New Life

Éowyn knelt in the freshly dug earth, a trowel in one hand and rows of carefully tended seedlings by her side. Her gardens were slowly taking shape, and the sounds of carpenters and craftsmen filtered through the hedges that surround the herb garden where she was working.

The warmth of spring had arrived and birds squabbled cheerfully over the seeds on the table built in one corner. Éowyn put the trowel down and sank back onto her heels with a sigh, muttering, “Medicinal herbs. Over here I’ll plant Feverfew... good for headaches and fevers. Then there’s Thyme and Coltsfoot, used to treat coughs and breathing problems.” She stopped abruptly when she noticed Ginger, and then smiled, her hand going to her stomach. “Ginger... often helps to reduce sickness,” she thought wryly.

She heard the soft tread of someone coming along the path. There was only one person whom the guards would allow to disturb her. She smiled as Faramir knelt beside her and pulled her hair away from her face, trailing small kisses down her neck.

Éowyn turned to lean against his chest. “I want our child to be born here, in Ithilien,” she said as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms about her waist.

“As do I, my love,” he replied, “here in our lands, which we will restore together. And in our new home, where every memory will belong to us and our children.”

“Children?” she laughed, “this one is yet to be born, and you already speak of more. From what I hear, after I have borne this child, I will wish to never lie with you again.”

Faramir lay back onto the fresh grass, pulling her down with him. “In that case, my love, we had best make use of the time we have left.”

*******

Written for Annmarwalk.

Disclaimer: Tolkien’s world and all his characters belong to Tolkien Estates, New Line Cinema, etc. This is done for the purpose of enjoyment only and I receive no money for playing in such a wonderful sandbox.