A/N:  It's at this point that we've spliced the timelines from the book and the movie so the story no longer follows either completely.  Also, a lot of this that was taken from the movie/book has been changed to fit our purposes.

Another note of some importance, Eowyn will not be as big a character in here as she was in either the book or the movie because we honestly have no idea what to do with her.  Having her fall in love with any of the guys would be a hassle so, though she will play a fairly large role in some scenes, she will remain a secondary character.  Sorry to any Eowyn fans, but she will take the back burner right beside Arwen.

Okay, so after a night of…anyway…back to the story.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chapter 23

TA 3019 March 2 mid-morning

"They had no warning.  They were unarmed." Lady Eowyn said from where she was hovering over two children who had arrived in Edoras that morning from a besieged village on the borders of Rohan.  She shook her head at her uncle, "Now the Wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go.  Rick, cot and tree."

Sitting in his throne Theoden bowed his head, bracing it with his hand as Gandalf, sitting beside him, motioned toward the children, "This is but a taste of the terror Saruman will unleash.  Terror that will become more potent as his fear of Sauron grows and continues to drive him mad."

"What would you have me do, Gandalf?" Theoden sighed without looking up.

"Ride out and meet him." Gandalf said, "You must fight."

Aragorn looked up at Theoden, "You have 2000 good men riding south as we speak.  Eomer is loyal to you.  His men will return at your call…to fight for you."

Boromir gave a fairly audible snort of laughter, causing Legolas, Farothen and Gimli to choke back their own laughter.  Aragorn had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing as he recognized the hidden meaning of his words.

Gandalf studied the five companions with displeased confusion as Theoden stood up to pace, They will be a hundred leagues from here by now."

"Not quite." Boromir mumbled only loud enough for his family and Gimli to hear him, pulling more smirks from them.

Theoden, having not heard Boromir's words, continued speaking, shaking his head, "Eomer cannot help us."

Gandalf stood and stepped toward Theoden.  The king of Rohan faced the wizard, "I know what it is you want from me, Gandalf.  But I will not bring further death to my people.  I will not risk open war."

"Open war is upon you," Aragorn said, holding his pipe a couple inches from his mouth, "Whether you would risk it or not."

Theoden turned to face the ranger where he was slouched in a chair at the end of a table between two pillars.  Legolas stood stiffly by the pillar behind Aragorn.  Boromir sat at the opposite end of the table from Aragorn with Farothen standing behind him only slightly more relaxed than Legolas.  Gimli sat at the side of the table methodically making his way through a late breakfast.

"When last I looked," Theoden started, as if Aragorn was a disobedient child, "Theoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."

That comment brought a mix of reactions.  Gandalf, as the wizard, stayed neutral.  Gimli, who'd just taken a swig of ale, let out a belch as he scowled at Theoden.  Legolas tensed even more (if possible) also glaring at Theoden.  Boromir growled under his breath and tensed to stand, causing Farothen to put a restraining hand on his shoulder.  At the same time the half elf fisted his free hand and grit his teeth, throwing his own glare (one that matched Legolas' perfectly) at Theoden.  And through it all, Aragorn coolly met the younger king of Rohan's gaze, seeming completely unfazed by the disregarding tone.

Inside Aragorn winced.  No, he wasn't the king of Rohan.  He wasn't even the king of Gondor yet.  But he did know something about war, king or no.

Gandalf sighed and looked at Theoden, "Then what is the king's decision?"

Theoden turned to face Gandalf thoughtfully, "We will head for Helm's Deep."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was late afternoon when Eomer and his men reached the spot where he planned to set up camp.  It was about half a mile from the northern border of Ithilien.  Faramir would meet Eomer there when he could get away from Henneth Annun.

Staying on Fara's back Eomer looked at his men and called, "Set up camp.  We'll be here for a while.  I'm going scouting." He turned to a skinny guy off to his right, ignoring the smirks and comments his men were making about the reason behind their need to make camp, "Chubb, you scout to the east.  I'll go west."

Chubb nodded and took off to do his marshal's bidding.  As Eomer watched the man ride away he shook his head.  No one knew where he'd gotten the nickname, but everyone used it because they couldn't agree what his real name was.  Something that started with an E.  Or maybe it was a C or G.

Shaking his head again Eomer urged Fara into a slow run, remembering the nickname he'd gotten when he was younger because Eowyn couldn't say his name.  He'd had to fight quite a few boys to escape being tagged as Emor.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Eomer had been scouting for about half an hour before he reached the clearing where he'd agreed to meet Faramir.  He was pacing when suddenly he heard the sound of footsteps coming up behind him.

Since the woods of Ithilien were teeming with orcs, there was no way Eomer could have know who was coming up behind him.  So when he turned around to meet whoever was coming one hand was over the hilt of his sword.

It was a good thing the intruder wasn't an orc, though.  Otherwise Eomer would have been dead.  The figure walked straight up to him and Eomer tensed as he found himself wrapped in strong arms.

"I know you are early, my love, but I feel as if you have been gone forever."

Eomer relaxed when he recognized the familiar embrace of his lover, "Faramir, you've managed to get away from Henneth Annun sooner than I expected."

Faramir didn't answer.  He merely trembled in Eomer's arms and after a while Eomer felt something wet hit the side of his neck where Faramir had buried his face.  With a start, Eomer realized the older man was crying.

Quickly Eomer pulled Faramir into a stance before him and was dismayed to see tears streaming down his fair face.  Eomer's gaze and voice were full of alarm when he spoke.

"Faramir, what is wrong?!  Why do you cry so?!"

Faramir shook his head as if wanting to avoid Eomer's question or he wanted to avoid a terrible truth that was too painful to admit to.

"Please Eomer," he said, opening his eyes and looking right at his lover, "Don't ask questions tonight.  I need comfort, not questions."

Eomer had been in love with Faramir long enough to know that whenever the older man was this upset it was best not to push him.  Otherwise he clammed up and just refused to talk about it.  Eomer strangely suspected that Faramir's behavior in that area had a lot to do with being ignored and belittled by Denethor his whole life.  Not for the first time Eomer found himself cursing the steward of Gondor in his head.  He gave all his attention to one son and in the process hurt both.

"You can always come to me for comfort, Faramir," Eomer said pulling Faramir into a kiss.

Faramir was still crying when he was pulled into Eomer's embrace, but his tears gradually stopped as he gave into the need to be with the man he loved.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Helm's Deep!" Gimli huffed as he, Legolas and Aragorn followed Gandalf through the streets of Edoras toward the stables.  Boromir and Farothen had disappeared somewhere, much to Aragorn's dismay seeing as he had a sneaky suspicion they were together…alone.  Only a few whimpered words from Legolas about not feeling to well had kept Aragorn from going searching.  Both Gandalf and Gimli had found the ranger's lack of backbone in the wake of a few Elven whimpers rather humorous.

Gimli shook his head as he once again concentrated on the subject at hand, "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight!"

"Theoden is only doing what he thinks is best for his people." Aragorn said over his shoulder as they walked into the stable, "Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."

"There is no way out of that ravine.  Theoden is walking into a trap." Gandalf replied as they continued toward the stall Shadowfax was in, "He thinks he is leading them to safety.  What they will get is a massacre."

He faced Aragorn as they reached the stall, "Theoden has a strong will, but I fear for him.  I fear for the survival of Rohan.  He will need you before the end, Aragorn.  The defenses have to hold."

Aragorn nodded, "They will hold."

Without another word Gandalf turned to face Shadowfax, mumbling to himself.  A moment later he swung onto the horse's back and once again met Aragorn's gaze, "With luck my search will not be in vain."

Aragorn opened the stall door wider as Gandalf continued, "Look for my coming at first light on the third day.  At dawn, look to the east."

At those words Gandalf urged Shadowfax into a run.  As the horse and rider flew past Legolas and Gimli had to jump out of the way.  Legolas threw a moody glare at the disappearing wizard.

'I was walking here,' he thought grumpily.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Boromir, who was assisting in the packing for the trip to Helm's Deep, had been assigned one of the rooms the hunters had used the previous night when Farothen walked in and wrapped his arms around his husband.  Boromir smiled when the half elf pressed his cheek to the back of his shoulder with a happy sigh.

"Too bad we won't get another night like last night for a while." Farothen whispered.

Boromir grinned as he turned around in Farothen's arms, "Are you referring to my little display or the fun we had after?"

Farothen laughed, "Are you still embarrassed about that, my jewel"

Boromir actually turned red at the question, "Believe me, Farothen, I'm usually more composed than that."

Farothen tenderly pressed a kiss to Boromir's temple, "We'll be leaving early in the morning, Boromir.  Theoden wants to reach Helm's Deep by early evening tomorrow."  He stifled a yawn before snuggling once more into his husband's warm embrace, "And I need some sleep tonight."

"Are you ill?" Boromir asked with a touch of worry.

Farothen shook his head against Boromir's chest, "Just fatigued, my jewel.  After all, you gave me no chance at sleep last night."

Boromir grinned, "Get used to it."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

March 3 late morning

Ithilien

Gandalf rode into the Rohirrim camp, wondering why Eomer had chosen a place so close to Ithilien.  He was stopped by a couple guards just as he was bringing Shadowfax to a stop.

"State your business, stranger," one of them said.

Gandalf lowered the hood of his gray cloak, "I must speak with Lord Eomer."

The second guard, an older man who recognized the wizard, shook his head, "He is busy, Gandalf Grayhame.  He has company.  We were given strict orders not to disturb him."

Gandalf slid of Shadowfax's back, "I will speak to him.  He will not turn me away.  Of that you can be sure."

At that he pushed past the guards.  Unsurprisingly, neither tried to stop him.  After all, Gandalf was not above using his compelling wizardish voice to get his way.  Being the White Wizard had some perks.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Eomer leaned on one arm and looked down at Faramir as he slowly woke up.  He lovingly ran his fingers through the older man's wavy hair and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Do you now wish to speak of what brought you to tears yesterday, my love?"

Faramir released a shuddery breath, reaching up to lightly stroke Eomer's bearded chin, "I wish I could but…it's just too soon.  I can't…"

Faramir cut off abruptly and both he and Eomer shot up to sitting positions as the tent flap suddenly flew open.  Both instinctively pulled the blanket up to about mid-stomach as Gandalf stepped into the tent.

The wizard was already speaking as he entered, "We must move fast, Lord Eomer.  You're needed at…"  He cut off as his gaze fell on the older of the two men, "Lord Faramir?  I had not realized you were…"  He took in the sight of the two bare-chested men huddling under the blanket and gave them a somewhat amused look, "Acquainted with Lord Eomer."

Faramir swallowed, feeling a blush steal across his face and not quite meeting the Maia's gaze, "Aye…Gandalf.  Eomer and I have been…acquainted for several years."

"I see." Gandalf murmured, then cleared his throat and looked at an equally blushing Eomer, "I will leave so you both can dress.  Then we really must speak, Lord Eomer.  Rohan has gone to war."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Faramir refused to let Eomer, Gandalf or any of the other men of Rohan see him cry.  But it required all of his strength to keep his composure.

First Boromir was taken from him and now Eomer.  Even though Faramir had the greatest confidence in Eomer's ability as a warrior, anything could happen.  And with Boromir gone, Eomer was the only source of love he had left in his life.  Everyone in Gondor knew that Denethor didn't love him.

"Why the sad face, my jewel? Eomer asked coming up to Faramir while all around them the Rohirrim prepared to ride for Helm's Deep, "I would have you smile before I leave."

Faramir tried his best to lift the corners of his mouth into a smile for Eomer's sake, but failed miserably, "I should never have told you what my name means.  It got me stuck with that silly nickname."

Eomer chuckled as he ran a hand through Faramir's hair, "Why do I get the feeling that this isn't just about me going off to war?"

Faramir sighed, "Rohan isn't the only country at war, Eomer.  Sauron will strike Gondor soon.  And I don't think we'll have the strength to repel him."

Eomer honestly didn't know what to say so he pulled Faramir into a kiss in full view of his men and Gandalf.  While there was some chuckling amongst the men, they generally kept any crude comments to themselves.  No one knew if Eomer and Faramir would see each other again and the men of Rohan were actually quite happy for their leader.  Meeting Faramir was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

Eomer and Faramir finally ended the kiss and Eomer whispered, "Are you going to tell me what had you so upset before I leave?"

Faramir shook his head, "Now is not the time for this.  Just know that you were a great comfort."

Eomer was smiling as he walked away from Faramir and mounted his horse.  The eyes of the two lovers stayed locked on each other until the entire company of the Rohirrim turned and headed toward Helm's Deep.

Gandalf hung back a moment and studied Faramir, as if he knew what troubled the young mortal.  Taking a breath he said, "Do not give up faith, young one, or hope.  There is still both in this world."

At those words Gandalf wheeled Shadowfax around and followed the Rohirrim.  Eomer stopped long enough to throw Faramir a final wave then joined Gandalf at the head of the company.

When Eomer was out of sight Faramir finally allowed the tears to fall down his face.  Then, with the practice and stealth of someone who had been a ranger for years, Faramir turned and disappeared into the woods.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Legolas kept Arod toward the front of the line of travelers, knowing Aragorn would stay toward the middle by Theoden.  Gimli was there as well, telling Eowyn some story or another about dwarves.  Boromir and Farothen were somewhere toward the end of the column.

It wasn't that he didn't want to see Aragorn or the others, of course.  He just didn't want them to find out he wasn't exactly feeling the greatest.  He'd spent a few long minutes violently ill that morning, for the first time in almost a week.  Even now he was still feeling a little nauseous.  And ever since he'd collapsed four days earlier he'd been having occasional dizzy spells.

Aragorn had enough to deal with at the moment.  He didn't need to add worrying about his pregnant lover to the list.

Legolas was so deep in thought he jumped when Aragorn suddenly spoke his name from right beside him.  He abruptly shifted his gaze to the ranger's…and regretted it immediately as the sudden movement sent his head spinning and he swayed a little in Arod's saddle.

He must have blacked out a second because the next thing he knew he was sitting sideways in front of Aragorn in Hasufel's saddle with Aragorn holding him tight in one arm.  With his free hand the ranger checked Legolas' pulse.

"Meleth, are you alright?"

Legolas nodded and snuggled into his husband's embrace, "Aye, my love.  Anything to get into your arms you know."

"You almost fainted, Legolas." Aragorn whispered running his fingers through the elf's silver-gold hair.

Legolas lifted his head long enough to kiss Aragorn's throat before snuggling in again and moving the man's hand from his hair to his belly where they could both feel their daughter moving.

"I am fine, my Estel.  We both are."  Legolas sighed, "I am just a little tired and it makes me dizzy."

"Are you sure?" Aragorn asked, still worried.

"Hmm." Legolas murmured, already half asleep.

Aragorn pressed a kiss to the elf's forehead, "Then sleep, my love.  I will keep you safe."  He clicked his tongue at Legolas' horse, "Come, Arod.  Stay close.  He will need you later."

Arod flipped his mane and snorted, nuzzling Legolas' knee, as if saying, 'No way I'd leave him.'

Aragorn chuckled at the nearly human antics of the white stallion.  Figuring he might as well tell someone what he'd come to tell Legolas he looked at the horse seriously.

"Theoden has decreed that we will stop in a couple hours for a short mid-day meal.  Then you will have him back.  Until then he's mine."

Arod snorted and shook his mane again.  Aragorn smirked, "You argue as well as Legolas does."

That announcement merely earned a bobbing nod from Arod.  His way of agreeing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

About the time late afternoon rolled around Legolas had woken up feeling much better and had decided to go ahead scouting.  Of course, this was only after Aragorn had declared that if Legolas was going ahead Hama and Gamling would also be going ahead with him.  Which meant that Aragorn was leading the horses while Legolas was up ahead pouting.

"Is Legolas feeling well, my lord?" Eowyn asked suddenly.  Aragorn turned his head to look at her with a raised brow.

"I mean what's with the…"  She made a motion of a rounded stomach with her hand.

Aragorn chuckled, "Legolas is just fine, Eowyn.  He's just pregnant and moody."

"He's pre...pregnant?" Eowyn asked in surprise.

Aragorn smirked, "It's rare, but yes."

Eowyn pointed at Farothen, "Then he would also be Legolas' son?"

Aragorn nodded, "Aye.  Farothen is also Legolas' son."

"I'd like to meet the man who managed to get a male elf pregnant twice…and lived to tell the tale," Eowyn remarked, "That is if he is still alive."

Aragorn raised his hand weakly, "That would be me…and as weird as this sounds, I carried Farothen."

Eowyn thought that there must be no end to the surprises she was getting today, "So not only can male elves get pregnant, but…male humans can too?!"

Aragorn gave her an innocent grin, "Only male humans with Numenorean blood.  Because that means that they technically have some Elvish blood."

Eowyn, surprisingly, burst out laughing, "Boy is Eomer going to get a shock!"

Aragorn threw up his hands, "That is the second time this week that I've heard that joke and no one has bothered to explain it to me."

Eowyn was still giggling as she explained the situation to Aragorn, "The line of the stewards in Gondor has Numenorean blood and for several years now, my brother, Eomer, has been engaged in an intimate relationship with Boromir's little brother, Faramir."

Aragorn burst out laughing as he finally got the joke of a couple days ago.

"What's so funny?" Boromir asked as he rode up to the laughing pair.

"I finally got the joke with Eomer's horse," Aragorn said, "He rides a horse named Fara and a lover named Faramir."

Boromir rolled his eyes at Aragorn, "Aragorn, that joke was over a couple days ago."

"I know," Aragorn said between fits of laughter, "I just got it!"

Before Boromir could say anything back, there was suddenly a loud commotion coming from up ahead and the sound of a scream from Hama that was cut off rather abruptly.

Wordlessly, Aragorn handed the reins of his horse over to Eowyn and ran up ahead just in time to see Legolas kill an orc that had been riding a warg.  Gamling was okay, but Hama was dead.

"A scout!" Legolas shouted to Aragorn.  The look on Legolas' face made Aragorn very glad that the elf's anger wasn't directed at him.

"What is it?  What's happening?" Theoden asked as Aragorn ran back.

"Wargs!  We're under attack!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The battle was actually over fairly quickly but there were still a significant number of casualties.  Several horses had been lost and almost half of the warriors had been either injured or killed.

Legolas jerked one of his twin knives out of the last orc he'd killed and looked around, panicked, as he suddenly became aware that he couldn't feel his bond to Aragorn very well, if at all.  Being pregnant and having a strong bond with his daughter sometimes had a changing effect on his bond with his husband.

Legolas walked toward a ledge as something seemed to pull him that way.  Still looking around he called the ranger's name.  He was vaguely aware of Gimli calling for Aragorn as well, but his attention was snagged by an orc who lay several feet from the cliff.  The orc was obviously wounded mortally but he was still laughing smugly.

Legolas walked toward the orc with Gimli following and glared down at the creature, growling, "Where is he?"

At the same time Gimli hefted his axe and drawled, "Tell us what happened and I'll ease your passing."

Boromir and Farothen reached them just as the orc cackled, "He's…dead.  Took a little tumble off the cliff."

Farothen shook his head whispering, "No.  Ada."

Boromir sighed and closed his eyes, pulling Farothen against his side.  Gimli let his axe fall to the ground, swallowing.  But Legolas had the most violent reaction.

He knelt down and grabbed the orc's armor and lifted him threateningly, "You lie!"

The orc gave a couple more choking laughs before going limp.  Legolas shifted his gaze to the orc's hand when he saw a glint of light on metal.  Slowly he took the ring and chain from the orc's slack hand.

It was his ring.  The family crest ring he'd given to Aragorn at their bonding.  Getting to his feet he stumbled toward the cliff edge.  His three companions followed him.

Legolas looked down at the rushing water almost blindly as Theoden shouted in the background, "Get the wounded on horses.  Leave the dead."

Farothen glared at Theoden, "Leave the…We've got to look for my father!"

"He's gone." Legolas choked out on a sob, "He'd dead."

Boromir stepped toward Legolas and put a hand on his shoulder, "Legolas…"

"No," Farothen shook his head, "Legolas, he's not gone.  He can't be."

"I cannot feel our bond.  I cannot feel him."  Legolas looked over his shoulder at Farothen, tears running freely down his face, "He's…he's dead."

He looked back toward the water and whispered, "My love, my Estel, you cannot leave me."

Those were his last words before his eyes rolled back and he collapsed.  With a sharp cry of alarm Boromir jumped forward and caught Legolas before he hit the ground.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Replies to reviews…

Arch-Nemesis:  No, not exactly.  The baby is as healthy as can be expected at the moment.  Good guess though.

Kita chan:  Okay, as we see it, calling a male mom is like calling him a wife.  It's just not done.  I mean, you wouldn't walk up to a guy and say, 'Hey Mrs. Whatever.'  Personal opinions here but I guess I can also see the other end of things, but since both my co-writer and I think men should be called 'dad' we'll do things that way.

Anyway, thanks again to all reviewers.

~Becky and Brina~