A.N. Good Lord, I just cannot seem to post with any sort of regularity recently. _ My apologies for that. Hopefully the introductions in this chapter won't seem too rushed. I have plans for some more one-on-one time later. You'll understand more what that means once you've read the chapter. Lol. Hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and plot points.
The next day was nothing short of overwhelming. When she awoke in the morning, it almost seemed too good to be true to see Thorin laying next to her. Tears filled her eyes, and she cursed pregnancy hormones, hoping she wouldn't be a blubbery mess the whole time. Wiping the tears away, she kissed him until he also woke. Desire took over her completely, making her kisses deep, and increasingly more fervent. He quickly caught on, pulling her nightdress up to her waist. Working just as swiftly, she pulled at his pants, until the proof of his desire was free. They were almost joined, when Thorin paused.
"The baby," he groaned, his self-restraint clearly bringing him pain.
His concern brought a smile to her face. "This won't hurt the baby,"
When he continued to hesitate, she became impatient, and guided him into her. They groaned together, and she found herself already close to climax. Gripping his hips, she moaned his name, moving her hips so she could feel the friction of him within her. Thorin shuddered, a strangled gasp escaping his lips.
"Woman, if you keep doing that, I won't last,"
"Then you had better take me quickly. And don't you dare hold back," she rose up, taking his bottom lip between her teeth.
Needing no further permission, he pounded into her, giving no more than a dozen strokes before they were both ensnared in a blinding climax. It shot down Danica's spine like electricity, curling her toes. Her cries of ecstasy still seemed to echo around them when Thorin collapsed beside her. For a few minutes, they lay still, except for the occasional shudders, and tried to catch their breath.
"Good morning, she breathed, once she was able to speak.
Thorin laughed, the sound full, rich, and deep. Rolling, he kissed her soundly on the lips. "Every moment with you is a balm to the ache of missing you this past year,"
Some of her happiness dimmed, as her heart clenched. "I am so sorry,"
"No," he caressed her face, and kissed her cheek. "Please do not dwell on what could have, or should have been,"
Unable to control herself, she raised her eyebrows.
"Yes, I know; I am not one to speak about letting go of the past," he commented lightly, reading her expression perfectly. "Much has changed this past year. That reminds me; we should get ready so you can meet those who came with me,"
Nerves set in at the prospect, but Danica tried to hide them as she washed and dressed. She had been in a safe bubble for the past few days, and the idea of making even a small step into the world terrified her. Before she knew she was pregnant, she would have thrown herself into helping with the battles to come. Not now. Now, she had to protect hers and Thorin's child at all costs. Any help she could give would have to be as counsel. Even then, she couldn't give all her information until she was safely in Erebor.
"Thorin, we shouldn't tell anyone else about my regaining my memories," the warning came as Thorin was lacing his boots.
He paused for the briefest moment, then finished, and stood. "Are you concerned with becoming more of a target on the road when we depart?"
"Not so much that," though that was now added to her list of anxieties. "If everyone finds out, there are those who would hunt me down, and try to use me as Denethor did,"
At the mention of the steward, Thorin's eyes darkened. "They would do so over my dead body,"
A thought which broke her heart. She walked over to him, and rested her head on his shoulder. "Let's not tempt them, please,"
"For your safety, and happiness, I will remain silent," he kissed her head, then took her hand so that they walked out together.
Dwalin was waiting for them just around the corner. His face split into a wide, warm grin. Hormones and emotions flooded Danica, and she ran into the burly dwarf's arms.
"Hello, Lass," he said, voice thick. "Ye need to stop worrying us,"
The giggle caught in her throat. "So I've been told,"
When she had to wipe away tears, he shuffled uncomfortably. "Well…I have missed ye too,"
"Sorry," she sniffled. "I guess I'm just a little sensitive at the moment," as she wasn't sure if she was ready to announce the pregnancy, she left her reasoning at that. Wisely understanding what had happened, Thorin also remained silent.
"In that case, I hope ye can find some strength for the next introductions," Dwalin warned.
First up were Gloin and Gimli. Danica hugged them both, commenting on how much Gimli had changed. The other two remained further back, politely giving space until summoned. Apprehension filled the air as Thorin called them forward, and Danica looked at their faces. There was something familiar about them both that she couldn't quite put a finger on. They were quite young, and hesitated to meet her eyes. Behind all that, she could sense a wisdom and strength that came only from hardships.
"This is Kayli. She was sent by Radagast to return the Arkenstone," Thorin introduced.
Danica smiled warmly. "Then I am in your debt. It is a pleasure to meet you, Kayli,"
The blonde dam bowed. "It is an honor to meet you, my Lady,"
"She is also the daughter of Fili, and Bard's eldest daughter, Sigrid,"
Thorin's voice was calm and nonchalant, the complete opposite of what Danica felt.
"Oh,"
She knew instantly that it was true; the blonde hair and blue eyes were unmistakably Fili's, while her slimmer form and lack of facial hair spoke of her mother. What was the likelihood of two dwarves from the same family falling in love with human women? Judging by Kayli's somber nature, and the lack of any previous mention of her, Danica could guess the situation ended tragically. A part of her was curious to know the story, but now was not the time.
"I knew your mother for a time, when she was younger," Danica said. "She was very dear to me,"
Kayli's eyes softened. "You were to her as well. She spoke of you as if you were one of her family,"
As emotion welled in her chest, Danica wished for the alcohol she knew she couldn't have. Something to num the intensity that seemed to come from her hormones.
"We were family, in a lot of ways," beginning to feel tired, she looked to the last person there.
He was a handsome dwarf, with black in both his hair, and beautifully braided beard, and dark eyes. Though his eyes were gentle and kind, they reminded her of someone she had tried desperately to forget, or remain forgotten, as the case may be.
"Forgive me, my Lady, if this is too upfront, but I can see the light of recognition in your eyes. I am Tala, son of Fetir,"
Fear filled Danica, and, for a moment, she was in another time and place, listening to the heartbroken cries of a dwarf child. Frozen, all she could do was stare, completely unsure of what to say. Tala noticed her discomfort, and lowered his gaze.
"I know what my father did to you. Not just because of the gossip that floats through the air like smoke, but because my mother told me. She knew of his blind hatred, and kept none of the truth hidden from me. Your killing of him was justified by the laws of our people, and by the severity of his crimes. King Fili took me in after my mother passed of a broken heart. He raised me in kindness and honor. It is with his help and influence that I was able to redeem my family's name. You have nothing to fear from me, my Lady, for I owe everything to the royal family, and love them as my own," he knelt in front of her, eyes on the ground. "I am forever at your service,"
His earnest speech left no doubt about the gentleness and humility of his heart. Once again, Danica saw the face of the dwarfling, tears running down his face. For him to come this far did not just speak of Fili's influence, but the nature of Tala, himself.
"Rise," she said gently. "I am honored by your words, and look forward to getting to know you, for you seem truly noble and loyal,"
Tala stood, relief softening his countenance. "Thank you,"
A hand settled on Danica's shoulder, and she turned her head to see Thorin watching them with pride in his eyes.
"Alright, now that all the introductions have been made, can we find some food?" Dwalin grumbled.
Everyone's footsteps were lighter as they made their way through the halls in search of breakfast. When they found it, they took it and found a patio in the warm sun. For a while, they just exchanged chit chat, and light anecdotes that filled in some of the missing time. Danica did mention that she had all of her memories from her time on middle earth, but left out her knowledge of the other tales and histories. The day was slightly breezy, adding a cooler touch to the autumn air. Within a short time, Danica found herself feeling at ease with the group, especially when Dwalin and Kayli began a sparring match with words and wit. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so hard. It all ended too quickly when the sound of a galloping horse reached their ears. Curious, they all moved to the rail, where they saw a single horse with two riders hastening over the main bridge.
"Is that a halfling?" Thorin questioned aloud.
"Frodo," without another word, Danica led the way down, just in time to see Elrond carrying the hobbit away to another room. Arwen stood nearby, her hair windblown, and eyes bright with concern. Her gaze found Danica, and she immediately walked to meet her.
"Dani, it is a relief to see you reunited with your husband," she began, managing a nod to all of them. "Forgive my disheveled state. Frodo was stabbed by a Morgul blade, and I feared I would be too late bringing him to my father. Even now, he is cold, pale, and seemingly without life,"
A fearful, somber weight fell over the group, and Danica took Thorin's hand.
"Does he have any hope?" Thorin asked.
Arwen looked at Danica, knowing she held the answer. However, Danica remained still, not knowing how much she should divulge. Just when she was about to give in and give reassurance, they heard footsteps behind them.
"Do not fret, for hobbits are more resilient than almost any other race I have seen,"
The sight of Gandalf had everyone feeling hope and relief. He greeted everyone happily, but was clearly worn down. Though everyone asked, he would not give an explanation. His capture by Saruman would have surely shaken him, and Danica thought he may have wanted to wait until he'd spoken with Elrond. For the moment, he just expressed how grateful he was to see them all there, together and safe. He asked Danica how she was faring, then told her how Denethor had tried to pass off her disappearance as a mystery. It was only thanks to Faramir and Boromir that Gandalf hadn't threatened war. They had also been the ones to ease some of the anger from Erebor, though trade was still halted. Judging by Gloin's grumbling, he wished they had marched down there and taken Denethor's head. The other dwarves obviously agreed, but Danica was thankful some semblance of peace had been kept.
Around midday, they heard talk of more visitors arriving in the Hidden Valley. Curiosity getting the better of her, Danica led the way, followed by Thorin, Kayli, Dwalin, and Tala. Gimli and Gloin had decided to go see if Bilbo had gone to visit Frodo. Gandalf had performed another disappearing act. When they got to one of the outer balconies, they could see a couple different groups gathering. One appeared to be Mirkwood elves, while another was made up of men. The banner of Gondor flew above the men. Danica's gut instantly clenched.
"What are they all doing here?" Thorin growled.
"Saruon's influence has been felt throughout the world, no place more so than Gondor. Perhaps they are all here to seek advice," Danica's voice sounded distant in her own ears.
"Come on, we do not need to be here," taking her hand, Thorin took her back the way they came.
"Do you think there will be some kind of a meeting?" Tala asked. "All these different people from different races here at the same time, for similar if not identical purposes; it seems as though that should be addressed,"
Kayli moved beside Danica. "Dani, do you remember anything about this?" it had taken some persuading, but Kayli had agreed to use Danica's nickname. "Radagast mentioned that you may begin to recall your knowledge of the future once you had the Arkenstone in your possession,"
Danica bit the inside of her cheek briefly. "I cannot say for sure. Many things are still hazy. However, I agree with Tala. I am sure Lord Elrond will wish to speak with everyone collectively,"
It was the best she could safely give, but tasted like a bitter lie on her tongue. She also knew that Aragorn would be arriving with the rest of the hobbits before the Council, but became weary at the thought. Expressing her fatigue, she excused herself, suddenly wanting nothing more than to sleep until the next morning. Thorin tried to follow her, but she told him to make sure he checked in on Frodo first, and greet Bilbo. His face pulled with discontent, but did as she wished. Alone, she let her shoulders droop, and collapsed upon her bed the moment she reached it. Within seconds, she was asleep.
