Author's Note: Erm, for now this is a stand alone. It's actually part of a bigger story that is in progress (or hibernating somewhere in my cupboard). I've been having a lot of problem with the story. Anyone interested in helping? Enjoy!

Meriadoc Brandybuck

Peregrin Took

Dear Merry,

Life in Emyn Arnen continues on much as it has always been. The men till the earth, the women gossip in the market and the children roam free without a care in the world. Though hints of the shadow still linger around, the people work hard to erase it. Walls that were destroyed have now been restored. Burnt lands now have the green grass growing on it. Sorrow that was once plentiful in this place is being replaced with laughter. A year has passed and I can scarcely believe that this beautiful land is the very same somber village that I first came to.

Or maybe it is I who have changed. My Lord Faramir says that I now possess a light in my face. Indeed my steps are now lighter and my dreams fairer. I no longer fear my future for now I know that I have one.

My dear Merry, I am with child!

Oh, that thought both scares and pleases me. Do I really have what it takes to be a mother? I was, and a part of me still is, a shield maiden. I was brought up to fight, to use violence as a source of outlet. How can I possibly be gentle and kind to this child? How do I teach this child, my child, the ways of the world when I myself do not know it? I must confess that I am terrified of that prospect. And yet I am incredibly pleased for making my lord pleased. You should have seen his face, Merry, when I informed him of my condition. I have never seen such joy on another’s face and to know that it was I who was responsible for it is another experience on its own.

And yet, Merry, though my heart is filled with joy, I feel confined again. Faramir, as much as I love and adore him, is being over-cautious. I have been banned from doing any work. He fusses over me day and night as if I was but a babe. The ladies now gasp when I am seen doing some work or carrying a load. The men seemed to have made it their quest to make me comfortable. It is both endearing and frustrating. I fear that any more of this and I cannot be held accounted for my actions.

But Merry, what I fear most is the loss of my freedom. Soon my stomach will swell, my feet will be swollen and I would grow tired. I will not be able to move around much. I will not be able to garden. But most importantly, I will be unable to fight. It is that inability to fight that us my greatest fear for what am I without my skills? It is a terrible thought, I know, but I fear that I may start resenting this child for that loss.

Oh, that is enough of my self-pity. I apologize Merry for subjecting you to my complains. I’m afraid that I have and will continue to be, both cranky and irrational for the next few months. I wish both you and Pippin peace, my friend, and may we meet again soon.

                                                                Love,

                                                                   Lady Eowyn and her Lord Faramir