A/N: Apologies for being a day late with this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. :) As I was writing the dance at the end I was listening to Brunuhville's "Dawn of Love," "Anyone but You," and "Forevermore." I kind of imagine that final song being some kind of a combination of those three. There will NOT be a new chapter next week, I will be out of town, so look for chapter 11 on June 10 or 11. Continued thanks to all the reviewers and followers. :) I wish y'all could see the smile on my face when I see each new one.

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angel897: Thank you!

Just4Me: I'm hoping his honesty will help show her that he has changed.

Margaritasc: Hehehe. I'd probably be a puddle on the floor. :)

My Petal Heart: Thanks! There will be some sass but she's finally going to start questioning herself and her behavior.

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All credit goes to Tolkien and PJ. I am a mere rider of tails. :)

"Rhae."

A voice she hadn't heard in over seventy years froze her to the spot, her heart jumping into her throat. She almost didn't want to look, afraid her exhausted brain was playing a cruel trick on her.

"It's no trick my dear."

Slowly she turned around, hardly daring to breathe. There behind her stood the one person she had never ceased mourning in the years since his death.

"Da?" His hair was the same shaggy brown dusted with gray, his brown eyes still held that same hint of mischief. The familiar smile crossed his features and he held his arms out to her. With a choked sob she flung herself at her father, relishing in the comfort of his presence. "What is going on? Am I dead?" That was the only reason she could think of to explain what she was currently experiencing.

"Don't be daft, girl. After all the dreams you have had in the past few years and you'd suddenly think you had died in Erebor?"

"Then why would you come to me now? I have missed you so much, wanted to talk to you ..."

"If I could have come to you before now I would have but it was not deemed necessary."

She mulled that statement over. "But now something has happened and you've been sent to warn me?"

"You were always so smart," he replied fondly, ruffling her hair. " Yes, Ella my dear, I have been sent to warn you or give you advice, however you would like to see it." He looked down at her, the mischief gone from his eyes, replaced with a seriousness she recognized. "Our enemy has returned. The battle three years ago was only his first attempt to gain a stronghold in the north. He covets the mountain."

"Lord Elrond and Halbarad said as much."

"His agents are everywhere, working in the shadows to achieve their Master's desires. I was not given knowledge of who is working for him but I do know they are near by. You must stay alert to any form of treachery against the King Under the Mountain."

"I still do not understand why I was the one chosen to carry this burden and stay in Erebor. Why not Araden or one of the others? Why chose the one person who wants nothing to do with Thorin Oakenshield?"

"My dear girl, you must let go of the anger you have held all these years."

"How can I when he killed you?"

Her father frowned. "Thorin Oakenshield did no such thing. You have clung to that notion in the hopes that blaming him would make the pain of my passing easier to bear. Has it? Does blaming the dwarven king take away any of your pain?" She shook her head. "Nor will it. The only thing that will help is to admit that what happened was just a set of unfortunate circumstances. Then you must forgive Thorin and move on. You were chosen for this because it was felt the two of you working together would be able to thwart the Dark Lord's plans. Do not let your stubbornness cause you to neglect your duty."

"It's hard, Da. I have been so lonely since I lost you. You were all I had left."

He hugged her tightly again. "I know and I hated to leave you but I had no control over that. You have grown into a strong and lovely woman. Your mother and I are incredibly proud of you."

"Mother is with you?"

"Sometimes, yes, and Rhaemyr as well. We are always close by so don't fret. There is a wonderful future ahead of you, you just have to be open to it." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Stay alert, my girl. The enemy will try anything to get the mountain."

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Dawn broke crisp and clear on Durin's Day, the morning light streaming in the small window. Rhae was already awake. After she'd awakened from the dream of her father she had tossed and turned the rest of the night and so had watched the gradual brightening of the morning. Her father's words combined with the talk with Balin the day before, plus the conversation with Thorin, had left her unable to sleep. There were too many things running through her mind, too many things in contradiction with each other. She just didn't know what to do with the information she had taken in the day before. It was all completely different from what she had thought she'd known all these years. Had she been so totally wrong in her estimation of Thorin Oakenshield? Or had he truly changed so drastically in the intervening seventy years? Maybe it was a bit of both. She found it hard to believe that someone could go from being a cruel, uncaring leader who thought himself above others to a king that was quite willing to forge alliances and work with others. Then again, facing a dragon and almost losing your life could have some profound affects on a person. And then to hear her father say the dwarf was not responsible for his death? Everything she had clung to for the past seventy years was in complete tatters and she felt unbalanced. It was not a feeling she liked.

Throwing the blankets back she made herself ready for the day, enjoying a hot soak in the tub. She might not have liked the idea of coming to Erebor but the comforts it offered were quite nice and she had indulged in hot baths every day. She had decided to hunt down Araden and see if he was up to a ride in the forests around the mountain. Some fresh air might do her good. However before she was able to slip out there was a knock at the door and she opened it to find Dis beaming on the other side.

"Good morning, Stryker! I've come to help you prepare for the celebration this evening!"

"Now?"

"Of course!" The dwarrowdam pushed her way through and headed to the bed chamber. All Rhae could do was close the door behind her and follow. Dis immediately glanced in the closet, then swung around with her hands on her hips. "Where are your clothes?"

"Besides a couple extra things in my bag, this is all," Rhae told her, holding her arms out to her sides.

Dis frowned. "That is hardly appropriate attire for tonight."

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid this is all I have. I promise to at least wash everything and make sure my hair is tidy."

"I suppose your companions will be no better?"

"You would be correct. We have no need for finery in the wild." Dis huffed a bit exasperated.

"We'll just have to make do, then."

Rhae was relieved the princess did not press the issue. While she knew the celebration was important she never wore dresses except for the rare times she dined in Rivendell and even then her clothes were provided for her. She didn't even own a dress! She was just glad she'd at least be comfortable in her clothes. The dwarrowdam stood observing her for a few moments and Rhae felt like she was sizing her up. Dis then nodded slightly.

"What do you have planned today? I don't think you'll be dragged around the mountain; everyone is busy finalizing everything for this evening."

"I thought I would go for a ride, get some fresh air. I'm used to being out in the wild so I'm afraid I'm a bit antsy."

"I hadn't thought of that. I'm sorry," Dis said. "These past few days must have been rather hard for you and your companions."

"Please do not worry. We have not been at all uncomfortable. I just need to get out and feel the fresh air on my face for a bit."

"Stop by the kitchens and have them prepare you some food to take with you, then you can enjoy your day without having to worry about finding a meal." She headed towards the door. "Just make sure you're back in time to get ready for the party!"

"We wouldn't miss it."

Araden stood next to her as they stared out over Dale, the valley, and the Lonely Mountain. They had ridden hard, relishing in the pounding of their horses' hooves and the breeze rushing over their faces. Letting their mounts run free had lead them several miles from Erebor but still with a breathtaking view of it. From this vantage point to the southeast it was easy to understand why the dwarves had chosen such a spot for their kingdom ... and why it was now coveted by others.

"Here, you need to eat something." Araden was holding out some of the food she'd procured from the kitchen before their departure. Taking it she settled herself at the base of a tree, leaning against the trunk as she ate and continued to stare across the valley.

"So when are you going to tell me what has happened?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You are brooding."

"I don't brood."

He just gave her a knowing look as he chewed a bite of bread. "You know you can't hide anything from me, Rhae. All though you don't show it I can tell your mind is just a windstorm right now."

"Just a long lecture from Balin, a conversation with Thorin, and ... my father came to me in a dream last night."

"Rhaethan spoke to you?" She nodded. "And?"

"He pretty much told me to get my head out of my arse, that Thorin Oakenshield was not to blame for his death."

Araden snorted. "Perhaps you'll actually listen to your father. You certainly have never listened to me when I've said the same thing." She threw a piece of cheese at him which he caught easily and popped into his mouth. "You know he's right, you always have despite your insistence on clinging to the belief the dwarf had something to do with it."

"But he - "

"No, Rhae. I'm not listening to your convoluted reasoning again. I've heard it for decades. He's a king and he does what he believes is best for his people, as any leader would. You have always criticized him for his prejudices against others but you have clung to your own prejudice against him just as long. From what I've seen and learned in the short time we've been here Thorin Oakenshield is much changed from the dwarf he was four years ago." He gazed at her thoughtfully. "Perhaps if you'd taken Gandalf up on his offer and joined their quest you would have learned that first hand."

He saw her shoulders slump and he felt a twinge of guilt for speaking to her so harshly though he knew everything he'd said was true. Despite his constant teasing he never liked to see her upset or hurt but this was something she needed to hear. Maybe after getting an earful from several people she would actually listen.

"So what am I supposed to do now? Just forget what happened?"

"Let it go. Continuing to harbor this dislike for Thorin isn't changing anything. It isn't bringing your father back. Now that you're actually in Erebor it can only make your stay more difficult and uncomfortable. You have a job to do here and you can't let anything cloud your instincts."

"I feel like everything I've always known has been upended and I'm all out of balance. I don't like feeling out of control."

Araden pulled her into a hug. "Usually the things we need to do the most are the hardest to achieve but once you do I believe you'll find your footing again."

"When did you get so smart and philosophical?"

"I keep it hidden. It would be bad for my reputation with the ladies if it got out that I was good looking and intelligent." He looked down at her. "I just want to make sure you're going to be alright once we leave tomorrow."

"I'll be fine, I promise."

"You'll certainly keep them on their toes." He pulled her to her feet. "Come on. I'll race you back to the mountain. We have a celebration to attend."

She underestimated Dis.

When she returned to her room there was a beautiful blue dress laid out on her bed. It wasn't in the style the dwarrowdams favored so it had to have come from Dale. As she stood there staring at it there was a knock on the door.

"Good, you're back. Time to get ready for the celebration!" Dis said hurriedly, pushing into the room with two other dwarrowdams behind her.

"Dis! What is all this? I can get myself dressed."

The princess snorted in amusement. "If we were about the head out for an orc raid."

Rhae sighed as she looked back down at the dress though she grudgingly admitted it was a gorgeous creation. Dis wasted no more time. She ran things with military precision and Rhae was quickly stripped, almost dropped in the tub like a child, and then redressed and surrounded by the ladies as they fussed around with her hair. She was in so much shock that she simply submitted to their ministration. She probably wouldn't have been allowed to resist anyway. When the ladies were finished, they stepped back and Dis clapped her hands in excitement.

"Oh Stryker! You look beautiful! I thought there was a female hidden underneath all that leather." Rhae refrained from rolling her eyes. "Here, have a look for yourself." Dis took her gently by the arm and pulled her in front of the full length mirror that was on the inside of the closet door.

All she could do was stare at what she saw. That reflection could not be her. The heavy dark blue velvet over dress had sleeves that were slightly puffed at her shoulders and then opened and flowed from her elbow to below her knees, the tight sleeves of the underdress visible to her wrists. The velvet skirt open from the waist down revealing more of the breathtaking dark blue silk underdress which was covered in a pattern of woven gold and silver. A gold link belt sat at her waist and Dis had added a gold and opal necklace. Her hair, usually kept in a long, tight braid, had been left loose with three thin braids looped on each side of her face.

"I will assume since you've been rendered speechless you are pleased with the result."

"I am amazed." She ran her hands hesitantly over the fabric of her skirts. "Where did you manage to find such a dress on such short notice?"

"Oh I have my friends in Dale that are always willing to lend a hand. I took the liberty of getting something for your friends to wear as well." Rhae could only shake her head with a laugh. She would expect no less from Dis. "Now come! I think it's time to get this party started." There was excitement and mischief in the dwarrowdam's eyes and Rhae hoped she wouldn't be the recipient of whatever Dis had up her sleeve.

Araden was raising a hand to knock when she pulled open the door. The four Rangers all stared at each other while the dwarf responsible for such changes in their appearances stood to the side with a gleeful grin on her face. Rhae was rather impressed with what was before her; she couldn't remember ever seeing them quite so polished and put together. Deonyc was clothed in deep green and gray while Araden and Galen were both in burgundy and black. The three all seemed slightly uncomfortable and she refrained from laughing at their expressions.

"I'm glad to see you were all dunked in baths," was all she decided to comment on.

"I was afraid the lady who brought in the clothes would come busting into the bathing chamber if we tried to refuse. She was quite terrifying," Galen responded with a roll of his eyes.

Dis laughed out loud. "Which is exactly why I sent Orla. You three remind me too much of my sons and I knew you would need a little gentle persuasion."

"Gentle? I felt like I was back under my grand-mam's scrutiny," Deonyc said with a shudder. Dis laughed again and patted him on the arm.

"Despite your harrowing ordeal you all look quite nice. I think you might even turn the heads of some dwarf lasses." The red-headed Ranger didn't look any less comfortable with that statement. "Come! The celebration awaits! I doubt you have ever seen anything that can rival a party thrown by dwarves." She motioned for them to follow and hurried down the corridor, Deonyc and Galen close behind.

Araden offered Rhae his arm. "Shall we?"

"Why do I feel like I'm about to run a gauntlet?"

The Hall of Kings was aglow in candle and torch light. Huge tapestries hung from the ceiling far above them, adding bright splashes of color that glimmered in the light. Tables against the walls were laden with food and the ale was flowing. Dwarves of Erebor mingled and danced with dwarves from the Iron Hills. Their conversations mixed with the music created a pleasant cacophony of noise. From his spot on the dais Thorin looked over it with a smile on his face. Durin's Day was always a strong reminder of all they had endured and overcome to bring Erebor back. It wasn't as grand or as prosperous as it had been during his grandfather's time - not yet anyway - but he was immensely proud of the work his people had done in the three years since Smaug's defeat and the Battle of the Five Armies. Sometimes he thought he must be dreaming and would awaken back in the Blue Mountains or on the quest, Erebor still far away. The inclusion of men from Dale and elves from Thanduil's kingdom was a further testament to the growing alliances between the three kingdoms; it was something that would never have been seen during Thror's another fond glance over the scene he turned his attention back to Balin, Filí, and Daín.

"Another successful Durin's Day, uncle."

"We have hardly gotten started lad!" Daín boasted with a smile, taking a long drink from his ale.

"Each will be better than the last as more return to the mountain," Balin commented. "And these celebrations carry so much more meaning now than they did in Thror's time."

"Indeed. Not only do we honor the founder of our line but our rebirth, our victory over the dragon and the Defiler," Thorin agreed. "These traditions must be upheld when you become king after me, Filí."

The blonde prince flinched at the words. "That is something I will not have to worry about for some time, Thorin. You are still in your prime and could -"

Filí stopped midsentence, staring wide eyed over his shoulder. Thorin huffed slightly then turned to see what had captured his nephew's attention. It felt like something had knocked all the breath from his lungs. The Ranger - Stryker - stood there approaching with Dis, her three companions close behind her. He had not thought it possible but she was beautiful. Suddenly the lack of a beard or copper hair seemed irrelevant.

"By my beard! Who is that?"

Thorin jerked a bit to hear Daín's booming voice so close at his side. "Stryker. She's a Ranger of the North. They helped Dis out of a bad spot a few months ago and I invited them here to thank them."

"My word but she's a looker, isn't she?" his cousin praised with an elbow to his ribs. "Never thought I'd say that about one from the race of Men but she's not spindly and tall like most of them." Thorin hoped his cousin would shut his mouth before the person in question got close enough to hear him. He wasn't sure how she would take such a statement.

"Thorin! Cousin Daín! I have finally brought our guest of honor! Don't you think she cleans up nicely?" Thorin groaned inwardly. What was he to say to that? No matter what he said Stryker was likely to take offense. Daín, however, had no problem speaking up.

"I am honored to make your acquaintance, Lady Stryker." He gave a gallant bow, taking her hand and brushing a kiss across the knuckles. Thorin was floored when she did nothing more than blush slightly.

"Stryker, this is our cousin Daín," Dis informed her.

"Lord of the Iron Hills. I am just as honored to meet you. Your reputation precedes you." She quickly introduced the other Rangers though the red bearded dwarf barely spared them a glance.

"Thorin here neglected to mention your presence here this year."

Stryker threw a glance at him and Thorin could see that familiar spark of anger in them as she replied to his cousin. "I am not surprised. I am a mere Ranger, after all."

"And what do you think of our party?"

"From what I've seen in the few minutes since I walked in I would have to say I've never seen anything its equal anywhere in Middle-Earth."

Daín let out a guffaw and slapped at his thigh. "No prejudice in this one and smart to boot!" She shot another hard look at Thorin.

"I don't know about the smart part but I certainly have nothing against dwarves."

"Well, then! Would you do me the honor of joining me for the next dance?"

"I'd be delighted."

Thorin just watched in amazement as she willingly took Daín's hand and was lead out onto the floor where couples were gathering for the next song. Conversation between Balin, Filí, and the remaining Rangers flowed around him but he took no part. His attention was focused on the brunette female easily moving through the dance steps in his cousin's arms, the gold and silver in her dress occasionally sparkling in the candlelight as she spun. She was laughing at whatever he was telling her, obviously happy and relaxed. He had caught a glimpse of something other than anger and bitterness in the Ranger the day before but he suddenly wanted to see more of this side of her. Stryker seemed almost a different person when she smiled. The music came to an end and he was surprised to see Filí approach her to ask for the next dance. Daín eagerly relinquished her hand and returned to his spot near Thorin on the dais.

"Oh she's a lively one!" he laughed, grabbing another mug of ale. "She's got some tales to tell."

"I have not had the opportunity to hear any." His voice came out a bit stiffer than he'd expected and his cousin looked up at him curiously.

"Well if you're this grumpy around her then I'm not surprised. You should take some lessons from your nephews on how to behave around a lady." He indicated the couple swirling around the dance floor. "Those two know how to charm the lasses!" With another playful elbow to the ribs, Daín left his side and joined Dis where she was talking with Gandalf. Thorin returned his attention to where Filí was easily lifting Stryker into the air during one of the dance moves. The picture they presented did not sit well with him.

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After they got past the awkward speech and toast in their honor, and the cheers that followed, Rhae enjoyed herself immensely. The music, the telling of tales, the dancing were all so unlike anything she'd witnessed or experienced elsewhere in her travels. It certainly didn't resemble the quiet, organized celebrations she'd attended in Rivendell or Lorien. The dwarves made sure to enjoy every moment of the lives they were given and it showed. She found she vastly preferred their rambunctiousness. Throughout the evening most of the members of Thorin's company partnered her on the dance floor, with Filí and Kilí taking her hand more than once. Even Araden joined her for a song which was amusing to them both.

"It seems you have been accepted, muinthel."

"Was there ever any doubt?" she teased.

"When you constantly bicker with their king? Yes." He was trying to be serious but couldn't hold back a grin at the twinkle in her eyes.

"I make sure not to do it in public."

He brushed a strand of hair out of her face as the music came to a stop. "Just promise me you'll remember what I said earlier today and try to get along with him. I don't want to receive word of you being tossed on your arse in the dungeons of Erebor."

"I promise I'll try but no guarantees."

When they made to return to the dais where Dis was standing with Deonyc and Galen they realized that the hall had gone strangely still. Rhae glanced around and saw that all the dancing couples had cleared the floor after the last song. Perplexed she looked at Araden, who shrugged, just as confused as she. It was then they both noticed Thorin approaching them. Rhae swallowed nervously, suddenly wishing herself anywhere else. He looked especially handsome that evening, the deep blue and gold he wore suiting him perfectly. Even the Raven Crown on his head didn't seem so ostentatious.

"Would you do me the honor of joining me for the last dance of the evening?"

She stared at him, sure she had not heard him correctly. Dis had explained some of what she could expect throughout the celebration and the importance of the final dance had been emphasized. Rhae was struck dumb for a moment, her brain fumbling around for an appropriate response. She was further rendered speechless when Araden calmly removed her hand from his arm and placed it in the hand of the king. He gave her a quick wink before making his escape to stand next to Galen. She could feel her hand tremble as Thorin's closed around it and he lead her to the center of the golden floor. When he placed his other hand on her waist she was finally forced to look at him and immediately regretted doing so. His blue eyes seemed to capture her, drawing her in, and she felt like she would never be able to look away.

"I'm afraid I don't know the steps to this song," she whispered, barely able to get the words past her lips. He smiled and tightened his grip on her.

"Do not worry. Just follow my lead. I won't let you fall."

With those words the music started and she was swept away. She had never imagined Thorin would be such a fine dancer but once again her notions of what the King Under the Mountain was like were proven wrong. The song started slowly, then sped up, only to slow again. Never once did they miss a step. Thorin's hands and body were warm against her as they moved around the floor, spinning and lifting her effortlessly. There was no conversation between them. Rhae didn't think she would have been able to speak if her life depended on it. She felt slightly dizzy and lightheaded and it was just difficult to breathe. It was hard to concentrate on anything beyond the feel of him near her. When the music finally ended, everything around them suddenly rushed back into focus. There was loud applause and she became aware of hundreds of eyes on her. Seeing as she was crushed up against Thorin's chest under everyone's scrutiny she was very uncomfortable.

"Thank you." His voice was low but she heard it easily. Those blue eyes seemed to be searching down to her very soul and she was afraid of what he might see there; she had no idea what he might find.

"You are welcome."

"I believe there are some things we need to discuss. Could you come to my study in the morning?" Rhae could only nod. She knew what he felt like they should discuss - it was the reason she would be staying in Erebor afterall - but she also knew what she needed to explain to him. He lead her back to the dais where there was a range of emotions on the faces of their family and friends: puzzlement from Filí and Araden, excitement from Dis, and amusement from Gandalf. If she'd been in her right mind should would have found it entertaining but at the moment she was merely trying to calm the emotions raging through her.

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Not everyone who watched the King dance with the Ranger was amused.