The Daughter of Steel
Summary: Before Bilbo Baggings, before Thorin set out to reclaim Eredor, before Bard's children were ever an idea, there was a warrior of legendary skill. She was the daughter of steel.
Disclaimer: Soooooo I'm about 63 years too young to own the Hobbit, TLotR, or any subsequent story...I'm also not Peter Jackson. I only own Micaiah and any other unrecognized characters.
Confession: Guys, gonna be honest. Luke Evans totally made me abandon my moral code and vote for Gaston for at least 78% of the movie...
Note: I can't remember if it mentioned who Bard's parents were so I'm making them up. Sorry guys.
Chapter I - The Lake Town
"Where are your escorts?"
The quiet woman stared down from atop her steed at the man who questioned her. "I have no escorts."
It was unlikely for a young woman to travel alone, there was no question. Nevertheless, she offered no explanation.
The man narrowed his wise eyes at her. "You could be lying."
"What matter is that if it is only I who seeks passage? My escorts would have to stay behind." Her demure gaze followed the bargeman as he inspected her.
Finally, he smiled kindly. "It is none of my business, only—you would be on my barge, entering my village. I'd rather be careful who I admit to my home."
The woman gracefully alighted from her horse and bowed deeply. "And you are not at fault for it. I have no money, nor proof of my station. I pledge only my service to you for fourteen days. I shall do anything you ask."
The man's expression lifted in surprise. "That is a curious delay."
"My travels can spare the time. I would be grateful for your help." The woman bargained, watching his sharp blue eyes roam her weapons.
"I am inclined to oblige you. May I ask why you are so heavily armed?" He couldn't count the knives that he saw, and there were two swords among her things. A third was strapped around her waist.
"My father is a smith. I carry wares to sell or deliver." The woman responded.
After a few more moment's thought, the bargeman invited her and her steed upon his barge.
"I am Benjamin." He proclaimed, grasping her arm firmly in introduction. "And you are?"
"Micaiah." She supplied simply, her eyes on the water.
"You would do well to smile, Lady Micaiah, when arranging for the service of others. Softens them up a bit." Benjamin chuckled softly, returning his grasp to the rudder.
Micaiah looked at him. "I seal deals with honesty."
Benjamin glanced at her. "Smiles can be honest."
She set her jaw. "I've yet to see it."
Benjamin took her words silently, sensing a dark and painful past behind her. She was an interesting lass, that was certain.
He'd never seen a woman so prepared for a fight. He'd never seen a woman alone like she was.
"My wife works for the Master, you see. He's in charge of Lake Town. We see her once every two weeks." Benjamin shook his head darkly.
Micaiah's sharp eyes returned to him questioningly.
"I have two children. One is less than a year. The other is seventeen. I need your help keeping house. My boy, Bard, needs to be out working, being a man. I don't like leaving him to care for his sister. And he can't cook a scrap. If you would help us for your two weeks, I would be very grateful."
Micaiah bowed her head. "Anything you say, I shall do." She swore.