you must be truly delusional to think wanda was a force for good in mcu. the woman was after revenge on stark, who was nothing more then an irresponsibe idiot which given his position as weapon manufacturer did a lot of damage. that being said she joined hydra, fking nazis, to become a human experiment and take said revenge. she was responsible for the creation of ultron just as much as stark. she set the hulk loose on a city and then nearly wiped out humanity.

wanda not ending up in jail is one of the most baffling things of mcu. her total impact on mcu for good after that is absolutly tiny. so no she is not good

This story was frickin excellent; you are a wonderful and amazing writer and I think you do Tolkien's work very well in how you add and write it up to mix it so well with MCU content.

With Thorin and Fili now under the watch of their kin, Wanda felt she had to check on her Elven friends nonetheless. The Sokovian quickly encountered one of them after entering the tower's interior. A sombre Legolas stopped in front of her. Wanda first sensed Thranduil had followed her advice – Legolas was told how much his mother loved him. The Avenger was initially surprised at what she sensed next.

"You're leaving?" Wanda expressed it.

"Much has been lost this day," Legolas solemnly confirmed. "I won't come to terms with it in my father's halls."

Despite being cryptic, Legolas's inner turmoil easily allowed Wanda to detect the main reason for his decision. After witnessing Tauriel's grief over Kili, Legolas knew his love for her would remain unrequited. A compassionate Wanda respected his privacy. However, there were other reasons behind Legolas's decision that could be discussed.

"It's not just about coming to terms, is it?" Wanda raised it.

The Prince of the Woodland Realm had suffered personal heartbreak. He nonetheless come to accept Tauriel was right about what they discussed on the promontory.

"Ultron is destroyed," Legolas began. "But Sauron remains. Our people can't withstand him on our own. We must stand with the all the Free Peoples if we're to survive."

"Who are you going to first?" Wanda asked.

Legolas's answer revealed Thranduil had cast aside his previous misanthropy.

"The Dunedain," Legolas replied. "My father says one of them could potentially be a great man."

Wanda remembered Elrond telling her about this race of Men. Their main settlement was located south of Rivendell. With Thranduil in range of her telepathy, Wanda sensed the name of the man Legolas was seeking. However, she also sensed Legolas's quest was also supposed to be a journey of self-discovery. Instead of revealing the man's name, the Scarlet Witch farewelled her friend with some other thoughts of Thranduil's.

"Your father is very proud of you, Legolas," Wanda warmly confirmed. "Never think otherwise."

The Elf-king's son reaction was a dignified and assured smile.

"Crossing paths with you has been the greatest of honours, mellon," Legolas responded before departing. "May I cross paths with you Avengers once more."

—-

The feels.

And Wanda getting to keep the elf ring and the necklace.

Galadriel is right, love is for the souls.

And she got to reunite with Gandalf and Bilbo. :)

"Time to die, Wanda," Ultron said in farewell.

The Scarlet Witch's eyes widened after sensing thoughts for the first time since Seoul.

"No," the Avenger replied at being able to read Ultron's. "It's time for some mind games!"

Ultron realised too late what she meant. Wanda's molecular manipulation had softened his armour enough for Thorin's sword to penetrate. The Dwarf King had inflicted a small gash on the very arm Ultron had struck him with. A moment of unfiltered exposure to the outside air dissipated the remaining Unlight. The Scarlet Witch injected through the gash a concentrated whiff of psychic energy. Ultron's hands flung to his head as her hypnotic attack took hold.

The Avengers were in a non-descript cemetery gathered around a headstone simply marked 'ULTRON'.

"Who was he again?" Romanoff asked about the deceased.

"No idea," Hawkeye shrugged.

"I thought Vision had something to do with him?" Thor enquired of the android.

"I'm sorry but I can't remember," Vision apologised.

Banner gave him a good-natured smirk. "You're sounding more human each day."

All but two of the Avengers smiled and left.

"I've been meaning to tell you," Stark informed their leader. "I'm thinking about inventing a machine. Something that will help humanity evolve."

"We don't need to evolve, Tony," Rogers friendlily argued. "We just need to do better."

Stark considered this a moment.

"You're right, Cap," he agreed as they turned to join the others. "I mean, what would machine know about life anyway?"

"Stop it!" Ultron angrily plead and demanded.

The Scarlet Witch could finally avenge her brother.

"Why?" she taunted. "You didn't see that coming?"

Wanda lashed out with all her power. Ultron was hapless as she levitated him off the ground. The automaton started glowing bright red as the energies encasing him intensified. His form became incandescent before exploding into a million pieces. Wanda used her telepathy – the final version of Ultron had been destroyed

—-

You failed Ultron.

Sadly, Thorin perished along with Fili and Kili :(

Wanda and Bilbo promptly flew towards Erebor. Gandalf gave a sigh of resignation just before Vision stood alongside him. Both watched Wanda's energy trail while resuming an earlier and private conversation.

"Who else besides Galadriel knows of your plan?" Gandalf asked.

The android knew he was referring to this side of the vortex.

"Just the Valar," Vision said plainly. "They were going to appeal to the Iluvatar."

Only the greatest discipline prevented Gandalf's head snapping towards the android in shock. The last such appeal resulted in the destruction of Numenor. How did Vision first contact Arda's powers-that-be? Gandalf sensed there were some details the android was keeping to himself. It was something the Wizard often did himself to help with the flow of events. Not being a hypocrite, Gandalf chose not to pursue the subject further.

"Wanda will be heartbroken," he sadly forecast instead.

Vision gave a pointed reminder. "We must first destroy Ultron."

—-

I feel a bittersweet ending :(

Gandalf stood alongside Vision as both faced Thranduil. Seated on an ornate wooden throne, the Elf-king's demeanour was circumspect. After briefly describing his rescue from Dol Guldur, Gandalf wanted to discuss the threat facing the Free Peoples. Much to the wizard's inner frustration, Thranduil first wanted to satisfy his curiosity about the android. The King of the Woodland Realm had been previously told about the Avenger from the same source as Bard.

"So," Thranduil began, his gaze firmly on the android's forehead. "That is the Mind Stone I've heard so much about."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Vision respectfully confirmed. "It's how Wanda got her abilities."

"And yet I understand her abilities represent only a fraction of the stone's power," Thranduil recalled.

"It pre-dates the universe itself." Vision said before admitting, "Even I'm far from knowing its full potential."

Bard wondered how a man like himself could even contribute to the discussion. The King of the Woodland Realm's next contribution was in the form of a cheap shot.

"It makes Oakenshield's obsession with the Arkenstone seem rather quaint," Thranduil dryly mused.

—-
Drama! Looove!

The White Council paused to take stock of the situation. They were instantly reminded the Nazgul couldn't be permanently destroyed if their master endured. A nearby tower exploded in a violent ball of flame. Elrond and Saruman trembled as the flame coalesced into the Eye of Sauron. The Dark Lord's wrath wasn't primarily directed at any of his old enemies though.

"Your presence means nought, Avenger," Sauron warned Vision.

Sauron's Lieutenant had still described the group even if he hadn't told his master the full story. The Dark Lord now took shape in his giant armoured form. The reconstituted Nazgul promptly appeared in a line in front of him. Sauron would join them as they resumed battle against the intruders. But not before telling what awaited the Free Peoples.

"It has begun," Sauron announced their doom. "The time of the Elves is over. The Age of Ultron has come."

One thing the automaton hadn't informed Sauron about was just how powerful the Mind Stone was. Unlike his servants, the Dark Lord thought he could withstand its energies. He quickly learnt otherwise as its guardian executed his and Galadriel's plan.

Vision shot a continuous beam directly at Sauron's head. The Nazgul were blasted away as their master fell to his knees wailing in agony and confusion. It was just the beginning as Galadriel rose from the ground. The Elf-queen was bathed in a malevolent green light as she unleashed her power. Even Elrond and Saruman took a nervous step back as Galadriel thrust forward a phial containing the Light of Earendil.

"YOU HAVE NO POWER HERE, SERVANT OF MORGOTH!" Galadriel told Sauron with a terrifying and distorted voice.

Sauron's Black Speech became gibberish as he crumbled before Vision and Galadriel's combined onslaught. If the Dark Lord was flesh, the former's attack would've felt like someone drilling deep into his skull.

"YOU ARE NAMELESS, FACELESS, FORMLESS!" Galadriel announced his time as the Necromancer was at end. "GO BACK TO THE VOID FROM WHENCE YOU CAME!"

Sauron gave a roar of defeat before being violently ejected from Dol Guldur. His broken and diminished form hurtled across the darkened sky before disappearing beyond the south-east horizon. Galadriel's aura faded equally as quickly. Vision promptly caught her in his arms as she collapsed in exhaustion.

Thank you, Vision, Galadriel telepathically responded.

The android assumed it wasn't just about breaking her fall.

It worked? Vision checked to be sure.

Yes. Galadriel confirmed. I wiped from him all memory of Ultron and the Avengers.

—

Intense but h th he succeeded in erasing Sauron mind and driving him off.

They carry something. Something made of gold.

"What are you carrying made of gold?" Wanda eerily asked.

Bilbo was thrown by the interruption. Didn't she hear anything he just said?

"We've no time for that," he dismissed the question.

"Show me!" Wanda snapped in demand.

The Hobbit flinched at her wrathful tone. Part of him didn't want to acquiesce. The ring was his to do with as he pleased. Still, dealing with the Scarlet Witch was a lot like dealing with a Wizard. Stoking their anger was dangerous for mortals at best. Bilbo swallowed a nervous gulp as he reached into his pocket. With deep unease, he revealed the ring resting in the palm of his hand.

"I found it in the goblin tunnels," Bilbo finally admitted it wasn't just his courage.

The sight of the ring caused the Scarlet Witch's anger to fade. In a strange twist, its effect on her was almost hypnotic. Wanda gazed at the tiny gold band as if it were the most precious thing in the world to her.

"If you put it on, you become invisible," Bilbo tried regaining her attention.

Wanda heard even if she didn't acknowledge him. Her telepathy sensed there was more to the ring than the Hobbit knew. The Scarlet Witch could use the ring to enhance her powers. In other words, a great asset to have if she had to fight Ultron. The Avenger looked closer at the ring. Could it possibly be…No, it would've been too small to fit on Sauron's finger.

"It's dangerous," Wanda spoke as if lost in a world of her own. "More if you can't use magic."

Bilbo froze in dread as she tentatively stretched out her hand.

"Perhaps I should keep it," Wanda voiced her thought's conclusion.

The ring could do more than vanquish Ultron. Its power would make the Scarlet Witch invincible. Never again would the Avenger be unable to save those she cared about. Bard's family and the Company's every wish could be granted. All the Free Peoples could come under the protection of Wanda the Scarlet. And if she couldn't return to Earth, why not live in a grand castle? After everything that life had taken from her, Wanda felt she deserved to be High Queen of Middle-earth.

All would love you and despair!

Galadriel's telepathic warning pulled the Scarlet Witch away from the abyss. Wanda blinked as her thoughts became clear. Having lived under tyranny, the last thing she wanted was to become a tyrant herself. If only because she didn't want Bilbo trembling before her like he was now. Wanda contritely smiled at him while gently closing his fingers around the ring.

"I'm sorry, Bilbo," she apologised for frightening him. "It's safer with you."

The Hobbit released a huge sigh of relief before quickly putting the ring back in his pocket.

"Don't show it to anyone else," Wanda advised.

Bilbo had one thing in common with the Avengers. He was very forgiving of any hostility shown by the Scarlet Witch.

"Don't worry, you convinced me," Bilbo wryly agreed

—-

Wow, she passed the test.

Sadly, it seems Wanda can’t snap Thorin out of it.

A melancholic silence came over the dwarves. Unlike how Thorin might have reacted, Fili was unable to slap down such pessimism. Largely because Bofur's companions also dreaded Wanda was now little more than a pile of ash.

Good thing you don't have to look. A telepath comforted them.

For the dwarves, it was like the sun had burst through the clouds. They happily walked up to the Scarlet Witch who was just a few yards away from them. Her only injury was looking understandably dishevelled. The Avenger sensed the events of the previous night as the dwarves hugged her. Wanda almost gasped at the sight of Tauriel being bathed in light as she healed Kili. Emotions quickly swamped memories. The dwarves would prefer Smaug having the mountain than them losing the Scarlet Witch. Despite her being safe, the dwarves still dreaded their joy might be short-lived.

"Where's everyone else?" Bofur tentatively asked.

Wanda didn't need her telepathy to know who he was referring to.

"They're all waiting for us at the mountain," she answered.

The dwarves released a noticeable sigh of relief that their kin and Bilbo had survived. The four nonetheless refrained from being exuberant given the scenes around them. Fortune hadn't been as generous with many of the townsfolk. The dwarves moved on to the next mystery they wanted answered.

"So how did you kill the beast?" Oin spoke it.

Wanda unconsciously smiled as she softly reflected, "It wasn't just me."

Lost in her own thoughts, the Sokovian's telepathy missed picking up someone else's.

"Wanda!" a young girl identified her from behind.

The Avenger's heart leapt with joy as Tilda and Sigrid rushed into her outstretched arms. She sealed their reunion by affectionately kissing their heads. The dwarves had wondered who aided Wanda in bringing down the dragon. They received a major clue as Bard's daughters were relieved of their greatest fear.

"Your father and brother are here," Wanda told them.

The news only saw Sigrid and Tilda hug her even tighter. It prevented Wanda from giving a similar embrace to someone standing just a few feet in front of them. Tauriel smiled as her friend looked at her. The Scarlet Witch's telepathy allowed them to privately converse.

Thank you for saving them. Wanda referred to the dwarves and Bard's children.

You saved us all, mellon. Tauriel acknowledged in return.

—-

Oh look at Wanda catching fish, but it seems Thabrruil really wants that necklace.

But what actions are Galadriel and vision talking about? O.o

Bard and Bain immediately complied as Wanda kept shielding them. It wasn't just falling buildings she wanted them to be clear of. Smaug was advancing towards her from the front. The dragon stomped through the burning remains of the boats moored within the town's main docks. As more buildings collapsed, he witnessed Bard and Bain rushing into the Master's house. While not seeing the black arrow, Smaug did notice how Wanda had covered the pair along the way. The dragon quickly joined the dots.

"Are they friends of yours?" he mockingly enquired of Wanda. "You cannot save them from the fire. They will BURN!"

Wanda made to avenge Lake-town's victims of smoke inhalation. She directed a thick stream of telekinetic energy at the water as the dragon's chest began to ignite. As Smaug made to incinerate the Master's house; a dense column of water shot into his mouth and nostrils. The dragon's planned attack was disrupted as the saltwater in his lungs caused him to curse and splutter. Noticing that Bard and Bain were climbing the tower to the wind-lance, Wanda now executed the riskiest part of their battle-plan

—-

Awesome! Water down the gullet lol

Oh dear. Vision is here?!

And he has he mind stone.

"I've walked among the Free Peoples much longer than you," Gandalf remained resolute. "I wouldn't count them out just yet."

Ultron believed his plan faced only one real obstacle.

"You mean, Wanda?" he quizzically guessed. "Oh, I'm sure she's told you all about me." Ultron's tone hardened. "It's not going to be like Sokovia with the other Avengers. This time, Wanda stands alone."

"She also stands to be one of the most powerful Avengers of all," Gandalf firmly countered. "I think that's why you initially rallied her to your banner. You sensed her potential and it frightened you. So, the only way you could control your fear was by controlling her."

Ultron declined to take the bait. Partly to avoid admitting that Gandalf's observation wasn't that far from the truth. But more because the automaton could sense when someone was trying to stall him.

"I'd really like to tell you my evil plan…" Ultron sarcastically admitted.

Gandalf shuddered as a loud din of horns and drums echoed throughout Dol Guldur. It was the signal that Sauron's offensive had begun. Looking from his cage, the Gandalf saw countless legions commence marching in the direction of Erebor. Ultron enjoyed the reaction on the wizard's face. The vast army exiting Dol Guldur clearly frightened Gandalf. And yet the army was also something of a diversion. Ultron's special forces began departing from elsewhere in the fortress, away from Gandalf's sight. If only the Grey Wizard really knew what he should be afraid of.

"…but I'm on a tight schedule," Ultron glibly ended their audience.

The automaton turned and made to leave. He'd only taken a couple of paces when Gandalf again grabbed his attention. The wizard felt there was an inconvenient truth that Sauron's Lieutenant was unaware of or opting to ignore.

"Your plan?" Gandalf scoffed his claims to ownership. "I'm afraid servants of Sauron have no will but their master's." The wizard twisted the knife with something Wanda told him. "You may have dreamt of being your world's saviour. In Middle-earth, you've settled for being a slave."

Ultron seethed at this. Enraged, he spun around and came within an inch of the gibbet. The automaton wanted nothing more than to rip Gandalf limb from limb. But Ultron didn't have the power to defy Sauron – at least not yet. All he could do for now was give the Wizard an ominous warning.

"There are no strings on me!"

—-
Oh yes there is and you just can’t see them.

A good statue of Wanda, that’d be awesome.

Ultron you monster!

But I wonder how he’ll try to betray Sauron, or if he’ll be destroyed before he get the chance.

Poor Thrain, and Gandalf at the mercy of this beast.

—-

Fili was in no mood for reflection. After looking at his ailing brother, Fili instantly stepped out the boat.

"Fili, don't be a fool," Thorin tried stopping him. "You belong with the Company."

Fili brushed away his uncle's hand. "I belong with my brother."

Wanda abruptly turned away as a musical fanfare announced the Master's arrival. With Alfrid in tow, the Master climbed up a raised platform basking in his newfound popularity. Wanda paid no attention to the resulting cheers and applause from the crowd. All she could think of was Fili's parting words to Thorin.

I belong with my brother.

A pained tear rolled down Wanda's cheek as survivor's guilt again flared up. That was until a tiny had grasped hers in support. Bilbo had noticed his friend's reaction to Fili's words and correctly deduced the reason.

"That doesn't mean you deserved to die with Pietro," Bilbo privately comforted her. "Just keep making him proud."

A heartfelt smile spread across the Sokovian's face. She and the Hobbit had been mutual source of comfort and support throughout the quest. But for the first time, Bilbo had strengthened her with counsel worthy of the Wise. After giving Bilbo's hand an appreciative squeeze, Wanda wiped her eyes before anyone else noticed. The pair had missed the bulk of the Master's speech farewelling the Company.

—-

Awww. Sad

Drama.

Awww Wanda giving Tilda her comb.

What a display Wanda!

Tauriel gave a sly smile of confirmation. Unfortunately, that didn't change the fact the Captain of the Guard had crossed a very big line.

"The king is angry, Tauriel," Legolas sternly told her. "For six hundred years, my father has protected you, favoured you. You defied his orders; you betrayed his trust." The Prince of the Woodland Realm then gently resumed his role as mediator between the two. "Come back with me...he will forgive you."

Tauriel wouldn't deny feeling guilty about her disobedience. Turning her back on the Company, however, would be nothing less than shameful.

"But I will not," she voiced her conscience. "If I go back, I will not forgive myself. The king has never let orc filth from our lands, yet he would let this orc-pack cross our borders and kill our prisoners."

"It is not our fight," Legolas faithfully argued his father's policy

"It is our fight," Tauriel insisted. "We should follow the example of Wanda and her friends."

Legolas knew 'friends' wasn't referring to Oakenshield and his followers. Tauriel wasn't the only one the Scarlet Witch had spoken about the other company she was part of.

"You mean the Avengers?" Legolas clarified before shaking his head. "Our people do not possess such power, Tauriel. Not even at our height."

"It is not about power but belief," she argued. "The Avengers are devoted to protecting those who cannot protect themselves. That's what makes them powerful. It's a belief Wanda's brother didn't hesitate to sacrifice himself for." Tauriel linked this to Legolas in a way that struck close to home. "Can you truly say your father's way is more noble than Quicksilver's?"

The conflict Legolas felt was plain on his face. For Tauriel, this was more than pressuring her friend to do the right thing. It was about Legolas deciding if he wanted to morph into the same calculating and heartless cynic as his father.

"When darkness threatened, the Maximoffs had the strength to set aside past grievances," Tauriel concluded. "Tell me, mellon, when did we allow evil to become stronger than us?"

—-

She has a point and love how Wanda made femur others believe she was a envoy from Elrond to throw off suspicion.

The Scarlet Witch wasn't the only one moved by the soprano's beautiful voice. Thranduil sat stony faced. But to Wanda's telepathy, he may as well have been openly weeping. The emotions the song stirred within Thranduil allowed her to glimpse his thoughts. She tried not to gasp as she saw the most stunning diamond necklace. Its heart-shaped centrepiece epitomised its beauty and craft. Wanda couldn't imagine its cost – even Stark might be tempted to ask the price before buying it.

Wanda soon retired for the evening. Thranduil had no objections ("Of course, Collgwend. I'd almost forgotten Men tire more easily") but still had his son escort the Scarlet Witch back to her chambers. Alone again with Legolas; the Avenger sought to verify a theory of hers.

"Your father told me he was willing to let Thorin go," Wanda recalled her audience that morning. "But Thorin refused to promise to return something. What is it?"

Her telepathy immediately heard in Legolas's mind the word 'Naneth'. She quickly learnt its meaning and significance.

"The White Gems of Lasgalen," Legolas spoke with calm sadness. "My father gave them to Thror's people to fashion into a necklace for my mother. But when the time came, such was its beauty, Thror decided to keep the necklace for himself." Legolas paused before observing, "To my father, that necklace is the only reminder of my mother."

A lot about Thranduil's attitude and behaviour now made sense to Wanda. She remembered telling Gandalf at Barad Mindon about the importance of personal feelings. Thranduil's detaining of the Company was still unjust. But given what Legolas had just told her, (as well as the emotions she sensed at the feast) she could understand what was driving it. Wanda also felt a stab of pity for the Elf-king. Such was Thranduil's obsession with the necklace he was ignoring a far more important legacy of his dead wife – their son. It was a tragedy Wanda felt compelled to end.

"Perhaps I can help?" she offered. "If I could talk to Thorin, I can try and convince him to give it back."

Legolas was more than touched. Despite all the machinations to keep her away from the Company, the Scarlet Witch wanted to help on what mattered most to Thranduil.

"Yours is a kind offer, Wanda," Legolas graciously thanked her. "One I shall pass on to my father." Considering Thranduil's likely response, Legolas then added, "But please don't take it personally when he rejects it."

—-

Oooh that explains it. But if he had explained to Thorin, he’d have gotten the necklace back.

And those spiders, yikes!

Well, like Smaug, Ultron will fall.

And now, Wanda has to try to catch up.