Disclaimer: All places, characters, blah blah blah…are Tolkien's.
A/N: When I first read the books, I was sure Aragorn and Éowyn would be together. Of course, I was sorely disappointed. It has taken a long time, and thousands of dollars in counselling, but I have finally overcome my grief. Well, I thought I had, anyway.
This will eventually (at the expense of many a cherished character's life) become an A/E fic. If you love Arwen and/or Faramir, I'm afraid they won't be seen much in this story, although I promise their characters won't be bent beyond recognition.
I love the books, and Faramir, and I can deal with Arwen, but this is an AU.
Prologue
Faramir opened the door tentatively. Éowyn sat propped up on many pillows upon their bed, nursing their new son.
'Why do you linger at the threshold, my lord?' she asked quietly, her eyes still fixed on the babe in her arms.
His sigh was audible but the inhibition faded as he strode to her side.
'I feared your wrath, my lady.' he smiled, taking her hand and peering closer at the child's face.
'My wrath, Sir?'
'Yes. Not an hour ago there was a great racket raging in this chamber, and you, my lady, were shouting out the most unseemly curses: the better half directed towards me, depicting in great detail all the horrid torments you would subject me to.'
'Ah, I remember now,' she smiled, unabashed. 'But you have forgiven me, and there is no harm done. Now, hold your son.'
Faramir received the boy eagerly and gazed with rapt attention at his face. 'The first of many.' he murmured. 'Love, what shall we name the future Steward of Gondor?'
Éowyn closed her eyes for a moment before answering: 'Name him as seems good to you. I care not, for he is here, and healthy, and I would love him even by the worst name man's tongue can utter.'
'I shall call him Elboron, for my brother.'
'An excellent choice.' Éowyn conceded with a nod of her head. 'Forgive me, Lord, for I am weary.'
'Sleep, my wife. I shall watch over our son.'
