Important Notice: This chapter has been edited. I watched the extended scenes from DoS and added in the amusing part between Bard and Braga. Its near the end of the chapter, and if you haven't watched the extended scenes yet, they're on youtube and hella funny XD
Disclaimer: I only own the rights to Sylwen and Lucy. Well half of Lucy since it was my friends character but I doubt she'd make a fuss over it :p
"They're not home yet?" Lucy stepped into the house, surprised that the two hadn't returned from their boat trip yet.
"They're usually home by now." Sigrid said, stepping out of the kitchen as she looked at Lucy. The worry was clearly laced in her voice but she didn't show it, not wanting to worry Tilda. She had sent Bain out not long ago to go check for their fathers barge.
"You don't think something bad happened do you?" Tilda spoke up from her place at the table, looking out the window before she looked at her sister.
Lucy laughed lightly, walking over to the child as she ruffled her hair. "Course not. If I recall correctly Syl said your father was going to teach her some archery lessons." She held up a finger thoughtfully. "That way they can bring in twice the food."
A smile split across the girls face. "Is Da going to marry her?" Tilda asked eagerly, tugging Lucy down to sit with her.
"Tilda!" Sigrid scolded her, walking over to the table. "You don't just ask questions like that."
Tilda huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Why not? I like Sylwen. Da does too!" She argued back.
"She does have a point." Lucy butted in with a light shrug. "But, I don't think there will be any marrying any time soon." She added in after a sharp look from Sigrid. Lucy couldn't blame her though. Sigrid was probably still working on being used to having another woman in the house. A mother figure per say, from what she could tell Sylwen was a natural at it.
Sigrid let out a sigh, shaking her head before glancing out the window. "I just hope they get home soon.."
To say the least, Bilbo had not expected to be pelted with dead fish. Nor did the rest of the group if he could have guessed. But as he sat in the barrel, struggling to breath without gagging, he couldn't help but feel guilty for believing the Bargeman would have sold them out. As much of a fleeting thought as it had been.
On top of that, he felt as if he had witnessed something he shouldn't have. Watching the two embrace on the dock, it was far too intimate for the hobbit. It was obvious to him that there was something going on between the two, whatever it may be though, it wasn't any of his business.
Once the barrels had been loaded without question, Bard pushed the boat from the dock and continued towards Laketown. Sylwen sat on the edge of the step near Bard, arms wrapped around herself in an attempt to keep warm.
"It's not far from here." Bard told her, looking down at the shivering woman below him. He kept his voice at a quieter tone, feeling uneasy about the group of dwarves that could easily eavesdrop on them. "Do you want my coat?"
Sylwen snapped her head up at the offer. "No no, I'll be fine." She smiled lightly, shaking her head. "I don't want you to get sick. You have a family waiting back home remember." She said, tilting her head to the side a bit.
Bard couldn't help but chuckle softly. "And it'd be terrible if one were to get sick because she's too stubborn." He raised an eyebrow.
Sylwen felt the heat rush up her neck. "I'm still half elf remember? I won't get sick that easily." She reminded him, standing up as she looked into the distance, the sight of Laketown coming into view. They both fell silent after that, though her words roamed through her mind still.
Half elf.
Even if she were still only half, she'd still live twice as long as a normal human would. Twice as long as Bard..
Her hands gripped onto her arms, casting her gaze down at the snow that decorated the floor of the boat.
The seriousness fell over the boat as they began to reach the town, hearing the muffled groans and complaints coming from the barrels. He gave a swift kick to the nearest one, gripping onto the ore as his gaze was set on the gate. "Quiet." He hushed them, taking a step back. "We're approaching the toll gates."
Sylwen glanced up, feeling the worry begin to rise in her chest. Could they actually pull this off? She knew just how much trouble Bard could get into were he caught. She stepped back, bringing herself closer to Bard as she kept silent.
"Halt! Goods inspection, papers please!" Percy's voice came from the small hut beside the gate, the old man stepping down as he realized who it was. "Oh. It's you Bard. Good afternoon Miss Sylwen." He greeted her, a smile playing on his lips.
Sylwen couldn't help but smile at the sight of the old man. He was always so nice to her. "Afternoon Percy." She replied back, feeling a little edge lift off her worries.
"Anything to declare?" Percy asked, Bard stepping down from the back of the boat as he pulled his paper from his coat.
"Nothing, but that I am cold and tired, and ready for home." He said, handing him the paper, glancing around quietly. This almost seemed too easy.
"You and me both." Percy agreed, stepping into the hut to stamp his papers.
"Bard.." Sylwen stepped up behind him, putting a hand on his arm as she glanced around uneasily.
Bard glanced back at her, putting his hand on hers as he gave it a small squeeze. "It'll be alright." He told her.
"There you are." Percy turned around, holding the paper out. "All in order." He was about to hand it off to Bard when it was snatched out of his hand.
"Not. So. Fast."
Sylwen swore she felt her heart drop into her stomach, holding onto the back of Bard's coat as she stood behind him, trying to stay out of sight as well as she could.
Alfrid sneered, looking at the two as his dark eyes shifted to the woman behind Bard, a glare in his eyes before he glanced down at the paper. "Consignment of empty barrels," He glanced up at Bard, smirking. "From the woodland realm."
Bard pressed his lips together, trying to formulate a plan in his head. Of course Alfrid had to show up now.
Alfrid stepped down to wards the barge, pointing at the fish. "Only, they're not empty." He looked at him again. "Are they Bard?" He carelessly flicked the paper over his shoulder, stepping onto the dock. "If I recall correctly, you're licensed as a bargeman. Not," he paused at this moment, picking up a fish from the top of a barrel as he held it up in emphasis. "A fisherman."
Sylwen caught the gaze of the unlucky dwarf that happened to be lying directly beneath the fish that Alfrid picked up, hoping that he wouldn't be noticed.
"That's none of the your business." Bard shook his head, standing his ground as he looked down at Alfrid.
Alfrid smirked smugly. "Wrong. It's the masters business, which makes it my business." He said as-matter-of-factually.
"Oh come on Alfrid, have a heart. People need to eat!" Bard played his next card, hoping that at least one of them work and would give them access into town without problem.
Alfrid stood there for a second and Sylwen almost hoped that he'd consider it. Much to her dismay and not too much surprise, he didn't.
"These fish are illegal." Alfrid snapped, stepping around Bard as he threw the fish into the water with a splash. "Empty the barrels over the side." He ordered the guards, standing to the side to allow the men to do their work.
Sylwen's heart leapt in her chest. "You can't do that!" She spoke up finally, catching Alfrid's attention as he sneered at her.
"You'll find missy, that I can." He said, narrowing his eyes at her. "And if I were you, I'd watch your back." He warned her.
"Leave her out of this." Bard stepped in, pushing Sylwen behind him as he glared at Alfrid.
"You heard him, in the canal." The captain of the guard spoke up, his men stepping onto the boat. "Come on, get a move on." He snapped.
"Folk in this town are struggling." Bard tried to bargain with them. "Times are hard. Food is scarce." He continued, watching as they began to tip the barrels, the fish spilling into the water.
"That's not my problem." Alfrid said easily, watching with an indifferent expression, glancing at Bard as he turned round on him.
"And when people hear the masters dumping fish back in the lake?" He questioned, meeting Alfrid's gaze, challenging him. "When the rioting starts?" He spoke, leaving the underlying tone of his voice floating in the air. "Will it be your problem then?"
Sylwen held onto Bard's arm as she watched in horror as the fish spilled into the water, leaving a vulnerable layer between the dwarves and discovery. She kept quiet though, not wanting to put any more suspicion on them than there already was.
There was a tense silence before Alfrid spoke. "Stop." The venom dripped from his words, holding his hand up in the air. It was clear he was agitated from being duped once again by the bargeman.
The men glanced back before reluctantly returning the barrels to their spots on the barge, leaving Sylwen to heave a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.
Bard watched as they retreated from the boat, letting out a sigh as he glanced at Alfrid.
"Ever the peoples champion, eh Bard?" Alfrid mocked, glaring at the bargeman. "Protector of the common folk. You may have their favor now bargemen but it won't last." He warned him, turning away.
Bard pressed his lips together before glancing back at Sylwen, smiling softly before they returned to the boat.
"Raise the gate!" Percy ordered, glad to have it over and done with. No one seemed to enjoy dealing with Alfrid other than himself and the master of the lake.
Bard began to push the barge through the gate when Alfrid turned around once more.
"The master has his eye on you. You'd do well to remember, we know where you live."
Bard pushed the ore through the water. "It's a small town Alfrid." He said, before glancing at him. "Everyone knows where everyone lives." He told him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, the boat passing through the water before the black clad man was out of his sight.
Sylwen felt her legs go weak as she sat down on the step once again, resting her head in her hands as her hair fell over her shoulders. "Oh eru I thought we were going to get caught." She murmured under her breath, swallowing hard.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Bard spoke, focusing on docking the boat and getting the group of dwarves to his home before anything. He knew the master had men scattered throughout the town. He had eyes everywhere. He needed to keep on his toes if he wanted to pull this off.
Slowing the barge at the docks, he tossed out the rope to one of the boys, who caught it and tied it around the post. Keeping his eyes out, he stepped around the barrels. When he was sure the coast was clear, he kicked down one of the barrels, scattering the fish and dwarf onto the floor of the boat.
Sylwen stepped around the fish as Bard continued to knock the barrels over unceremoniously, spotting Bilbo begin to rise out of his as she hopped over, holding her hand out as she smiled softly. "Need a hand?" She asked.
Bilbo was grateful as he took her hand, climbing out of the barrel without incident. "Thank you." He said, rubbing his arms a bit to get the warmth circulating once again.
When everyone was out and standing, Bard stepped off and placed a coin in someone's hand. "You didn't see them, they were never here." He told him, turning around before he stopped. "The fish you can have for nothing." He added in, before glancing at Sylwen as he nodded his head. "Follow me." He told them, leading them down the docks.
Sylwen kept close to Bard as they made their way through the town, at one point sliding her hand into his in order not to fall behind. She felt herself relax slightly when she felt his hand wrap around her own, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She knew he was just as worried, wanting this to be over and done with.
"Keep your heads down and keep moving." Bard said in a hushed down, leading them through the town as people stopped and stared, watching the line of Dwarves making their way down the docks.
Everything was going smooth until there was a break in the crowd, and just by their luck a guard spotted them from the end of the docks. "Halt! You!"
Bard froze, looking down the docks as his breath caught in his throat. "Shit." He cursed quietly under his breath.
"Cmon, move." One of the Dwarves ushered, the group beginning to move once again as the guard shouted once more.
"In the name of the master of the lake, I said halt!" He called, attracting the attention of the other guards nearby. "Stop them!"
The group of Dwarves ducked into a nearby shop, grabbing what they could as the guards began to surround them. Bard ran around the corner, Sylwen at his side just in time to witness the Dwarves putting their skills to good use as they knocked out the few guards around them.
It was then Braga and his men showed up, Bard pulling Sylwen closer to him as they stayed out of his line of sight. The townsfolk were quick to continue on their way, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Whats going on here?" Sylwen could hear his voice from the end of the dock, her heart racing in her chest as she looked up at Bard, his grip tight on her as he glanced around the corner.
"Everybody stay where you are, nobody leaves." Bard pressed his lips together tightly as he watched Braga make his way down the docks, looking around suspiciously. He was drawing too close for comfort.
Bard glanced down at Sylwen, moving them around as he looked down at her. "Stay here." He said, before quickly walking out onto the docks, looking at him as he offered a pleasant smile. "Braga!" He greeted casually.
"You.." Braga narrowed his eyes at the bargeman, staring at him suspiciously. "What are you up to Bard?" He asked, glancing around him.
"Me? Nothing. I'm looking for nothing." Bard said, shaking his head as he stood there, trying to distract him as best he could. He needed to think quickly.
A nearby woman casually knocked over a potted plant, successfully knocking out the guard who began to wake up. Of which Braga obviously heard, handing his helmet off to a guard as he went to investigate.
The folk were quick to place baskets and plants on the ground, obscuring his view of the fallen guards.
Sylwen stepped out next, offering the man a small smile as she bowed her head in respect. "Nice day isn't it?" She asked, holding her hand in front of her.
Braga looked at the woman, a frown tugging at his lips before he heard Bard call his name, turning around as he stood there with a shirt in his hands.
"You're wife would look lovely in this." Bard said, holding up the pink lacy shirt, giving a nod of approval.
Braga was clearly unimpressed with his antics. "What do you know of my wife?" He asked, slightly miffed.
Bard gave a small shrug, playing the innocent card as he looked at him, letting the shirt dangle in one hand as he offered it to him. "About as much as any man in this town."
Sylwen had to cup a hand over her mouth to stifle her laugh, never had she experienced this side of Bard though she could happily say she wasn't disappointed. Though her feelings weren't mutual with Braga as he grabbed the shirt out of Bard's hand in a huff, tossing it to the ground before storming off with his men at his heels.
Once gone, Bard let out a sigh as his shoulders slumped, relieved that his ploy had worked. Though as he gazed at Sylwen, a small smile tugged at his lips. "Found that amusing did you?" He chuckled, walking over to her.
"A bit." Sylwen smiled, looking up at him as she grinned. "It was amusing to say the least." She laughed, before nodding her head to the side. "We should get going before they come back though." She added in.
Bard nodded, gathering the Dwarves as they continued on their way. Though it didn't last before they ran into another problem.
"Da!" A voice came, both Sylwen and Bard glancing up as they found Bain rushing towards them.
"Our house. It's being watched." Bain told him, as he had gone back to the house shortly before his father returned, recognizing the two men.
Bard cursed under his breath, glancing back at the dwarves who stared at him expectantly. "You'll have to go in another way." He said, ushering them backwards. "It won't be too pleasant but it's the only other way." He told them.
Authors Note: Woo look at that! Another chapter, aren't you guys proud of me? ;D Actually I'm just trying to keep ahead of schedule since the movie is due in a little over a month and I want to get caught up with my story before it comes out. I already know which point in DoS I want to stop it at. And already have the chapter written out for it. If not only to make you guys wait xD Movie and a new chapter! Since I've never read the books, I haven't the slightest clue whats going to be happening so after I see the movie I gotta piece together how I'm going to fit Sylwen into it and start writing from there.
Also, sorry if this chapter seems a little..shitty? Is the best word I can describe it. Maybe it just me worrying its not going to be good enough, or my mind just screwing with me since its 5am here. Typical time for me to be writing and updating at.