Part 8 of the Elfwine Chronicles. The Elfwine Chronicles are a series of one-shots, of which there will definitely be three, but MIGHT be more if I come up with more ideas.

Moonlight Musings

(Apr, 1 IV)

"You are so tiny," I whispered, gazing in awe at my newborn son.

I studied his features and allowed my index finger to trace his ear, his nose and his mouth. All perfect. Most babies I had seen this early on were rather ugly creatures, hardly seeming human, but Elfwine, as we had chosen to name him, was beautiful. His wisps of hair were pale gold, though I knew they might darken in time and be closer to the color of his mother's tresses.

I looked closely at his face and felt...scared. Would I be a good father? Could I teach him the things he needed to know to be a good man, and a good person? I knew Lothiriel would largely be responsible for raising him, and that her influence would be considerable. I had no doubt that she would be a wonderful mother. But what about me? I know nothing about babies and children and guiding their lives. I have never changed diapers or fed infants or cared for a sick child. I know more about the care and keeping of horses than humans.

For just a moment my mind drifted back to my younger years, after my father was killed and my mother died of grief. I had helped care for Eowyn since she would not let anyone else near her for a long time. But that was long ago, and I did not think I had really done all that much.

And things were different now – I was King, which meant Elfwine would one day be also, and rule in my stead. How could I teach him to be a good monarch when I was still trying to learn it for myself? How could I instill in him love for his country and his people; the fierce love that burned within me?

My heart ached as I gazed at Elfwine in the moonlight. I wanted so very much to do right by him, but no matter the fearless warrior I appeared, I was terrified at the prospect. I did not think I was any more ready for this than I had been when the kingship was thrust upon me.

A rustle of fabric caught my attention and I turned to see my wife watching me from the doorway, a soft smile playing on her face. When she caught sight of the expression I wore, she moved quickly into the room and slipped her arms around my neck from behind, kissing my head.

"You will be a wonderful father, Eomer. I do not doubt it, and neither should you."

It never ceased to amaze me how she almost seemed able to read my very thoughts. And always knew what to say to ease my fears.

"Return your son to his crib and come back to bed, my love," she encouraged softly, and I reluctantly did as she bid.

As she curled up against me, and began to doze off once more, she whispered, "I look forward to making many more beautiful children with you..."

I let out a breath I had not known I was holding and relaxed in her embrace. Perhaps all would be well after all. I had never known Lothiriel to be wrong. With a smile on my lips I joined her in slumber.

THE END

End note: It is not essential that you read the Elfwine Chronicles in the order they were written, but there is an advantage to doing so. The more of them that I wrote, the more likely I was to make reference to one of the previous ones and something that happened there. If you want to read them in order, go to the top of this page and click on my name (Deandra). That will take you to my profile page. Scroll down and you will find all the stories I have written. The Elfwine Chronicles are in order from bottom to top since ffn shows them in the order they were posted. A few were posted out of number order (#15 came after #17, I think), but you can read them in posting order or number order since those few won't be affected in the story content.