A.N. Hello all! Sorry for the longer absence. Past few weeks have been difficult. Hubby is heading to Academy, which means he'll be gone for a few months, and we're having a hard time reconciling with that. We've always been a close couple, and don't do well apart. Thankfully, the kiddos will keep me company, even while they drive me crazy. _
ChelseaSW6: Thank you! I definitely know the Scooby sense, though in our house, we call it Spidey-sense. Lol.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.
"You're alright," the voice said. "Your heartbeat is strong, just stay with me,"
Danica tried, but the darkness took her again. She wasn't sure which she preferred. The light was full of pain, but the darkness held long-lost memories that knocked on the door of her subconscious. Voices bounced around inside of her head, but she couldn't pick any out. They buzzed like a hive of bees, busy and indiscernible. Time was immeasurable, but, eventually, her mind began to clear. Pain seeped back into her body, but was dulled by some kind of medicine. Someone was passing a cool cloth over her face with a soothing gentleness.
"There you go," a different voice from before spoke. "I believe she is waking up,"
"Danica? Can you hear me?"
Now able to recognize the first speaker as Di̒s, Danica chanced a small nod.
"What happened?" she croaked.
"There was a ledge below the cliff that broke our fall. I was able to carry you to the valley from there, but had sprained my ankle. Nathir found us, and brought us to Beorn,"
Eyes now open, Danica looked around, and saw the half-elf sitting nearby. She frowned, more confused than anything else in that moment.
"I thought you had died," she said.
"Almost," Nathir replied. "Someone pulled me out of the water, and the Avari tended to my wounds. Not wanting to be a burden to them, I decided to make my way west, and create a new life for myself. More than anything, I have desired peace. When I met Beorn, we both decided that I could do some good in this region. I have been living here ever since,"
It was a lot for Danica's groggy mind to process, but it made some sense. A very large man came in with some food, and was introduced as Beorn. He didn't say much, just wished her a speedy recovery. Di̒s and Nathir filled her in on the rest of what had happened. She still had a concussion, a broken arm, and a couple of broken ribs. It would be a few weeks before she would be able to travel.
"We need to get word to Thorin," she said, feeling a little panicked.
"I already did," Di̒s assured, putting a hand on Danica's. "He should receive my letter in the next couple of days,"
Danica nodded, and closed her eyes. She felt as though she had somehow failed Thorin. All she had proven was that she had a tendency for getting herself, and those around her in danger. There was no chance for her to win the dwarves' approval now.
"What is wrong?" Nathir asked, seeing the despair on her face.
More than anything, she wanted to be strong, but Nathir's question had tears leaking from beneath her closed lids. Di̒s' hand tightened over hers in support.
"I wanted so desperately to succeed. To show your people that I can stand next to Thorin, and to make him proud. So much has already gone wrong with me, and I cannot imagine how I can make it up now,"
"You are being too hard on yourself," Nathir argued.
When Danica opened her eyes, she looked to Di̒s, for it was her opinion she needed. After all, she knew the dwarrow people better than Nathir.
"What you have proven is that you are courageous, and never give up. Though you are not one of us, you would risk your life for us. That kind of selflessness is invaluable in our society. You have proven yourself to me, and I know many of the others will feel the same,"
It was exactly what she needed to hear, even if it didn't completely calm her nerves.
"Now, you need to get some rest so that we can get you back to my brother,"
"Thank you," Danica breathed sincerely.
Di̒s smiled, and then ushered Nathir out so Danica could sleep.
When the messenger bird arrived, Thorin felt a weight lift from his chest. He had known in his heart that Di̒s and Danica were alive, but that hadn't eased his concern for them. He hated that Danica was injured, and that they would have to wait before traveling home. Clutching the letter in his hand, he hurried to find Fili and Kili. They were helping train some of the new soldiers alongside Balin and Dwalin. Upon his arrival, they paused long enough to bow and continued. Balin came over to him, noticing the letter in his hand.
"What is it?" he asked.
"A letter from Di̒s,"
Balin's eyes widened, and then he beamed. "Lads! Take a water break. Dwalin, Fili, and Kili, we need you here,"
Curiosity peaked, they excused the soldiers, and walked over. Fili's eyes immediately went to the letter.
"They are alive," Thorin stated, handing the letter to his nephews. They read it aloud for Balin and Dwalin, eyes glowing with excitement.
"They may not be able to travel yet, but we can go get them," Kili said enthusiastically.
"I agree that we should send a small party to retrieve them, but it should be discreet," Fili advised. Balin and Thorin shared a look of pride.
"Fili is right," Thorin took the letter back. "The people have not known much in the way of stability. All of us here need to remain. We can pick a handful of people whom we trust from the Company. Maybe Bofur, Bifur, and Nori,"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I could not help but overhear," a black-bearded dwarf called Fetir walked over. "Our clans have often disagreed, and I would be honored to have this chance to prove my loyalty. Send me with the retrieval party,"
Thorin looked at Fetir for a moment. It was true that there was a long history of bitterness between the Longbeards and Ironfists, and there were very few Ironfists who had decided to live amongst Durin's folk. However, Fetir had been the first Ironfist to come to Erebor, and this would engender some good faith.
"Very well," Thorin said. "We will let you know when it is time to depart,"
Fetir bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty,"
Once Fetir was out of earshot, Dwalin leaned in. "Are ye sure he can be trusted? There is something off about that dwarf,"
"I agree," Balin said. "He may be one of our strongest warriors, but he never approved of Dani,"
Thorin sighed. "What do you suggest?"
"Let me go to keep an eye on him," Dwalin said. "Balin and the lads can handle everything here,"
"Hopefully this will be the last mission for a while," Thorin replied wryly.
"Once I get back, I suggest ye marry the lass, and keep her in the mountain,"
It was meant as a joke, but was exactly what Thorin in tended to do.
P.S. Another pretty short chapter, but we are getting close to the end of the story! Those of you who have read my other stories will recognize Fetir. Not like that's foreshadowing or anything…Reviews and comments welcome!