For the lovely AllisonTart

You woke up one morning and found the sun was shining. It was odd for such a place as Laketown. Most of the time, it was filled with such doom and gloom that you didn't know when the season had changed. Quickly, you got ready for the day, and grabbed your basket for the market. Nowadays you hated going to the market because of one specific person.

Alfred.

He had been trying to get you to court him for ages. Everyone knew that he was only for the gold that the master had. Despite how much he persisted, your courage didn't waver.

Your thoughts soon drifted to Bard, and a smile came on to your face. Your mind wandered about his handsome features, and his compassionate heart.

You snapped out of your thoughts, and quickly braced for the worst. It was bad enough that Alfred was trying to pursue you, but now you had other men who wanted you for your beauty.

None of them compared to Bard you thought with a smile.

You entered the market, and grabbed a couple pieces of bread.

" 'Ello love." A voice said from behind you.

"What do you want." You grumbled.

"I've been pursuing you for ages and that's the question that you ask?"

"I would think you would be used to the rejection by now." You snapped, your nostrils glaring in annoyance.

"Well I have come once again fair lady-" he began, but you didn't have time for it, you left the market and headed straight to Bard's house.

"Y/N?" Bard asked with a smile. "How is your day?"

"Good now that I've seen you." You smiled.

"Is that all your getting from market day?" Bard said as he pointed to the loaf of bread with a grin. "Usually you get a lot more..."

"Yes well I will just have to get it later..... it was very crowded." You dismissed.

"Who's the lass?" A deep voice asked. Curiousity got the best of you and you saw 14 people, the majority being dwarves, and one hobbit.

"I'm Y/N." You said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Y/N, will you look after the girls while I am gone? I have some business to attend to."

You nodded eagerly. "Of course! When you come back there should be food on the table."

This got the dwarves to nod in approval, and his daughters to smile with joy. Even though you and Bard were not even courting, you acted like a married couple, and the kids hoped one day that you would.

"So lass," Balin began "how long have you and Bard been courting?"

A blush coated your cheeks as you focused on the stew "We are just good friends who look after one another." You smile sheepishly.

"Ah, a beautiful woman as you isn't betrothed already?" Thorin asked with curiosity. "Why is that?"

"The men in this town......" you began with a sigh, "They do not live up to my standards as husband material."

Thorin chuckled, "it is right of you to have those standards. In our culture, when you marry, it's for life and nothing can break that bond."

After supper, you set aside a plate for Bard, and helped Tilda get ready for bed.

Once they were in bed, you saw Bilbo standing by the window.

"Do you love him?" He asked abruptly. "Bard I mean."

What is it with these people focusing on your love life? You thought. Nevertheless you answered in all honesty, "yes."

Bilbo smiled, "Good, because I have been noticing that Bard feels the same way. He looks at you with such love, and the fact that you love his children makes him love you even more."

You gasped in shock. "How-"

"We were on our way here, he told us about a special lady." Bilbo laughed.

"I have to tell him!" You said.

"I think so too."

You quickly found a spot by the fire, and the last thing that' you saw was Fili's arm around Sigrid. Bard would have a fit when he came back.

The next morning before dawn, you headed to the market to grab breakfast for the dwarves last day. Going at dawn was risky business, especially at dawn. But being the hospitable woman that you were, you were persistent on getting food.

"Morning." A voice said from behind you.

Your nostrils flared in annoyance, and you quickly glanced to see that he's stood a distance away from you, so you grabbed more eggs before paying the merchant

"Y/N....." he said in his drunken slur, reaching out for you. As quick as lightening, you punched him hard. In his drunken state, his eyes turned angry and he stood up quickly and stomped towards you.

"Why you-"

You yelped in surprise when you felt the impact of his grab on your arm.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!" A familiar voice roared. It felt like the entire town could hear his roar.

Bard stood, a bow and arrow notched, headed straight for Alfred. Quickly, Alfred disappeared.

You stood in shock as Bard rushed to you, and you could see the fear and anger in his eyes. Without even hesitating, he scooped you in his arms and held you tightly. Immediately, you relaxed in his arms.

"A-are you okay?" He asked quietly.

"I'm much better that you are here." You said with a smile before kissing him softly. His eyes widened in shock

"I didn't think you felt the same way." He said with a smile.

"As I told Thorin while you were gone, no one lives up to my standards for marriage material in this town except you."

Bard chuckled before placing his head on yours. "There's word that the dragon will resurface-"

"Bard you know I will look after the children-"

"Our children." He said with a smile. "When this is over, we are getting married. I could have lost you a little while ago, and I don't plan on losing you now."

"Well I think you have to ask first." You said with a smile.

Bard grinned before walking you in front of the fountain. At this point, people watched from their windows, and were filled with joy to know that the woman of his dreams would become his wife.

"Y/N, my sweet Y/N, will you marry me?" Bard said while holding a simple diamond ring.

Immediately, you said yes, and the town cheered.

"Where did you get the ring?" You asked in awe.

"Well a little hobbit told me a few things, and as repayment for your hospitality and safe passage, the dwarves decided to help me make this ring."

"Where did they even get the diamond?"

"Fili and Kili found several in a troll cave." He remarked "I guess they have a love they wish to save it for."

"Speaking of lady love." You said nervously, "it seems Sigrid has fallen in love with one of the dwarves."

"WHAT???" Bard roared "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING"

"YOU TOLD HIM??" Sigrid asked

"Absolutely not!"

"But he loved her." You said gently to your fiancé, "and besides, she's not getting married for another year or so." You said with a stern glance towards Sigrid.

"I suppose he will do." He grumbled.

"At least she has standards, there are far worse people to be with in this town." You said reassuringly.

Just the thought of that placed Bard in overprotective mode and he placed an arm around your waist.

"Whatever comes our way." He spoke "we face it together."

"Together" you said.

Together, the two of you started a new beginning.