Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings.

A/N: I made Bill River up but he is based on a Tolkien character.

Chapter 17

Lighting of the beacons

Tigerlily groaned and rolled over. She felt warm skin against hers. She opened one eye and smiled to herself. She could definitely get used to this. Legolas was asleep next to her, one arm around her waist. It had only been two days but he didn't want to leave her or for them to even leave the room. He had got suddenly over protective of her. One of the men from Enedwaith had been eyeing her when they had gone down the day before. Legolas had noticed and immediately put his arm around Tigerlily, pulling her closer to him. Tigerlily had seen him glare angrily at the man, who had immediately disappeared. Her mother knew of him. His name was Bill River. He was a horrible-looking, slant eyed, little man. He'd been watching Clover before they had left Enedwaith. Young girls generally tried to avoid him. No one had heard of him before he had shown up some six months before. But a nasty little rumor had followed him. A rumor that said he was a rapist. There had been no evidence that supported it in Enedwaith so most people ignored it. Fosco, Togo and Olo disliked him, as did most men with young daughters. Some thought Olo was a little strange for fearing for the safety of his daughter from a supposed rapist when she was only three but Aragorn said some people had done much worse things to newborn babies. Tigerlily tried not to listen to such stories but knew they were true. Her thoughts drifted back to Legolas. He still hadn't told her about that scar. How had he come by it? Aragorn wasn't budging on the subject, no matter how much Tigerlily pleaded with him, and neither was Legolas. He simply smiled, said 'I'll tell you soon' and kissed her. It was just as infuriating as waiting to find out the last big dark secret. 'Lets hope I don't have to wait another ten years,' she thought. She smiled. Being immortal hadn't been that bizarre yet. She had this strange feeling in the pit of her stomach but nothing else. Except the dreams. Strange dreams of a man, a greenish glow surrounding him. He looked like he was rotting away. He said something about the way being built by the Dead and the living could not pass. She closed her eyes trying to think of where her dream had been; maybe it had some kind of meaning? She felt Legolas move. His warm breath was on her shoulder and then her neck. She smiled. He was definitely more playful now their relationship was more physical. She felt him gently nip her ear. She grabbed a pillow from next to her and hit him with it. "Watch it, naughty," she said as he moved away. She opened her eyes. He had a cheeky smile slapped across his face and a scratch down one arm. Tigerlily propped herself on her elbows and looked at it. "I think we got a little too frisky last night," she mused. Legolas looked at the scratch and raised one eyebrow.

"You mean you did," he said. Tigerlily faked shock and hit him with the pillow again.

"You were the one who bit me," she said. Legolas smiled even more. Tigerlily had now learnt that his ears were one of Legolas' weak spots. She had gently bitten one after getting a little carried away but found him a slave to her will afterwards. Legolas had come back by biting her as well, testing her pleasure-pain barrier. "Come on, we have to get up," she said. Legolas groaned and fell back on the bed, his face hidden in a pillow. Tigerlily found her clothes from the various places they had been tossed and dressed. "Do we have to?" came Legolas' muffled voice.

"Yes," said Tigerlily, "Gandalf will be getting to Minas Tirith very soon. We have to be ready in case Gondor needs help." Legolas groaned and heaved himself up. He pulled on his trousers. He looked around for his shirt and tunic. Tigerlily had them. She walked over to him. Her pendant still hung around his neck. She gently traced the engraving with one hand. His hand covered hers. Tigerlily dropped the clothes and jumped into his arms. Her legs were lying over one arm and the other was underneath her bottom. She kissed him as hard as she could. Legolas kissed her back. He still hadn't plucked up the courage to ask her to marry him yet but it was only a matter of time. Tigerlily pulled out of the kiss and looked at him. Legolas put her on her feet. He traced her cheek. Tigerlily closed her eyes, feeling the roughness of his skin. It made hers tingle. He gently placed another kiss on her head. "Amin mela lle," he whispered. She smiled and bent down to pick up his clothes. She helped him put his shirt and tunic back on and gently tied the wrist guards. Her fingers traced the pattern on them. The pattern showed his high status, a lot of care and attention had gone into making them. It reminded her of what she was. A farmer's daughter. She hadn't had all the luxuries Legolas had had. She had had to make do with hand me downs from her brothers and sister-in-laws. Hence why she dressed like a man. She sighed, thinking about how Legolas' people might react to her. She could just see their faces and hear the things they might say. It was a rather strong vision. Many elven faces distorted with anger and cruel voices hissing, 'what does he see in her? Why is she to be his wife? What nobility does she have?' "Tigerlily?" Legolas' voice brought her out of her thoughts. Tigerlily looked up at him. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I'm scared Legolas," she said, softly, "I'm scared that even if we defeat Mordor, the future we want won't come to pass."

"Why would you think that?" he asked.

"Think about Legolas," said Tigerlily, "We are two very different people. You are a prince, I'm a peasant. Do you really think your father or your people would allow us to be together? I'm beginning to question what I've seen."

"No," said Legolas, his voice shaky with panic. He couldn't lose her, he mustn't. "Don't' think that!" he said, "Don't say that! I need you Tigerlily. I can't imagine my life without you. I've already said that I would give up Mirkwood to protect you. I would rather be exiled from my own home than live a life without you!" Tigerlily opened her mouth to protest but found Legolas' lips covering her own. She felt him kiss her furiously. A kiss that clearly said he didn't want to let go of her. Tigerlily decided not to press it further if it upset him. "Come on," she said. She took his hand and led him out of the room. As they walked, Legolas wrapped one arm around her waist and rested his chin on her head, breathing in her scent. It was just like it was in Rivendell, a light, airy summer breeze, only with a very faint smell of sex. But it was hardly noticeable. He smiled. "Oh, and I wonder what's making you smile?" said Gimli's sarcastic voice as they entered the main hall. Legolas looked at Gimli, who looked very tired. "We didn't keep you awake did you?" said Legolas. Gimli shook his head.

"No," he said, "The reason I'm tired is because I've been dragged into a game by a certain Solaris boy. Doesn't like losing."

"Minto?" suggested Tigerlily, "Blonde hair, green eyes, slightly large around the middle?" Gimli nodded. Tigerlily grinned. A voice sounded outside.

"The beacons of Minas Tirith!" called Aragorn as he ran inside, "The beacons are lit. Gondor calls for aid." Everyone turned to look at Theoden, whose face looked rather grim. "And Rohan will answer," he said finally, "Muster the Rohirrim." A soldier ran outside and a bell tolled, calling the Riders of Rohan. Tigerlily ran back to her room and collected her sword and a few trinkets that her nieces had given her. She smiled at the shell necklace Clover had proudly handed over. The necklace had been her mother's and then Tigerlily's. On the day she had left, she had given it to her little niece as a promise she would one day return. She quickly put them in a bag. She was about to leave when she saw one of the Lorien leaf brooches. It wasn't hers; she was wearing it. "Legolas," she muttered. She ran back to the hall with it. "Missing something?" she said, handing it to him. "Knew I'd left that somewhere," he said grinning. Tigerlily ran out of Golden Hall and down to the camp to say goodbye to her mother. But the camp was a flurry of activity. All the men were eager to help and were rushing about. "Aunt Tigerlily," said Clover, grabbing Tigerlily's arm. She pulled her into her tent. "Let me come," said Clover. "No!" said Tigerlily, "It's too dangerous."

"Why not?" said Clover, "You're going."

"I'm much older than you are and I know how to use a sword," said Tigerlily.

"So do I," said Clover, "I've practiced with my papa's."

"No, Clover," said Tigerlily, "Now, do you know where my mother is?" Clover pointed to another tent. Tigerlily nodded her thanks and left a very sour Clover on her own.

Tigerlily had said her goodbyes to her family, though she hadn't been able to find Clover again, before Legolas pulled her up in front of him. He was very cautious as they rode. He was aware that Milo was staring at him, watching his every move. Meryn and his other sons were singing Rohirrim war songs, trying to keep everyone in a good mood and were doing very well as even Theoden joined in.

It was early the next morning when the Edoras company arrived at Dunharrow. Shouts told the men already there that the king had arrived. Theoden called to his men, asking how many had come. There was some disappointment. Tigerlily wasn't listening to Theoden talk to Aragorn about how many were there. She was looking at the mountain. It seemed so familiar, like she had seen it before. There was an eerie chill about the mountain. Horses reared whenever they went near it. Legolas was watching too. "The horses are restless and the men are quiet," he said softly. Eomer was nearby and knew what Legolas meant. "They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain," he said. Gimli noticed a road leading into it. "That road there," he said, "Where does that lead?"

"It is the road to the Dimholt," said Legolas, "The door under the mountain."

"None who venture there, ever return," said Eomer, "That mountain is evil." Legolas touched Tigerlily's arm. "Are you alright?" he asked. Tigerlily looked at him then at the mountain. "My brothers used to tell me ghost stories about an army that lived in a mountain," she said, "In times of war, men would go for the army's help and would never return. The army only listens to one. Only one can command it."

"They're only stories," said Legolas, pulling on her arm trying to get her away from the mountain. Tigerlily complied but kept looking back at the mountain.

That night, she was back. She stood beneath the moon, looking up at the mountains. Something was going to happen, she knew it; she could feel it. She heard someone move nearby. "Who's there?" she said. She could hear a deep breathing. A shiver ran down her spine and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Whoever it was, they were heavy-footed. 'That eliminates Legolas,' she thought. "Olo, is that you?" she said, "If it is, this isn't funny. Stop playing with me now." The person moved in the shadows, quickly like a cat. "Whoever you are, please stop, this isn't funny," she said, "Please, you're scaring me."

"Good," hissed a voice, "You should be scared!" Someone jumped out of the shadows and threw Tigerlily to the ground. A dirty hand covered her mouth so she couldn't scream and another pulled at her tunic. She tried to fight back but her attacker was heavier and stronger than her. She felt the attackers hand move from her tunic to her trousers and felt something else move. Realization hit her like ice-cold water what was happening. She was going to be raped and she couldn't defend herself. For the first time, she felt truly helpless. She tried again to fight against her attacker but to no avail. But years of fighting with her brothers had taught Tigerlily a few tricks. She moved her head and bit down hard on the man's hand. He pulled it away for a second. Tigerlily screamed at the top of her lungs. The man's hand quickly covered her mouth again and he began to furiously pull her trousers down. She kept trying to fight back. She felt a wet mouth start to kiss her neck. She began to cry. "Please stop," she pleaded. She was completely pinned under him. She couldn't move and knew she couldn't call for help. She felt the man's rough hands parting her legs. She tried once again to fight back. His skin was rough. It felt horrible unlike Legolas. His skin had always felt nice against hers. In thinking about Legolas, Tigerlily found a sanctuary where she could hide herself from the fear and pain of what was happening. She suddenly realized his hand was no longer over her mouth. "Help!" she cried, "Help!" She felt the man slap her and growl, "Shut up!" She felt her skin sting where he had hid her. Suddenly the voice Tigerlily most wanted to hear sounded. "Tigerlily! What's happening?"

"Legolas!" she cried, "Help!" She heard the sound of men running. The man on top of her growled. "You little whore!" he said, "Calling for lover boy? He isn't going to forgive you for this!" Tigerlily let out another scream. Two arrows narrowly missed the man, who rolled off Tigerlily. Two people suddenly lunged at him, pinning him to the ground. Tigerlily quickly pulled her trousers back up as a large group of men came into view. Some were carrying torches. Tigerlily saw her would-be raper's face. It was Bill River. The two people holding him down were her eldest nephews, Scott and Ben. Tow hands took hold of her. She jumped but saw it was Legolas. He bent down to her. "Are you alright?" he asked. She threw her arms around his neck and held him close. She began to cry. She had never been so scared in her life. Legolas placed one hand on her head and whispered softly to her. Her father stepped forward. "What happened?" he asked. Scott looked up at his grandfather. "It's old Billy River," he said, "He was trying to…to…" Scott couldn't finish his sentence. He could see Tigerlily was already upset. His father went up to him and bent down. Scott whispered into Pimpernel's ear. Pimpernel nodded calmly and signaled for Scott and Ben to let Bill stand up. He turned away as if he was going to walk back to his father but he suddenly span around and punched Bill in the face. "You were trying to rape her!" he shouted angrily. Tigerlily began to cry again. Bill stood tall, his nose bloody. "I weren't taking by force," he said, "I was taking what was being offered. She's been giving me the come on all day."

"So why was she screaming for help?" snarled Legolas angrily as he stood up, still keeping Tigerlily in the protective circle of his arms. Bill smirked. "She knew she had a good thing going with you," he said, "Didn't want to lose out on a chance to become a princess, thought she'd make it look like rape."

"It didn't look like that from where I was standing," said Eomer, stepping forward, "I saw you attack her. She was frightened before you even touched her, Bill."

"Yeah, well, she's probably having it on with you too," spat Bill.

"Legolas, I swear, I didn't…" Tigerlily started.

"I know you didn't," said Legolas, "After all, I was with you all day. You weren't giving anyone the, what did you call it, Bill? The 'come on'?"

"So what are you going to do if I was?" said Bill, "I know the law. I'm a citizen of Enedwaith and we're in Rohan. The Rohirrim can't punish me." Legolas let go of Tigerlily and went up to Bill who was still being restrained by Scott and Ben. "You've made a very powerful enemy," he whispered to Bill, "I assure you, you ever come near Tigerlily again and I will kill you." He walked back to Tigerlily.

"You're right Bill, the Rohirrim can't punish you," said Meryn, "But the Enedwaith can."

"To do that, you'd need a representative of Tigerlily's people," spat Bill.

"You really haven't been with us that long, have you Bill?" said Meryn, "Tigerlily is from Enedwaith; more to the point she's my daughter. As the leader of my village I am responsible for you, Bill."

"She's your daughter?" said Bill, his knees giving way beneath him. He knew the penalty for attempted rape of someone in power or their families. Meryn sighed. "I am going to love watching you die," he said. Bill caved, his façade finally failing.

"No, please, I beg you not that," he whimpered, "I had no idea she was your daughter, Meryn, I thought she was a friend. Please, Meryn, not that."

"Bill River," said Meryn in a solemn voice, "You are sentenced by your village leader, to death by firing squad at dawn. The squad will have my sons among them, to let you know of the hatred felt for you by my family. May the gods have mercy on your soul. Scott, Ben, take him somewhere out of my sight!" Scott and Ben dragged Bill to his feet and away from the now larger crowd. Meryn walked up to Legolas and placed a hand on Tigerlily's shoulder. "Tigerlily," he said softly, "You know our laws allow you to have the first shot if you wish. And also I was wondering as Legolas is such a good friend, if he would like to participate." Legolas nodded. Tigerlily looked at her father as her eyes filled with tears. "Oh, papa," she said, "I'm sorry." Meryn brushed his daughter's tears away. "There, there, my little Tigerlily," he said, "This is not you're fault. It's Bill's and I'm afraid partially mine. I'm the one who allowed Bill to join our village despite the strong rumors of his past. It appears his old village was less severe in their punishments and merely exiled him. I'm sorry, my dear. Take care of her Legolas." He patted Legolas on the shoulder and left to discuss the punishment with Theoden. Tigerlily sank to the ground. She drew her knees up and rested her chin on them. Legolas sat down next to her. They just sat there in silence; Legolas didn't push her to talk. He just waited for her to find the words.