A new chapter and at least I didn't take as long as last time….sorry, not much plot in this chapter.

The discomfort Legolas had categorized as 'off-center' earlier that day had persistently worsened during the ride and now in the seventh hour of their trek he was in a fair amount of pain. Jaw clenched he continued forth, allowing Faramir to take his place beside Aragorn knowing that the two needed to discuss matters of state and country. Now he found that his riding companion was none other than the lady Eowyn. She'd not stopped her continual observance of him and he could once more feel her clear eyes burning into the back of his head.

" The sun is about to set, we'll need to set up camp soon." She said urging her horse forward so that the two were side by side. Legolas nodded. " I'm sure you need to rest."

" I am fine, I assure you." Legolas answered and set his gaze on the passing trees.

" It must be a large strain, as your body's not built for carrying such a burden, twins no less." Legolas nodded politely.

" My body must be in some way capable or it would not have happened." He replied before tucking a strand of hair behind his pointed ear. Eowyn smiled softly and remained silent for several minutes, noting Legolas's jaw clench and unclench for a moment as his hands tightened almost imperceptibly on the reins. " How goes things in the white city?" He inquired finally in an attempt to distract himself.

* * * * *

The sun was nearly gone and the sky a dark red when Aragorn finally called a halt to the day's riding.

Legolas pulled Arod to a stop and sat still upon the horse contemplating his situation.. A steady throb and occasional jolt were steadily working their way through his body. He knew he had a week's time now before the actual act of labor began but if this was only the beginning he feared he would not be able to hide it for long.

" Is his highness going to dismount or not?" Legolas glanced to the side and was surprised to find Eowyn staring up at him expectantly. He nodded slowly and gritting his teeth swung his leg back over the horse. He teetered for a brief second before dropping to the ground gracelessly. Within an instant a Gondorian had taken Arod's reins and was leading the horse towards the others.

At first Legolas was unsure if his legs would support him but after standing for a small amount of time he decided that they would and began with slow determined steps towards where the fire was being built. Tents were already being constructed and bedrolls unpacked. Several men of the escort had gone off to hunt for a late supper.

" Ah there you are my love…" Aragorn's voice was tired but happy and Legolas forced a smile onto his face as the man enfolded him into a warm embrace. He let his head rest against Aragorn's shoulder momentarily before drawing back at a sudden jab of pain.

" I wish to bathe…" He smiled placing a delicate kiss on the ranger's stubbled chin.

" Aye, I will join you-"

" No." Legolas cut him off sharply before he could stop himself and felt a pang of guilt at the hurt expression on Aragorn's weathered visage. " I would like some time to myself…to enjoy nature…and be with my thoughts."

" Of course…I'll tell everyone to stay away then while you bathe…this must be trying for you."

" Very…" Legolas admitted and then placed another kiss higher on the jaw line ignoring the stares of those present.

" Well off you go, we'll have food set out in an hour…" Legolas nodded and the slipped out of his husbands embrace before disappearing off into the trees. Aragorn watched his retreating back and then turned back towards where the tents were being erected.

" They are a remarkable race…" Faramir mused as his king approached. " I've never held any prejudice against them despite what most men thought…they've brightened up the city…they fascinate me." Aragorn nodded settling himself on a rock.

" I was raised by the firstborn and still I am amazed…" He chuckled. " This has not been an easy trial…"

' It puzzles me still how this came about, no doubt the people will have mixed opinions, they loved Arwen…"

" And they love Legolas…" Aragorn countered folding his arms against his chest. Faramir nodded but let his gaze travel to many men of their escort.

" They love him but they love him as the golden prince of our forests, a hero of the nine walkers and friend to their king…not as the King's consort responsible for the dislodging of their queen…I know not their thoughts on relations between two men…especially when these relations involve an elf." He paused catching Eowyn's eyes across the clearing before turning back to Aragorn. " I have watched them stare and whisper. They do not know what to make of this."

" Legolas is my chosen partner no matter the publics opinion, he also carries my heirs, I stand by him no matter the repercussions."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Carefully Legolas discarded the last of his clothing relishing the feel of the air on his skin. With a slight grimace he removed the cloth he had tucked beneath his stomach and was somewhat disgusted by the growing amount of blood that had collected during the day. When Elrond had explained that the body would build its own exit he did not think the Eldar meant it would tear its way from the outside in. After living for over two thousand years like all elves he had acquired a certain tolerance to pain but with this steadily worsening he dreaded to think if this was the first day of his ordeal then what would it be towards the climax of it all?

With deft fingers he worked at his braids, toes curling into the soft soil as the pain took on a sudden crescendo. He waited it out before standing, though unsteadily and then entering the water. It was cold but he barely took notice of the temperature. It calmed him immensely and almost methodically he began to wash the dirt from his hair and the sweat from his face. He could almost put the pain out of his mind.

After a good deal of swimming, floating and washing he returned to the shore and grabbed the cloth into the water. Scrubbing it together he managed to wash away most of the blood and then satisfied he swam back once more to dry off and redress.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

" Ah, I almost thought you weren't coming back…" Aragorn grinned when Legolas appeared at the edge of the clearing. " I've been waiting, the food's nearly cooked." He shifted slightly to the left, making room for Legolas on the mat that had been set next to the fire. The guards turned and watched the elf approach and Legolas gazed steadily ahead, refusing to return the obvious stares.

" I lost track of time, I apologize." Aragorn shook his head in protest as Legolas settled himself on to the mat.

" Do not apologize…" He reached out and ran his fingers through the silken locks and Legolas flinched slightly, aware that all eyes were still fastened to them, whether or not the owners wished the pair to know or not. He felt a residual resentment from at least half of the group. Noting the elf's discomfort he withdrew his hand and contented himself with staring into the fire.

Faramir and the ever-watchful Eowyn sat on their own mat very close to Aragorn's and they gave the men assembled a disapproving glance at the indiscreetness of their actions.

A boy stood quickly from his place near the fire and began to check the meat, eyes clearly avoiding both man and elf. Legolas studied him silently before turning to Aragorn.

" I'm not hungry I'm afraid, I'd just like to sleep…"

" Of course." Aragorn said tenderly, concern beginning to brew in his gray eyes. Slowly Legolas got to his feet once more. Aragorn clasped his hand for a moment before placing a kiss upon the milky skin. " I'll wait for my food and then I'll join you in the tent." Legolas nodded and then went towards the group of tents, disappearing into the larger of these.

* * * * * *

As quietly as he could Aragorn pushed back the ten flap and peered inside. He could see the huddled form of Legolas on the bed and called out the elf's name softly. When he received no answer save the light breathing of someone in slumber he stepped inside letting the doorway fall closed behind him. A plate of fruits and cheese was clutched in his right hand and a plate with various pieces of meat in his other. Quietly he set these down on the ground beside the bed and sat down on the edge. His eyes tracked the progressive rise and fall of Legolas' chest for what seemed like an eternity before he lay down gently, mindful of Legolas' position, not wanting to rouse him.