A.N. Getting this one knocked out pretty quickly because it had flowed from the previous, but the chapter was getting too long. Haha. Happy to be able to get two chapters out pretty quick! Comments and reviews would be lovely, and greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.

John had paused on a nearby patio that overlooked part of the river. As if knowing she was going to follow him, he turned, resting against the bannister.

"Good evening, Mrs. Oakenshield," he said.

She couldn't help but cringe. "Pretty sure it doesn't work that way. Which is a good thing. That just sounds strange,"

"Lady Danica, then," there was amusement, but it was still dimmed.

"I don't think I could ever get used to that," she stood next to him, also leaning. "Raised by a fairly poor family, and not knowing any real stability or status until my adulthood,"

He looked at her strangely, but softly. "You've always been a lady. I may not have known you until recently, but I can see that you've always held yourself with strength and grace,"

"Thank you," she smiled at him, but felt sadness at the distance she could feel between them. Ever since she and Thorin had become a couple, a chasm had begun to grow. "Are you alright?"

"Don't worry about me, Dani," he breathed. "I'm happy for you. For both of you. Gotta admit, I was surprised when Thorin came to me to ask about weddings in our time,"

Her brows shot up. "He did?"

John nodded. "He wanted to make sure he did everything right by you. At least, as much as he can do while we're on this perilous quest," he looked at her again, more serious than she'd ever seen him. "He loves you, Dani. More than life itself. I wouldn't have stood by for anything less,"

There it was. She'd feared it, but had never wanted to think about it, worried that it would make it real. Sighing, she looked down. "Oh John,"

"Hey, I said not to worry about me," he used a hand to lift her chin so she could see him smiling again. "Sure, I fell for you, but what that means is that I want you to be happy. Loving someone isn't about making yourself happy, after all. My poor, broken heart will heal soon enough. In the meantime, you still have me as a friend, and I will always have yours, and Thorin's backs,"

The tears came, even with her fighting them. She sniffled, and hugged him. Every part of her wanted to apologize, but she knew that wouldn't help to make him feel any better. She loved him. Just as she loved her family, she loved John. Saying that would also only make it worse.

"Thank you," she finally said. "You deserve happiness too. You are one of the best men I have ever met,"

"Thanks for that," they parted, and he wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Guess I'll just have to fight with Fili for which of us is your favorite brother,"

"You'll lose every time," Fili's voice had them both looking back. He also wore a smile, but there was understanding in his eyes. "Though you're welcome to try. Should be fun,"

"Nah. I just had a realization; she's your aunt. That makes me the only brother. I win,"

The mood lightened immensely as they continued to bicker. Tauriel and Elara came walking up, smiling at the petty argument.

"We heard congratulations were in order," Tauriel stated. "A few maids heard some of you talking earlier,"

Danica returned their smile, partially because of the movie reference that went through her head. "The maids know everything,"

Though she had spoken the reference, both Tauriel and Elara gave nods of agreement, and even exasperation.

"King Thranduil has requested yours and Thorin's presence," Tauriel said. "He wishes to give his congratulations in person. As a gift, he has sent for a barrel, and some food to be brought for your company to have a small feast, if they wish,"

Surprise hit Danica, so she was unable to hide it on her face. "That's, uh, very generous of him," and very unexpected.

"We'll let the others know," Fili said, leading John back down. "I'll also send Thorin up so you two can go,"

Danica gave them both a small wave, still feeling some sadness as she watched John's back. In just a few moments, Thorin was making his way to her, puzzlement on his face. Danica relayed what Tauriel had said, and the two elves led them up the winding paths.

"Is everything alright?" Thorin asked softly. "I saw you walk after Dillinger,"

She took a breath, unsure how much she should divulge. "Did you know?" she questioned back.

"About his feelings for you? Yes," his statement was blunt, but without the anger she had thought may arise. "He told me just after we arrived here. We came to an understanding, and I respect the fact that he was honest with me, and knows that he cannot take you from me,"

After trying to figure out how she felt about the whole thing, she gave him a dry, sideways glance. "By 'understanding,' I assume you mean that you hit him?" When he said nothing, she took it as an affirmative, and shook her head. "While it's strange to have the two of you talking about who can claim me behind my back, I'll just be grateful that you're not planning on killing each other,"

There was no need to go into any kind of feminism, due to the time and culture she was dealing with, but her disdain for the whole thing had been made clear, and he did look at least a little abashed. They all remained silent for the rest of the way. Danica didn't recognize the area they were entering, and wondered if they were moving closer to Thranduil's personal quarters. Finally, they turned a corner, and entered a large chamber that had guards on either side of the door. There was a large table in the center of the room, with a throne at the head. Weapons and maps hung on the wall, and there was another large map covering most of the table. This was a war room. For some reason, it made Danica nervous.

Thranduil's voice came from the shadows behind the throne, speaking in elvish. Bowing, both Elara and Tauriel left the room, and the doors closed.

"You two are to be congratulated," he moved to his throne, sitting with all the ease of a lion in his den. "Not just the typical felicitations for marriage, but because of the unusual nature of your match. It is rare for men and elves to bind themselves to one another, but not unheard of. However, there is no record, that I have known, of a dwarf and woman falling in love. The break from societal traditions gives me some hope for the future of the north,"

Danica glanced at Thorin, nervous to see what his reaction was. He was expressionless, face set to a polite neutral.

"Thank you, my Lord," Danica said first, sincerely grateful for his kind words.

"What kind of hope do you have?" Thorin questioned calmly, watching Thranduil with shrewd eyes.

"That we may work beyond the past struggles of our races, and create better alliances," Thranduil stated just as calmly. "As a gesture of goodwill, I have a couple of gifts,"

Now Thorin and Danica shared a look while Thranduil stood, bringing cloth-wrapped items to the table. Among them, was Danica's spear. She looked at it quizzically, wondering why it had been brought here.

"As I see your confusion, I will begin with your spear," Thranduil gave a very slight smile. "With your permission, I would like to have my best smiths make some adjustments, including replacing the blade with one crafted in Gondolin in the first age,"

Mouth dropping, Danica couldn't help but stare in shock. Thorin may not fully understand the significance of the blades, but she certainly did. Certainly that was a blade they would rather keep among their own people? "That is remarkably generous. I don't know how to thank you,"

"Take care of it, and use it well," Thranduil replied, more sincere than she'd ever seen him. "You, Thorin, already have such a blade, Orcrist. No finer blade will you find, not even in these halls. Instead, I will offer to have all of your company's clothes and traveling armor mended,"

Thorin's eyes remained suspicious, but he lowered his head in thanks. "We are grateful for your offer," this was probably the most diplomatic response he could come up with. Danica couldn't blame him for being so hesitant, but wished he could hide it better. Thankfully, though he obviously saw, Thranduil continued.

"The last gift comes from Lothlorien," he gestured for them to open the two bundles on the table. Danica had thought they were cloth-wrapped, but it turned out that they were just cloth. Two grey-green cloaks unfolded. They were soft, and well-made, and somehow familiar. "These were sent by the Lady Galadriel, hand-woven by herself, and her maids. They will protect you from the elements, as well as enemy eyes. Your halfling has found a way to become invisible, and this will be your camouflage. More are being distributed among your company now. The Lady Galadriel hopes that they will help you approach the mountain with more safety,"

Relief hit first, then guilt. It was only because of Rachel, and Danica, herself, that this was all necessary. Otherwise, these cloaks would have only been used for the Fellowship, much farther in the future. However, she kept her face as thankful as possible, not wanting to betray what she felt. To her surprise, Thorin gave sincere thanks, no hint of suspicion or underlying resentment. That could have been due to the fact that this last gift came from someone other than Thranduil, but neither he, nor Danica questioned it. With Thranduil's well-wishes, she and Thorin left, guided back to the others by a guard. Thorin was quiet and sullen the whole way, but only when they were safely away from the elves, did he let his true thoughts be known.

"His tokens were no gifts," he growled. "They were another addition to the debt we will owe him, so he can ensure he will get his precious gems,"

Most of the dwarves grumbled in agreement, and even John frowned at the thought. While the statement was likely true, it still left something upsetting in Danica's gut. To her surprise, Fili wore a similar expression of concern. The two looked at each other, silently agreeing; they needed to keep an eye on Thorin. She had thought that her conversation with Thorin had been enough to ease the bitterness he had with those gems, but it clearly wasn't. Normally, Danica would try to state the positives, like how they would at least be able to face Laketown, and then Smaug with fresh armor and weapons, but she doubted anyone would listen. Everyone else became merrier as more wine was passed around, and yet she could still see darkness hiding in Thorin's eyes. She tried to put on a smile and stay out with everyone, though her heart was sinking lower and lower. Too weary to continue, she excused herself, and went straight to bed.

Thorin watched her go, and thought he may know the reason for her somber countenance. Even when everyone else relaxed into laughter and music, he couldn't help but think of the trap Thranduil was setting for him. There was no diplomatic way to refuse the "gifts" that had been given without causing immense offense, but Thorin knew that Thranduil would use them against him if he sensed even the slightest hesitation in giving the gems to the elf king. The very fact that they were staying as guests, and not prisoners could already be seen as leverage. It all reminded Thorin of the immense bitterness he had felt prior to being with Danica. There had been a reason for his feelings, and for him wanting to keep the gems. Danica had convinced him to let it go, but now he wasn't so sure. She had likely seen that in him, and was upset that he could change his mind.

Could she not see how Thranduil was using them? If she did, did she just not care? He couldn't understand that, and felt angry at the thought that she could just brush away all the injustices of the past. Stuck on that thought, he got up, and headed toward their room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw warning glances from Balin and Dillinger, but ignored them. This was none of their concern. When he opened the door, he made sure that he didn't slam the door, which was exactly what his body wanted to do. For a moment, his anger completely vanished. Danica was standing next to the bed, letting her dress slide to the floor as she reached for her night shift. Closing the door instantly to prevent anyone else from seeing her, he tried to remember why he had come in. When her sad eyes found his, it came back to him, though the anger was far cooler than it had been.

"I need you to tell me, again, why I should give Thranduil the gems he so greatly desires," he began. "You saw how arrogant his air was earlier. Do you really believe he would remain quiet if he thought I hesitated in the slightest?"

Sighing, she picked the dress up, and draped it over a chair before heading to the vanity where a bowl of water sat for rinsing one's hands and face. "I'm pretty sure Thranduil's air is arrogant no matter the situation," she said dryly, to his amusement and satisfaction. "No, I don't think he gave those gifts with selfless generosity, but he did give them. Isn't part of being a ruler being a diplomat? Thranduil is publicly making sure everyone knows the hand of truce he has extended, which means that if you do not respond in kind, you could lose the respect of many of your allies in this region, which would not only be dangerous in the near future, but the distant one as well,"

Trapped. Just as he had feared. Anger rising, he tossed aside his coat, and crossed his arms. "So, that is what it has come to? Even you agree that the only reason I have for doing this is because I am being forced?"

"He is not forcing you, yet. He would certainly try, if you denied him, as I have stated before. There are two other good reasons for you to go through with it, even though it feels unfair," after splashing her face, she dried it with a towel, and began to brush through her hair.

"And what would those be?" he couldn't help the growl that darkened his voice, nor his frown. Danica hesitated a moment, setting the brush down, and turning to him. There was some fear in her eyes, but also a plea.

"First, and most beneficial, is the fact that you would be rid of your debt to him, and therefore his constant, crushing presence. If you deny him, he will never stop, and will haunt every moment of your life. By giving him the gems, you are ensuring that any future contact would be through messages only, and would be rare at that,"

This was true, and certainly good incentive. "Second?"

"You would be showing that you are the better man," her voice was softer, and she came to stand in front of him, her small hands resting on his rigid forearms. "Even if it is only to those who know the entire situation,"

He shook his head. "Most of the rest of my people would think me weak by giving in where my grandfather would not,"

"Those who would dare think you weak are foolish," her voice snapped a bit, but he knew it wasn't directed at him. "You are Thorin Oakenshield, soon to be King Under the Mountain, like your grandfather before you. You helped lead your people through poverty and danger, fighting and surviving the Battle of Moria. When they felt helpless and hopeless, you showed them a light by taking them to the Blue Mountains, and once more bringing stability and prosperity to their lives. No one else would even consider approaching the mountain and facing Smaug, but you are. You, alone will take up your throne, and unite the kingdoms of the dwarves. Only someone incredibly insecure in themselves would think to doubt your strength and courage,"

Those silver eyes of hers glowed with passion and determination. Her words warmed him, even as they humbled him. Many of his people said similar things, including those in the Company, but he suddenly felt as though he did not deserve them. He had pride in his bloodline, his people, and his birthright, but what greatness had he done? All he had done was what he could to keep his people alive. His father and grandfather had led them out of the desolation, and into their short time in Dunland. Building life in the Blue Mountains had been a combined effort, and mostly successful because of the trade in the region, and the strength of his people. He, himself, had only managed to stay alive, losing his family one by one, while living in the shadow of the glory days of Erebor. Now, he was depending on the hospitality of those hated by his race, unsure whether or not the quest would succeed.

"You are very kind to say such things," he said softly. "Though there are those that would agree with you, I fear I will not have proven myself fully to my people until I reclaim the mountain, and have the Arkenstone in my possession. The glory of the Line of Durin has been dimmed in the last century, and it is up to me to bring it back. All eyes are on me, and those eyes are critical. There is a lot of thirst for revenge and justification after all we have been through,"

Disappointment took some of the shine from Danica's eyes. Her hands dropped back to her side. "I'm sorry for all the pressure you are under. No matter what you do, you will face difficulties. I wish I could be of more help,"

Seeing her so deflated brought forth a deep ache in his heart. Unfolding his arms, he pulled her against his chest, pressing his cheek against her hair. "You do help. More than you know," after all, he rarely spoke to anyone about the pressure he felt. "If not for you, I never would have even considered giving the gems to Thranduil. According to you and Rachel, without you, I would have kept the gems, nearly causing the demise of the entire Company,"

Her arms wrapped around him, and she relaxed a little. "So you haven't changed your mind?"

"However much it pains me to give that conniving elf what he wants, no; I have not changed my mind,"

Danica breathed a sigh of relief. "If it makes you feel any better, Dain would have given the gems over,"

Only now did he remember her saying that when he died and Dain became king, he would honor all the promises made, and spread the wealth of Erebor. Knowing that, there really was no reason for him to hold back. Besides, if he died, he wouldn't need to be concerned with what people thought of him, anyway. At the very least, he would be honored with reclaiming the mountain, and wealth of his people. That was really the best he could hope for.

"Are we alright?" Danica asked, pulling back so she could see his face.

"Of course," he brushed the hair back from her face, then framed it. "No matter what disagreements we may have, I will always love you, and remain by your side,"

She smiled, and he knew that the worst of the evening was over. While she went back to brushing her hair, he dressed for bed, thinking over all that had been said. The resentment he'd felt toward Thranduil was certainly justified, but he also realized how petty it was in the face of his impending death. Why go to meet his forefathers with all of that darkening his final days? Better to make the way to the mountain as smooth as possible, and worry about the rest after. He knew Danica hoped to save him, but the closer they got, the more certain he became that his fate was sealed. Trying not to let that show on his face, he held her close, breathing in her scent, and enjoying the way she wrapped herself around him before falling asleep. This, his relationship with her, and how it had brightened his life, could never be taken away. Not even by death.