A/N: This update is a little later than usual because I'm still sick and getting annoyed with it at this point so if this chapter does not make sense, I once again blame the flu meds.

First of all, thank you all for your favourites/follows/kudos as well as your reviews and comments. I literally cannot express how happy they make me, I did not think anyone would like this story when I first started writing it. Who are your favourite characters? What do you think of the newbies, Nat, Laura and Felix? Will they be shipped with anyone do you think? Let me know!

I noticed an editing mistake in the previous chapter when Gandalf tells the story of Maggie and Riley to the others and he mentions that the baby died. Obviously Theo is alive, but the original plan was that he did not make it. I'm glad I changed my mind on that one. Also, I'm sticking to the movieverse timeline where it's sixty years between the Hobbit and LOTR. Also in the book the Council of Elrond takes place in October and the Fellowship do not depart from Rivendell until December. They won't stay that long in this version, but a week or so to tie things over.

Lots of dialogue, more reunions and a very famous Council.

Inspiration for Maggie's dress: listing/459855250/medieval-dress-ophelia-preraphaelite?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=elvish++dress&ref=sr_gallery-1-18&organic_search_click=1&cns=1

Inspiration for Laura's dress: listing/400242159/medieval-dress-for-historical?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=medieval+dress&ref=sr_gallery-1-29&organic_search_click=1&sca=1

Inspiration for Nat's dress: listing/244311175/wood-elven-dress-fairy-wedding-dress?ref=related-1

THREE

Many Meetings

Maggie woke up just before dawn when the very first rays of sun began to peer through the large bay windows of Elrond's bedroom. She was too restless and full of energy to sleep and Elrond was (unsurprisingly) already out of bed. After their meeting in the gardens, Theo brought her to the kitchens where he made her hazelnut hot cocoa. They spent hours talking about everything and sometimes about nothing. Maggie listened to her son telling her about his childhood, (mis)adventures with Aragorn and Legolas and lots of other things she'd missed out on. She wanted to hear everything but naturally, there was no time and eventually Maggie's eyelids felt heavy. All the emotions of the past couple days caught up with her and she found herself having to give up and call it a night. When she crawled into bed next to Elrond, Maggie was the happiest she had felt in over a year. She was finally home again and she never wanted to leave it.

In those early moments of dawn, Maggie found her brother sitting on their favourite veranda with a cup of tea next to him and another in his hand.

"Hey.." Riley said carefully. "Cuppa?"

"Sure."

Maggie knew the tea was a peace offering, which she accepted and then sat down next to Riley. It amazed her that her brother was already awake and dressed, because no matter what universe they were currently in, Riley Spencer hated early mornings more than anyone. As a child, their parents sometimes would literally have to drag him out of bed or use other tricks to get him to wake up in time for school. Now, Riley sat next to her dressed in more Middle-Earth appropriate clothing (trousers and tunic). He seemed more relaxed than Maggie had seen him in a while, which made sense. She wondered how Riley felt about seeing Bilbo for the first time in such a long while, especially as Bilbo had now aged. As all the thoughts whirled around in Maggie's mind, she inhaled the scent of the herbal tea, which was some kind of chamomile with honey and took a sip.

"I know you probably don't want to," Riley told her. "But I think we should talk. Don't you?"

"Yeah," Maggie said and took another sip of the tea and then pondered for a while on how to phrase thought's she'd been carrying inside her for a whole year. She didn't want to completely berate her brother for actions, or lack thereof, but she did want to make it clear how his choices made her feel and what she had been going through for the past year.

"I know you did what you thought was right at the time." Maggie started "You've always only ever had my best intentions at heart. I know that's the big brother part of you and I've always loved you for that. But it doesn't change the fact that you should have told me, Ri. The moment you got back to Rivendell we should have talked. That would have been the sensible thing to do."

"I know," Riley sighed, "In my mind, I thought you were happy in your honeymoon phase of your relationships with Elrond and Fee, that I convinced you wouldn't believe me. I also didn't want to take away your happiness after all the suffering. Honestly, I also didn't want to believe it. I thought that by not telling you, maybe it wouldn't happen at all and I could just ignore it. I'm sorry, Maggie."

Maggie understood her brother's reasoning and if she was honest with herself, she couldn't say that she wouldn't have acted the same way. She also knew that Riley wasn't the only one to blame for how things had been between them over the past year and she felt a bit of shame over her own actions. Anger was her least favourite character trait, yet Maggie allowed her anger over Riley's decisions to fester and turn into poison.

"I'm sorry too, Riley." Maggie said. "I got so angry with you and the only reason why is because I missed Theo, Fee and Elrond so much it was hurting. I blamed you for taking me away from them and I didn't even consider how much you must have been hurting from being without Bilbo for so long. I've been a bloody awful sister if I'm honest."

"I can't say I've been the best brother either." Riley said "I'm sorry about those awful things I said back at Nat's the night we got here. I didn't mean any of it.'

Maggie took her brother's hand and leaned against him while he wrapped his arms around her in the first hug they had shared in a year. It wasn't the first argument they'd had and it certainly wouldn't be the last but it lasted longer than either of them wanted. Talking things over had always been the Spencer way of dealing with problems, even if sometimes meant brutal honesty was used.

"So," Riley said when he let go of Maggie and stifled a yawn. "War of the Ring, huh? This is the big one."

"Yeah, shit." Maggie realised and she hadn't given much thought to, but it immediately raised a lot of questions about what it would mean for them. "What are we going to do?"

"If the prophecy is right, I think we have to join the Fellowship and I don't mean just you and I. It said six more will aid the fight. Obviously that means Nat, Felix and Laura but that still leaves one."

At the thought of their three friends, Maggie couldn't help but feel bad. Since their arrival in Middle-Earth, she had been so focused on seeing Elrond and talking to Theo and Aragorn that she hadn't really considered what her friends must be going through. Suddenly finding yourself in a whole other world that was supposed to be fictional was a lot to take in. Both Riley and Maggie owed the other three a proper explanation about everything, but it seemed like there was a lot going on in Rivendell as well.

"We should all talk," Maggie suggested "They must have so many questions. I haven't exactly been a great friend in the past couple of days."

"Gandalf filled them in on mostly everything, but you're right." Riley agreed "Maybe we can all talk during breakfast, before the Council of Elrond?"

"That's TODAY? Oh my God that means Legolas must be coming!"

"Not to mention, Gloin, Gimli and Fili."

Maggie's heart skipped a bit when Riley mentioned Fili's name. She had only ever known Fili as a youthful dwarf but now, she figured he was at least 142 years old if her math was right. Had he aged, Maggie wondered. Were there bits of grey hair in his gorgeous blonde curls? Was he perhaps less boyish and more mature now? Whatever the case, she couldn't wait to see him and felt a rush of excitement sweep over her.

"It's good to be home, Ri." Maggie said after a while. "I've really missed this and everyone."

"Yeah, me too."

They talked for a while longer, until dawn became early morning and both their stomachs growled with hunger. It was good, Maggie thought, to no longer be fighting because over the past year, she had really missed her brother. Riley was her best friend and the only one she was able to talk to about Middle-Earth. Shutting him out in her anger was a foolish decision and something Thorin would have done. Now that they were back in Middle-Earth, things could get back on track and with Nat, Laura and Felix there, they didn't have to keep anything secret anymore. Strange, Maggie thought as she ate the last spoonful of porridge for breakfast, it's been a while since I've thought about him. It was rare that Thorin crossed her mind but sometimes, in unexpected moments, she saw his face when she closed her eyes. These days, it wasn't sadness that filled her heart when she was reminded of his kind, blue eyes but love. Maybe Theo was right and he was smiling down at them from his place in Mahal's Hall.

Breakfast was always a feast in Rivendell, just like everything else and they ate outside, in the warm sunlight. To both Maggie and Riley's surprise, the trio adjusted well to Rivendell and their new surroundings. Over breakfast, Felix was having a conversation with Aragorn and Theo. Natalie happily spoke with Lord Elrond, no doubt asking him a thousand questions about elves, while Laura answered Merry and Pippin's 21 questions. Meanwhile, Maggie couldn't believe she was having breakfast with Frodo Baggins of the Shire. Just like his cousin, Frodo was a polite and well-spoken hobbit, with a glint of mischief in his eyes. Thanks to Elrond's healing, he recovered from the Nazgul attack on Weathertop and it was clear the other hobbits were more than relieved. Every now and again throughout breakfast, Maggie caught Gandalf's eyes as he smoked his pipe. Something troubled the wizard and that was usually never a good thing.

Following breakfast, when their stomachs were all full and happy, Maggie and Riley were finally able to have a moment alone with Felix, Nat and Laura. Lord Elrond's staff had provided the trip with fresh clothes, which obviously fit them all perfectly. Felix was dressed in trousers and tunic similar to Riley's, except his tunic was grey rather than white. He also wore a waistcoat over the tunic and his brown hair was actually brushed and tied into a ponytail for once. Apparently some of the elves had wondered how a human man could have such elf-like hair and none of them realised of course that Felix never grew out of his grunge-phase. Nat and Laura both wore two beautiful dresses, perfectly fit for their size and figure. There was something about being dressed in basically medieval fantasy clothes that brought out one's inner child and all three girls were giddy and giggling throughout the morning.

"So, we spoke with Lord Elrond," Maggie said "Given that the prophecy is almost certainly about us five joining the Fellowship, it makes sense that you guys also attend the Council."
"I still don't get it," Laura said "Why us? Why are we specifically chosen for this?"

"We literally have no idea." Riley replied "All we know is that the Valar have very specific visions about the fate of this world. For some reason, that includes us, which is great because Sauron has a very personal vendetta against our family."

"I still can't believe your dad is a Numenorean. All this time and we had no idea." Felix said "I mean, seriously! Uncle Al who struggles to use chromecast is Amandil! Wait! Does this mean you guys are immortal?"

Maggie chuckled but it was a legitimate question. Numenoreans, she knew, weren't so much immortal as blessed with a longer lifespan. Technically, she and Riley were half Numenoreans and lived all their life on Earth, so maybe that meant their genes were different somehow? Just as she was about to reply to Felix's question, they were interrupted by Lindir who called out to them.

"My Lady Margaret, Master Riley." said the Elf. "You have some guests awaiting your presence in the courtyard."

Lindir didn't have to say anything else and the two siblings both took off running from the veranda to the courtyard. There, just as Lindir said, three figures stood waiting for them. Two of them were dwarves and one of them was a very familiar, blonde elf-prince. Maggie ran straight into the arms of Gloin who laughed heartily and returned her embrace. Gloin had definitely aged, but he still looked well with the same ginger hair and kind eyes.

"Durin's Beard," said the old dwarf as he took Maggie's hand and spun her around as though they were dancing. "You have not aged a day, lass."

"It's wonderful to see you, Master Gloin!" Maggie said and then she turned to the second dwarf who looked almost exactly like his father. "This must be your son whom I've heard so much about?"

"Aye, this is my lad, Gimli." Gloin said proudly "Gimli, these are my dear friends. Master Riley and Lady Margaret."

Gimli gave a deep and respectful bow to Maggie who returned his greeting with a curtsy. She'd almost forgotten the politeness of dwarves.

"It's an honour to meet such a fair maiden of legend." Gimli said and Maggie chuckled when she saw him blush.

"Do I not get a greeting?" Legolas asked with his arms crossed. "I thought we were also old friends?"

"'Las. How could I forget?" Maggie greeted Legolas with a hug and couldn't believe how many of their old friends were there.

"Elen síla lúmenn' omentielvo." Legolas said "A star shines upon the hour of our meeting and our paths cross once more. Just like you once told me they would, aier."

"Maggie!"

There was no doubt in Maggie mind who the new voice belonged to. A blonde dwarf stood on top of the stone steps leading down to the courtyard.

Fili jumped, nay leaped, down the stone steps and still managed to elegantly land on both feet. He stood still in his place for a moment as he studied Maggie with wide eyes. There was both excitement and almost disbelief in those blue eyes but when they locked with Maggie, a familiar mischievous smile tugged at his lips. Butterflies stirred in Maggie's gut and she almost immediately felt like a teenager again. The next thing she knew, Fili ran towards her and slammed his lips to hers. Not only did the blonde dwarf nearly knock all the wind from her lungs, but practically tackled Maggie in the process. She lost her footing and fell over, with Fili landing on top of her. Maggie hardly had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and delved inside her mouth. By all accounts, it was a very sloppy kiss in the intermingling of their billowing breaths but Maggie didn't mind. Time almost seemed to have frozen in place and when Fili finally broke the kiss, Maggie's arms reached up and tangled around Fili's, strong neck. The blonde dwarf rested his forehead against hers while gently rubbing his nose against Maggie, who let out a small chuckle. She had almost forgotten the small ways in which dwarves showed affection. Any doubts she'd previously had about Fili missing her were eradicated.

"Mahal..." Fili whispered, "I can't believe you've come back to us."

Fili got off Maggie and helped her up on her feet. Then, he pulled her close to him and held her for a while, as they just looked each other in the eyes. Maggie tousled his blonde hair with her fingers as she felt Fili's breath on her lips.

"I am never leaving again." Maggie replied. "I'm so sorry."

Suddenly, all of Maggie's guilt washed over her again and she felt tears streaming down her face. It was her heart reminding her of the deep love she had for Fili and indeed Elrond as well. Not having them in her life had created an empty space inside her, which she hadn't been able to fill no matter how much she tried to heal. Back in their world, Maggie's friends thought her sadness was to due a lack of relationship, so their solution was to try and get her to date and had on more than one occasion attempted to play matchmaker. Obviously, this backfired and only made Maggie more sad. She recalled one occasion when she'd burst into tears in front of her friends and wasn't able to explain why. That if she didn't have Fili and Elrond she wouldn't have anyone.

"No, it isn't your fault, Amralime." Fee assured her and cupped her chin, his gentle thumb wiping away her tears. "You did not know and had no control."

"I caused all of you so much pain and I missed out on so much."

Maggie felt a sharp panic begin to grow inside her and almost immediately her breath became more shallow. Fee's soothing strokes calmed her.

"All I care about is that you are here now." Fee told her "Amralizi , Maggie. Nothing has changed that."

"I love you too, Fee." Maggie whispered

"You guys have a room, you know." Riley teased. "Like at least three of them. Although, if memory serves it seems sometimes you only need one."

Maggie threw a small pebble at her brother who dodged it. Fili let go of Maggie and kissed her on the cheek

"It is wonderful to see you, Riley." Fili said "I see you have not lost your spark of mischief."

"Neither have you, I hope?"

"Certainly not. Someone has to be a bad influence on my nieces and nephew."

Maggie and Riley spoke at the same time. "What?"

"Kili and Tauriel married some years ago." Fili explained "They have three children now, all of them a handful."

"Kee is a dad?" Riley asked "You're sure we're talking about the same Kili? The kids are still alive?"

Fili chuckled. "It's hard to believe, I know. Frerin is only ten, Idril is twenty-two and Miriel is twenty."

"Wait, so in human years that's what-five years old around 10-12 for the girls?

"Fee, these are our friends; Laura, Natalie and this is Felix. Guys this is Fili, Son of Dis."

"And now also King under the Mountain," came Elrond's voice from behind them. The

"You're king?" Maggie asked, "Of Erebor?"

Maggie couldn't believe her ears. During their time in Rivendell, Fili had made it very clear that he didn't want the crown of Erebor and had given it to Dain. Perhaps her departure all those years ago made him change his mind? Even though the news surprised her, she was happy about them because Fili was no doubt a wonderful king.

"Aye," Fili nodded "I have been for the past fifty-five years."

"Ah, so technically Mags that means you are the king's mistress." Riley teased

"Sounds like the title of a Mills and Boons novel if you ask me." Felix added

"Ooh! The King's Mistress and the Lord's Lover! We've got two best-sellers on the go, mate!"

A pebble came flying at Riley and Felix who dodged them. Maggie had almost forgotten what the two of them were like when they got together. Felix stuck out his tongue at Maggie who simply shook her head.

"What is a Mills and Boon novel?" Lord Elrond asked

"Believe us, Lord Elrond." Nat replied "You're better off not knowing."

"I shall take your word for it Lady Natalie. Now, most of our guests have arrived, it is time to take our seats for the council."

No matter how many times Riley had seen the movies and read the books, the Council of Elrond always managed to surprise him each time. Never in his life could have imagined actually being part of the Council for the sole purpose of joining the fellowship. Even after everything they'd been through over the past few years, the magic of Middle-Earth never ceased to amaze him. A small part of him still fanboyed over all these people, whom he had only heard in stories. There was no doubt in Riley's mind that joining the Fellowship was the right thing to do, but it also came with a lot of questions that would no doubt be answered in time. He didn't necessarily like the idea of leaving Bilbo behind again, especially in his old age. His husband was tired most of the time and Riley wanted to spend time with him, but Bilbo understood.

While he and Maggie were used to Middle-Earth, the other three were not. No amount of preparation or conversation could prepare them for the dangers ahead. Middle-Earth was not the same as it was sixty years ago and Riley knew this war was much worse than the Battle of the Five Armies. Both he and Maggie had suffered Battle Terror after the Five Armies and for Riley's part, the anger and darkness inside after the confrontation with the Necromancer nearly destroyed him. He wasn't overly keen on experiencing something like that again, but he also knew they needed to do this. It was clearly what the Valar had planned for them and he knew better than to go against their wishes.

"Strangers of distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." said Elrond. "Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall."

Riley leant towards Maggie and whispered so that only she could hear it. "You remember Professor Hutchinson's infamous Classics 101 lectures? I have a feeling this is going to be a bit like it." Maggie didn't reply, instead she turned her glance to Frodo who was sat right opposite her. He was carrying the ring around his neck and for a moment their eyes made but were both interrupted by Elrond's voice.

"Bring forth the ring Frodo."

Frodo placed the small golden ring on the stone table and It was almost as if time froze. Riley found himself staring at the object in front of him and he immediately began to remember his adventures with Gandalf. That first time they saw the mark of Sauron carved on tree-barks in Mirkwood and then their journey to Dol Guldur. He remembered so clearly when Bilbo found the ring in Gollum's cave and he couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if Riley had taken it instead and hidden from Bilbo. Perhaps then, the fate of Middle-Earth would be different but it wasn't really his call to already mess with fate. As Riley stared at the ring, his eyes began to feel heavy yet he couldn't take his eyes off it. All the noise of the council drowned away around him and he could only hear one voice.

'Riley, son of Amandil.' Sauron spoke, `I have been waiting for you."

"I will take it! I will take the ring to Mordor."

Riley snapped out of his thoughts when Frodo spoke again.

"Though," said the hobbit "I do not know the way."

Gandalf sighed and Riley could hear the disappointment in his friends breath even though the wizard didn't say it.

"I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." said Gandalf

"If by my life, will or death I can protect you, I will," Aragorn added and knelt down in front of Frodo "You have my sword,"

Maggie looked up at Elrond. "Seriously, how is he 87? I still feel like I need to protect him." she whispered at which the Elf-lord smiled. Both Legolas and Gimli had offered Frodo their allegiance in the quest and even Boromir. Frodo seemed a bit surprised, as if he hadn't expected it. Riley had sat in silence for long while thinking and the more he thought the more he felt like something told him he ought to go with Frodo. He couldn't explain it but he had given up on trying to explain things he could not understand a long time ago.

"I'll go with you," he said "I have some skill with a sword and I've seen battle."

"So will I," Maggie announced. "I may need to brush up on my swordsmanship though."

At this, Fili stood up. "No. Absolutely not!" he protested and suddenly and the Council fell silent. "It is far too dangerous! I have lost you once already and my heart could not bear to lose you again. I do not want you to join them!"Elrond, talk sense into her.."

"The hell I won't!" Maggie snapped "Fee, I literally helped you guys reclaim Erebor and fought a dragon!

"Indeed you did," said Elrond "And you also gained several injuries along the way and nearly died on more than one occasion."

"Okay, you're not helping." Maggie turned to Fee "And you're supposed to be on my side!"

"Melemin, I am always on your side. We both are, but I just think that perhaps you need not jump to conclusions. Fili is trying to keep you safe and that is very much my wish too."

"Thank you Lord Elrond." said Fili, triumphantly. "Maggie, please see some sense. This is not the Quest for Erebor."

While Maggie argued with Fili and Elrond, Riley turned to Frodo who looked very puzzled by the whole thing.

"Melemin?" whispered Frodo to Gandalf "Isn't that Elvish for 'my love'" he asked curiously

"It is indeed my dear Frodo." the wizard replied "King Fili and Lord Elrond are Maggie's lovers, you see. They've been through a great deal together."

"Lovers?" But, she's human and not from this world. I don't understand."

Riley would have laughed if they timing wasn't poor. The next person to speak up, was Theo, who had been sitting at Elrond's side in silence for most of the meeting.

"Ada, if I may speak." Theo said "Is it not true that the last time Mother and Uncle were here it was for a reason? Well, maybe this time, this is the reason. There is also a prophecy, is there not? It seems to me that they're supposed to help with this quest. Ada, you and cousin Fili both know that they are both very capable of it. After all, that is all I've ever been told growing up. That my mother was both a fair maiden and fierce warrior as well as my uncle. Surely the Valar would not wish for us to go against their will." Theo was right of course and Elrond couldn't argue with that, especially when he knew what Galadriel had told him before.

"Very well," said the Elf-lord admitting defeat. "Am I to take it that you also wish to join them, ion?"

"Yes. The prophecy mentions that six people will aid the fellowship and I believe I am one of them."

"Hey!" It was Sam who had suddenly jumped out of a bush which had caught everyone off guard. "Mr Frodo's not going anywhere without me!"

"Well no, it is hardly possible to separate you two even when he is summoned to a secret meeting and you are not." Elrond replied. Merry and Pippin also fell out from their hiding place and Riley just rolled his eyes.

"We're going too!" Merry announced

"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest…thing."

"Well that rules you out Pip." Merry said

"16 companions; so be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

"Great!" Pippin exclaimed enthusiastically "Where are we going?"

Planning and preparing for the journey would take at least two weeks, which was fine by Maggie because it gave them all time to get ready. It also meant Maggie had two weeks with Elrond and Fili, which she was very excited about. Hearing Theo refer to Elrond as 'father' surprised her at first, but it also made sense because he had been raised in Rivendell alongside Aragorn, who he probably saw as his brother. That night, the elves hosted a feast in Elrond's House to celebrate the reunion of friends and the forging of the Fellowship. It had been a very long time since so many races gathered in peace for a common occasion. The Great Hall was decorated in a way Maggie had never seen before. It was buzzing with life and laughter, despite the trials that lay before them. Even Bilbo had come out to join the party and Maggie was glad to see.

Once everyone was gathered, Lord Elrond stood up with a glass in his hand. The Great Hall fell silent.

"It is a perilous time for Middle-Earth and as the evil of Sauron spreads there is reason to be cautious." Elrond said. "But it is during these dark times that we must turn to the light and seek that which gives us strength. Evil cannot persevere if we remember what brings us together. Even the darkness of Sauron cannot penetrate the bonds of friendship, family and of love. Tonight, we celebrate those bonds of Fellowship."

Everyone cheered and the party carried on. It didn't take long before Felix, Laura and Nat experienced the potency of Elvish and dwarrow alcohol. Felix and Riley were the first ones to show signs of inebriation and Maggie laughed at their hijinks with Merry and Pippin. The girls also enjoyed themselves. Nat seemed to spend most of the evening talking with Theo while Laura was enjoying the company of Frodo and Sam. No doubt they would all wake up with hangovers in the morning, but it was a special occasion. As for Maggie, the evening reminded her a little of the night at the tavern in Lake Town with Bard, Brenna and the Company. There was certainly just as much dancing and drinking. Dwarves, it turned out, were surprisingly sure-footed when it came to dancing and Gloin had a few years of practice on his hands.

"Having a good time, givashel?" Fili asked as Maggie twirled right into his arms on the floor. She replied with a kiss and wrapped her arms around him. As they moved together, perhaps Riley was right, she thought, and maybe tonight would be a reprise of the birthday she shared with Elrond and Fili.

"Maggie," Fili whispered, "Marry me."

For a moment, Maggie wasn't sure she believed what Fili just said and let out a chuckle of disbelief. When Fili's expression remained unchanged, Maggie's heart began to beat faster.

"What?" she asked "Fee, I'm leaving soon."

"Exactly!" Fee said "Amralime, I have waited sixty years to be with you again and if this quest is as dangerous as the prophecy has foretold, I cannot wait any longer. I meant what I said all those years ago at your birthday party. If I cannot have you then I will not have anyone. I am King of Erebor now and I would very much like to have you as my queen."

"What about-?"

"Elrond knows that I wish to marry you. He has no problem with it and it certainly will not change what you have. In fact, I have asked him to officiate the marriage."

Fili gently took Maggie's hand and knelt down in front of her. Once again, the Great Hall fell silent and all eyes were on them. Maggie felt her face flush a hot red colour and the tears started streaming before she even realised it. She had flashbacks to when Thorin proposed to her in Lake Town, but she wasn't sad, she was excited. Maggie looked up and briefly met Elrond's warm eyes. It is true, she heard his voice inside her head, Fili wishes to marry you and that thought fills my own heart with joy. I still wish to share my life with you and I love you more than I can say with words, but I have already been married once. If you wish to marry Fili, you have my blessing, although you do not need it.

"Margaret Spencer, will you marry me and become my queen?" Fili asked "And share with me this lifetime and all the others?"

Maggie only nodded and as she responded to Fili's question with a kiss, the world fell away around her and it was just the two of them.

To be continued….

A long-ish chapter which maybe wasn't the most interesting one. But everyone's back together, the Fellowship has been forged and a surprise marriage proposal! I figured I want things to be light and happy for a while before things get more serious. Is everyone else in character? Let me know what you think?