Chapter 1
Éowyn sat cross-legged and bare-footed on the bench beneath the White Tree. The wind idly tossed her hair from side to side, a brief respite from the oppressing heat of the city.
She was past caring if people thought her base, and, for the most part, they were beyond judging her.
She was aware of a man's presence beside her, and turned to see Aragorn watching her thoughtfully.
'My King,' she began, smiling a small smile, something rare to cross her face these days, even in its bleakest form. 'I believe congratulations are in order.'
He shielded her from the brunt of his elation, though mirth still danced in his eyes. 'I thank you, Éowyn,' he replied, smiling sadly at her.
'How is the Queen?'
'Well.' for once his unyielding demeanour faltered, and he could not quite meet her gaze.
'Well?' Éowyn asked, her amusement carrying her through her mixed feelings as she raised an unconvinced eyebrow. 'Only well?'
'Delighted. Overjoyed. What will you have me say? This past hour I have threatened countless times to tie her down if she will not rest.'
'And she should be happy, as should you. Even before a grieving widow.' she scolded, gazing at him sharply. 'I am not one to welcome pity, Lord, and I have had about all I can stand of it this past year.'
'Forgive me, Éowyn, but I did not want to rub salt into your wounds. After the loss of your family…I can not begin to understand the bitter-sweetness of this news.'
'Arwen is my greatest friend, and I wish you both- and the child- nothing but happiness, and I hope that, perhaps in some small way, I may contribute to the life of your child.'
'You know it would honour us.'
'Good. I believe I shall go and see your wife now.'
She knocked on the door to the Queen's parlour, waiting for admittance.
'Enter!' came the call, less subdued than usual. 'Éowyn!' she cried, rushing to embrace her friend. 'You have heard, then?'
She nodded. 'Aye, I have. Congratulations.'
'I am sorry-'
'No. I shall not have you apologising on this happy day. I am glad for you, and the news brings me no pain.'
Arwen smiled. 'Well, my friend, we have finally found an area in which you are more experienced than I. Come, you must tell me all that I shall experience over these next months.'
So Éowyn spent the afternoon revelling in the bitter-sweetness of memory and recalled all that she could remember of her pregnancy, allowing herself to be humoured by her friend.
