King Bor's chambers
"You did WHAT?"
"How I have already told you: King Thror and I think a marriage between you, my daughter Gwynyver Princess of Moria, and Thorin, son of Thrain, Thror's heir, will be a great opportunity to unite Moria and Erebor, the two greatest dwarven kingdoms of Midd- "
" And has it ever occurred to you that maybe I don't want to marry him?!"
King Bor, a sturdy dwarf with fire red hair that is streaked with grey from the years he has lived, looked upon his daughter with kind eyes and said in a soft voice " Yes it actually has, sweetheart. You forget, you are my daughter and I have raised you. Which is why I told Thror that if you truly object to this match it would not happen."
Suddenly the ornated doors to the chambers burst open and a young dwarf with hair and beard as red as the king's stormed into the room.
"By Mahal, why were you screaming sister dear?"
"Well Baldur", Gwyn replied, "father has decided to finally tell me that he wishes to marry me off. And I can already tell you that this wont happen because Thorin and I will not like each other!"
"I am sure that Thorin will be enchanted by your beautiful big blue eyes and your dark red hair that is -"
"Very funny brother but you are missing the most important detail: I am only half dwarf, my mother was half human half elf. And until now almost everyone seems to have a problem with this. They only tolerate me because father is the King. I don't think Thorin will be any different." And if you listen closely you would hear her voice almost breaking in the end. Which may be why King Bor walked from where he was standing to Gwyn and hugged her.
"Don't worry sweetheart. You know your brother and I love you and Thror does not see your heritage as a problem. I'm pretty sure Thorin will see it the same."
"I love you too father" she said in a small voice while hugging him back.
"I know. Now you and you too Baldur should start packing your things. We were invited by Thror to spend the Yule Festivities in Erebor.
During this month you can see if Thorin is to your liking. Anyhow I have to leave know. State-business is calling." Bor started to leave the chambers. After reaching the doorway he said "Oh, and we will leave in two days so make sure you will be ready by then."
"Yes father" both Baldur and Gwyn said in unisono shortly before the doors closed.
"So... You and Thorin?"
"Please don't let us further discuss this Baldur. And by the way, did you not promise to give me sword-fighting lessons today?" Gwyn said while walking towards the door.
"Are you sure you want to get beaten up again little sister?"
"Stop teasing me and come."
"As the princess commands." And with a smirk on both their faces they left the chambers.
Later that day
A bruised and battered Gwyn entered her chambers and throws herself on her big four poster bed, not noticing the maid sitting in one of the armchairs next to the fireplace.
"Do you need anything My lady?"
"By Mahal!" Gwyn said almost jumping out of the bed "A little warning next time would be really appreciated Giva and don't call me My lady. We are friends after all." Gwyn stood up from the bed and made her way towards a beautifully crafted door.
"I see you have less bruises compared to last week. You must be getting better" Giva said with a little smirk.
"Truth be told I actually am. I even managed to land a few hits of my own." Opening the door one could see a marble bathroom with a huge bathtub as the center, already filled with steaming water.
"Thanks for preparing the bath."
"Hot baths work wonders on bruises and you always have some after the training. And after all, it is my job."
"So have you heard the latest news?" Gwyn asked.
"I don't know what you mean." Giva stated innocently.
"Come on Giva."
"All right. So... is it true? Are you really going to marry Thorin?"
"Maybe."
"What do you mean 'Maybe'? I thought you were engaged?"
"It is only a proposition. Father made it clear that it is up to me to decide if I marry him. And at the moment I'm rather declined."
"But why? If you marry him you will eventually become Queen of Erebor."
"You know I do not care about titles and I am not particularly fond of marrying someone I don't know.
Still we will be spending the Yule Festivities in Erebor. Which is why I need you to prepare my trunk."
"I'll immediately get to work." Giva stood up and started selecting clothes.
"Will you be accompanying me?" Gwyn asked.
"I can't. Mother will be having the baby any time know."
"Oh right. I will go and take the bath before it gets cold." With this she closed the door.
After shedding her clothes she stepped into the still warm water, sighing at the feeling of it washing over her. Blocking out the noises made by Giva in the next room Gwyn tried to relax and eventually sleep got her after this eventful day.
