A.N. Happy 2022! May this year be a blessing to everyone out there! I'm starting mine out with Omicron, but it has remained mild, so that's good. Has kept me on my butt though, so make sure to stay healthy! I can't wait until I'm well enough to get out, because the weather has been really nice here, after weeks of storms. For now, I'm desperately trying to catch up on chapter uploads. Sorry I've been so bad about it! Hopefully this chapter will help to make up for it. 😉
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and plot points.

The following day were busy and tense. Most of the elves stayed at Dale to help the men fortify it, and make it habitable. However, Tauriel brought some of her guard to help clean Erebor, and bring fresh stores of food. Danica could see how difficult it was for Thorin to have elves in his ancestral home, making his fight against the dragon sickness that much harder. He was prone to snapping at people, and going off by himself to brood. While everyone was doing their best to be understanding and patient, tempers were running high. Thankfully, Tauriel had yet to mention the white gems, though Danica was sure Thranduil had asked her to do so.

"Why don't we just take them to Thranduil, and get it over with?" Danica suggested one afternoon. She and Thorin were in their room, taking a brief rest after a morning of doing the final clearing of the front gate. It may not have been back to its former glory, but was clean and grand.

"I will never go crawling to that elf" Thorin growled, wiping a damp cloth over his face and neck.

Withholding the sigh she desperately wanted to release, Danica began stripping her dusty clothing. "Ok, how about inviting him to the mountain for a diplomatic meeting? Discuss the battle plans, and give him the gems then?"

Stealing her sigh, Thorin pulled out some clean clothes for himself, and began stripping as well. "I suppose that is worth considering,"

Danica scoffed. "Thank you for the overwhelming approval," she turned her back to him, her fingers violently unlacing the front of her under dress.

It was barely off her shoulders when he stepped behind her, and kissed the exposed skin. Thanks to the balms she'd been using, her burns were pretty much healed, so all she felt was the warmth of his lips. It was an unfair move, as it completely disarmed her.

"Forgive me," his breath fanned over her shoulder and neck, sending chills down her spine. "I know I haven't been the easiest to be around these past days,"

Perhaps she should have given him some kind of encouragement, but she was drained. Days of helping gather skeletons to be put in mass graves had devastated her mental stability. Particularly when she found the tiny ones. Unbeknownst to anyone else, she had spent an hour sobbing over the remains of a mother and her baby. Every moment since then, she'd felt brittle, her hold of self control weakening. At this point, she needed a long bath, and something to vent her brokenness.

"I just wish I knew how to help you break through this," she murmured, frustrated.

"I am sorry Ibîne," he turned her to him, and ran his hands through her hair. Closing her eyes as the sensations softened her bones, she tried to relax. She knew he was not only sorry for his behavior, but how trying the past few weeks had been. Everything they'd endured and lost.

Tears wet her lashes, but went no further. He kissed the corner of her eyes, murmuring her name over and over. Sighing, she allowed herself to go weak as he picked her up, and took her to the bed. He eased the dress and stockings off her body, trailing kisses as he went. Her eyes remained closed, focusing on the feel of everything. When his warmth left her, she heard him tell her to stay still, then his footsteps go to the wash room. Beginning to feel chilled, she took one of the fur pellets, and draped it over her shoulders. Her chemise was hardly enough to protect her. Feeling more comfortable, she began to doze off.

Next thing she knew, the bed disappeared, and she was breathing in fragrant steam. Warm, gentle hands slid her chemise off her shoulders, followed by her underwear. She'd had to make some new ones with what she could find, as her own pair was falling apart. Thorin lowered them both into hot water, keeping his arms around her. She leaned her head against his bare chest, matching her breath to his.

"You have been carrying a heavy load," his voice vibrated against her cheek, lulling her into deeper relaxation. "I am sorry that I was not there for you more,"

She hummed as a reply, but then said, "You're here now," and it meant more than she could say.

He adjusted her, and then began to rub soap onto her back and limbs. Her body moved to allow him access wherever he touched, reveling in the feeling of clean warmth. This tub was one of many in the mountain, heated by large boilers connected to some of the forges. Once those forges had been lit, there had been access to hot water, and steam rooms. The bath that was connected to Thorin's room was nearly pool sized, reminding Danica of a Roman bath. She adored it.

"I will send an invitation for Thranduil and Bard to come to the mountain for a war council, and to claim what is owed,"

Thorin's soft declaration had Danica's eyes opening. When she looked at him, there was no hint of doubt or bitterness. Smiling, she entwined her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

"Thank you," she breathed. "I love you,"

He pushed some wet hair off her face, and kissed her deeply. His hands splayed over her back and sides. The fatigue that had been weighing her down burned off as their lips moved against each other, and she turned to straddle him. Where she hadn't noticed his nakedness before, it now screamed at her. Time had escaped them, and they hadn't known any intimacy since Durin's Day. It hadn't even crossed their minds, due to the burns she'd received, and then how exhausted they both were. Now, she was starved for him.

Each kiss and touch rose in fervor as they took everything they could from each other. One of Thorin's hands buried in her hair, while the other slid between her thighs. Her lips broke their kiss as she gasped. She clutched at him, then also at the edge of the tub behind him. While keeping his working hand gentle, Thorin grasped her hair tighter, and pulled her head to the side, baring her throat to him. A loud moan escaped her mouth as he scraped his teeth over her skin, and gave a couple of possessive bites, followed by firm kisses. Shivers of ecstasy ran through her, but she wanted more.

"Take me," she groaned, nipping at his ear. He growled deeply, fingers plunging into her. She squirmed and writhed, but it was still not enough. "I want you. Now,"

Gone was the previous gentleness. His hand moved from within her to wrap around her hip as he slammed his full length into her. Those first, brutal strokes shocked her body, but then she was riding with him. Each thrust brought forth a guttural cry, answered with deep, rough growls from him. Everything else went away, and the only reality she knew was him. His grip on her hips kept her helplessly pinned to him, so she wrapped both arms around his shoulders, holding on as tightly as possible. He came first, his arms squeezing her. As he moved erratically inside her, she was brought to her own climax. Neither could make much sound as they were overcome with pleasure.

"Oh my God," she gasped, spasms still wracking her body. Once it all subsided, she could only lay on him like molten wax. "What is it with you, and destroying me in the bath?"

Thorin's laugh was deep, and full of satisfaction. That same satisfaction buzzed in Danica, causing a lazy smile to lift her lips. Basking in the afterglow, she kissed his shoulder, humming happily when he reciprocated. She wanted to stay there longer, but there was still so much to be done.

"Feel better?" he asked while they finished cleaning up.

She cast him an amused glance. "Much. Thank you for your services," she laughed when he firmly groped her backside.

"I am always at your service, my lady,"

Playfully pushing him off, she lifted herself out of the bath, and grabbed a towel. More laughter echoed around them as he caught up with her, wrestling to get the towel away. She screeched a couple of times when his grip became ticklish. Finally surrendering, she turned in his arms to face him. He was as happy and relaxed as she had seen him in Mirkwood. So warm and gentle, and full of love. He took her breath away. Overwhelmed, she lifted a hand, stroking his cheek with her thumb, then pressed a kiss to his lips.

"I love you so much," she said softly. "You mean more to me than anything in the world,"

The blue of his eyes deepened. "You are everything, Ibîne. Never have I felt love as intensely as I feel it for you,"

Still naked, with the towel between them, they luxuriated in a couple more minutes of kissing. A knock at the bedroom door pulled them apart. Thorin grabbed robes for the both of them before going to answer whoever had knocked. Danica remained in the bathing room, drying off, and fixing her hair. When she walked into the bedroom, Thorin was hastily getting dressed.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Dain is here,"

The blood drained from her face so quickly he feared she may pass out. Despair filled him as all the peaceful happiness was swept away as well. He silently cursed that, and vowed to remedy it later. For now, they dressed, a little more formally than usual, and walked to the gate arm in arm. Her tight grip spoke of her nerves, but Thorin felt relief and excitement building. A full army of his people, led by his cousin. They were no longer alone, and would be able to face the coming battle without fear.

When he saw the front gate filled with those dwarves, pride filled his chest. The mountain seemed to come alive with the new inhabitants. Laughter and conversation swirled around, chasing away the deathly silence that had remained like a fog. The elves were nowhere to be seen, so Thorin assumed they had gone back to Dale at the sight of Dain's army. A large grin spread across his face at the sight of Dain, who was laughing with Dwalin. A similar grin lifted the broad, red-haired dwarf's face.

"Thorin!"

"Dain!"

Laughing, the two hugged. All other attention had been drawn by their booming greeting.

"It took you long enough," Thorin joked.

"Wanted to leave the dragon to you crazy bastards," Dain clapped Thorin hard on the shoulder. "Though yer messages sent from Rivendell nearly had me intercepting ye. What in blazes has been going on?"

"It's a long story," moving aside, Thorin gestured for Danica to come forward. "May I introduce my wife, the Lady Danica. Danica, this is my cousin, Dain Ironfoot Lord of the Iron Hills,"

Every inch the lady, Danica gave a small, graceful curtsey. "It is an honor to meet you, Lord Dain,"

Dain looked gob smacked. "At yer service, my Lady," he managed, then looked at Thorin. "Wife? Seems like a long story, indeed,"

They introduced the rest of the Company, with Bilbo being quite the curiosity. Dain introduced his generals, then they began the long process of housing the troops. Most would be the barracks, and larger dining halls. Ravens and other birds went to the aviary, and the goats were taken to the stables. As there wasn't yet enough room in the armory for the war machines, some were taken to the dining halls, while a few were housed on inside the front gate. When the people from Dale came, they would be housed in the great hall. With everything else going on, and so few hands, there just wasn't enough time to prepare the whole mountain. Thankfully, with the extra rations brought by Dain and the elves, there was enough food to go around.

"Ye've done well, all things considered," Dain appraised once they were able to sit down together. While the troops got themselves settled, Thorin, Danica, Dain, a few of his men, and the Company went into one of the king's private dining chambers. Fires had been lit, and plenty of comfortable furniture had been set around. For the first time since Smaug's demise, the mountain was warm and homey.

"It will take a long time to bring Erebor back to her former glory, but we can focus on that once the battle is over. Our first concern should be fortifying the front gate,"

"Agreed, but I'd like ye to tell me the whole story, from the beginning. Especially how you managed to get yerself married,"

Taking a swig of ale, Thorin began the tale from when he met Rachel. Some of it Dain already knew, but Danica was there to fill in missing gaps. Dain was silent through most of it, only occasionally asking questions of them. He continued to keep a suspicious look toward Danica, until Thorin spoke of her sacrifice at the cliff top. Bilbo, Dwalin, and Fili added their accounts as well. There was some disbelief in the eyes of the dwarf lord, but also respect. Danica didn't notice. When she spoke, her eyes were far away, reliving each moment. However, her voice broke as she told of their experience in Laketown, so Thorin took over again. He finished everything that needed to be known, trying to ignore the displeased sneers on a couple of Dain's men.

In the silence that followed, Dain downed his second mug of ale. Setting it down with a clunk, he leveled an unblinking stare at Thorin and Danica. "Ye sound mad as wargs in heat, ye know that?"

"Felt like it too," Danica replied, causing chuckles from most in the room.

Thorin smiled wryly. "I wouldn't have believed any of this a year ago," he took Danica's hand on the table, where everyone could see. "But can you blame me, Cousin?"

"I suppose not," after a shake of his head, Dain laughed. "And if anyone was going to get away with this, it would be you. Ye always were the favorite,"

"Because I was always the best looking,"

Guffaws erupted around them, and some of the tension dissipated.

"And humble to boot. Ye sure ye want to saddle yerself with that, Lass?" Dain grabbed another mug of ale, sitting back in his chair.

"What can I say? I like them strong, dark, and handsome," a mischievous gleam lit her eyes as she looked sidelong at Thorin. Dain's next words extinguished that gleam.

"And ruler of an entire race of people,"

Silence fell like a stone. Danica's head snapped back to Dain, her mouth dropped in shock. Kili's hands fisted, but Fili held him back. Behind Dain, the soldiers who had looked displeased now looked smug.

"Be careful Dain," Thorin warned lowly, but his cousin wasn't one for backing down.

"With all due respect, I believe it my duty as yer subject and kinsman to question this. After all, there are many women who would salivate at the thought of riches and power,"

"Not this one," Danica replied tersely. "Do you see me wearing any riches? A nice gown, yes, as it was most appropriate to greet the king's cousin, who is a lord himself. But no jewelry. No other finery. I don't care for riches or status. It was never my intention to take anything for myself at the end of this quest. Neither did I intend on falling in love with Thorin, but he didn't give me much of a choice,"

She looked at him briefly, the depth of her emotions evident in her eyes, and causing his heart to constrict.

"Your king, my king, is the strongest, most loyal, selfless, and honorable person I have ever met. He would give his life for his people without a second thought or regret, and has been through trials no one should have to suffer. He is not only someone I love, but someone I admire, and would follow to the ends of this earth,"

In that moment, Thorin wanted nothing more than to kiss her. To the side, the Company beamed proudly, with Fili and Kili yelling, "Here, here!" Taking it all in, Dain, took a swig of ale.

"You should also know that she has earned the respect, and devotion of all those who have fought beside her," Fili said, coming to stand directly behind her. "Thranduil of Mirkwood takes her council, as do the men of Laketown and Dale. She has no need of Thorin's status, for she has come well into her own,"

More cheers rose from the others. Danica's cheeks reddened, but her expression remained humble and somber. Thorin brought her hand to his lips, and kissed it, then looked at Dain, waiting for his response. After a moment, Dain set the mug down, and sat forward.

"Well spoken," he said. "I respect the loyalty ye've gained from yer husband, and companions, Lady. Ye also have my thanks for all ye've done to help them, despite the future looking so bleak," he extended a hand to Danica, and shook the one she gave in return. "It's not often we have a king's wife so worthy of standing beside him,"

"Thank you," Danica replied. "You honor me,"

Dain inclined his head, then clapped his hands. "Now then, let's get some music going! We may not be able to do a full feast yet, but there's enough seriousness ahead of us, so tonight we will celebrate!"

They all went to join the troops, where music was already flowing. Thorin excused himself long enough to send the invitation for Bard and Thranduil to join them the following day. By the time he returned, Danica had charmed many more of Dain's men, even if a few still scowled from the side. Her bright laughter rose above the deeper voices as she danced with whomever asked. The music paused long enough for the men to toast their King Under the Mountain, then a new song began.

"May I?" Thorin asked as he stood before Danica, bowing over her hand.

"I was hoping you would," she was out of breath, with sweat on her brow, and absolutely glowing.

They danced one of the routines he had taught her in Rivendell, eyes never leaving each other. During a few steps that he had her in his arms, he leaned in close to her ear.

"Just so we are clear, my Lady, I intend on making you gasp and moan as loud as you did earlier, once we leave for bed," he heard her breath hitch before twirling her away. Her eyes smoldered darkly, causing heat to pool low in his stomach. The next rotation, she slithered an arm around his shoulders.

"And I intend on hearing you growl my name again, my King,"

Only an immense amount of self control kept him from doing it right there.

"I don't care how long everyone else celebrates, we leave in no more than half an hour," he promised.

Laughing, she swung her hips as she danced away from him. Make that five minutes.