tight, and with his help, stood to hug Merry, too. I was glad Frodo thanked them for me, as I couldn't find my voice, if you follow me. It was all just too much.
After such a long day, and so much emotion just then, I felt very tired. I must have swayed on my feet a little because suddenly Merry and Frodo had hold of my elbows, and I felt rather light-headed. They guided me into the guest room and sat me on the edge of the bed.
After Merry and Pippin had said their goodnights, Frodo turned to me. I saw the little wrinkles forming upon his brow, which usually means that he's worried. That night was no different.
"Samwise Gamgee, you had better start telling me when you're tired, before you collapse. I will not have you worrying me like this out in the wild, my love." He scolded me.
I couldn't help but think to meself as he helped me change from my traveling clothes, "There he is. The Master of my heart, and I must have been born under a lucky start that he should love me in return."