Growing Families

There was a light frost on the ground one morning, but it felt like spring to Jamie. She held her son in her arms and her husband would be returning from the watch soon. There was a deep stirring of music in her arms and she felt drawn to the trees today more than in the past few months. A murmur was growing in her ears, and she needed to be a part of it.

Veon was almost a month old, and he was growing with all the speed of any baby. She carried him to her room and bundled him up against the morning chill. Then she dressed warmly and put on her warmest cloak and headed outside. The trees greeted her as they had always done, but their whispers were full of excitement and anticipation, and she followed to song to the stream where she had first arrived. She walked along the shore, humming softly to herself and listening to the trees.

"Can you hear them, Veon my son? Their song is most joyful today," she said.

Veon cooed in her arms and giggled a little.

"I see that you are joyful today as well," she said with a smile. "Let us follow the song a little ways before returning to meet your father."

She followed the path that wound along beside the water and then she heard it. A song she knew well, and voices she missed very much. It was the deep low rumbling voices of the Ents, and she ran to meet them. The first she saw was Fangorn, the oldest and wisest of the tree herders. Beside him was Wandlimb, his long lost love, and they led the rest of the Ents and Entwives, newly reunited, up the path. Their song was a joyful one, and they gathered in a circle around her. She smiled up at them, especially Quickbeam and his love, Willowhair. She joined the song, and soon Elves gathered to hear the music. Thelyn and Alcon led their watch around the wood and returned along the same path, meeting the impromptu concert. It was a good reunion, and Thelyn watched his wife with a warm smile. Finally the song ended, and Fangorn addressed Jamie.

"Our little singer has found her roots," he said in entish with a smile. "And here I see a little sapling."

Jamie smiled, "My son, Veon."

"I am pleased to see you happy, and we have come to thank you for your struggles on the quest," Fangorn said.

"It was my privilege to go. I am glad to see you all reunited," she said with a smile. "Thank you for the song." She didn't just mean their visit; she meant her gift as well.

Fangorn bowed to her and gave a nod to the Elves as well. "We must go. The winds of winter are blowing, and we must return to our home. In the spring you may see us again."

"Farewell to all, great Tree Lords," Jamie said.

"Farewell to you, and greet Greenleaf upon his return," Fangorn said. "The wizard has said his journey was most urgent, but he will be missed."

Jamie furrowed her brow, "What wizard?"

Quickbeam laughed, "It matters little, and Legolas will be back in the spring or summer. It is good to see you, Jamie."

"And you, Quickbeam," she said. "Visit again when you can."

Fangorn smiled and then started to sing as they departed in the direction of Fangorn Forest. Thelyn dismounted and wrapped an arm around his wife.

"What did they say?" he asked.

"Thank you, and… where is Legolas?" she asked suddenly. "Where has he gone, why did he leave?"

"No one knows. Why?" Thelyn asked.

"Treebeard said a Wizard sent him on an urgent journey. Will he be all right?" she asked him seriously.

"Legolas can take care of himself. Don't worry about him, now it is cold," Thelyn said seriously. "Come." He helped her up onto his horse and led them home. He glanced back at her, holding his child close to her breast with a blush from the cold on her cheeks. She was a beautiful woman, and a wonderful mother.

Lyneya felt miserable, but managed to get up and cook anyway. Godwin was a great help, bringing her wood and drawing water from the well. Lyneya stood at the kitchen table and sliced the hot bread she'd just pulled from the oven, and her stomach turned somersaults in her belly.

"Lyneya, are you alright?" Godwin asked.

Lyneya put a brave face on her nausea and gave him a smile, "I'm just fine, Godwin. Why don't you set the table? Alcon will be back from the watch soon."

Godwin didn't believe she was fine, she looked green. He frowned at her obvious lie, but obeyed without question. He anxiously watched the window for Alcon. He knew that he would know what to do for her.

Alcon came into the clearing in front of his house and the smell of fresh bread filled his nostrils. He smiled, and took his horse to the barn. He quickly stripped off the saddle and tackle and headed inside for a taste of his wife's wonderful sourdough Easterling bread. The moment he stepped on the porch, Godwin opened the door with a panicked look on his face.

"Ada, it's Lyneya, she's sick," he said, "She is sitting in the kitchen, looking terrible."

Alcon cocked a brow, but worry quickly crossed his face as he practically ran past the boy into the house.

"Lyneya, I'm home," he called as he headed into the kitchen. He arrived just in time to see her stand from her chair and take something from the oven. When she straightened up, she smiled warmly at him, but he could see the strain in her eyes. He took the pan from her and set it on the table.

"Lyneya, sit down," he said softly. "What is wrong?"

"I am just fine, Alcon," she said. "I probably just caught a little chill. I will feel better in a little while."

"And you are a healer that you know what is making you ill?" Alcon asked with a hint of humor in his voice.

Lyneya frowned, "Do not fuss over me, Alcon. I am quite able to manage with a little touch of nausea. It will pass."

Alcon cocked a brow, "Nausea?"

Lyneya rolled her eyes, "My stomach is rebelling this morning. I must admit it is unpleasant, but as you can see, I have still prepared your favorite breakfast."

"It smells wonderful, but breakfast can wait," Alcon said seriously. "Come; let's get you back in bed."

Alcon lifted her out of her chair and carried her to their room. He helped her off with her shoes and bodice and tucked her in. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her forehead.

"Rest now," he said with a smile, "I'll be back in a few minutes."

Alcon returned to the main room and was confronted by Godwin's worried face. He gave him a smile.

"I'm sure she is fine, Godwin. I suspect it is nothing serious, but to be sure, I want you to ride to the settlement and ask Eruanna to come and see her," Alcon said.

"Yes, Ada, I'll hurry," Godwin said as he turned to the door.

"No reckless riding, son, just go and ask her," Alcon said. "She is fine."

Godwin nodded and then ran out to the barn. In a matter of minutes he was on his way. Alcon smiled and turned back to his room. There was one thing he knew of that caused nausea in the morning, but he refused to allow himself to get excited until he heard it from the healer. He returned to his wife to keep her company until Godwin returned with the healer.

"Ally, how are you feeling this morning?" Cilmo asked his wife as he stepped up on the landing to his house.

Allassante stood from her seat and gave him a smile as she rubbed a hand over her swollen belly. "I feel fine, Cilmo," she said. "I am with child, not ill."

"You were ill, every morning for over a month," Cilmo said seriously as he wrapped his arms around her. "If I had realized how horrible it would be for you, I would have let you dance around the room on our wedding night."

"You and you superstitions," she said with a laugh. "Everyone has some discomfort, it is normal."

"I don't like to see you in discomfort," Cilmo said seriously.

"You will not worry over it when you hold our child in your arms, and neither will I," she said with a smile. "Come and sit down. I have breakfast ready for you."

Cilmo hugged her tight, and then kissed her. "You're the best," he said. "I smell my favorite bread and jam."

"Of course," she said with a smile. "What else would I feed my hungry Ranger?"

Alcon sat at the table with Godwin and waited while Eruanna was with Lyneya. He hoped his first impression was the right one, that she was with child, and not ill. He didn't know what he would do if she were sick. It had been a while, and he was getting worried, but finally Eruanna emerged with a smile on her face.

"Congratulations, Alcon. Lyneya is with child," she said.

Godwin's jaw dropped, but Alcon's face just brightened with a sappy smile, "How soon?"

"In the spring," she said. "Her nausea will pass in a few weeks. I'll return later with some tea that will help her keep her food down."

"Is there anything I can do to make her feel better? Anything I should know?" Alcon asked.

Eruanna laughed as she headed to the door, "No, indeed, Alcon. She should be able to handle bread on her upset stomach. Just don't let her overdo around here."

"Thank you, Eruanna," Alcon said as he walked her to the door. "I can't tell you how relieved I am."

"Yes, I know," she said. "But I had a feeling when Godwin came to see me that her illness was but the tidings of good news. I will visit her often to see that all is going well."

When she'd left, Alcon turned to Godwin, whose expression was oddly flat. Alcon wondered why such news would have him seemingly unhappy. Then he realized what a change it would be for him, to have another child in the house. Alcon went and sat by Godwin and sighed.

"Well, son, you will have a little brother or sister soon," he said lightly.

"No, I will be an uncle, and you will have a child of your own," Godwin said.

"You are my first son, and will always be my son, Godwin," Alcon said. "I am very happy to see our family growing, but it changes nothing between us. I loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you. You are the son I chose, never forget that."

Godwin gave Alcon a smile, "I love you, Ada."

Alcon pulled him from the chair and hugged him. "You'll be a good big brother, just as you are a good son. Come; let's go see your sister."

Alcon opened the door and gave his wife a smile, "How do you feel?"

Lyneya smiled when she saw the two men in her life in the doorway. She sat up and patted the mattress beside her," Come sit down," she said to Godwin.

He did, and looked at her curiously. "So, you are going to be a mother."

"That is what the healer said," she said with a smile. "Is that okay with you?"

Godwin smiled, "Of course." He gave her a hug and then kissed her cheek. "I hope you feel better." He stood up, and glanced from Alcon to Lyneya and just shook his head as he left. They needed their privacy.

Alcon took Godwin's seat beside her and stared into her rich brown eyes with affection. "I am so happy, Lyneya."

Lyneya blushed, and he bent down and kissed her. When he pulled away again she looked at him seriously.

"I am not going to stay in this bed," she said firmly. "Pregnancy is not a debilitating disease."

Alcon laughed, "Of course it isn't," he said as he helped her get up. "But Eruanna said that you should not work too hard around here."

"But I have the garden and…"

"It is winter, you will have little to do there," Alcon said.

"Until spring," Lyneya said.

"In the spring, you will need more rest than you do now. I will not debate this with you. You will listen to the advice of the healer, and that is final. Whatever work must be done will fall to me and Godwin," Alcon said firmly with a hint of laughter in his eyes. "You may cook, and do light house work."

Lyneya frowned, but didn't protest. "Fine."

"Now, can you eat anything?" he asked. "I believe you are eating for two now."

Lyneya's expression was bleak, "No."

"Would you try, for me?" he asked her softly.

"If I can," she said weakly. The very thought of food turned her stomach.

Alcon brought her into the main room and had her sit at the table. He brought her a plate with some plain bread, a slice of cheese and a cut up apple. He watched expectantly, hoping his choices were bland enough for her delicate stomach. She offered him a smile, and was able to eat a little. She even managed to keep it down.

The winter in Ithilien was rather uneventful, save the new arrival at Cilmo and Allassante's house. It was almost exactly nine months to the day of their feast that she bore him a son. They named him Súlimo, which means breath of wind. He had the dark hair of his father and the blue eyes of his mother. The Elves gathered around the base of their tree house and sang a song of welcome.

Aragorn sat in his chair smoking his pipe and reading over some notes concerning the affairs of state. Arwen joined him there and gave him a frown.

"The sun rests, and yet you are still working," she said. "Whatever you are reading can wait until tomorrow."

Aragorn sighed, "News of the east," he said. "We will have trouble with them sooner or later. The new warlords are craving more and more power. I do not like the turmoil so near our borders."

"What of the young Overlord who lives in Ithilien?" Arwen asked with a cocked brow.

"He will have his work cut out for him when he comes of age," Aragorn said.

"But you will help him, will you not?" she prompted.

"It is in our best interest to have an ally on their thrown," Aragorn said lightly.

Arwen smirked at his diplomatic answer. "But that is not why you will help him, is it?"

Aragorn chuckled and set his papers aside. "No, it is not. He is now part of our family, and I will do whatever I can to help him. Besides, I like him."

Arwen smiled and was about to say something when they were interrupted by one of the night guards.

"Sire, forgive the intrusion, but a messenger has just arrived from Ithilien," the guard said, and then stepped aside for a familiar face.

Aragorn smiled when he saw Failon standing there, "Welcome, nephew! What news brings you so far from your family?"

"Indeed, it is family business," Failon said with a smile. "Allassante gave you a grandson this very morning. He's a fine healthy boy."

Aragorn's pipe fell from his hand and he looked at Failon half in surprise and half in excitement. "A son? And how is she?"

"Well, resting in her husband's care," Failon assured him.

"What name do they give him?" Arwen asked.

"Súlimo," Failon said.

Aragorn's face brightened with a proud smile, "Well, nephew, you will have company on your return trip tomorrow. I must go see my grandson!"

"I expected as much," Failon said. "I hope you will stay with us for a while. Everyone misses you."

"I will not fail to see the entire family, I assure you. I have business with Legolas as well," Aragorn said lightly as he retrieved his pipe from the floor.

"But Legolas is gone," Failon said seriously. "He's been away for nearly two months now."

Aragorn turned to look at him quickly, "Where has he gone?"

"He left no word save who he left in charge in his absence," Failon said. "The Ents told Jamie that a wizard sent him on a journey."

Aragorn frowned, "What wizard, they have all gone."

Arwen furrowed a brow in thought, "Not all, Radagast still remained in the north."

"What journey would he sent Legolas on?" Aragorn asked, getting concerned. "He said nothing… to no one?"

"No, and I and my brothers worry for him. It is not like him to walk away from the settlement like that," Failon said.

Aragorn sighed, "He is able to take care of himself, though I would feel better if I knew where he went. In any case there is naught to be done about it now. Go and rest, I'll have a tray sent up to you from the kitchen. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, uncle," Failon said and then bowed to Arwen before heading out of the hall.

Aragorn looked at Arwen with concern, "What is old Radagast up to?"

"If it has to do with Legolas, I cannot guess. They are very old friends, since Legolas was a child," Arwen said.

"Then his motives will be friendly," Aragorn speculated. "That at least is comforting, but I must admit, the only wizard I have ever trusted was Gandalf."

Allassante sat in her rocking chair, feeding Súlimo, when Cilmo brought her a tray. He did not have to go to the watch for the rest of the month, and he was enjoying his time with his family. He liked watching her with his son. She was resilient. Having spent hours in labor, she was already up and about as if nothing had happened. It was only by his insistence that she remained in their room to rest. She lifted the infant, turning him to switch breasts, and he continued to suckle hungrily.

"He's hungry," Cilmo said with a smile.

"He's a baby," Allassante said. "This is about all he does for the first month."

"No, it is not all," Cilmo said, eyeing the basket of diapers by the cradle with annoyance. "He has other talents too."

"I will take care of those in a little while," she said with a smirk.

"No, you rest, I can wash diapers," Cilmo said seriously.

"Oh, my big strong Ranger is going to scrub diapers?" Allassante asked mischievously.

"I am not above any task in my own home," Cilmo said. "After nine months of discomfort, you deserve your rest."

Ally smiled at him and glanced down at their son. He'd fallen asleep. She gently slipped a finger in the corner of his mouth to get him to release her nipple and he promptly stuck his thumb in his mouth as a substitute. Cilmo took him and laid him in the cradle, covering him.

"There, now you can have your breakfast," he said as he turned to look at her. She was fixing her robe to cover herself and he gave her a sad puppy dog look. "You could have left your robe open. Súlimo isn't the only one who likes your breasts."

Allassante blushed, "Behave."

Aragorn took his leave of Failon at the crossroads, leading his family down the path to Cilmo and Allassante's tree house. Arwen was with him, and Eldarion had come as well. Miiriel remained at home with her children. As the came into the clearing below the tree, they heard the distinct sounds of a baby crying. The men secured the horses and then they ascended the stair to the landing where they were met by Thelyn.

"Uncle!" Thelyn said with a smile. "Come inside and greet little Súlimo."

In the main room sat a gathering of family. Jamie sat holding her son, Veon. Beside her was Lyneya, and Godwin, with Alcon right behind them. And Allassante sat across from them with her husband Cilmo, holding their new son. When his daughter saw him, she gave him a proud smile.

"Father!" she said. "You came."

"How could I not? Let me see my grandson," he said as he reached for Súlimo. She handed him over and Aragorn was charmed by another of his grandchildren. He was a fine handsome lad. He resembled his father, but the eyes were definitely Allassante's. He bent down and kissed his daughter's forehead. "You have a fine son, daughter. I am so proud of you."

After passing the child to Arwen, he walked over to Jamie to see her son. She handed him over and he smiled.

"Another handsome boy," he said looking over at Thelyn. "I never thought I'd see the day you would be settled down with a family."

"So, you are pleased?" Thelyn asked.

"Of course I am," Aragorn said with a grin. He handed Veon back to his mother and greeted Alcon. "So how are you?"

Alcon just grinned, "I am quite well, thank you."

"Yes, he has news," Thelyn said. "Lyneya is with child."

Aragorn put a hand on her shoulder, "Congratulations."

Lyneya blushed, "Thank you."

Eldarion hugged his nephew, Súlimo, and chuckled, "Is there anyone in the family who isn't pregnant?"

Everyone laughed, and Jamie and Lyneya prepared a meal. It was a good day of visiting with the King. Aragorn had many things on his mind, but pushed them aside and just enjoyed the company of his family. He decided he would stay a few days. He wanted a chance to talk to Alcon about Godwin.

A few days into the visit, Aragorn rode with the watch. In his company was the twins and Failon, and to his surprise, Godwin. He kept pace beside Alcon and watched Godwin riding with some of the Avari Rangers. The boy was still quite young, but behaved beyond his years.

"Is he ready for the responsibilities of the watch?" Aragorn asked Alcon.

"My son is a fine rider, and becoming quite good with a bow," Alcon said proudly. "He has the favor of all the riders of the watch, and is invited to join them even when I am not along."

"So, what is the boy like?" Aragorn asked.

"He is a level headed and eager to learn," Alcon said.

"Is he ready for the troubles he will face?" Aragorn asked.

"He is aware of civil wars, and he is anxious to intervene. I am doing what I can to train him, but it is a big job. The skills he needs are not all represented in the wood," Alcon said.

Aragorn nodded, "Keep training him in what you can, and when he is a little older, I will see what I can do to help. A few seasons in Arnor would do him good, but he is far too young for that."

"I would hate to see him go so far away," Alcon said seriously. "It would break my heart."

"You will have your own child soon," Aragorn said, but Alcon quickly spoke up.

"Godwin is as much my son as the child that Lyneya carries. He will be as my firstborn to me, whether Lyneya bears a son or a daughter. My heart has room for many children, and there will be no favorites in my house," Alcon said firmly.

Aragorn was both surprised and impressed by Alcon's convictions in the matter. He obviously loved Godwin very much. "Then there will be no favorites for me either. He is family, and we will see him restored together."

"Thank you Uncle," Alcon said as he glanced at Godwin getting a quick lesson in tracking from Anwaner.

"Ada, look, the bear has returned," Godwin called.

Alcon gave him a smile and a nod.

Aragron heard the endearing term, father, from the boy's lips and smiled. It was obvious that the love between the pair was mutual. He was pleased with both of the twins' families. He had no more wild ones to worry about.

"No, thank you," Aragorn said. "Your parents would be most proud of you."

Alcon smiled at the compliment. He hoped it was true.

Aragorn returned home with his wife and son at the end of the week. There was much work waiting for him in Minas Tirith and many matters that required his wisdom. He had a new worry to deal with, Rhûn, and its bloody civil war. He started making a few plans concerning Godwin's future. He needed to send a message to Arnor. Halbarad was no longer training, now too old to get out and patrol the wilderness as he had done in his youth. But among the Rangers of the north were some of the wisest and most skilled warriors in all of Middle Earth. Godwin was in good company among the Elves, but there were skills among men that he should master as well. Godwin's journey back to Rhûn would be a long and difficult one, much like his own journey to Minas Tirith.

Aragorn sighed as he remembered the day the Gandalf placed the crown upon his head before the white tree. It had taken many years of hard work and patience, but it was a victory for all men that day. Godwin had integrity about him that Aragorn liked. His day of battle would come much sooner for him, and Aragorn wanted him to be prepared. Alcon was right; it was a big job, but a necessary one. As Aragorn set pen to parchment, he realized that despite Godwin's age, time was really very short.