Éomer: *scoops up Luthien* Hi. The wee monsters are finally asleep.
Lúthien: *clings to your neck* Praise Eru.
Éomer: I think I found all of them by nightfall.
Lúthien: Well, as long as they're sleeping, we have time for us now. *smiles*
Éomer: *looks harried but happy* This is true. *nuzzle/kiss* How are you feeling?
Lúthien: I feel just fine. The soreness from the birth is mostly gone, thank Elbereth.
Éomer: Really? I thought that was Este's area...
Lúthien: Well, I suppose it's just an Elvish reflex to thank Elbereth when things go well. Though you're right, that is Estë's area.
Éomer: I don't think I ever met Elbereth...Varda, right? *staggering over to the bed and sitting down with you in my lap with a groan* Not that you're heavy, deore, but I think my back is going to hurt tomorrow.
Lúthien: Is this from picking up the little ones?
Éomer: *nods* Many, many times today. *blithely tucking my hands between your knees (amid your skirts) to warm them* I do have something for you, you know.
Lúthien: Is that so. *reaching down to rub your hands* Your fingers are freezing.
Éomer: Menelsul ate one of my gloves. I gave the other to a puppy. *curling my fingers in yours, appreciative* If you reach into the nightstand there, it's a large-ish package, wrapped in blue cloth, you can't miss it...
Lúthien: *leaning back and reaching into the nightstand drawer, picking out the package and examining it* Oh my, I wonder what it is. *grinning and unwrapping it*
Éomer: *It's
heavy, about a foot long and nearly as wide -- I slide my hands under yours, to be careful* It's wood. Well, it WAS wood. From undersea. Offshore. To the north.
Lúthien: *running my fingers over the smooth surface* It's beautiful. How did you come by it?
Éomer: That's my secret. *gentle hug* Luthien, do you understand what it IS?
Lúthien: It's like nothing I've seen before. *tilting my head*
Éomer: It's unique, I guarantee you that. When I heard of it, I had to have it for you. *reaching around to press your palm to it, my hand over yours* What sunk into the sea to the north, deore?
Lúthien: *taking a deep breath, tears suddenly springing to my eyes* Oh Eru...
Éomer: It was wood once. If you turn it over, you can see more of the grain... *hesitantly* I didn't mean to make you cry.
Lúthien: *turning the stone over to look at it carefully* It's beautiful. I'm not crying because I'm sad... I just wasn't expecting this. I love it.
Éomer: Oh...good... *I sigh with relief* I wasn't sure how you would take it, but it just seemed meant for you. *kissing you on the ear* I love you. And I think I've given you enough horse-shaped jewelry for five women. *chuckle*
Lúthien: *laughing* Which is ironic, because I gave YOU something horse-shaped this Erumas. *sobering* I just don't think of home much, anymore. Doriath... it's just a thought in the back of my mine. Just a memory. But this... this is beautiful. It's perfect. Thank you, Maltiro.
Éomer: What? No, love, I LIKE horse-themed gifts. It's tradition. But you're more than a Rider's wife...and I mustn't forget that. I mustn't forget who you are, and were.
Lúthien: Minas Tirith is my home now, Maltiro. My place is with you. But the fact that you thought to get this for me means more than you can imagine.
Éomer: *mischieviously* Would you believe that I swam down to fetch it with my own bare hands? There was this enormous shark...no, wait, I think it was an octopus...
Lúthien: Now that is a bit of a stretch. *laughs*
Éomer: I'm a terrible liar. But I would have, if I'd had to. *snuggle*
Lúthien: That's sweet of you, Maltiro. We'll have to put it somewhere that everyone can see it.
Éomer: Your gift, your choice. Which reminds me...I have no idea what to send to your mother...
Lúthien: Which one?
Éomer: Are they both back?!
Lúthien: *nods solemnly* One of them has Linithil with her.
Éomer: I was thinking of that one. But if they're both back, we need to send them both presents. And Linithil. She's my sister-in-law, isn't she?
Lúthien: She is, though I think she's actually younger than Niphredil.
Éomer: Strange world we live in.
Lúthien: I never thought I'd ever have more than one mother.
Éomer: I never thought I'd have so many children. *warm smile, tweak of your nose*
Lúthien: I think they like you. *grins and kisses the tip of your nose* Look what I made! *displaying a white knitted baby garment for Drefan with a silver horse embroidered on the front*
Éomer: Ohthat'scute. :)
Lúthien: It's got the little horse, like for Rohan. Er, for Gondor, now.
Éomer: I noticed, believe me. *I lean to set it gently on the nightstand, then nudge you to do the same with the stone of Doriath* I need a hot bath. Badly. Would you join me in that, before bed?
Lúthien: That sounds like an outstanding idea.
Éomer: I have good ideas occasionally. *I push you to your feet then rise to join you, taking your hand in mine* Shall we?
Lúthien: Let's. *squeezing your hand*