A.N. Sorry this chapter took me a while. I'm afraid I got hooked reading some other stories, and kept losing track of time.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.
Everything was blissfully dark and cool. Danica remained there for along while, more than happy to let her mind and body remain numb. When light began to make its way back into her consciousness, she allowed the memories to flood back in. The entirety of her knowledge concerning the War of the Ring had flooded back with such intensity that she couldn't hold them back, and Sauron managed to glimpse a few. He saw Gollum with the Ring, and then part of the Battle for Helm's Deep. With all the strength she had, Danica managed to hide anything else. He'd used her weakness, and guided her into the poor guard's mind.
The man had been innocent. He'd only done what Denethor asked out of fear for himself and his family. There was a fear in him; a fear of Danica. Sauron used this to enhance it into panicked rage. Within the man's mind, Danica saw his intent change from restraining her, to killing her. Her own panic rose, and she did everything she could to change his mind. In her fear, she tried too hard, and his mind broke. She'd felt his life drain from him, and seen as his eyes turned red, and the blood seeped from his nose. Never had she thought that her power could be used in such an evil way. It left her feeling cold and dark. How would Thorin be able to look at her? How would she be able to look at herself?
A familiar warmth spread through her limbs, allowing her some calm when she opened her eyes. She automatically recognized the ceiling of the room, and so she wasn't surprised when she turned, and saw Elrond sitting next to her.
"You certainly know how to make a person worry," he remarked, eyes kind and tired.
"I don't intent to," the scratching of her voice was unexpected, and she gratefully accepted the small cup of water. "Forgive me if I took you by surprise when I appeared. Everything just happened so quickly," her throat constricted as she once again remembered the man she'd killed. "Elrond, I did something terrible,"
She melted into tears, explaining all she could to her foster father. He listened intently, eyes full of sympathy, and gloom. After she'd spoken all she could, Elrond sighed.
"I am terribly sorry you were used in such a way," he lamented. "What happened does not reflect upon you. Yes, your abilities are powerful, but they are, just as your heart is, pure. Do not blame yourself for Sauron's manipulations,"
Though she wasn't sure if she could honor such a request, she nodded. After taking another sip of water, she calmed down. "Have you heard anything from Gandalf, or from Erebor?"
"Gandalf contacted me as soon as you disappeared. It took everything he had not to start a personal war with Denethor. Thorin contacted me as soon as he awoke, having slipped into his own unconsciousness. He explained as much as he could,"
"He was in a coma too?" guilt made her stomach sick. She had used his strength, and hurt him.
Elrond took her hand, sensing her dismay. "He would have done anything to ensure your safety. In fact, he is on his way. I sent him a letter the moment you were discovered here,"
Warmth filled her, but she knew she would have to wait. "The next few months will be a test in patience," she mused. "Did Thorin do anything rash in regards to Denethor?"
"I am not completely sure if it was all his idea, but Erebor has ceased all trade with Gondor," Elrond paused to let her chuckle, and then continued, looking down in a manner that had red flags raising in Danica's mind. "Actually, he should be here in a few days. King Fili had already planned on sending a party here, and once they received word of your presence, they were able to leave immediately,"
"How long have I been asleep?" she inquired.
There was some hesitation before Elrond answered, "Three months. You had missing for nearly eight before that,"
Later, she would blame her coma-weakened body, but at Elrond's revelation, the blood rushed from her head, and she passed out.
The journey from Erebor had been a difficult one. More and more orcs were ambushing travelers on the road, slowing the journey. All Thorin wanted to do was rush every day, but their party required only a slightly faster pace than normal. Fili had been wanting to send a few envoys to Rivendell to report Sauron's movements in the north, and ask for advice. Thorin had to respect his nephew's humility, as he was unsure if he would have been able to do the same thing in that position. There was no doubt that they needed to speak with Elrond about Sauron, though. He was making his move in all areas of the east. For the last few decades, a storm had been brewing, and now it was coming to a head.
More than any of that, Thorin wished to get to Rivendell to have his wife back in his arms. Never again would he let her leave his side. From Elrond's last letter, she was still in a coma, but he had high hopes for her recovery. Nonetheless, every moment away from Danica kept him anxious. Her mind would still be in danger until she had the Arkenstone, which he now carried. He glanced behind him, to the blonde dwarrow maid who had brought the stone to Erebor on the orders of Radagast. Kayli was her name, and she had been quite the enigmatic figure, at first. However, her Durin eyes, and striking resemblance to Fili had given her away. Well, to Thorin and Dwalin. Fili had been blind, until Kayli finally revealed herself as the product of an affair between him, and Bard's eldest, Sigrid.
Thorin shook his head slightly. It had not been the happiest of reunions. Kayli blamed Fili for her mother's self-imposed banishment, and loneliness until her death. A sentiment shared by Bard's last living child, Tilda. Eventually, and with much effort on everyone's part, Fili's guilt, and undeniable love won his daughter over. Their relationship was still a little awkward, and tense at times, but there was progress. Kayli had also managed to carve a place for herself in Thorin's heart. Her mother had named her after Kili, which turned out to be rather serendipitous; the two were kindred spirits. Due to her difficult childhood, Kayli had less mirth, but the mischievous, and adventurous nature was there. When it was decided that a party be sent to Rivendell, she demanded to go. Though Fili was loathe to let her go, he conceded.
This party consisted of Thorin, Dwalin, Kayli, Gloin and his son Gimli, Dain's son Thorin Stonehelm, and Tala son of Fetir. Their last companion had been somewhat of a shock to Thorin when they first met. It was almost impossible for Thorin to imagine the lad forgiving him for his part in Fetir's death. Thanks to Fili's role in raising Tala, as well as the lad's wise and kind heart, he had greeted Thorin with respect, humility, and no hard feelings. They had grown fond of each other, though Thorin struggled with the longing in Tala's eyes every time he looked at Kayli.
"There's the road to Rivendell," Dwalin grumbled.
While Thorin would normally share his friend's disgruntled sentiment, he was relieved, and overjoyed to finally reach the elven dwelling. The sun was quickly setting, and they were still an hour away, but Thorin refused to stop. The road was more dangerous at night, but Elrond no doubt had patrols around this area. Even if he didn't, no orc party would keep Thorin from reaching his destination. Thankfully, his hunch had been correct, and they arrived after nightfall, with no incident. An elf welcomed them, and quickly brought them to Elrond's study.
"I am relieved to see you here so soon, and unharmed," the elf lord greeted.
"Thank you," Thorin replied, after forcing himself to remember etiquette. "You have my gratitude for sending word about my wife. Is she well?"
"She is. She regained consciousness a few days ago, and has been resting. I believe she is currently sleeping peacefully,"
Thorin breathed a sigh of relief. "I wish to see her,"
Standing, Elrond nodded. "Of course. Lindir, would you please show our other guests their rooms, and make sure they are comfortable?"
Neither Lindir, nor the dwarves looked particularly pleased about this, but they all obliged. Thorin was about to follow in the same direction, which was where he and Danica had stayed before.
"If you would follow me," Elrond said, gesturing to a different hall. "I had her moved to a room closer to mine and my daughter's so that we could more easily attend to her,"
They walked in silence for a short distance, but Thorin's intuition began to flicker. "Is she alright?" he inquired. "The last time she traveled in such a way, she lost her memories, and suffered physically,"
"The last time, she was unaware of the power she possessed, and was taking another person with her. This time, she was alone. However, it did take a toll. She was in a coma for three months, and, from what she tells me, she has not had any visions, or walked through any more dreams,"
Thorin's brow furrowed. "Do you think she may have lost her powers?"
Elrond's gait slowed, then stopped as they reached a delicately carved door. "I cannot say for certain. It is my suspicion that they are merely remaining dormant. Either way, it is for the best,"
Something Thorin couldn't agree with more. Elrond bid him a goodnight, and left, going back in the direction they had come. Trying to be as quiet as possible, Thorin entered the room, and shut the door behind him. Moonlight streamed in, allowing his eyes to make out the shadows of the bed, and furniture. He slid off his pack, cloak, mail, and boots, and sat beside Danica's sleeping form. Feeling the weight shift the bed, she groaned softly, and lifted a hand to rub her eyes.
"Dani?" he murmured her name softly, but the effect was as if he'd shouted. She jumped, instantly awake, and threw her arms around him.
"Oh God, I'm so happy to see you," she cried, voice thick with emotion.
He could only hold her close, fighting the tears in his eyes. She lost that battle, and wept into his shoulder. The past year melted away, and Thorin felt the aching hole in his heart ease and fill. Finally, he felt whole again.
"I am never letting you go again," he vowed, kissing her hair, and then her lips.
"I never want you to,"
They laid back, kissing each other fervently, until their breath had been lost. There was so much they needed to catch up on, but for now, it was just them. No impending war, no complicated introductions, just a husband and wife. He released her hair from its braid, and ran his fingers through its warm softness. Her scent enveloped him, and reminded him of simpler times. Somehow, he would make sure they returned to that life. A life of peaceful domesticity. In the present, he enjoyed the feel of her skin as his fingertips glided over her back. She arched into his touch, practically purring. He couldn't help but notice the bones protruding slightly. It wasn't surprising, but still saddened him. Her body had been through so much in the time she'd been in middle earth.
"Do you still have all of your memories?" he asked to distract himself from his thoughts.
"I do," she replied. "It feels as though they were never gone,"
"And you haven't had any more visions or strange dreams?"
Shifting slightly, she shook her head. "Something I am very thankful for. I've been so afraid of Sauron using me again,"
Her words made him wonder if she, herself, was repressing her abilities, but refrained from voicing his suspicion. Instead, he leaned away from her, and grabbed his pack.
"Perhaps this will help ease your mind," he pulled out the Arkenstone, and placed it in her hand.
"How did you get this?" she gasped in disbelief.
Laying back down, he chuckled. "That is a complicated story that we can get into tomorrow, after we have both gotten some sleep,"
Danica grumbled in discontent, but snuggled into his arms. "Who else came with you? Elrond mentioned that Fili had wanted to send a group, and from the story I know, Gimli, Gloin should be with you,"
He had forgotten how it felt to be at this disadvantage with her. "They are indeed here, as are Dwalin, Thorin Stonehelm, and two others. You will be able to meet them all tomorrow,"
"How do you expect me to sleep with all these unanswered questions?" she answered herself with a large yawn.
"I think you'll manage," he tenderly kissed her temple. "Now, my love, we should both sleep,"
"Before we do, there is one more thing I should tell you,"
Setting the Arkenstone aside, she took his hand, and guided it down to her lower abdomen. At first, he didn't understand, but then he felt the small, but noticeable and firm bump between her hips. All the air rushed from his body, leaving him light-headed.
"How?" was all he could croak.
"The last time we were together," though her voice was soft, there was a smile in it. "I'm about sixteen weeks along. Since dwarrow dams and women have different gestational periods, we're not completely sure how long the pregnancy will be,"
All he could do was gape, but then a smile began to grow on his face. With a new kind of wonder, he caressed the bump that protected their growing child. His child.
"I am going to be a father," he breathed. Laughing softly, he kissed Danica, and then rested his forehead against hers. "Mahal, I love you,"
"I love you too," she stroked his cheek, wiping away the one tear that escaped his eye.
Though he wanted to stay up, and talk about the future, he could feel her begin to sag against him. As she fell asleep in his arms, he pictured a child with black hair, and silver eyes. The smile remained on his face when he finally succumbed to sleep. He was going to be a father.
P.S. I loved writing that last part. :') Forgive any typos; I really wanted to get this chapter out to you!
