A.N. Woo! Sorry this one took a little while to get out. Rehearsals have been insane. Good, but insane. Haha. I also wanted to make sure I did this chapter justice, considering the subject matter. Speaking of which, there is some…adult content in this chapter, so if that is not your cup of tea, you can go ahead and skip the second half of this chapter. As for the rest, I hope it is to your satisfaction. 😉
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Sarah March: I hope your holiday has been enjoyable! Thank you so much for reading, and I'm glad you enjoy it. 😊
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Thank you everyone for reading, and I hope you enjoy this next chapter. A lot of thought and heart went into it. 😊
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Thorin paced back and forth, feet crunching in the frozen dew. Night had fallen, making the air crisp and cold, so everyone had bundled up before heading outside. Gandalf had suggested they do the ceremony somewhere other than inside the halls so as to avoid unnecessary attention. Knowing how some of Dain's men could react, Thorin had agreed. The last thing he wanted for their wedding was for Danica to suffer through glares of suspicion and distaste. At first, he had planned on telling only a few of the company, but knew that they would all want to be there, and Danica would have been disappointed if some had been missing. So, here they all stood, breath fogging in the night air, waiting for Balin to bring her out. The mood and stars cast enough light to see, so they didn't really need any torches, which helped with their anonimity. None of this did anything to help ease the nerves that had started Thorin's pacing.

"Ye look like a foundling meeting his intended for the first time," Dwalin chuckled.

"I imagine getting married is terrifying no matter how old you are," Fili shot back with a grin.

Thorin glared at the pair of them. "Neither of you are helping," he growled, causing soft laughter from some of the others.

"I just about wet myself before my wedding," Gloin said.

"That was more likely due to the amount of ale ye consumed trying to calme yer own nerves," Dwalin's comment had the soft laughter rising in volume.

Thorin looked to Gandalf, who shook his head, equally amused and exasperated. Smiling a little now, Thorin turned his gaze to Bilbo, asking a silent question, to which the hobbit nodded. When he turned again, he saw two figures making their way up the hill. As they came closer, and the moonlight brought them into full view, his breath halted in his chest. Someone had braided Danica's hair in traditional wedding braids, leaving her neck and collarbones bare. Even in the dim light, the gold and blue of her gown made her glow. Just as he thought it might, it fit her perfectly. It sinched in, accentuating her small waist, and making her curves that much more apparent. He would have to ask the master seamstresses to make her more gowns of this style.

She looked up at him, her eyes seeming to glow without the help of any other light. Her lips lifted in a soft, shy smile that had his heart practically leaping from his chest. Balin also smiled, looking at the two of them with unspeakable pride and joy. It was the joy of someone who no longer had to worry so much about the happiness of their loved one. After placing Danica's hand in Thorin's, he took a breath to just enjoy the moment with them, then moved to stand beside Dwalin. Gandalf started to speak, but Thorin barely heard him. It had suddenly struck him how strange, yet perfect it was that they ended up here after the journey they had gone through. He could vividly remember the first time he'd kissed her in Bree, though it seemed like a completely different lifteime.

"Never before have I seen such a star-crossed pair," Gandalf said, "and rarely have I seen two people as perfectly matched. From the beginning, I have watched the two of you take care of each other, and help each other grow. You have been a light, not only to one another, but to everyone around you. As long as you are together, there is a hope for this land I never dared dream possible,"

There were a couple "here, here's" at that, which had Danica beaming.

"To honor both of your cultures, the vows and ceremony will be of mixed traditions," Gandalf continued. "Thorin Oakenshiled, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King Under the Mountain, do you take this woman as your wife? To love her, support and provide for her, and keep her from all harm?"

He had always heard men, from any race, comment about how saying yes to your wedding vows felt like locking the door to your own prison cell. But as he looked at her, it felt more like a door opening, than closing. "I do,"

"And do you, Danica MacKay, ward of Lord Elrond, take this dwarf to be your husband? To love him, support him, guide him, and keep him from all harm?"

"I do,"

She remembered being nervous at her first wedding, afraid she would stumble with her words, or trip down the aisle. Maybe it was because this was so spur-of-the-moment, but she felt strangely at peace. It helped that they were in front of just the company, rather than hundreds of dwarves. Perhaps it was also that, with their fate being uncertain, being present in the moment, with no regrets, was all she could really do. Some of her ease evaporated when Gandalf pulled out a knife. Eyes widening, she looked at Thorin, who squeezed her hands reassuringly.

"Danica, Thorin has already given you a ring, but Balin tells me you had one made for him as well,"

Shaking off her nerves, she nodded, looking over as Balin walked up, handing her the surprisingly heavy circle of metal. When she turned back to Thorin, he was gazing at her with bemused confusion.

"How did you get this done in time?" he asked with wonder.

"I talked with Balin about it before I was taken, and he had it made," she took it and slipped it on his left hand. "On the inside is an inscription: 'Tά mo chroί istigh inoat.' It means, 'My heart is in you,' in the language of my ancestors. The knotted design symbolizes eternity,"

"It's perfect," he smiled, kissing her hand before reaching into his coat to pull out the Arkenstone. "We were able to find this and keep it safe while you were…gone. The first time I gave this to you, I had Bilbo deliver it, but now I want it to pass directly from my hands to yours, as a symbol that my heart, life, and kingdom are now yours as much as they are mine. You are my queen, no matter what anyone else may say,"

Danica had to remember how to breathe as the weight of the Arkenstone dropped in her hands, and the heavier weight of its' responsibility fell on her shoulders. Could she be a queen? The notion had never fully settled in her mind before. Gandalf began speaking again, forcing her attention away from her thoughts.

"Now then, if you could both give me your right hands,"

Eyeing the knife warily, Danica put the Arkenstone in her pocket, then did as the wizard requested. When Gandalf raised the knife above their hands, she remembered her previous trepidation.

"It's alright," Thorin softly assured. "You will barely feel it,"

She nodded, but was unable to wipe all the worry from her face. Gandalf ran the knife lightly across their palms, then had them expose the flesh above their hearts, which he also marked. Thorin had been right; she'd barely been able to feel anything. It was almost frightening to think how sharp the knife would have to be.

"Put your hand on the others' heart, and repeat after me:

Danica had a hard time forming the Khuzdul words, and even once she did, she was sure they were incorrect. To be honest, she was just as sure that she, and Thorin could not care less in that moment. They were locked in each other's gaze, their very lives seeming to tie together as their blood did. On the last word, Thorin leaned forward, and pressed his lips to hers. The others rose up in cheers and claps, then surged forward to congratulate them. It was all a blur of smiles and tears, and the growing realization that she was freezing. Feeling her shivers, Thorin tucked her close in to his side, then suggested they all go inside. Still chatting animatedly, they made their way to one of the more intimate dining halls, where some food was already waiting for them. At first Danica wondered who had put it all together, but then she saw the satisfied smile on Bilbo's face. Sensing someone's eyes on him, he looked around until he caught Danica looking at him. When she mouthed an emphatic, "Thank you," his smile grew warm, and he gave a subtle bow.

After their wrists were bandaged, plenty of toasts were made, which only got more ridiculous as more ale was consumed. There were some very touching words spoken as well, that had Danica trying to keep her smile going through the tears. It was all just so perfect, and she was overwhelmed with feelings of bittersweet joy. Everything was light and happy now, but she knew the darkness and tragedy that could occur come the dawn. Thorin was forced to break up the celebration early, knowing that they would all need their strength for the battle. However, as everyone else went to bed, giving suggestive winks as they left, he took Danica's hand and led her back outside, away from all the lights and noise. She looked up at him inquisitively, but he just pulled her into his arms. Understanding his feelings in that moment, she guided his hands, one around her waist, the other clasping hers.

"This is how we dance in my world," she said. "Well, how most of us dance,"

Catching on quickly, he pulled her closer, and swayed to a melody only they could hear. Putting all else out of her mind, she rested her head on his shoulder, her face pressed to his neck. If there was going to be a goodbye, this would have to be it.

"I wanted one more moment with you, under the stars," Thorin said, turning slightly so he could take in the scent of her hair. "I know you said to focus on surviving tomorrow, but neither of us knows what is going to happen, and I just…" he sighed, not really knowing how to explain.

"It's alright," she responded, lifting her head. "I understand. I wish we had more time promised to us too,"

He kissed her, allowing himself this one moment to say his silent goodbyes. For the rest of the time they had together, he wanted only to cherish the happiness he'd been blessed with. As he held her, he despaired at the possibility that he may never see her again. Never hold her and feel her lips pressed to his. If tomorrow brought his death, so be it. But by Durin, he would fight with everything he had to stay alive. For this. For her.

Once he felt her skin begin to chill, he stepped back. "Shall we?" he gestured back to the mountain. They walked back, hand in hand, giving only the occasional acknowledgment to those still awake. Other than that, they kept silent, even when they had entered his, no, their chamber. He had lit a fire earlier so that the room would be warm when they came in, and so there would be plenty of light. Feeling no need for words still, he approached her slowly, taking pain-staking care while untying the gown. So much of him wanted to rush, afraid of time ticking away, but he knew he needed to make this last. Danica turned to help him undress her, the same sense of urgency he had felt radiating off of her.

"Let me," he murmured, guiding her shoulders so her back was to him.

Each garment he removed, and each plait he unbraided from her hair he savored. The softness and exotic smell of her skin were imprinted in his memory, and on his heart. When the entirety of her clothes lay pooled at her feet, he kept her faced away. He listened intently to her sighs as he skimmed his fingertips along her shoulders and back, his lips following the trail. Just like he had a couple of weeks ago in the spring, he traced the puckered pattern of her strange scars, all the way from her neck to her hip. Her sighs turned to fervent moans the moment is lips reached her neck. Spurred by the passionate change in her, he slid his hands around her waist, then up to caress her breasts. Whipping back like lightning, her hands clutched at his cloak. It took only a couple more moments before she suddenly turned.

"Thorin," it was a desperate plea, followed by a kiss that completely undid him.

Feeling a madness much like he had felt in the forests of Mirkwood, he shed his cloak, allowing her to help with the laces and buttons of his shirts. They were a flurry of kisses, grasping hands, and moans. At some point, Thorin found himself as bare as she. Before pulling her with him to the bed, he picked up his cloak and wrapped it around the both of them to protect from the chill. Taking that brief moment of sanity, he held her against his chest, kissing her long and deep. Then the madness took him again, and all that was in his mind was her. After so many months of longing, she was finally all his. Every part of her was soft and warm, except her mouth, which was hot and eager. Even when he wanted to part and explore the rest of her, she brought him back, allowing freedom to only his hands.

Lost in instinct, they began moving against each other, barely noticing until he slipped inside of her. They took a quick breath of surprise together, then let it out on a satisfied moan. By Durin, she was tight, and perfect. The sounds she made as he moved within her sent shivers down his spine, and had him moving faster, though he hadn't meant to. Reacting in a way he would never have expected, Danica wrapped her legs around his waist and matched his pace with equal vigor while her hands clawed fervently at his back. He growled out a breathless oath, not entirely sure what he had said, or what her response was. Knowing he wouldn't last much longer, he grabbed her around the waist and thrust into her until his mind went blank. As he reached the end, he covered her mouth with his, muffling both of their cries. They shuddered in unison, clinging to each other with all of their might, before going limp.

Wow. That was all she could come up with for the first couple of minutes while she and Thorin lay still, catching their breath. Her mind and body were still buzzing with pleasure, made all the more intense by the feeling of Thorin still inside her. Reveling in it, she shifted her hips, eliciting a moan from Thorin, who had his face buried in her neck. After pressing a kiss there, he lifted himself p onto his forearms.

"Mm…don't go," she reached up, touching his face.

"Just for a moment," he smiled, then pulled away to stoke the dying fire.

Danica stretched luxuriously, every bone and muscle feeling as pliable as rubber. "I thought I would be nervous," she said when he came back to lay beside her. "But I wasn't. It just felt…"

"Natural,"

She nodded, snuggling into his side. As he had done earlier, she traced her fingertips across his skin. For the first time, she was able to see the few tattoos on his shoulders and arms. "Do these symbolize anything?" she asked, touching one with an intricately woven pattern.

"Some of them symbol achievement, while others are tributes to my ancestors. Many dwarves cover most of their bodies, but my last tattoo was for my brother and grandfather,"

He didn't say anything else, but she knew he hadn't gotten any more because he didn't feel worthy, and it broke her heart.

"Once the battle is over, perhaps you will get a couple more,"

"At least one more," lifting her chin with his finger, he kissed her lips. After a pause, he looked down at her, brows furrowed. "What is that scent on your skin? I'm not sure I have ever come across it,"

A small laugh bubbled up in her throat. "It's called shea butter. Well, it is in my world. The words the Haradrim merchant used were unfamiliar and difficult to pronounce. Anyway, the merchants came through Rivendell, and the scent reminded me of home, so Lord Elrond bought me a jar. It has vanilla in it as well,"

The sigh he gave was rough, and had her heart taking off again. "Woman, you are going to drive me insane,"

"Somehow, I find myself ok with that," grinning, she rolled on top of him, then paused, remembering something. "What did the Khuzdul oaths mean?"

"I was wondering when you would ask that," he smiled, hands caressing her hips. "'My heart and soul, now flesh and bone, more precious than jewels, and dearer than breath. My promise stronger than any stone, never to be broken, even in death,'"

Stunned, her eyes went down to the bandages on their wrists. "That's beautiful,"

"There are a couple other variations, but that is the oath my mother and father spoke at their

wedding. I thought it would suite us as well,"

"It does," she leaned down to kiss him, which brought a wonderful friction between her legs. Sighing, she leaned into it, then squeaked when he rolled her back beneath him.

"Not so fast," he said, pinning her wrists above her head. "I had every intention of taking my time with you; showing you just how much you mean to me. This time, I will not be distracted," keeping the grip on her wrists, he lowered his head and began an agonizing descent from her neck.

"What about-shouldn't we…oh God," she felt like her body had just begun to calm down when he started bringing her back up. Breath getting more and more labored, she managed one more word, before his tongue had her gasping. "Sleep,"

"Later,"

P.S. Whew! It has been a while since I've written a scene like that. I hope it met everyone's expectations! Or at least came close to satisfying. Haha. Thank you for reading!