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When they got back to Lake-town it was already starting to get dark and started to get cold. The girls played a game of race to see who can get to the house faster and Kagome laughed at their little game.

"Hello Papa." Tilda said as she won the game.

"Hello father." Sigrid said

"Hello girls." Bard said as put wood in the fireplace and his son Bain just came in from behind. Then Kagome came in and he narrowed his eyes. "You took them out again."

"Sorry if I'm not made of stone like you when the little one gives you the puppy dog looks." Kagome smiled closing the door. "And don't worry I came prepared." She took off her coat showing her sheathed sword strapped to her hip and walked over to the kitchen.

"You know you shouldn't be out anyway. Trouble always seem to fine you." He said walking over to her so he could help her prepare for dinner.

"If you're referring to the day we first meant that wasn't my fault." Kagome laughed as she cut up some vegetables. "I was new around, how was I supposed to know that the Woodlen Realm was home to the elves. Now out of the kitchen. I have to prepare your guys dinner. Come on shoo." She started to push him out. Even though he was stronger than her he let her push him and started to laugh.

"I'll have you know that I have cooked for my kids dinner before you came around." He smirked

"And I should be happy that they haven't starved to death. Now out, or you get no dinner." She smiled as she waved a knife at him.

He held his hands up in surrender and backed away.

He found Kagome in the river when he was off hunting and had a little incident with the elves and dark giant spiders. She was a remarkable woman to him. She was both a caring and loving woman but also a great and feared warrior. He gotten used to her strange ways and his children seemed to love her, just like everyone else in town. He became the hated target for the towns Master because of their close friendship. He could care less of what the towns Master did or think of him, it didn't matter. He was unsure of his feeling towards Kagome but he knew he deeply cared about her and knew his children already looked to her like a mother.

When dinner was made everyone enjoyed the meal she made, as usual. Then after dinner Kagome helped cleaned the kitchen with Sigrid and washed dishes. After that she helped put Tilda to bed.

"Kagome, can you sing me a lullaby, please?" Tilda said

Kagome looked at Bard for permission and he nodded.

"Okay Tilda." She smiled and started to sing.

'Hush, now my baby

Be still, love. Don't cry

Sleep like you're rocked by the stream.

Sleep and remember my lullaby,

And I'll be with you when you dream.'

She let out her aura to bring peace in Tilda's mind and unknown to her it spread out all over Lake-town. The Mirkwood elves sensed the pureness covering Lake-town and started spreading over to the lonely mountain and to their lands as well. They all felt at peace for once.

'Drift on a river that flows through my arms,

Drift as I'm singing to you.

I see you smiling, so peaceful and calm.

And holding you, I'm smiling too.

Here in my arms, safe from all harm.

Holding you I'm smiling too.

In the Lonely Mountain Smuag felt the aura hovering the land and heard the angelic voice singing. He had never heard the song before but it was soothing to him.

'Hush, now my baby

Be still, love. Don't cry.

Sleep like you're rocked by the stream.

Sleep and remember this river lullaby,

And I'll be with you when you dream.

Here in my arms, safe from all harm.

Holding you I'm smiling too.

Sleep and remember this river lullaby,

And I'll be with you when you dream.

Sleep and remember this river lullaby,

And I'll be with you when you dream.

I'll be with you… when you dream.'

At the last words of her lullaby Tilda fell deep asleep. Kagome then tucked her in bed and kissed her on her forehead. When Kagome was ready to leave Bard offered to walk her home since it was already dark. No matter how skilled of a fighter she was he still didn't like the idea of her walking out at night by herself. He told his son and daughter that they were in charge until he gets back and to lock the door when he leaves.

"You know Bard, if you keep escorting me home people are going to think there is something between us." Kagome teased

"I do not care about rumors that are not true. Besides, I believe they already think that since you always cook for us and watch over my children." He said

"I care for them and it's the least I could do since you saved me gave me a place to stay." She said "Anyone else here probably would've left me alone to defend myself."

She got a point there. This town was at its end because of how life is now. If they didn't know Kagome that well no one else would have helped her.

"I have always wonder Kagome, how come you never try to back home?" He asked "By the way you talk about it, it sounded like you had a great life there, a lot better life than this place."

She sighed "As much as I want to I can't. I was send here for a reason. Another mission from faith I guess."

"No one can force you to do anything Kagome, not even faith." He said as he stopped and looked at her. "Even if this world belittles you because you are a woman, you make your own decision in life."

Kagome smiled

"Thank you Bard." She said and looked to her right to see her apartment. "I will see you tomorrow, good night."

She was about to bow to him but he took her hand and kissed it for she could.

"Good night Kagome." He said

Her cheeks blushed a little and she gave him a small smile. She then bowed and went inside her apartment. Bard saw the blush on her face and started to smiled himself as he left.