Haven't posted anything for quite a while! Feels strange… Oh well, this is the writer's block that just seems to have to happen at least once in a story.

Did quite a bunch of "real life" research for this chapter. Meaning that I gaped and gawked and stared at a lot of kids. You know, it's actually a very good thing to do when you're sitting on the bus. If you love kids like I do, that is. Kids are just so cute, with their big eyes and soft hair and their curiosity in everything around them.

Also doing a bunch of reading. To find out how kids behave at one month old and all that stuff. Pretty interesting actually.

Chapter 30 : To Be A Mother

One month later…

All attention was directed at the little rosy-cheeked baby who was (at the moment) nestled in the arms of his grandfather, and looking around at everyone else as if shocked to realise that there were more people in the world other than his parents and Caira.

"He's the sweetest baby I've ever seen!" Éowyn declared.

"Of course he is!" was Elphir's contribution.

"It's Faramir's loss that he isn't here to see this bundle of love," Erchirion commented. "Pity he had to go to Minas Tirith."

"Yes, he knows that. He was very sorry indeed, to be unable to see his little nephew," Éowyn replied.

"I can't believe I have a grandson!" Imrahil finally said. He had been speechless since he saw the child.

Éomer and Lothíriel just stood in silence, his arm around her waist, smiles on their faces. There was no need for words as their family members admired their son. Elfwine was only a month old, and he had already brought so many changes into their lives.

Of course, there were the sleepless nights. Lothíriel had completely rejected the idea of having a nurse take care of her son, and Éomer had agreed. That meant that they suffered nights of waking up to the baby's cries. But it was getting better now, and Éomer thought that it was worth it, just to wake up in the morning to see his son's peaceful, sleeping face.

Since his son's birth, Éomer had become even more focused on his work and duties, if that was possible. He was now always determined to solve any problem as quickly and efficiently as possible, and to avoid long, dragging meetings and councils, just so he could have more time to spend with the child.

Lothíriel, too, had changed. She was no longer as impulsive, spending less time riding and having fun, and more time attending to the needs of her child and her husband. At Éomer's request, she attended councils and meetings with him, at times even speaking up with suggestions and opinions that were greatly valued by her husband, and accepted respectfully by the other men. Éomer's grip around his wife's waist tightened, and he smiled at her proudly, glad that he had such a blessing in his life. Two blessings, he corrected himself, looking at Elfwine, now smiling contentedly in the arms of his strong, determined aunt (who seemed to have been reduced to a pile of slush before the happy child).

"Would it be wonderful when he gets older!" Amrothos was saying. "Then Erchirion and I could take him on fantastic adventures and teach him about the ways of life and how to have fun…"

Imrahil spoke before either Éomer or Lothíriel even opened their mouths. "No," he said firmly. "You two will not be the ones teaching him about the ways of life. Two troublemakers are enough."

Erchirion laughed good-naturedly. "I suppose that's a wise decision, Father," he admitted. "I don't think we'd want to have a young child following us everywhere, anyway."

"I'm glad to hear that," Lothíriel joked, taking Elfwine from Éowyn. She kissed her son's forehead. "You are a lucky one, lovely Elfwine," she said to the child. "To have so many who love you from your first breath. And you will grow to be just like your father, strong, firm… and stubborn."

Éomer laughed. "Stubborn?"

"Stop saying boring things to your son, sister," Amrothos ordered. "When he grows up, he'll have to hear plenty of boring things. Now, just let him enjoy being a carefree baby."

The hall echoed with the unrestrained laughter of the joyous family.

Éowyn sat on the bed, watching with a smile as Lothíriel put Elfwine to sleep. When sleep finally claimed the child, Éowyn said softly, "You are a wonderful mother."

Lothíriel smiled, sitting down next to her sister-in-law. "Thank you. And one day I'm sure you will be a wonderful mother as well. In fact, I am rather surprised you and Faramir have not had a child already."

Éowyn blushed, looking down at her fingers. "Faramir is eager to be a father, and I would love to have a child, but sometimes I just worry. I've always been wild, preferring to ride horses and practice sword fighting with the men than cooking and sewing with the women. What would it be like for a child to grow up under my care? I've never had any experience with children."

Lothíriel took her hand and squeezed it. "I saw you with Elfwine today, sister, and you managed very well. When you have a child, things will change more than you know, but I'm sure you can manage it. I did. It is more difficult than words can express, but easier than what it seems." Lothíriel laughed. "My cousin Faramir has always been a good judge of character, and people, and he married you. Don't you think that means that there's some good in your "wildness"? Don't you worry anymore, sister, you will be an excellent mother."

Éowyn beamed at Lothíriel's words, and pulled her into a hug. "It's so wonderful to speak with you again, Lothíriel. I can always tell you anything and everything, can't I?"

"Always," Lothíriel promised.

Short chapter! Slowly but surely trying to overcome writer's block.