A.N. Thank you to everyone who has been reading! I've really been enjoying writing this story.
Likarian: I was so happy to see your comment! Thank you for reading, and following this story!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.
A couple of weeks went by in similar fashion to their first full day in Rivendell. The biggest difference was that Danica began training with John every morning, and also with the dwarves a few times a week. Thanks to John's different approach, and the polearm he had worked on with the elves to give her, she was feeling more confident with combat. John himself became a close friend, and often spent mealtimes with her and the Company. It turned out that he could sing and dance as well. He had a nice, country tenor, and had worked with the elves to fashion a guitar. After training, when they weren't visiting the horses, he and Danica would sit and teach each other songs, or sing duets. Fili and Kili, drawn by the sound, asked to learn as well. Before long, the Hidden Valley was filled with near-constant music.
Whenever she could, Danica would escape to her small study, always pleased when Thorin was there. Sometimes, he would already be working, but never had a problem with her company. She wasn't sure how it had happened, but the morning after she had fallen asleep outside his room, she had woken in her own bed. No one had mentioned anything to her, so she had initially hoped that she'd moved there herself, and just couldn't remember. Perhaps Estellia had helped, as the cat was never too far from her. With everything in her, she hoped that Thorin hadn't found her. He hadn't given any clues, and so, she'd let it go. Besides, she became more concerned with how quiet Thorin was around her again. The ease they'd had that one day had dimmed, though she didn't know why.
Among the elves that inhabited the halls, Danica also noticed a woman and young boy, who were clearly from her own race. It seemed odd, until the truth slammed into her like a brick wall. Gilraen and Aragorn. Estel was his name here, in order to protect his identity, but Danica knew their history, and future. Mother and son kept to themselves, but Danica had caught Aragorn watching the dwarves curiously. It was clear that he wanted to interact with them, and Gilraen seemed to be warming up to the idea. Most recently, she had smiled at Danica when they would pass each other in a hall, and let Balin greet her son.
It was a week before midsummer when Danica happened upon Gilraen standing on a balcony, looking down at a lower patio. Hearing wood crack against wood, Danica moved closer until she could see Thorin sparring with Aragorn, and teaching as they went. Her heart positively melted, and she knew she was in trouble. Trying to shove those feelings aside, she looked at Gilraen. A young woman who had borne much pain and tragedy, which had aged her around the eyes. She was still beautiful, with rich, golden hair and blue eyes. Not long ago, Danica would have thought she knew Gilraen's pain. To lose your husband, the love of your life was a lonely, hopeless feeling. However, as she looked back at Thorin, she knew she likely could not completely understand. Gilraen would never again feel that kind of love for someone.
"You must be Danica MacKay," Gilraen said, causing Danica to jump.
"Yes, I'm sorry for disturbing you,"
The other woman looked at her and smiled, her entire countenance warming. "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Gilraen,"
"The pleasure is mine," feeling more comfortable, Danica moved beside her, looking down at the patio as well. "Your son is already good with a sword,"
"It's in his blood. As a mother, I cannot help but feel equal amounts of pride and fear. His life has already been so altered by violence, and I doubt that will change," she turned her blue eyes back on Danica. "It is said that you know our past and future. Do you know the true identity of my son?"
The sudden change in atmosphere had Danica reeling. "I do, but you don't need to fear. I wouldn't tell anyone, and he will be safe here,"
"Safe until he leaves, which he will want to do as soon as he can," Gilraen's eyes were clouded with fear. "Tell me; will my son meet the same fate as his father?"
Danica considered the wisdom of revealing Aragorn's fate. But, remembering the pain of losing her own child, she knew she had to do something. After all, even just the assurance that he would live a long life would be enough to ease Gilraen.
"He will not. He will live a very long life. One that will be filled with honor,"
Gilraen's eyes glistened, and she took Danica's hand, squeezing it. "Thank you. Our people have suffered for generations, and I feared Estel would perish early in life, as his father did,"
When they looked back down, Thorin was looking up at them. Danica smiled, lifting a hand as greeting. She felt a thrill when he smiled back before turning back to Aragorn.
"Please be careful as you continue with your journey," Gilraen said softly.
A reassuring response was on Danica's tongue, until she saw the knowing look in Gilraen's eyes.
"Don't worry, it's nothing more than a crush,"
A fair eyebrow rose, forcing Danica to question herself. Yes, she had always felt something for the character, and then been extremely attracted to him once she'd actually met him. However, his words to her that first night had caused her to try and ignore the feelings. In hindsight, she realized that she had done a very poor job. If anything, she had encouraged the feelings by seeking him out during their time in Rivendell. She looked at him, then sighed.
"You're very observant. Hopefully I've been a little better about hiding my feelings around him and the others. But you don't need to worry about me. Thorin has made it very clear that there are to be no relationships of that kind on this quest. Besides, my feelings are completely one-sided," and it hurt. She had been so stupid to even let it get this far.
"Are they? I suppose I cannot speak for a dwarf's feelings, but you do not see the way he looks at you. Nor the way he reacts when you spend time with John,"
Danica's heart leapt, but she automatically shut it down. "Even if that were true, I cannot allow myself to hope. There are so many reasons it couldn't work out,"
The two fighters below them finished their match, and began to make their way up to the women. Gilraen put a hand on Danica's arm.
"You have a gentle heart. Though you are thinking wisely, as love between races is difficult at best, I worry your heart will override your wisdom,"
As Thorin came into view from the stairs, Danica feared she was right. It had been easier when she refused to acknowledge the depth of her feelings, but now she'd had to face them. Somehow, she would have to find a way to be content with the fragile friendship they had created.
Thorin had only heard bits and pieces of the women's conversation, and it left him troubled. From the little he had gathered, Miss MacKay had feelings for someone, but knew it was impossible, and had cited his words as part of the reason. While he was pleased that she respected him enough to want to obey that, it felt wrong. Especially if the one she had feelings for was Dillinger. Who was he to forbid her from that? They were not only of the same race, but from the same world. It was clear that Dillinger had affection for her. If not Dillinger, then who else? Fili? He was the only other one she was close to. No matter which way he spun it, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Better to forget he'd heard anything.
Just as he and Estel were coming up to them, Dillinger came around the corner to collect Miss MacKay for training. Having never actually watched one of their sessions before, Thorin bid the boy and his mother good day, and followed the other two out to the training field. Many of the Company had started gathering as well, either to participate, or enjoy it as a spectator sport. It was no surprise that Fili and Kili participated, and had quickly picked up on the strange form of fighting Dillinger called "mixed martial arts." As Thorin watched, he had to admire the efficiency of the movements, even if some of them were a little flashy. It was also clear that Miss MacKay had been made for the spear she'd been given.
They had started by running drills, making sure each movement would be committed to muscle memory. Miss MacKay moved with a strength and confidence not seen before. With each strike or parry, Thorin could see how strong her body had become. Gone was the skinny girl who could barely hold up a sword. Now she showed real potential. That didn't make it any easier to watch as she got flipped onto her back during a sparring match with Kili. However, she got right back up, and landed a hard blow on his ass, causing an eruption of laughter from all who were watching.
"Alright, let's see how they handle a seasoned warrior," Dwalin cracked his knuckles, and strode out to the training field.
Around him, Thorin heard the other spectators begin taking wages. He shook his head, even as amusement had the corner of his mouth lifting. Fili and Kili looked excited by their new opponent, and Dillinger seemed intrigued. Miss MacKay wisely bowed out, and went to sit between Ori and Bilbo, who smiled brightly at her.
"Looks like we've got ourselves a new challenger," Dillinger announced enthusiastically. Ever the showman. "Well, Dwalin, who would you like to take on first?"
Dwalin's lips spread in a grin that bordered on feral. It was a grin Thorin had seen many times before his friend beat someone into the ground.
"All of ye," was Dwalin's response.
Kili grinned in much the same way. "Deal,"
The lad had no idea what hit him. As usual, he barged in first. He did fairly well, especially once Fili came to his aid. However, also as usual, he got cocky, and got an elbow in his gut as payment. Wind thoroughly forced from his lungs, he surrendered, and staggered over to Miss MacKay. She gave his shoulder a sympathetic pat when he collapsed at her feet. Dwalin, having barely broken a sweat, twisted his neck, cracking it loudly.
"One down," he said.
Dillinger and Fili shared a look before the man called over to Miss MacKay, "Say a prayer for me, sweetheart!"
"You'll need it!" she called back.
"I'll do you one better," Fili quickly ran over to her. "Kiss for good luck?"
He tapped his cheek, but when she leaned in, he turned his head at the last minute, and caught her lips. There were howls and laughs as she turned bright red. Fili barely managed to escape the blows she aimed at him while he ran, laughing, back to Dillinger.
"Dwalin, do me a favor; kill him first," Miss MacKay seethed.
Everyone merely laughed. Except Thorin. He worked hard to keep his face relaxed into nothing more than exasperation, but he was far more troubled than that. Surely, he and Di̒s had raised Fili better than that? Or could it, indeed, have been his nephew that Miss MacKay had feelings for? She was flustered enough, but didn't appear to have enjoyed the kiss, either. Eyes going back to the fight, he was only able to give half of his attention. Though it was obvious that all three were excellent fighters, he barely noticed how Dwalin was able to disarm both of his opponents. The fight ended when Fili and Dillinger worked together to overpower Dwalin. There was a lot of applause, and exchanging of coins before they began to disperse.
Thorin's gaze went, unbidden, back to Miss MacKay, who had just delivered a hard blow to Fili's arm with her spear. He laughed, unapologetic, and hugged her. Only once she had forgiven him did he let her go. While the others continued walking, she stopped, and looked back at Thorin. They stayed that way for a moment, just watching one another. Then, she gave a smile, and walked quickly after the others, face on fire. For the first time, a new suspicion settled into Thorin's mind: She'd been talking about him. Relief filled him. After all, if it was him, it would be easier to control the situation. He could keep their interactions purely platonic, as she already seemed intent on keeping her feelings secret. More at ease, he followed the others. As it was a very warm day, they were likely going to go swimming.
Sure enough, it hadn't taken them long to run to the deepest pond in the valley, stripping down to their underclothes. Miss MacKay had disappeared, as had their burglar. Dillinger was with those in the water, joining in whatever games Nori and Bofur suggested. Thorin may not like the way he looked at Miss MacKay, nor how at ease she was with him, but the man was a great fighter, and clearly got along with the rest of his Company. He would be handy to have around when things got rough, but did those pros outweigh the cons? Dillinger also had knowledge of their future, but was not nearly as tactful about Miss MacKay in revealing what he knew. Still, it was something to consider, and something he would speak to Gandalf about.
"Thorin! Are you going to join us?" Kili called, wiping his wet hair from his eyes.
Thorin smiled, but before he could begin removing his own clothes, Fili waded closer to the shore.
"Before you do, maybe you could go invite Dani? She was heading to her room, but looked plenty overheated. A swim would do her some good,"
There was hesitation among some of them, Thorin included, but the younger ones convinced them. All inappropriate body parts were covered, and were under the water anyway. Since Thorin was the only one still dry and dressed, he went back to their quarters, and knocked on the entrance to Miss MacKay's room.
"Come in," he heard her say. She sounded miserable.
Just as Fili had said, she definitely looked overheated. He had thought perhaps it had just been her blush as they'd walked away, but he could see now that the exertion from training, as well as the warm day had done a number on her. She was laying with her cheek pressed to the cool floor, dressed in the yellow dress he had met her in, her hair flipped above her body to keep it off her skin, which was flushed, and dewy with sweat. Somehow, she managed to look pathetic and alluring at the same time.
"Are you alright?" he asked, kneeling next to her.
Her eyes remain closed as she responded. "I don't know. Have I turned into a puddle yet?"
A chuckle bubbled up in his throat. "You appear solid to me,"
"Ugh. Certainly doesn't feel like it,"
It was the first time he had ever heard her outright complain. "You don't do well with heat, do you?"
"Not even a little. I'm a northern, mountain girl. Spring, autumn, and winter are fine, but summer sucks,"
An image of her in Erebor flashed through his mind. He willed it away. "The lads are going for a swim as we speak. If you would like, you are more than welcome to join us,"
One eye opened, then the other as she looked at him. "This dress is probably the best thing I have for that,"
"That is fine. Do you need help up?" he offered her his hand.
"Thank you," she took it, and shakily stood.
As he walked with her down to the pond, he realized that he may have been mistaken earlier. The beginnings of a fire were smoldering within him, and she was both the cause, and the cure. He was in far more trouble than he had ever expected.
A swim had been just what she needed. The water was pleasantly cool, and the dwarves had plenty of games to play. None of them ventured much into the deeper water, so she was able to do some swimming on her own, without interruption. Of course, the only problem for her was seeing Thorin shirtless, and wet. Despite everything she'd said to Gilraen, there was definitely reason to worry. In an effort to preserve some of her sanity, she dried off and went back up toward her room while the others were still splashing around. The sun was beginning to dip into the trees, taking the edge off of the heat. Her dress was beginning to make some who saw her uncomfortable, so she decided to go change.
When she came back out, she saw Estellia laying in the courtyard, with a nervous-looking Aragorn pressed against a wall.
"She won't hurt you," Danica announced. Estellia lazily turned her head, then rested it back on her large paws.
"I have seen her around, but she never came this close before," Aragorn said, keeping his place by the wall.
Danica went and sat by Estellia, stroking her head. Aragorn's eyes widened. "Would you like to come say hello?" Danica asked.
"Is it safe?" Aragorn questioned, slowly making his way forward.
"Estellia is unlike any other large cat out there. She's a protector, and a friend,"
As if to strengthen the point, Estellia purred, moving her head so it lay in Danica's lap. Danica held out a hand to Aragorn, and then guided it to Estellia's warm fur. He was tense at first, then relaxed, and let out a sigh of awe.
"She's so pretty," he breathed. "And her name is similar to mine,"
Danica smiled. "That's right. She is Trust, and you are Hope,"
Gilraen nearly had a heart attack when she found her son petting a cougar, but soon fell under the cat's spell. By the time dinner came around, both she and Aragorn were cooing to Estellia, who just soaked up all the attention. Dwalin happened by, and grumbled about the "overgrown house cat." Estellia growled at him, but couldn't be bothered to do much else. Danica felt, not for the first time, an incredible amount of gratitude toward her strange maia guardian.
"Still wish I could somehow hear your thoughts," she said softly as they headed toward dinner. Estellia gave what looked suspiciously like a shrug, then pranced off to find dinner of her own. Danica wondered how their presence had affected the prey animals of the region. Giving a shrug of her own, she went to join the Company.