A.N. Bahaha! I managed to update twice in one week! Sorry, I'm pretty excited about that. Something I hadn't really thought of; for those of you who have reviewed, or who want to, if you would like to be kept out of the author's notes, that is totally fine, and all you have to do is ask.
Angie: They certainly are taking their sweet time figuring themselves out, aren't they? Lol. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and I had hoped that scene would bring about a couple laughs. Thanks for your review!
Thank you to all of my new readers! Hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my original characters.

Danica was surprised when Elladan took the whole group to the same building her room was placed. She knew it had been a place for guest quarters, but somehow hadn't put two and two together. As expected, the dwarves all refused rooms, bunking down in the terrace beneath the rooms. Bilbo graciously accepted one upstairs, as did, to her surprise, Thorin. While the others got comfortable and passed around a flask, Danica quickly washed herself and changed into a nightgown and robe. She hoped it would be decent enough for the company, but she also refused to change again if it wasn't. After putting balm on what bruises she could reach, she padded barefoot out into the courtyard where Thorin and Bilbo were waiting to walk downstairs with her.

She settled herself on a bench, mentally preparing for the suspicious questions to come. Once everyone had quieted down, she and Thorin took turns telling the story. Other than the kiss, they were completely candid. Well, there were also the dreams she'd had of his past that she kept quiet. He spoke of their journey to Bree, and they both recounted the shared dreams they'd had. Danica began telling them about the attack by the bounty hunters, but was broken off by their cries of outrage. Each of the company looked very much like they would find it a pleasure to hunt the men down and relieve them of a few of their external parts.

"She did manage to break one of the men's noses," Gandalf said around his pipe when a few of the dwarves began mentioning other things they'd like to do.

"No kidding," Bofur looked at Danica, who shrugged, then guffawed, followed. "You certainly are a surprise, aren't you? Have you always been such a fighter lass?"

It was Danica's turn to laugh. "Oh no. At least not physically. I did used to have a wicked tongue though,"

"I suspect you still do," Balin said, a gleam in his eyes.

"It's something I've worked hard to gain control of," out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fili and Kili give each other the "challenge accepted" grin. Oh dear. To change the subject, she recounted her dream with Smaug.

"Did you really confront Smaug?" Ori asked shyly from beside Dori. The others went silent and looked at her intently.

"I did," she said, slightly uncomfortable with all the attention.

"What was it like?"

"Ori," Thorin warned from the side, causing the younger dwarf to bow his head and apologize softly.

"It's alright," the reassuring smile she gave was for both of them. "Let's just say that while he may appreciate manners from others, he's not so good with them himself,"

"I would say not," Gandalf grumbled darkly. This caught some more interest.

"What did he do?" Fili looked between Danica and Gandalf, not sure exactly who to ask. Gandalf nodded his head to Danica, allowing her to answer if she wished.

After puffing out a breath, she replied, "When he got bored with our conversation, he decided to see if I could roast in my dreams as well as if I were awake,"

Amidst the anger and awe, she saw poor Bilbo go rather pale. "But you are alright," he said, half stating and half asking.

Before she could give any affirmation, Kili spoke up. "Is that where your scars came from? I could see some faint lines before on the sparring field,"

Well this was not going how she expected. "Um, yes. Gandalf and Lord Elrond were able to heal the majority of the damage though,"

"Can we see?" Nori asked, earning some glares of disapproval. Unfortunately, he had stirred intrigue among the younger members.

Thorin was about to voice his objections, but Danica pulled the collar of her robe away from her neck and shoulder, turning so they could see some of the weaving lines before they disappeared down her back. Dori and Gloin both uttered what sounded like prayers against evil while Balin tutted. Bilbo made a faint excuse for bed and extricated himself. Not exactly sure how to feel, Danica brought the collar back up and pulled her robe further around her body.

"It extends all the way to the opposite hip," she said.

"Perhaps the lass should be our burglar," Bofur teased. "She's already gone up against the dragon once and survived,"

His remark helped to lighten the mood and Danica smiled. "Thanks, but I'll pass. I'd rather not become his personal matchstick,"

They began to bombard her with questions then about her world, her experience here and how she felt about the obvious magical influence. Halfway through, Gandalf also excused himself, leaving her alone with the dwarves. When her neck and head began to ache, she pulled the pins from her hair, allowing it to fall around her. At hip length, it was getting heavy enough that having it up for too long hurt. She waited until the dwarves' attention was temporarily distracted before massaging her scalp with both hands, reveling in the relief as blood flow returned to normal. Her reprieve didn't last long though.

"Dani, do you know how to dance?"

"Kind of?" that was all Kili needed to pull her away from the bench. Those who could play pulled out their instruments or pounded out a rhythm where they could while Kili and Fili took turns spinning her around the terrace.


The more she danced with his nephews, the more she smiled and laughed, and the more she charmed the company. They were falling under her spell just as he had, except without the restraints of the unknown. Some of the older dwarves like Dori, Gloin and Bifur remained ever watchful, but only one still seemed outright displeased with the whole affair. Dwalin stood in the background, studying Danica with dislike and suspicion. Sensing Thorin's gaze on him, he gestured down the hall with his head. The two moved, unnoticed from the group until they were out of ear shot.

"I do not know about this lass," Dwalin said, keeping his voice down.

"You seemed to like her well enough an hour ago," Thorin pointed out.

Dwalin gave a restless shrug. "That was before I saw the effect she has on everyone," his eyes narrowed on Thorin. "The effect she's had on you,"

"Elaborate,"

"Everything about her and her appearance is suspect. She has knowledge of our past, and of this quest. Despite this, you befriend her. Has it not occurred to you that she could be the one who alerted the orcs?"

Thorin wasn't sure whether to be angry or amused. "All of this because she's charming?"

Dwalin would have none of his teasing. "She softens and distracts you Thorin,"

Danica's laugh had Thorin looking back at her. She was in Fili's arms, trying to keep them upright as they tripped over each other's feet.

"I cannot deny that. To tell you the truth, sometimes it disconcerts me as it does you now. Do you trust me?"

His friend considered, glancing back at the group briefly. When he looked back, he was resolute. "With my life,"

"Then be content with the fact that I trust her with mine," he clapped Dwalin on the shoulder, "and know that this quest is more important to me than anything,"

"And if she were to join us on this quest?"

"She would be a great asset," he knew this was not the answer Dwalin was looking for and paused before continuing. "Both she and I share a respect for this company and this quest that far outweighs anything else. We will make sure that we are successful,"

"You are absolutely certain?"

"I know her Dwalin,"

"Well, I would be more comfortable if she and her knowledge, no matter how helpful, stayed here,"

The corner of Thorin's mouth twitched. "I think she would agree with you,"

After sparing Danica one final, disdainful look, Dwalin nodded. "Very well. I will trust your judgment,"

"Thank you,"

Balin gave them a knowing look when they returned, but said nothing. Instead, he spoke to Fili and Kili. "I believe you two have forgotten a few of the steps you were taught,"

"Nonsense," Kili panted. "We remember exactly what Thorin taught us,"

"I do not recall teaching what you just presented," Thorin responded. Poor Danica was slumped between the two fools, looking like she could drop at any moment. "What I taught you would not bring your partner to the brink of death,"

"I wouldn't put the blame entirely on them," Danica said graciously, doing her best to stand steady. "It doesn't help that I trained most of the day,"

"Why don't you show us how it's done then?" Fili grinned at his uncle and bowed aside. Thorin raised a brow, but before he could speak, Danica let out a shaky laugh.

"I'm afraid I have to wave a white flag on the night. Perhaps another time?" she did look exhausted, but there had also been a flush beneath the red of exertion at Fili's suggestion. More nerves?

"I believe we could all use rest," Thorin said, giving stern looks to those who were tempted to argue.

"One last question lass," Balin said, smiling kindly. "A name reveals quite a bit about a person. Does yours have any meaning?"

"Do you want my first and last, or my whole name?"

At first, they all thought she was joking, but when she didn't join in the chuckling, Balin said, "I suppose your whole name then,"

"Alrighty," she took a deep breath. "Well, Danica means 'morning star,' Irene means 'peace,' Kathleen means 'pure,' O'Connell means 'strong as a wolf,' and MacKay means 'son of fire,'"

Even Thorin was startled. Such a long name, but one that suited her so well. He wondered if her parents had some divine inspiration, or just got lucky.

"My parents only had me and my sister, but a lot of names they liked, so we ended up with very long names," she explained when no one spoke.

"Do we want to know your sisters' name?" Gloin asked sarcastically.

"Maggie Anne Sarah Aideen MacKay. I can't really remember what they all mean though,"

"I think we can be grateful for that," Bofur said with a laugh.

"Your name suits you lass," Balin took her hand and patted it before letting her walk to Thorin. "Rest well,"

"Thank you. You as well. It was wonderful meeting everyone,"

Once all the good nights were said, Thorin offered Danica his arm, which she took, smiling at him gratefully. It wasn't until they got out of sight that she leaned heavily against him though. He chuckled.

"Wore you out, did they?"

"Lord have mercy yes," she groaned, but there was no real displeasure in her tone. "I doubt I'll be able to walk tomorrow,"

"You never mentioned that you had a sister," they had reached her door, but he kept a hold of the hand that was in the crook of his elbow.

"Ah. There's a reason for that. We didn't exactly have the best relationship,"

"Nearly all siblings go through hard times," he and Dis were in the middle of one right now.

She shook her head. "It was more like we went through brief good times," her eyes were sad and staring straight at the door. "The last time I heard from her was when she told me in no uncertain terms that she would not be at my wedding,"

"I am sorry," so she hadn't even been there Danica's husband had been killed. What could have possibly happened between the two of them?

"It was a long time ago," she looked up and smiled, but he could see just how much it still hurt her.

"What was it you were going to ask me earlier?" he asked to get her mind off of it.

The flush came back to her cheeks. "It really wasn't that important," she tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his grip.

"Then why does it make you so nervous?"

Her face was halfway between a glare and a pout. "You aren't going to let this go, are you?"

He couldn't help but smirk. "Not so long as you continue to act like a skittish rabbit,"

"Fine," she blew a lock of hair from her face. When it fell right back down, Thorin reached over and tucked it away. The flush grew. "It kind of has to do with this actually,"

"How so?"

"What is the appropriate way to act with a friend of the opposite gender? Well, I mean, with dwarves. Do you use much physical affection, or is that looked down upon? Do you touch at all or-"

"Dwarves are known to be fairly open with casual touch with each other," he said, interrupting her babble. "We are more reserved with others unless we become very close,"

She nodded. "Alright. It's just, where I came from, I was very affectionate with my friends, nearly all of whom were men,"

"What is your definition of 'very affectionate'?"

"I wasn't afraid to hug them or take their hand or comfort them,"

"I have seen plenty of dwarrow dams be far more affectionate than that. There are more than a few who are not afraid to plant their lips anywhere on your face they can reach," and thank Durin he was high enough in rank to keep them at bay.

"Oh, I've known people like that as well," she shuddered at the thought.

"You are nothing like that. Where does your discomfort lay? Have we not been comfortable with each other before? Are we not now?"

"I suppose," her face went strangely speculative. "Sometimes I just wonder where the boundaries lay. Especially around the company,"

"Now that they know everything, I do not think you have to worry about that as much,"

"Of course. Perhaps being around the elves too long has made me paranoid,"

There was more to it, but Thorin let it drop for now. "You should get some rest," he said. "It seems your day was nearly as long as ours,"

"I doubt it. Surely the sleep deprivation from the trolls will be kicking in soon," she grinned cheekily at him.

"I will forever be at a disadvantage with you, won't I?"

"Nah. You just need to use your own advantages. They're there," the second the words were out, she realized the challenge they presented, and quickly moved on. "Besides, I don't know all the details. You can tell me tomorrow,"

The smile she'd given faltered when he brought her hand up and kissed it. "Goodnight Danica,"

"Goodnight," he had turned to enter his own room, but she stopped him. "I know you don't want to be here, but I'm glad you are,"

"So am I," and somehow, he meant it.


There was blood on her hands, with more seeping through her fingers as she tried to staunch the flow from the wound. Just a little more pressure…there.

"Quick, tie something just above my hands," Fili ripped off a strip from his tunic and tied it where Danica specified on Dwalin's arm. "There. That should hold just fine until someone with more skill can take care of it,"

Dwalin patted her knee and smiled. "Thank ye lass,"

"Where is Uncle Thorin?" Fili asked, looking around.

Realization hit Danica like a ton of bricks, her fear cemented at the sound of clashing metal. "Damn him," she growled, taking off before either dwarf could ask what was going on.

They were too far away, and no matter how hard she pumped her legs, she didn't seem to be going any faster. Panic overtook everything else, making her blind as she fought off some stray orcs who blocked her way to the ice-covered waterfall. She could hear the ice breaking just as she turned the corner that brought the scene into view. Azog saw her running toward them, and grinned in a way that told her she was next. Doing the only thing she could think of, she threw her spear at him, but he batted it away without a glance. Only a few more paces…

"I'm sorry," Thorin's words were faint, but carried on the wind toward her ears.

"NO!" but it was too late. Orcrist slid out from under Azog's bladed arm, allowing the great orc to mortally wound his long-time adversary.

Maddened by grief, Danica pulled a dagger from her boot and slid toward Azog, dodging his free arm to embed the blade between two of his ribs. The orc howled in pain, releasing Thorin and spinning to catch Danica by the throat. It was Thorin's turn to cry out with rage, but he too was too late. The same sword that still dripped with Thorin's blood plunged into Danica's stomach. Her yell of pain was stopped by the tight grip of Azog's hand around her vocal chords. Through watering eyes, she saw Thorin lunge from behind. The tip of Orcrist protruded from Azog's chest, glowing a faint, light blue. That same blue was reflected in the orc's shock-filled eyes. His grip loosened, allowing Danica to slide free from his blade and crumple to the ice.

The world spun and flickered in and out of darkness. She heard Thorin's voice and looked up to see his face fill her vision.

"Why did you do that?" he was lying beside her, barely propped up on an elbow. "Why couldn't you let me take care of him?"

"I couldn't bear the thought of living without you," the tears flowed freely now, soaking her hair beneath her. With every ounce of strength she had, she lifted and hand and brushed her fingertips down his brow. "It looks like our fates really were entwined," the words were scattered as blood gathered in her lungs, choking her.

"Oh Danica," unable to stay up any longer, he collapsed with a grunt of pain. "I would have wanted you to live,"

Voices cried out to them in the distance, growing fainter with each breath.

"It would not have been living without you," she searched out one of his hands.

"You stubborn, foolish woman," blood trickled from his mouth, but he used his other arm to drape over her and gather her close.

"I love you," it was bittersweet as she took comfort in his closeness, letting the darkness fall over her.

"And I you,"

They gave each other one last smile, then slipped away together.


Danica awoke with a sob, eyes frantically searching for light. It was all still too real and near. Throwing the covers away, she flew from the bed and out the door, finding that Thorin had also emerged, wide-eyed and alert.

"Danica," he breathed. "You too?"

All she could give as a response was a nod as tears streamed down her face. They each took a step toward each other, then, unable to bear the distance, she leaped the final few and crashed into him, arms wrapping around his solid form. He took her weight easily and returned the embrace, arms tight around her waist. They stayed that way for a while, reassuring themselves that the other was, indeed, alive and well. When Thorin spoke again, his voice was slightly gruff.

"Come. Perhaps we should discuss this inside," he didn't wait for her nod before practically carrying her back to her room.

After the door was closed, she was finally able to let go and sunk down into the mattress, more exhausted than before she had gone to sleep.

"That was different," she said as Thorin sat next to her.

"Are you alright?" he asked, brushing her hair behind her shoulder so he could see her face.

"I think so. Completely drained, but alright," she rubbed her face for a moment, then sighed. "I've never had a dream like that one,"

"I have. That dream I told you about with my death; it felt very much like this one. The events themselves were completely different though," his brow furrowed at that. "Which dream shows the truth?"

"I think they both do," and the thought disturbed her. "They are both possible outcomes and depend on the steps we take leading up to that moment. Somehow, I believe we can use these dreams to avoid both futures we have seen. Why else would we be having them?"

"Perhaps to cope with that which cannot be changed," a resignation hung in his tone. "My death is the common factor in both dreams, and apparently also in the story you know. You should focus on what you have seen that can be changed, not on what has remained the same,"

"No. I refuse to see it that way," an anger was building up, bringing with it a reckless determination.

"Danica," he began to say something else, but stopped. "I think this conversation would best be finished when we have both rested and are not so emotionally compromised,"

She wanted to argue, but her lids were beginning to droop again. "Alright, but we will finish it" her words were meant to be stern, but slurred with sleepiness.

"Of course," he eased her back under the covers. "For now, rest well,"

Consciousness was already slipping from her. "You too," she managed to murmur. She fell asleep, unable to see the sadness in Thorin's eyes as he stroked her hair once, then twice before leaving.

P.S. That was the last death scene dream, I promise. Well, after quite a few chapters, the façade they've been able to hold with each other about their relationship is about to break. Pesky dreams. Your patience involving the mystery surrounding Danica's dreams and the ring-around-the-rosie Thorin and Danica have been doing with each other will soon be rewarded.