The elves planned to leave the valley tomorrow for home which meant I had a decision to make about where I'd spend the winter healing. Thorin's continued absence filled me with dread. There had been no word sent from Erebor since Bilbo delivered my message to him.

Did Thorin feel ashamed of his behavior when the dragon sickness consumed him? Is that why he still avoided me?

I admit he terrified me with his actions, but I can look past them for our relationship's sake. He was saved and now we had a chance to explore what existed between us.

Bilbo had departed with Gandalf this morning, the Hobbit and wizard beginning the return journey to the Shire. If the snows hit, they intended to shelter with Beorn, otherwise they planned to spend the cold season in Rivendell. Seeing Bilbo leave was one of the hardest things I'd had to contend with since the battle, but I couldn't go with him. The Shire would forever hold a place in my heart, but I didn't belong there.

So, where did I belong?

Veils of snow drifted across the cobblestones, twining misty arms together in a jubilant dance. Elves strode back and forth packing up supplies for their return journey. The humans that accepted their offer of hospitality joined in the preparations eager to find shelter before winter began in earnest.

Outside my tent I sat in the wheeled chair Alatar had left for me to use to get around while I healed. After leaving his gift and a slew of unanswered questions behind, the wizard pulled a Houdini and vanished. I still couldn't think of him as my father and doubted I ever would.

Gazing out across the camp, my mind drifted to my conversation with Gandalf the previous night. The wizard had visited me to discuss the issue of my magic, a subject I wasn't keen on.

"Regardless of your feelings towards Alatar, you must be trained." Gandalf said after I told him about the other wizard being my father.

Resting my chin in my hand, I heaved a sigh. "Why do I need training? All I can do is expel blasts of light."

"Because if you don't receive training, you might very well blow the roof off wherever you decide to shelter this winter. Now, quit your whining, Adelaide Monroe!" Gandalf snapped. "You have a decision to make."

I knew I was whining but didn't like him pointing it out. "Who do you recommend I apprentice myself to?"

The wizard considered my question carefully. "Going to Isengard would be the ideal solution."

I shuddered.

"Or you may put yourself under the guidance of Radagast." Gandalf wedged his hat on his head. "Yes, that might be best." He murmured. "Radagast will be a more suitable teacher for one of your temperament. He is patient and kind."

"Or I can stay in Erebor." I suggested.

"Radagast will return to Mirkwood. He is not going to live with the dwarves for the winter. You will have to go with him." Gandalf countered, his blue eyes narrowed with challenge.

Something told me arguing further wouldn't be a good idea.

A gust of snow blasted me in the face, returning me to the present. I drew my blanket tighter around my shoulders. The temperature had to be well below zero. Even with the blanket the cold seeped beneath my skin, chilling me to the bone.

After that, Gandalf said his goodbyes, leaving me with a pouch of Old Toby to enjoy. Without a pipe I couldn't smoke it. Maybe I could bake the weed in some bread or a dessert. Did Radagast even own a stove?

I grimaced. Damn Gandalf for being right. Whether I liked it or not I'd have to go with Radagast. I just hoped I wouldn't have to ride in his rickety sled.

My stomach churned at the prospect of being whipped around wildly by the team of Rhosgobel Rabbits, my injured body rattling along every rock or rut on the road. I'd toss my cookies for sure.

Erebor loomed in the distance, its bare rock face forlorn looking in the winter landscape. Before I left the valley, I had to say goodbye to Thorin.

Aelfric rounded the corner of a tent carrying a basket in one arm, the other draped in a sling. "My lady, I am pleased to see you out of bed! Is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, I just needed a change of scenery. I've been cooped up in the tent for days."

"Be careful not to linger in this wind too long or you'll catch a chill." He warned but a warm smile curved his lips.

I blushed and averted my gaze. Even the hardest heart would melt from a smile like that!

Aelfric visited me frequently, often multiple times a day to keep me company. I was aware how isolated I was among the elves and humans. Besides Aelfric the only people I knew were Thranduil, Legolas, and Tauriel. The former two were mere acquaintances and the latter was staying in Erebor.

Radagast was off somewhere communing with the dwarves' mountain goats. Scatter-brained as he was, I wasn't sure he even knew I was his apprentice.

Wishing for gloves, I blew on my fingers to warm them and tucked them beneath the blanket. "My lord, do you think I'm doing the right thing? Training with Radagast?"

"If doubts plague your thoughts, search your heart. Often when I am in need of guidance I trust my instincts." A strand of gold hair blew across Aelfric's forehead. He tucked it behind the point of his ear. "Sometimes, our intuition is our best advisor."

"Thank you for the advice." A corner of the blanket slipped off my shoulder. I tugged it back in place. "Now, if you excuse me, I will get out of this cold."

Aelfric moved closer. "May I join you? I borrowed a book of legends from the king." He looked hopeful, like a puppy begging for a treat. "I know you were interested in learning more about my people."

I smiled. "Sure, I'd love to."

OoO

Thorin strolled into the elven camp, dread dogging his steps as he wove through the tents. When he reached his destination, he took a deep breath and stepped inside pulling up short when he recognized Adelaide's guest.

The blasted elf was here! Like a plague he turned up everywhere! The elf broke off mid-conversation and looked at Thorn with solemn green eyes.

Adelaide lounged in bed against a mound of pillows. She wore a white linen shirt and brown leggings. At the blast of cold air, she lifted her gaze from the book she'd been reading. "Thorin?" She regarded him warily, her soft lips slightly parted in surprise. "I had given up on you coming to visit me. I was ready to roll my way down to Erebor."

He tore his gaze away from her lips. Lips he desired more than anything to capture in a searing kiss.

Firelight from the brazier glinted off the gold cuffs in her hair, the ornaments a painful reminder of his affection for her. Thorin clasped his hands at his waist to conceal their shaking. "The elves have provided comfortable accommodations." He looked around. "It seems you want for nothing."

Adelaide tilted her head to the side, a cascade of mahogany hair sliding over her shoulder. "Is something wrong?"

"We must speak."

"I agree, so have a seat." She gestured to the unoccupied chair next to Aelfric. "There's something I have to tell you."

"I prefer we speak in private." Thorin said, glaring at the elf.

Aelfric cleared his throat awkwardly and closed the book in Adelaide's lap. "My lady, I will take my leave. I shall come by later to see how you fare." His hand rested lightly on her shoulder.

She tilted her head back, a smile curving her delicate cheeks. Her eyes sparkled with genuine joy as she looked at Aelfric. "Later, we can pick up where we left off."

"I am eager to share the beauty of Luthien and Beren's story with you." The elf brushed the back of his hand briefly against her jaw. "Rest well, my lady."

Gifting Adelaide one last smile, Aelfric left.

Thorin scowled at the elf's retreating back.

Adelaide indicated the vacant chair again. "Join me, Thorin."

He sank down onto the soft cushion, his broad frame barely fitting the narrow silhouette of the elven-made chair. "Please, speak your mind, Adelaide. I can wait to say my piece."

Her answering smile stabbed him in the heart. "Radagast has taken me on as his pupil. The plan is for me to train with him until I master my magic. Hopefully it won't take long."

"Are you nervous?" He asked gently.

Adelaide laughed. "I never expected to have magic. I'm not thrilled by it, but I suppose I'll make the best of things. Fortunately, I enjoy learning."

"What are your plans, after your training is complete?"

"I cannot return home. The Blue Wizard told me I must remain in Middle-Earth." A shadow scudded across her face, passing briefly like a cloud across the sun. Her expression grew thoughtful. "I miss my home. I think I always will. After I finish training with Radagast I want to explore this one."

Thorin listened with growing clarity as she spoke of the future. Her face glowed with hope and possibility, her eyes sparkling chips of smoky amber as she described her plans to visit the grand libraries of Minas Tirith, explore the depths of Fangorn Forest, ride the famed horses of Edoras, dwell in the tree homes of Caras Galadhon. Return to Rivendell and the Shire.

He noticed she made no mention of settling down anytime soon.

Thorin rubbed a hand over his beard, a sad certainty filling him. Adelaide would never be satisfied wed to him. Her mind was curious and adventurous. Erebor and the restricted life of a queen would be a prison to one as bright and shining as her.

Regardless of their feelings for each other, in time, she would resent him, and he did not want that.

Knowing this made things easier. Because he loved her, he had to let her go. "There has been a reason for my absence." He confessed when she finished. "I am ashamed of the terror I put you through. I hurt you."

Unflinching, she met his gaze. "You did."

"After the battle Dain reminded me of an oath I made, decades ago, long before you were born." Thorin breathed deeply before continuing. "I swore that if I reclaimed Erebor I would wed his daughter Freya."

She paled. "You're dumping me, aren't you?"

"I am sorry, Adelaide, truly. This is not what I want." Thorin professed. Dropping to a knee in front of her he clasped her hands in his. "I love you, but it is not meant to be."

A tear rolled down her cheek. "Alatar told me there would be a price for meddling with fate." She sniffled, the tip of her slender nose glowing red. "I guess this is it."

Meddling with fate? Thorin scrutinized her carefully, wondering what she referred to. He shook his head. It did not matter. Not anymore.

"Forgive me, my scribe." He brushed a kiss across her knuckles, her skin soft against his lips. "I have failed you."

Wrenching free, she curled her hand protectively against her chest. She blinked, her chin trembling with the effort to hold back more tears. "Goodbye, Thorin."

"Fare thee well, Adelaide Monroe. I wish you a life filled with nothing but joy." Thorin stood unwilling to prolong the painful separation a moment longer. "One day, I hope you will forgive me."

The next morning as Thorin finished his repast a messenger arrived from the elven camp with a cloth bundle. He unwrapped the small package, and his golden hair cuffs rolled across the table's surface.

He gathered up the small ornaments carefully and wrapped them in the handkerchief.

Adelaide's message was undeniably clear.

She accepted it was over.

OoO

Four days later the wagon rumbled into the clearing where Radagast kept his home. Snow drifted down through an opening in the canopy draping the earth in a soft white blanket.

The building looked exactly like I imagined a wizard's home might looked. Constructed with a steep roof and crooked angles. There were large gaps between the weathered boards and holes in the roof.

Radagast pulled on the reins and hopped down from his sled. "Goodness gracious! I forgot about the damage those foul creatures caused." He tugged at his beard nervously and paced across the yard. "We must get to work immediately and make repairs!"

I regarded him flatly as Aelfric helped me from the back of the wagon into the wheelchair. What did the wizard expect me to do injured as I was?

The elf had escorted us through the forest to make sure we arrived at Radagast's house safely since I was unable to ride.

A shingle broke free and shattered on the ground.

I sighed. "I'm going to freeze to death."

"Perhaps my lady, you and Lord Radagast should accompany me to the king's halls." Aelfric watched as another chunk of roof fell into the hole, landing inside the house with a thud.

"Oh, dear. Oh, dear." Radagast fretted. "This won't do at all!" He scampered inside and returned with several hedgehogs perched on his shoulders and a flock of birds fluttering in his wake. "Come my friends! We will return in the spring!"

A hedgehog skittered across the grass and jumped into my lap. Its pointed nose wiggled as it cocked its head to the side, dark eyes bright.

The creature was rather cute.

I cautiously stretched out a finger and stroked the top of its head. "Hello there, you're adorable."

It chirped and timidly licked my hand.

Radagast beamed. "Sebastian seems to like you, apprentice."

Sebastian chirped again and wiggled into my coat, seeking warmth. The hedgehog's head popped out of my collar and chittered happily at his wizard friend.

Aelfric coughed to hide a laugh, a slender smile tugging at his lips.

This was going to be a long winter but for the first time since Thorin's rejection I felt hope.

A/N: Stay tuned, there's more to come!