I stood by Bard, many of the dwarves didn't care that I wasn't in a barrel. But many didn't know. Bard gave me a brush to comb out my silver Blonde hair. This was the first in months that I did.
I have always loved my hair. It was so soft and silky. It went down to the middle of my back. It was an odd color for me but Gandalf said that it probably took that color to reflect after all the dragons that hide within me.
I turned from a fragile black haired girl to a petite silver blonde. I was petite yes, but I didn't act it. I'm one head short of Thorin but I can act as if I'm men height. I believe that it's because my father was men height. I had little muscle but I was ever man's dream. Besides all the scars.
As Bard pulled up to the gates I stood close to him. I laughed when the dwarves had fish dumped on them.
"Why isn't she in a barrel" someone spat
"Because unlike you I can get in" I smiled
"And how would you do that" I was about to speak but Bard beat me to it
"Quiet! We're approaching the toll gate." As we pulled up I stood off to the side.
"Halt! Goods inspection. Papers please!" A man called out and walked out from the building
"Oh, it's you, Bard. Ahh a misses"
"Morning, Percy." Bard said, I only nodded
" Anything to declare?"
"Nothing. But I am cold and tired, and ready for home. Ready to get this lady home" Bard came to me and pulled me against him.
"You and me both. Not with the lady, she's a beauty" Bard nodded. Percy went back in the house and came back out with Bard's paper. "There we are, all in order."
"Not so fast." A guy with a unibrow came out. Bard stiffened and held me closer. The man took the paper from Percy and starts reading from it. " Consignment of empty barrels from the Woodland realm." He pointed to the barrels. "Only they're not empty. Are they Bard? If I recall correctly, you're licensed as a bargeman. Not..." He picked up a fish " ...a fisherman." The man said
"That's none of your business." Bard said leaving my side
"Wrong. It's the Master's business, which makes it my business."
"Oh, come on, Alfrid. Have a heart, people need to eat."Bard got in his face. So his name is Alfrid, nice. Not!
"These fish are illegal." Alfrid spat "Empty the barrels over the side." Both Bard and I watched in worry as the guards started to dump the barrels.
"Folk in this town are struggling. Times are hard. Food is scarce."
"That's not my problem."
"And when the people hear the Master is dumping fish back in the lake? When the rioting starts? Will it be your problem then?" Bard got in his face again
"Stop" Alfrid put his hand up in defeat. The guards put the barrels back. That's when Alfrid took an interest in me. "Who's the beauty" Alfrid walked over to me and started running a finger down my face. I cringed and moved away.
"Alfrid don't touch her" Bard moved towards us but was only stopped by guards
"Tis tis, now how did you get her" Bard didn't say anything "nothing to say, I guess she'll have to come with me" he grabbed a hold of me and started to drag me off the barge
"Stop" Bard yelled
"What now, I want my fun" I tried pulling my arm from him but his grip tightened
"I baught her" I looked at Bard "I needed a mother for my kids and a woman for me"
"Where's her papers then" Bard looked scared
"I have them" I snapped my fingers and reached into my pocket and pulled out a contract. Alfrid ripped the paper out of my hands. I took the chance and ran back to Bard who put me behind him.
"By the confirmation of King Thrandiul..........200 per year until paid....... To Bard.......explanation mother for kids and needed a woman company" Alfrid read in spots. He looked from me to Bard many times. "Fine" he throw the paper to Bard.
"Ever the people's champion, hey, Bard? Protector of the common folk. You might have their favor now, bargeman, but it won't last." Alfrid said as he walked off the barge.
" Raise the gate" Percy yelled
"The Master has his eye on you. You'll do well to remember, we know where you live." Alfrid spat
"It's a small town, Alfrid. Everyone knows where everyone lives."
"Oh and watch her closely Bard, anyone could take her like that. And lady" I looked to him "You will be mine" I shook my head and turned back to Bard.
After that lovley incident we pulled up to another building and I got off. Bard started tipping the barrels over so that the dwarves can get out, Dwalin stood up stopping him as he goes to tip his barrel. "Get your hands off me." I laughed and he only gave me a glare.
I looked around and found Bard talking to man. Bard gave him a coin and turned back to us. As Bard was talking to the man the rest of the dwarves got out of the barrels. "Follow me" Bard said taking my hand so I grabbed Bilbo pulling him along.
As Bard was guiding us through Lake-Town I felt daggers in my back. I couldn't help but know it was Thorin. Soon a boy came in front of us and I couldn't help but smile. The boy in front of me was Bain, he's grown.
"Da, our house! It's being watched." Bain said in a hurry. Bard looked around and sighed.
"Bain take Laci to the market and get some food" he nodded and took my hand.
Their was no conversation between Bain and I. We got bread, apples and various hurbs. Then I came across Kingsfoil. I needed this for my leg, I knew the spell well. I looked down at my leg. It was a purpleish color. I was still wearing just a shirt that went down to my mid-thigh. You could see the wrap on my right thigh.
"Sir, how much for Kingsfoil" the guy turned are and smiled
"Nothing, on the house miss" I smiled and put it in my pocket.
Soon Bard came for and we went to his home. As we walked home Bard held my hand. He told me that there was indeed people watching his house so we needed to act the part. As we went I didn't see the company nowhere. I started to get worried. When we reached the house Bard tossed a piece of bread to, two men that were fishing.
"You can tell the Master I'm done for the day." Bard said and took me inside. As I shut the door. I heard two girls call out for him.
"Da! Where have you been" the small one called out
"Father, there you are. I was worried." I smiled at the voice. She also ran into her father's arms.
"Here, Sigrid." He gave her the bag "I also have an old friend that you might want to see" Bard stepped our of the way and I saw Sigrid. She had confusion on her face. It let up and she embraced me in a hug. I couldn't help my emotions and I started crying.
When I released her, I grabbed her face and looked into her eyes.
"You look so much like your mother"
"Aye" Bard agreed "Bain, get them in"
Sigrid hugged me once more and took in my appearance. Her mile faded when she got to my leg. I looked down and I would have stop smiling too. My veins are now a dark purple and my leg is pale.
"Your leg" she breathed
"I need your help. Do you have a room" she nodded and helped me to the room. It wasn't much just a small room with a small\big bed. By the dolls sitting on the trunk I guessed it was hers and her sisters room.
I set down on the bed and dug out the Kingsfoil from my pocket. With a sigh I started the spell.
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