A/N: Another update which directly follows the events of the last chapter. So far I've been sticking to Maggie and Riley's POV in this fic but this chapter will follow the POVs of other characters. If there's a character whose view you'd like to read from, do let me know.

*Content Warning* Some graphic violence followed by hurt and angst. Also some non-consensual stuff, nothing too horrible but if you're sensitive you may want to skip some of that.

We're in for another long one folks so in the immortal words of Samuel L Jackson: hold onto your butts.

CHAPTER FIVE

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." - Plato

Estel hated the strangers who had entered his house. Not only were they scary and mean, but they had also taken Maggie. He knew in his whole body that they were going to hurt her and his little brother if he didn't do anything about it. Elladan and Elrohir always said that if he was in trouble or if he was scared, he should find them or their ada. But if Estel was going to be a big brother, he knew he couldn't be scared anymore and he had to be the one to save Maggie. Maybe saving her would make his ada proud. Everyone always thought Estel never noticed anything because he was just a child, but he saw much more than they knew. For example, he knew that his ada liked Maggie very much but for some reason he was afraid. Estel didn't really know why his father was afraid, but he sometimes heard him speak with Glorfindel and Erestor about it. To him it was obvious; if you liked someone you told them and that was it. Yet something held his ada back and Estel wished he could give him courage.

When Estel followed the masked men out of his father's house, it wasn't long before they reached the forest. He did his best to stay out of sight, as 'Ro and 'Dan had shown him when they brought him along during hunting trips. The forest was much scarier at night than it was during the day but Estel reminded himself to be brave, just like he was always taught. His eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness and after following the strange men for what seemed like ages, he finally reached camp. There was a campfire in the middle, several men positioned as guards around the camp and not far in the distance Estel also saw Maggie. She was tied with her hands behind her back and around her feet. She had a cloth covering her mouth so that she couldn't speak and just as Estel was about to move further ahead, a strong hand grabbed him by his collar off the ground. He couldn't see the man behind him but Estel knew he was a big man and he didn't like the way he smelled.

"I found this little runt lurking behind some bushes." said the man as they emerged from the bushes into the camp. "What shall we do with him? I could easily kill him, if you think he'll be trouble?"

Estel's feet were dangling far off the ground and he did his best to struggle and kick his way out of the grasp, but it was no good. When he looked around and his eyes locked with Maggie, her eyes widened and were filled with fear. The big man dropped Estel and he landed with a loud thud on the ground and as he did, a second man turned around. He knew immediately that he was the leader of the group. His hair was brown and tied into a ponytail and he had broad shoulders with strange scars on his face. Everything about him was evil and Estel didn't like him. Yet when he took steady steps towards him and then bent down so that he was eye-level with Estel. The man behind him held Estel tightly by his shoulder so that he could not move or escape.

"What is your name, child?" the leader asked. "You are no elf, what are you doing in Rivendell?"

"My name is Estel." Estel replied sharply. "Rivendell is my home! You had better let us go or my ada is going to hurt you!"

A smug grin spread on the leader's face. "Is that so?" he scoffed "And who, pray tell, is your father, little one?"

"Lord Elrond is my father."

Estel hated him with all his heart and he knew that when his ada arrived, they would be sorry for how they were treating Maggie and himself.

"Oh," said the man. His voice suddenly changed and Estel couldn't understand why but it scared him more than it had done before. "Oh I see, well this is quite the treat indeed. Why did you follow us? The woods are no place for a child alone."

"You took Maggie!" Estel snapped and kicked dirt at him "It's not very nice!"

"Ah, so you've come to rescue her. How very noble of you, Estel. Well, I am afraid that I must disappoint you and put a stop to those plans. I can't have my own plans disrupted, you see we are on a very important mission and our master wouldn't be pleased if it was interrupted."

Estel didn't care about him or their master, whoever it was. All he wanted was for him and Maggie to go back home. His ada would know they were missing and soon they would be found. Even though he was scared, he knew they would never be abandoned, no matter how far away they were.

"But you can't hurt her or my brother!" Estel shouted, and began to feel tears well up behind his eyes.

The leader raised an eyebrow "Your brother? I must say, I admire your loyalty." he said "I'll tell you what, Estel. Because I am kind, I shall make you a deal. What do you say?"

Estel looked at him skeptically and then to Maggie who seemed very frightened and kept shaking her head at him.

"What kind of deal?" Estel asked "I don't have any money and Dwalin says you can only make deals with money."

"You need not money, but I need something from you." said the man as he knelt down in front of Estel. He held a sharp knife in his hand which pointed directly at Estel as he spoke and it made the young child hold his breath.

"If you answer my questions and do as I say." the scarred man continued "I will try to be more lenient on Maggie and indeed your brother. But if you misbehave even a little, I will hurt not only her but also you."

Estel considered the man's words carefully. He didn't trust him at all and Erestor always told him that if something didn't feel right, it usually wasn't. Yet, he still knew that if he didn't do as the evil man told him, Maggie and his brother would be hurt and Estel would do anything to make sure that didn't happen. Even if he would get in trouble for it later.

Ever since they left the Dunedain village, Riley had been determined to find the men who attacked them a few weeks earlier. He wasn't going to let anyone suffer on his behalf and he owed it to Halbarad and his men to find out who they were and what they wanted. You could say it had become something of an obsession and one that he was ready to give up on. It was impossible, he thought, for someone to simply disappear completely without a trace and he knew there had been no magic involved. These men, whoever they were, had been completely human. They had to have a stronghold somewhere but after scouring what seemed like every inch of the wild. So far, their search had been fruitless and to say that Riley was frustrated was a grave understatement. Kili tried telling him that it would be alright and that when they returned to Rivendell, they could regroup and come up with a new plan together with Lord Elrond and the others. There would be strength in numbers and no doubt it would also increase their chances at finding the assailants. In his heart, Riley knew there was no reason to doubt the strength of Lord Elrond's magic and he knew that Rivendell was a safe place and had been a sanctuary for thousands of years. Still there was doubt in his mind.

Eventually, Riley admitted defeat and agreed to finish their search and returned to the Hidden Valley, where at least he would be able to see for himself if his sister was alright. For the past few days, he'd had a rather annoying and nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach that told him something wasn't right. He just couldn't put his finger on what it was exactly, which made it worse. As a result, it had made him a bit grumpy but none of the others could blame him. In fact, they all felt the same sense of hopelessness.

By now, Riley was beginning to become more familiar with the wilderness between Arnor, Rivendell and the Shire. He could more easily read the terrain and tell if its paths had been visited by animals, men or perhaps other races. His eyes were always on alert and when they set up camp not far from Weathertop one night, he decided to scout out the area. Partly, it was a force habit now to make sure they wouldn't get any unwanted visitors and partly as a way to clear his mind. He was still no closer to making sense of this riddle and it hadn't exactly been his top priority. Knowing he and Maggie were targets of some fanatic cult had made life significantly more stressful and all Riley could think was that he needed to find a way to keep his sister safe no matter what. So far, he hadn't done a very good job at it and he certainly wasn't taking home the 'brother of the year' award.

It was a calm night and he could see stars peering out between the veil of clouds. One thing that Riley had often thought about since spending so many nights sleeping under the sky, was how different the night-sky was in Middle-Earth. It shouldn't have come as a surprise really, but it was still strange to see different constellations than the ones he was used to. There was no Orion's Belt, no Big Dipper or even Cassiopeia, which was his favourite constellation. There was no north star to guide their way, yet it seemed like hunters and rangers had used to stars for navigation for a long time. Both Legolas and Tauriel adored starlight and would often spend nights laying awake, admiring them from a distance. Legolas told Riley that they had different names and there were many stories about the stars passed down for many thousands of years. Riley remembered many times when his father would take him and Maggie on a drive into the countryside, climb onto a small hill and then spend hours trying to locate the different constellations using star maps. Just like Tauriel and Legolas, his father had carried the same awestruck expression in his eyes whenever he stared up at the sky. Riley couldn't help but wonder if perhaps he was always looking back at his home.

The oldest Spencer wasn't sure how long he'd been walking when his eyes caught sight of something out of place. He crouched down to examine the earth beneath him and sure enough, even though it was dark, Riley could make out the traces of footprints that were not his own. They were human footprints and they couldn't be Bard's because the outline of print didn't match. There wasn't just one of them but several and all of them were leading in one direction, further into the forest. They were relatively fresh but Riley's tracking skills were not yet good enough to tell how old they might be. The lead into a part of the forest which was much denser than the rest of it and suddenly, Riley got a hunch. He made note of the location of the tracks and then quickly returned to camp. If he was right about his hunch, he needed the others and couldn't go at it alone.

"You think it's them?" Bard asked "What makes you certain? We have looked everywhere and have found no trace. It seems too good to be true that they would show up now?"

Riley didn't doubt him, but if it was indeed who they were searching for, they would be dumb to not follow the trail.

"It could be a trap." Kili suggested, "They're smart. Perhaps they have known our location all along and are waiting for us to walk right into their camp."

"Kili is right," Legolas agreed. "But what choice do we have?"

The answer to Legolas' question was simple, Riley thought. They had no other choice and simply had to take their shot.

Fili was furious and more than that, he was sick with worry. He should have known that the peace and quiet wouldn't last long and foolishly he'd allowed himself to let his guard down. Because of that foolishness, Maggie and Estel had both been taken undoubtedly by the same masked assailants who had tried to kill her a couple of months earlier. He was furious because Rivendell was supposed to be one of the safest places in Middle-Earth, yet twice now that was proven not to be the case. If not even Lord Elrond's magic could protect Maggie and the baby, then what could? It was Oin who had first noticed the two were missing and once he alerted Lord Elrond to the discovery, the elf-lord sounded the alarm and wasted no time in setting a course of action. They all gathered in the Great Hall coming up with a plan of action. Fili was doing his best to contain his anger but it was difficult. There was no telling what those men would do Maggie or to Estel when they had them in their keeping and all sorts of horrific thoughts ran through Fili's mind, each worse than the next. His eyes fell on Lord Elrond and the blonde dwarf did not need powers of telepathy or foresight to tell that he was just as worried.

If anything happened to Maggie or to the baby, Fili would never be able to forgive himself. He had sworn an oath to himself and to the memory of Thorin that he would protect Maggie and the baby no matter what happened. Fili didn't care how many he had to kill if that's what it took to get them back, but her safety was his duty. One that he had failed by allowing himself to relax and believe that everything was fine.

"Well?!" Dwalin asked impatiently"Can you see them?!"

"No," Lord Elrond replied frustratingly, "They are hidden from my sight by magic stronger than mine."

"How is that possible?" Bilbo asked as he paced back and forth in the hall. "Is that possible? What magic could be stronger than yours? That's not a good thing, surely?"

"I do not know, Master Baggins."

"So what do we do? If you can't see them, how can we find them?"

It was a question Fili also asked himself, but he also thought they couldn't have gone far. They had to be somewhere near Rivendell, but hidden out of sight. The fact that even Lord Elrond was scared because his own magic couldn't see Maggie and Estel, was something that frightened Fili more than he was willing to admit. As Lord Elrond spoke, Fili saw a fire in his eyes that he had never witnessed in the elf-lord before. The only other time the crown prince had seen a similar kind of anger was in Thorin and perhaps the two of them weren't so different as they had once believed.

"Master Fili and Master Dwalin, you will come with me." Elrond told them. "We will search past the western border of the Valley. Elladan and Elrohir, you will search East with Glorfindel."

"Yes, adar."

Elladan and Elrohir quickly took their leave and hurried to saddle their horses and get ready for the search. Fili knew that the twins were fine trackers and skilled at hunting down woodland prey and he hoped that even if Fili didn't have any luck, the twins would fare better in their search.

"What about the rest of us?" Oin asked with his arms crossed.

"I think perhaps you along Master Baggins and Erestor should remain here," Elrond replied "Just in case they should find their way back here. I do not know how long we will be gone, but I will not rest until they are found and those responsible for taking them have been held accounted for."

With those final words, Lord Elrond left the Great Hall and the blonde dwarf exchanged concerned glances with Dwalin as they followed the elf-lord out of the room. It didn't take long before the horses (ponies for the dwares) were saddled and they set off into the night. If there was a trail Elrond followed, neither Fili nor Dwalin could see it but the elf-lord certainly seemed determined and like he knew exactly where he was going. Fili let his eyes wander the surroundings to see if there was any hint of something that seemed like track but to his annoyance he couldn't pick up anything. With each passing moment, the frustration within Fili grew stronger and his anger became more difficult to contain. As a younger dwarf, his temper had been quite similar to Thorin's and it had taken years of work to learn how to control his emotions. Over the years, Fili had learned techniques to stay calm and think before he reacted. It was something he mostly remained good at, but sometimes old habits made themself known. Especially when it came to matters of family and of the heart.

Something that glimmered in the bushes caught Fili's attention and he dismounted his pony. He walked closer to the shining object and when he was only an inch away, he saw what it was. Maggie's engagement ring hung on a thin branch and he grabbed it to examine it closer. Fili knew that it was no mistake that the necklace was there and Maggie must have put it there on purpose.

"Elrond!" Fili shouted "I've found something!"

The elf-lord and Dwalin immediately turned their horses around and rode back to Fili. He showed them the engagement and Fili witnessed a relieved expression in his eyes. He quickly looked around him and then his eyes seemed to be set further west.

"They have travelled this way." Elrond told them "They are not far! Let us hurry!"

Neither Fili nor Dwalin needed to be told twice. Fili safely put the necklace back in his pocket, mounted his horse and followed Elrond deeper into the forest. Perhaps, he thought, they still had time.

Maggie tried every trick in the book to free herself from her bounds, but it was useless. The ropes were so tight they would no doubt leave scars on her wrists and ankles. She could barely make muffled sounds with cloth in her mouth and worst of all; the assailants now had Estel and there was absolutely nothing Maggie could do because she was unable to move herself. Maggie couldn't for the life of her understand why Estel had chosen to come after them. It was such a stupid and reckless thing to do and a part of her was absolutely furious with him. But that anger and concern only came from love. She wanted nothing more than to hold him, to tell him they would be safe and that Elrond and the others would find him. But Maggie knew there was no guarantee for that and she wasn't even sure she believed herself that they would be alright. Whatever fear Maggie felt herself was nothing compared to the fear Estel must feel.

The leader of the group had spent some time questioning Estel, who had reluctantly answered his queries about who Maggie was and how long she'd stayed in Rivendell for. Poor Estel had looked absolutely terrified each time he hesitated and the man held the knife and inch closer to his face. At one point he'd gently rested the blade on Estel's neck and to Maggie's immense surprise, the child had managed to hold it together much better than she was. She could tell Estel felt guilty for answering his questions but Maggie couldn't blame him. If she was in his position, she would have done the same. There was a lot more heart and courage in Estel than Maggie could have ever guessed and if it wasn't for that courage, Maggie would no doubt be dead a lot sooner. If they ever got out of there alive, she owed Estel her life.

When the questioning finally ceased, Maggie saw tears streaming down Estel's face and he looked at him with such deep sadness, it made Maggie's heart break into a thousand small pieces. She tried speaking to let him know it would be alright but all the noise that came out from her mouth were muffled words. She hoped Estel knew that she wasn't angry with him and she was going to do her best to keep him safe, even though she wasn't quite sure how. The Leader ordered one of his men to take Estel away and feed him and to keep him warm. Maggie doubted he did out of the goodness of his heart, but she was glad at least that they weren't going to hurt Estel, for now.

One thing she knew for sure what that Elrond and the others would know they were missing. It wouldn't take long before the alarms were sounded and a search party would be sent out. It was a slim chance but Maggie trusted in the intuition and heightened senses of both elves and dwarves that one of them would find her necklace.

"Estel is a brave child," said the Leader as he walked up to Maggie. There weren't as many of his men around, just a couple of them keeping an eye out for any danger. Estel was out of sight further into the camp and Maggie could hear him talking, but she didn't like being alone with this man. "I'm sure Lord Elrond is very proud of him, but I am curious about the bond he has formed with you and your unborn son."

Maggie's eyes watched him carefully without taking her eyes off him, as he paced around her, his knife gently resting in his hand. Then, he crouched down behind Maggie and she felt his breath on her neck which sent uncomfortable shivers down her spine. Her breathing became more shallow and she tried to keep herself calm, but she had absolutely no way of defending herself and she hated feeling so utterly helpless. As she felt his hand firmly grab her waist she twisted, but he remained unmoved and her heart began to beat even faster than before.

"It's a shame really," he whispered into her ear as he brushed some strands of hair out of her face. "If my master didn't need you, I'd keep you to myself. You are quite the pretty thing, I can see why the elf-lord cares for you so deeply.."

An increasingly strong feeling of panic grew inside Maggie, as the man kissed one side of her neck and then the others. She felt his awful hands reaching down her leg and inside her dress. He placed another hand firmly beneath her breasts and at this point, Maggie felt hot tears streaming down her neck but the man did nothing to stop his awful actions. In her mind, Maggie pleaded for some kind of intervention, divine or otherwise as her sobs became more uncontrollable and a deeper fear rooted itself inside her. She wanted to scream out but she couldn't find the strength to form any kind of sound or cry for help. Who would even help her? As if things couldn't get any worse, Maggie heard the untying of a belt and she began to kick violently with her feet but was held down, and before she knew strong legs straddled her and Maggie could do nothing. Nobody tried to intervene or acknowledge what was happening. Then, she saw one of the other men walk up them and their Leader stopped moving.

"Sir, movement has been spotted in the west." he announced

The leader got off Maggie but cupped her chin and looked her right in the eyes. If she didn't have the cloth in her mouth, she would have spat at him but even that wasn't near enough what was her deserved.

"Perhaps you are not ready." he told her, "Next time however, I will not be so gentle or patient."

Maggie watched as the two men left and when they were out of sight, she exhaled a deep sigh of relief as tears kept streaming down her face. She had never felt so scared, vulnerable and alone in her entire life and all she could do was to keep crying.

Riley saw the smoke from a fireplace not far in the distance and there was no doubt in his mind that they had found their prey. Even with the light from the campfire, the dark made it a bit difficult for him to see exactly how many of them there were, but he knew that between the five of them, they would certainly be outnumbered. He wondered who they were and what their purpose was. If he knew one thing about cults it was that they always acted on behalf of a charismatic leader who usually remained hidden and didn't actually participate in the atrocities committed by the cult itself. Riley wondered who the leader of this particular group was and why he was so dead set in ending the line of Andunie. It couldn't just be because of Maggie's baby, Riley thought, but rather perhaps a more personal grudge. There were so many other ways in which they could choose to act and this all felt a bit extreme if it was just about an unborn child.

Then again, Riley wasn't exactly an expert on how cults functioned, despite having taken a course on it at university for fun. As Riley peere over the bushes to catch a glimpse of what was going on at the camp, he caught Tauriel's eyes and saw that she had heard something else. She grabbed her bow and Riley had his sword at the red. When Legolas counted down from three they all turned around to face the stranger who had found them. Except it wasn't at all a stranger Riley thought his heart would jump out of his chest.

"Elladan!? What the fuck?!" Riley cursed and lowered his sword."Do you not know better than to sneak up on someone from behind in the middle of the night!"

"Goheno-nin, Riley." Elladan said and also lowered his sword "I did not exactly expect to see you here."

"Well likewise. Actually, what the hell are you doing here?"

Elladan exchanged glances with Elrohir and Riley knew immediately he wasn't going to like the answer to his question. Riley wasn't sure how he was so sure, but if he had learned a long time ago to not question these things and he certainly wasn't about to start now.

"What's happened to my sister?" Riley asked "Is she alright?"

"She has been taken along with Estel." Elrohir replied "We have been searching for them for quite some time and then adar said he'd found a trail. We believe that is where they're being kept. We are waiting for a signal."

"Well screw the signal!"

Riley began marching and would have walked straight out from their hiding place if Elladan hadn't stepped out in front of him to stop him. Riley really wasn't in the mood to play game and if Maggie really was out there, they couldn't waste any time.

"Get out of my way, 'Ro." Riley said sharply"My sister is out there and I cannot wait."

Elrohir opened his mouth to protest but as he did, they all heard the sound of a very familiar bugle echoing through the air. It was all they needed to know and as the twins nodded at Riley, they all readied themselves for battle.

It didn't take long before Elrond, Dwalin, Fili and Glorfindel also joined the fight. One by one, they each took out the cult members. But despite their combined forces, their enemies were surprisingly strong and skilled fighters. Riley saw Fili fighting back to back with Dwalin and his eyes widened when he saw his brother fighting next to Legolas.

"Kili, catch!" Fili shouted and threw a dagger at Kili which the younger brother caught mid-air and used to stab one of the assailants with

"It's wonderful to see you brother!" Kili shouted back and Riley rolled his eyes. Only dwarves could find time for reunions non-combat.

Riley moved through the camp, taking out the assailants as they stood in his way. As he looked around the camp he tried to search for Maggie and Estel and just as he thought he had no luck, he heard Estel crying out for Lord Elrond and when he followed that voice Riley found young Estel being dragged away by his collar by a larger man. Riley's instincts took over and as he saw the elves taking out the rest of the camp, Riley went after the larger man and got there at the same time as Glorfindel. In almost no time at all, the blonde elf had cut the stabbed his sword through the large man's chest and the swooped Estel into his arms.

"Riley!" Bard shouted from beside him "She's over there!"

Riley followed where Bard's finger was pointing and he finally saw his sister. Her hands and her feet were tied and her mouth was covered. He saw another man pulling Maggie up off her feet, despite her muffled protest. She looked both tired and terrified. Riley fought his way through the remaining men until he stood face to face with the man holding his sister. He looked different from the others and carried himself in a much more authoritative way. Riley assumed this was the leader. He saw Riley, dropped Maggie to the ground and reached for his own sword. Riley calculated his movement and new it wouldn't take long to kill him if he was right.

"Riley!" Elrond stepped between Riley and the cult-leader. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, Lord Elrond was actually defending him. "We need him alive."

"I can't believe you of all people would say that!? Riley shouted, he was filled with uncontrollable rage. "He took Estel and he hurt my sister! Yet you want him to stay alive?"

"Believe me mellon-nin," Elrond said calmly "I want nothing more than to see this man suffer for the harm he has caused Maggie and Estel. But we also need to find out who he is and who he serves so that we can truly put a stop to this torment. If we are to succeed with that, then we need him to stay alive. Riley, trust me. I would not do this if I saw another way."

Elrond's hand pressed on Riley's sword and while his breathing was still heavy and he was filled with anger, Riley knew that he was right. If they wanted to find out more about who was actually behind these attacks, then they needed to keep this leader alive. But, Riley swore to himself, if there ever came a time when the life of this man was not necessary he would not hesitate to end it within an instant.

"Ri, " Maggie mumbled, her eyes were bloodshot and her eyes still filled with tears as he untied her from her bonds. "I tried my best, Ri but…"

"Ssh don't say anything, Mags. It'll all be okay." Riley hushed her. "I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere ever again."

Riley picked up his sister in his arms and carried her back to the horses as the remainder of the camp burned down around them. It was finally over. At least for the time being.

Once they got back to Imladris, it took hours for Estel to calm down. The poor child was so frightened, he wouldn't leave Elrond's side. Yet, despite the terrified things he had witnessed, Estel kept asking about Maggie and if she was alright. All Elrond could tell his son was that Maggie was a bit scared but she would be fine. He knew of course, this was far from the truth. When Riley had carried his sister away from the camp, Lord Elrond had seen the look in Maggie's eyes and his heart ached on her behalf. When eventually Estel was tucked into bed and kept company by Elladan and Elrohir who promised not to leave his side, Elrond was able to sit down in his study and send word for someone much wiser than he was. Someone whose counsel had never failed him. As much as Lord Elrond wanted to go and see Maggie to make sure that she was alright and to perhaps ease the pain of her suffering, he thought that maybe tonight it was best she was with those closest to her.

None of the cult members at the camp survived, except the leader whom they had brought with them to Rivendell. He had been cast into the dungeon, which had been locked not only with keys but also with magic. Elrond knew that Riley was angry with him for stopping him from killing him, but if they didn't need him alive, the elf-lord would have taken his life without a moment's hesitation and with one swift movement of his sword. The anger still burned inside him and he felt as though he had let down not only Maggie but also Estel. Many years ago, he had sworn an oath to the Lady Gilaren to keep his son safe no matter what. Yet, he had failed her and Lord Elrond would never forgive himself.

Even so, a part of him was also angry with Estel because he knew that the child had willingly gone after Maggie, without telling anyone. Elrond knew he loved Maggie dearly and wanted to protect her, which only proved his suspicions about how he must recognise the kinship they shared. Estel knew the rules though and while his actions were of pure intent, as well as his heart, the Lord of Rivendell knew that once that shock of the events had settled, he would need to have some very serious words with Estel and there would have to be consequences for his reckless action.

Still, Elrond was grateful that Estel had not been harmed except the odd scratch which could be easily healed. In fact, Master Oin had already seen to his wounds as soon as they got back to the Hidden Valley. As far as Maggie's wounds were concerned, Lord Elrond knew they ran much deeper and it would take time to heal. Maggie who had already suffered enough pain, both physical as well as psychological. Her recovery over the past couple of months had been noticeable and she herself had even admitted to being happy again. Something which brought Elrond himself much joy. Now, these religious fanatics had taken that away from her and it made the elf-lord unspeakably angry.

It wasn't the first time that Lord Elrond had witnessed the actions of religious fanaticism, but the last time had been a very long time ago, back in his youth. A small part of him wondered if perhaps a small faction of that group had survived and carried on their awful deeds into this third age of Middle-Earth. It was unlikely perhaps, but not impossible.

Lord Elrond finished his letter, put it in an envelope and then sealed it. For a few moments, he just sat at his desk in silence and buried his face in his hands, exhaling and exhausted sigh. Tonight had been a close call. Far too close and while the imminent danger was over, he had a feeling this wasn't the last they'd seen of their new enemies.

Riley didn't leave Maggie's room until he was sure she was fast asleep. Oin had given her some sort of sedative to help her relax and it didn't take long before exhaustion overcame her and she fell into a deep slumber. Riley hoped that she would either have pleasant dreams or none at all. The rage inside him hadn't settled and he'd put aside all notions of falling asleep that night. Truthfully, he didn't even really want to leave Maggie's room but Dwalin had forced him to and promised that he would keep a watchful eye.

A strange and unsettled silence had fallen over Imladris that night while Riley aimlessly wandered the corridors. He knew that their prisoner was locked in the dungeons and he wanted so badly to unlock those doors and kill him, despite his promise to Lord Elrond and despite the fact that he knew deep down they needed whatever information they could get from him. Once they had that information though, there was no force in that world or any other that could stop Riley from taking the life of a man who had harmed Maggie. Upon their return to Imladris, Maggie had naturally been hysterical and it took quite some time to calm her down.

He didn't ask her about what had happened or things they might have told her, all he did was hold his sister for as long as she wanted. Everyone else left them alone and for the first time in months, it was just Riley and Maggie. All the guilt Riley felt for once more parting ways came rushing back to him and he swore to himself that he would never leave her side again. It was only by some miracle that the baby seemed to be unharmed, as far as Master Oin could tell. It had been to close a call though and Riley knew he should have been quicker.

Being back in Rivendell after spending so much time away was strange and Riley had so many thoughts going through his mind. He didn't know where to begin and he was overwhelmed with emotions he couldn't really name. Eventually, when his feet couldn't carry him anymore, Riley stopped walking when he reached one of the many verandas of Homely House. He remembered this particular one from their first stay in Rivendell, nearly a year ago, when he would occasionally sit out here with Thorin, discussing their forthcoming plan. At the thought of Thorin, Riley's heart sank once more and he again felt as though he had let him down. What kind of brother was he if he couldn't keep his family safe?

"Out for a stroll?" came Bilbo's voice from behind Riley.

He turned around to Bilbo who stood there wearing his usual trousers and waistcoat, with his hands tucked in his pocket. They'd barely had time to say hi to each other since getting back to Rivendell and now that Riley saw him a second wave of emotions came rushing over him.

"How are you-"

Bilbo never finished his sentence because Riley embraced him in a long hug. At that moment, everything became irrelevant and it was just the two of them. For the first time in a long while, Riley Spencer allowed himself to cry, right into Bilbo's arms.

"Hey, ssh." Bilbo whispered, gently stroking Riley's soft hair. "It's okay. I'm here now."

"How long for?"

"As long as you need me to be."

To be continued….

Gosh. There we have it, what a chapter. It was pretty difficult to write but I also had to write it. Also, I'm sorry. I wanted things to be happy for Maggie for a while, but of course nothing is ever as good as it seems. She will recover eventually and it will be good for her character development but she is having a tough time. How will she cope with all the events? I still suck at writing battle and combat so my apologies if those scenes weren't amazing. So, after months everyone is back together in Rivendell again. What do you guys think will happen now? Love it? Like it? Leave a comment and let me know!

I may take a few days break from writing as next week is going to be a bit busy with work but I'm also taking an extra day off so I'll get a longer weekend, which means the next chapter should be up within five or so days!