Second Chances

Billa, Thorin, Fili and Kili wake up three months before they to start the quest. All remembering what had happened, and knowing that they had been give a second chance to get things right, but there is more to it than that. The blessing of the ancients of the is upon them, and all their kin. But who are these two new Istari and what is their connection to the two blue Istari and Gandalf?

Pairing~Shipping Fili & Thorin & Dwalin & Dori & Bofur & Fem. Nori Bilbo & Dis Elrohir & Fem. Elladan Estel & Arwen Gimli & Tauriel (Yes, there two Bilbos and they are twins)

Disclaimer: I have no rights to any of J. R. R. Tolkien works and am making no money from this.

AN: Respectful reviews most welcome. May all who read be blessed, strengthened and encouraged by it. Lord's be will done.

Text legden

"Speaking"

'Thinking or character actions intermittent speech'

'Speaking by thought, sight or foresight.'

"Speaking in a form of speech other than common."

"Speaking in both common and another form of speech."

/Character narration/

~Dream or Flashback~

Warning: One of the character is raped( not in detail, God forbid) and is threatened with being eaten. (Yes, those that I know and love have gone through what is in this chapter.)

Chapter 21

Under new management

The Master of Laketown had been just about asleep when Alfred can in warily. "Master, the Guard found that Bard has smuggled Dwarves and Holbytlas into Esgaroth, and the whole town is sing the prophecy. We need to deal with this or there will be and upraising, and on top of that King Thranduil's heirs are here."

The Master grabs Alfred's neck. "If I find that you have helped you cousin again, I will need to put you in your place, so be warned. Go and Deal with it best you can until I am dressed."

Alfred ran sweating to the door of the Master's home, and did what he always had he pretended it was just a nightmare that would fade. "I will be fine, I must be."

He opens the doors. He makes eye contact with Bard and speaks. "So, what is the mean of this the Master is far from pleased Bard. What is all be Dwarf business about?"

Legolas and Tauriel share a look as The Master come out. "Now Alfred surely we can easily. Oh my apologies Prince Legolas and Princess Tauriel to what do we of Laketown owe the pleasure."

Legolas hands him the second set of letters. "We have come here with our kin and their kin to start setting things right."

The Master read the Letter and grows pale, and turns red giving Alfred a warning look, and then quickly puts on a front. "Of course, Of Course. Thrice worthy lords and ladies. My home is your until all can be made ready for..."

Bard had seen the barely covered fear in Alfred eyes and comes to stand in front of Alfred. "No. It is not yours. Alfred is the rightful Lord of Esgaroth. You no longer hold any say hear unless he give you leave. Well cousin what do you say in light of this."

Alfred does his best not to tremble as the master hands him the letters. "Just Just a moment." Alfred carefully pretend to read and reread each letter with the care he did earlier and feels tears coming to his eyes for a complete different reason than earlier, but he plays it off as the same. "Well cousin we will have what we have dreamed of. This calls for a Feast and much Counsel, but as far a the master. I will give him sometime to find his place before I decide. But be warned I will not rule as you did. Come, there is more than enough food in this house, and more than enough room for guests."

Bard keeps himself between the master and Alfred as all of them go in leaveing the master behind. The master whisper in the guard captians ear. "I do not trust this watch them."

The guard captain pull away and glare. "You are no longer master here, all of us only ever half listen to you because young lord Alfred allowed you to be master. It is about time for this. None of us really trusted you and never have. So watch yourself, if you go out of line, it will not go well for you. Lord Alfred has been merciful to you in more ways than you deserve."

/

In the common room the company and Bard sat waiting for Alfred finish putting everything the way he wanted it with the feasts. Alfred smiled in relief to see that master was not among them. "All is ready and we had more than enough for all of us and the whole town, so I plan one make sure that the townspeople get their share. Shall we start, and have formal counsel to tomorrow afternoon.

Four hours later all but Gimli were merry and enjoying getting to know many of the townspeople as Alfred had made the feast to be held to the town pavilion just off of the now lord of Esgaroth home. Gilmi sat were Fili had last time morning over he and Kili, but this time it was Gimli morning the fact that his father wanted him to wait until he came of age to openly court Tauriel. He thought was alone but Tauriel comes to set by him and he goes quiet blushing. "Mellon mir, you need no more wine."

Gimli huffs. "I have had none just another thing Nada think I am too young for. ... So you heard me then."

Tauriel smiles. "Yes, are you truly ready to openly pursue courtship? Neither of us is of age."

Gimli takes her hand bring it to his lips. "I have waited longer than you know for you. I would be willing to wed you the moment you are ready, no matter how long you need me to wait. I have your beads in my pocket."

/

Alfred had left the feast to go and make sure the rooms for his kin and guest were in order, and that all the former master's things were moved into a room in his home at the farthest from his and that all his cousin and his cousin children's things were move into the quarters. Once this was done, he went to his room which was on the same side as the pavilion. He opened his window and pulled the cover do on his bed and laid out his sleep clothes. Alfred felt the hair on the back of his stand on end, and his hands were pulled roughly behind him and tied. "I told you I would put you in your place if I found out you had helped your cousin."

/

Thorin and Dwalin smiled as they distracted Gloin with talk of trade as Gimli finish braiding his beads into Tauriel hair. Ori, Billa, Bilbo and Dis laugh as Oin rolls in the floor laughing. Legolas smiles softly with joy. Bombur nods fighting sleep. Bifur moves the mashed potatoes so that he will have something soft for his face to fall into. Balin and Dori start to walk with Bard back to the house.

/

Alfred is frozen with fear as form master ties him face forward to the foot of his bed, and he feels the man that has raped for years ready to do the same and for the first time. As feel himself ruffly and wrong entered, he starts screaming. "NO NO STOP IT."

"Shut it they will hear"

"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT NNNNNOO"

"I told you to shut it."

"DO NOT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO DO THIS YOU SICK MINDED"

The former master digs his nails into him. "SICK MIND PIG NOOOOO STOP."

The former master hiss. "You will stop that or I will kill you and eat your heart before anyone can get near you."

/

Legolas freeze and he hears to freeze as he hears Alfred's voice. "NO NO STOP IT."

Tauriel jump up along with Gimli and run to Bard, and Legolas runs to Thorin. "Cousin something is wrong Tauriel and I just heard Alfred Screaming, ask for silence."

Thorin holds his hand up just in time. "DO NOT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO DO THIS YOU SICK MINDED"

Bard hears and pale it just as Tauriel reaches him. "SICK MIND PIG NOOOOO STOP."

Thorin motions for the guards to follow as he gets up to run. Dis and Bilbo tell everyone to enjoy that they and the guards will take care of thing and then run to follow.

/

Alfred does as he is told and weep into the bed as he feel himself beginning to bleed as the formaster becomes rougher. The former master snears. "You think that anyone would care. Even it were not me I am sure that cousin of yours would be doing the same AAAhh."

/

Bard and Dori just get to the door in time to hear the former masters voice inside Alfred's room. "You think that anyone would care. Even it were not me I am sure that cousin of yours would be doing the same AAAhh."

Dori holds Bard back a moment. "Go in quite he may kill him. Balin go tell Thorin and the rest. Let go."

/

Alfred goes limp shaking and feeling sick and dirty, and then he feels the former master pulled off of him and someone untie him and wrapping and blanket around him.

/

Bard and Dori are sickened and enraged as they quickly but quietly open the door to find things to be much worse than they thought. They had thought someone was beating him not raping him, and the former master of all people. They quietly move to on either side of the former master and both grab him and pull him off. Dori holds him to the wall and puts his Ax to his throat.

Bard carefully and quickly unties Alfred staying quiet so that he does not scare him and wrap him in and blanket. The former masters snears. "See boy here is your cousin to take my place. But maybe you will want him to take.."

Dori growls and press his ax just enough to draw blood. "Listen scum. You will not touch him or anyone else. I will see justice done you, but the one you wronged will decide your fate, but if I had my way..."

Alfred tries to stand but fall to his knees in pain and look at Bard who kneels by him. "Is he right Bard? Will you do that to me or do you want me for lover. If you want me you can have me. It's better than..."

Bard weeps and helps Alfred to lay the on the floor on his side with his back to the bed. "Dori get him out of here. I do not want him anywhere near Alfred. Do not allow anyone outside of your company and their kin near here. Tell the guard to wait for me in the common room once they have locked him up." Dori nods ties the master's hands and backs him out into the hall.

/

Thorin and the others as well as the guard surround Dori and the former master. Balin looks at the state of the former master and the evidence of his crime. "Dori why does this man still a head on his shoulders?"

Thorin nods to Guard captain Braga who is shaking with rage as Dori speaks. "Alfred, who he raped is the one who will chose his end. I will not take that chose from him. I wish I could have give it to Nori."

The former master laughs and purrs. "Oh the red haired both gendered she dwarf. She was wonderful. I did not know she had a name..."

Thorin had to pull Dori off. Guard captain Braga grabs the former master. "We will lock him up tight and chain him until lord Alfred and your kin decide what to do with this monster. Lord Bard is with lord Alfred I hope."

Dori nods. "He said to keep everyone but those he and myself trust away from here and that once this scum is locked up to wait for him in the common room." The guard captain nods and they drag the former master away him kicking and screaming but none heeding him.

/

As the door closes Bard lays down on his side a foot or two away from Alfred. "No cousin, why would I continue what he started. Why would you want me to do those things to you. I do not want that of you. I love you, Alfred. You and my children are all I have left of my close kin. Do you not want a wife."

Alfred weeps brokenly. "Wh why would I wa want to be un unatural. I I am a a woman Bard."

Bard shakes his head. "How how, You have both gender. It has ever been few born among men, but in our line. I had though that my one had been killed long ago when I was a lad, but... Alfred no.. .You are my close kin.."

Alfred lets out a shaky breath trying to calm down. "Will you reject me because of that. I have hid myself all this time like father told me. He said that when you and I came of age to tell you and you would help me find my one. But he knew that is was you, and when he died when I was ten the master said he was only taking my place until I came of age, but when you came of age three years before me. He started doing this when ever I did something he though out of place. But he thought I was male, and I never let him know other wise. By the time you came of age, you had wed your wife my second, your third. I still hid myself, because no one but you has any right to me. Bard, I can not live with you knowing all this and not wanting me to be yours. This morning I had hope for the first time in years, but now..."

Bard smiles. "I will not reject you, but It will be a long courtship cousin. I will not wed you until I have made sure you have truly healed. I saw blood on you will you allow me to get the Prince or Princess to heal you?"

Alfred begins to shake and Bard pulls her into his arms gently. "Bard, what will they do to me when the find out my secret? Will they not kill me?"

Bard kisses her forehead. "No will they will not. They will know how to help you. They have kin that are like you."

Alfred looks up at Bard. "Truly?" Bard smiles saddly. "Truly. Stall I help you on to the bed and get them."

Alfred blushes and hides her face in his neck and speaks. "I'll make a mess of the sheets, but if you are willing to pick me up I will stay where you put me, and let them heal me. I want you in the room though."

Bard lets out a relieved breath and carefully picks Alfred up as he sits up and then stands up. "Do you want to be on your side for now?"

Alfred looks Bard in the eye. "Yes but my pants have fallen off."

Bard blushes and nods. "It is will make things easier in healing you but I see you have a long night shirt laying out..."

Alfred slowly smile. "You can help me into it later after I am tended and bathed?"

Bard quirks and eyebrow. "Yes, but do not even think about trying to tempt me, Alfred."

Alfred looks at Bard sheepishly as he lays her down. "Alright, it is just nice to be able to be myself with you. Can you get them, but don't leave. I mean can you call them from the door."

Bard smiles and smothes her hair, and for the first time as he looks into Alfred's eyes he know that she is in fact his one, and he has been fighting this all his adult life. Bard start to lean down to kiss her and lean stop himself his lips but inches from her. Alfred eyes shine with hope. "Please, I want you to..."

Bard kiss her nose with a warm smile. "There will be time for that once you are healed and bathed. I will not leave you but I would like to bring to sleep in the room next to mine." Alfred blushes and nods. Bard walks to the door and opens it, but has no need to call anyone.

Legolas smirk at him and quriks an eyebrow, and whispers. "I heard all, and I have been hear since the guard took the monster away an hour. I will keep the information in good company. Now do you think my sister will be needed to help as well. I can get her."

Bard pales then blushes and relaxes. "Yes, both of you, but tell Bain and Sigrid to make sure the room ajoining mine is ready." Legolas smiles sadly. "I will, we will help her heal from her wounds but you and those Alfred trusts will need to help her in all other ways."

With that Legolas left and Bard came back and gently sat on the bed. Alfred has cried herself to sleep. Bard frowns deeply as tears fall on to the sheets. "I will not just have you for a lover. You will be my wife, my queen and I will love you in the way both of our heart have longed for, but I will not touch you unless you ask, and not before we are wed..."

Tauriel rest her hand softly on his shoulder. "With her sleeping it would be best to carry her to your rooms they are near the bath. I will place her in your arms after I have made sure she is covered."

Bard stand and Tauriel carefully wraps the blanket around Alfred comfortably, then gently place Alfred in Bard's waiting arms. As they walk Bard notice the sounds of the feast still going on and is thankful their people did not know, because it would make thing harder for Alfred.

As they come into the common room Guard captain Braga's face pale at the blood on the blanket, and Bard stop long enough to give him orders. "This is not to be told to the people until Alfred gives to go head. My friends and the Prince and Princess will be helping Bain to care for the town and ready the people for the things ahead. I will be caring for Alfred and helping my cousin to heal. None are allowed near our Family quarters without Alfred or my consent. Our friends will be guarding us so take care of the people and report Bain and Thranduil's heirs. The Prince and Princess are waiting to heal Alfred. I must go. You are dismissed." The guard captain nods and motion for all the other guard to follow him. (All the guard heard the orders.)

As Bard enter into the lord's common, he notice that most of guest are setting in pairs, but Thorin, Billa, Dis and Bilbo setting together writing a letter, and are many balls of paper off to the side. As he starts to walk by them Billa stands up, and pulls out a small metal jar with and lid and she places it in his hand. "This is a sauve made by lord Elrond halfelven it will help her to heal quicker. Show it to Legolas and he will tell you how much to use and so forth. We are all seeking Eru's will in this for both of you. Rest well."

Bard nods a thank you and Tauriel hold open the door and follows him in and close the door behide her. Alfred crack her eyes open and then her eyes widen and she blushes. "So that part wasn't a dream. Bard where are we going?"

Bard gives her a sad but loving smile. "To the bathing chaimber, so that I can help you clean the blood and filth off and out of you, so that Legolas and Tauriel can heal you. Do you want them there or for them to wait in your new room?"

Alfred turns bright red. "I am not sure. I guess they can stay if they keep their back to us until we're through."

Bard step into the bathing chaimber and smiles at the good memories from when they were both very small. Legolas sees the jar and smile take it from Bard. "Is one the Istari here?"

Bard looks at him oddly. "No, what does the sauve in the jar have to do with the Istari?"

Tauriel shakes her head. "One of our kin must have had it with them, but to answer your question. The sauve is only made by those of the Istari known as the Ancients and those who are kin to them."

Bard nods. "Had both of you heard Alfred's request?" Both nods and go to set with their backs to them and faceing into the room. Bard lays Alfred on her side near the eage of the bath. Alfred's eye widen watching Bard remove all his clothes but his small pants and he gets into the water that is hip deep. Bard smiles looking deep into her eyes. "Just hold onto me getting in and I will help you alright." Alfred nods bitting lip her and fighting tears she sat up and slid into the water. Bard keep his eyes on hers as he hold her waist. "Put a hand on my shoulder I will not let you fall. Can you wash youself?" Alfred blushes and fights tears as she speak at whisper. "No I need you to wash me, but for you to wash me I will need to lay half on the side of the bathing pool, and you will need umm clean out where he was, and make sure I'm not torn. If it to much to ask I will grit my teeth and sit in the water on the steps and do my best and..."

Bard sighs and frowns. "No will not have you hurting yourself farther trying. Take it slowly, there now. I want you to tell what hurts and where so we will know how treat you."

Alfred nods laying her head on her arms. As Bard glare as he gently clean away the blood, filth and seed. He was releaved to find she was not torn but as he slowly begain to clean and check her on the inside. She whimpered softly and presses into his finger, as he pull his hand away in shock.

Alfred begin weeping. "I am sorry. I I just I am sorry. I have never been touched like that and I I it did not ..."

Bard wash hands and then sit on the side of the bathing pool. "No, you have need to apologize. I was just shock that ... do you want me to finish cleaning you. I will need you to stay still."

Alfred nods hiding her face in her arm in shame. "I will do my best but it never feel goods to be touch there until you did. Please clean me so I don't feel dirty."

Bard chews on his lip noding. He begins to clean her again, and Alfred does not move but trembles and whimper softly but not in pain. Bard feels tears falling down his cheek as he find a small scared area and a small bleeding tear by it. As he pull his finger out and washes his hand once more and then seeing that there is blood on her thighs washes them and sit on the side of the pool. Bard lift Alfred face so she looks him in the eye. "I love you, Alfred, and I will help you heal, but I will not touch you in that way until we are wed..."

Alfred looks down tears flowing freely. "I knew it. You do not desire me. You have children, you do want to to be with me in any way because I have been use, and in an unnatural way... I need to feel you... not him ... I will not ask... I will be..."

Bard runs his thumb over her bottom lip and lets his eyes show all he is feeling as he speaks softly. "I will not have you talking all this nonsense that he told you or that fear has taught you. I will wed you as soon as you are healed. Yes, I wanted to take it slow, but I see now, doing that after leaving you without and needing all these years, will only cause more harm than good, but don't ask me to do to you as he did."

Alfred nods. "I understand better now. Can we get out and can they heal me. I want to go and rest?" Bard smile getting into the water for the final time that night and pick Alfred up and walk to the step leading out of the pool."