Chapter Text
Late Ringarë, Fourth Age 12
How could a boy so small hold so much jealousy? Éowyn had worried about how her three sons would react to the addition to the family, and her concerns were proving to have some grounds. Elboron and Meriadoc had greeted their sister with curiosity and, for the most part, acceptance, but Peregrin was struggling to adjust to the change. This, compounded with his apparent feelings of abandonment because of Éowyn's six-month-long absence and imprisonment, had altered his behavior for the worse.
Mother and daughter had been in their family quarters in Minas Tirith for less than two days, and already Peregrin had stolen the girl's cloth horse doll (and been caught in the act of trying to hide it), swatted at her when he thought no one was looking and wailed whenever his mother removed him from her lap so she could nurse his sister.
Now he was begging once more for the old way of life to return.
“No, Mami,” the not-quite-two-year-old said as he grabbed Éowyn's right hand, which had moved to tuck one of the blanket's corners under Elerrína's arm as she lay on her mother's lap, full and content. “No, baby go back.”
“Go back where? She belongs with us and is going to stay with us,” Éowyn stated. With great effort she kept her face impassive while she watched his small eyebrows furrow into a scowl. His actions were no joking matter, but his earnestness as he tried to convince her that his sister had to leave was amusing.
“Mami is Peri's and Meri's and Elb'ron's.”
“You do not mind sharing me with Meriadoc and Elboron. Why can you not share me with Elerrína?”
He offered no answer, and his scowl deepened as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Nearby, Lothíriel's shoulders shook as she pressed her hand to her mouth, and her silent mirth caught the boy's attention. His expression softened as he looked back at his mother.
“Give to Aunt Thiri?” he suggested hopefully.
At this his aunt burst into laughter. “Yes, sister, I will gladly take this darling unwanted child from you,” she said. “She clearly is disturbing the family peace.”
“Absolutely not! Peregrin, Elerrína is your sister, and you must learn to love her,” Éowyn said sternly, her amusement gone. She turned at the touch of a small hand on her left arm. Meriadoc stood by her knee, his eyes wide as though with fright, and said softly, “Ella stay. I love Ella.” He raised himself to his tiptoes and tried to kiss his sister's cheek.
His mother smiled and ran a hand over his golden hair. “That is wonderful. You are a very good big brother already.”
The toddler beamed at her, then looked at his brother. “Be nice, Peri,” he urged.
Realizing that again he was not going to have his way – and moreover that he did not have even his twin's support – Peregrin sank to the floor and sobbed.