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

A/N: Thanks guys for reviewing, Orlando is pigging out again. I've heard a rumor going around that it isn't allowed for you to respond to reviews in authors notes. So I'm not going to reply to reviews in the chapters until someone confirms this for me. Anyway, this chapter is going to incorporate stuff from both the films and books. The stuff from the books may have been rewritten in my own way but it will follow both film and book timelines. This may be my last update as from 13th August to 20th August, I'm going to be on holiday/vacation. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 28

The Return of the King

Tigerlily lay awake as the sun rose on the first day of May. Legolas was asleep, his eyes closed for the first time since Rohan. His head was resting on her stomach. He had taken to sleeping like that. One ear to the outside world, the other listening for his child. Tigerlily smiled as she thought of what her son was to look like. He had greatly resembled his father. But Tigerlily held little doubt that her son would have his grandmother's eyes. As she thought, her mind slipped to thinking of her second child, the one she had seen herself expecting. Would it be another boy or a little girl? Tigerlily hoped a girl. 'Yes,' she thought, 'A little girl with Legolas' eyes.' She gently stroked Legolas' hair as she mused over her future. "What are you doing awake at this hour?" mumbled Legolas, "You should be resting."

"Go back to sleep, Legolas," replied Tigerlily, "We have a long day today. We will both need our strength." Legolas lifted his head and looked at her.

"You need to rest more than I," he replied, "You are carrying a child within you that means more to me than anything except you. I don't want you getting too tired."

"Legolas, I'm not a child, I'm with child," said Tigerlily, "I had enough strength to fight alongside you against Mordor." Legolas looked down and gently stroked her stomach.

"But it nearly cost you our son," he whispered. Tigerlily closed her eyes and moaned in frustration. Legolas hadn't been hesitating to remind her of that. He was being overly protective of her. So was her mother. Every morning, without fail, Rose had succeeded in pouring something vile down Tigerlily's throat to help the morning sickness. Tigerlily had to admit it was working. She wasn't rushing from Legolas' arms to vomit as the sun rose each morning. She understood why Legolas was so protective. He had suffered a terrible fate for any parent. He had out lived his child. He had had to bury his own child. He had seen her dead body and knew that the woman he had thought he had loved had murdered the child. Tigerlily's nieces and nephews had been thrilled to learn of their new cousin. The eldest two, Scott and Ben, hadn't known whether to hit Legolas or hug him. Unfortunately the fact that two of her aunts were expecting children caused Ruby to ask Legolas of all people in front of everyone, where did babies come from? Tigerlily had never seen color leave someone's face so quickly. Olo had quickly picked her up and led her away. No one knew exactly what she had been told. The other children had gladly started referring to Legolas as their uncle. Fosco's eldest two, Meryn and Clover, had been a little reluctant at first but were getting it out eventually. Tigerlily was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of a small fist banging on their door. "Aunt Tigerlily! Uncle Legolas!" cried Pansy, Meryn and Clover's little sister, "Uncle Strider says you have to get up now. We're going to Minus Tirit." Legolas chuckled slightly at Pansy's mispronunciation of the city's name. "Alright Pansy," he called back, "We'll be up soon." After her footsteps had faded, Legolas looked back down at Tigerlily who was smiling at him. "What's with you?" he asked.

"Look at you," she said, "You know all their names now."

"Don't remind me," he said, "How many of them are there?"

"Ten," replied Tigerlily, "Eleven once Alannah has this new one."

"So, your parents will have twelve grandchildren when our son is born," said Legolas. Tigerlily nodded. "Told you I had a large family," she said.

The Host was getting closer to Minas Tirith. Legolas was riding with Tigerlily in front of him. Meryn was riding a horse with Gimli. He was watching the elf. Legolas had his arms around Tigerlily and a hand was resting over her stomach. Meryn smiled. Even though he didn't realize it, Legolas was protecting Tigerlily and the baby. The Host came to the Gate of Minas Tirith, except the Gate had been broken down by the orcs and hadn't yet been repaired. A make-shift barrier had been put in it's place. Eowyn and Faramir were stood before it with several other people. Aragorn called for a halt before the group. Faramir moved forward and held his hand out to Aragorn. Aragorn took it. Faramir then knelt before Aragorn. "The last Steward of Gondor begs leave to surrender his office," he said, handing over a white rod. Aragorn took the rod then gave it back.

"That office is not ended and it shall be yours and your heirs' as long as my line shall last. Do now your office!" said Aragorn. Faramir stood up and spoke.

"Men of Gondor, hear now the Steward of this Realm!" he said in a clear voice, "Behold! One has come to claim the kingship here again at last. Here is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dunedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur's son, Elendil's son of Numenor. Shall he be king and enter into the City and dwell there?"

The people in the city and in the Host cried a unanimous 'yes'. Tigerlily smiled at Aragorn. He nodded to her and Legolas. "Come," he said, "Let us get ready for my coronation." Legolas and Tigerlily entered the city together on horseback. Many of the women in the city began to mutter at this sight. An elf and a human woman riding together. Legolas only fanned the flame of gossip by placing a kiss on Tigerlily's cheek. As soon as she was off the horse, Tigerlily was whisked away by her mother to get dressed for the coronation.

Tigerlily didn't see Legolas again until they were in front of the throne room of the Tower of Ecthelion. Legolas couldn't believe his eyes. She was wearing a green dress with a brown sash around her middle. There was embroidery on it and a band of brown leather was wrapped around her brow and tied behind her head. This band was symbolic of her family's high status in their society. She walked calmly towards Legolas. "You look…beautiful," he whispered to her as the crowds began to gather for Aragorn's coronation. "This is the first time I have ever seen you in a dress," he said as he raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed it.

"It is an Enedwaithien dress," she said, "The kind women in my country wear. I haven't worn one in ten years. The embroidery on the belt if you look carefully is the flag of my homeland." Legolas looked down and could see the two hills and the sun rising behind it. Tigerlily looked around. "There are elves here," she said.

"Yes," said Legolas, "Elves from Lothlorien and from Rivendell."

"None from Mirkwood," she said. Legolas shook his head and looked down.

"I fear for my people," he said, "I know war has marched on their lands. But no one here can give me news. I am worried."

"It'll be alright, Legolas," said Tigerlily, taking his hand, "I shall stand with you. There are already many Enedwaithien's here." Legolas placed a kiss on her lips before leading her over to where he was to stand with some Lothlorien elves.

Gandalf and Gimli were stood by the doors. Gimli was holding a cushion on which sat the crown of Gondor. The doors opened and Aragorn stepped out. An odd hush came over the crowd. Tigerlily's hand found Legolas' and she gripped it. She had no reason to be scared but Legolas gave her hand a comforting squeeze. Aragorn turned and knelt before Gandalf. Gandalf took the crown and held it up for all to see. He then gently lowered it and placed it on Aragorn's head. "Now come the days of the King," he said in a clear voice, "May they be blessed." He smiled down at Aragorn. Aragorn stood up and turned to face the crowd. An almighty cheer erupted from the crowd. Everyone seemed pleased with their new king. When the cheer had died out, Aragorn spoke, "This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace." The crowd cheered again. Aragorn began to sing softly to himself. He walked from the stairs, nodding to Eowyn and Faramir and also to Eomer. Legolas led Tigerlily forward in order to greet Aragorn. Aragorn smiled down on Tigerlily. This beautiful young woman, about to start her own family, had once been a tiny newborn he had been able to hold in one hand. He had seen her take her first steps and heard her say her first words. He had shielded her from her brother's teasing in her youth and protected her against orcs. She was his daughter in all ways except blood. He held his arms open to her and she gladly stepped into them. He heard her sob slightly into his shoulder. "Remember this, Tigerlily," Aragorn whispered, "My home is your home whenever you need me."

"Thank you Aragorn," she said, "I mean King Elessar."

"Do not call me by such a title," he said, "You were my friend long before this ever happened. I will always be Uncle Strider to you." Tigerlily smiled and released him. Aragorn then placed on hand on Legolas' shoulder and Legolas copied the motion. Aragorn spoke a few elvish words to his friend. Legolas took a sideways glance to his right. Aragorn saw this and looked. A group of elves were walking towards him. The foremost was carrying a banner. The banner moved and Arwen became visible, she looked a little paler than the last time Tigerlily had seen her but she seemed glad to be in Gondor. Elrond spoke to her as sadness spread across his face. Arwen stepped up to Aragorn. He took the banner from her and passed it to someone in the crowd. Arwen bowed her head. Aragorn tilted her chin up so she looked at him. He bent forward and kissed her. Elrond smiled. Legolas looked at Tigerlily and smiled too. Arwen pulled away from Aragorn. She stroked his hair as if affirming he was real. She kissed him again. Aragorn smiled as Arwen's arms encircled him. The look he gave Legolas clearly said he was in debate as whether to kill Legolas or hug him. Aragorn pulled out of Arwen's hug and offered his hand to her. Her elegant, graceful hand slid into his rough, calloused one. They led the way along the crowd with Legolas and Tigerlily behind them. Arwen at one point turned and raised an eyebrow at Legolas, who raised one of his in return and smiled. They came to the hobbits. Each one of them stood proudly in clean clothes. They were on their best behavior, even Pippin, as they knew this was Gondor's first impression of the Halflings. The Hobbits bowed in respect to Aragorn. "My friends," said Aragorn. The Hobbits looked up at him. "You bow to no one," said Aragorn. He bent down and knelt before Frodo and the others. Arwen copied, followed by Legolas and Tigerlily. Soon the entire crowd was bowing before the Hobbits. Such small creatures who had saved them all from destruction. Only Frodo and Sam would know how much of a burden it was. Tigerlily raised her head ever so slightly. She caught Pippin's eye and sent him a little wink and a smile. His eyes strayed to where her hand was resting on her stomach. He had been very quiet since she had told him of her child. He seemed somewhat disappointed in Tigerlily's choice in husband. "Stand," said Frodo's voice, "Please. I appreciate it very much. We all do."

"Yes, you heard Mr. Frodo," said Sam, mainly to Aragorn, "You've done enough." Aragorn and Arwen stood up followed by the rest of the people. Tigerlily looked up as the sky darkened. "It's going to rain," said Legolas. Sure enough, the heaven's opened and rain poured down as if the valar were trying to wash away the mistakes of the past from the path of Aragorn. "Come," said Aragorn, "Let all of those who are invited come to my new home to celebrate this momentous day. The rest of you, I'm told, have your own celebrations planned. My first order as King is that all the inns closed down during the war, are to be reopened immediately. For it was in an inn, that I met Frodo Baggins, the Ring bearer, and started the adventure that brought me to my place as king. Hail Frodo!"

"Hail Frodo!" cried the crowd. Frodo looked shy as he heard the cheers for him and his friends.

"Care to dance, Tigerlily," asked Pippin. An entire hall in the Tower had been decorated in a rush for this event but it looked splendid. Tigerlily was sat next to Legolas when the Hobbit came over. She smiled at him. "Now who am I to refuse a guard of the citadel?" she said. She placed a kiss on Legolas' cheek before rising. But Legolas was concentrating on Pippin. The two were locked in a silent battle against each other. As Tigerlily took Pippin's hand, Pippin stuck his tongue out at Legolas. Legolas pulled a face at him. He knew that Hobbit would no doubt start quizzing Tigerlily, trying to get her to raise some doubt. And he was right. "Why him?" asked Pippin, once he and Tigerlily were out of earshot of Legolas. "I beg your pardon," said Tigerlily, "what did you say?"

"Why him? Why did you choose Legolas?" he asked.

"Oh, Pippin, you have to get past this," she said, "I consider you a very good friend. And in the future I don't want to have to explain to my son why his father and you don't talk to each other. You and Legolas can be very similar at times. Stubborn as mules, you two are."

"I am not stubborn," said Pippin, "It's just, I have heard what he's like. He uses women to get what he wants then moves on to the next one. I did speak to some elves in Rivendell and Lothlorien."

"You don't know why he's like that," said Tigerlily, "And all I can tell you is, he's had his heart broken in the past. I'm the first one to actually break through the ice he encased his heart in. I can't turn him away. He needs me and he needs this baby too. I feel sorry for you, if you can't understand at least that, Peregrin Took." That's when Pippin realised he had begun to isolate himself from Tigerlily. She had referred to him by his full name. She bent down and placed a kiss on Pippin's cheek. Pippin looked up and saw her walking towards Legolas. As she slipped her arms around the elf, Pippin saw what she meant. He could see the way Legolas clung to her as if she were his lifeline. He watched as Legolas' hand slipped to Tigerlily's belly as if just to reassure him that the child was still growing there. He saw Tigerlily speaking to Legolas softly, stroking his face. "Give it up, mate," said Merry's voice, "It never would have worked."

"How do you know?" said Pippin.

"First of all," said Merry, "Think about this, how would she have been able to put up with living in a hole in the ground? Secondly, this was all preordained thousands of years ago, and you can't change things like that. Pip, Tigerlily is a real gem amongst coal, she's rare. She deserves the best in life, and that my friend is something you can't give but Legolas can. And from what I've been told by Gandalf, Legolas needs her to take care of him. When he came to Rivendell for the council, he'd been on a self-destructive path. Drink, women, anything that's generally bad for you in large amounts in a short time. He needed Tigerlily to put him on the straight and narrow and keep him there. He needed someone who wouldn't take his attitude lying down, someone who would stand up to him when he was wrong. How can Tigerlily have done that and been romancing you at the same time?" Pippin looked down.

"Are you alright?" asked Legolas, as he nuzzled Tigerlily's neck. The celebrations had gone on till the wee hours of the morning. Legolas had taken Tigerlily to their rooms when she had been unable to keep her eyes open for another minute. Tigerlily mumbled sleepily in response to Legolas. "Come, we have to get up," said Legolas, "I want to show you something."

"Oh, Legolas," said Tigerlily, "It is still dark out. Leave it for a few more hours."

"No, you must get up now," said Legolas. He climbed out the bed and quickly dressed. He then pulled Tigerlily out of bed and made sure her robe was secured around her. He led her out onto a balcony. "Open your eyes," he whispered. Tigerlily obeyed and saw the sun rising over the mountains. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Legolas whispered. Tigerlily nodded.

"I haven't been awake for a sunrise in a long time," said Tigerlily.

"And I don't expect you to be awake for many in the months to come," he said, winding his arms around her and placing his hands on her stomach. "Legolas, I'm scared," Tigerlily whispered.

"Of what?" asked Legolas.

"Of giving birth," said Tigerlily, "I've seen the pain in women's faces as they bring their children into the world and some have died in childbirth. I'm scared that something will go wrong."

"Shh," hushed Legolas, "Nothing will go wrong, I promise. We will stay here until our son is born, so you have both me and Aragorn near. Does that comfort you?" Tigerlily nodded. "There," said Legolas, "You have nothing to fear for yourself or our child. You will both be fine." Tigerlily looked down at Legolas' hands and placed one of her own over his. "Did you hear that boy?" she said softly, "Your Ada is going to take good care of us." Legolas smiled and kissed her cheek.

"I promise you Tigerlily," said Legolas, "You have nothing to fear." Suddenly there was banging on the door. Legolas turned around. "Who is it?" called Legolas.

"My lord, Legolas, there are three riders here from Mirkwood," said a voice from the other side, "They request your presence."

"Riders?" muttered Legolas, "My father rarely sends more than one to a single place. Come on Tigerlily, time for you to meet your future subjects."

The three riders were wearing identical cloaks, with the emblem of Mirkwood embroidered on the back. They stood up straight when Legolas entered the room. They began to mutter when Tigerlily entered as well. "You can speak in front of her," said Legolas, "Now tell me! What word from my father!"

"Is that how you greet your friends, Legolas?" asked the middle one. Legolas frowned in confusion. The rider threw back his hood. He had long blond hair and bright green eyes. "Gelmir!" said Legolas. He hurried forward and embraced his friend.

"It has been too long," said Gelmir, "Who is this?" Legolas looked back at Tigerlily.

"This is Tigerlily Solaris of Enedwaith," said Legolas, "You should get used to her. She's going to be around a lot from now on." Gelmir raised an eyebrow.

"She's my fiancée," said Legolas, "And she's carrying my child."

"She's the solar…" stuttered Gelmir. Legolas nodded. Gelmir bowed to Tigerlily.

"Greetings, my lady," he said, not taking his eyes off her.

"And to you, Gelmir," replied Tigerlily. Her eyes strayed to the other two riders who had now removed their hoods as well. "Tigerlily," said Legolas softly, "These are my friends, Andaer and Turin." Tigerlily smiled to them and they returned the greeting.

"News is good from Mirkwood," said Turin, "The evil has been cast out and our home renamed Eryn Lasgalen."

"And my parents?" said Legolas.

"Your father is as he always was, but your mother is missing you," said Gelmir, "She wants her son back very soon."

"When you return to Mirk…I mean Eryn Lasgalen," said Legolas, "Tell my mother it may be a year before I return. Don't tell her about Tigerlily, just say I have business to attend to here." Gelmir smiled. It really had been a long time since he'd seen Legolas so happy. At least with only one woman.

It's over, the last bit of the ROTK section of this story. I think I'm going to cry. Sob. Anyway, it's the wedding next chapter, yay!