A.N. Past few weeks left me in a huge rut. Hubby went off to academy for law enforcement, and we've been trying to adjust to the new normal. I will say, that there will only be one or two more chapters on this story. Closing in on the end! I'm kind of excited. This story started off as an idea that was only supposed to be a few chapters, and turned into more than twenty chapters.
ChelseaSW6: Gah. It's driving me crazy how people aren't getting alerts. _ No idea. As for your "guest" comment, I had to laugh. You'll see why in this chapter. 😉
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.
Thorin sat at the head of the council table, looking at the group of dwarves he had set out to retrieve his sister and future wife. They had only come back with DiÌ’s. There was insurmountable rage within him that he had to fight to control. Dwalin, Bofur, and Oin looked defeated, while some of his anger was mirrored in his sister's eyes. There was also pain. In their time together, DiÌ’s and Danica must have grown close. His heart ached for her, and only made him more furious at the entire situation. Fili and Kili stood on either side of him, tense with all of their own emotions.
"Someone needs to tell me what happened," Thorin finally said. "How, and why did Danica leave?"
Ori kept his eyes down, while the others exchanged glances. The youngest dwarf seemed to feel the worst, as though he had wanted to prove himself.
"The lass seemed reluctant to return to the mountain," Fetir began. "I thought, perhaps she had grown fond of the freedom. Nathir had an obvious affection for her, and would have been willing to help her escape. I fear that he may have loved her,"
Keep calm. Keep calm. Thorin took a deep breath that he let out slowly through his nose.
"Did anyone else make these observations?" he asked.
"Yes, Danica enjoyed being able to roam about on her own," DiÌ’s said, "but I do not believe she would have just run away without a word," she sent a stern look Fetir's way.
"I agree," Dwalin commented. "The lass seemed troubled, but to suggest that she would go galivanting about with a man who may or may not have romantic feelings for her is not only taking a shot in the dark, but also borders on idiotic,"
Fetir frowned. "It is not idiotic when the assumption is based on the clear behavior of two people who have the subtlety of a troll,"
"Just what are ye suggesting?!" Dwalin stood as he yelled. Ori and Bofur joined him in the fight that ensued with Fetir.
"Enough!" Thorin bellowed, also standing so he could gain their attention. "It is impossible to prove anything without the two in question. Are you all sure there was no letter from Danica?"
"When I went to her room the morning we left, there was nothing," DiÌ’s admitted reluctantly. "No letter, and all of her belongings were gone,"
"Perhaps she was afraid to let you know what was truly in her heart," Fetir suggested.
"If ye speak another word, I will tear yer tongue from yer mouth," Dwalin swore.
"You have no authority to make such threats," Fetir countered.
"Maybe not, but he wouldn't be alone," Kili grumbled.
"I said enough," Thorin growled, patience nearly gone. He sat, and looked to the other black-bearded dwarf. "Carn, you have yet to speak. What do you have to say?"
Carn took a moment, looking around the table. "I concur with the assumption that the girl feared losing freedom. Also, that the one called Nathir had an affection for her. However, I felt that he was more indebted to her. There was nothing romantic that I could see. Whatever proof you may need will likely be in this,"
A dead silence fell as Carn pulled out a piece of parchment, and handed it to Thorin. Fetir kept his face neutral, but Thorin could see how closely he watched the parchment.
"Why did you not bring this out earlier when I asked?" Thorin questioned.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was waiting to see if the one who originally discovered the letter would come forward, and do the right thing,"
Not even bothering to read the letter, Thorin set it down in front of him. "And who would that person be?"
Carn waited for just a breath, which was enough time for Fetir to stand up. "I did. I will offer no excuses, only that I thought her last words would bring you even more pain,"
"Then I take it you read the letter?"
"I did," Fetir's gaze was unwavering. "She said that she was leaving, and did not know when she would return,"
"Ye slimy, no-good, piece of- "
Dwalin only stopped his insult when Thorin raised a hand. The tension in the room was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Fili and Kili were watching Thorin expectantly, waiting for him to act. He looked to one of the guards, and nodded. Some of his rage ebbed as he heard the footsteps, and watched Fetir's face slide into shock, then melt into rage. The others also looked taken aback, and he could see their feelings of betrayal.
"What is this?" Fetir spat.
"The truth," Nathir answered.
Reaching a hand out, Thorin pulled Danica to his side. She stood strong and powerful next to him; her hand clasped in his.
"They arrived nearly a day ahead of you, having already guessed Fetir's true intentions," Thorin said.
Fetir glowered. "And what did they say were my 'true intentions?'"
"You wished to take me out of the equation, and create an irreparable rift between me and Thorin so that if I did return, he would never accept me,"
The truth of her words echoed in Fetir's eyes, but he refused to respond to her. Instead, he turned his cold, black eyes to Thorin.
"We have never had a human queen in the history of our race, let alone one who has no experience in leadership, or life in general,"
"She can learn," Thorin responded firmly. "In the short time she has spent with our people, she has already learned much of our culture. While you were all gone, the people have given her a name; Lady Danica Braveheart. Your efforts have failed, Fetir. Guards, seize him,"
Fetir didn't put up a fight, just gave Danica a glare that could wither stone. She remained strong, her face cool, but not harsh.
"Before I am hauled away, what is to be my punishment, Your Majesty?" Fetir inquired through clenched teeth.
Thorin stood, looking forward to delivering his next words. "The council will deliberate, and I will pass sentence after the wedding,"
Fetir's look only darkened further. "As my king commands. You should know that I am not the only one who feels this strongly about your choice,"
"But it is, as you said, my choice. Nothing, and no one will change that choice," with that, he had the guards take their prisoner away.
The moment the door closed, the yelling began. Dwalin and DiÌ’s were furious at having been tricked and kept in the dark. Fili and Kili were arguing with them, but no one could understand each other. Thorin and Danica shared a look, and then she was the one to call for silence. Since no one was used to her raising her voice, they instantly quieted down.
"I am sorry to all of you. Truly," she began, voice calm and authoritative, but sincere. "I did not wish to deceive anyone, but I knew you would want to rip him limb from limb if you knew what was going on,"
"What is the problem with that?" Bofur questioned, a mischievous smile lifting beneath his moustache. Danica smiled as well, but continued.
"We needed to catch him red-handed, and make sure as many people as possible knew about it. There could be no doubt about his plan,"
"How did you know?" DiÌ’s asked, lips pursed. "How did you know about his plan?"
Thorin gave his sister a warning glance, particularly when some of Danica's confidence wavered.
"He seemed far too eager to help me leave without any of you knowing," Danica replied. "For someone who claimed to be so loyal to his king, and had never even met me, it was suspicious,"
Still angry, DiÌ’s shook her head. "After everything we went through, you should have told me," giving no one an opportunity to stop her, DiÌ’s turned and walked out of the room.
There was a general sigh from those who knew her, but most especially from Fili and Kili. Danica looked unsure, and took a step toward the door.
"Leave her," Thorin advised. "Deep down, she knows that you did what was right. Her pride is what is hurt more than anything,"
"He's right," Fili agreed. "Give her a couple of days, and she will come around,"
Danica nodded, but some of the strength seemed to have leaked out of her. Thorin looked at Dwalin, silently telling him to say something. Dwalin frowned, obviously not wanting to. He cleared his throat awkwardly before speaking.
"If it makes ye feel better, Lass, ye were right to keep it from us. I am still debating on whether or not I am going to go down and finish that traitor,"
"Shall we go down together?" Kili joked, breaking the tension as some laughed.
"I am just happy you didn't run away," Ori said, smiling sweetly.
Danica looked at Thorin, taking his hand again. "Me too,"
