Disclaimer: The Hobbit is owned by J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson respectively. Anything you don't recognise is mine.

A/N: Here we are then, the last chapter of Part I of this saga. I'm so glad you guys are enjoying and I never expected so many readers and amazing feedback. I hope you guys are excited for the sequel, I'm looking forward to expanding the characters and seeing more of Middle-Earth. I originally started the story of Maggie and Riley around 6 years ago and I'm glad I decided to rewrite their journey. This chapter will be quite short in comparison to all the others.

Without further ado, here is the last chapter (for now). I hope you guys will enjoy it!

Khuzdul:

Amralizi = I love you

Elvish:
Aier: Little One

Mellon-nin: My Friend

Chapter Thirty: Of Endings and New Beginnings

It was amazing, Riley thought, how quickly things seemed to return to something that resembled normalcy. Riley, along with Tauriel, Kili, Legolas and Bard, had spent the past four days coming up with a plan for their journey to the Kingdom of Arnor, where the Dúnedain dwelled. It would be a long journey and it had required extensive studying of maps. Riley had always known that Middle-Earth was vast and there was so much to its history and geography that he was unfamiliar with, but he also found it all a bit overwhelming and intimidating. He was glad to have the company of the other four, but he was also worried that that the Dunedain would not take kindly to the arrival of strangers. Riley wasn't sure how he was going to handle the situation and he wasn't even certain the rangers would reveal themselves. From what he had heard and read, they remaining Dúnedain were a careful and stealthy people and they hid away from others. Their kingdom, Arnor, had once been one of the many great kingdoms of Middle-Earth, founded by Elendil. Riley was only just beginning to accept that Elendil was his and Maggie's brother and there was no telling if the rangers would even believe him.

Riley still felt a strong sense of guilt over leaving Maggie behind, especially as he didn't know how long he would be away for. Ideally, he wanted to be in Rivendell by the time the baby was due, but realistically he was aware that might not be possible. Maggie kept it together, but Riley knew she was upset about it. Following Thorin's burial, his sister had become more withdrawn again. She did her best to hide it from the others to save their worrying, but Riley could tell. He hoped that taking residence in Rivendell would be good for her, not just for the sake of the pregnancy but for her mental health. She loved Rivendell and being around familiar faces in a peaceful environment was certainly better than living under the mountain. Lady Dis was unhappy about it, but she didn't have much say in the matter.

It was late at night and Riley had lost track of how long he'd spent in the library, looking over old books, parchments and maps, trying to understand the people who were his kin. Bilbo had kept him company for some time and they had talked about what came next for Bilbo. He needed to return to Shire for some time, mostly to make sure that everyone knew he wasn't dead and to make sure the Sackville-Bagginses hadn't tried to take over Bag End. No doubt, there were plenty of rumours regarding his whereabouts for the past few months and he had a lot of explaining to do. Once business was taken care of in the Shire, Bilbo had said he would return to Rivendell because he also wanted to be there in time for the birth. It warmed Riley's heart to know his sister would be looked after and that he had people who watched his back. The meaning of found family had become all the more clear over the past few weeks and he took comfort knowing that they had a family here, even when their own family was far away.

Three gentle taps on the door brought Riley's attention back to his surroundings. For a moment, he realised his behaviour mimicked that of his father. As a child, Riley could recall several nights when he'd carefully entered his dad's office and begged him for a bedtime story about elves, dwarves and dragons. His father often been so deep in thought that he'd hardly noticed Riley. Now, he wondered if perhaps his dad had ever thought about trying to find a way back to Middle-Earth.

"You know you don't have to wait up-" Riley began but realised the person who stood in the doorway was not who he first thought. "My Lord Elrond, sorry. I thought you were Bilbo."

Even after all this time and no matter how much Riley knew Elrond was a friend, he still found his presence a bit intimidating. The elf-lord entered the library, with his hands behind his back and Riley thought he caught an almost mischievous glint in the elf-lord's eyes.

"All the preparations have been made." Elrond said. "We're aiming to depart for Rivendell in the morning. I think you are leaving the following day?"

"Yes." Riley nodded. "Bard had some things to take care of in Dale. He's leaving Brenna in charge of the City while he's gone and obviously he wants to make sure his kids are alright. Do you know if Maggie is all set to leave?"

At the mention of Maggie, the expression in Elrond's face changed slightly and Riley couldn't determine if it was with worry or with sadness. He was grateful to Elrond for opening up his home to them again, even after all the tension with Thorin and the dwarves. With any luck, having a few of the dwarves in Rivendell might be an opportunity for improving the diplomatic relations between the two races.

"She is ready but not, I think, in spirit." Elrond replied. "The transition will be difficult for her and the grief is still near."

"Yeah," Riley sighed. "I know, that's what worries me. She hasn't really been herself since the burial and I'm worried she's going to spiral downwards again."

"Your sister is strong, but the heart needs time to heal mellon-nin. It will be hard before it becomes easier and it is a journey that only she can take. However, she will have our support."

Eleves, Riley thought, always had a way of being very forthright with their thoughts. As always though, Elrond was right and while Riley knew that dark place and how easy it was to allow it consume he, he could only trust that his sister was strong enough to fight what she was going through.

"Have you considered what you will do once you meet the Dúnedain?" Elrond asked after a while as he paced the room, still with his hands behind his back.

"Not a clue, mate." Riley admitted. "If we even find them, what am I supposed to tell them? Oh hi guys, my sister and I were sent here by the Valar. As it happens, the founder of your people was actually my brother and his father before him was an ancient Lord of Andunie. Technically my sister and I are heirs to the throne of Gondor, which I know you renounced but no big deal. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk."

The frustration rang clear in Riley's voice and he hadn't meant to sound so callous, but the more he thought about it, the less likely it seemed that the Rangers would believe him at all. In fact, if he was really unlucky, there was a chance they could decide to just kill him and the others on the spot. No questions asked.

"There is something which might help you gain their trust." Elrond told him. "You already know we have in our possession the Shards of Narsil which belonged to Isildur. There is another heirloom, which was once your family's and have been passed down the Lords of Andunie for many centuries."

"What is it?" Riley asked

Finally, Elrond revealed what he had been hiding behind his back. Wrapped in a piece of satin cloth, he revealed what seemed to be a silver rod. It was intricately designed and had ancient patterns engraved on it, which Riley of course couldn't understand. It wasn't a weapon, but a symbol and Elrond passed it to Riley who instantly felt like he held in his hand something he did not yet understand and a part of it even scared him. It weighed heavily in his hand and as the oldest Spencer studied the strange object further, he knew it was ancient.

"This is the Sceptre of Annúmina. It was originally borne by the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor, but was thought to be lost before your brother, Elendil - the last Lord of Andúnië, brought his sceptre with him when he arrived in Middle-Earth and founded the Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. We have long kept it safe in Rivendell until such time would come when it was called upon. This Sceptre was once carried by your father and the Dúnedain will not doubt your words if you also carry it."

"I...I don't know what to say." Riley said. "This was my dad's?"

Riley was both awestruck and humbled at the same time. The artefact in his hand was a remnant of the man his father had once been before he became Alan Spencer. In that moment, Riley felt more connected to his dad than he had ever done. He wanted to hug Elrond but resisted the urge to do so because no doubt it would make the elf-lord uncomfortable.

"Thank you, truly." Riley said, still in shock. "You've been a good friend to us, I hope you know we both appreciate it. Especially Maggie."

"Which brings to mind, she was asking about you a few moments ago. I believe she wanted to see you."

Riley nodded and then left Elrond in the study. It still surprised Riley, as he walked through the corridors on the way to Maggie's room, that dwarves were definitely nocturnal creatures. It was way past any normal person's bedtime, as Bilbo had reminded, yet Erebor was still full of light and life. The dwarves whom had arrived with Dain had quickly settled into their new home and Riley was still trying to remember their names, which was proving more difficult than remembering the names of the Company. Then, there were the dwarves who had arrived with Lady Dis from Ered Luin, who were more reserved than the other dwarves. Most of them were polite enough but seemed sceptical of the presence of so many non-dwarves. It was more than fair really, Riley thought, because their home had more or less been invaded by humans, a hobbit and several elves. Eventually, the oldest Spencer reached the hallway where Maggie's chamber was. He knocked twice on the door before gently pushing it opened. Inside, Riley saw Maggie sitting cross-legged on the bed, wearing a coat brought to her by Bard who had been sent some supplies from Brenna. His sister was lost in thought, writing in the journal which Thorin had gifted her for her birthday.

"Elrond said you were looking for me, but I can always come back." Riley said

"No, it's okay. I'm done anyway." Maggie said. She looked up from her writing and put the journal away.

Riley entered the room and sat down on the bed. It instantly brought him memories of their childhood, when they'd often spent nights hiding under a tent made of blankets, telling stories in the dark by torchlight when they should have been asleep long before. Even now, Riley was sure their parents were well aware of their adventures, but had never told them off. As he studied his sister, Riley also became increasingly more aware of how much Maggie had changed and he also noticed that hints of the pregnancy was starting to show in her. He recalled the first time Kili had asked if she had children and Riley had just replied by bursting out laughing. Now, so many months later, he thought pregnancy was a look that suited his sister and he had no doubt that she would be a fantastic mother. Even if she didn't believe it herself.

"Here," Riley said "I have something for you."

"That's never usually never a good thing, coming from you." Maggie teased

Riley stuck his tongue out at his younger sister, but then he reached inside his pocket. He put something on the bed which made Maggie's eyes widened and the look on her face alone, was worth the secret. On the bed in front of them, Riley placed a small contraption from their own world. A smartphone and next to it, some earphones. During their hike in the Brecon Beacons, Riley had kept his phone in his inside pocket, like he always did. When they first arrived in Middle-Earth he'd been surprised to find that the thing actually still worked but he'd turned it off instantly, not wanting to waste its batteries and figuring there might be a time when it was actually needed. He'd almost forgotten all about it, until their return to Erebor and over the past week, once he knew he was going to Dunedain, Riley had decided he wasn't the one who needed it.

"Oh my god…." Maggie whispered "This thing is still alive? After everything we've been through? And it has charge? Riley Spencer I bloody love you."

"Well, it's on 98% at the moment and I have no idea how long it'll last or if it'll even work properly at all or if this place breaks technology from our world." Riley said "I thought you might want to keep it. I doubt I'll have time or need for it in the wild."

Maggie threw her arms around Riley and he watched as she excitedly unlocked the phone and scrolled through its contents. There were several dozens playlists, some audiobooks and old photographs. As Maggie looked through the folders, she stopped on one photograph that caught both their attention. It was a family photo of Riley, Maggie and their parents; Alan and Susan. Riley remembered when it was taken; it was the last time they'd been together as a whole family, celebrating their mother's birthday. Not long after spring, their dad had collapsed and then died in hospital. There were no hints of sickness or anything out of the ordinary in that photograph. Just the four of them in their living room, with their dad holding the camera after just learning to take a selfie, Maggie next time with her arms around Riley and their mum.

Riley and Maggie sat in silence for a while, just staring at the photo. So much had changed since that captured moment. Riley knew that both he and his sister were two very different people now. In some ways, Riley missed their life as it was back then, but he knew that change was inevitable and just a part of life, whether one liked it or not.

"You think he's watching us right now?" Maggie asked "Dad, I mean."

"I have no doubt he's watching both us and mum." Riley replied, "I wish I could tell her about all of this."

Riley couldn't help but wonder if their mum even knew they were gone. Did time flow different here as opposed to in their world? He hoped that it was like in Narnia, that no matter how much time you spent in this world, no time at all would have passed at home and you could return to the exact same moment you left.

"I'm going to miss you, Ri. It won't be the same without you." Maggie whispered after a while, "I know you always feel the need to look after me and I know you feel guilty about leaving, but I'm really proud of you. I wish I could come with you, I loved hearing the stories about Numenor and the Dúnedain. It makes sense now, looking back at it.

"I'll miss you too, Mags." Riley said "On the bright side when I see you again I will take immense joy in the fact that you will be huge and walking around like an old woman."

Maggie playfully punched Riley in the arm and they laughed for the first time in a long while.

Maggie and Riley talked through the night, laughing at old memories and memories from their time travelling with the Company. It was far too late in the night by the time they both fell asleep and Riley actually fell asleep in his sister's bed that night. When they woke up early the next morning, a strange feeling hung in the air which they both felt but couldn't quite make sense of. Maggie spent the morning getting her belongings together as she would leave for Rivendell today and Bilbo would travel with the some of the way, along with Gandalf on their way back to the Shire. Despite the melancholy, they all shared in laughter around the breakfast table and even Lady Dis cracked a smile once or twice. Maggie had made a point in spending a bit of time with each of the dwarves that morning, talking to them, and promised she would stay in touch and send a raven as often as she could.

At one point, Dis had pulled her aside and gifted her with some clothes which had once belonged to Fili and Kili when they were newborn dwarflings and she told Maggie that once everything was more settled in Erebor, she would visit but also correspond with letters frequently. Then, they had hugged and Maggie knew despite Dis stern exterior, she was kind and loving at heart. Finally, when it was time, Maggie felt a knot churn in her stomach as she stood at the entrance to Erebor alongside Fili, Oin, Dwalin, Elrond, Gandalf and Bilbo.

Everyone had turned up. Bard and Brenna, Tauriel, Legolas and Riley. As well as all the remaining Company. They all stood there; Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Gloin, Balin, Dori, Nori, Ori and Kili. Bilbo turned to them first, he fiddled with his waistcoat and struggled with words to say. Maggie knew that he and Riley had already said their private goodbyes but this was the first time he had faced the Company and accept the fact that they were all parting ways. Maggie watched as Bilbo opened and closed his mouth, struggling to speak and she swore she saw a hint of tears behind his eyelids, even though he hid it.

"If any of you are ever passing Bag End, tea is at four." Bilbo said, finally "There's plenty of it. You are welcome anytime. All of you."

The dwarves all bowed and Maggie felt Fili wrap a comforting arm around her shoulders. Out of all of them, Bilbo was the one who had changed the most. He was no longer the shy and introverted hobbit who hated strangers and couldn't imagine spending a long journey in the company of thirteen dwarves. Whether Bilbo liked it or not, all of those dwarves were now his family as much as Maggie, Riley, Bard, Brenna and the elves. Bilbo Baggins' life would never be the same again and Maggie wished she could tell him how it would forever change the fate of this whole world.

"Don't bother knocking." Bilbo said

They all chuckled and Maggie noticed that even Dori cried. Bilbo mounted his pony and Maggie walked up to Bard and Legolas. She owed both of them so much, but especially to Bard who had taken her under his wings without a shadow of doubt. Legolas had also accepted her and she was proud to call him her friend. She was glad that they were the ones accompanying Riley to Dúnedain and she had no doubt in her mind that they would keep him safe and find the answers they were all searching for.

"I don't really know what to say without crying, again." Maggie said as she hugged each of them. "But I'm going to miss both of you and I'm so grateful for everything you've done."

"Our paths will cross again, aier." Legolas told her. "I feel our fates our now entwined in ways I don't yet understand."

"You know you're not getting rid of me that easily." Bard teased, "I take blood oaths very seriously."

Maggie let out a laugh and then turned to Kili who stood next to Tauriel. She could tell he had been crying from his red eyes but when he leaned his forehead against hers and wrapped his hand around her neck, she knew he was going to be okay.

"Look after my daft brother," Kili told her

"Only if you look after mine." Maggie replied

"Amralizi , little sister. Uncle would be proud."

Maggie nodded and Kili wiped a tear from her face. She inhaled and exhaled a breath before she mounted the horse. Margaret Spencer took one last look at the people who had become her found family and Erebor before she, along with Elrond and the others, set off for the journey. When they made camp that first night, Maggie lay awake unlocked the phone. After a bit of scrolling, she found the sound-filed entitled: for Maggie. Curiously, she put on her earphones and listened to the records and smiled when Riley's voice began to speak.

'Hey Maggie, you're probably listening to this on the way to Rivendell. I've been thinking a lot about what our lives used to be like back home and that conversation we had last summer in Uncle Lewis' garden. We said that sometimes, it felt like dad was out of place and like he belonged in a different time somehow. I guess, deep down, maybe we always knew that there was something otherworldly about him. I wonder sometimes if mum knew about his truth. I know you miss them and I do too, but I somehow feel like dad always knew we were supposed to end up here and while I don't know why, I think perhaps the Rangers might help me figure it out."

There was a pause in the recording and Maggie thought she heard Bilbo's voice in the background before Riley continued speaking.

"I know you're afraid of the pregnancy and being a mother, but you're in good hands and they will treat you like a princess in Rivendell. Especially the dwarves and Elrond.r. It's strange really, we've really only been in Middle-Earth for a few months but I feel like this has always been home and that scares me a bit. Whatever you will happens Maggie, I have no doubt you will be fine and we'll see each other again before you know it. I love you Maggie and I'm glad we're on this journey together, no matter where it may lead us."

By the time the recording stopped playing, Maggie realised she had been crying again. Not for sadness, but because Riley was right. They were on this journey for a reason and while it would be another while before they saw each other again, Maggie had no doubt that their purpose in Middle-Earth would eventually reveal itself to them.

And she was ready for it.

The End (for now)...

There we have it. The end of Part One of The Spencer Saga. I'd love to hear what you guys think about it - love it? Hate it? Unsure? I'm already working on the sequel and it won't be long before the first chapter comes up. Thank you so much to everyone who decided to follow Maggie and Riley on their journey through Middle-Earth and I hope you stay tuned.