Arwen sat by the bedroom fireplace, reading a book and waiting for Aragorn's return. He had ridden out the morning before for a scouting mission to make plans for rebuilding one of the nearby towns decimated by Mordor, and he had yet to come home. She knew he would be tired and sore, so she had prepared a hot bath. And perhaps she would be able to rub linament on his aching muscles. She smiled softly. She loved being able to be with and care for him. After so many decades apart, it brought her incredible joy.

The door to their large bedroom and Aragorn entered. Arwen frowned as she saw he was limping. Had he hurt himself, or was he just very sore? Setting aside her book, she got to her feet and hurried toward her husband. "Welcome home, Estel! How do you fare?"

Aragorn smiled and leaned down to kiss her. "I'm tired, Arwen. And glad to be home. I missed you!"

"But, you're limping. Did you hurt yourself?"

Aragorn groaned. "I haven't been riding in a long time, Meleth nin. My muscles aren't used to it anymore. And I think I got chilled as well. Living in this palace has made me soft. I used to be able to travel for days at a time in all kinds of weather, but now two days of riding and I can hardly move."

Arwen laughed and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Don't worry over it, Meleth nin. But come, I have your bath ready. That should help. And then I can give you a massage."

Aragorn smiled and quickly pulled away. "If this is what happens when I'm in pain, I will be this way more often."

Arwen swatted him as he moved away. The Dunedain stretched out on their bed several minutes later, and Arwen began to massage his sore muscles. He sighed softly as her fingers worked in the linament.

"You know, Meleth nin," he murmured into his pillow. "For an elf who did not have to suffer the troubles of humans, you certainly know how to help their pain."

Arwen giggled and ran her fingers through his dark curls before gently tracing his shoulder blades. "Well, Estel. I may not have all the healing skills you and the twins possess, but I did learn some things from Ada. And it helps when I love the patient as much as I do."

Then she ran her hands down to his hips and started when she saw a large purple bruise marring his tan flesh. "So, you were just stiff?! Are you sure you didn't fall?"

She continued to rub gently as he groaned. "Alright, last night Faramir and I were sparring around the fire. And he managed to knock me down. I hit my hip on a rock, but it wasn't anything serious. Honestly!"

He turned slightly and smiled at her, his blue eyes sparkling. "But if that means you're going to stop massaging me, then I do hurt, very badly!" His attempts to look innocent didn't fool his wife.

Arwen reached out and shoved his head back into the pillow. "Fine! But only because I love you with all my heart. I understand you want to have fun, but it doesn't mean you need to act foolishly." But she obliged him and continued to massage his lower back. After a few moments, she placed one hand on her stomach and smiled. Would he still be in pain if she told him her news? She could wait a bit longer. She continued to massage him with her other hand until he turned to look at her again. "Meleth nin, you're unusually quiet. Is something wrong?"

Arwen quickly moved her hand away from her belly and smiled. "Oh no, Estel! I was just thinking."

But he sat up and pulled her close. His fingers stroked her ears and hair before cupping her face. "Meleth nin, that is not a suitable answer. I want to know what you're thinking about!"

Arwen sighed and tugged away. "Well, Estel, I do have a bit of news. I saw one of the lady healers this morning."

Aragorn broke in. "Healer? Are you alright?"

Arwen smiled and took his hand in hers. "I'm fine, Estel! I might gain some weight over the next few months and be tired. But I'm just fine!" She took his hand and pressed it to her belly.

She watched her husband, waiting to see if he would understand. He looked puzzled for a few moments before his beautiful blue eyes widened. "Arwen...Are you...Are we?"

Arwen smiled. "Yes, my Estel! We're having a baby!"

Aragorn gave a delighted cry and crushed her in his embrace. "A baby! Our baby!" Then he undid her robe and slid his hands under her nightgown, stroking her belly gently. "Oh, Arwen! I didn't think I could be any happier. But I was wrong! This is an incredible gift!" He leaned down and kissed her stomach, then he rested his forehead against it and murmured. "I love you so much, Arwen! I don't deserve you! I don't deserve any of this!"

Arwen put a hand under his chin and lifted it, so their eyes met. She ran her fingers through his dark curls and smiled softly. "Neither of us deserves this, Estel! And that's what makes it a gift!"

Aragorn finally straightened and pulled her close for a kiss. "Yes!" He breathed against her lips. "A most precious gift!"

He deepened the kiss. All pain and exhaustion were forgotten as they celebrated the incredible gift they'd been given.

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