…..

[S.R. 1440, 3rd Wedmath]

"But I want to play babies!"

"But I don't—I want to play soldiers!"

"Maybe we could play both…"

Nine-year-old Eowyn Brandybuck swung around to face Goldilocks Gamgee (also nine) and angry look on her face. "No, we will play babies!"

Daisy Gamgee (seven years old and a bit of a tomboy) scowled, "But I want to play soldiers!"

"Stop fighting…" Goldilocks attempted to make peace between the other two, but they ignored her.

The three children were sitting on the living room floor of Crickhollow, where Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took still shared a home with their respective wives—though Pippin was looking to move out soon.

"You have to listen to me," Eowyn stuck up her nose, "I'm named after a princess, I am—you have to do what I say!"

It was at that moment Faramir Took wandered in, wondering what all the commotion was about. "What's going on?"

Goldilocks stood up and faced him, "They're arguing again,"

"I'm named after a princess," Eowyn stood up too, "All of you have to do what I say!"

Faramir frowned, "But I'm the oldest," He argued. At ten years old, this was true. "And I'm named after a Steward!"

"What's a steward?" Eowyn wrinkled up her nose.

"A Steward," Faramir lifted himself to his full height, "Takes care of the throne while the King is away. I'm named after Faramir of Gondor, who was next in line for being the Steward."

"But a princess actually has royal blood," Eowyn stalked over to him and poked him in the chest.

"But a princess does not have ruling rights," Faramir smirked, "So you can't control anyone. Only I can,"

Suddenly, Theodoc Brandybuck walked in.

"What are you fighting about now?" He sighed.

"I'm named after a princess, so everyone should do what I say," Eowyn huffed, "But Faramir says he is named after a Steward, so everyone should do what he says!"

A funny smile came over Theodoc's face.

"Firstly, I am twelve—older than all of you. Second of all—I am named after a King;" He pointed to Faramir, "A King who died courageously defending his Steward's land. Therefore, all over you should do whatever I say!"

There was silence. Theodoc walked away.

"So Theo's truly a King!" Daisy said incredulously, with a bit of a lisp.

Eowyn pouted, "Not fair!"

A sly smile came over Faramir's face.

"Well," He announced, "While the King is away, I must do my duty as Steward and look after the throne for him!"

…..