Heyo guys! Here's chapter 2 of AfterMath, sorry it took so long to put up! Let me know what you think!

...

"How do you think they got out?" Kili asked as the three rushed down the steps of Erebor.

"We'll have to find out." Fili replied. The three Durin's made it to Dale as quickly as they could, and found mayhem. Fili pulled Kili back as free horses came running past followed by villagers trying to catch them. In the streets people stood shouting, running after horses, or trying to clean up the mess the horses had left behind. Carts were tipped, items strewn everywhere.

"Bard!" Arian called to the king of Dale, who was giving directions to the people in the streets.

"Ah, thank goodness!" Bard exclaimed walking towards them.

"What happened?" Fili asked urgently.

"Our horses broke out of the stables, and began to run through town, then before we knew it the horses from Erebor came down as well. We can't catch them!" He explained.

"Get the villagers inside so they don't get hurt." Fili said, "have you seen my uncle?"

"He took a few men to the other side of Dale to catch the horses on that end, before they reach the woods." Bard explained.

"We'll handle the horses on this end, the royal guard is coming down to help." Arian added.

"Thank you, men here can help as well." Bard waved his hand as a group of soldiers that came running over, "I'll help get things in order in the town."

"Good." Fili nodded before Bard walked away.

"What do you want to do Fee?" Kili asked.

"We need to calm them down…corral them somehow…" Fili turned towards the soldiers of Dale, "do you have any horses left?"

"A few m'lord." One replied.

"We need to use them. We need to split up into groups, take different parts of town, and try to get the horses little at a time." Fili waited until the royal guard came before splitting them up into groups. Arian took one group, and headed to the south of the village, while Kili took the east and Fili stayed where he was.

"We need to corral the horses…" Arian looked around, before pointing over at carts along the street, "we need to move those in a circle and move the horses that come by into it." The dwarfs in the group nodded and immediately began to follow orders. She looked back at the others.

"Do you guys know who to herd horses?" She asked, getting nods from the men and Dwarves in return. She nodded and turned from the group at the sound of horses feet. Quickly she gave directions for the the others to chase the horses into the makeshift corral. Judging on where the horses would Arian positioned herself behind the houses and listened to the coming hooves. She saw the horses turning around a corner quickly she jumped out from behind and building and waved her arms. The horses reared and turned to the left running in between the houses. Arian followed them quickly.

They were running in the right direction towards the makeshift corral. Suddenly a large flash of light beamed in front of the horse's spooking them to split and run different directions. Arian was thrown backwards, hitting the stone ground, the air leaving her lungs. Coughing she turned on her side, slowly beginning to hoist herself up. The wind picked cold and brutal, she looked around as a hissing noise filled her ears. Whipping her head around, Arian's eyes widened as a figure stalked towards her. It wore a cloak the resembled floating ash.

As the figure neared, Arian found that the noise was coming from it. She scrambled to her feet and began to run, but a force knocked her backwards sending her flying to the ground in front of the figures feet. She looked up quickly to see silver eyes staring back at her, surrounded by dark purple skin. The rest of the phantom was covered in black. Harsh wind wrapped around Arian. She tried to move away but found herself struggling against an unseen force. Her eyes moved from the figures face to it's side, as a ragged part of its cloak moved closer her. She cried out in pain, clenching her jaw as the cloth wrapped around her upper arm, burning her skin. A sharp pain ran up her arm as it was burnt. Her left arm reached down to her belt and brought up a silver dagger, quickly she plunged it into the middle of the dark mass. The figure let out a shrill scream before tossing Arian backwards. When she looked up the figure was gone.

Arian let out a deep sigh before letting her body fall back onto the ground her right arm still throbbing.

"Arian?" Fili ran around a corner, "Arian!" He called out running to his cousin.

"What happened?" He asked urgently helping Arian to her feet. Arian looked at him trying to focus.

"Where are the horses?" She asked looking around.

"They're safe. We got them. Arain," Fili tuned Arians head to look at him, "what happened? We heard a scream."

"There-there was a flash of light." Arian said her head foggy, "it scared the horses. Then there was this figure." She swallowed.

"Figure?" Fili asked concerned.

"It was cloaked in black, the wind swept through the ally throwing me around…it had silver eyes…purple…" Arian's eyes traveled to her right arm. Fili followed her gaze and his eyes widened at what was burnt into her skin. From her shoulder to the middle of her upper arm was three thick lines wrapping around. Inside the lines were symbols of swirls and shapes.

"We need to get Thorin." Fili said holding Arians arm and shoulder.

"Fee, I'm okay." Arian lied looking at her arm, she could feel a sting and numbness in her arm.

Arian and Fili made their way towards where Thorin and the others were waiting.

"Are you alright?" Thorin rushed towards his daughter, handing his horses rope to Kili.

"Yes." Arian nodded, "did we get all the horses?"

"We did." Thorin looked back at the group of Dwarfs and horses, "Your arm...what happened?" The king looked worriedly at his daughters arm.

"I-I..." Arian looked at her arm, "I'm not sure...there was this figure, it scared the horses away..." She tried to recall the events.

"I found her on the ground." Fili stepped in. Thorin looked at his daughter more worriedly, "was it an Orc?"

"No." Arian spoke confidently, "it was more of a shadow..."

"A shadow?"

"It seemed to have a cloak of...smoke and ash. It threw me arm with the wind." She explained. Thorin listened carefully his arms folded over his chest.

"It brought me closer, and wrapped what seemed to be part of its cloak around me arm." Arian looked back at her arm, "it burned and I-I felt a shock go up my arm."

"We need to have have Oin look at your arm..." Thorin sighed, "I don't recognise the symbols at all. Did you see the creatures face?"

"No, it was kept hidden under the hood." Arian shook her head.

"Let's get back to Erebor." Thorin announced, "I need to look at the stables. Arian and Fili nodded, the two found their horses and with the other Dwarf began their ride back to Erebor. When they reached the stables Thorin rubbed his chin confused. Nothing in the stables was ruined or out of place, except all the doors were wide open.

"Did someone open up all the doors?" Kili asked dismounting his horse.

"But the horses were spooked." Fili followed suit, "what would have scared them so..."Orcs wouldn't have let the horses go, they would have slaughtered them." Dwalin stated, "this wasn't done by orcs."

The three young Durin's shared a look…this wasn't over yet.

...

"We should hold a council meeting Thorin." Dwalin said once everyone was back in Erebor.

"We will." Thorin nodded and looked at his daughter and nephews, "but tomorrow. Everyone is tired." Dwalin nodded, and bowed his head before leaving.

"You three should sleep." Thorin stated walking over to the young Durins.

"What about the…" Arian looked at her arm.

"We'll talk about it in the morning." Thorin spoke, "get some rest." Arian nodded as her cousins headed towards the stairs.

"Good night Adad." Arain smiled softly at her father before following her cousins.

"Night Fee, night Kee." Arain spoke before entering her room. It was empty and a few candles were lit.

"Lyra?" She called but there came no answer. She set her weapons on her bed before walking into the washroom. Pulling off her boots she pushed them aside before undressing fully and sinking into the vat of water, built into the ground. The water was already warmed from the forages fire below. Her right side was sore from being thrown and would no doubt form a large bruise. She laid against the side of the circular washtub and sighed closing her eyes. Imagines of the ashen figure flashed before her eyes. She shot up quickly, opening her eyes, looking around she found the room to still be empty. Sighing she began to wash, when done she changed into clean close and grabbed her bow and quiver off of a hook in her room.

The mountain was asleep, torches were lit in the hallways. Quietly Arian made her way to the training room. It was empty but torches lining the walls still burned. Going over to the left side of the room Arian pulled out a target and placed it on the far wall while she stood a respectable distance away. As she began to shoot arrows ignoring the slight tingle of pain in her side and unaware of the eyes on her. Upon landing three arrows in the center of the target, clapping filled the room. Arian twirled around another arrow notched in her bow. She recognised Walker standing on the stairs.

"What…are you doing here?" Arian asked glancing around him.

"Couldn't sleep." He replied sitting on, "thought I'd take a walk, saw the door open." He shrugged, "do you always practice this late at night?"

"Sometimes." Arian collected her arrows from the target before beginning to shoot again.

"You're good." Walker commented.

"Better than some." Arian answered drawing her bow back.

"Better than most." Walker replied, "doesn't Kili usually use a bow?"

"It's his main weapon yes." Arian loosed the arrow, it went straight through the air and hit the target center.

"And which do you prefer?" Walker questioned, "sword or bow?"

"Did you just come here to question me?" Arian turned to look at him. He shrugged, "well earlier you avoided all my questions."

"And you're still trying?"

"Why not? I don't see why a simple question like Sword or Bow would reveal anything." He explained.

"Sword." Arian replied before retrieving her arrows. She stuck them in her quiver and began to walk back up the steps towards the door.

"Leaving?" Walker asked leaning on the stairs.

"Yes." Arian replied.

"I'll make a deal with you." Walker called out, making her stop.

"What?"

"Well, it seems that you don't like to be asked questions. But I want to find out more about you." Walker explained clapping his hands together, "so, everyday, I ask one question, and everyday, you give me an answer."

"You already asked me a question." Arian replied twirling her bow in her left hand.

"That one didn't count." Walker shook his head, "it was before the deal."

Arian thought for a moment before nodding, "fine. What's your question?" Walker fell silent thinking. Slowly Arian began to make her way up the stairs and towards the door.

"Why do you fight?" Walker called loudly.

Arian stopped, and turned back to look at him, "because I don't know how to die quietly." Turning she left the room. Walker chuckled to himself, "well, that is certainly an answer."

Back in her room, she looked at herself in the mirror slowly lifting up her sleeve and looking at the mark on her shoulder. It was the same as it was when it had first happened. Slowly she looked around her empty room, going over to the door on the far right wall, she knocked softly twice before opening it slowly and peaking in. Soft light filled the room from a candle. Fili looked up from the book he was reading.

"Can't sleep?" He asked from his bed. Arian nodded and entered the room, Kili was asleep on his bed a few feet from Fili's. Arian went grabbed a two thick blankets off her bed along with a pillow. She laid the pillow and blanket in the middle of her cousins bed. She laid down pulling the other blanket over herself.

"What is it this time?" Fili asked as he continued to read.

"What do you think the thing on my arm is?" Arian asked looking at the ceiling, "I've never seen these symbols before, not in any books…and the shadow figure?."

"Thorin will think of something." Fili answered looking at his cousin, "it'll be alright. We've been through worse."

"How can we know if this isn't worse?" Arian asked, "we don't even know what this is."

"Whatever it is, you can fight it." Fili replied, "you've beaten death."

"We all have." Arian replied letting out a long breath before closing her eyes.

"And if we have to, we will again." Fili respond before blowing out the candle.

...

The next morning Thorin gathered his kin in the Grand-Hall.

"What could it be? Or them?" Dis asked as the Durins, and the company sat at a large table.

"I don't know." Thorin rubbed his forehead, "but I think it might have something to do with the figure that Arian encountered."

"But we don't know what that is either." Balin shook his head, "I have not heard of any suck creatures that fit the description of the attacker."

"What about the symbols on her arm?" Thorin asked.

"No." Balin frowned. Arain looked at her arm, the symbols and patterns were the same, but the pain had subsided completely.

"We need to find out what they are." Thorin stated firmly, "I have no idea what that mark is going to do to my daughter. There is also how the stables were left…" He shook his head, "it isn't right..."

"Did Bard see anything suspicious?" Bofur wondered aloud.

"Not that he recalls."

"Nothing was wrong with any of the horses." Kili spoke up.

"So why were they let out in the first place?" Ori piped up. The group of quiet for a moment, each Dwarfs trying to think of a reason.

"A diversion." Fili spoke. The group broken into murmurs.

"That's why none of the horses were harmed." Arian added, "it makes sense."

"But why?" Kili asked shaking his head, "why would they need a diversion, what was it for?"

"In order to know more about that, we need to know what it was that attacked." Thorin announced.

"I can comb through the books in the library and see if anything comes up." Ori offered. Thorin nodded in thanks. The group was then dismissed, the only people who stayed were Thorin, Dwalin, Fili, Kili, Arian and Dis.

"There might be someone else who could help us figure this out…" Thorin said looking at the table, his voice seemed to go darker.

"Who?" Dis asked.

"The Elven King." Thorin replied looking around.

"Thranduil?" Kili asked, Dwalin scoffed.

"As if we would help us, we wants nothing more than to throw us back into cells." Dwalin retorted.

"He can't," Dis sounded, her voice soft, everyone looked at her, "Thorin is higher in rank than he was before. He's a king with a kingdom now. Thranduil can't risk throwing him in jail."

"Plus there's the alliance." Fili noted.

"It's a fragile alliance." Arian replied, "we're lucky it worked at all."

"We don't have a choice." Thorin put an end to the chatter, "ready the horses."

"As you wish." Dwalin nodded and left.

"Are you sure about this uncle?" Fili asked.

"We have to learn to work with him, unless we want another war." Thorin shook his head slowly, "we don't have another choice."

...

"Do you think this will work?" Kili asked as the three young Durin's prepared his horses.

"Not sure." Arian replied setting her saddle on her horse.

"How's your arm?" Fili asked.

"Not hurting." She replied, her arm covered by her sleeve.

"Are you three ready?" Thorin asked coming into the stables.

"Yes Uncle… " Fili slowed his speech as he stared at the two people who walked behind Thorin.

"Why is Mason here?" Kili asked as politely as he could.

"And his trainer?" Arain looked at Walker who smiled slightly at her.

"Dain requested that we take him with us." Thorin replied, with a hint of annoyance in his tone, "he thinks it would be good for Mason to meet Thranduil." The three said nothing more and went back to getting ready. Mason tacked up his horse and the group began their way through the paths of Mirkwood.

"At least this path is clear, than the one we crossed on the other side of the forest." Kili commented.

"What happened the first time?" Mason spoke for the first time, we was riding by Arian and Kili, as Thorin and Fili took the lead.

"We got captured." Arain commented, "and thrown in cells."

"Oh…" Mason nodded slowly.

"Then we broke out, and I got shot." Kili finished chuckling softly.

"So, are we safe?" Mason looked around he clutched the reins of his horse tighter.

"Hopefully." Arian replied.

"Didn't you all also float down a river in barrels to escape?." Walker appeared next to the others.

"Yes…" Arain nodded, "why do you know that?"

"I like to know who I'm going to visit." He replied shrugging, "hopefully we won't have to escape that way this time."

"Especially since we don't have our burglar." Kili added.

"Your what?" Mason looked confused.

"Our Burglar." Kili said again, "Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit. He's the reason we escaped."

"Oh." Mason nodded, "so the elves won't kill us then?"

"Nah." Kili shrugged shaking his head. Soon the small group came upon the entrance to the Elven keep. Thorin dismounted and waited for his kin before continuing towards the doors.

"Who goes there?" An Elven guard asked raising his weapon.

"Thorin son of Thrain. King under the mountain." Thorin spoke his title proudly, "we wish to have an audience with King Thranduil."

"And who is with you?" The other guard asked.

"My Daughter Arain. My Nephews Fili and Kili, sons of Dis. Mason son of Dain, and Walker, who works for Dain." The two guards looked at each other before opening the large wood doors. Thorin nodded to them before walking in the others following him. When the group finally reached what was known as the throne room, much to the Durin's surprise, Thranduil was not on his throne. Instead he was standing on the lower ground in front of it, talking to several other elves.

"Thorin." Thranduil called out as he caught sight of the Dwarf king. With a wave of his hand the elves left with a bow.

"Thranduil." Thorin replied, he bowed his head slightly but never lowered his eyes.

"What brings you to my gates?" The Elven king asked nobility ringing in his voice.

"No doubt you have heard of the attack the other night." Thorin replied.

"Indeed I have," Thranduil nodded, "I hope not many people were hurt."

"None were killed." Thorin answered, "but there was something else."

"Which is?" The Elf king looked to the Dwarf.

"Arian had an encounter with a figure that seemed to be cloaked in smoke." Thorin went on to explain the event in detail. When he was done the Elf sat for a moment deep in thought. Arian glanced at her cousin's concerned by Thranduil continued silence.

"May I see the mark?" He asked as he stood and walking gracefully down from his throne. Arian looked to her father, once he nodded she slowly approached the white haired elf. A confused look crossed Walkers face as a mark was mentioned. Gently Thranduil took Arians arm as she pulled up the sleeve. Carefully he looked at the mark, his eyes running over the symbols.

"Do you recognise it?" Thorin questioned after a moment.

"I will have to take sometime." Thranduil responded stepping away.

"What is it?" Arian looked up at him with concerned eyes.

"I will let you know when I have found something." He replied, he looked at Thorin and gave him a small nod before walking out of the throne room.

"Come." Thorin spoke and began to walk over to the stairs, "we need to get back to Erebor." Arian pulled down her sleeve and followed her father. The guards began to lead them out. They walked past several cells when suddenly Fili stopped looking to his left.

"Uncle." He spoke making the group stop. Thorin walked closer to his nephew and peered into the cell. His eyes met bold golden brown ones. A young girl that looked to be Arian's age, sat in the cell her knees pulled to her chest. Her hair was a dark color, but neither of the dwarves could tell if it was the real color or simply dirt.

"What is she in here for?" Fili called to the guard.

"She stole from the royal cellar." The elf answered.

"So you through her in the dungeons?" Fili asked, "what did she steal?"

"Flour." The eld spoke blatantly clearly bored.

"She's a child." Thorin turned to him, "she most likely stole to feed herself." He looked back at the girl who still sat silent watching them. Her feet were bare, her clothing tattered and worn.

"How long is she to stay here?" Fili asked

"Until someone pays for her, to repay her crime." The elf.

"Crime?" Arian asked, "she was hungry." Thorin began to ask questions about the girl, the elf answering with few words. Walker looked into the cell his eyes meeting with the girls eyes. She stared at him for a moment before her gaze turned cold as she glared at him. He moved away swiftly, standing back next to a bored looking Mason.

"How long has she been in here?" Thorin demanded.

"Three weeks." The guards replied.

"What?" Kili looked at him.

"No one has paid for her crimes."

"I will." Thorin spoke taking another look at the girl, "I'll pay it. Just let her out of the cell." Arian looked at her father, then to the Elf.

"My lord…" The elf began.

"I will pay the price." Thorin repeated.

"She can come with us." Kili added, "she won't be your problem anymore." He shrugged. The four Durin's stared at the Elf awaiting his answer.

"200 gold coins." The elf related the price.

"Fine." Thorin spoke firmly. The Elf stood still for a moment looking at the Dwarf king before making his way to the cell, and unlocking it.

"Come on." He grabbed the girl's arm pulling her to her feet, "you can leave."

Slowly the girl emerged from the cell and looked around at the Dwarves before her.

...

The girl stayed silent the whole ride back to Erebor, and none of the Durins asked any questions. Arian had given the girl her horse, and she rode with Fili. Once they were in the mountain the girl's eyes widened at the sight of Erebor.

"Thorin?" Dis asked walking up to them question in her eyes as she looked at the girl then back to her brother.

"Dis," he nodded walking over to her, "do you know where Balin is?"

"In his study…" Dis told him, "Thorin, who is that?" Thorin looked back at the girl and then leaned closer to Dis explaining the past events. She nodded and walked over to the girl smiling gently.

"Hello dear, my name is Dis. Would you like to come with me, we can get you cleaned up, and in some new clothing." Dis spoke gently, the girl looked at her before nodding quickly and let Dis lead her away.

"Arian." Thorin spoke his daughter's name, "why don't you go help find her some clothes." Arian nodded before following her aunt.

"Fili, Kili." Thorin continued, "why don't you two get some training in before your studies."

"Yes Uncle." Fili nodded and the two princes ran off, while Thorin went to find Balin.

...

"Here you are dear." Dis spoke genuinely as she set towels out in a washroom. The girl looked around with wide eyes turning in a circle around the large room she was in.

"The bath is ready if you would like to wash." Dis stepped out and gestured to the room. The girl timidly went into the room, and began to undress, and bathe. Dis shut the door just as the door to the room opened. Arian stepped in holding a folded pile of dresses.

"Here." She handed Dis the dresses. Dis looked through them before looking back up at her niece.

"Arian, some of these are yours." Dis looked at the dresses that were a bit more extravagant than the others.

"I'm not going to wear them." Arian replied, "I don't know how long she will be here, so I thought she could use them for dinners or something." Dis nodded and set the dresses on the bed, knowing full well that her niece was right.

"Have you gotten her name yet?"

"Not yet." Arian answered. Dis hummed to herself as she went through the dresses trying to find something suitable but nothing too fancy.

"Arian dear, there is an old chest in my room, in it you will find many things from when I was younger. Could you please bring me three pairs of shoes."

"Of course." Arian nodded before leaving, she returned rather quickly holding three pairs of shoes, brown, purple and blue. They were all able to be slipped on, with a small heel in the back. Dis laid the shoes out next to the dresses.

When the door to the washroom opened the girl came out looking at the two. She was wearing white chemise while her damp hair was ruffled from a towel, now clean and a soft yellow golden color.

"I imagine that feels much better." Dis spoke softly. The girl nodded and walked closer.

"We have some clothes for you here." Dis continued, "pick whichever you like." The girl looked at the dresses laid on the bed, her eyes gazed over and over them again, until she picked the last gown in the row. She picked up the dress and let it unfold to the floor looking at it. It was a soft dark blue fabric, with a gold belt across the waist, the sleeves were a chiffon fabric of light blue. Every rim of the dress was lined with gold colored trim.

"Wonderful choice." Dis smiled. Arian watched the girl curiously, she didn't seem much younger or older than herself.

"What is it Arian?" Dis quietly asked her niece as the girl disappeared into the washroom to change.

"Nothing Aunt Dis." Arian shook her head looking at her aunt. Dis nodded slowly before picking up the rest of the clothes and putting them into the wardrobe on the far left wall.

"Stay here with her." Dis walked over to the door, "I'm going to get her some food, alright?"

"Alright." Arian nodded.

"And Arian?" Dis asked as she opened the door.

"Hmm?"

"Don't intimidate her." She gestured to Arian's sword.

"I'll do my best." Arian put her hands up in surrender. Dis let out a small breath before leaving. The room was left with silence. Arian waited patiently for the door of the wash room to open. The girl stepped out now fully dressed, she looked around the room noticing that Dis was gone.

"She has gone to get you something to eat." Arian told her. The girl nodded and went back over to the bed no sat on it looking around.

"What's your name?" Arian asked after a moment. The girl looked up at her not saying anything. Her eyes sc nned over the Dwarf.

"I'm Arian." Arian said.

"I know." The girl finally spoke, her voice wasn't soft like Dis's, but it wasn't harsh either. Arian looked slightly taken back.

"I know who you are, I know where I am, I knew where I was." The girl stated, she didn't seem intimidated by Arian, or by the swords she carried.

"And I dearly hope you know who you are." Arian replied folding her arms over her chest.

"Nimera." The girl answered, "my name is Nimera."

"Interesting name." Arian nodded, "is there a last one?"

"Not one that matters." Nimera replied. Arian looked at her in question but was stopped from opening her mouth as the door opened and Dis entered with a plate of food.

"Everything alright?" She asked looking at the two girls.

"Her name is Nimera." Arian answered.

"Pretty name." Dis smiled at Nimera, "are you hungry dear?"

"Yes." Nimera nodded, "thank you."

"Aunt Dis," Arian looked to her Aunt, "not that Nimera is settled, I would like to go find Fili and Kili."

"Yes, of course dear." Dis nodded. Arian gave her a small smile, and a quick nod to Nimera before disappearing out the door. Arian was walking through the halls trying to get to the training room when she was stopped by someone calling her name.

"Jadis." Arian nodded glancing around quickly.

"I haven't seen much of you today." Jadis spoke as she looked a the swords on Arian's belt.

"No, I would think not." Arian answered doing her best to be polite, "I left early this morning with my father and cousins, to Mirkwood."

"Yes," Jadis mused, "I heard your father had business with the elven king. My father gave Mason permission to go. Did you two talk much?" Jadis asked.

"Some." Arian replied as Jadis took her arm and began to pull her to a walk.

"I believe you two will be spending a lot more time together." Jadis spoke sweetly.

"And what gives you that impression?" Arian raised an eyebrow in question.

"It has been a topic of conversation for a while now." Jadis spoke as if the news was obvious.

"It has?" Arian

"Yes, of course! You and Mason are of the same age, and we could untie two great houses."

"I see…" Arian nodded slowly.

"Of course, when you're married, you must become more of a…" Jadis looked at Arian her eyes lingering on her weapons.

"More?" Arian asked.

"More, of a women of court." Jadis stated with a nod, "once you're married you can't very well fight."

"And why not?" Arian stopped suddenly taking her arm away Jadis.

"Well you'll be married, your husband will do the fighting, while you are at home." Jadis explained her voice regal.

"I have been fighting since I was five." Arian shifted folding her arms over her chest, resembling her father, "why would I stop once I'm married?"

"Well yes, of course." Jadis gave a small laugh, "it will be expected. Darrow-Dams aren't suppose to fight anyway." Arian gaped at her for a moment before answering.

"I see." She nodded, "thank you for the insight, now if you excuse me, my cousins are waiting for me." Arian turned on her heel and swiftly walked away. As soon as Arian began to walk away, Jadis was surrounded by other Darrow-Dams, all asking questions about the princess. Jadis's words repeated in Arian's head, making a dull anger build inside her. She pushed it away, clearing her throat as she entered the training room. The clash of swords, and shouts from other Dwarfs engulfed her. Looking around she saw two Dwarfs in one of the arena spaces in the room, and other Dwarves sitting around the room in bleacher like seats. All the nerves in Arians body seemed to settle now that she was somewhere where she felt relatively comfortable. Quickly she picked out her cousins who were sitting near the front row of wooden benches.

"Arian you finally made it." Kili exclaimed as Arian sat next to her cousins.

"Indeed I have." Arian nodded before gesturing towards the two dwarfs in the arena, "is that Terakin?"

"It is, and some Dwarf from the Iron Hills." Fili nodded watching the two Dwarfs spar. The one known as Terakin had a scruffy look to him, his hair a deep red, and rested short and un-neat on his head, while a single small braid hung down from the back of his head to his shoulder. He had a beard that was the same style as Kili's but thicker. He fought with a large sword, much depending on his strength to win the match. Which he was.

"Who in the world challenged him?" Arian asked switching her gaze to the other dwarf. He didn't look as buff, but he was a tad bit taller that Terakin.

"He's in Dain's army, came here with him." Kili answered. Arian nodded and kept watching the two dwarfs fight.

"How'd it go with the girl?" Fili asked after a few minutes of silence.

"She got settled into a room." Arian replied her eyes still glued to the two dwarfs fighting, "her name is Nimera."

"Last name?" Kili asked.

"Didn't tell me." Arian trailed off as she leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on her knees, while her hands formed into a fist and held her chin up. The two dwarfs swung and locked their swords against each other, now pushing against one another trying to win.

"He's not gonna win." Arian noted watching the Dwarf from the Iron-Hills, "his legs are too close together, he doesn't have the right balance."

"Does he know that?" Kili asked. Suddenly Arian stood and shouted to the two dwarfs.

"Even out your balance!" As soon as she sat back down, Terakin gave a forceful push leaning towards the right, and sent the other Dwarf to the ground, while his sword fell from his hand. The three Durin's watch as Terakin pointed his at his opponent, who immediately raised his hands in surrender. Arian resisted the urge to groan and let her head fall into her hands.

"He could have kept fighting…" Kili noted, "he does know that right?" He looked at his older brother.

"Apparently not Kee." Fili spoke with a shrug. Terakin helped the other DWarf up before walking over to the Durins.

"Didn't see you come in." Terakin set his sword down as he spoke to Arian.

"Doubt it, the room was filled with shouts." Arian leaned back and gave her friend a smile. Terakin chuckled softly.

"Are you here to spar?" Terakin asked after taking a long gulp of water.

"Maybe." Arian shrugged. The four began to talk but were quickly interrupted by the Dwarf Terakin was fighting.

"You shouldn't have shouted." He spoke to Arian, causing the talking to stop.

"What?" She asked.

"You shouldn't have shouted." He spoke again, "you broke my concentration."

"There were a bunch of Dwarfs shouting." Arian replied calmly, "I was just trying to let you know that your balance was off."

"Well, you shouldn't have!" The Dwarf spat, "I know what I'm doing!"

"Do you know who you're talking to?" Terakin asked defensively taking a step towards the other Dwarf.

"Terakin." Arian shook her head, before returning her gaze to the Dwarf, "sorry."

"You should be." The Dwarf replied bitterly, "you shouldn't even be in here. You're a Darrow-Dam."

"Now I know you don't know who you're talking to." Terakin almost growled.

"Do you know who you're talking to?" Kili asked. The Dwarf looked confused. Arian stood up facing him.

"What's your name?" She asked.

"Derin Klin." He answered clearly proud of his name. Arian looked at him, he had long chestnut brown hair that was pushed back in braids, and a beard that was the same color but not quite as thick, "and who are you?" He demanded crossing his arms over his chest.

"Arian." She stood straighter, "Oakenshield." At the sound of Arian's last name the smug look on Derin's face fell.

"You're not…" His mouth fell open as he then took a better look at Fili and Kili before looking back at Arian with wide eyes, "I'm sorry." He fell to one knee.

"Get up." Arian tugged him up, and held out her hand. Derin shook it quickly.

"I am sorry." He repeated.

"Just make sure, next time you yell at me, I actually do something that demands yelling." Arian replied nodding her head.

"I won't." He shook his head, "not again." He bowed to Arian and then to the princes, before quickly leaving.

"He shouldn't have done that." Terakin snorted while Arian sat back down.

"He didn't know who I was." Arian asnwered.

"He should have. You where you father's crest." Terkin gestured to Arian's belt.

"It was disrespectful." Fili commented.

"I think I scared him enough." Arian answered. Terkin looked over at Derin who was now talking to a few other dwarfs, some looked around his age, while others looked older.

"Think again." Terakin spoke looking at Derin and the others. The Dwarfs from the group had broken off and were headed over towards the Durins.

"What are they doing?" Fili asked out-loud as he stood up.

"No idea." Arian shook her head and stood up straighter. The three dwarfs stopped just before the group.

"Derin says you're an Oakenshield." The middle one spoke.

"I am." Arian nodded looking over the three. The middle one nodded.

"Then I challenge you." He said sternly looking at Arian.

"Me?" Arian asked before she stood, the other dwarf towering over her by a good foot.

"Yes." The Dwarf nodded, "let's see what the legendary daughter of Thorin Oakenshield can do."

"Are you sure you want to find out?" Kili asked.

"Certain." The dwarf looked at her smugly, "do you accept?" Arian looked over him before nodding, "I do." The other Dwarf scoffed and pulled out his sword and head down into the arena.

"What about your side?" Fili asked looking at his cousin.

"It's fine, doesn't hurt much anymore." Arian took off her belt and pulled her twin swords out of their sheaths, she nodded to her cousins before walking into the arena herself.

"This should be entertaining." Kili commented.

"What should be?" Walker asked walking down the steps joining the Durins.

"Arain." Kili continued a bit slower, looking at Walker, "fighting a Dwarf from the Iron Hills."

"She's fighting him?" Walker watch as Arian and the other Dwarf took their starting stances.

"He challenged her." Fili replied, "do you know who he is?"

"Surik." Walker nodded, "his name is Surik. He's good."

"So is she." Terakin looked at him, "one of the best."

"You talk like she's invincible." Walker looked at him.

"She isn't." Fili continued, "none of us are…but part of what makes Arian so lethal is that she always gets back up." Fili watched as the two began to fight.

Arian blocked a blow from Suriks sword that aimed for her head. She pushed back and went for his side, with one of her swords. Strike blocked is easily. The two went on like this for a while, placing and blocking blows.

"I'd thought you'd be more of a challenge." Surik mocked as he blocked another one of Arian's blows. Suddenly Arian hooked her foot behind Suriks and pulled him off balance before kneeing him in the chest sending him to the floor. Surik caught himself with his arm and jumped back up, swing his sword at Arians side, then quickly again at her leg. Arian blocked each blow with her swords, banged her head against his making him stumble back groaning. Arian swung her sword at his shoulder, he blocked it barely. Arian turned quickly and aimed for his upper arm, her sword cutting into his shoulder. Surik groaned but didn't drop his guard. He slammed his knee into Arians gut, before he smacked her sword out of her left hand.

"Is this." Surik kept moving towards Arian slamming his sword down on her own, "really all you are capable of?" Surik mocked and kept beating Arian back, "you're not as good as everyone says." He raised his sword again to deliver another blow. Arian caught his arm, holding his tightly, glaring up at him.

"I was just letting you get cocky." She replied before slamming the hilt of her sword into his cheek throwing him back. He stumbled and leaned over, in which Arian kicked his side knocking him to the ground. Arian walked over to him slowly, allowing him time to get to his feet. Quickly he swung at her side, but she blocked the blow and pushed him back, before connecting her free hand with his face. A crack sounded and Surik cried out dropping his sword and holding his nose falling to his knees.

"I was never going to fight you at my full skill level." Arian spoke lowering her sword.

"Why not?" Surik spat looking up at her.

"Because." Arian replied kneeled next to him, "you're not an Orc. And I'd rather apply myself fully on the battlefield, than in an arena." Getting up she turned and began to walk away, "you are a good fighter though. Tough, but arrogant."

"Impressive." Walker spoke as Arian rejoined the group on the steps.

"Thanks." Arian nodded to him before whipping her swords with a piece of cloth.

"How long have you been fighting?" Walker questioned.

"Uh…" Arian began, "I started leaning when I was around five."

"Five?" Walkers eyes widened.

"Yes." Arian nodded, "just simple basics, and it just went from there."

"For all of you?" Walker looked at Fili and Kili. The brothers nodded.

...

"And will she be staying here?" Balin asked as he counted out coins.

"If she wishes so." Thorin nodded as he stood in the room where Balin worked.

"Thorin." Balin said making the king look at him, "is there a reason why you have all of the sudden welcomed a stranger in with open arms?" Thorin let out a long breath before answering.

"She reminded me of Arian." The king explained taking a seat near Balins desk, "and it made me think, there were so many times in Arians life where if something went wrong, she herself could have ended up in a cell. If I couldn't be there, I would want someone to get Arian out of whatever prison she would be in." Balin nodded gently and began to write on a piece of parchment paper.

"Then, I will have the payment delivered to the Woodland Realm."

"Thank you Bain." Thorin stood and left the room.

...

"Well, I don't think he'll bug you anymore." Kili said as he fiddled with a piece of wood and one of Fili's knives.

"That's for sure." Arian chuckled lightly as a book sat open in her lap.

"Why were you so late Arian?" Fili asked throwing daggers into a wooden target at the wall.

"Jadis caught up to me in the hallway." Arian answered.

"What did she want?" Kili questioned.

"She talked of Mason and marriages." Arian explained.

"Marriage?" Kili raised an eyebrow at his cousin.

"Arranged marriages."

"To Mason…?"

"Yes," Arian nodded, "but no matter what Dain thinks, I know my father won't sell me like cattle."

"You do know there will be talk of arranged marriages for you." Fili spoke before throwing another knife, hitting the target dead on.

"There never has before." Arian countered gently.

"It didn't matter before." Fili answered turning away from the target, "we didn't have kingdom."

"Well if there is talk of marriage for me, then there is certainly talk of it for you." Arian looked at her cousin with a slight smile. Fili let out a small laugh.

"Good thing your father is my uncle." He replied.

"Does that mean you have no interest in marriage Fee?" Kili asked as he continue to whittle.

"At the moment? No." He shook his head, "but later in life," he shrugged, "I suppose.'

"Do you suppose they are already lining up Darrow-Dams?" Kili asked Arian with a slight laugh.

"Why do you think Jadis is here?" Arian smirked.

"Ah!" Fili interrupted them, "if you don't have to marry Mason, I don't have to marry Jadis."

"Fair." Arian nodded, "although, I doubt you'll get out of it that easily. You are the next in line for the throne"

"That still sounds weird." Fili chuckled lightly before throwing another knife at the target.

"You've always been the next in line." Arian noted.

"Yes, but" Fili threw another knife, "now, we actually have a kingdom. It's more…real now." Arian nodded falling silent. In all honesty sometimes she preferred the life they lived before in The Blue Mountains. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Arian spoke. A guard came in and bowed, "m'lords, m'lady. The king and Lady Dis request that you meet them in the Grand Hall."

"Thank you." Fili nodded. The guard bowed and left.

"What now?" Kili asked looking. Between his brother and cousin.

"Let's find out." Fili replied as he collected his daggers.

...

Hope you guys liked it! Thanks for reading!