Disclaimer: I don't own anything that was created by Tolkien.

A/N: Ok, so a little bit of a time jump in this chapter but don't worry. I saw Chronicles of Riddick at the weekend; Karl Urban (Eomer) was soo hot, I may have to write a fan fiction, ohhh, I have an idea! Also got HIM's new album, Dark Light, very good stuff! Plus, my boyfriend got tickets to go see them in concert in January so my catchphrase at the moment is 'I'm Going To See Ville Valo!'

Chapter 31

It's still not safe

Tigerlily placed the last item in the bag. She and Legolas had moved to Ithilien some five months before and together had turned the house into a home to raise their son in. But today they were leaving. Legolas was taking them to Eryn Lasgalen to meet his family. He had arranged for them to be met by Gelmir, Andaer and Turin to keep them safe in the forest. The journey would take them a month as they were taking Oropher. Tigerlily was very proud of her son. He had grown fast and strong. He was nearly always smiling and laughing. He was sleeping well and through most of the night except for when his teeth were starting to come through. He had one already. He was crawling but only backwards and not very far. His hair and eyes had changed color as well. His hair wasn't dark anymore, it was the same blond as Legolas' and his eyes were the same hazel as Tigerlily's. "Ready?" asked Legolas as he came down the stairs carrying Oropher. Tigerlily nodded and smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear. Legolas smiled. Summer had come early and the hot sun has bleached Tigerlily's hair golden blond.

They arrived in Eryn Lasgalen a month later. On their journey, Oropher had cut his second tooth so he was a little grumpy at best. Tigerlily stayed close to Legolas when they were in the forest. "Legolas," she said quietly, "Are you sure Gelmir and the others will meet us?" She tightened her grip on an oddly quiet Oropher. Then they heard a laugh. "Did you really think we'd leave you out here?" said a voice from the trees. Gelmir dropped down. Andaer dropped down after him and said, "Legolas' mother would kill us." Then they noticed Oropher.

"Is this your son?" asked Gelmir. Tigerlily smiled and nodded. She turned Oropher around so the elves could see him. Legolas immediately made her turn him back around. "He's definitely Legolas' boy," said Andaer quietly, "Come on, the King and Queen are waiting."

Gelmir, Andaer and Turin led the way through the trees. They came to a building but Tigerlily could see no entrance. "The entrance is a secret," said Legolas, "Only my friends, my parents and I know of it. Andaer and Turin will take our horses in through the main gate so as not to arouse suspicion. This passageway leads straight to my father's study. We are taking it so any rebels inside won't see us." Gelmir tapped the wall with his foot and a door swung open. Legolas quickly pushed Tigerlily and Oropher inside before following them. It was dark inside the passageway except for the torch lit by Gelmir after he had closed the door. He led the way down the passage. Oropher began to whimper. "Hush," said Legolas, stroking the little one's hair, "You're safe." After what seemed like miles of the passage, they came to a wall. Tigerlily could hear muffled voices. Gelmir tapped the wall three times. It swung open and he stepped in. "Ah, Gelmir," said a man's voice.

"My father, Thranduil," said Legolas.

"King Thranduil, Queen Nimwen," said Gelmir, bowing to two people that Tigerlily couldn't see, "Your son has returned."

'Wait here' thought Legolas, using his and Tigerlily's bond for the first time in months. He then stepped into the study. "Well, it's about time you came home," said a woman's voice, "I have been worried sick about you."

"Forgive me, mother," said Legolas, "But I had business to take of."

"Yes, pray tell, what is this business?" said Thranduil, "I've never known you to stay away from home for so long." Legolas looked at Tigerlily and nodded. She nervously stepped out of the dark passage and into the well-lit study. "Mother, Father," said Legolas, "This is my wife, Tigerlily, and our son, Oropher." Tigerlily saw that Thranduil was sat down before a great desk, his wife, Nimwen, stood next to him. Nimwen was looking rather pale. Thranduil sat up and sat her down instead. Thranduil, having made sure his wife was safe, then walked up and looked down at Tigerlily. "Tigerlily?" he said, "What is your maiden name?"

"S…Solaris," said Tigerlily, nervously tightening her grip on Oropher.

"Solaris? You're the solar-blessed woman?" he asked. Tigerlily nodded.

"And this is your child?" he said to Legolas. Legolas nodded.

"Yes," he said, "This is my son, Oropher."

"Son?" said Nimwen, "We have a grandson?" Legolas nodded.

"May I?" she asked, her arms outstretched. Tigerlily walked around Thranduil and placed Oropher in the arms of his grandmother. He laughed and reached up to her. "Hello, my dear," laughed Nimwen, "Oh, Thranduil, we are grandparents again!"

"He will have to be kept secret," said Thranduil, "Legolas, there is a new spy in this palace, the rebel attacks have increased during the past war. If they find out about Tigerlily and Oropher, they will have perfect leverage if they are kidnapped."

"I won't let them know of Tigerlily and Oropher," he promised.

"I can't imagine you two having much time alone with a little one," said Nimwen, swiftly changing the subject, "Why don't you leave Oropher with me and Thranduil, while you two go and enjoy the gardens?"

"But Nimwen…" protested Thranduil.

"Thranduil! This is our first grandson," said Nimwen, "We will spend time with him!" Thranduil backed down and nodded to Legolas, letting him know he was dismissed. Legolas went over to a bookcase near the door and pulled a book down. A secret door opened. He took Tigerlily's hand and disappeared through it. He led her down another long dark passage until they finally emerged in a beautiful garden. It had a fountain and many different plants that Tigerlily didn't know. "Legolas, it's beautiful," she said. But Legolas didn't answer her, he was staring dead ahead. "Legolas?" she said, "What's wrong?" Legolas lifted a shaking hand and pointed ahead. Tigerlily looked and saw a white marble statue of Varda. There was writing at her feet. "Read it," said Legolas, in a voice shaking as much as his hand. Tigerlily went up to the statue and read, "Here lies Melda, daughter of Legolas, murdered by her mother." She heard a thud behind her and turned around. Legolas was on his knees, crying into his hands. Tigerlily ran up to him and dropped to her knees. "Legolas," she said, "Legolas, look at me." Tigerlily stood up and pulled him up to. She half-dragged him to the fountain and sat him down next to it. "Legolas," she said, "Please, talk to me."

"She was Oropher's age," he sobbed, "To the day. And she murdered her!" Tigerlily drew Legolas into her arms and held him. She could almost feel his heart breaking. "I promise Legolas," said Tigerlily, "I won't allow these rebels to touch Oropher."

"It's not Oropher I fear them hurting," said Legolas, "He will be well-protected, it's you I fear for." Tigerlily smiled and stroked the side of Legolas' face.

"Don't worry about me," she said before gently kissing him. Legolas immediately pulled her close for a hungry kiss. He plundered her mouth until she pushed him away for lack of oxygen. "Not now," she said, "I'm too tired from our journey. I just wish to sleep." Legolas nodded. "Then we shall find my room," he said.

Tigerlily awoke the next morning not to the cries of hungry Oropher; Nimwen had agreed to take care of him during the night so Tigerlily could get some rest. For the first time in months, Tigerlily awoke with the sunrise. She lazily rolled over and saw Legolas. As she took in his face an old burning desire took over. For the first time, in a long time, she wanted him. He wasn't helping by sleeping naked either. She kissed him and when she pulled back saw that he was smiling. "Good morning," he said, not opening his eyes.

"Good morning yourself," said Tigerlily. She threw one leg over him and straddled him, surprising him.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Shut up and enjoy yourself!" she said, before bending down and nipping his ear. She gently ran her tongue along the point of his ear. She felt his hands grip her hips tightly and heard him moan. Through their bond, she felt his desire growing fast. To encourage him even more, she moved against him, arousing him even more. Legolas finally realised how well Tigerlily had lost all the weight she had gained with Oropher. He claimed her mouth and plundered it with his tongue. He tried to flip her over to switch their places, but Tigerlily held him down. When she felt he was ready, she gently moved up him, and then slid down, impaling herself on his hardened length. She gasped, but still held her husband down. She began to move, creating a rhythm, slow and painful. Legolas tried to pull her even closer to him and soon groaned, "Faster." Tigerlily obeyed and moved quicker against him. Finally Legolas released his grip on Tigerlily and grabbed the sheets on the bed. His hands balled into fists as he released into Tigerlily. She herself was riding waves of pleasure and came crashing down afterwards. She dropped onto Legolas' body. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. She looked up at him. "That was…" she panted, "amazing…I had almost…forgotten."

"It's been a while," Legolas said.

"Your parents will have to baby-sit more often," joked Tigerlily, "I just hope we don't have another unexpected surprise." Legolas smiled and kissed her again. Tigerlily and Legolas were soon asleep in each other's arms. What they didn't know was that a spy had watched them the entire time. A spy who had learnt what he needed: the prince had a wife and a child. Thranduil had been right; perfect leverage.