A.N. I may or may not have been bingeing on "The Vampire Diaries" this past week, so it has been occupying what little time and brain power my kids leave me. Hence my late update. Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. I'm also still working on the next chapter for "What Dreams May Come." Thank you all for your patience! I appreciate all of you!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and plot points.

Everyone was fairly quiet and subdued the next day. Gandalf and Beorn were nowhere to be found, but Danica assured them that both would be back. Thorin watched her closely throughout the day, concerned with how quiet she was. Any happiness she had regained the night before had somehow dimmed overnight. Much to his dismay, he knew that he was at least part of the reason. No matter how much that bothered him, he couldn't muster up the strength to speak with her. It would only hurt them both once he spoke to Gandalf. Especially if what he wished could be done. In his mind, the only way to keep his promise to Estellia was to get Danica back to her time. It was clear that Danica was in more danger than they initially realized, what with Rachel having a personal grudge against her as well.

"What is on your mind that has you so troubled?" Gloin asked. It was late in the afternoon, and everyone was outside, enjoying the summer air. Thorin had stayed on the veranda, watching Danica wade in the pond with a couple of Beorn's dogs.

"If you had known, when you met your wife, that you could not have a future with her, what would you have done?"

Gloin looked out, finding what Thorin was gazing at. He sighed deeply, and sympathetically. "I cannot begin to imagine such a situation. The love we dwarves feel can be all-consuming. You should be applauded for handling this as well as you have,"

"Well?" Thorin scoffed. "That is one of the last adjectives I would use to describe how I have handled this; when I handled it at all,"

At that, Gloin chuckled. "You had a very difficult and complicated set of circumstances. Not the best time to fall in love, let alone do something about it,"

While he wished the reassurance could help, he still felt tortured. "What would you do, Gloin?"

"Even if I had a similar situation, I do not know, and will never know the pressures of being a ruler. The weight on your shoulders is equal to that of the Lonely Mountain. Perhaps the lass could ease your burden,"

Disbelief crossed Thorin's face. "Are you suggesting I pursue a courtship?" the sudden realization dawned on him that this was so very similar to the conversation he'd had with Dwalin. "Have I really been so transparent?"

Gloin's lips twitched beneath his red beard. "Forgive me, Cousin, but yes. At least to those of us who ken you well. There is no doubt what you mean to Dani as well. It may be bold of me to say, but I believe this to be divine destiny?"

"What else could it be?" Thorin breathed, the weight of the words truly hitting him for the first time, as if he just now grasped the reality of them.

"And yet, you are afraid, and hesitant," Gloin's comment was harmless enough, but brought to mind all of the doubts and anxieties Thorin had felt since meeting Danica.

"She is not a dwarf. Such a union is forbidden," and had been for as long as dwarves had been recording their history. However, Gloin did not seem so perturbed.

"Aye, it is forbidden to seek such a union. And though no such couple has been recorded in our texts, that does not mean it has not happened. After all, there has been the odd dwarf or dam who disappears from society after having encountered Men. In the end, no one can doubt the serendipitous nature with which you two have formed your bond. Our people will not take it easily, but they respect you, and would respect her once they learn her tale,"

"If we survive this quest," his cousin's words were a temporary balm to some of his aches, and gave him some hope, but their lives were very much in question. "I cannot ensure her safety, which is one of the first duties a dwarf must provide for his wife. Safety, a good home, and stable life. All I can offer her is my heart,"

Their culture took marriage most seriously, and it was the duty of a husband to care and provide for his wife. She, in turn, would keep him, and his home warm and protected. Thorin had the home they had built in the Blue Mountains, but he had forsaken that life to reclaim the home he had lost. It would be a grand one, to be sure, but was not yet a guarantee. He had very little riches, and knew she had come to their time with nothing as well. Starting a life in such a way did not sit well with him. But…he looked back out at her, where she was laughing and running as the dogs began shaking water everywhere. How could he continue to keep her at arm's distance? What was it costing them both?

Gloin put a hand on Thorin's arm. "I am sure that all the lass wants is your heart," he said warmly. "After all, she does not know our traditions, and likely does not hold to many of them. Besides, even if you were able to conduct a proper marriage, most couples have to wait a year before finishing the ceremony and living under the same roof. If you are lucky, you will have a roof waiting at the end of this journey. You asked what I would do?"

Thorin nodded. "As my cousin, and as a married dwarf, I very much value your opinion on the matter,"

"Alright then. I would not let myself come to have any regrets, given that time may be short. No one in this Company would find any wrong in you plaiting a braid in her hair. Whatever you do after that, is up to you. Let the other concerns come as they may. You may even find yourselves more focused on the quest having resolved your personal battles. As for keeping her safe, you are not alone," he grinned again. "There are fifteen others who would throw themselves into dragon fire to protect her,"

At that, Thorin had to laugh, for it was true. "Thank you. You have eased my mind," though he would still question Gandalf as to whether or not it was possible to send her back. He had to try, but kept these thoughts to himself.

Gloin clapped him on the shoulder, and then went inside to help Bombur with supper. Beorn's animals were more than happy to wait upon them, but it was difficult to perform some duties without opposable thumbs. Thorin thought on what he and Gloin had spoken of, and, though he tried to control them, thoughts of the possibilities began to whirl in his mind. If she stayed, would she truly have him? A would-be king with no throne, and no stability to offer? Maybe he should have asked her or Dillinger about the rituals of courtship and marriage in their time. What was to be expected of a couple? His pride cracked a little, knowing that, if Gandalf couldn't send her away, he would need to speak with Dillinger. Only then could he feel as though he were doing everything he could by Danica. However, everything would depend upon Gandalf's answer. So, he kept to himself as everyone gathered to eat, and was more relieved than anyone when the wizard finally breezed in. Questions were fired rapidly at Gandalf as to his whereabouts, but he refused to speak until he had eaten.

When he finished, he told them how he had followed bear tracks all the way back in the direction of the orc attack. Likely Beorn trying to verify the details of their story.

"What if Beorn leads them all back to us? I thought you said he was no friend of them?" Bilbo questioned, seeming thoroughly anxious.

Gandalf's eyes landed on their burglar, and examined him. "You look as though you need some sleep, Bilbo Baggins. Perhaps that is why you would say such a foolish thing. Of course Beorn is not their friend! If any dared to follow him, they would find their lives quickly ended. Besides, Rachel will have already informed Azog about where we would be. We have our host to thank for keeping that pack away from us,"

Bilbo nodded sheepishly, and Thorin could see that he did, indeed, appear fatigued. Not long after the conversation ended, Bilbo fell asleep in a corner. Dillinger, and the rest started to sing, and share stories, but no matter how hard they tried to cajole Danica, she only shook her head with a smile, and remained silent. By now, her sad countenance was clear to everyone, and some of them were throwing Thorin accusatory glances. Their message was also clear; Fix this. Instead of doing as they, and his heart wished, he walked over to Gandalf, and began a quiet conversation.

"I need to ask you something, and request that you keep an open mind, and remain completely honest with me,"

Instantly sensing the seriousness in Thorin's tone, Gandalf nodded. "What is it?"

Though he had been so determined to do this, the question got stuck in his throat for a moment. "Can you send her back?"

Gandalf sighed. "I cannot say that I am surprised by your request. As per our honesty agreement, I must admit that it is not within my power,"

Which did he feel more, relief, or fear? His face must have shown some of each, for Gandalf quickly continued.

"If Estellia was here, it would be possible, and so, may be possible sometime in the future, if you still wished it. Do you really desire to send her back to her own time?"

Not entirely. "Only if it could be done,"

"No,"

Shock and dread filled Thorin as he turned to look at Danica. He hadn't even heard her approach. Her eyes were dark like smoke, her jaw clenched in barely concealed rage.

"It would have been the best way to keep you safe," he responded as calmly as he could.

"No," while her eyes smoldered with anger, her tone was ice; hard and unyielding. "You may be the leader of this Company, but I was brought here for a purpose, which hasn't yet been fulfilled. If you believe me to be a burden, then I will leave, but find another way to help you from the sidelines. However, I refuse to be sent home like a piece of luggage,"

Turning on her heel, she strode toward the veranda. Gloin, Balin, Fili, and Dillinger watched her go, and then flashed their eyes at Thorin. Groaning softly, he followed after her with a scowl. Without meaning to, he slammed the door to the veranda, causing Danica to jump, and gasp softly.

"The conversation was not over," Thorin stated lowly.

Though her heart was in her ears, Danica straightened herself in stubborn defiance. "It was for me,"

The sun was still hanging on to the horizon, so she descended the steps, and walked out into Beorn's garden. Her mind was whirling, and her emotions were a violent storm that tangled so fiercely she couldn't begin to comprehend them all.

"Danica!" she could hear his heavy footsteps following after her, so she quickened her pace.

"I don't want to talk anymore," the hysteria within her colored her tone. Where she would normally kick herself for letting her control slip, she couldn't find it within her to care.

"We need to. Our conversation from yesterday was interrupted, and you need to know why I asked Gandalf to send you back,"

The mention of their previous conversation had her stopping. He was right, and it had haunted her the night before. Turning, she remained silent, letting him continue.

"I only said what I did to try and keep you safe," he repeated his earlier reason. "You are precious to both me and this Company,"

"You have a funny way of showing it," she seethed, even while wishing his words were true. "You avoid me most of the time, and are completely disdainful of where I come from. I know you have doubts and fears because of Rachel, but I'm not her!"

He sighed, some of his anger melting away. "I know you are not,"

"Then please just let me do the job that Gandalf brought me here to do," not wanting to further either of their discomfort, she turned from him again, intent on going to sit by the pond until the sun went down. Thorin had other ideas.

Barking out something in Khuzdul, which she could only assume was a curse, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back toward him.

"Stop running away from me!"

She tripped on her own foot, and went careening into his chest. His free arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her as they both tried to get their footing. So close were they, that her cheek brushed his when she straightened. Just like in Rivendell, her heart beat so hard she was sure he could feel it, and her breath caught in her throat. Her anger vanished, letting the pain, and fear of rejection dominate.

"Please let me go," she murmured softly.

The hand that had held her arm released its grip, and moved to cup her cheek. "Is that truly what you wish?" his tone was also soft, and rough with the emotions she could see swirling in his eyes. Feeling lost, she shook her head.

"I don't know what to do," she admitted fearfully.

"To be honest, neither do I, which is not something I am well acquainted with, but which has become typical when it comes to you," his thumb stroked her cheek, and her lips. "I have been at a loss since I first saw you. A relationship between a dwarf and woman would never be accepted. It is against our traditions. And yet, I was in love with you from the start. Knowing that you were from another time, and would likely end up in that time after this quest added more difficulty. All I have ever wanted is for you to be taken care of, but I also desperately want you bonded to me,"

It was more than she could have ever hoped for, and had her heart swelling. Smiling, she leaned into his touch, and covered his hand with hers. "You want to keep me away, but your reasons only make me want to stay closer by your side,"

He inched closer, but before his lips touched hers, he looked into her eyes, asking her permission. As an answer, she closed the distance between them. A soft, grateful sweetness filled the kiss. No more hiding, no more pretending. His arms went around her waist, while hers wrapped around his neck, bringing them as close as they could be. Heat pooled in the pit of her stomach, nearly exploding when Thorin eased her lips open, deepening the kiss. The moan that made its way from her throat was unintended, and brought about an intense reaction. Thorin's large hands clutched at the fabric of her tunic, as if wishing to rip it apart. Danica felt small in his arms, yet strong and secure. It was a juxtaposition she found herself enjoying. However, the moment ended quickly, as Thorin pulled away.

"If I do not stop now, I fear I never will," he breathed.

Feeling bold, Danica gave him another short, but passionate kiss, then said, "You say that as if it's a bad thing,"

Thorin laughed, and rested his forehead to hers. "What wild thing have I unleashed?"

Loving the sound of his laugh, and the feel of it rumble in his chest beneath her fingers, Danica grinned. "We haven't even begun to cross into the territory of wild,"

Laughing again, he hugged her. Almost dizzy with happiness, Danica closed her eyes, and allowed herself to sink into his warmth. There was no care for any eyes that may be watching, nor for the sun, which had now fully submerged beneath the horizon, taking its light with it. A low growl, and the crunch of leaves forced the cares back to the surface. Danica's heart skipped a beat, then another when Thorin threw her over his shoulder, and ran. The footsteps that followed them were fast, and heavy, but they were able to enter the house safely. Thorin closed and bolted the door, then held her against his chest while he listened outside. There were a few large sniffs, but otherwise, nothing. After a couple minutes, they both blew sighs of relief, and then began to laugh.

"Will you stop running from me now?" he questioned lightly.

"Only if you stop hiding from me," she countered.

With the dim light from the main hall, she could see the softness and warmth in his eyes, which turned her spine to jelly.

"Deal," he said, then pressed his lips to hers.

Danica could have happily stayed in that secluded hallway for the rest of her life. Limbs tangling, they slid to the floor, but their mouths never parted. Hands sought to grasp hair and stroke flesh as their minds emptied of all but each other. A small part of Danica's sanity remained in tact enough to warn her against making the loud moans she desperately wished to unleash. As it was, she couldn't contain some of the softer ones, nor the occasional gasps when his hands would pass over her breasts. She wanted to protest when his lips left hers, but it died on a groan of pleasure when he took his attention to her throat. Her head fell back, giving him as much access to her sensitive skin as possible. No longer completely in control of her body, her back arched, and her hips ground up to meet him, driven completely by the innate reactions of what his affection awoke within her. It had been so long since she'd felt intimate touch, and the fire Thorin left in her took her breath. There was also a sense of victory in the fact that he, too, seemed possessed by long-repressed desire.

"If you two are back inside, perhaps you should come and join the rest of us in preparing for sleep,"

Gandalf's voice effectively stalled any further intimacy, as Thorin froze, and burning heat rose to Danica's cheeks.

"Oh God," she murmured, horrified. "They all heard us, didn't they?"

Sighing, Thorin sat up, and helped her to sit beside him. "I'm sure there are some who were already asleep,"

Danica could only groan, hiding her face in embarrassment. Surprisingly, Thorin chuckled in her ear, and pulled her back into his arms.

"You need not be so abashed, Ibinê. I do have to apologize if I was too forward. So much of this is new to me,"

"You have nothing to apologize for. I wanted it just as much as you did," and hadn't wanted it to end. "I suppose we're going to have to work on our control from now on,"

"The endless walking and riding should help take care of some of that," he pointed out.

Reluctantly, she freed herself from his arms. "Perhaps we should go to bed as Gandalf suggested,"

"Before we do," Thorin reached into his hair, and pulled out one of the beads that held his braids together. "Normally, I would craft one myself, that would be unique to the two of us. However, in the oldest of times, a dwarf would present one of his own beads to the dam to whom he professed his love. I love you, and no longer wish to live apart from you, whether physically, or emotionally. Will you do me the honor of wearing this?"

Her breath left her body. In any normal situation, she supposed this all would seem too fast. Their situation was nowhere near the realm of normal. Besides, no other serious steps could be taken until after the quest, and the battle were over. Beaming, she nodded.

"It would be my honor, and pleasure to wear it, and to be yours. I love you,"

With exquisite gentleness, Thorin took a lock of her hair, and delicately plaited it, securing it with his bead. The way he laid it against her shoulder was almost reverent, as was the way Danica took it between her fingers.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, emotion having stolen her voice.

Smiling, he kissed her gently. "As are you. How did this evening go from me trying to send you away, to declaring myself to you?"

She chuckled, standing with him. "My immense powers of persuasion,"

He made a deep sound in the back of his throat, then grabbed her suddenly, plundering her mouth fiercely, and much too briefly. Danica's head swam, and she needed the strong grip he had on her to keep upright. The look on his face when they parted and headed to their beds could only be described as self-satisfied.

"What kind of wild thing have I unleashed?" she murmured.

"That is something we shall both find out in the coming days," he replied, looking far too excited at the prospect.

Fili had moved next to his brother, leaving two beds side-by-side for Danica and Thorin. As had been Fili's job most nights, Thorin sat behind Danica, braiding her hair for bed. His touch, which had, moments ago brought fire to her veins, now soothed her, so her eyes quickly, and easily slid shut. For a time, she slid in and out of sleep. Each time, she felt Thorin's hand stroking her face, and heard his voice humming in her ear. When she finally succumbed completely to sleep, it was peaceful, and filled with nothing but dreams of Thorin's voice and touch.