A/N: Just to make sure we're all clear on this: Eowyn's letters are being written by LothirielofRohan, and Lothiriel's letters are being written by me. And it really is like letters being written. I don't know what she is going to write to "me", and she doesn't see "my" response until it posts online. I'm glad you're enjoying this. It really is rather fun!

Emyn Arnen

3 Sulime

My dear Lothiriel,

I apologize most sincerely for the gap between your letter and this, my only excuse is that I have been so busy with everything that has happened in the past two months that I have not had time until now to sit down and put pen to paper. As Eomer is leaving in the morning to return to Edoras, I thought I would send this letter with him to ensure a hasty delivery.

It has been wonderful to see my brother for the past sennight, though I am sure you miss him. The only thing which could have made his visit more enjoyable was if you could have accompanied him, though in your condition travel is probably unadvisable. Perhaps after the babe is born we will be able to arrange a visit.

As Eomer will likely tell you when he arrives, Faramir is recovering nicely from the wounds he received in a battle with some Haradrim who attempted to lay siege to our home. Faramir and our men were outnumbered, but the surrounding hills and the river allowed them to hold off the attackers until Elessar could send his own soldiers to aid ours. Faramir was struck in the arm with an arrow, and badly cut across his side by a sword, but has been swearing that he is "perfectly well" for several days now, so I am reassured that he will soon be fully recovered. He pretends to resent what he calls my fussing over him, but I believe that secretly he enjoys it, and is putting on an act to save face in front of Eomer. The ridiculous man seems to think that Eomer thinks him too weak. Of course, Eomer does not help. I do not wish to speak ill of the man you love, Lothiriel, but your husband can be the most horrid brute when he wishes to be. The evening before last he offered to carry Faramir from our bedchamber to the terrace, where we were sitting after dinner, when he knows perfectly well that there is nothing wrong with Faramir's lower limbs, nor is he too weak to be out of bed. I think it is good that Eomer leaves in the morn, as Faramir is likely to explode at any more of his sympathetic comments and offers of aid.

I have already thanked Eomer several times over for the gifts he brought, but I suspect you had a hand in choosing most of them, and so I must thank you, as well. The horses, I know, were his idea, but the beautiful traditional tapestries and rugs must have been sent at your suggestion. They look perfect in the great hall of our home, and give me a little reminder of Rohan here in the forest.

You asked in your last for the news from the City, and though there is little to tell, what there is is of some interest. The Queen is with child, and due to deliver any day. All of Minas Tirith (for so I must learn to think of it, though in my mind it is always Mundburg) is hoping for an heir to the throne. Much as we love King Elessar, I do not think many of the people will be entirely satisfied that things have changed until there is a son to take his father's place in the future. Let us hope it is far into the future before such a need arises, as we have only just entered into a time of peace after much upheaval.

It may amuse you to know my husband's response to your comment about his being tidy. He brought to my attention the fact that he is, in most other things, as neat in his habits as you remembered him, but suggested that his habit of strewing clothing all over our bedchamber at night is due more to the haste with which he removes it. As he has threatened to beat me most severely if I reveal any more to you than that, I must seal my lips on the subject and tell you no more.

Marriage is indeed a strange state, is it not? Before I wed Faramir I would never have thought to jest about such things as being beaten by my husband, but now it has become somewhat of a joke between us. He claims that as I am an untamed lady of Rohan I must be taught submission and servility…to which I retort that he is in danger of becoming a musty old fuddy-duddy if he does not leave the library every now and then and pay attention to his wife. It has resulted in some interesting afternoons, I must say. And now, having made myself blush, I must change the subject, for fear of offending you. (Though Eomer says you are not quite the proper lady you like to appear, I would rather not take his words at face value. I have learned, living in Gondor, that propriety means different things in different countries, and my sense of humor is not always appreciated here.)

Eomer is bellowing for my assistance in packing his things, so I suppose I must end this. Do write soon and tell me how your preparations for the baby are coming. Faramir sends his love, and requests that I thank you most heartily for removing your husband from his home so speedily.

Love,

Eowyn

Edoras

24 Víressë

Dearest Eowyn,

It was so good to hear from you once more. I fully comprehend the difficulty you have in finding time to write. There is no need for apologies on that score. And certainly I have been in no condition to respond lately anyway.

Actually, I must thank you for taking your brother off my hands for a time! I know that sounds harsh, but ever since my condition was confirmed, and the sickness ensued, he has hovered over me like a mother hen. If Gamling did not forcibly drag him away to meetings and to deal with matters of the kingdom, he would sit by my sick bed holding my hand and stroking my head. Under other circumstances, that would truly be quite endearing but, alas, in my present ill state I confess I find it most annoying! As a man, he cannot begin to comprehend the misery we endure to bring children into the world, and I am certain he means well, but I truly prefer to be left alone at such times. I owe Eothain a tremendous debt for his part in ensuring my husband made the journey south, and gave me respite from his attentions.

I am happy to report that the illness has begun to ease, in fact was doing so before Eomer's return. It pleased him greatly to find me in better health and spirits than when he departed. I am finally able to keep some food down and am beginning to look forward to this experience far more than I have the past month.

My sincerest apologies to Faramir for Eomer's attempts at humor! I think it only fair, under the circumstances, to give Faramir fodder for the future. My big brute of a husband is most solicitous of my well-being when I am ill, but should I give even the tiniest moan of pain, he runs for the hills! It is truly amusing that a man who has been in the midst of battle so often, and frequently heard cries of pain there, should find the discomfort of his wife so unsettling, but so it is. I twisted my ankle not long after we were married, and I thought my cry of pain when the healers examined it would be his undoing. I have no idea how he will fare when the babe comes and my cries begin in earnest! I expect Gamling will find him cowering in the stable with a pillow over his head to drown out the sound of me!

That is excellent news indeed about Queen Arwen. It will be reassuring for both Gondor and Rohan to know there is an heir waiting in the wings. Too long both of our lands have struggled with an insecure succession. Even the line of Stewards was in danger of failing during the War, with neither Boromir or Faramir married, and both in the constant danger of battle. There will be a collective sigh of relief if both Arwen and I are able to produce sons.

Eowyn! You do make me blush as well! And likely not for the reason you imagine! Your own brother has more in common with my cousin than he realizes, at least in that regard! However, dear Faramir is so gentle and soft-spoken, I have difficulty envisioning him behaving so…passionately! Even so, it does my heart good to hear of it, for it can only mean he is blissfully happy and very much in love.

I am equally amazed that such an intelligent and sensible man as the Steward of Gondor would dare to threaten the Wraith Slayer! Has he taken leave of his senses? Do not be cowed by him, Eowyn. I quite agree he would be an old fuddy-duddy if left to his own devices. Use all your wiles to prevent it, dear sister! (Somehow, I think Faramir is likely to forgive my interference in the matter and suggesting such a thing to you!)

As for propriety, well, I am a lady of Rohan now and have discovered they are a much more down-to-earth people here. Gondorians would have you believe that a kiss between husband and wife, when seen by others, is quite scandalous, but I have learned to enjoy Eomer's very public displays of affection. Moreover, I think the people delight in seeing that the king is happy and loved, and I do not wish to hide my feelings for him from him or them. They cannot be unaware of the significance of our looks and touches, and rather frequent disappearances only to return looking a bit disheveled quite some time later. If anyone objects, or finds our behavior inappropriate, they certainly have not dared to make such known to me.

From what Eomer has told me of his life, likely you would be unused to seeing him behave so. Perhaps you are not aware of just how tender and thoughtful he can be when he chooses. Granted, he still bellows and postures, like a young stallion trying to impress the herd, but privately he is a fine husband, and I am grateful for him every day.

I am also heartily grateful for the warmer weather we are beginning to enjoy. We Dol Amrothians are unused to such winters as Rohan knows and it has been quite the challenge. Eomer laughed so uproariously the first time I wore stockings to bed to keep my feet warm, that he actually had tears in his eyes. Wretched man! 'Tis not my fault my feet were like blocks of ice, and he would not have found it nearly so amusing if I had seen fit to "share" them with him! He still chuckles whenever I feel the need to repeat that, but he has finally grown accustomed to it and has stopped teasing me.

In truth, and I wonder if you have discovered the same thing, I have found that whenever Eomer is absent from our bed, it is a much colder place. I could never have imagined how dependent I would become upon having him snuggled next to me at night, and to find him there in the morning when I wake. The time he spent in Gondor and with you seemed an eternity. Even when he is missing only for a single night, I confess that I do not sleep well. Is it just me, that responds so emotionally to such a tiny thing, or do you find this to be the case as well?

The nursery is mostly ready for the new child, and I thank you for the things you sent. The blanket awaits, resting on the beautiful crib that Gamling thoughtfully carved for us. Did you know he was an accomplished worker of wood? I never suspected such a thing of the man in the many months that I have known him, but as soon as my condition was confirmed, he apparently set to work and surprised us with his gift upon Eomer's return home. It is truly exquisite and I will consider it a family heirloom ever after this.

Well, dear sister, I suppose I must bring this missive to a close. Now that I am feeling better, Durucwen is of the opinion I should begin resuming my "duties"! You know what a taskmaster she can be, even to the queen!

My love to Faramir, and thanks for his sending my husband back in one piece despite his inclination to do otherwise.

Love, Lothiriel