Author's note: First, apologies, but I am going to start off this tale with a large note, that while not expressly important to the story, it will sort of explain my motivation I suppose. I read a piece a long while back that was based on a young Fili and Kili taking care of their uncle Thorin when he was sick. I cannot remember who wrote it, or what it was called, but the premise inspired me to write something similar, and yet hopefully very different. If this sounds like your work, many thanks, and I hope you'll read mine. That being said, this began as a simple one-shot of a sick Thorin falling for the healer woman, but it quickly snowballed to epic proportions and four months later I found myself with 94 chapters(yes you read that right). The entire thing will begin long before the quest to Erebor, span through the journey and follow with an AU of the events of the fellowship of the ring. I have tried to keep things as canon as possible, and have done careful research to merge my OC into the world with as seamless a transition as I was able. The story as it stands currently is being broken up into 'books' to allow for ease of reading and so that I can begin posting some of it now, as the first two books are already completed. I also have some companion pieces that I will throw in at a later date that help to flesh out some of the characters back-story, as I did not want to put too much filler in this one.

Without further blather, I hope you enjoy this tale, and of course, I own nothing apart from my OC's as they appear in the story.

Mara sighed, running a hand through her long dark hair. The walnut tresses rippled down her back nearly to her thighs. She stood still for a moment, regarding her surroundings with a critical eye. She was not tired, for her kind never had need of sleep, and walking was not enough of an exertion to merit meditation, but traveling through the endless wilderness for weeks had left her feeling bored. She longed for the sight of a friendly face, any human contact at all.

She had a home once. A valley filled with mystery and magic that had sheltered her people since the dawning of the world. That had all changed the day orcs found the hidden entrance. She remembered the grisly scene, the slaughtered remains of her people littering the ground stained crimson with blood. She had been away at the time, using her skills as a novice healer to assist a town of men for awhile. Her return was met with eerie silence, and for days she had wandered the wreckage, desperately searching for survivors. There had been none, for she had arrived far too late, and the thought haunted her waking dreams. It stayed there, taunting her in between the constant visions she received of the many possible futures ahead of her. She was left cursing her inability to control the visions, wondering why she had not been gifted the sight of the orc attack in time to prevent it. That vision had come later, proving that her mind would occasionally send her sights of the past too. Or perhaps that was just the regret talking.

Glancing through the trees, she was pleased to see a familiar sight. A place she had never been before, but recognized immediately. The blue mountains of Ered Luin rose to the heavens, melding with the sky nearly seamlessly. All about her the forest gleamed emerald in the light of the high noon sun. It was a warm late spring day, with a cloudless sky and a mild breeze. Mara breathed in deeply, inhaling the scents of life all around her and basking in the feeling of peace the pervaded the area. She strode purposefully towards the open gates of the settlement at the base of the mountains, giving the guards a friendly nod that was met with wary curiosity. They let her pass without questions however, a fact for which she was quite grateful.

For awhile she wandered along the crowded streets, acclimating herself to the presence of the many dwarves that resided in the bustling town. They were a rowdy bunch, calling out loud greetings every which way as they bumped into friends and kin during their errands. Mara was delighted to be amongst so much friendly noise again. She paused in what appeared to be the market square, a large area ringed by shops and crowded by many wooden stalls covered in canvas awnings. All kinds of material goods filled the space, from weapons and jewelry, to tools and clothing. And the food! Oh the smell was overwhelming, causing her stomach to remind her of how long it had been since she had a decent meal. She rubbed it absently, reaching her other hand into a pocket to withdraw the limp satchel of coins she carried with her. It had been brimming full once, but now she tipped it into her palm to reveal the last five pieces of silver to her name. It would be just enough she surmised. Following her nose, she made her way over to a stall with an especially tempting smell. It was covered over with baked goods, pies and muffins and cakes in abundance. Some filled with fruit and others with hearty blends of meats and vegetables. This was exactly what she was after. Purchasing a meat pie and a small slice of apple cake from the rotund stall owner, she thanked him with a smile. He flushed at her praise as she bit into the pie, exclaiming in delight before retreating to a nearby bench to devour the rest.

Once she had finished her meal and washed it down with the last of her water she went on her way again, this time with more care for her surroundings. One particular vision was recalled, and she gazed all about to locate the house that had been a large feature in her future sight. She was just rounding a corner when she was forced to stand still, another vision claiming her sight. She could see the house again, heard the dull thud as she knocked on the solid oak door. It opened to reveal nothing that she could immediately see, an oddity that left her perplexed. Shaking off the vision, she glanced ahead of her and saw the exact same house. She grinned happily. Perhaps she was about to find out what was missing from the vision, or rather who, for doors did not open by themselves.

Vision merged with reality as she knocked on the door with a steady hand. A small scuffle could be heard from inside, followed by soft voices and light footsteps that rapidly approached the other side of the door. It swung open to reveal...nothing.