A/N: HI everyone! I am so so sorry for the delay, I have had so much to do IRL and haven't had the time to write. I promise that I will try to update a bit more often. This chapter is slightly longer than the ones I have published so far and I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 5

Next morning

Daenerys woke up after a night full of disturbed sleep. She went to bed very late to begin with and when she tried to sleep she couldn't because her head was racing with thoughts. Sleep had only come in short periods. Last night's little adventure had left its mark on her mind. She had gone out alone with no one to guard her in a completely unaccustomed forest, decided to sit in a glade where anyone could attack her and then fall asleep! She should be ashamed of herself. But what really made her have a hard time sleeping was the fact that Thorin Oakenshield had come out to search for her, alone at that. He said that it was Gandalf who wanted him to go on his own, but why? Dany knew that wizards could be full of strange ideas that no one knew about until they became reality but what did he have in mind yesterday? She wanted to ask him but felt that there was probably no use, he would probably only give her a cryptic answer that would leave her wondering even more.

Today it was raining and as Dany went to where the dwarves and Gandalf had gathered to eat their breakfast she noticed that they were all soaked just like her self. At least she wore pants and not a dress like she mostly used to do back in Essos. Together with the grey pants she wore a rather thin, grey-green shirt with a vest over it, which she could button up. Over that she wore a jacket made of wolf skin that gave rather good protection from the rain but right now Dany felt soaked anyway. She had other garments she could change into but now was not the time with so many men around, she would probably have to wait until evening came. They hadn't been able to find a shelter so they were all sitting under the trees the best they could, although it clearly didn't help. As she came up to them they all cheered on her and wished her a good morning. Bilbo, who had been absent last night when she and Thorin had come back, was also sitting with the dwarves. "He must have fallen asleep early." Dany thought. She sat down and was handled a piece of meat by Balin, water she had brought herself.

"So, what are today's plans?" She asked and looked around.

"We continue just like we have done so far, going as much to the east as we can." Thorin answered, neutral in his tone and not looking at her. Dany couldn't help but feeling a bit disappointed at that. There was another thing, would they have the same routine every day and night? When she had travelled during her time in Essos she remembered how people were affected by not stopping for rest for more than maybe a day. Of course, there the weather had been basically sun and heat every day which wasn't the case here, but exhaustion could still be a huge factor.

"I know our final destination is Erebor, but isn't there a place where we could find longer shelter and rest properly? We cannot ride every day, we need to stay at some place, like a city or village, for at least a few days."

"There is one place, the Hidden Valley, also going by the name of Rivendell and Imladris in Elvish. It's an elven city, ruled by lord Elrond Half Elven. I am sure we would be welcome there." Gandalf said. Thorin however, looked up angrily at the wizard.

"Elves, do you really think I would seek the shelter of elves after what they did? No Gandalf, there is no way that I would go there."

"But we have a map that none of us can read. If we asked it of them, I am most certain that they would help us with it." Gandalf retorted but Thorin stood by himself.

"I told you Gandalf, I will NOT seek the help of elves. They did not help us then and they will not help us now. Trust me, I know them."

With that, Thorin went up and left the company. Gandalf looked after him, mumbling something that Dany could not understand but by the tone of it he was rather irritated. Some of the older dwarves gave a huge sigh and shook their heads, as if this was something that happened rather often. Fili and Kili looked upset, obviously bothered by their uncle's behaviour. Bilbo looked confusedly around him, not sure what to do or say. Daenerys couldn't help but feeling bothered as well. What was Thorin talking about? Why was he so angry at the elves? She wanted to go after him but decided against it.

"What was that all about?" she asked the grey wizard.

"It is a long story. A long time ago when Smaug the Terrible attacked Erebor, Thorin saw the elven king Thranduil on a nearby hill along with his army. But instead of helping the dwarves he turned away, not wanting to risk the lives of his kin against the big beast. Ever since, Thorin and the other dwarves of Erebor had to flee, wandering in the wild looking for a new home and work to live for the day. That is the reason why Thorin and dwarves in general hates the elves. However I wouldn't encourage you to press him about it Daenerys, as you can see it is a very tender point. It's for the best to leave him alone."

Daenerys could see that indeed. Gandalf was right, now was not the time to ask Thorin about such things. He had not gone far, she could see him sitting on a rock maybe a hundred meters away with his face in his hands. Was he crying? No, he sure wasn't. There was no way he would show such emotions while still being so close to his men.

"I promise that I won't, Gandalf. But mustn't we leave soon? When will he return?"

"He will return soon enough. We should start packing our things, there is no use in lingering here." He turned to the others who were already busy with collecting their belongings. "We leave as soon as we can! Do not worry about your leader, he will catch up with us."

"Oh I am sure he will, when he is in that mood then no one can outrun him on a horse." Dany heard Balin say to Bilbo in a rather hushed tone. When Balin passed Dany on his way to where the horses were tied up, he smiled at her. It was a smile that Dany felt had more meaning to it than just him being nice towards her.

Soon everyone had tied loose their ponies and Dany had done the same with Mist. They rode the whole day without any problems meeting them on the road. When evening came they stopped by an old cabin that had seen its best days, only the remains was left.

"We camp here for the night" Thorin shouted, "Fili, Kili! Look after the ponies, make sure you stay with them."

Dany watched as Gandalf inspected what was left of the cottage.

"A farmer and his family used to live here. I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley."

Thorin came walking towards him. "I told you already, I will not go near that place."

"The elves could help us. We could get food, help, advice…"

"I don't need their advice."

"We have a map we cannot read, lord Elrond could help us."

"Help? A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls. The elves looked on and did nothing! You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather and betrayed my father."

"You are neither of them. I did not give you that map and key for you to hold on to the past…"

"I did not know it was yours to keep."

Gandalf turned away from the dwarf, clearly irritated. He walked past the rest and Bilbo asked:

"Everything alright? Gandalf, where are you going?"

"To seek the company of the only one around here who's got any sense?"

"Who?"

"Myself mister Baggins! I have had enough of dwarves for one day."

Dany panicked, where was he going? He couldn't leave even just for temporary. She decided to go after him and try to convince him to stay.

"Gandalf! Please stay, you know how he can be. We cannot finish this quest without you, we…"/

"Silence, Daenerys Stormborn!" Gandalf almost shouted, frustrated. He towered over her and looked at her with something menacing in his eyes and it made Dany scared. After a few seconds his eyes returned to normal again.

"I need some time on my own. Thorin will lead you from now on and you must be at his side, helping him in his decisions."

Dany's eyes widened, what did he mean by helping? She was not prepared for this nor was she a leader.

"No Gandalf, I cannot do this, not without you. Thorin will not allow me to help him either."

Gandalf put his hand on Dany's shoulder. "In time he will, Daenerys. In time he will."

With that, Gandalf left. Daenerys stood watching him for a minute before returning to where the others had started to make sleeping arrangements.

Evening came. Everything was calm except for everyone talking and Bofur had just asked Bilbo to go to Fili and Kili to bring them some food. Thorin was again away from the company, he sat on a stone looking out over the wilderness. Again, Daenerys felt like she wanted to go to him. They hadn't spoken to each other since morning and while looking at him she felt sadness inside her heart. After he had told her about his past she felt compassion for him. She just wished he didn't isolate himself like this, it does nothing for neither himself nor everybody around him. As she continued to watch him, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Quickly turning around, she gave out a relieved sigh noticing it was just Balin.

"You all right lass?"

She smiled weakly, her mouth closed, looking down at her hands "Yes, thank you. I am just concerned about…"

"Thorin? We all are and especially me. I have known him since he was a child you know."

Dany looked at the white haired dwarf in shock. "How did you know that I…?"

"Oh Dany, it is not difficult to see. I have been observing you both. The way you look at him and the way he looks at you when he thinks that no one sees. But I know him too well and I haven't seen him do so in a very long time, trust me."

Dany couldn't really understand what he meant, or did she not want to understand?

"Yes, I admit that I am concerned about him. But what are you talking about otherwise? Are you saying that he could have feelings for me?"

Balin laughed, "I am not saying that, I am just saying that I see something in him that I haven't seen in a long time."

Daenerys turned again towards where Thorin sat, he was still looking out in the distance.

"I admit that I wish I could help him, I really do." She sighed.

"And I think you will. You are a brave woman, Daenerys Targaryen. Soon our leader will see that as well."

Dany turned towards him and smiled again, this time her smile reached the eyes. However, they didn't have the time to talk more until they heard both Fili and Kili come running and shouting.

"Help! Trolls have taken the ponies!"

Everyone gathered around the two brothers.

"Where is Bilbo?" asked Nori.

"He… we told him to try to rescue the ponies since he is so small and the trolls are so stupid so maybe they won't notice him."

"Didn't I tell you two to look after the ponies?"

Without anybody noticing, Thorin had rejoined the company and he was now on his way to his nephews and everyone stared at him, nervously expecting what was to come.

"I ask one thing of you and what do I get in return?" he had now stopped right in front of them, "Where is Bilbo? Do not tell me you left him on his own with the trolls?"

The brothers looked at each other and then at their uncle, shame all over their faces, "Yes we did. We thought that since he is even smaller than us he might be able to sneak into the trolls' camp and release the ponies. Please uncle, forgive us."

"What were you thinking? You sent a completely inexperienced halfling into a situation where he will most likely get killed if we don't save him. We have to go there!

All the other dwarves started to cheer in what sounded like a war cry. Dany stood there watching it all.

"Brothers, to the troll camp!" Thorin shouted. The dwarves ran in the same direction that Fili and Kili had come from. Dany managed to grab Thorin's arm before he could start to run and he turned towards her.

"I will come too." She said

"No Daenerys, it is far too dangerous. You better stay here and stay guard." He turned around to follow the others but she grabbed him again.

"No Thorin! Please, I want to fight, I want to show that I am capable to fight."

Thorin's face did not change and neither did his decision "I said 'no', there will come a time for you to fight but it is not now. Someone has to stay here to guard the camp, otherwise more things might get stolen. Now do as I say and no more questions!"

With that he finally latched his arm free and ran after the rest. Dany stood there, watching him disappear among the trees. I will surely show him when the time comes…

She didn't know how long she waited, but it was for her to grow impatient and also worried. After all, they were fighting three trolls and Dany was sure that it was not easy fight. Poor Bilbo, he was probably completely defenceless. What if he is dead? What if Thorin is dead? Dany slipped out of her thoughts. She finally decided to go. Before she went in the direction of the dwarves, she went up to Mist who Dany wanted to have at camp and not together with the ponies. That had turned out to be a very good decision, she could have been troll food now as well. Dany stroke the mare's nose and calmly spoke to her:

"Give me strength, my beauty."

Mist nudged her owner in a way that Daenerys knew well and it made her calm and gave her courage. She was again so thankful to have this wonderful horse with her and that it was only hers, her own! With a final pat, Dany went to get her sword and then into the forest.

It didn't take long until she heard voices and when she did she lowered her pace. Soon she could see the light of a fire and three, huge trolls walking around it. With big eyes did she watch them, their skin was grey and had they looked like big moving pieces of stone. Not until she came even closer did she notice that the dwarves were tied to a pole that one of the trolls rotated above the fire as if they were pigs. But not all the dwarves were there, one group including Thorin and his nephews were lying on the ground in sacks. Dany had to put a hand over her mouth not to let out any sound. Bilbo stood on the ground talking to the trolls, it sounded like he tried to explain how to cook the dwarves but after one troll lifted Bombur up Bilbo shouted:

"No not that one, he is infected!"

"You what?"

"He's got worms in his… tubes."

Right after Bilbo had said that, the troll immediately dropped Bombur to the ground so he landed right on Kili who let out a painful sound. Although she shouldn't, Dany couldn't help but laugh at Bilbo's attempt to help.

"In fact they all have, they're infested with parasites. It's a terrible business! I wouldn't risk it, I really wouldn't."

The other dwarves got angry and said things like "We don't have parasites, you have parasites". Both Dany and Bilbo rolled their eyes, didn't they understand that he was just trying to help? However, Dany could see Thorin kick Kili and it was evident that he knew what was going on. When the others finally got the plan, it started to sound more like this:

"I've got parasites as big as my arm!"

"Mine are the biggest parasites, I've got huge parasites!"

Suddenly, Dany felt someone touch her shoulder. She was about to let out a scream but a foreign hand held her mouth. Scared, she turned her head around but was relieved when she saw who it was as he shushed her and let his hand go of her mouth.

"Gandalf! You came back."

"Yes, I just had to be away for a while from all the stupidity that might come out from a dwarf's mouth sometimes. Will you help me, I know how to save them."

"Of course I will! What do we have to do?"

"Come with me."

Dany followed him to a party of rocks on the other side. All the time they had to walk as quietly as they could and be careful not to step on any sticks or stones that could reveal them. They climbed up and as they did, Dany noticed that the sun was coming up.

"You see Daenerys, when the sun hits these trolls they turn into stone. All we have to do is to break this big stone here so the sun can shine on them. I will break it with my staff and you will help me push it apart as it does so. Do you understand?"

Daenerys felt privileged, "Yes Gandalf."

"Well then.", the wizard smiled and climbed up. Turning to where the trolls and dwarves were he shouted:

"The dawn will take you all!"

Then he put his staff down hard on the rock, cracking it and soon the stone was broken in two. Dany understood that this was the time to push, so she pushed one half to the side while Gandalf took the other. It was a heavy stone but both finally managed to break it apart completely. As soon as the sunshine hit the trolls they immediately turned into stone. Dany couldn't believe what she was seeing, she certainly didn't know that this kind of magic existed. It looked like the dwarves couldn't believe their eyes either but it didn't take long until they let out laughter of relief instead.

Thorin looked up towards where Gandalf and Daenerys stood and smiled a rare smile where his teeth showed. When her eyes met with the dwarf lord's she could swear that his smile widened, or it could be her imagination. She smiled back.

For the next minutes Dany, Bilbo and the dwarves were busy helping each other out of the sacks and tying up the ropes that had held their hands and feet tied together while being imprisoned. Dany had just helped Ori to his feet when she felt a powerful hand touch her left arm. It was like she knew by intuition that it was Thorin so she turned around.

"Can we talk?"

Dany looked at Ori and he smiled as if confirming he was all right. She then looked back at Thorin and nodded. He started to walk and she followed suit, not stopping until they were apart from the rest. When Thorin had stopped walking he turned around to face her again, looking stern but Dany could see that he also was a bit nervous.

"You disobeyed me, I told you to stay at camp. But I suppose I still have to thank you, Daenerys, for helping our wizard in freeing us. I am also sorry for doubting you before, you have certainly proven that you are a smart woman."

Dany couldn't believe her ears, did he just complement her? "Well, thank you my lord. It was completely Gandalf's idea with the breaking of the stone. There are yet many things for me to prove."

Thorin took one step closer, leaned forward and said in a rumbly voice: "Gladly, I am looking forward to that. But now we must continue, there is still a long road ahead. Also we must hope that nothing has been stolen from our camp."

He then did something that surprised Dany, he held out her hand to her. Reluctantly she took it and they went back to the others. Dany could feel herself growing warm and her heart beat fast. He did let go of her hand before they had the others in sight but she thought about what Balin had told her earlier, was the great dwarf lord actually fond of her? She didn't have the time to think about it any longer because they had now joined the rest of the group and Gandalf ordered them to go back to the camp to fetch their things.

Dany was so happy to see that Mist was all right, she also looked well rested so she had probably been able to sleep during her time away. With a swift movement Dany went up in the saddle and patted her neck. Now that she was the only horse left in the company that meant she had to carry some of the others' things as well, she was a strong mare however so that wouldn't be a problem as long as she got her periods of rest. When everyone was finished and the sun stood high in the sky the company set off, Dany and Gandalf at the front.