A/N: Oh look! Another update!
Enjoy!
Khuzdul
Kurdûn = Man of my heart
Gimlelul = My brightest star
Lansel = Love of loves
*content warning* Mild adult themes.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family."
Rivendell, end of June
Over the next few weeks, normalcy resumed in Rivendell. Maggie and Riley spent a lot of time with Amandil, talking about all the things they had missed out on over the past eight years. It was still strange, having him there and alive but once they accepted it, it was just part of life. Maggie couldn't describe how good it felt to have their father back with them. The only thing missing was their mother and a part of her felt guilty about her being alone on Earth. Then again, if their speculations were right, perhaps time in Middle-Earth flowed differently than on Earth and years here could be hardly no time at all in their world. So, Maggie decided that instead of being anxious about it and feeling guilty, she would allow herself to enjoy life for the first time in a long while.
During these weeks, Theo kept growing and Maggie became more enamored with her with her son. Sometimes, her thoughts drifted to Thorin and she hoped that wherever he was, he knew that Theo would grow up to be loved and cared for by not just her. She had asked Dwalin about what dwarves believed happened after death. He explained that in dwarrow culture, it was commonly believed that the souls of dwarves who had died were sent to live in Mahal's Hall. There, they watched over those who still remained on Middle-Earth. Kings and warriors who died were treated especially well by Mahal after their death and residing in his hall is a great honor. There was no doubt in Dwalin's mind that Thorin was with Mahal and that he watched over them.
Following Talathel's death and Radagast's battle with Alatar the Blue, there were no more attacks on either Maggie, Riley or Theo's lives. Even though Malhas had still not been found, it seemed his group decided to call off their activity. Riley got word from Halbarad and the rangers that they were chasing down the remainder of the Nameless and if Malhas was found, there would be justice taken on their part.
After a very long and honest conversation, Bilbo and Riley reconciled. From what Maggie could tell, their relationship seemed stronger than it was before and her brother recovered from whatever darkness had previously resided within him. There was still a little awkward tension between him and Glorfindel, but nonetheless the blonde elf respected Riley's choice. Elrohir was still sad after the death of Talathel but he was more upset about allowing himself to be seduced by her. It would take time, but Maggie knew he would be alright.
So it was that life in Rivendell continued as it always had and other than being a mum to Theo, Maggie had more time to spend with Elrond and Fili. Some nights, she slept alone but more often than not, either Elrond or Fili would wake up beside her. Maggie thoroughly enjoyed exploring her relationship with the two of them. While they were different in many ways, they were also similar. At first, she was nervous about her father's reaction to her relationship with Elrond and FIli, but to Maggie's surprise he took it well. Watching her father interacting with filled her heart with so much love, she wondered how her heart could stand it. In the first couple of weeks after the attempt on her life, leaving Theo unattended at all was difficult but eventually, she began to trust that he was just as safe with her family as with her. Besides, her father was perfectly happy to look after him from time to time.
That particular morning, Maggie woke up to a pair of strong dwarven arms wrapped tightly around her and Fili's breathing heavily into her neck. His right leg trapped one of Maggie's legs and his fingers were entwined with hers. Out of the two of them, Fili was the heavier sleeper and definitely grumpier in the morning. Still, he was often the one who rose first when Theo started crying. Today however, the baby was still fast asleep, allowing them a rare moment's privacy.
"Good morning, Kurdûn." Maggie yawned as she stretched out.
"Happy Birthday, Gimlelul." Fili replied
Maggie had almost forgotten it was her birthday. So many things had happened lately that a birthday hardly seemed significant. A year ago, she had spent her birthday on the road with the Company and she recalled Thorin gifting her the leatherbound journal she still kept with her. It was almost running out of pages but she still used her old engagement ring and its chain as a bookmark.
Fili turned Maggie around to him and greeted her with a soft kiss. He playfully rubbed his nose against hers and nibbled her lower lip. In response, Maggie nuzzled Fili's Neck and traced light kisses along his collarbone, which resulted in the blonde dwarf groaning pleasurably. These small intimate moments in the mornings were her favourite part of the day and Maggie always wished they lasted much longer than they usually did. Soon enough, Fili was on top of Maggie, pressing her hands down above her head and showering her with heated kisses, while one of his hands hiked up her nightgown. When Fili's hand reached Maggie's thigh he stopped and curiously glanced at a small thumb-sized purplish bruise.
"Elrond plays rough, does he?" Fili chuckled "He did not strike me as the type."
"You should see some of the bruises I've left on him." Maggie replied
"Ah, so elves do bruise." Fili brushed his lips against Maggie's thigh "That answers some questions."
As Fili pushed up Maggie's leg to continue his exploration, Theo began to cry. They both sighed, aware that they would be unable to continue their moment. Fili got out of bed, picked up Theo from his crib and then passed him to Maggie. It seemed that morning grumpiness was something that ran in the family. Theo was in a talkative and curious mood, reaching for Fili's blonde beard and tugged at his braid but Fili never seemed to mind. He was good with children, Maggie thought. Somewhere in the back of Maggie's mind, she wondered if the thought of having more children in the future was an impossibility or a conversation worth having at some point. The thought created a smile in her dimples. To think that there once was a time when having children at all was a ridiculous thought. Maggie could almost hear her mother laughing at her. She was the only piece missing in an almost perfect puzzle.
"There we go, handsome boy." Maggie whispered after having changed Theo's clothes and got rid of the smelly line nappies. "We are all ready for breakfast. Mummy is desperate for a cuppa."
"Go ahead, Lansel." Fili kissed Maggie on the forehead "I need to see Dwalin quickly and then I shall join you."
Little did Maggie know that Fili had plans of his own.
"Everything is almost ready."
Bilbo dipped his finger into the homemade custard which had been bubbling on the stove top for the past thirty minutes. While it wasn't his own kitchen back in Bag End, Elrond's kitchens were certainly more than well equipped for preparing a birthday party. Bilbo had spent the past few weeks planning out every detail of the big day, which was today and he was actually feeling pretty excited about it. Perhaps it was his inner Took coming out at the thought of excitement, but truthfully Bilbo was already ready for things to be quiet again. He had had enough of adventures for quite some time and longed for a peaceful life with Riley. Ever since his conversation with Maggie, he still intended to propose to Riley but things had been put on hold since their argument. For a while, Bilbo wasn't sure he would get the chance to but now that things were reconciled between them, he was happy again. He just needed to find the right moment to ask the question.
"What do you think?" Bilbo asked as he turned to Riley.
"Let's see," Riley licked a bit of custard dripping from Bilbo's finger and then kissed him. "It's just perfect."
"Hmm," Bilbo replied with another kiss. "You don't think it's missing someth-"
Riley interrupted Bilbo's sentence and just like that they got caught in the moment. Slowly, fingers trailing over his hips, he braced his hands on the hobbits' waist.
"Riley," Bilbo gasped as he pulled away, he felt his cheeks flush. "We're in the kitchens! Anyone could walk in!"
"They could," Riley agreed. "Then they would be in for a treat."
The oldest Spencer leaned in and playfully nibbled at Bilbo's ear, which caused him to let out another uncontrollable gasp. It was enjoyable and had Bilbo been a braver hobbit, he couldn't have cared less about the fact that they were in the kitchens. Still, there was custard on the hob and there was nothing worse than ruined custard at a party. Bilbo did enjoy having Riley back to his normal self and his cheeky playfulness reminded him of that week they spent together in the Shire. Bilbo allowed himself one more kiss, then pulled away from Riley and straightened his waistcoat.
"I suppose we could continue this later," Riley teased. "When are the others arriving? Also, how the hell are you going to smuggle nine dwarves into Rivendell without my sister finding out?"
"They should be here any moment, really." Bilbo said. "I've asked Fee and Elrond to keep Maggie occupied for the day. Given the recent bite marks on her neck, I think that should not be a problem."
"Ew…"
The ninth dwarf who would be attending Maggie's surprise party, was of course Lady Dìs. Oin had made it very clear that Dis wanted to see her nephew, which was understandable. Bilbo just couldn't help but wonder how she would react when she found out what they'd been planning for her. Hopefully, she would like it but as always there was a small nagging doubt in the back of Bilbo's mind.
"Alright, that should do." Bilbo said "Now there's just a few things left before tonight. Tauriel has offered to help set up the Great Hall withOìn. Kìli and Dwalin are heading off to meet Dis and the Company shortly."
"Do you need me to do anything?" Riley asked "Other than distract you, of course."
"I thought we were saving that for later?"
Riley grinned cheekily as he once again wrapped his arms around the hobbit's waist.
"I always did like dessert before dinner." he teased
As he kissed Bilbo again, the sound of footsteps reached them and Bilbo pulled away. For being a place with a lot of space, there certainly was very little privacy in the Homely House.
"Ah, perhaps I shall come back later." came Amandil's voice from the doorway.
"No, it's okay dad." Riley assured him "I was just helping Bilbo with dessert."
Bilbo turned to the stove to hide his blush from Amandil. Riley's father was a kind man and over the past few weeks, Bilbo had enjoyed several conversations with him. However, public displays of affection still made him uncomfortable. Throughout his life, his own parents barely showed each other affection other than the odd kiss on the cheek, if the moment was right. At first, Bilbo was nervous that Amandil wouldn't approve of his and Riley's relationship but it soon turned out he was more than happy to give their blessing. It seemed Shirefolk had a lot to learn from the customs of other races, especially in the matters of love. His mother would have a heart-attack if she could see him now.
"Indeed," Amandil said "I was wondering if you'd care for a spar? Legolas tells me you're rather good with a sword and I'm curious to see it. Unless of course Bilbo still needs your help with dessert."
"Nope," Bilbo said "I should be able to take it from here, My Lord."
"Bilbo, enough with the titles. We are family. Amandil will do just fine."
"It's no use, dad." Riley teased "Politeness is in Bilbo's blood, no matter how much I try."
Riley placed a kiss on Bilbo's cheek and murmured a promise in his ears before he turned around and left with his father.
Yep. If Belladonna Took could see him now, she would almost certainly suffer acute heart failure.
"I have something for you."
Elrond opened a drawer and reached for a gift wrapped in brown paper. He passed it to Maggie and watched her curious expression. It had by all accounts been a perfect day. Following breakfast, Elrond and Fili had brought Maggie along for a picnic by the riverbed. The weather was on their side and it was probably the most relaxing few hours Elrond had the pleasure of enjoying recently. Erestor and Glorfindel had graciously offered to cover his duties as a ruler and Estel spent the day with his brothers. Usually, Maggie often divided her time between Elrond and Fili, but lately the three of them had been enjoying spending time together. The elf-lord knew the day was only going to get better and so far, Maggie had no idea of the surprise waiting for her. Even Elrond was getting excited.
Maggie unwrapped her present and Elrond saw the sparkle in her eyes when she studied the hair piece in her hands. It was handmade of course and Fili had helped come up with its design. It was an elegant silver hair piece, in the shape of a dragonfly.
"Oh Elrond...this is beautiful." Maggie whispered
Elrond walked up behind Maggie, who stood in front of the mirror and helped put the hair piece in her Auburn hair. Maggie reached for his arms and wrapped them around her waist. He could tell she was happy with her gift, which pleased him.
"I have been thoroughly spoiled all day." Maggie cooed.
"You deserve it, melemin." Elrond said as he brushed away her hair and kissed her neck. "Shall we go to supper? I believe Bilbo has offered to cook."
The thought of Bilbo cooking seemed to excite Maggie as she practically skipped out of Elrond's bedroom. Seeing her so happy and at ease filled the elf-lord's heart with the kind of joy he had not felt since Celebrian's passing. Life was good. The Valar had blessed Imladris with love and it was worth celebrating.
As they walked down the corridor, Elrond could not keep his eyes off Maggie. Her silver dress was perfectly shaped after her figure and the velvet fabric cascaded down her hips. The moonlight peering through the window illuminated Maggie and Elrond thought that if they didn't have premade plans, he would have picked her up right then and there.
Bilbo and Tauriel had done an incredible job decorating the Great Hall. It was filled with light and colours, which reminded Elrond of a time when there had often been parties in Rivendell. Perhaps it was time to reinstate old traditions. Bilbo had cooked nothing short of a feast and there were multiple dishes to choose, from roast chicken, to various soups, bread, beef and a myriad of other things. No doubt hand cooked by Bilbo himself. A couple of Rivendell's finest harpists were playing in the background. Bilbo had truly made himself worthy of the name Baggins. They were all there, Glorfindel, Legolas, Gandalf, Tauriel, Estel, Fili, Dwalin, Riley, Bilbo, Oin and Amandil. Even little Theo was dressed in a fancy robe and was happily comfortable in Tauriel's arms. Elrond also saw the first part of Maggie's surprise; Bard, Brenna, Sigrid, Bain and Tilda who had made the long journey from Dale to celebrate her birthday. Even though Bard had been in Rivendell recently, the elf-lord knew it had been quite some time since Maggie had seen his children and indeed Brenna, who was one of her dearest friends.
"Maggie," Brenna said "You look absolutely glowing."
"Oh my god!" Maggie exclaimed as she greeted Brenna in warm embrace. "It's so good to see you! When did you get here?"
"About the same time as we did, my dear."
When Maggie realised it wasn't Brenna who replied, but another familiar voice, she turned around. Elrond watched as Maggie's face filled with complete surprise as Balin appeared in front of her. The white-haired dwarf greeted her with a deep and respectful bow and Maggie seemed as though she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Then, Maggie turned and saw Bofur appearing in the doorway, followed by Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dori, Ori, Nori and Gloin. Even Lady Dis appeared after a short while. They all removed their hoods and greeted her with the same respectful bow as Balin had done. Maggie herself was completely dumbfounded and as she hugged Balin, Elrond saw tears of joy streaming down her face.
"I don't understand," she whispered "What on Earth are you all doing here? How are you here?"
"It was all Bilbo," Balin explained. "He planned the whole thing weeks ago."
"Of course we couldn't say no." Bofur added.
"Besides," Dis said "I have been dying to finally meet my nephew."
Maggie chuckled between her tears. The next few moments were spent greeting all the dwarves with hugs (of which there were many) and exchanging laughter. Of course, Theo was the real star of the show though and got everyone's attention. The Company took turns holding him and he seemed confused by the strange crowd doting on him. Elrond thought it was rather endearing to watch him take to his kin so easily. Even Lady Dis cracked a smile or two and seemed completely smitten with her nephew. After making the rounds with all the dwarves, young Theo fell asleep in the arms of Bombur, who he seemed to have chosen as his favourite. He happily stayed in Bombur's arms through most of dinner and didn't seem to mind the commotion at all.
Maggie still couldn't believe that Bilbo and the others had managed to plan all of this behind her back, entirely without her knowing. She hadn't realised how much she'd truly missed the Company until they were standing in front of her. What made it all better, was seeing how happy Fili was seeing everyone again. Maggie couldn't remember the last time she'd seen him laugh so much or genuinely happy. A few hours into the evening, Maggie turned to Bilbo whose face turned a deep shade of pink when she hugged him and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"Thank you, Bilbo." Maggie told him. "This is without doubt the best birthday I have ever had."
"You're quite welcome," Bilbo said "It's my pleasure really, and everyone helped a little."
"You know what would be a good idea?"
Maggie discreetly nodded towards Riley who was deep into a conversation with Bofur and Dwalin. It didn't take Bilbo long to figure out what she was hinting and once again it made the hobbit blush. She couldn't think of a better time for a proposal, but Bilbo seemed embarrassed at the thought.
"Oh, no." Bilbo whispered "No, I couldn't! It's your birthday! I don't want to steal your thunder."
"Think about it, at least?" Maggie asked
Bilbo nodded and Maggie took her seat next to Elrond and kissed him. At first, showing her affection for both Fili and Elrond in front of everyone made her nervous. Then, Fili pointed out to her that it was more than likely they all already knew because Dwalin and Kili were both terrible at keeping their mouth shut. Dis was too busy giving Theo her undivided attention, so eventually Maggie relaxed.
"My dear sweet baby sister," Riley said as he put an arm around Maggie "You are officially off mothering duties tonight, so here. Have a drink or two, for the love of God."
"It's clear you already have." Maggie teased. "Having a good time, Ri?"
A clearly tipsy Riley passed her a glass of sparkling alcohol, which resembled champagange in flavour. It was apparently a Mirkwood recipe that Tauriel and Legolas had shared and it was delicious.
"Well, us Spencers have always loved a party." Riley replied "Even dad is having a good time."
Maggie followed where Riley's finger was pointing and saw their dad indulging in a conversation with both Bard and Legolas, no doubt recounting the adventures during the Quest to Erebor. The Hobbit had always been their dad's favourite story and Maggie forgot that maybe he was also speaking some of his own heroes, even though they were from the same world.
"Happy birthday, sis." Riley kissed Maggie on the cheek
Across the hall, Maggie heard Theo crying and her mother instinct immediately kicked in. Her eyes darted across the room and saw that Fili held Theo in his. She walked up to blonde dwarf who passed Maggie her son, who no doubt was getting tired after such an exciting evening. The small baby yawned in her arms and almost immediately stopped crying once Maggie held him.
"I should probably tuck him into bed," Maggie guessed "It's rather late."
"Don't be ridiculous, amralime." Fili protested "It is your birthday and you will do no such thing. I shall tuck him into bed and then I will be right back."
"Are you sure?"
Fili answered her question with a gentle, reassuring kiss that lingered for just a moment longer. One of the dwarves wolf-whistled in the background and just as Fili was about to leave the room with Theo once again in his arms, a loud voice interrupted everything.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Dis' shrill voice made the room fall silent. Maggie's heart immediately began to beat faster and she should have known the peace wouldn't last long. The dwarrowdam marched right up to Fili and Maggie, her eyes filled with rage and another emotion Maggie couldn't quite decipher. It was a miracle really, that it had taken Dis this long to see what was going on.
"Do not think I haven't noticed your stolen moments with my son," Dis began and then turned towards Elrond "And him! Everyone can see it and I don't know what you're playing at, but this is not right! Perhaps it is because you are young and foolish girl, but Fili is my son and I will not have anyone playing with his heart. Yet you claim to have loved my brother and you have given birth to his son. You sully his memory with….this!"
"Mother-" Fili started
"NO! I will NOT allow it!" Dis yelled "It stops NOW! I knew having you live in Rivendell with his kin was a bad idea."
Dis was angry and a part of Maggie couldn't blame her. They hadn't exactly planned on deceiving her, but at the same time she didn't really think they needed to explicitly tell anyone.
"Mother, if you will just listen." Fili said calmly. "I know it is not what you expected."
"That is understatement!" Dis snapped "You and I will talk later but if you think that I will let you carry on with this unnatural thing...you are mistaken."
Now, Maggie was getting angry and as Fili was about to protest again, she gently squeezed his shoulder and stepped forward. Dis scared her, there was no lying about that, but she hated the idea of Fili being upset.
"Dis, I know this is unexpected and I know that dwarrow culture says you are only supposed to have One love." Maggie told her "It is no lie, I loved Thorin with all my heart. I mourned his death for months and I will always love him. But, I am also deeply in love with Fili and I am just as deeply in love with Elrond." Maggie admitted, "I never thought I'd feel this way again but I do. I know it's unusual but I am not seeking your approval, nor will I ask it. If that means Theo won't be crowned Prince of Erebor then so be it. All I care about is that he grows up happy, safe and loved. I'd really like his aunt to be a part of that but that's up to you, Dìs."
Dìs remained silent and then she turned to her son. Fili looked almost like a young dwarfling who was in trouble.
"This is also how you truly feel?" She asked
Fili nodded and squeezed Maggie's hand. She realised he could probably hear her heart racing a million miles per hour.
"I'm in love with Maggie," Fili replied. His voice was filled with a certainty that Maggie had never heard before.
"So you are happy sharing her with...an elf?" Dis asked with such disdain that Maggie's heart filled with a bit of sadness.
Then, Fili spoke up.
"Mother, you may not be fond of elves, but your judgement is poor and sorely mistaken." Fili said sharply and the room quieted down. "Lord Elrond and his kin have been nothing but welcoming and beyond courteous to us since our arrival in Rivendell. He has given Maggie and Theo a home. Indeed, I have also found home here as well as friends, a family and brothers. If our hearts are capable of holding love for so many people, why is it so strange to feel romantic love for more than one person? Lord Elrond is a good and loyal friend. He can provide Maggie with things that I cannot. Similarly, there are things I can give her, that he is unable to. We both love her and while it may not make sense to you, it does to us. We are all very happy. If you want to be a part of mine or Theo's life, you will have to find a way to accept it or lose all of us."
Fili turned to Maggie, took both her hands and looked right into her eyes.
"I will have you or I will have no one." Fili confessed "I love you and only you."
"I love you too, Fee."
Their lips met in a fiery kiss and the Company cheered loudly. Maggie turned to Elrond who only smiled at her. Once the room quieted down again, Maggie cleared her throat and spoke.
"I think Bilbo has something that he'd like to say." she announced
Everyone turned their attention to the hobbit, who met Maggie's eyes across the room but she only raised an eyebrow and smiled at him. Perhaps putting him in the spotlight was a bit cruel on her side, but it was all done with love.
"Yes, uhm, right." Bilbo mumbled. Then he turned to Riley, who looked as if he wasn't entirely sure what was going on. "I'm not very good at speeches or emotions. I hide them away and pretend they don't exist. My life was quiet and peaceful until a Company of thirteen dwarves knocked on my door one night, just around supper. Then, you and your sister came along and everything changed. I won't lie, I wasn't sure about you two at first and I thought all this talk about different worlds was nonsense. All I've ever known is the Shire and Bag End. I thought that was the only home I ever wanted. Then I met you and I got to know you and eventually I fell in love with you. I'm not sure when exactly it happened but I know that I know that Bag End isn't the only home I want. I want my home to be with you."
Bilbo cleared his throat and reached inside his pocket and took out an elegant, silver ring. Maggie watched as Riley's eyes widened in utter shock. "I know we haven't always had it easy. I know we can both be stubborn and proud but I love you and I want nothing more than to share my life with you, if you will have me. I guess what I'm asking is, Riley Spencer, will you marry me and become my husband?"
Riley barely paused before he replied. "Yes, I will."
There were more cheers from across the room as Riley and Bilbo kissed. Bilbo reached inside his pocket for a silver engagement ring, which he slipped onto Riley's finger. From across the room, she met her brother's gaze and she didn't need to speak to know what he wanted to tell her.
The party carried on late into the night and Maggie couldn't remember the last time she had stayed up so late. There was so much to celebrate and so much to be happy about. For the first time in her life, Maggie felt like she was finally home and someplace where she had always meant to be, surrounded by the people she loved the most. She had no idea what time it was when her father sat down next to her. They hadn't had much chance to speak throughout the evening, but there were so many people to catch up with and Maggie knew there would be time.
"Maggie, seeing as it is your birthday," Amandil said. "I will gladly look after Theo tonight and tomorrow while you enjoy it. Besides, you have two handsome men who I think would very much like your attention tonight."
"Dad!" Maggie exclaimed "Ew..."
Maggie felt her cheeks turn red, well aware what her dad was hinting at.
"Oh please, sweetheart." he teased "Do you not think I was young once? Go, have fun with your lovers. Happy birthday."
"I love you, dad."
Her father kissed her on the forehead and Maggie caught her brother's eye from across the hall. He raised an eyebrow at her while smiling, as Maggie left the party with Elrond and Fili.
It was Fili who kissed Maggie first when they entered Elrond's bedroom. He was definitely slightly inebriated, but then they all were. Even Elrond had indulged in a couple of glasses of elvish wine, although the effect hardly seemed to show on him. Fili pulled Maggie down onto his lap and his lips hungrily sought out hers. His kisses were relentless and Maggie willingly allowed herself to be seduced by his teasing tongue. Every now and again she let out a chuckle.
"Fee," Maggie said as her lover's hand began to hike up her dress. "You're making Elrond jealous."
"Maggie, does it look like he is jealous?" Fili purred into her ear. "If you ask me, I think he looks rather aroused, wouldn't you say?"
"Come now Master Dwarf, be gentle." Elrond teased, "Our Maggie isn't used to receiving so much attention."
"Do you not think she should get used to it?"
"Well, perhaps you hold a valid point."
The sudden feeling of a pair of lips pressing against the back of her neck made Maggie gasp lightly. She turned to Elrond and closed the distance between them with a kiss, while Fili's hand still rested gently on her waist. At first, she was nervous, but then the nerves turned to playful butterflies. Then, she allowed herself to be devoured by the ecstasy of the moment.
It was her birthday after all.
A few months later,
It was a deafening clap of thunder that woke Maggie that night. The storm had come seemingly from out of nowhere. By some miracle, Theo was still fast asleep in his crib but Maggie was now wide awake. She saw the flashes of lightning fill the sky with bright colours outside her window and she couldn't recall ever seeing a storm of the sort in Rivendell. She knew storms couldn't hurt her, at least not within the walls of Elrond's House. Still, they unsettled her and Maggie couldn't help but feel at unease.
It's time…
Maggie spun around and thought for a moment she heard a voice calling to her. It was ridiculous of course, because the only two people in her bedroom were here and nearly six month old baby who could not yet speak beyond incomprehensible noises. Just to make sure though, Maggie peered into Theo's crib and just like before, her baby boy was fast asleep.
Maggie...it's time
The voice was definitely there. She wasn't losing her mind. Maggie grabbed the lantern at her bedside and opened her bedroom door. As always, the halls of Elrond's House were quiet and it seemed like the storm wasn't bothering anyone else. Even though Maggie knew she was awake, she still felt heavy and as she walked, she felt as though someone or something was pulling her to them.
"Maggie!"
Maggie let out a yelp when she felt her brother's unexpected hand touch her shoulder. It took her a few moments to collect herself but she also noticed that Riley seemed equally unsettled.
"Jesus, Ri." Maggie gasped "What are you doing up? Don't you have a husband in bed?"
Her attempt at humour was met by Riley's unchanged expression. It was rare enough to see her brother really serious about something, but she could tell her was worried.
"You can hear it can't you?" Maggie asked "Should we tell dad, or someone?"
Riley shook his head. "I don't think we're supposed to."
Something in his voice scared Maggie but she nodded in agreement and they walked together out into the storm. Maggie wasn't sure how long they'd been following the voices but when they finally reached the forest by the river, the voices subsided. Just as one particularly large clap of thunder and lightning strike was above them, Maggie lost her footing and slipped. She felt her hair and realised her dragonfly hair piece had fallen out of her hair. She looked around for it but couldn't find it. She turned to Riley who helped her back up on her feet.
When Maggie looked around her, something else struck her. It was subtle differences at first, trees that weren't the same as in Rivendell, but Maggie knew she had seen them before. It was a very familiar forest, on a very familiar stormy day.
"Oh my god, Riley," Maggie said and realised her voice was breaking "We're home."
THE END (FOR NOW)
Well, there we have it folks! Perhaps a bit of an abrupt ending, but I do rather like surprises. When I started this sequel the original ideas I had for it were different, and quite a lot darker. I also assumed it would be longer than it actually turned out to be, but I don't mind that so much. Most threads of the plot are tied up at this point so there's not much point dragging it out. Also don't worry, this is not the end for Maggie and Riley after all, we all know what's coming next for them. Also, I really hate writing the travelling between worlds and it never feels natural to me so I'm sorry if the ending was crappy. Please let me know what you think!