Into Love's Arms

Heidi sat in a wing back chair in front of the fire with the others. They were waiting for word on Lady Arwen's condition. The doors opened slowly as Denise and Legolas entered the room. They had just heard the news and came quickly to wait with the others. Denise noted that Celeborn was not there. Sighing Denise sat on a couch and Legolas went to Aragorn. Legolas quickly distracted Aragorn by challenging him to a chess match. Everyone watched silently as Legolas and Aragorn squared off. Servents brought in wine, fruit, and tea before retiring for the night. Aragorn quickly beat Legolas and then Haldir challenged Rumil. The night wore on as they played, soon the sun rose and before they knew it it was early noon. The door opened and a young woman entered carrying a small bundle. SMiling Aragorn stood and took the babe from the servent.

"You have a son milord." the woman bowed.

"How is my wife?" Aragorn gazed down at his son/

"I...I do not k The They handed me the child and bade me leave." the woman reported before leaving.

Those words horrified everyone. Childbirth was dangerous business, women could easily die. Aragorn sat and cradled his son terrified for his wife. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost her. Standing Heidi smiled and kissed Aragorn on the cheek saying she needed air. She congradulated him on the birth of his child. Aragorn smiled and patted her hand before she left. Sighing Heidi walked upstairs to her rooms to find that her things had been moved. Chiding herself she went to Celeborn's chambers and found her stuff there. Rummaging around she pulled out her bag of gold. She changed out of her wedding dress and into a simple green dress and cloak. She decided to go to market to buy a present. She descended the stairs and found Denise waiting for her.

"I knew you would want to go out." Denise smiled and joined her friend.

"I want to go buy a present for Arwen and Aragorn." Heidi smiled and they walked outside.

"Me to."

They talked as they walked down the path and into the heart of Gondor. Browsing the bazzar's they selected several bolts of cloth, spools of thread, and lace. Once assured that the goods would be delivered to the palace they left. They walked and browsed untill they realized they were in a seedy part of town. Frowning they turned to head home but found their path's blocked by some disreputable looking men.

"Look at the purty whores." one growled.

"Yeah...must be our lucky day." the second growled.

Scared Heidi and Denise turned the other way but saw they were backed up against a dock. One of the men lunged for them shrieking they backed up but there was no where to go. Heid screamed as she toppled over the edge and down into the swift river. The men ran as she started screaming as the river bore her away. Denise threw herself down and thrust her arms into the river and grabbed Heidi's hand.

"Hold on!" Denise screamed as Heidi frantacly paddled to keep afloat.

"I'm trying! Help me!" Heidi could feel the river tearing at her trying to take her away.

"Someone please help us! Please! Saes!" Denise screamed as she struggled to hold on to her friend.

Denise could hear several people running to their aid. Three city guards ran up and grabbed ahold of Heidi and they pulled her ashore. Gasping she lay on the dock coughing and gagging. Denise slumped grateful that the guards had arrived.

"Miladies why are you down here? The entire castle had been looking for you." one guard said worriedly.

'We got lost when we were shopping." Denise explained.

Suddenly two horses rode up and stopped in front of the guards. Haldir and Aragorn dismounted while frowning at the women.

"What happened here?" Haldir asked the guards.

They explained and Haldir frowned and took the ladies home not saying a word.

TBC