Emyn Arnen

8 Hisime

Dear Lothiriel,

Has it truly been a full two years since I became a mother? How quickly the time passes when there is a small child in the house. Before I married Faramir I used to lament how slowly the days would drag by, how long the endless months with nothing to brighten my life save for the occasional escape for a ride in the evening hours. Now I find that there are hardly enough hours in the day to accomplish everything which needs to be done.

Elboron is my baby no longer. You will hardly recognize him when next you see him. Even the change since your visit last autumn is extraordinary. Fortunately, I will not long lament the lack of a small, cuddlesome babe to hold in my arms, as I am with child again. Elboron will become a brother sometime this summer. Faramir's response to this happy news was, "I hope this time it is a girl," with which sentiments I heartily concur.

I hope Elfwine has recovered from the fever he had contracted when last you wrote. I am sending along with this letter more of the herbs which were so helpful when Eomer suffered from a similar complaint last winter. At least you can comfort yourself with the thought that Elfwine makes a better patient than Eomer! Unless, of course, he has inherited his father's tendency to whine like a miserable puppy when he is ill or injured and there is a feminine hand to comfort him. How glad I am that it is you, and not I, who have to deal with Eomer now. I fear that I rather lost patience with him most times, and so he is probably thankful as well that he has you.

We have visitors here, from Far Harad. They have stopped in Emyn Arnen on their way to Minas Tirith to petition the king to send aid to their lands. There has been a severe drought, it seems, since summer before last, and it has taken them this long to swallow their pride and come to us. I was tempted to suspect them of ulterior motives, but Faramir, who is an excellent judge of character, believes their mission to be sincere. There are two women with them, sisters, whose names are Vasundhara and Tabari, and the two of them keep me company while Faramir shows their husbands and brother the wonders of Ithilien. Everything about them is so dainty and exotic that I feel a great clumsy cow around them! Vasundhara is very small and dark, with enormous eyes so thickly lashed that it seems a wonder she can keep her eyes open, while her sister is taller and lighter skinned, but with the same wondrously beautiful eyes and facial features. They wore heavy robes, tunics, and trousers of some rough fabric when they arrived, but the clothing they brought with them to wear when not traveling is made of the softest, finest silks in brilliant colors. It seems to be the fashion in Far Harad for women to wear loose trousers and long loose tunics, rather than gowns. I wonder what Faramir would think if I were to suddenly adopt their style of dress? They seem much more comfortable than I in my long skirts and tight-fitting bodices, and goodness knows I would welcome a bit of comfort as I begin to increase in size once more.

You must wonder at us keeping them from Minas Tirith when their mission is so urgent, but they arrived only last night, and will leave us in the morning. I am writing this while they sleep, as they are exhausted from their long journey and wanted a nap badly. Elboron, who is fascinated by them, actually consented to nap for once with no argument, though only because I let him stay with the two ladies. Tabari says that her brother's wife had a son about Elboron's age, but that they both died when the famine became too severe. It was this tragedy that led them to seek the king's aid.

I trust this letter finds you all well. Please remind Eomer that the next foal born to Ninquelote was promised to me, by him, when last we saw each other. He will pretend to forget, but he knows very well that his stables have benefited from Naharion's bloodline long enough, and it is time he shared with his loving sister.

Do write soon, and tell me of the children and Eomer. Faramir and I were planning a short trip to see you all sometime in the spring, but due to the circumstances it may have to be delayed. Perhaps in the autumn, if the babe is strong and I am feeling up to a long ride.

Yours,

Eowyn

xxxxx

Edoras

Mettarë

Eowyn:

My apologies for the tardiness of my response to your letter. No sooner was Elfwine back on his feet from the fever than Eomer took sick. The illness claimed many in our household and we were severely understaffed for some time. I ran myself ragged caring for my family, but your supply of herbs was a timely blessing. I showed them to the healers here, and they immediately sent to Minas Tirith to request more of the same. Additionally, I am told they intend to try growing them here in a hothouse for future use since they work so well.

You are not mistaken about Eomer's behavior when he is ill! He becomes such a child! Alas, my time was stretched too thin this time for me to much humor him and I think perhaps it drove home a bit the understanding of how inappropriate his actions were. After the first two days, he behaved much better and was far more cooperative than I have ever known him to be. In a certain sense, though, I do understand why he does it. For so long he had to rely solely upon himself for everything, and rarely was there a woman's tender touch to be had. I think something in him missed that greatly and, like a cat enjoying a patch of sunlight, he cannot help but eagerly bask in the warmth of my loving solicitude. I will not begrudge him that. And, if the truth be known, he is remarkably tender, for a man, when I am unwell. More than once he has sat at my bedside, gently stroking my head in concern and seeking to sooth my discomfort. Though you may find it shocking, there are times when he does a very good imitation of Faramir in that respect!

But, enough unpleasant news! We are recovered now and another year ends today. I am so happy to know that our world survived, and that we lived to see such times of peace and prosperity. We paid a terrible price in bringing that to pass, but I rejoice that it is upon us. Have I told you that our people now call Eomer "Eadig"? They, too, have seen peace and prosperity under his kingship and are grateful to have him at their head. He has proven himself a fine king, and I am certain he will long be remembered throughout history for his many contributions.

I confess I was startled at the report of your visitors from Harad. For so long they have set themselves apart from us that I would also have been suspicious of them. But, as you indicated, Faramir reads men well, and I will trust his judgment in the matter. The ladies and their garments do sound intriguing. I should like to have been there with you to see for myself. That is sad tidings they bring, however, and it is unfortunate that it took something so devastating to humble them enough to reach out to their neighbors. Yet I have little doubt that King Elessar will send aid. He is a most compassionate man, and it will not take much persuasion from Faramir to accommodate them. His council may prove more reluctant, but I am sure he will not tolerate their prejudices in this matter.

Oh, before I forget – Eothain and Holdinnan are expecting their first child any day now! I do believe the man will worry himself to death as he waits. He should much rather face a battalion of Orcs single-handedly than sit idly anticipating the birth of a child. There have been two false starts already, so it should come any time. With the inclement weather, we have set Holdinnan up in a room at Meduseld where she will be well attended. Eothain is nearby if we need call him, though I think I will likely postpone informing him until the last possible second so as to keep him out from under foot until it cannot be avoided!

And speaking of "children", on a related matter, I relayed your message to Eomer about Ninquelote's next foal. Once he finally acknowledged he did remember promising that to you, upon learning of your pending confinement, he gave a most evil grin and said I should tell you, "If you want it, you must come and get it!" Before you sharpen your blade too much in preparation for said encounter, do remember how very much he misses seeing you, and this is just his way of forcing you to hold to your promise of a visit. Even though he enjoys coming to Gondor and seeing you there, I think in his mind you will always belong on the plains of the Riddermark, and it eases his heart to see you there, if only for a brief time. I, too, long to have you come and see all the wonderful changes here. You have seen too little of your homeland since the War and I know you would wish to revel in its being restored to its former glory.

Ah, I must go. My family calls me to supper. All my love to everyone there, and congratulations on the expected new arrival.

With love and best wishes in the new year,

Lothiriel