Warning: Contains SLASH! Pairing: Eomer/Legolas
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Tolkein. What occurs is purely fiction and I mean no disrespect


Anxiety

The rooster crowed its first cock-a-doodle-doo when Meduseld had been stirred. Now, well into the morn, its Lord remained in a state of restlessness. Early on, it had been attributable to an almost childlike excitement, but as the hours wore on, excitement turned to worry and was slowly becoming a fully-fledged anxiety.

"Surely this isn't the first birthing you've experienced."

Eomer spared Faramir a brief glance but didn't cease his pacing.

Ever since the Horse Lord had been shooed out with a look of exasperation when his constant questioning had driven Legolas mad, Faramir had watched the King wring his hands, pace back and forth, clench and unclench his fists and squirm with every cry of pain. But as the morning drew ever on, even the patient steward grew tired of the fidgeting.

"I'm sure everything is progressing normally..." he started as he tried to relate it to something he was familiar with. "Remember when Eowyn went into labour?" And immediately knew it was the wrong thing to say when his brother-in-law cringed.

"Of course, it's not exactly the same... I mean... it..."

Faramir looked skywards and wished that Legolas would hurry up.

Then, like a ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds after a stormy day, the whines and harsh breathing ceased. Eomer, now tense with anticipation, rushed to his beloved's side.

The Elf's hair clung to his forehead and his face screamed exhaustion, but Eomer's heart filled with joy and love nonetheless, for in his arms held the being the man had waited hours for.

"Oh, it's beautiful."

"Aye, you have yourself a fine strong colt."

An arm slipped around the Elf's shoulders as the other went to touch the foal the Elf had toiled all morning to bring into the world. The relief in the Horse Lord was so evident that Legolas could only shake his head. Allowing himself a small grin, he took both his husband's hands and transferred them to his own stomach.

"Eomer, oh beloved Eomer, what ever are you going to do when your own child comes into the world?"

Eomer blanched.