A/N: The next couple of chapters will not follow the plot of the books/movie, other than Bilbo having a cold. Also, I've timed it so that the company are staying in Lake Town long enough to not miss Durin's day.

Khuzdul words:

Kharm: Brother

Givashel: Treasure

Enjoy!

Chapter Eighteen: Of wounds mending…

Maggie aimlessly wandered around Lake-Town for hours, with no idea of where she was headed. She was cold, exhausted and most of all she was scared. While she understood why Thorin was angry, that unprecedented outburst of pure rage had scared the life out of her. Despite being so late in the date, Lake Town was still bustling with life. Most traders were still out by their stalls, talking about the rather exciting events of the day with a strange group of dwarves, a hobbit and a woman who had appeared. Maggie became aware of the eyes on her as she walked the streets of the town and whispers. The general consensus seemed to be that Bard was involved with the dwarves somehow but they couldn't quite place who the woman was. Still, they liked Bard, that much was clear and almost all of them disliked the Master enough to pay no heed to Bard's strange ventures. As a result, most of them went about their day paying no heed to the young woman walking around, with hot tears streaming down her face.

Maggie knew she had screwed up. Big time. Not only had she done exactly what Gandalf had told her not to, but the cost of that was losing Thorin's trust. Possibly also the trust of the other dwarves and maybe even Bilbo. She replayed the events of Mirkwood in her mind, over and over again and second guessing her decisions. Perhaps, Maggie thought, if she hadn't told Legolas things would still have worked out. Maybe her interference had changed things for the worse, despite her original good intentions. How could I be so fucking stupid? Maggie cursed in her head and kicked a small barrel.

"Tough day, my love?'

The voice caught Maggie by surprise and she spun around but she relaxed when she a woman standing before her. She was, Maggie guessed maybe ten years her senior. She wore a grey ankle-length under-dress with the neck closed by a brooch. Over it, she wore a shorter length, brown woolen dress suspended by shoulder straps fastened by brooches. Her hair was ash brown hair was tied back in a messy ponytail. She looked kind, Maggie thought, and her accent reminded her of someone from Northern England. It gave her a strange feeling of home. Suddenly, against her better judgement, Maggie found herself sobbing and the woman pulled her in for a hug. Soothingly, she stroke Maggie's back while whispering calming words.

"It's alright, child." she whispered. "Let's go inside. I have nice stew bubbling away on the stove and some warm clothes for you."

A few moments later, Maggie was sitting in a living room with a woolen blanket wrapped around her. The woman, who had introduced herself as Brenna, passed Maggie bowl containing some kind of meat stew. Maggie didn't care much what kind of meat it was, although she assumed beef and almost devoured it completely in one go.

Brenna chuckled. "My, it's like you haven't eaten in days. What have those dwarves been feedin' 'ya."

"It's delicious, truly." Maggie said. "I'm sorry, I feel really embarrassed and I-"

"It's alright, dear." Brenna cut her off. "I don't know what sort of journey you're on with those dwarves and that hafling, but it looks as if it's been very trying."

Maggie sighed. "You have no idea." she put the bowl to one side, beyond grateful to have had an actual full meal for the first time in ages. Not that she disliked Bombur's cooking but with having to ration out every single meal, it didn't leave much enjoyment of eating. Being able to actually sit down, take time to eat and not having to worry about every possible danger was a luxury Maggie had missed. She missed her apartment back in the UK, her bedroom, her mattress. She missed the familiarity of home and comfort. Most of all, Maggie missed her brother. She wished the Riley was there. He would understand her and know what to do. The fact that she had no idea when or even if she would see him next scared her.

Just like, Maggie was crying again. It was like all the pressure of the past few weeks or months had built up. Everything she hadn't been able to express or talk about just washed out of her like water from a floodgate. She took a deep breath, in an attempt to regain focus.

"Love is both a great and terrible thing, isn't it?"

Love. Maggie thought. How could something that was supposed to be so wonderful, also be so painful at the same time? Yet Maggie knew in heart that she loved Thorin Oakenshield. Before, Maggie thought that perhaps it had just been a game of attraction and lust, something to pass their time while on this adventure. But it quickly turned into something else, filled with more passion than she had ever experienced or felt in her life. Maggie Spencer loved Thorin Oakenshield and there was no hope in hell that would return those feelings. Not after she had done something so stupid. Gandalf had been right all along and Maggie should have listened to him. Maggie looked up, expecting see Brenna but realised it wasn't her voice who had spoken before. Instead, Bard sat down next to her, and Brenna merely nodded and left them alone.

"Bard.." Maggie sighed. "You frightened me."

Bard raised an eyebrow. "Seems to me like you were frightened back there."

Maggie gazed down at her hands, feeling a rush of embarrassment again.

"You heard that, huh?" she asked

At this Bard chuckled slightly. "I'm pretty certain half the town heard it." he teased, in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Then, his tone changed and became more serious again. "You have courage." he said gently. "Speaking your mind like that."

"Women in my world and especially my generation, were taught to stand up for themselves. Although I'm not sure what I did was brave." Maggie said

Bard was impressed by Maggie. He had heard the whole argument between her and Thorin Oakenshield. He didn't understand all of it and some of it even scared him, especially with talks about strange worlds and prophecies. Still, he thought her brave. When Maggie had run out of his house, Bard had gone after her, at the request of Master Baggins. The hobbit had told Bard that he was the one who knew Lake Town and stood the best chance of finding her. Sure enough, with some asking around, the townsfolk had pointed Bard in the direction of Brenna's house. She was a kind woman and a friend who had always been good to Bard and his wife when she was alive.

"Being the only woman in a company of men must be hard." Bard said. "I cannot even fathom being the only human woman in a company of dwarven men. You must miss your kin?"

"I miss my brother." Maggie admitted. "He's sometimes daft and annoys the hell out of me I. He knows how to push all my buttons, but he understands me and he's always there for me. Right now, out there somewhere with Gandalf and I don't know if he's alright or if he's even alive."

"If this is Gandalf the Grey wizard, of whose tales I've heard often," Bard said. "Then surely, he will do all in his power to make sure your brother is alive."

Maggie only nodded, knowing that Bard was right. In her heart, Maggie also knew that Gandalf would sooner die than let any harm come to Riley. He was alive out there somewhere and she would see him again. She had to believe that.

"Back there, you spoke of being from another world. I don't know what that means but I am curious. Are you really a descendant of Andunie?" Bard asked

Maggie nodded "Yes. My father was Lord Amandil. Although, I only ever knew him as Alan Spencer. My other brother was apparently Elendil."

Bard's face carried an expression of both confusion and a bit of fear. He had heard of Elendil, it was impossible not to. He was one of the leaders of the last Great Alliance between men and elves. These were stories bad had grown up with as a child. Stories that had taken place thousands of years ago. He didn't doubt Maggie's words, for he her believed her to be truthful but it still somewhat frightened him. How could she possibly be a brother of Elendil and look no older than her mid- twenties? It was common knowledge that the descendants of the House of Elros, as well as the Dúnedain lived longer lives than other men. Bard wondered how much Maggie was aware of her heritage. If she and her brother were truly children of Amandil and Elendil's younger siblings, then not only were they a Lord and Lady of Dúnedain but also royalty. An heir to the Dúnedain throne.

Bard decided to change the subject. "The rest of the company have decided to stay for a while. It seems that hobbit of yours has caught a cold and that young dwarf is also unwell. You are also welcome to stay and Brenna has kindly offered to give you accommodation in her house."

The thought of sleeping in an actual bed instead of a dwarf pile filled Maggie with indescribable joy and she hugged Bard, much to his surprise but he welcomed it nonetheless.

"Thank you, Bard." Maggie said "I monumentally fucked up back there and I feel like have no one now."

Bard merely smiled at her. "You have at least one friend, that I can promise you."

Bilbo Baggins was sick. It annoyed him greatly, because he hardly ever got sick. The last time he recalled having a flu was in his early tweens. The blasted thing had lasted well over two weeks and he certainly could not afford to stay in Lake Town for that long. Against all odds and obstacles along the way, the company were so close to the Lonely Mountain that they could literally see it from the harbour. Bilbo could sense Thorin's anxiety and eagerness to carry on, but they still had time before Durin's day. In many ways, the timing was actually perfect and perhaps staying in Lake Town was the best option. Finally, after much pestering from Oin and much protesting from Bilbo, the hobbit had given up and decide to let himself heal.

From what he understood, the whole reason to why Bilbo had been employed by Gandalf in the first place, was to help the dwarves enter the mountain. Even though he was no burglar, and they knew as much now, he still had skills which they lacked. In that moment though, they also lacked Maggie. She had run off after her fight with Thorin and Bilbo had asked Bard to find her.

Bilbo was infuriated with Thorin. Once again the bloody dwarf had let his temper get the beter of in. He'd scared Maggie too, Bilbo saw that. In fact, he had even scared Bilbo himself for a moment. He knew though, that the Thorin who showed himself in the heat of the moment, was the not the real Thorin. Bilbo thought of Elrond's warning about the strain of madness that ran in that family. He was sure that outburst of rage was part of that. Sure, Maggie had made a mistake and Bilbo understood why the dwarves would be a bit miffed but Thorin had spoken as though he hated her and Bilbo knew that was not true.

It had been hours since Maggie left the house and Bilbo worried. Lake Town was strange for all of them and not all its inhabitants were friendly. There was no telling what could have happened. If Riley was there, he'd know just the thing to do and just what to say. At the thought of Riley, Bilbo's heart sank. He hadn't realised just how much he missed Riley until then or how much he worried for him. When Bilbo evenutally alowed himself to relax and was assured of Maggie's safety, his body gave in to the sickness he had been fighting. The hobbit felt mixed flushes of hot and cold on his face, as well as nausea. It didn't take long before Oin was pestering him about getting into bed and Bard's daughters saw to it that hobbit was tucked in. Soon enough, Bilbo's

"Riley…" Bilbo mumbled in his fever-induced fatigue.

"It's alright, lad." Oin said as he was preparing some herbs and remedies. "Master Riley is fine. Mister Gandalf is looking after him, there's no need to worry."

"No, but.." Bilbo mumbled "I need to tell him.."

Oin exchanged glances with Gloin and Dori. The fever was concerning and could easily escalate into something much worse. Halflings were small and their bodies didn't hold illnesses in the same ways as dwarves or men. If they were lucky, Oin's healing would put Bilbo on the path to recovery. If they were unlucky, Bilbo could get much sicker and then there was little Oin's healing abilities could do. Even Kili was currently in a better state than Bilbo, although the young prince was also something they needed to take keep an eye on.

"Is he going to be alright?" Ori asked worriedly as he stood by the bedside.

"He'll be fine Ori" Oin said. "Right now, our Master Burglar just needs his rest."

Oin wished he'd believe his own lie.

When Bard eventually left, Brenna had been kind enough to draw Maggie a bath. She'd stayed in bath for a good hour, until there was no heat left in water. Even though Maggie hadn't been fully able to relax her mind, it had done wonders for her muscles. She hadn't realised quite how sore she had felt until then. After the bath, Brenna lent Maggie some of her own clothes, a beautiful green dress that was warm and comfortable. Having another woman around and somebody who had shown such instant kindness made Maggie feel very humble and she made a note to find some way to thank Brenna for her hospitality. The two women spent some time chatting while Brenna made dinner and Maggie helped out best as she could.

Maggie found out that she was a widow of several years and her son had taken up work with the fishermen. Right now, he was out on a trading route and was expected back sometime in the next few days. Brenna was chatty and didn't seem to mind talking about life in Lake Town and herself. She was proud of her son and missed him while he was away, but there was plenty to do to keep herself busy. She ran their market stall and sold hot food to travelers passing by. Maggie thought she was pretty and wouldn't be surprised if many of the men in Lake Town fancied her.

After while, Maggie decided to get some fresh air and soon found herself strolling along the harbourside. The night air was chilly but she didn't mind it so much. She sat down on one of the many piers, letting her feet dangle off the edge, but being careful to not sit too close to it. Maggie had had enough of falling into water to last a lifetime. The fog had cleared and she could see Erebor over there on the other side. The majestic mountain gave her a strange feeling that she couldn't quite place. The seventh dwarf kingdom of Middle-Earth. Thorin's home. Maggie wondered if the dwarf king was also looking out at the mountain.

"Out for a stroll?"

"Master Dwalin.." Maggie said "What are you doing here?"

Unlike his brother, Dwalin was a dwarf of few words. He was reserved and had taken him much longer to open up to Maggie and Riley than the others. When he eventually did open up, Maggie saw in him a loyal and kind friend. Sometimes, they would sit at the fire while the others were asleep and talk. It turned out that Dwalin also had rather a good sense of humour and often made Maggie laugh. He was also one of the few members of the company who wasn't afraid to speak his mind, regardless of what Thorin thought. So really, it shouldn't have surprised Maggie that Dwalin was the one to come and find her. It was a welcome and friendly sight and to her pleasant surprise, he didn't seem upset.

"I came to see if you are alright." Dwalin sat down next to Maggie.

Bard had told them that Maggie was in safe hands and staying with a woman he knew. However, Dwalin didn't yet trust the bargeman to take him for his word. So, when things had calmed down enough back at Bard's house and the company was settling down, Dwalin had gone out in search for Maggie.

Dwalin felt sorry for the girl, being subject to Thorin's anger was never pleasant. Even in their youth, Dwalin had often witnessed his temper and its effect on others. When Maggie had revealed her knowledge to the group, Dwalin had been shocked at first and a little hurt that she wouldn't trust them enough to tell them. But he knew that Gandalf was right; knowing too much of your future wasn't good. Dwalin didn't want to know when he was going to get injured or how he was going to die. It wasn't a natural way to live. He did believe that neither Maggie nor Riley were traitors. Nevermind the Valar, but if Mister Gandalf believed they were good for this quest and trusted them, that was all he needed to know. And Mahal knew that they'd proven themselves time and time again. Thorin had told Maggie to leave but Dwalin knew he didn't mean it.

More than a king, Thorin was Dwalin's brother-in-arms and friend. A foolish friend as it happened and Dwalin made a note to have stern words with him. Over the course of their journey, Dwalin had witnessed Thorin falling in love with Maggie. While the king, stubborn as he was, might not have admitted to himself yet, it was undeniably true and painfully obvious to everyone else. Maggie loved him too, Dwalin realised, but all he saw right now was a terrified young woman who felt alone in the world. If only she knew the commotion that had occurred after she had left. Dwalin had never seen his brother so angry at Thorin. Those poor children of Bard must have been wondering what on earth their father was thinking, letting such a group into their home.

"Does he hate me?" Maggie asked, as they sat down. She knew Dwalin would be honest with her, no matter what that honesty might be.

"Nay." Dwalin said. "But His Royal Broodiness needs a moment to calm down."

"He was so angry, Dwalin." Maggie stared out into the distance, watching the stars above them. She wondered if one of those stars was her brother, Elendil. "I've seen him angry before, but not like this. It was like he wasn't…

"...like he wasn't Thorin." Dwalin said. He skipped a small pebble over the water. "Aye. I don't think he was. Not our Thorin. Not the Thorin who loves you."

Maggie turned to Dwalin, her jaw dropped. "What do you mean?"

"You wish for me to spell it out for you?" There was a hint of tease in Dwalin's voice now. "I have known Thorin for over a century and I see the way he is around you. Thorin is in love with you and I think...nay I know that you feel the same."

Before she realised it, Maggie was crying again, this time into Dwalin's shoulders.

"Sssh, it's alright, lass." Dwalin soothed her ""Do you not think he loves you too?"

"I don't know what to think anymore." Maggie sniffed. "How could he love me after what I did? I'm so scared."

Dwalin sighed. "Love is scary." he said "But you did what you believed was right and with good intentions. That's all any of us can ever do and if Thorin can't see that, well then by Mahal he does not deserve you."

And, Dwalin thought, he would make sure Thorin knew it.

"Who are they, Bard?"

It had been a long day, even for Bard. When he'd woken up that morning, he could never have anticipated the events that had occurred. Yet, strangely enough, he could help but feel that it was meant to happen. Thorin Oakenshield and his company only had one purpose in Lake Town and some of that scared Bard. Smaug had been asleep for over half a century and if the dwarves woke up the beast, there was no telling what would happen. But, he thought, that was a problem for later. Bard felt bad for having dragged Brenna into his mess, but as always Brenna didn't judge him. In fact, she had bonded with Maggie and for that Bard was glad. The girl and her strange stories of other lands puzzled him.

Her fight with the dwarf had given Bard's girls a bit of a fright and he would be sure to have words with him about that later. His daughters were strong though and they took it in their stride. At least Sigrid was old enough to understand that the argument had been part of something else. A dwarf and a human, Bard thought, was something new but who was he to judge. Still, Bard wondered, if Maggie knew all the details of her heritage. If so, she had made no mention of it to the dwarves. Bard was no expert in politics but if word got out that new heirs to throne of Dunedain and Gondor made itself known, there would be more trouble than just the dragon.

"I am not certain." Bard admitted. "But I believe we are going to have an interesting time ahead."

"Well, whatever it is you're cooking up, you owe me at least a drink."

Bard smiled. "Gladly. Thank you Brenna, truly. You are a kind woman and a good friend."

"And you're a right pain in my backside, Bard the Bargeman." Brenna teased. "I like her, that Maggie. I hope that dwarf sees some sense."

"If I were you kharm, I would speak to her before you lose her. Or so help me Mahal, I will make you."

Thorin Oakenshield had too many thoughts in his head. One of them was Dwalin's threat playing over and over again. Since his fight with Maggie, the company had made their thoughts about the matter very clear. And, if Thorin was completely honest with himself, he supposed that perhaps he had overreacted a smidge. His hatred for Thranduil had shown itself in the worst possible way and he had projected it onto Maggie. The more he thought back on that moment, the more Thorin realised how much the anger had all but consumed him. It was as though he'd been blinded and couldn't see anything. Admittedly, he was annoyed that Maggie had shared something so important with Legolas. Not because he really thought she would betray them, but because Thorin wished for him to be the person with whom Maggie shared such things. Surely now, there was little hope of that after he'd acted like a complete idiot. So it was that later that evening, Thorin Oakenshield had decided to swallow his pride and found himself at the doorstep Maggie's room. Dwalin had told she was staying with a friend of his, no doubt to get away from him and the others. Thorin had found Bard and his friend outside and they'd pointed him in the direction of the house.

The house itself, Thorin thought, was cozier than Bard's. Although as he valued his head on his person, he made a note to keep that to himself. Thorin walked up the stairs and followed the sound of gentle footsteps coming from one of the rooms further down the corridor. He could recognize the rhythmic movements of Maggie's feet anywhere. Thorin thought he could hear gentle humming of some unknown melody. Once he found her bedroom, Thorin stood in the doorway watching her for a few seconds. Maggie was wearing a long, white nightgown and instead of being tied in its usual ponytail, her hair was out. Dwalin was right, Thorin thought, I do not deserve her.

"Staring is kind of creepy, you know."

Maggie had meant it partly as a joke but there was truth to it as well. She turned to Thorin and there was silence between them. As Maggie eyes examined him, she noticed he seemed tired although she couldn't tell if it was just emotional or physical tiredness.

"May I enter?" he asked

It was much more polite than Maggie had heard him, but she nodded and Thorin stepped in. As he took careful steps towards her, Maggie felt nervous again. The memories of their argument and how he'd punched the wall behind her was still fresh. She knew Dwalin was right, the Thorin who had spoken those harsh words was not really her Thorin. It was, she knew, part of the dragon sickness.

"Thorin I-"

"I have been-."

They both sighed and then Thorin spoke again. "I have been foolish."

"Yeah, you could say that.",Maggie said "But I'm also sorry, I should have told you and I should have trusted you more. King Thranduil and his words, they got to me.

Thranduil's words had gotten to her, more than Maggie had previously been aware of. As much as she hated Thranduil her fear for him was greater. Back in Mirkwood, she had allowed herself to be manipulated and ensnared by his magic.

"I know you're angry." Maggie said. "I know I really screwed up and if you no longer trust me, I understand that. But I do know I'm right about Legolas and that he is an ally because-"

Thorin interrupted her, putting his arms on her shoulders. "Then that is all I need to know."

"I never intended to betray or hurt you. I'm on your side, I always have been. Gandalf warned me to not share too much knowledge of what Riley and I know and there are still so many things that I can't tell you. Believe me, I wish I could but I don't want to risk fucking up this timeline or something"

"What did Thranduil tell you?" Thorin asked and suppressed his hatred for the Elf-Lord.

"He told me you couldn't possibly love me, a human." Maggie explained and Thorin her her voice quivering. "That your family are prone to a strain of madness that leaves others hurt. That you'll get bored of me and that you'll just throw me away like some disposable commodity." Maggie felt hot tears stream down her face. "The worst part is, I believed it, because I've seen some of that. I've seen you get angry and I've seen react instantly without a single bit of hesitation. You really scared me before and for a moment I actually thought you…"

Thorin's face fell. "You thought I was going to hurt you."

Maggie nodded as more tears filled her eyes while Thorin pulled her to him.

"You're right." he said "There is a sickness in my family. I watched my grandfather succumb to it and my father. It frightens me, because I do not want to face the same fate. I am not my father."

Thorin wiped Maggie's tears with his thumb. "I know that no words can make up what I have done. I promised your brother that no harm would come to you and I will keep it, if it is the last thing I do."

Maggie collected herself, exhaled a breath of air and then looked up at Thorin."So then stop using words."

It took only a second but then Thorin's lips crashed against Maggie's. She lost her balance for a moment, but Thorin's hands steadied her against the wall behind them. His fingers tousled her hair, coaxing shivers out of her. With her cheeks still blushing hotly, she glanced back up into Thorin's captivating blue eyes. He leaned down, resting his forehead against hers. Maggie watched breathlessly as his eyes studied hers with silent intensity. His warm breath ghosted across her face. Maggie shut her eyes in anticipation. She stifled a surprised gasp as his lips teased the tip of her ear, causing her body to flush with heat. The heat seemed to travel through her veins, warming her.

Just as she felt a rush of euphoria envelop her, Thorin drew away and Maggie instantly missed the heat curling within king knew that once his lips pressed against Maggie's neck, she would crumble. After just a few delicate touches of his warm lips, her hands began to do his bidding. They fell down his back as her head was swimming, all previous thoughts stopped in their tracks. Thorin's right hand dropped to Maggie's thigh, pulling up the dress that hangs so loose just above her knees. Then, his patience grew thin and he slipped off the gown, allowing its gentle fabric to fall off Maggie's bare shoulder.

The king under the mountain stopped just to look at her, flushed with desire and lust. He leaned forward to trail small kisses behind her neck. So light that they were almost little breaths. Then, Thorin's teasing was over and he carried Maggie over to the bed with no effort. He lay her down on the mattress and whispered into her ear.

"I am in love with you, Margaret Spencer. Deeply, madly in love. " he whispered. "I am going to show you all that it entails.."

To be continued….

I'm aware this chapter was a bit filler-esque but I hope you liked it nonetheless. I haven't been brave enough to write a more graphic/risque love scene but maybe I will. For now, I'm going to leave it with your imagination. What about poor Bilbo? Will he get better? What do you think about Brenna? Let me know your thoughts