A.N. Oops. Didn't mean to disappear for three and-a-half months. Sorry! I honestly lost all inspiration for this story, and just had no idea where I wanted it to go. Thankfully, I suddenly got some ideas last week, and was able to get this chapter done. Thank you to all of you who have been so patient!
Princess of Greenwood2: Here you go! So glad I had a chapter for you! Thank you for commenting!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my original characters and plot points.
Durin's Day had come and gone as Thorin and Danica made their way north. They stayed on the west side of the Anduin, as Dol Guldur was still a stronghold for Sauron's forces. Once they reached Beorn's land, they crossed the river. According the men who ferried them, the lands were under the care of Beorn's son, Grimbeorn, who was far sterner than his father. That being said, he had amassed a fairly large amount of men, and even dwarves who had come to his lands as refugees. All respected him, and willingly followed his leadership. They were ready to stand against Sauron's forces to protect their new home. It was almost jarring to Danica how different the attitudes were from the Shire to beyond the Misty Mountains. The hobbits were still fairly oblivious to the darkness choking the rest of the world. Everywhere else, people were preparing for war.
She and Thorin made it to the border of Mirkwood without arising any trouble, or running into Grimbeorn. They had not purposefully avoided him, but neither wanted to be delayed in their journey for too long. Winter was making travel difficult, and her pregnancy was starting to change her. Though she didn't feel too nauseous, the only food that she wanted was from her world. Forcing anything else down was incredibly difficult. Hormones made her want to cry about it, but she tried to keep her spirits up as much as possible. Thorin was already struggling with trying to keep her safe, and worrying about the pregnancy, which sometimes made tensions climb. Her fatigue and weight loss only made everything worse. So, when they saw the small company of elves waiting for them at the elven gate to Mirkwood, she wasn't sure if she was relieved, or disappointed.
Even though elven company was next to the last kind Thorin would want, she saw him relax when a healer was introduced to them. The healer assured both of them that everything currently happening to her was completely normal. To everyone's relief, the lembas bread they brought seemed to work well with her appetite. So, for the next couple of days, as they journeyed through the forest, that was what she ate. With the elves' assistance, they had no trouble reaching the gates to Thranduil's kingdom. The king was waiting for them, having received word from Galadriel. They were invited to greet him in a private parlor, which was certainly more comfortable than the open throne room.
"I must admit that you two have surprised me once again," Thranduil commented as he poured glasses of wine. "The world believed you to be dead, yet here you are, sixty years later, and with child, no less. My congratulations to you both,"
"Thank you," Danica and Thorin replied, though Danica was the only one to smile.
"How has your kingdom been faring?" Thorin inquired, accepting the wine Thranduil offered.
Once they had their drinks, (Danica having requested water), they sat in comfortable chairs.
"Spiders and orcs alike seem to multiply by the day. They are killing my people every chance they get, and our numbers are beginning to dwindle. Still, we remain strong, and will continue to hold this land,"
"Have the men of Dale been able to offer any assistance?"
A sneer of disdain crossed Thranduil's face. "King Brand is almost paralyzed by his fear. He has little of his grandfather's strength and courage. King Fili has been doing everything he can to keep the north united and strong. In return, the lonely mountain is a constant target for raids, and a bounty has been put on his head. There have already been a couple of assassination attempts,"
Danica felt her heart stop, but Thorin smiled.
"I would wager that has only made him more vigorous in his efforts against the enemy,"
One corner of Thranduil's mouth lifted in amusement. "He wears that bounty like a badge of honor. I am sure he will rejoice in having you with him again. Even more so because of your good news. How has your health been, Lady Danica?"
"Better than I expected, to be honest," she replied.
"A relief, I am sure. I have seen how difficult it can be, otherwise. Now, while I am sure you would like to hasten to the mountain, you are welcome to rest within these halls for a couple of days,"
"We appreciate your hospitality," Thorin said. Danica breathed a small sigh. She hadn't wanted to admit it, but she was sorer and more fatigued than she'd been in a long time.
They finished speaking with Thranduil, and then followed an elf to their temporary quarters. Danica's room sixty years ago had been nice, but now they had a sitting room, bedroom, and washroom with a large tub. By the look on Thorin's face, he wasn't impressed, but at least it was better than the dungeon. With the rest of the evening, they bathed, and then practically fell into bed.
The forest was dark and cold, and Danica could hear the eerie sound of spiders clicking their pincers in the distance. Fear stole her breath, and had her desperately wishing to wake up. Her eyes widened as a shadow moved to her left. With no weapon in hand, she tip-toed to the nearest tree, and hid. There was no knowing if she was visible in this dream, but she certainly didn't feel like testing it. Her heart almost hurt with how hard it was pounding. She had a brief moment of panic, wondering if the baby could get hurt in the dreams. Then, the figure moved again, stepping into a patch of moonlight. Danica gasped, recognizing the blonde girl she'd seen in Galadriel's mirror.
The girl drew her sword, and spun at the sound. "Who's there?" she hissed.
Moving slowly, so as not to startle the girl any further, Danica moved closer, hands up. "I mean you no harm," she said softly
"Step into the light," the girl ordered, sword pointing at Danica.
Danica did as she was told, moving into another patch of light. At first, the girl's brows pulled in confusion at Danica's nightgown, but then her eyes popped open.
"What are you doing out here?" she asked. "How did you get out here?"
Now it was Danica's turn to frown. "I beg your pardon?"
"I have been following you since you crossed the river," the girl explained, lowering her sword, but not sheathing it. "You were escorted into the elven kingdom earlier today, so how did you get out?"
"Better question; who are you, and why are you following us?" Danica crossed her arms, looking sternly at the girl, who almost looked amused by the question.
"I was told by Radagast that you would have seen me coming,"
"I did," Danica replied. "But I still do not know exactly who you are, or why you have followed us,"
Sensing the impatience being thrown at her, the girl straightened. "My name is Kayli. I met Radagast while traveling north from Rohan. He gave me this," she reached into her cloak, and pulled out the Arkenstone. "It is meant for you,"
Danica took a tentative step forward. There it was, and there was no darkness to it. The beauty that shone on the outside was now reflected on the inside.
"Why would Radagast choose you to- "
"Halt! You there!"
Both women jumped at the sound of a guard's yell. The girl took off, but was ambushed by a couple of other guards who had been laying in wait.
"Danica!"
Danica shot up in bed with a gasp, causing Thorin to do the same.
"What is it?" he asked, looking around for danger.
"We need to go see Thranduil," throwing off the covers, she searched for a robe. "I just had a dream with the girl who has the Arkenstone. She's just been captured by Thranduil's guards,"
Thorin moved just as quickly to get presentable and get out of the door. Since it was late, d, and asked to have an audience with the king. It was apparent that he had already dealt with Kayli when they reached the throne room. He was standing at the bottom of his throne, disposition haughty. In his hands was the Arkenstone.
"A thief was caught just outside the gates. She had this in her possession, and claimed that she was with you, Lady Danica,"
Danica couldn't help the slight grimace. "She kind of was. I had one of my dreams, and met her just before she was captured. More importantly, I also saw her in a vision. Radagast gave her the Arkenstone to give to me,"
Thranduil's countenance turned dubious. "Why her?"
It was a good question that had yet to be answered. "I don't know, but I know she is important, and was meant to help us,"
"What is her name?"
"Kayli,"
He must have already known, for his displeasure grew when he realized that he was losing his prisoner. "Very well. Bring the prisoner back," he ordered his guards.
"Thank you, my Lord," Danica breathed.
"Of course. And I believe this belongs to you," he held out the Arkenstone to Danica, his face softening a little.
It was warm and comforting in her hands, and she immediately felt a sense of ease. Sleeping would be so much easier now. She walked back to Thorin, a smile on her face. He seemed unsure about the stone at first, so she took his hand, and placed it over hers, where the Arkenstone lay. His answering smile was cautious, but hopeful.
"Radagast succeeded," he said. "The feel of it is almost unrecognizable,"
They shared a silent moment of triumph. With this stone, Danica's mind would finally be safe from invasion.
"My Lord. We have brought the prisoner,"
Everyone turned to see the very angry-looking Kayli, who was being escorted by two guards. She glared at Thranduil as if to say, "I told you so."
"Forgive me for this misunderstanding," Danica began, wanting to diffuse the tension. She meant to say more, but saw Thorin's eyes widen when he looked at Kayli. The girl in question had a hard time looking back at him.
"What is the matter?" Danica asked softly.
When he spoke, it was directed at Kayli.
"You have dwarf blood,"
P.S. Dun, dun, DUN. For those who read this story before I rewrote it, you know who this is, and some of what's coming with her. The rest of you can have fun guessing. 😉 Thanks for reading!
