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

A/N:

Orlando: Yes, I got to eat!
Lady Excalibur: He hasn't stopped, knew I shouldn't have plugged the microwave back in.
Orlando: Sucker!
Lady Excalibur: Don't make me force you to upload this chapter! I know how much you hate computers, my little review-bringer. pats Orlando on the head
Orlando: Leave me alone! Please let me go back to America so I can finish Pirates of the Caribbean 2!
Lady Excalibur: No! I'm going to keep you here for as long as necessary. Review responses below.
Manwathiel – Hands off Orli, he's mine, all mine, my precious one!
Madrone – I'm looking forward to revealing the baby to Legolas and Tigerlily too!
Makin melodies – I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Penelopebloom34 – I will keep writing.
Sparrow MoNkEy – Here you go!

A/N2: Please remember this is all in Ithilien as I'm trying to remain as faithful to Tolkien's timeline as possible. I'm guessing they are staying in some sort of building in Ithilien, the book doesn't really say.

Chapter 27

Reunions and revelations

It was just a few days after Milo's funeral that Sam finally awoke. Tigerlily was taking her turn at watching over him and Frodo when he began to open his eyes. "Miss Tigerlily?" he said sleepily. Tigerlily looked up.

"Sam," she said softly, walking over to him, "You're awake!"

"Where's Mister Frodo?" asked Sam

"He's right there," said Tigerlily pointing to the bed next to him, "He's going to be alright. But right now, I have to take you to Aragorn."

"Aragorn? Oh, you mean Strider," said Sam.

"Yes," said Tigerlily, "Though soon he will take his rightful place as Elessar, King of Gondor." She helped the weary hobbit up and out of bed. His clothes had been changed when he first arrived in Ithilien. Tigerlily gently led him out of the room and to where Aragorn was talking with Gimli and Legolas. Tigerlily cleared her throat. Everyone turned to where she was. "Presenting, my lords," she said, "Master Samwise Gamgee of the Shire." She stood aside. Sam was in awe of how many men were there. His heart was lightened to see Gandalf and Gimli and Legolas and Merry and Pippin once again. "Hail, Samwise of the Shire!" called Merry.

"Hail!" called the men of Gondor, Rohan and Enedwaith.

"Which one is this?" asked Meryn, limping forward on his stick.

"Sam, this is my father, Meryn," said Tigerlily, "Papa, this is Samwise Gamgee."

"Hello, my dear boy," said Meryn, extending a hand to Sam, which he took, "Tell me, are you related to Hamfast Gamgee?" Tigerlily rolled her eyes, her father knew too many people. "Why, yes," said Sam, "That's my old Gaffer!"

"Yes," said Meryn, "I thought I recognized the name. Got thrown round a lot in Bree when I was up there, mind you it were up in Bree that I met my darling wife."

"Meryn Solaris, will you stop questioning the poor Hobbits!" Rose's voice sounded, "If anyone, you should be questioning the elf on his activities with our daughter!"

"What a gem my wife is," muttered Meryn, "Sorry, Tigerlily, I'm going to have to have words with that elf of yours."

"Don't worry, Papa," said Tigerlily, "I think he's had a fair warning." As soon as Meryn was out of earshot, Sam spoke, "Your elf?"

"Ahh, Samwise, I do believe you were the only member of the Fellowship unaware of what I once saw in the mirror of Galadriel," said Tigerlily. She briefly explained to Sam what she had seen and what had happened since they had parted ways.

It was on the eighth day of April that Frodo awoke. He slowly opened his eyes and looked up to see Gandalf. "Gandalf?" he said, hardly daring to believe it. Gandalf began to laugh and Frodo joined in. Merry and Pippin opened the door and came in, hardly believing what they saw. Frodo was up and well! "Frodo!" cried Merry. They ran and climbed onto his bed. They hugged him tightly. Gimli appeared in the doorway. He cheered and clapped his hands. "Gimli!" cried Frodo. Gimli moved as Tigerlily appeared, smiling, behind him. Frodo looked at her expectantly. But Tigerlily didn't bring a lover to her side. She just walked in, followed by a casual Legolas. Aragorn followed. Frodo was thrilled to see that nine of the fellowship was still alive as Sam appeared in the doorway. Merry and Pippin were babbling on about what had happened to them. When they had finished, Frodo spoke to Tigerlily. "So? Who is he?" said Frodo, "The man from your vision. Or have you not yet found him."

"I haven't just found him," said Tigerlily, "I'm glad you're awake Frodo. It means you can come to my wedding."

"You're killing me here," said Frodo, "Who is he?" Tigerlily smiled as Legolas slid an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. Frodo's jaw dropped. "That's exactly what Aragorn did when he found out," said Gimli, laughing.

"See," said Merry, poking Frodo, "You owe me a week's round at the Green Dragon when we get home."

"I said that thinking I'd never go home," said Frodo, "I think I get the point!" Legolas had claimed Tigerlily's lips in a more than was necessary passionate kiss. Tigerlily pushed Legolas away. "Not here," she hissed.

Over the next few days, the Fellowship enjoyed the beauty of Ithilien. You could tell where they were by the sounds of the forest. If birds were cawing and flying swiftly away, you knew either Gimli or the Solaris children were about. If you could hear a woman yelling at someone for climbing too high, it was probably Tigerlily yelling at Legolas because he was a much better climber. But occasionally, all was silent. It was in these moments that Tigerlily and Legolas stole some time together as far away from the others as possible. They would just walk together, hand in hand, through the forest. Legolas would compare it to his homeland. On one such walk they came across something remarkable. A house in a clearing. It had survived the war; there was no sign of orc damage. "It's beautiful," said Tigerlily, "It reminds me of the house I grew up in." Legolas looked at it rather curiously. He had never lived in a house. His father's halls were in a cave. "My father said that my childhood home was burnt down by the Wildmen," said Tigerlily, "I always thought that if I had children, I would raise them in a house like that." Legolas looked down at her and smiled. He had an idea. Early the next morning, while Tigerlily was still asleep, Legolas slipped out of bed, got dressed and went back to the house. This time there was an old woman stood at the well next to it. She was struggling to pull the bucket back up. Legolas walked silently up to her and pulled it up. The old woman jumped when the elf appeared from nowhere. "Who are you?" she said, "What do you want?"

"Greetings, my lady," said Legolas, politely, "I am Legolas Greenleaf."

"You're an elf?" said the woman. Legolas nodded.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I am in the company of the King of Gondor," said Legolas, "I came across your house yesterday whilst walking with my betrothed. She told me of how she once lived in a house like this." The old woman smiled.

"I'm thinking of giving it up," she said, "It's just me now my husband's died and my children have all grown up. It's just too much work for someone as old as me to keep it in good condition."

"I could get you a place in Minas Tirith," said Legolas, "I could speak with the King and the Lord Faramir."

"You would do that?" said the old woman.

"On one condition," said Legolas, "You let me and my future wife take on the house. We want to start a family and she wants to stay close to the King, whom she is friends with."

"You can have it!" said the woman, "So long as you can get me somewhere in Minas Tirith. Somewhere warm and dry. I can't stand the cold and wet at my age." Legolas smiled.

Just over a week after finding the house, Tigerlily awoke with a peculiar feeling in her stomach. Legolas was watching her, running his hand over her shirt-clad arm. Her eyes suddenly opened. "Tigerlily, are you alright?" he asked.

"I don't think so!" said Tigerlily. She sat up and pulled her trousers on under her shirt. She suddenly clamped her hand to her mouth and ran from the room. She ran past several stunned soldiers with Legolas right behind her. As soon as she made it outside, she fell to her knees. Her stomach lurched and she was violently sick. Aragorn was stood not far off, talking to Gandalf. He heard Tigerlily and looked over. Legolas was by her side now. He was gently rubbing her back. Legolas looked over at Aragorn. Legolas clearly had no idea what was going on. He was worried. Why was Tigerlily being sick? Surely Aragorn had said that once immortal, Tigerlily wouldn't fall ill again. Some soldiers were beginning to stop and stare at Tigerlily. As soon as she had stopped being sick, Aragorn marched over to Legolas and Tigerlily. He pulled Tigerlily up and marched her back inside with Gandalf bringing Legolas. They found an empty room; Aragorn shoved Tigerlily in and nodded for Legolas to go in as well. Once in, Aragorn slammed the door. "Aragorn, what's wrong with Tigerlily?" asked Legolas. Aragorn ran a hand through his hair and looked at Gandalf. "Can we tell them now?" he asked. Gandalf nodded.

"At last," said Aragorn, "I've been keeping this a secret for a month and a half!"

"What?" asked Tigerlily, "Why was I sick?"

"Tigerlily," said Aragorn, "Do you remember that prophecy I taught you when you were young. The solar-blessed one?" Tigerlily nodded.

"There is a part of the prophecy I should have told you but didn't," said Aragorn, "The prophecy says that if a solar-blessed woman lost her maidenhood when the stars were visible, she would be granted a gift…a child. Tigerlily, I know the stars were visible when you lost your maidenhood. Tigerlily, you're with child."

"What!" said Legolas.

"You knew that prophecy but the only thing you were thinking with was between your legs!" shouted Aragorn, "You are a dead elf Legolas if Tigerlily's brothers find out. They won't take kindly to their sister being pregnant out of wedlock!" Whilst Aragorn had been shouting at Legolas, Tigerlily's hand had come to rest on her stomach. That explained why she had been so hungry, and the slight weight gain, and the strange cravings. "Legolas," she said. Legolas turned from his argument with Aragorn to look at Tigerlily.

"Can I speak with you in private?" she asked. Aragorn and Gandalf left reluctantly. Legolas went up to her. "What is it?" he asked.

"We're going to be parents," said Tigerlily, "That son I saw. He's here," her hand took Legolas' and placed it on her stomach, "He's growing inside of me." Legolas remained quiet as he felt the faint energy of the new life within Tigerlily. "I think I can feel him," said Legolas, "Elves are very sensitive to touch." Tigerlily smiled. Legolas bent down so his head was level with Tigerlily's womb that had gotten ever so slightly bigger, so little difference that Legolas had only just noticed. He lifted her shirt up a bit and rested his ear against her. One arm encircled Tigerlily's hips, holding her close. "Legolas…" Tigerlily began.

"Shh," said Legolas. Tigerlily remained silent as Legolas closed his eyes and concentrated on blocking out all outside noise. He frowned. "What's wrong?" asked Tigerlily.

"I can't hear a heartbeat," said Legolas. Tigerlily let out a small laugh.

"You silly elf," said Tigerlily, "He's not big enough to have a heartbeat you could hear. Maybe in a couple of months, you will be able to hear it." Legolas stood up and smiled at her. "I don't know why," he said, "But I love you more than ever." He gently kissed her.

"Thank you," he said, "For giving me a second chance at being a parent." Tigerlily smiled and kissed him back.

"You're what!" yelled Pimpernel.

"I'm pregnant," said Tigerlily, "And will you please keep it down."

"I will not lower my voice!" shouted Pimpernel, "And I will now beat the elf to within an inch of his life. Where is he?"

"Under the protection of some Gondorian soldiers," said Tigerlily, "I'm your sister, I know you would react like this so I told him to stay away from you."

"The coward!" roared Tosco, "Why doesn't he come out and face us?"

"Fine then," said Legolas appearing in the doorway, "I'm sorry Tigerlily but I could hear them yelling at you." Tigerlily rolled her eyes. Her mother had simply broken into tears at the prospect of another grandchild and she hadn't yet told her sister-in-laws. Meryn had gone a little pale and very quiet but now looked murderous as he glared at Legolas. "Meryn, I apologize for what I have done," said Legolas, "I did not intend to get Tigerlily pregnant. But know this, I love her and asked her to marry me long before I knew of my child."

"It's true," said Tigerlily, linking her hand with Legolas', "I agreed to marry him before he set out for Mordor." Meryn was trying to find some way to retaliate but he failed. He sighed. "I should have known I couldn't keep you forever," said Meryn, "But you will always be the little baby I took for walks along the beach back in Enedwaith. Take good care of her and my grandchild, Legolas." Legolas nodded.

"I shall," he said, smiling down on Tigerlily.

Orlando: …
Lady Excalibur: He's speechless.
Orlando: …
Lady Excalibur: This is hilarious. Let's just say I hadn't told him that thing about Tigerlily being pregnant.
Orlando: …what does 'lul gijak-ishi' mean?
Lady Excalibur: It's Orkish. It means 'Flowers in the blood' and it's usually in reference to elves.
Orlando: Huh?
Lady Excalibur: It means you're weak.
Orlando: …ok…
Lady Excalibur: Remember to hit that button down there to review me so I can feed Orlando. I think we're having KFC tonight.