A.N. A re-write of the previous Ch 11, bigger explanation as to all of it in the next chapter...please forgive me...I promise this will be better for the story, and will make sure that I actually get the thing done.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my own original characters and plot points.

Danica awoke with a start, having rolled off the bed. Her breath had been forced from her chest, but once it came back, she let out a cry of sheer terror and panic. Unable to regain any kind of control, she heaved and sobbed against the side of the bed. At some point, Thorin came rushing in, and took her in his arms. He asked her what was wrong, but she still couldn't speak, so he just held her tightly until she could.

"It was just a dream," she said against his shoulder, voice shaky.

"Start at the beginning," he coaxed. "What happened?"

As well as she could, she relayed the dream to him, leaving out how lonely she had felt recently. She tried to explain the voices, but they were already fuzzy, and made even less sense than before. When she spoke of Fili and Kili, she could see the need to be with his remaining nephew grow stronger. Trying not to let that bother her, she moved on to Galadriel's advice about Radagast, and the dark presence. Thorin frowned heavily.

"Could this be the person who was behind trying to take you away?"

"Galadriel didn't say, but I think so,"

Nearly as troubled as she'd been, he nodded. "How did you wake yourself?"

She took a deep breath, steadying her suddenly queasy stomach. "I jumped from the top of Minas Tirith,"

"By Mahal, Danica…"

"I could feel the impact; feel my bones shatter, and my head explode,"

His arms tightened around her, and she wasn't sure if he was comforting her, or himself. "You're alright. You're here now, and you're alright,"

Closing her eyes, she leaned into him and tried to shake off the darkness of the dream. She wanted to be able to just rest in his arms, but time was ticking away too fast. When she opened her eyes again, it startled her just how fast.

"How long was I asleep?" she asked, pushing back slightly.

"Nearly a full day,"

Eyes widening, she looked outside at the late afternoon light. "Gandalf wants to leave tomorrow. What do we do?"

"If your dream is to be believed, which they always have been, you need to find Radagast. Perhaps Gandalf will help you on his way to Gondor,"

Though she had completely expected his answer, her heart dropped. Trying not to show how devastated she was, she nodded and brushed her hair back.

"I suppose I should go find Gandalf and make a plan," she forced a smile on her face and began to get up.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Thorin asked as he helped her.

"Yes. Everything is still a bit crazy, but at least I know what to do next,"

He nodded, expression strangely cool and distant. "I will let you freshen up then,"

She wanted to ask him to stay with her now, and go with her to find Radagast, but nerves kept her tongue tied until he was already out of the room. Heart heavier than ever, she bathed and dressed quickly, then went looking for Gandalf and Elrond. It was time to start taking her life back into her own hands.


Thorin stood on a balcony, looking out at the valley, but not really seeing anything. He didn't even remember how he got there, just that he had needed to walk and clear his head. Unfortunately, that had only partially worked. More than ever, he wished to talk with Balin and Dwalin. Despite his prior struggles, he was ready for the next few months' journey, but was plagued by the troublesome details. If he pushed his pace, he could reach Erebor in three to four months. Getting word to or from Danica would be next to impossible since he would have no idea where she would be. All they could really hope for was to share their strange dreams again.

"I have just come from speaking with Gandalf and Danica," Elrond came to stand next to Thorin. "To tell the truth, we really just sat and listened while she spoke,"

One side of Thorin's mouth quirked. "Her confidence is coming back,"

"Indeed," the elf lord sounded amused and exasperated at the same time. "They will stop by Rhosgabel on their way to Minas Tirith, in case Radagast has returned there. Danica will also be working on trying to find him in her dreams,"

"And if that does not work?"

"Then she will continue searching after they have found what answers may be in Minas Tirith,"

It felt wrong. All of it. When she had first arrived, her purpose had been to save him, and then be with him. Now, her purpose was elsewhere, and seemed to have nothing to do with him. And his purpose? He was no longer Kin Under the Mountain. How would he fit back in at Erebor? Perhaps work in the forges again, or as a military commander.

"I do not think you need to worry," Elrond commented. "You will both find your way, and I know you will not be separated for long,"

It was eerie how he seemed to know Thorin's thoughts. "What makes you so sure?"

The elf lord smiled. "Look how far she went to bring you to this time with her. I know, had the roles been reversed, that you would have done the same. After all, the love you two share is stronger than any obstacle that has come your way thus far,"

There was a message behind those words, and as Thorin looked at the setting sun, he knew that he had to make amends. Once he and Elrond parted ways, he began searching for Danica. This would be their last chance alone, even if he traveled through the mountains with them. The last thing he wanted was for them to part on bad terms.

"You weren't planning on leaving without me, were you?" he heard the voice as he got closer to their rooms. Coming up the stairs, he saw one of Elrond's sons walking toward Danica. Beaming, she jumped into the elf's arms.

"It's so good to see you! Where are Elrohir and Arwen?"

"They will be here soon. They have both been working on something for you, and wanted to get it done before you left,"

"Get what done?"

"Some gifts you will need on the road. While it would have been nice to spend more time with you, having you sleep all day gave us the time we needed to finish everything, and prepare for the journey,"

"Hello King Thorin," a soft, woman's voice startled Thorin, and alerted the other two to his presence.

An elf maid, far more beautiful than any he'd ever seen was walking up the stairs beside the other twin. They were both carrying a couple of bundles, and had welcoming smiles on their faces.

"I do not believe we have met," Thorin replied to the elf maid.

"My name is Arwen. I am Lord Elrond's daughter,"

He gave the customary bow, then they all congregated at the top of the stairs. Danica gave him a soft smile, but he could see her doubt. Guilt burned in him at the memory of how he had left her that morning. For the most part, he stood back while Danica had her reunion with the elves, and they gave her their gifts. Arwen had arranged for new traveling clothes and armor to be made for her in the same style she had worn before. One of the twins held out a long weapon, which shocked both Danica and Thorin.

"How did you get this?" she breathed, taking the spear into her hands.

"Balin sent it a few years ago. King Fili had wanted to put it on display in your memory, but had felt it would be wrong without having Orcrist as well,"

"That, and the dwarves were having difficulty swallowing the presence of an elven weapon in their city," Elladan sneered disdainfully. Thorin glared at him.

"An elven weapon wielded by the human wife of their king. That would be a lot for any race to swallow," Danica placated, looking cautiously at Thorin.

"Always the diplomat," Arwen smiled. "You should know, your spear has a name. The men of Dale called it the Sun Spear, and the elves of Mirkwood have adopted it in their own language. It is known as Anorech now,"

"Anorech," Danica said, as if testing the name on her tongue. "Why did they name it that?"

"Legend has it King Thorin's wife was like the sun; bright and fearsome to behold," Elrohir's eyes sparkled with mirth when she groaned at the description. Thorin thought it was rather fitting. "You may not like it, but that is what they say,"

"Lord have mercy," all three siblings chuckled when Danica passed a hand over her eyes.

"Welcome to the life of infamy," Thorin smirked.

Danica shook her head, then looked at the elves. "Thank you. All of you, for this,"

"You never need to thank us," Arwen said. "You are family, and always will be,"

"And you are mine," she swallowed roughly. "I really hope to see you again soon. I have missed you, and this place,"

"I am sure there will be time for that later,"

"And do not worry," Elrohir added. "We will make sure to say farewell to you tomorrow,"

The children of Elrond gave their respects to Thorin as well, then left the couple alone. Thorin breathed a sigh of relief, and helped Danica take her gifts into her room. It was obvious that she had been busy, judging by the pack that lay ready by the side of her bed. It struck him like a blade to the gut just how little time they had, and how much he had wasted being resentful. He turned to her to apologize, when suddenly found his arms full of her, and her lips on his.

He had barely managed to catch her, but quickly followed her mood. They remained desperately and passionately embraced until her knees buckled, forcing them to part. To keep her from falling, he tightened his grip around her waist, and then just gazed into her eyes. There was so much to say that could only be conveyed like this. When the panic began to build again, she dragged his mouth back to hers. In that moment, all she wanted was to kiss him until time stopped.


"We should probably sit," he murmured huskily after a while.

"Ok," she kissed his neck, causing him to groan.

"If you keep that up, I cannot be held responsible for what I may do,"

Danica's stomach clenched in excitement. However, when she looked back into his eyes, she saw plenty of control. Desire, yes, but enough control to make his warning baseless. Her reckless mood had her wanting to break that control, but she stepped back.

"I know we should get some sleep, but may I stay with you? Please?"

He lifted a hand and fingered her braid. There was something so incredibly tender about the gesture. "You never need to ask,"

He had helped her put her gifts into her room, and now walked with her into his. After he closed the door, he reached for her, a question in his eyes. She stepped toward him, and nodded. Her stomach tightened again as his hands skimmed her neck before peeling her outer dress off. Unable to stop herself, she reached up and brushed his vest from his shoulders, then untied the top of his tunic. When her fingers touched his bare skin, he let out a soft growl, then roughly pulled her against him, once again devouring her lips with his. In the madness that followed, her hair came undone, spilling down her back, and both of them lost a couple more articles of clothing. Lifting her off her feet, he laid them down, pressing her hard into the mattress. Breath heaving, she arched up against him and wrapped her legs around his waist. One of his hands pushed her skirt further up her thigh, eliciting a wanton sigh from her. Just as she was about to beg for him to take her, he stopped.

"What's the matter?" she breathed, trying to hide her frustration.

His face was tortured as he shook his head. "I can't,"

He rolled off of her and sat on the edge of the bed, catching his breath. Fighting back tears, Danica remained frozen for a bit, staring at the ceiling. When she did move, she slowly sat up and fixed the skirt of her dress.

"I'm sorry," Thorin said, his voice soft and full of regret. "It just feels wrong when I still have so many memories missing,"

"We are married," she pointed out, "and we both know how deeply we feel. Unless…you don't- "

"Of course I know how I feel," he moved over to her, and took her hands. "I just do not want to take you when I can't fully remember how we finally came to be together, let alone our wedding,"

She understood, but really wished she didn't. Even she hadn't been able to remember their wedding, but with no guarantees for the future, she wanted to be with him in every way.

"I really can't change your mind, can I?" she asked hopelessly.

"If you had less integrity, and tried hard enough, I'm sure you could," he said with a half-smile.

"That would be a no," she sighed, and looked down at her hands in his. His thumbs lightly stroked the back of her hands, slowly easing her pain and frustration until all that was left was sadness.

"I love you,"

The words were so soft, Danica wasn't even sure she'd heard them at first. Unsure, she looked up, and found his expression open and sincere. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was likely the first time he'd said it since before they'd arrived in the Shire.

"I want you to know that before tomorrow. Not just because of events neither of us can remember, but because I told you myself,"

Filled to the brim with emotion, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you too," she murmured against his neck. "I'm almost afraid to go to sleep,"

"Because of your dreams?"

"No. Because then, before I know it, it will be tomorrow,"

He stroked her hair a couple of times, then pressed his lips to her head. "What if I went with you? Just part of the way, until our paths diverged north and south?"

Hope and excitement at the idea filled her, then quickly dimmed. "It would only be a couple of weeks,"

"Yes, but that would be a couple more weeks than we would have otherwise,"

She thought about it, knowing he was right, but unsure if she could manage it after she'd been so sure that she would have to say goodbye now. Still, perhaps they would be lucky enough to get one more moment alone.

"I would love it if you would come with us," she kissed him again, feeling a little lighter than she had earlier.

"Then it is settled,"

So it was, and with both of them secured in the other's arms, they were able to drift to sleep.

P.S. Reviews and comments welcome!