A.N. Well, as I'm writing this, we're in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine. It feels so crazy. The world is so different right now, and who knows how it will be when this is over? One good thing about it is that I get to spend more time with my family, and have been fairly productive in terms of writing.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.

Danica woke the next morning with a small headache, and sore ribs, but otherwise felt better than she had in a long while. Sometimes, all one needed was a meltdown in order to heal. The sun was shining outside, creating beautiful morning light. Smiling, Danica stretched luxuriously, and then sat up, looking around her room. It was all so lovely, and she couldn't wait to explore the valley. Estellia was still laying beside her on the floor, stretched along the length of the bed. Danica marveled at the companionship the cat had offered, and desperately wished she could somehow speak with her. There were so many questions Danica had, that only Estellia could answer.

"Thank you," she said softly. "It's nice to have someone watching over me. I just wish I knew why you helped to bring me here,"

Estellia lifted her head, and purred. A knock against the outside of the room had both females jumping.

"Dani? Are you awake?" Fili's voice echoed from the corridor. Estellia relaxed, but sent a disparaging look Fili's way.

"Yes, give me just a moment," she called back. Once she had a robe on, and felt presentable, she invited him in.

"How is your rib?" he inquired. He was smiling, but they were both pretty awkward.

"Much better, thank you. I'm sorry about last night. Everything just kind of built up, and I- "

"You don't need to apologize," awkwardness gone, Fili pulled her into a hug. "It is the rest of us who should be sorry. In fact, if you would like to get dressed, the others are waiting for you,"

"Oh," the panic in her voice had Fili fighting a laugh. When she pulled back and frowned, he lost the battle.

"There is nothing to worry about," he assured, still chuckling. "Just relax,"

She did as he said, enjoying the casual embrace. This was why she felt so comfortable with Fili and Kili. They were so much like her guy friends back home. Finally, she stepped back, and shooed him out so she could get dressed. As quickly as she could, she picked the lightest, airiest gown that the elves had left for her. It was a satiny gown colored pink and yellow, and had a slightly lower neckline than the others. Since the weather was beginning to warm, she didn't want to roast in the heavier, velvet dresses.

Just as Fili had said, the entire Company was in the courtyard. Despite what he had said about nothing to worry about, the atmosphere of the group was almost unbearably awkward. In order to try and keep composure, Danica made sure to keep her eyes off of Thorin. She still felt a little embarrassed for clinging to him, and soaking his shirt with her tears. Dwalin kept his eyes down at first, while Balin, Fili, Kili, and Bofur smiled encouragingly.

"Good morning, Lass," Balin greeted. Once Danica responded in kind, he invited her to sit. "We all wanted to offer our deepest apologies and condolences,"

A few of them chimed in, and the sincerity of their words was clear. Then, they looked expectantly at Dwalin. Danica wanted to tell him that he didn't have to apologize, but kept her mouth shut. As he sighed, she found herself glancing at Thorin, who was watching her. He gave her a small, encouraging nod. She lifted her lips in the smallest smile, then looked back to Dwalin.

"While I wish ye had been more honest with us, I did cross a line. For my assumptions and judgments, I hope ye can forgive me,"

It was obviously difficult for him to say, but he was no less sincere than the rest. Danica moved from where she was sitting to kneel in front of him.

"Of course I forgive you. But I wanted to apologize too. We have all been together for a couple of months now, and I should have found a time to be more honest about my past. For this quest, we all have to depend on one another, and I became a liability by letting my weaknesses get the best of me. That will not happen again," she smiled, but wondered if she should tell them about her previous mental illness. It seemed unwise, given the circumstances, and it didn't appear that Thorin had told them.

Dwalin gave a half-smile, and patted her shoulder. "Yer not so bad, Lass,"

For the most part, everyone was able to relax after that. They easily transitioned into walking away to break their fast. Danica fell into step beside them, relieved that everyone was able to move on without lingering on anything uncomfortable. She wanted to talk to Thorin again, but knew they couldn't with everyone else around. He remained close to her, without saying a word. After everyone ate, Lindir came to take her and Thorin to speak with Gandalf and Elrond. Danica found the prospect intimidating, but kept a brave face. There were certain things they all needed to speak of. They all remained silent until they reached Elrond's study, where he and Gandalf were conversing over a couple of books.

"My Lord," Lindir spoke, gaining their attention, and gesturing to Thorin and Danica.

"Thank you, Lindir," Elrond said, looking at his guests with a smile. Lindir gave a small bow, and left them. "I hope you both slept well. How are you faring, Miss Mackay?"

"Much better, thank you," Danica responded.

"I am glad to hear it," Elrond invited them to sit, so they all took seats around a small table. "I wished to speak with you both about the future of this quest, and also of your arrival, Danica. As we have already mentioned, this quest is now of greater importance to the world than it once was,"

Danica blew out a breath. Where should she begin? "I have read the original books about this quest, and some of the other important events of the world. There are, however, other versions of the tales that seem to hold a base in this reality. Thus far, this quest has been a bit of a combination of the two versions,"

"Which poses some possible complications," Elrond lamented. Gandalf gave a grumble of agreement. "Alright, what do the two versions have in common?"

She was going to have to be careful what she revealed. Yes, they needed to try and avoid what their betrayer already knew, but she couldn't risk Bilbo not finding the Ring. "So far, the major events have been the same. Meeting at Bilbo's, the encounter with the trolls, and arriving here. In the tales, the Company did not arrive here until June, and left on midsummer's day. Unfortunately, we may have to keep to that,"

Thorin frowned. "Why? The whole purpose of us leaving early was to keep our enemies off guard. If we leave at the same time, they will know, and will be able to ambush us,"

"I know, and I'm not sure yet what to do about that. The reason we'd have to stay is that there are moon runes on the map that can only be read by the light of a crescent moon on a midsummer's eve. Those runes give details on when and how to enter the hidden door,"

"Ah. That explains why so much was missing," Gandalf said with a nod. "You still read ancient dwarvish, do you not, Lord Elrond?"

"I do," Elrond confirmed. "Danica, do you not remember what the runes said?"

Here was her first lie. "I'm afraid not. I remember something about Durin's Day, but there was much more that we would need,"

"Durin's Day," Thorin breathed. "Leaving on midsummer's day would be giving us a tight deadline,"

"I'm sorry," Danica said, and none of them could know just how much the guilt was currently eating away at her. "However, you end up leaving later the morning of midsummer's day. If we left just after Elrond reads the map the night before, perhaps that would give us enough time to throw off those hunting us,"

The men all looked at each other, considering her suggestion. Thorin was the one who responded.

"If we kept up a quick pace, I believe that would be enough,"

"I will lend you some horses and ponies that would speed you to the foot of the Misty Mountains," Elrond offered. "They could give you a full day extra,"

"Thank you. You have helped us more than I could have imagined,"

Danica was surprised by the gratitude in Thorin's voice, and shared a pleased grin with Gandalf. When they asked her about the rest of the quest, she did her best to outline the important events without giving too much away. Elrond offered to send a letter to Thranduil, so he would offer passage to the Company, and would be aware of the likelihood of Dale needing assistance. They all knew he wouldn't like it, and Dania was unsure if he would help without the incentive of reclaiming his jewels, but that was a bridge to be crossed later. She did tell Gandalf and Elrond that the time would come for them to go to Dol Guldur, and that Gandalf would have to leave them at the border of Mirkwood. Wizard and elf shared a weighted look, and she could see their suspicion at the timing. So, they were already wondering about Saruman's treachery. She also outlined going through Dale, and the different scenarios of fighting Smaug, but all of that was now up in the air. The battle was still sure to happen, but there was no telling how it would change if they evaded their pursuers.

"Unfortunately, so much of this will have to be dealt with as it happens," Elrond warned. "I must also inform you that Saruman has been making efforts to capture the woman who betrayed you,"

Danica's heart stopped. If she had knowledge of the Ring, Saruman could ruin everything. Hiding her fear from her eyes was nearly impossible, and she knew Elrond had seen something. Thankfully, he changed the subject.

"Would you now mind telling me of how you came to be here? Gandalf has already given me the details of his summon, and help from a maia, but we do not know your side,"

It took a moment for her to bring it all back to memory. Once it did, she gave every detail she could about the voices, including Thorin's, and the irresistible pull to whatever was beneath the surface of the water. The entire tale had both Elrond and Gandalf frowning concernedly. Thorin looked troubled and perplexed, but not the level of disturbed as the other two.

"When the darkness swallowed me, I heard someone, I think it may have been Estellia talking to me. Then, I woke up here, saw her, and passed out. Why do you two look so worried?"

"It appears our worlds may be more closely connected than we thought," Gandalf commented lowly.

"Have you ever heard of the Palantir?" Elrond's voice was still soft, but now so somber, it left Danica a little cold. As did the mention of the stones.

"Yes, and I know most of them were lost. Do you think that is what I saw? But how could that be possible?"

"I do not know,"

"Could that also explain why she and I spoke so many years ago?" Thorin asked, directing his question at Gandalf.

Elrond's eyebrows shot upward. "You have heard each other before?"

"When we were both children," Danica explained.

"And I heard her voice just as she heard mine when she arrived here,"

While Elrond stood and went to a shelf of books, Danica looked at Thorin. He caught her gaze, and she could see the same uncertainty in his eyes that she felt. What did all of this mean? And if there was a Palantir in her world, it made her incredibly uneasy. How did it get there? Could it still provide a window for evil to influence her world? Not that her world needed much help in that area, but a magical being like Sauron, or worse, Morgoth, could destroy everything she knew.

"It has been recorded that some who were around a Palantir heard strange voices, and noises they could not name. Perhaps they were hearing your world," Elrond returned the book to the shelf, and began pouring water for everyone. "There is one last thing I must speak with you all about,"

Judging by the look on Gandalf's face, he was as unaware of this as she and Thorin.

"You are not the only person to have arrived here from another world. In fact, if my assumptions are correct, the others came from your world as well,"

Danica wasn't sure if she did or said anything in response. All she was aware of was staring at Elrond, her vision wavering a little. Elrond's lips moved again, but she didn't hear any words. Someone touched her arm, and she heard,

"Miss MacKay, breathe,"

Her eyes went to Thorin, who was looking at her with concern. Then something clicked.

"You knew that the girl who betrayed you was from my world, didn't you?" she made sure to look at Gandalf so he would know her accusation was thrown at him as well.

"We knew it was a possibility," Gandalf admitted.

Unable to stay still, Danica stood, and began pacing. "That's why you summoned me; you needed someone else from the same world so you could be assured they would have the same knowledge,"

"Yes,"

The shock and anger quickly became pure anger. Now, all she could wonder was if she knew the girl who had betrayed them. Where had she come from? Could their families possibly know each other?

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she demanded sharply.

"We feared it would cloud your judgment," Thorin replied simply.

"Or maybe, you just wanted to cover your own ass," the moment the words were out of her mouth, she knew she'd crossed a line. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean- "

"You just showed what we were afraid of," Thorin's voice and eyes were colder than ice. "The risk of you siding with our enemy was too great,"

"Please, that's not what I'm- "

"Enough," Gandalf's voice was sharp enough to silence them. "We know this is a terrible shock for you, Danica, and your anger is understandable. All we ever intended was to try and protect you from any added pressure or guilt that might have come from the truth,"

"I know," Danica sighed. "I beg your forgiveness. What I said was completely out of line,"

Thorin gave a curt nod, but she could tell that forgiveness would be a long way off. Any progress that had been made the night before was shot to hell by her big mouth.

"Is there anything else that should be discussed?" she asked Elrond.

"Not presently," he responded kindly, seeing her wish to escape. "You may leave if you wish,"

"Thank you," she turned, and did just that, burning with shame.

"You said you could read the ancient language of my people," Thorin began after the girl had left.

Elrond nodded. "I studied a long time ago,"

"Do you still have any books on it? Since we will be here for a while, I would like to use this opportunity to learn it. It has been lost in our culture for many generations,"

The elf lord gave an understanding smile, and went back to his shelves. He searched among them for a couple moments, and then came back with three volumes. "If you would like, I can have a scribe copy them for you, and you can add them to your library in Erebor,"

And with the help of some of their scholars, they would be able to spread that knowledge, and read some of the lost scrolls. "I am deeply grateful,"

"Thorin, I hope you do not think I am prying, but I would request that you do not be too hard on Danica,"

There went the good will he had allowed for the elf. "You do not know the whole story,"

"I do," Gandalf said. "And I agree with Lord Elrond. You and Danica have butted heads since the beginning, and it is only natural that she should lash out when given such earth-shattering news. Besides, she instantly apologized, and I am sure that even you saw how earnest she was,"

He had, but did not want to admit it. What they didn't know were the events of the night before. Perhaps it had been too much for him to hope that things between them could begin to mend. Then again, perhaps he had been too harsh in his response. After all, the whole reason they had kept the truth from her was because they knew just how much it could affect her. How would he feel if one of his own was behind such betrayal? Dwelling on it all did nothing but blacken his mood.

He ended up only taking one of the volumes, so the scribe could begin on the other two. There was also a letter he wanted to send to Dain, to once again ask for his help. His cousin may not have wanted to help reclaim the mountain, but he could not ignore an orc army attacking it to take it for themselves. As Thorin looked for a place to begin his writing and study, he noticed that most of the Company had gone off to spar, creating a little tournament for themselves. Their burglar had gone off to explore their temporary home, and elves seemed to occupy every quiet space he could find. Thorin found himself in need of peace and quiet, and very much doubted he would find it around his kin. Finally, he found what appeared to be a small study, with a couple of desks, bookcases, and tables. There was also a window seat, upon which Danica sat, legs extended, with a book in her hand. The sunlight streamed in that window, illuminating her hair like threads of gold.

Instantly, he turned around, intent on leaving. There was still plenty of tension in her face, and he was sure he was the last person she wanted to see. However, the thought of being a coward made him clench his jaw in pure stubbornness, and turn back. If they were going to get past this, they may as well start now.

"Is it alright if I sit with you?" he asked softly, not wanting to startle her.

She did jump a little, and when she turned her head, her eyes were guarded, as they always were with him. "Of course,"

"Thank you," he took a seat at one of the desks, placing the book next to him, and grabbed some parchment and a quill that were laying there. Before he began, he knew he would have to speak with her, or else he would lose his nerve. "Miss MacKay, I would like to apologize for the way I have treated you on this journey,"

That got her attention. She looked over at him uncertainly, closing the book.

"I know you have your reasons," she began.

"But that is no excuse for how I have spoken to you," he said, knowing it would be far too easy to settle with her unwavering forgiveness. "I know you are not like the person who betrayed us. There is so much more to all of this than you know. It…" he sighed, unsure how to continue.

"Thank you," she smiled at him, but there was still conflict in her eyes. "Your apology means a lot to me. After earlier, I feel I must also apologize, and I hope you will accept it,"

Discomfort had him shifting slightly. "I understand why you said what you did earlier, and know you truly meant the apology you gave then,"

She fiddled with the book in her lap, not completely satisfied.

"Please know that I didn't mean what I said. I was angry, and caught off guard, and have a tendency to lash out irrationally when I'm like that. While I still don't like being kept in the dark, I completely understand why you did it. You have so much on your shoulders, and every risk is potentially the fatal one,"

"Miss MacKay- "

"One more thing, and then I promise I'm done," there was a hint of humor in her tone, which told him the worst was over. "I trust you. Completely. Especially after last night. All I ask now is that we find a way to move forward. If not as friends, then at least as comrades,"

Not that long ago, the request would have seemed nearly impossible. Her faith in him had left him a little shaken, but, for now, he kept that to himself.

"Agreed," he said. The smile she gave him was the warmest he had seen directed at him. She opened her book, and returned to the position he had originally found her in. Feeling at least a little more at ease, he began his letter.