A/N:  First of all, we'd like to say sorry for the long wait.  Life kinda took a hold of us and ran rampant.  Second, we're also sorry to say that we will unfortunately have to take a break on this story (and our others) for the next four months because Brina is going to England for college until the end of April, so don't look for updates until the beginning of May.

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Chapter 27

TA 3019 March 5

Legolas lay on a cot surrounded by eight people all yelling over each other at him.  Aragorn, Farothen, Boromir, Gandalf, Gimli, Haldir, Eowyn and Theoden.  Eomer stood off to the side watching in apparent confusion.

Aragorn was frantic with residual fear so he wasn't exactly making sense beyond the phrase 'in the caves where you belonged!'  A phrase he seemed rather fond of.

Farothen, the best healer there, other than Aragorn, was stitching the wound in Legolas' side, not bothering with anything to dull the pain for two reasons.  (1) He wasn't sure how it would affect his unborn baby sister and (2) Legolas had been foolish to ride out into an army of creatures that were probably bred to hate elves, so Farothen figured the pain of being stitched up was just deserts.  He was also rather vocal about his opinion of his Elven father's foolish stunt.

Boromir stood with his arms crossed, a scowl darkening his expression, as he added his agreement to both Aragorn's and Farothen's words.  He even put his own spin on it, calling the elf on his promise to remain uninjured, though that technically wasn't his fault, Legolas had ridden willingly into a horde of Uruk Hai with deadly spears, wearing very little armor capable of protecting the baby should one of those spears have been aimed at his stomach.

Gandalf made his opinion clear with barely a scowl and a threat to send Legolas to Sauron if he made another stupid choice, finishing with a grumbled, "Foolish princeling."  He also pointed out that Legolas risking his own life also risked his Elven bonded as well.  Should Legolas die, Aragorn would surely follow.

Gimli was gruffly, and loudly, cursing Legolas in Dwarvish.  He obviously couldn't care less that only half of them could understand him.  Legolas could, that was all that mattered.

Haldir seemed to prefer the word 'stupid' and used any form of it he could think of to make his opinion clear.  He spoke in Elvish, also not caring that only half of them understood him.

Eowyn and Theoden both made sure Legolas clearly understood that his choice had been the wrong one.  They also insisted he listen to those who cared for him and considered all the possible outcomes of his choices, ending with a loudly chorused, "Especially the stupid ones!"

In the end, Aragorn won the shouting match by roaring, "And what was with sliding down the stairs on a shield?!!!!!!!"

There was a second of silence then the other seven chorused, "Yeah!  What was that?!"

It was at this point that Legolas burst into tears and cried, "Stop yelling at me!"

There was another stretch of silence, broken only by the elf's sobs.  Aragorn sat down, feeling guilty, and pulled his husband up into a sitting position in his lap.  Legolas continued to cry, unable to stop the torrent of tears now that he'd started, and buried his face against Aragorn's throat.

"I'm...sorry," he gasped between heart wrenching sobs, "I...thought...I could...handle it.  I...didn't mean to...g...get...h...hurt."

"Shh, meleth," Aragorn whispered, gently rocking his beloved while the others cast guilty looks at each other, "It's okay.  You're still here.  You're with me, alive and safe."

"You're...mad at...me." Legolas sniffed, trying desperately to bring his tears under control.

"No, no.  I was worried."  Aragorn dropped a kiss on Legolas' forehead, "When Boromir brought you in, all the blood coming from your side...it scared me.  I thought I'd lost you."

"You weren't afraid when...Haldir got his side hurt." Legolas sniffed again, sitting up.

Aragorn tried a smile and met Legolas' teary gaze, "Haldir's not my husband and he's not pregnant."

Legolas took a deep breath, his bottom lip still poked out in an adorable pout, "Just don't...yell at me anymore."

Aragorn released a chuckle, "Ai, Legolas, how I love you."

Any reply Legolas was going to make was cut off when Aragorn kissed him.  Their other eight companions, Eomer included, slowly made their way out of the small room, leaving the two lovers to their privacy.

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It was a couple hours later when Eomer got a chance to ask the question that had plagued him since finding out Legolas was pregnant.  It was after the final council to decide where to go next that he caught Aragorn, Legolas, Farothen and Boromir together.

"Excuse me, my lords, if you wouldn't mind, I would ask you a question," the young horse lord asked hesitantly.

Legolas, who was snuggled up to Aragorn's side, looked over, "Of course, ask away."

Eomer cleared his throat, "Well...how, exactly, is it possible for you to be...well..."  Cutting off he made the motion of a curved belly.

"Please tell me I can listen to this explanation," Gandalf said with a chuckle as he walked up to the group along with Eowyn and Theoden.

Legolas rolled his eyes as Aragorn chuckled.  Boromir and Farothen just grinned knowingly.

"Gandalf, you already know what's going on, but feel free to listen," Legolas said, giving Gandalf a knowing glance.

Eomer suddenly felt like he was in the middle of a joke that everyone was aware of except himself.  Even Eowyn was smiling in silent amusement along with Aragorn, Legolas, Farothen and Boromir.  The only comfort Eomer had was that his uncle looked at least somewhat confused as well.

"Would all of you quit laughing at my expense and tell me what's going on," Eomer said.

"Peace, Eomer," Legolas said with a grin, "Some male elves are able to conceive and carry a child...although the majority of them are not able to do this."

Eomer raised an eyebrow at Legolas, "That's it?  You were all laughing because I didn't know some male elves could conceive."

Boromir couldn't help it.  He burst out laughing again at Eomer's expense because he knew there was more coming.  And even though the others weren't laughing it was a heck of an effort for them not to.

Eomer glanced at Farothen, "So...this isn't your...first pregnancy is it, elf."

Aragorn suddenly turned beet red as Legolas gave an embarrassed laugh, "Actually, this is my first pregnancy, Lord Eomer."

At Eomer's confused look Legolas continued, "Yes, Eomer.  Farothen is my son, but..."  Legolas nodded at his embarrassed husband, "Aragorn carried him, not me."

"But...he is no elf!" Eomer sputtered out.

"I think I'd like to know how this is possible as well," Theoden asked.

Boromir was now laughing so hard that his stomach hurt.  He couldn't hold back any longer, "Aragorn is Numenorean, so he does, technically, have Elvish blood."

"Numenorean?" Eomer asked, "Oh.  Oh!"  Eomer suddenly understood the silent joke that everyone had been engaged in.  Except for Theoden, everyone present was aware of Eomer's relationship with Faramir...a man with almost pure Numenorean blood.

Unfortunately, Theoden was left in a fog as his nephew's face went completely pale and everyone else, including Gandalf, burst out laughing.

"I bet your ride south doesn't sound like such a good idea now." Boromir remarked.

Eomer didn't respond, but started stuttering, "N...N...Numenorean blood?"

"You've gotten yourself into a real mess this time brother," Eowyn remarked.

"Would someone tell me what is going on around here!" Theoden bellowed.

Eomer suddenly turned to leave, but Theoden caught his nephew's arm before he could go very far.

"Oh no you don't!" Theoden snapped, "You're not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on!"

Eomer gulped.  Suddenly feeling like a seven year old when confronted with his uncle's stern gaze.

The young Marshal bit his bottom lip nervously as he stammered out, "Well...Boromir's brother Faramir and I have...known each other for a while and..."

"Known each other?" Boromir smirked, "If what I walked in on during my last trip through..."

"Boromir!" Eomer hissed, "Shut up!"

Boromir merely grinned innocently as Theoden's gaze flipped between him and Eomer.  After a moment the king turned to his nephew and growled warningly, "Eomer."

Eomer sighed, "Faramir and I have been in an...intimate relationship for several years now."

"And he's almost pure Numenorean." Boromir said with a highly amused grin.

Theoden looked around at everyone in turn.  Nobody seemed surprised.  In fact, they were amused.  "Who all knew about this...relationship?"

Legolas was the first to raise his hand, followed by Boromir and Eowyn.  Then Farothen and Aragorn and, finally, Gandalf.  Theoden cocked a brow, "Did everyone know?"

Boromir chuckled, "Aye.  Except for you and my father."

Theoden started to reply but was cut off by a small whimper from Eomer as he said, "This means I could one day be a..."

That was as far as he got before he hit the floor in a dead faint.

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Border of Osgiliath Same time

Faramir led  his rangers toward Osgiliath, stubbornly ignoring the complaining hobbits being dragged along by two of his men.  As they topped the last hill they stopped and Madril pointed toward the city, whispering, "Look!  Osgiliath burns!"

Faramir motioned for Madril to take half of the rangers ahead to Osgiliath before turning his attention to the hobbits when the one named Frodo said, "The ring will not save Gondor.  It has only the power to destroy."

There was a beat of silence while hobbit and man met, and held, each other's gaze before Frodo pleaded, "Please, let me go."

Faramir spared a moment of thought, considering letting the hobbits go.  A tiny voice whispered in his mind, waylaying him.  'Do not let him go.  Prove to your father you are worthy of his love.'

He gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head and looked back at his remaining rangers, "Hurry!"

As two rangers continued to drag the hobbits along Frodo struggled, shouting, "Faramir!  You must let me go!"

Once again Faramir hesitated, watching his men drag the hobbits toward Osgiliath.  And once gain the persistent whispers changed his mind.  The ring would go to Minas Tirith.  Perhaps then Denethor would finally recognize his youngest son's full worth.

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Helm's Deep

"Farothen?  Are you alright?"

Farothen faced Legolas with what he hope was a believable smile, "I am alright, Adar.  Just a little tired."

Legolas narrowed his gaze thoughtfully, "You have been so for several days, pen-neth."

"A lot has happened in the last few days.  We are all tired." Farothen replied.

"Hmm." Legolas murmured enigmatically, "Anyway, Theoden has decreed we are to ride with him to Isengard.  Eomer and Gamling ride with us.  The rest of Rohan's people and soldiers will return to Edoras."

Farothen nodded, "I will be there shortly."

Returning the nod with one of his own Legolas started to walk away.  At the last moment he turned back, "Oh...and Farothen..."

The half-elf met Legolas' gaze questioningly, "Aye, Adar?"

Legolas grinned secretively, "I suggest you wait a couple minutes before you join us.  Estel is smoking and I the know the smell has been making you sick lately."

Farothen blinked as Legolas walked away with a knowing chuckle.  After a moment he narrowed his gaze, wondering what the elf thought he knew that Farothen, himself, didn't.

"Does something trouble you, little elf?"

Farothen smiled as his husband wrapped him in a loving embrace from behind and kissed him on the cheek.  He sighed, "No, my jewel, Adar is just being...himself."

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Farothen wrestled his new mount into line beside his husband.  In return for fighting for Rohan Theoden had given him his choice of any riderless horse since he was in need of one.  He'd chosen a young colt, barely trained (and not yet named) that had lost it's rider during the final charge of the Rohirrim.

Taking into consideration the initial introduction between himself and the colt Farothen had quickly dubbed the horse Raug, meaning demon in Sindarin.  After the colt had realized Farothen was stuck in the saddle for the long haul, Raug had given up on trying to buck the half-elf off.  As of now they had the beginning of a grudging friendship, but the colt still gave his new rider some token resistance every few minutes.

Farothen was grinning as he let Raug have his latest fit of mini rebellion before taking him in control once more, just as Aragorn shouted his name.  Giving Boromir a small shrug to say, 'Be right back' he rode up to his human father.

Aragorn didn't even give him a chance to speak before saying, "You will ride beside me."

Narrowing his gaze in confusion Farothen threw a quick glance at Legolas, who had come to a stop with Boromir a couple feet away.  The blond elf shrugged, indicating he had no clue why Aragorn had made that particular demand.

Farothen turned back to Aragorn, "Alright.  But...may I ask why?"

Aragorn threw a scowl at Boromir before once more meeting his son's gaze, "Because I now know what's going on between you and Boromir."

Legolas, Boromir and Farothen all tensed and semi-panicked glances (that Aragorn thankfully ignored or missed) passed between them.  Farothen swallowed, "Ada, there's noth..."

"Do not tell me there is nothing between you two." Aragorn growled, "Was it not I who caught you two kissing?"

The three co-conspirators visibly relaxed as Aragorn continued, "I will make sure this relationship goes no further.  You barely know him."

"Estel," Legolas began, "He is 36.  Old enough to know his own mind and heart."

"Aye, but the heart can make mistakes." Aragorn said, not realizing how those words could be taken, especially by an elf whose hormones were completely out of whack.  He thought only of the injury possible to Farothen's heart should this relationship with Boromir fail.

Legolas released a little gasp of pain before forcing himself to nod, "Of course."

Before anymore could be spoken Theoden motioned for them to begin the ride to Isengard.  Aragorn and Farothen took the lead with Theoden and Gandalf with Eomer and Gamling following behind them.  Legolas hung back long enough for a couple men to lift Gimli onto Arod's back then followed the king of Rohan with Boromir beside him.

Gimli growled in his own language before saying in Westron, "Aragorn didn't meant mean that about you, Legolas."

"I know what he meant." Legolas replied in near monotone.

"Legolas..." Boromir started.

The elf cut him off, "I would prefer not to speak of it."

With a small nod Boromir fell silent.  As did Gimli.

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Osgiliath

Faramir was met by a grim faced Madril just inside the city.  "Faramir!" Madril said, "Orcs have taken the eastern shore.  Their numbers are too great.  By nightfall we will be overrun."

Sighing Faramir rubbed the bridge of his nose, hoping to alleviate some of the pain settled behind his eyes.  Finally he met Madril's gaze, "Station some lookouts along the river to warn us when the orcs start to cross.  We must not lose this city again."

"And what about them?" Madril asked, motioning to the hobbits and Gollum.

"Take them to my father.  Tell him 'Faramir sends a mighty gift'."  He paused a moment for his words to sink in then added, "A weapon that will change our fortunes in this war."

At that he turned to walk away, telling three of his men to take care of the hobbits and their pet guide.  He turned back when Sam spoke, plunging everyone within hearing distance into a tense silence with his choice of words.

"Do you want to know what happened to Boromir?!" Sam snapped, struggling against the ranger holding him, "You want to know why your brother died?!"

Faramir remained silent, feeling angry tears threaten to fall.  How dare this hobbit speak of Boromir with such disdain.  Nobody spoke of Boromir in such a way.  Faramir clenched his teeth as Sam continued.

"He tried to take the ring from Frodo after swearing an oath to protect him!"

Faramir shook his head in denial, "No.  He wouldn't..."

"The ring drove your brother mad!" Sam interrupted.

Before Faramir could form a reply someone shouted a warning seconds before a large boulder slammed into a tower, smashing it.  Faramir's attention was drawn to Frodo as he spoke as if in a trance.

"They're here," he rasped, "They've come."

Almost as if on cue there was a screech everyone recognized.  Faramir's gaze was jerked skyward and he yelled, "Nazgul!"

All around him his men flew into motion.  Faramir grabbed the rope tied to Gollum from one of his rangers and led the little monster and the hobbits to a somewhat secluded alcove.  Impatiently he pushed them in, being a little rougher than necessary as he pushed Sam in.

"Stay here," he ordered sharply, "Stay out of sight."  Turning away he ran toward the nearest group of men yelling to everyone in general, "Take cover!"

After that Faramir lost track of the hobbits, too caught up in the midst of battle to be concerned about them.  That was, up until he saw Frodo up on one of the walls, seemingly in a trance.  Frodo held the ring up in one of his hands...just as one of those Nazgul and it's winged beast flew up next to the wall.

'What in the name of the Valar is he doing?!' Faramir thought.

Apparently Sam had the same idea because in the last possible moment Sam raced up the stares, half grabbed half tackled Frodo and the two tumbled down the stairs together.

By that time Faramir had already notched an arrow and loosed it on the winged beast before it could attack Frodo and Sam.

'I hope Sam can handle Frodo in that state.' Faramir thought to himself.

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It took Faramir awhile to drive off the enemy but luck seemed to be on his side today because the enemy didn't stick around long.  But Faramir knew it was only a matter of time before they came back stronger than ever.

He also realized, after seeing Frodo almost give himself away to the enemy and the bleak look in his eyes as Sam talked to him, that the ring could not help Gondor.  Boromir shouldn't have died under the influence of the ring, an instrument of Mordor.  He should have died as he'd lived, as a warrior.

He mind made up, Faramir walked up to the trio he'd picked up in Ithilien.  The hobbits eyed him with suspicion but Faramir went down on his knees before them to make them a little less nervous.

"I think, at last, we understand one another, Frodo Baggins," he said.

Both hobbits suddenly looked hopeful until Madril, who'd walked up behind Faramir, spoke up, "You know the laws of this country.  The laws of your father."

He paused momentarily as Faramir stood up before continuing, "If you let them go your life will be forfeit."

Both Frodo and Sam looked surprised at that.  Faramir merely looked sadly at his second in command, "Then it is forfeit.  Release them."

Faramir's tone left the men knowing that he expected to be obeyed, but still respecting him.

"Follow me," Faramir said to Frodo, Sam and Gollum.  The three of them quickly followed the ranger through the winding streets of Osgiliath with the other rangers looking after their captain with both pity and understanding.

Faramir stopped the trio beside a tunnel that appeared to be a sewer.  That fact was confirmed when the man started speaking.

"This is the old sewer," he said, "Runs right under the river through to the edge of the city.  You'll find cover in the woods there."

Sam stared at the ranger in gratitude, "Captain Faramir, you have shown your quality, sir."

Faramir started back at the hobbit both stunned and moved at the same time.  Odd that this hobbit's approval should actually mean something to him.

"The very highest." Sam added.

Faramir looked at Sam with a tinge of amusement mixed in this time, "The Shire must truly be a great realm, Master Gamgee...where gardeners are held in high honor."

Sam gave a half laugh out of embarrassment as Faramir turned to Frodo, "What road will you take once you reach the woods?"

"Gollum says there's a path near Minas Morgul that climbs up into the mountains." Frodo said.

Faramir felt a chill creep down his spine at Frodo's words.  If the path the hobbit was talking about was the one Faramir was thinking of...

"Cirith Ungol?" Faramir asked.  At the blank stares from the hobbits Faramir turned to Gollum, who looked suspiciously like he was trying to sneak away.

Reacting with reflexes he'd gained as a ranger, Faramir grabbed Gollum by the neck and slammed him against the wall and asked harshly, "Is that it's name?"

"No.  No!" Gollum gasped, then he quickly changed his answer to yes when Faramir tightened his hold on the creature's neck.

Faramir turned his gaze back to the hobbits, "Frodo, they say a dark terror dwells in the passes above Minas Morgul.  You cannot go that way!"

"It is the only way," Gollum squeaked before Frodo could say anything, "Master says we must go to Mordor, so we must try."

Faramir looked at Frodo, who had resigned himself to the fact that he had to rely entirely on Gollum to get to Mordor.  "I must," he said.

Faramir threw Gollum down in disgust and turned to Frodo, his expression now one of respect, "Go, Frodo.  Go with the goodwill of all men."

"Thank you," Frodo replied before he headed into the sewer with Sam following.

Gollum, however, was a little slower since he had just been thrown.  So Faramir was able to grab him, pin him against the wall again and say one more parting shot once the hobbits' backs were turned.

"May death find you quickly if you bring them to harm," he said, then his anger and headache made him add, "And you'd better hope that our paths don't cross again!"

Faramir threw Gollum toward the sewer and the creature crawled out of sight.  Frodo may have put his trust in Gollum as a guide, but Faramir wouldn't have trusted anything he said.  And from what Faramir had seen, Sam didn't trust Gollum either.

Groaning Faramir pressed a hand to his aching head and sank to the ground.  If circumstances ever put Frodo in a position where he had to trust either Sam or Gollum Faramir hoped he would trust Sam

Unexpectedly Faramir felt tears rolling down his face.  He hadn't realized how much stress he was under until now.  Boromir was dead.  Eomer could very well have died as well.  Gondor would soon be under attack.  And no matter what Faramir did, Denethor would always look at him in nothing but disgust.

Denethor had always abhorred tears.  He viewed them as a sign of weakness.  But away from the sight of his men Faramir finally allowed himself a chance to cry for his brother, his lover, the hobbits and a father whose love he would never win.

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Elvish translation...

Pen-neth – Young one

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Replies to reviews...

Saihitei Seishuku: We actually have tenuous plans for Haldir so he won't be paired with anyone in this story, but if we decide to write a sequel (we haven't come to a final decision yet) he will be paired with someone in that.

Yume no Kokoro: It's amazing how many people we've managed to convert.  You're number three.  Glad you like 'Second Chance'.  We strive to please.

DisenchantedFaerie: I (Becky) just kind of always wondered how one would react if he found out the other kept a child from him and this is what resulted.  Actually, the original idea was for Legolas to 'hide the baby' but Brina liked the idea of Aragorn playing that role better so that's how we did it.  Over all, the idea has worked out better than I thought possible.

Arch-Nemesis: A sequel is a very real possibility.  We haven't come to a final decision.  We want to finish a couple other things before then and try out a couple other ideas, so it will be a while before we start a sequel but we already actually have a couple ideas for it.