A.N. Here we are again! Hopefully I haven't made you too mad with the long periods between chapters. I'm trying to get a little better about setting aside all distractions a bit each day so I can focus. Thank you for all your patience!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.

Bilbo had been sitting beside Frodo, who was still deeply unconscious. Thorin stood at the doorway for a moment, unsure if he should intrude. His old friend was looking a little older, and far wearier. He took a step into the room, but froze when Bilbo began speaking.

"This is all my fault," his voice was frail, on the edge of breaking. "If only I had never picked up that cursed ring. I wish…I wish that I could say that I regret going on the quest, but that would likely be the largest lie I have ever told. You, of all people know what that quest meant to me, and what the people mean to me," he let out a quivering sigh. "What would your parents think of me?"

Unable to remain silent any more, Thorin walked in. "I am sure they would be grateful that you raised their son with love, so that he would grow to be brave and selfless,"

When Bilbo turned to him, Thorin could see the tears on his cheeks, even when they lifted with a smile. Thorin stood close, and put his arm around his friend. It was a terribly helpless feeling, watching a loved one suffer in such a way as Bilbo was forced to watch his nephew. Leaning his head against Thorin's side, Bilbo let the tears fall again. Not for the first time, Thorin felt guilty. The quest had made such a huge impact on their burglar. So much so that it had also affected Frodo.

"If it is any consolation, I would not have changed you joining the quest either," Thorin admitted.

Sniffling a little, Bilbo nodded his head, then sat straight. "Thank you. You cannot know what that means to me,"

They remained together until it was dark, reminiscing about times long gone. Once Thorin's concern for Danica grew too obvious, Bilbo kicked him out. Thankfully, the hobbit was in much better spirits, which left Thorin more comfortable leaving him alone. All he could do was hope that Frodo would be alright. Something he could speak with Danica about, if she was awake. Not knowing the answer to that, he walked softly into their room, to see her sleeping form on the bed. When his weight shifted the mattress, she moaned, and did her cat stretch. Without having to see who it was, she nestled into his side.

"Feeling better?" he asked softly.

"Mhm," she turned, swinging her leg over his hip.

An amused sound rumbled in his chest, as he knew what that move meant. "Insatiable, even when asleep, are we?"

"When your dreams taunt you with endless sex, and no relief, on top of crazy hormones, maybe you'll understand,"

It was quick, but no less satisfying. Laying together after, any stress from the day temporarily disappeared. Thorin ran his fingers through her hair, and over her skin. One day, things may return to normal, and he would no longer cherish every detail. He would always take time to cherish her, but until normal took over, even the feel of her soft strands between his fingers warmed his heart.

"I know things won't always feel this way," Danica murmured, "but right now, what we have is the best thing I have ever had in my life,"

Marveling at the way their thoughts mirrored each other, he gave a light laugh, and kissed her forehead. "I feel the same, but I do have a question for you; about the future,"

"What is it?" her voice was now more awake, and less relaxed. He regretted that.

"Will Frodo and Bilbo be alright?"

Danica's sight was not how he would have liked the answer to start. "They will live. Bilbo will remain safe here, and they will reunite after the war is over,"

"But? Somehow, I do not believe it will all be a happy ending,"

"But, they will both be haunted for the remainder of their time here. Frodo will be farm more changed than Bilbo,"

It was almost everything he had feared. "At least they will live. Did I start this?"

"No," pushing herself up, she looked down at him. "This is not your fault. So much of this began long before any of us were born. We have been swept up in the winds of fate, if you will, just as much as Bilbo and Frodo. In many ways, I am just as guilty for sweeping you along. If you want to place blame, there is plenty of it to go around,"

"A conversation we seem to have had plenty of times,"

Chuckling, Danica kissed his beard. "Exactly. Which is why we should…ugh. Give me a minute,"

With a suddenness that was fairly alarming, she dropped beside him. He was instantly sitting up, checking her. Except for a cooling in her skin, everything appeared to be normal.

"Dani, are you alright?"

"Sorry," she began, putting a hand to her head. "I just felt nauseous, and light-headed. Guess I tried to do too much today,"

A small sigh of relief parted his lips. "And heave eaten too little. Stay here, and I will go get you some food and tea,"

As a testament to how unwell she was feeling, she easily, and silently agreed. Throwing on pants and a tunic, he went to the kitchens, and quickly made his way back with a ray of tea, cheese, and fruit. The first thing she went for was the tea, but the moment he offered the food, she let out a disgusted moan, and shook her head.

"Well, at least we know something about this pregnancy is normal. Hopefully I can avoid the vomiting,"

Thorin couldn't help but smile. "Forgive me," he said at her sharp look. "Though I would never wish you to feel ill, it warms me to hear you speak about pregnancy, and to be here beside you through each stage,"

The sharpness melted from her face. Setting the tea cup aside, she took his hand, and placed it over her womb.

"I cannot begin to tell you the joy it brings me to be carrying our child, and to have you here with me,"

Overcome for what felt like the hundredth time since hearing of her return, he kissed where their child was growing, and then her lips. Needing nothing more in that moment, they fell asleep in each other's arms.


The next morning, Danica was surprised to wake up before Thorin. Feeling better than the previous evening, she silently got up, got ready, and went out for a walk. Thus far, only a few elves were up, preparing for the rest of their guests to wake up. Just like the day before, Danica felt both panic and fatigue at the thought of meeting all those guests. What on earth would Boromir try to say to her? She knew what had happened wasn't his fault, but would he blame her for killing the soldiers? The memory still made her sick.

Wishing for something else to preoccupy her mind, she went to the barns, where a stray wolf dog had made her home with a littler of pups. On one of her brief walks, Danica had seen how friendly they were. Their previous faces, wagging tails, and puppy breath were just what she needed. Her heart was instantly lifted, and her mind cleared. She lost track of how long she spent with them. It looked to be around midday by the time she realized Thorin would be looking for her. Nuzzling the puppies one more time, she got up, and began walking back. As she passed the stables, she saw the back of a very familiar red-haired man. Though she tried to move quickly and quietly, it hadn't been enough.

"Lady Danica, wait!"

She would rather have done anything else, but she stopped, and turned to face Boromir as he caught up with her.

"Please do not be afraid, and hear me out. Neither my brother, nor I had any idea what our father was planning. If we had, we never would have allowed it to happen. While I wish we could have kept our trade with the north, I understand King Fili's decision, and am grateful it did not come to war,"

"As am I," she responded. "I know you and Faramir are innocent in what happened. I just…Denethor is your father. Surely you know the kind of man he has become?"

Boromir sighed; his eyes tortured. "He was not always this way. Some form of sickness has taken over his mind. I doubt he even realizes what he is doing, or the consequences that may come,"

Danica had to bit her tongue to keep from saying something she may regret. "What do you want from me?" she managed.

"Only your forgiveness, and that you know my brother and I would never harm you,"

It was clear that he spoke as truthfully as he could. Little did he know the darkness he would know when under the Ring's influence. However, she allowed her countenance to soften.

"You have my forgiveness, and understanding. I will also speak with Thorin on your behalf,"

The smile that lifted Boromir's features was warm and dazzling. "You are most surely a lady of grace, and mercy," he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "Thank you,"

"The truth is," she paused, unsure of how he would take her next words. "I must ask for your forgiveness as well. For the men who were killed that day,"

Boromir's brow furrowed. "We were told it was merely part of the accident,"

Which means she probably could have kept her mouth shut, but it was too late to turn back now, and she needed to apologize to someone.

"I lost control of my abilities, and they were used to reach within those soldier's minds, and snuff them out. It…is not something I have wished to speak of, but I knew that I needed to tell you, and beg your forgiveness,"

"You need not apologize, though I appreciate the honor and courage it has taken you to do so. Whatever happened that day was brought on by a misunderstanding of magic, and attempting to wield it, which is impossible for too many of us. I will accept your apology, though I do not believe such a thing is necessary,"

A sense of peace had settled some of the buzzing in Danica's mind. "Thank you, truly,"

They parted on good terms, and the peace stayed with Danica, but quickly dissipated upon finding Thorin. She had known he wouldn't like what she had done, and was right.

"How can you hand out forgiveness so easily?" he demanded in disbelief. "It is because of them that Sauron nearly had you!"

"It was Denethor's doing, not theirs," she reasoned, as calmly as she could. "The sons should not be faulted for the sins of the father,"

Thorin scoffed. "Can we be certain that they had no knowledge of it?"

"Yes. I know their character. They are both good men. Please, Thorin; try to let go of your anger. For me," she hadn't meant to sound so tired and desperate, but that was how her voice came out.

After a couple of moments, Thorin sighed. "I cannot promise to let go of my anger, for it was Denethor's actions that harmed you, and once again took you away from me. However, I can promise to be civil, and non-violent,"

Thankful, Danica kissed him on the cheek. "It is more than I could have hoped for,"

The barest glint of a smile warmed Thorin's face. "Well, if you are able, there are some hobbits who would be delighted to see you. They practically begged me to find you,"

Danica laughed. "Then lead away. I could do with an afternoon of such energetic company,"

By the low grumble Thorin gave, he'd already experienced plenty. And yet, she knew his soft spot for them would win out. Just one more reason for her to love him.