A/N: Another chapter! Inspiration hit me with this one. There isn't too much mentioned of Bard's background and history besides his ties to Girion, so I took some liberties with Bard's backstory in this one. A lot of this is taken from the Silmarillion as well and I hope I've done it justice, I figured it would be interesting to explore the history of Middle-Earth a bit more. I hope you'll forgive the creative license, it is FanFiction after all. I will carry on with the movie plot in the next chapter, but I thought we'd have some fun first.

Also one more thing, I know Lady Gilraen stays with Estel in Rivendell and only dies much later, before he joins the ranger, but in this fic, she died much earlier and Estel is a little younger.

Enjoy!

Khuzdul translations:

Mizimelûh: My jewel of all jewels.

Givashel: Treasure of treasures.

Chapter Twenty: Of Bard's Story….

"Maggie!" Bard called after her "Maggie, wait!'

Maggie didn't wait. In fact, she was having none of it. She quickly marched through the streets of Lake-Town, with Bard running after her. After the revelation of her heritage, Maggie felt overwhelmed and anxious. To her, it didn't matter what was written down because she was no royalty. She was just Margaret Spencer. Margaret Spencer who shared an apartment with friends back home, where they had movie nights and lived out their twenties. She was just Maggie loved her job and who missed her brother and her mum more than anything. She wasn't a princess. Nor did she want to be one. Finally, Bard caught up with her and grabbed her arm. She spun around to him.

"Why are you so upset?" Bard asked "Most people, when finding out that they are royalty, are usually thrilled."

"I do not want the throne of Gondor, Bard!" Maggie replied. " I never asked for this!"

The small scene caused a few people to turn their heads and Bard heard a few whispers. There hadn't been talk of royalty around these parts for many years. Bard couldn't understand why Maggie seemed to be so afraid of something that was rightfully hers. Echthelion had taken over as a steward from his father and while their family did look after Gondor, their rule wasn't exactly fair. They were greedy and cared more for their own treasures than the wellbeing of their people.

"It is your birthright! You and your family's. Do you not think your father would want this for you?" Bard said

"You don't know a damned thing about my father!" Maggie snapped. "Or what he would want for Riley and I!"

Bard realised he had overstepped some boundaries, so he paused for a while, allowing the situation to diffuse. He didn't want to cause unnecessary upset.

"I am sorry." he apologised. "You're right, I don't know what your father was like, but I did know of him. He was a member of the Faithful, just like my ancestor, Hallatan who was also related to Girion, Lord of Dale. Hallatan was on the ships banished from Númenór with your father, Elendil and the rest of the Faithful."

Maggie listened to Bard but didn't understand him. Back in Rivendell, Lord Elrond had briefly mentioned the Faithful, but he hadn't gone into any detail about who they were.

"Okay," Maggie breathed out, feeling a bit calmer. "Who the fuck are the Faithful?"

"They were called Nimruzîrim, which I think meant Elf-friends. They were those amongst the Númenóreans who remained loyal to the will of the Valar, even when a lot of the King's Men did not. Because of their allegiance to the elves and devotion to the Valar, they were banished and sent to live in Rómenna, on the Eastern coast of Númenór."

Maggie raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me that my dad and brother belonged to a religious cult?"

Bard blinked. "No. No not at all." he assured her. "The Faithful were a faction of sorts. They still spoke Elvish and remained allies with the elves. If it weren't for the Faithful, there would have been no Last Allegiance between Men and Elves."

"While this history lesson is thrilling," Maggie said "What does it have to do with anything?"

"Long ago, your father saved the life of my ancestor. As a way to show his gratitude, Hallatan swore his allegiance to Amandil, Lord of Andunie. Amandil was his commanding officer and when he vanished, Hallatan's allegiance lay with your brother, Elendil. It has long been told that our family stands side by side with the House of Elros and descendants of Amandil, for as long as our bloodline lives on. I did not believe there were any remaining descendants of Amandil alive after Isildur's death, until I met you."

Maggie listened to Bard's story and wasn't sure what to make of it. She wondered if even Elrond knew about all of this. If he did, would he purposely keep such a thing from her?

"Okay, I need a drink." Maggie said. "I've played enough Dungeons and Dragons in my life to know that there's a tavern somewhere in this town. Where is it?"

"I'll take you the tavern, I could do with a drink too, but what is Dungeons and Dragons?" Bard asked

Bard offered Maggie his arm and they walked back through the crowd, unaware of the dark and sinister eyes watching from the shadows. The silhouette turned to one of the town guards.

"Send word to the Master and tell him that there are some news of the land, which I am sure Lord Ecthelion would be delighted to hear about."

Since the departure of Thorin Oakenshield's company from Rivendell, Lord Elrond had been troubled. He knew that with Gandalf accompanying them, they would be alright, still the Elf-lord was restless. He worried for Maggie and Riley. Lately, he had also felt the presence of a shadow, linger over their journey. It was this shadow that kept his sight from reaching them. Their escape from Rivendell had not gone unnoticed by Saruman, who was less than impressed. Elrond wanted to believe that the wizard's disbelief in Maggie and Riley had solid grounds, after all he was called Saruman the Wise for a reason. Still, Elrond was worried and hoped that Maggie and the company, even Thorin was alright.

Estel had noticed his concern and had tried everything in his power to cheer up the elf-lord. The child also asked continuously about Maggie and Riley and when the dwarves would be back. Elrond couldn't answer any of those questions and he it made him feel guilty. Then again, his attachment to Maggie and Riley wasn't strange, seeing as they were kin and perhaps he saw Maggie as a sort of mother-figure. Another thing Estel no longer had. The twins had also tried to cheer up Elrond by reassuring him that there was no need for him to worry, that everything would be alright and to trust Gandalf.

Lord Elrond almost believed their words, until one night, when he had tucked Estel into bed. Just as he had told Maggie all those weeks ago, he had no control over when his vision came. But it was not a vision he had this time, but a voice in his head and a familiar one at that.

"Elrond, we need your help or he will kill us."

The voice belonged to Riley. It was a distant echo but certainly his. Elrond focused and saw in his mind a desolate and dark landscape with a towering fortress. There was no sign of the rest of the company but he saw two cages hanging from chains off the edge of a cliff. In the cages were Riley and Gandalf.

They were in Dol Guldur.

Maggie and Bard made a stop at the house before continuing to the tavern. Maggie wanted to see to Bilbo and make sure Kili was alright. Bilbo's fever seemed to have broken at last, but the hobbit was still exhausted. Maggie hoped that another good night's sleep would fight the rest of the cold. Kili was still in some amount of pain, but still steady. He assured Maggie that he would be fine at the house and both Sigrid and Tilda offered to look after him. Bain asked his father to come with him to the tavern but Bard wouldn't allow it, much to Bain's annoyance. Oin, Ori and Dori graciously offered to stay behind, to keep an eye on the children while urging Bard to go out. It seemed to them like it had been sometime since the Bargeman had allowed himself a bit of fun. Looking after his children was the least they could do to thank him. It was just after dusk when they reached the tavern, which was packed.

Maggie wasn't sure what she had expected but it seemed like the people of Lake-Town liked a pint or two. A part of Maggie had expected a run-down and cold tavern, but instead it reminded her of some of her favorite pubs back home. There was laughter, warmth and everyone was in good spirits. Soon enough, the small group, which consisted of Maggie, Brenna, Bard, Fili, Thorin, Balin, Gloin, Bofur and Dwalin had occupied a large table in the corner of the tavern. Maggie wasn't sure where the rest of the company was and was surprised they weren't joining them at the tavern. If she had come to learn one thing about dwarves, it was that they loved drinking and music.

At first, there had been some stares and mumblings from the townsfolk when the dwarves entered but soon enough it died down and the atmosphere relaxed. Dwalin brought them the first round of drinks, which he complained were small compared to what they usually drank. Maggie took the first sip of the pint and allowed the flavour to linger in her mouth before drinking it in one go. As much as she had enjoyed the elvish wine back in Rivendell, the ale was better and more of a reminder of home. I wish you were here, Ri, she thought knowing her brother would love this place. As far as the music was concerned, it reminded Maggie of Scottish and Irish ceilidh.

With the overall happy mood in the tavern, it was almost as if every obstacle over the past couple of months had been forgotten, at least temporarily. Even Dwalin cracked a smile and Maggie swore she even heard him laugh.

"Fee," she nudged the crown prince's shoulder. "Who is that dwarf and what on Earth has he done with Dwalin?"

"I was wondering the same thing." Fili replied. "Do you think perhaps, that he is possessed?"

"By what, a demon of happiness?"

A chuckle came from Balin who had been conversing with Brenna until that point.

"My brother, even though it is rare, does have a sense of humor. The fact the he shows it here and now, means that not only is he comfortable in the present company, he is also happy."

"Yes," Thorin said and gave a discreet nudge to Brenna. "Yes, I can see that."

"Happy and clearly drunk." Maggie said. "I thought dwarves were good at drinking?"

Maggie sat on Thorin's lap and the king wrapped his arms around her, brushing away a strand of her and gently kissed her neck. He had heard about Bard's revelations and while these were matters they needed to discuss at a later time, he was happy to see Maggie so relaxed. She had borrowed a new dress from Brenna it was similar in shape to the other dress, except this was olive green and the neck cut just a bit lower. He chuckled at Maggie's words about being disappointed in their drinking abilities, because Thorin noticed she was certainly at the tipsy stage.

"I've got to tell you." Maggie continued and pointed playfully at the dwarves. "This is a little disappointing."

"I must say, I agree." Bard said as he placed a new round of drinks on the table. His ability to manage alcohol seemed a bit better tha "Perhaps you are afraid that you're out of your league here."

"Are you challenging me to a drinking contest, Master Bargeman?" Thorin asked and leaned forward with his elbow on the table.

His voice was serious and for a while Bard looked a bit worried, as if he had offended the King Under the Mountain. Then he relaxed when he realised Thorin was only pulling his leg.

"Aye." Bard nodded "That is, if you're up for it. If you're afraid, we'll hold no grudge."

Maggie exchanged a glance with Fili and watched the two men as a silence fell, before Thorin laughed a deep and hearty laugh. Even Balin seemed surprised because it had been a long time since any of them had heard Thorin actually laugh.

"And what are the terms?" Thorin asked as he leaned back in his chair.

This was a new side of Thorin that Maggie hadn't seen before. A playful side and she had a feeling that poor Bard had no idea what he was getting himself into. She did of course, remember the infamous drinking scene between Legolas and Gimlin in the Lord of the Rings but perhaps men and dwarves were on a more equal level than elves when it came to drinking.

"Simple enough, whoever finishes these drinks first within the next ten minutes, while also being able to stand up and walk in a straight line to the bar and back has won."

"Let's make it interesting then, shall we?" Thorin suggested. "If I win, I will employ your service for the rest of our stay and you will help us with whatever we need. And, you must also tell Ms Brenna how you feel about her. Or I will."

Maggie watched Bard's face carefully, trying to anticipate his reaction. Brenna, thankfully was talking to some of her friends and hadn't heard the terms. It was pretty obvious though, that there was something more than just friendship between her and Bard.

"Agreed, and if you lose, I will employ your services for the remainder of your stay. And, to make things interesting, you will not engage in any sexual activities with Maggie. If you fail at that, you'll spend the week scrubbing my toilet."

"Umm...what? How is that fair?"

"Done." Thorin quickly agreed and shook Bard's hand. "May the best man, or dwarf win."

"You started this, little sister." Fili teased. "But fear not, I am confident in Uncle's abilities. After all, ale is a dwarven drink. Now if you'll excuse me, I best see to it that Bofur and Gloin do not cause any troubles at the bar."

Fili finished his drink and Maggie rolled his eyes. She knew he hadn't gone to look after Gloin and Bofur, but to chat with rather lovely barmaid who had been serving them.

"Come on," Brenna said as she walked up to the table and grabbed Maggie's hand. "Let's dance and leave these fools to it."

"I don't know how to." Maggie protested.

"It's a jig, love." Brenna smiled. "You don't need to."

Before Maggie could protest, Brenna pulled her off the chair and dragged her onto the dancefloor. The tune playing was a cheerful one, which started slow at first and Maggie soon found her feet moving along to its rhythm, letting the music guide her. Then, as the band kept playing, the rhythm got quicker. Maggie lost herself in the dance and didn't have a single care in the world. It was as if all her fears and anxiety fell away at the sound of the fiddle and the drum. In the background she heard Fili's voice and Bofur laughing at something he said. Suddenly, an unfamiliar pair of hands grabbed Maggie's waist and wandered down her body. When she spun around, a strange man stood in front of her. He wasn't much older than her but his face was unkind and his breath awful. The worst thing about him was the satisfied grin on his face.

"What's the matter, pet? Don't fancy a dance?" he asked

"No thank you."

Maggie turned away from him and was about to walk away when he grabbed her hand. She turned back around to the stranger and then grabbed a tight hold of his hand and bent it backwards so that he cried out in pain.

"Touch me again," Maggie warned and tightened her grip on his bent hand, "And I'll break every single one of your fingers, so that you can never touch a woman again. Now fuck off, I was having fun. We good?"

The weasley man nodded and when Maggie let go off his hand he hurried away. She looked over at the table where Thorin and Bard had both been prepared to draw weapons, but upon seeing that she'd handled the situation by herself, there was no need for interference. Maggie felt Fili's familiar arms around her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" he asked and lead her to Bofur and Gloin at the bar, where she took a seat.

"I'm fine, Fili." Maggie replied. "He's not the first bar-creep I've dealt with."

"Aye," Gloin acknowledged as he drank from his ale. "I reckon you handled it well."

"Well, Master Gloin, women are not fragile." Maggie ordered another drink and turned to Gimli's father. "We shouldn't have to rely on men to protect us."

Thorin watched Maggie from his seat at the table and relaxed. If necessary, he wouldn't have hesitated to hurt that weasel of a man for touching her, but it seemed like Maggie had everything under control. The king gave a nod to Fili at the bar, to look after her just in case. Fili acknowledged his silent request and so Thorin turned back to his conversation. The drinking contest was over and considering the terms set by himself and Bard, the next few days were to be interesting. It was all in good spirits though and it would make their stay in Lake-Town more bearable. As grateful as Thorin was for the kindness and hospitality shown by Bard and Brenna, he ached for the Lonely Mountain. It pained him that it was so close yet so far away at the same time. Another concerned growing at back of Thorin's mind, was the lack of Gandalf and Riley. He did not doubt the competency of the wizard and knew he would keep Riley safe, but it had been a long time since they parted ways at the edge of Mirkwood. Thorin knew that Maggie must also be concerned about her brother's wellbeing and perhaps, the speed at which she consumed the alcohol was a way to deal with that worry.

"She's a strong woman," Bard said. "You're very lucky, Master Dwarf."

"Aye," Thorin agreed, he was indeed very lucky.

"The throne of Gondor is her and her brother's birthright. Why does she not want it?"

That was something Thorin had also wondered. It was a surprising turn of events, but considering the heritage of her family, it wasn't strange. Maggie had been reluctant to talk about it and Thorin didn't want to press the matter, knowing she would speak when she was ready.

"Perhaps," Balin said "Young Lady Margaret is afraid of the throne symbolizes."

"What do you mean?" Bard asked

"Well, from what I've gathered. In her and Master Riley's world, the history of Middle-Earth has a well-established timeline. We must also remember that up until a few months ago, they knew nothing of their heritage or that this world was even real." Balin explained "There was a young child back in Rivendell, his name is Estel. I believe his father was Arathorn II and his mother was the Lady Gilraen. I know only a little of the history of Men, but Lord Elrond said that young Estel is also a descendant from the House of Elros. When he comes of age, there will be another heir to the throne. The true heir, one could say. Perhaps, Maggie feels that she is taking something that in her eyes, does not belong to her."

Even though it was all still strange, it made sense, Thorin thought. Although, Estel was merely young child, it would be many years before he came off age. Until the, the throne of Gondor was rightfully Maggie and Riley's to claim. Thorin wondered if Riley would be as opposed to this as his sister. Perhaps it also had something to do with Gandalf's warning about not revealing too much of the future.

Do not be afraid, Riley, Son of Amandil. Help has come.

Riley heard the voice in his clear as day, but it wasn't Lord Elrond as he had thought. How would he have travelled to Dol Guldur in such speed? The voice, he knew, belonged to Lady Galadriel. While he couldn't see her, Riley knew that she was there.

"I come for Mithrandir and Riley." Galadriel's voice echoed all over the fortress. It was as if she was everywhere, in every creak and crevasse. "I will leave with them. If you try to stop me, I will destroy you."

Riley heard Sauron's growls from within the shadow and then, he saw her. Lady Galadriel walked along the path way up the bridge, without a hint of fear in her eyes. She shone like the brightest star in all the sky and just like that, Riley was no longer afraid. He caught her smile at him as he passed her. Then, just by using her hand, Lady Galadriel sent a shockwave of light searing through Dol Guldur and then there was total silence. Riley and Gandalf both fell from their prisons. The wizard was unconscious and Riley rushed up to him, when a new set of foosteps and a sinnister voice made him stop.

Riley didn't know how he could understand the voices, because he knew for a fact they were not speaking English. You will pay for your father's defiance, Son of Amandil. You will pay with your blood and your sister with her body. The Dark Lord will enjoy using her flesh the most.

"Get out of my head!" Riley cried out and fell to his knees, covering his ears desperate to shut out the noise. They were going to kill him and do worse things to his sister. He should never have left the company at Mirkwood. This was all his fault.

The wraiths came closer, towering over Riley and their voices still echoed in his head. After all, there is no better way to end a bloodline than with the death of an unborn child.

Riley cried out with the voices still ringing in his head and the nine wraiths circled around him, Galadriel and Gandalf whom she held in his arms. Slowlly but surely, they came closer and Riley heard Galadriel's breath quicken. She was also afraid and they had no weapons to speak of that would work against the wraiths. It was in that moment Riley Spencer was certain that he was going to die.

Until he heard footsteps and the draw of a sword and another familiar voice.

"Are you in need of assistance, my lady?"

"You guys…" Riley groaned as he used the last bits of his strength to push himself up. "Sure as hell took your time."

"I got your message, mellon-nin." Elrond said "You will not die today."

"Well, thank fuck for that." Riley looked at Galadriel who smiled and even Saruman nodded him. "Now, are we gonna fight or what?"

The elf and the wizard didn't have to be asked twice. What Riley witnessed next, he thought, would go down as one of the single most incredible moments of his life. Elrond and Saruman were both relentless. Saruman used his staff and all its power to fight the wraiths and Elrond wielded his sword.

"You don't have weapon." Elrond said as he helped Riley up on his feet. Strangely, his pain from before was gone, although he blamed it on a rush of adrenaline. "Good thing I came prepared."

In a swift movement, Elrond presented Riley with a beautiful elvish blade. Its weight matched was perfectly balanced in Riley's hand and it had elvish inscriptions on it.

"It was your brother's." Elrond explained.

If it wasn't for the pressing matter at hand, Riley would have admired the sword for longer. After holding it for only a few seconds, a ringwraith charged at Riley and saw his chance to try out Elendil's sword. He looked over at Galadriel who whispered something to Gandalf. The Grey Wizard had been unconscious but then, he jolted back to life.

"Gandalf!" Another familiar called out. Against all odds, Radagast and his rabbit sledge had arrived. "Master Riley! You two have to get on!"

Riley tried to protest but Elrond shook his head and Riley knew he had no choice, if he wanted to see his sister again. He jumped onto the sledge and as they were about to take off, he saw Gandalf grab Galadriel's hand.

"Come with me, my lady." he begged.

Galadriel only shook her head and then looked up at Riley, first with sadness and then something much darker.

"GO!" she commanded and before Riley could say anything else, Radagast took off with him and Gandalf into the darkness.

By the time they left the tavern, Maggie really had no idea what time it actually was. All she knew was that it was dark outside and that there was more than one Fili next to her. Maggie squinted and then leaned on a wall for balance. It had been a good night, perhaps even too good of a night but it was worth it. There had been no talk of Erebor, the dragon, the orcs or all the other dangers they had faced.

"Ugh, why is the world spinning so fast? And why are the two of Bofur?"

Maggie took a step forward, but struggled to keep one foot in front of the other. When she lost her balance, Thorin grabbed her and helped her up again. To Maggie's surprise, he seemed to hardly be affected by the ale. Meanwhile, Bofur, Gloin, and Fili were all stumbling ahead of them and Maggie knew she wasn't the only one who would have a hangover in the morning. Dwalin, seemed to be managing okay, but Bard struggled to walk in a straight line and had help from Brenna.

"Steady feet, mizimelûh ." Thorin said, somewhat amused "You have had a lot to drink."

Thorin gently pulled back Maggie's hair as she emptied out the contents of her stomach onto the street. He sighed and wondered how someone could still be so beautiful, while being in such a terrible state of drunkenness. In earnest, Thorin was rather impressed and she had certainly managed to outlast both Bard and Dwalin. Maggie wretched again and Fili turned around to see if she was alright, but Thorin gestured for his nephew to carry on without them.

"I'm sorry," Maggie slurred "I'm such...a mess. I didn't mean for you to see me like this."

"It is alright, givashel." Thorin said and picked Maggie up. "Seems like you needed to let your hair down."

Maggie rested comfortably in Thorin's arms as he followed the streets back towards Brenna's house. She rested her head against his shoulder, occasionally looking up as though to make sure he was still there. Then, she stifled a yawn and relaxed in his arms.

"Thorin." Maggie mumbled as she shifted her weight in Thorin's arms

"Yes, sweeting?"

"I don't have any beads for you. Can you make one?"

Thorin stopped walking for a moment. Did Maggie know what she was asking? If she did, who in Durin's name had told her? "What?"

"You know, so I can show...that you're my One too…" Maggie mumbled.

With the last sentence Maggie's voice trailed off and Thorin knew she was asleep before he could answer her.

To be continued…

There we have it. A few things happened in this chapter. What do you think about Bard being an ally earlier on? Let me know in a comment/review :)

Have you figured what I have planned yet? Let me know in the little box below!