The Hobbit Imagines

2. Bard x Reader

It was around the time you had started working at the local bakery, and two young and fresh-faced girls had come to look around. While you worked you could hear the two of them giggling and whispering to each other; it made you smile to see such happiness in this near-dead town. They were the first people you had seen actually laughing and you had moved here about six months ago. Picking up a loaf of golden-brown bread, they approached you at the front of the shop. "Hello there, is this all?" You asked politely. "Yes, thank you." The older of the two replied. But the younger seemed to have spied something on the lower shelves which took her fancy, as she stared through the glass. You glanced at her and then the small cupcake. "Are you sure that's all you'd like?" You said with a grin, speaking to the smaller child. She blinked and blushed at you, realising what she was doing. Her sister sighed rather sadly, and explained "We don't have enough money for anything else." You nodded understandingly, your smile fading. These times were hard, jobs were sparse, which meant money was too. Feeling bad for the girls, a thought crept into your mind. Slowly, you reached for the cake, and then placed it on the counter. "You see, the thing is- we have a new policy: any customer who is extra polite and kind gets to pick one thing off the shelves, free of charge. It's as a thank you for making this a happier place to be! It's starts today... Now, wouldn't that be convenient, since you two smiling girls just so happen to be here? I think we'd all agree it would be practically criminal of me to refuse you this cake, considering how friendly you have been." You suggested, raising an eyebrow at the girls. A smirk played on your ruby lips, and the girls looked at you in disbelief. The younger one appeared overjoyed but the older one didn't quite trust you. "Are you sure?" She questioned, frowning. "Positive." You winked at the younger one. The older one bit her lip "Thank you. Nobody is kind in this town anymore, so thank you." She smiled gratefully at you. "That's why it's extra important we remember to be- just to make up for those who do not know how." You nodded, speaking quietly. Handing the small cake to the little girl, they turned to leave when she called back "Thank you! I'm Tilda, that's Sigrid. We hope we'll see you again!" You laughed happily and replied "I'm Y/N, and I hope so too."

And of course you did. It started off with them visiting the bakery once a fortnight, where you would chat and get to know each other better, then it became once a week and soon after, a few times a week. You grew very close to the girls, finding yourself looking forward to the times they'd come to see you. Sigrid began to look at you as an older sister, a friend who was always there, whereas Tilda saw you more like a mother, caring and wise. As you became more and more used to each other, the girls brought their brother Bain every so often. He wasn't sure what to think of you at first. He was suspicious but also enchanted. You might even say he developed a little bit of a crush for you. The three of them spent about two months visiting you before their father started to question their odd behaviour: going out together all the time, not being hungry when they come home, on the rare occasion they would turn up with treats for him. And lastly, they seemed to bond, their relationships growing ever-stronger.

One night, when the children were walking to the bakery, their father decided to follow them. He trusted them of course, but the situation was so bizarre. He crept down the steps, keeping a safe distance from the children to remain unnoticed. When they turned off into a street, he hurried and did the same. Except he was slightly too late and by the time he reached the corner, they were nowhere to be seen. He paused, unsure of what to do. The concerned man began to pace the street. Desperately, he look around. Then, he spied them, sat at a small, round table, tucked away in the corner of a bakery. Intently, he stared at them as they chatted and laughed. He noted they were alone in the shop except for one person. An unknown woman approached the table, offering them plates which held a few sweet pieces like biscuits. His three children smiled up at her in a way he hadn't expected- they smiled at her the same way they used to smile at their mother, before she died. The man's eyes drifted from the children to the face of the waitress. He was struck by her inexpressible beauty. Such bright eyes, a perfect smile, entrancing features. He was captivated by her as if by magic. Who was she? And why hadn't he seen her before?  The man considered just leaving and not disturbing them, they looked so happy, but he couldn't ignore the fact that his children were sneaking around. Opening the door, he heard the singing bell which caused the rest of them to look up. His children gawped in shock at him, while he marched over to the table. "Is this where you've been going each week? What is this?" The man scanned the food on the table. "It's nothing Pa, just a few treats." Bain answered obediently. "Treats? How do you suppose your paying for them?" He interrogated them. This time Tilda replied "Pa, Y/N gave them to us. Don't be mad." She begged him. His eyes flicked over to you, as you watched the scene play out. Worriedly, you took a step back. The man, though incredibly handsome, was somewhat intimidating. "So?" He glared at you. "How do you get away with just giving away your stock?" He challenged you. "I'm not just giving it away  actually, the things I give your children are repaid. It comes out of my monthly salary." You admitted. The children hadn't known that, and dropped the food in their hands. They continued to watch with interest. The man narrowed his eyes at you "Why would you be feeding my children with your own money?" You sighed "We all agreed that there are too few smiles left in this town. I have not been here long and I found a friend in Sigrid, then Tilda and then Bain. This town is dark, and I thought I could make better use of my income by helping the children- it's not just the food, Sigrid and I went shopping for parchment and paints, Tilda needed new shoes and Bain needed a coat. It seems ridiculous to have wealth from a baker's salary, but I came here with more money than I could handle, I was born into a fortunate family. I have often wondered where their parents were, because I have to tell you something long overdue- your children are the most caring, compassionate people I've met, I wanted to say what an honour it was to have met them. I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself before now, the time just never seemed to come around." You finished proudly. The man looked at you with an expression that mirrored gratitude. He coughed "I... I'm Bard. Thank you, for everything you've done for them, and for me. They have been bringing home cakes from time to time and I'm glad I've found the creator, they are very good." He laughed and you giggled. Then he continued "I apologise for being rude, it is very generous of you, I can't think of anyway to repay you." He frowned. You smiled "Maybe you could just join us once in a while?" You proposed. Bard grinned "I'd love to." So the next day, and the day after that, and the one after that, you welcomed Bard. Everything was okay. No, better- it was perfect.

Nearly three years later, Bard had asked you to marry him and you accepted obviously. You were engaged for four months and the wedding was soon. You were so ready. Your life almost felt like a dream, a fairy-tale.

But, something went wrong. The skies roared with fire, the winds howled and the townsfolk cried in fear, as Smaug the magnificent burned Laketown to a crisp. The last thing you remembered was helping a dwarf named Kili recover from an injury, then the orc attack, and then only fire. You weren't sure if Sigrid, Tilda and Bain had survived. You didn't even know if Bard was alive. You were trapped under a burning pillar watching your home melt to the ground. The smoke clogged your lungs, suffocating you. Growing weary, you closed your eyes and waited for the darkness to swallow you. While you were barely conscious, you felt a pair of strong arms lift you from the debris. The person shook you and called your name. Was it Bard? Was he here to save you? Your blackened heart leapt. Trying to smile, trying to reply, you rolled your head to face them. You never found out who it was though- you were too weak to open your eyes, and you knew whoever it was, was too late. You had forgotten fresh air, clean breath, hope. You let out a ragged sigh. Your last thought was of your love for the children and Bard. You smiled slightly, and then... Peace.

Heyy, here's another Bard one for you! I hope you enjoy it, even though it's a little bit sad at the end. If you did like it, don't forget to vote/comment/add, it helps me so much. Also guys, if you have any  requests don't be afraid to message me! I love you guys and I'll see you for the next one <3

~Niamh~