An: I would like to thank Adrianna le fey once more for her awesome ideas! I hope this chapter does not feel rushed or choppy. If it is, please let me know so I can be more careful with the next one and please accept my apologies if it is. I'm trying to balance my new work hours with home life and study :P


My Sword and My Shield chapter 7: Stranger days are never travelled.

Elsif's p.o.v.

The company had moved on in sombre spirits upon the discovery of the black speech missive. Whatever it said, no one seemed willing to hear it. Well… accept Elsif of course. She was more curious than anything but there was no hope in Oblivion that she could read it. Nor could she convince Gandalf to read it to her. In fact, he grew quite cross over the matter so she decided to drop it and walk head of the company… she didn't particularly like the idea of being turned into a toad. No. Not at all.

The afternoon sun was slowly making its way below the horizon so the company was looking for a new place to rest. It was found on a high-rise overlooking the path so that the ever-watchful eyes of the Dwarves could see any more spy's or assassins. Bifur and Bofur were already setting the fire while Bombur was busy gathering what was needed for dinner. Fili and Kili were tending to the horses and Gandalf was busy discussing something with Thorin and Balin. The rest of the company were organising their equipment or sharpening their weapons.

Elsif, was taking the time to stretch and work out any kinks or knots she had in her muscles, which were thankfully quite few in number, before taking a sip from her water skin. Some of the water dribbled past her chin and down her neck, settling at the bridge between her chest and her armour. A light chuckle drew her attention to the ever-smiling Fili which somehow made her blush. Perhaps it was the mischievous nature of his smirk or perhaps it was the fact he was staring.

He pointed to her chin before whipping out a piece of cloth and held it towards her in one fluid movement. "You have made a clean spot."

Elsif laughed and glanced down to see that indeed, there was now a patch of clear skin in the midst of mud and dirt. "It seems that I have." She took the cloth and began to clean up some of the dirt from her face. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome." He beamed before subtly fishing something out of his pouch. "Here… I found this after the battle and, I believe it would look quite charming in your hair." He smiled warmly as he revealed a small yet beautiful flower with petals as white as snow.

The young Nord stared at the gift in his hand, knowing damn well what it meant when a man gave a woman a flower. It is prevalent in many cultures for wooing a woman for courtship. She sighed and lowered her hands by her side and shook her head solemnly. "I am sorry Fili… It is a beautiful flower but… I cannot accept this from you."

He looked a little hurt from the refusal but didn't back down either. He lowered his hand and spoke quietly. "Was it… something I said… or did?"

"No! No of course not!" Elsif looked up and took a step closer, raising her hands in a placating matter. "Fili, I am truly flattered that you would even present such a gift to me and under different circumstances I would accept, despite how brief our time together has been, for you are a kind, handsome and a very amusing man."

He smiled and blushed a little but continued to use a quiet, gentle tone. "Yet I hear a but coming…"

"But…" she sighed again and looked down as she touched the Amulet of Talos sitting at the base of her neck. "I am a Widow Fili… My heart is broken. I would make a lousy love. Always guarded and unable… unwilling to let you in." Elsif looked up and fought hard to keep the torrent of sorrow at bay. "It would not be fair to you. Especially since i…"

"Do not return my feelings. I understand." He smiled sadly with a small nod.

Elsif nods as well and offered a gentle smile. "You will find someone Fili, who will return your affections with all of their heart. And fortune would smile upon you both."

Fili's sad smile turned into a joyful one as Elsif's words eased his disappointment. "Your husband was a lucky man Elsif." He took her hand and placed the flower into its centre before gently curling her fingers closed. "Please accept this, as a gift from a friend."

With a nod, Elsif kept the flower in her gentle grasp before reciprocating with "as a friend. Thank you Fili. Thank you."

Fili leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on Elsif's cheek, holding her shoulder briefly before turning to walk back to his brother, whom was watching the whole scene from afar. An angry huff reached Elsif's sensitive ears, causing her to glance to the other side of the compound to see Thorin with yet another thunderous look upon his brow. He returned his attention to Gandalf and Balin so Elsif thought nothing of it as she moved to find herself a place to rest.

She found it with Bilbo, whom was busy examining the blade that was given to him by Ori. He looked up as she approached and shuffled over so she could sit beside him. Elsif sat and sighed sadly, looking at the rejected flower in her hand and allowed her thoughts to drift to Vilkas. She remembered when he gave her flowers fondly, despite the pain it caused in her heart. She had been with the companions for two years at the time, making her eighteen years of age. So young… and so ignorant to many things. Even a little naïve.

~Flashback~

Elsif's arms shook with the strain from having fired no less than a hundred arrows into the straw targets. Training with Vilkas was one thing, but having Aela breathing down your neck was something else entirely. Her posture had to be perfect, her aim true, her focus on her target yet also be aware of her surroundings at all times lest she be knocked on her arse by surprise. Sweat stung her eyes as she honed her aim to the little red dot in the centre of the target. She pulled the iron arrow back as far as he tired arms could muster and pushed beyond that, pulling her arm back to notch the arrow.

Just as she was about to release it, movement was caught in the corner of her eye. She rolled forward and twisted on her hip, aiming her bow again at the fiery red head who was bringing her sword down towards her face. Elsif caught Aela's wrist, trapping the hilt of the blade against her boot and kicked her trainer backwards as she fired her arrow at her head. The tip grazed her trainer's cheek, earning a hiss from the huntress as she charged at Elsif again.

The very young Nord was on her feet and parried her trainer's blade with the grip of her bow before kicking her in the stomach. Aela retaliated by punching her right in the jaw, knocked the bow from her hands, kicked the ground out from under her and aimed the tip of her blade at Elsif's throat. This time, Elsif did not surrender. Instead she stared, waiting for her trainer to either finish her off or let her up, staring into the huntress' silver eyes, filled with rage.

She barked with so much anger that Elsif could have sworn she was a dog, not a woman. "You could have killed me!"

"That's right, she could have." Called Vilkas as he approached from the shaded area leading to the rear doors of Jorvasker. "But instead she aimed for your cheek, predicting your movement accurately so she could prove she was paying attention." He stopped beside Aela and stared her down with scowl worthy of making a troll shriek in terror.

The huntress returned it with one as equally terrifying. "Your pet has picked up some bad habits from you."

"She is not my pet" He growled in anger, standing rather aggressively towards her.

Aela grinned maliciously and chuckled slightly. "Oh no… she's something else is she not? This will not work Vilkas. She does not have what it takes."

"That is where you are wrong Aela." He pushed her blade aside and helped Elsif to her feet. "And that is not for you to decide."

With a sigh, Aela sheathed her sword and shook her head. "You have improved pup but you are not ready to ascend to the circle yet."

Elsif brushed some of the dust from her leather armour and spoke calmly. "I know sister. I have only just been allowed to serve as a runt of a mercenary in the name of the companions a month ago; I am not so foolish as to think I could ascend in rank any time soon."

The huntress nods and tightened the straps for her gauntlets. "There will be no more training from me today whelp." She turned and retreated to Jorvasker and continued to speak without looking back. "Heed my warning Vilkas" and disappeared inside.

The young Nord shifted on her feet, worried that she had somehow caused some friction between the shield-siblings. "Why is Aela mad at me?"

"Because I like you." Answered Vilkas immediately, then looked slightly embarrassed for answering so quickly without thinking first.

Elsif blushed bright red, for she has had a crush on Vilkas since the first time she saw him… despite how rude he was to her. "You… you do?"

"Yes well…" he took a step away and turned to leave the training yard. "Don't let that go to your head."

Elsif jogged to catch up with him and grinned like a lunatic whilst looking quite confused. "But isn't she and Skald…?"

Vilkas laughed "Yes but it's not an issue of jealousy… it's something else." He looked away as they began to descend the stairs together into the town of Whiterun.

"What is it then?" Asked Elsif, not at all convinced that Aela's bad temperament was caused by something other than jealousy or the business of Elsif possibly joining the circle. What an honour that would be!

"It matters not. She is wrong. It is not even an issue for I will not allow it to become one." He snapped aggressively, stopping to glare at Elsif, which she returned. He glanced down and muttered "I'm sorry…"

"Nay. It is alright This was… none of my business." Elsif shook her head and smiled. "Thank you for coming to my aid back there."

He smiled and pet her shoulder "That is what shield siblings do. We protect each other. Even from ourselves."

Elsif smiled as they resumed their walk through the city narrowly dodging a small group of children as they ran past, giggling with joy. They often did this, walking together through the city, be it day or night. It began as something they did while Vilkas explained the History of the companions or was giving training advice, then it became a routine. Often, they would not speak, merely enjoyed each-others company as they wondered the busy streets.

She stopped to admire a particularly bountiful bushel of lavender, growing at the base of the dying Gildergreen tree. Elsif reached out to gently touch the petals attached closely to the stem and smiled, for she would always associate this scent with home. Another hand reached lower than where she touched the purple flower and plucked it from the bush. She looked up to see Vilkas smiling as he tucked the sprig of lavender behind her ear, then wove a few strands of her golden hair to keep it in place.

Elsif blushed as she slowly reached up to touch the treasure and smiled bashfully, at a loss for words for she thought that the peace between them was merely friendship, despite her hopes and dreams for what this is now. Vilkas gently took a hold of her hand as he stared into her eyes, searching for an answer to an unspoken question. With an ever-growing blush, Elsif gave him a small nod, to which he gently held her cheek and kissed her for the first time.

~End flashback~

"Elsif?... Elsif are you alright?" Bilbo asked with a concerned tone as he shook the distracted Nord's shoulder.

With a sniffle and a quick wipe from the back of her hand, Elsif forced a smile and waved him off. "I am fine Bilbo… merely remembered a simpler time."

"Are you certain you are alright?" He asked, not at all convinced that she spoke the truth.

She chuckled and took the blade from beside him and checked how sharp it is by flicking her thumb against the edge. "Believe me Bilbo, you'd know if I was unsettled or truly distressed."

He gulped and the dangerous edge Elsif had inadvertently laced with her tone. "I… I see. Very well then."

She sighed and lowered his blade. "Listen, I'm going to go freshen up. Can you make sure no one bother's me while I'm gone?... I… need a moment alone."

"Of course. Would you like me to watch your things while you're gone?" Asked the ever-helpful Hobbit"

Elsif smiled as she unclasped her sword and traveling satchel before handing them to him. "That would be much appreciated Bilbo, thank you."

He smiled as he gently settled everything neatly down beside him. "You're quite welcome." And tilted his head slightly as the Nord grabbed her water skin and an old rag.

Elsif chuckled and his quizzical expression and shook her head. "We are nowhere near the creak from up here Bilbo and I'd rather not stray too far from the company."

Bilbo made a "oh" expression before offering a friendly nod. With that Elsif made her way into the woods, far enough for privacy but close enough to charge back should something happen.


Thorin p.o.v.

Thorin had been glaring daggers at his nephew for some time now. He knew he shouldn't become openly hostile for he had no real reason to be this agitated with Fili. Truly, who was he to deny who could speak with Elsif or try to court her for that matter? And why did this make him so mad? Why did it infuriate him when the fiery lass accepted the flower and why did it make his blood boil when Fili kissed her? These questions made him feel light headed and the more he focused on the situation, the angrier he became. There was only one logical explanation as to why this affected him so… but he was being stubborn. He still refused to accept that Elsif could possibly be his soulmate. His one.

He knew one thing though. Fili needed to be put back into his place. It simply will not do to have his men floundering about or flirting with women while they're on this mission. Yes. The same must be applied to himself as well. With a nod of conviction, Thorin walked towards Dwalin to have him organise the men for inventory check, then a sparring session. Their little roadside confrontation was evidence of the need to stay sharp in both battle and whit.

Dwalin was busy oiling his axe but quickly stood to his feet as Thorin approached. "Thorin" he greeted.

"Dwalin. We need to ensure our equipment is in good condition as well as our forms. Have the men check their gear and ensure Oin and Gloin handle any of the repairs if they're necessary." Stated Thorin dutifully.

"Aye" Dwalin nods as he sheathed his axe while he spoke. "It would be a good idea to spar before supper. I saw some of the youngen's were a little stiff with their movements."

"My very thoughts." Agreed Thorin as he scanned his company. He frowned when he couldn't see the human lass anywhere. "Have you seen Elsif?"

"Last I saw she was with the burglar." Answered Dwalin as he made his way towards the men and began directing them for a weapons and armour check.

Thorin tisked as he walked towards Bilbo, offering a nod to Gandalf as he passed the grey wizard, whom returned it before glancing at the black speech missive in his hand. "What is it with her and that… Baggins?" He shook his head and stopped at Bilbo's side, whom seemed terribly interested with a small mushroom in his grasp. "Do you require a personal escort master Baggins?"

Bilbo jumped out of his skin before scrambling to his feet, dropping the mushroom and stuttering from his fright. "P-Pardon m-me?"

"The company has been called to a weapons check, though I suspect your equipment does not require any tampering or repairs. Do they?" He knew very well that Bilbo had stayed out of that fight.

"What? I… N-No… No I suspect not…" Answered the now embarrassed and terrified Hobbit, currently staring at his fury feet.

Thorin smirked cruelly and towered over the small Halfling. "The you had better prepare to spar with Kili. He can teach you a move or two that may just muster your courage."

"Y-yes sir." Stuttered Bilbo as he looked into the woods, trying to decide on what to do.

Agitated with the delay, Thorin growled "that was not a request burglar. Move!"

At that, Mr. Baggins ran towards the assembled company like his life depended on it while Thorin followed the human tracks that lead into the woodlands. He assumed they belonged to Elsif but even if they weren't, an investigation as to who could possibly be sneaking around the camp was warranted. He carefully made his way through the underbrush, mindful not to make too much noise on the off chance on an intruder and soon found the end of the tracks. He soon spotted an open leather and fur armour, loosely draped across a broken tree stump.

There, standing amongst the dense foliage was Elsif, currently examining her hip while wiping away the dirt with a moist rag. She was… Topless… Her back was facing Thorin but with the way her muscular frame had twisted, he caught a glimpse of her breast. Her nipple had piqued from the exposure to the cool breeze of the late afternoon, bouncing slightly with every swipe of movement. His eyes also took a brief note of the scar tissue of a jaggered swipe, starting from left her shoulder and ending at the end of her ribcage on a diagonal angle… but that wound did not hold his attention for long.

Elsif turned her gaze behind her and immediately gasped when she caught Thorin staring red handed. She quickly covered her chest but instead of turning away for decencies sake like most women would, she turned to face him, blushing from a mixture of embarrassment and anger. Thorin, must have resembled a gaping fish by now, for he knew the unexpected vision had his jaw hanging loosely in mild shock, and his own cheeks burning bright red from embarrassment… and arousal.

He felt the stirring in his loins and soon found himself wrestling with the passionate and possessive nature of a Dwarf… and a desperate wish to disappear from sight. He knew he should look away, turn his back for the sake of her modesty but he simply found he could do no such thing. Instead he locked eyed with the now furious shield maiden and swallowed the lump that was currently in his throat.

Elsif took a step forward and spoke with a demanding tone "Thorin Oakenshield! Just what in the name of Talos are you doing!?"

Only then, was Thorin able to look away but held his usual tone in an attempt to remain professional with the situation. "I… I humbly apologise for my impromptu timing however, I was merely wondering where you were. The company is taking this time now to check and repair any damaged equipment along with another sparring session." He dared to look her in the eye as he continued to speak. "We should train as often as we can. We may not be able to later on in our journey and many of the youngen will suffer greatly for it… Including the Hobbit."

With a huff, Elsif held her chest tighter and cocked her head to the side in agitation. "The 'Hobbit' has a name and you would do well to utilize it. I suppose as far as excuses for walking up on a half-naked woman goes, this one holds both truth and logic. Now I would thank you to take your leave so that I might dress myself in peace. I will be back shortly."

She had left no room for argument nor did Thorin wish to linger. His mind was becoming clouded with many inappropriate thoughts and needed to put some distance between he and Elsif immediately. So he did just that. He apologized once more and quickly marched out of the woods, being sure to keep his ayes before him, not behind him. Soon he was back with the company and did his best to shake off his foggy mind. He found himself standing at the cliff's edge, next to where his men had organised camp for the night, and stared into the wilderness before him.

Thorin pinched the bridge of his nose and took a long soothing breath, rubbing his eyes with his finger and thumb, only to release his hold and stared dead ahead once more. The men had finished checking their equipment and were currently sparring with one another. Well, accept for Fili. He looked about in a confused manner for his brother, whom was normally his duelling partner, was currently engaged with Master Baggins. He noticed his uncle was without an opponent so he casually wondered over to stand by Thorin's side.

He spoke with his usual carefree manner, completely unaware of his uncle's displeasure with him. "Looks like we're paired up today Uncle, heh, I'll try not to move too quickly for you." He teased.

Without so much as a warning, Thorin turned and drew his sword, swiping at his nephew so fast that the young dwarf barely had time to duck. "Keep your wits about you Fili!" His nephew drew his blade in time to block the next blow. "For it is not speed that will undo a Dwarvern warrior!"

"Irak'Adad!" [Uncle!] Fili cried out in terror as they both darted away from the cliff, only to come to blows with more force that was necessary for a training session. His uncle was angry and he had no idea why. "What did I do?"

"I will not allow you to get yourself killed because you gandered over a woman!" He struck him again, trapping their blades against each other then pushed him back, almost causing Fili to stumble onto the ground.

"Gandered? B-but uncle, that was not in combat!" protested Fili as he tried to stay away from his crazy uncle.

Thorin was not really listening. He truly looked furious as he came at Fili again, knocking him to the ground with a swift heel kick to the stomach. "Stay. Away. From Elsif." He raised his sword high above his head and brought it down hard, only to be trapped by another blade.

The conjoined weapons were twisted and raised, bringing Thorin nose to nose with the young Nord, looking just as enraged as he. "Are you mad!? Are you trying to kill him!?" She shoved him back and stood between Thorin and his frightened nephew, being helped to his feet by his brother.

"Nay" he seethed, raising his guard once more. "Merely teaching him a lesson."

"Perhaps your lessons are too harsh for a youngen. Why don't you teach me instead!?" Growled Elsif, whipping her sword around her body before dropping into a defensive stance.

"With pleasure!" roared Thorin as he charged at the fiery lass that only seemed to fuel his anger and confusion.


Balin's p.o.v.

'This is madness… there is no other way to describe it.'

The old Dwarf quickly made his way to Fili and pulled him away from the battle as Thorin and Elsif came to blows once more. He knew he needed to reassure the young lad that his uncle was not himself. Dwarves are complicated creatures when it comes to finding their mates… soul mates… their partners. Mahal has decreed that Thorin is bound to a human lass from the look of things and he will view anyone attempting to court her as a threat to what is his. Even if it was merely an act of friendship. He was certain the lad knew this about Dwarvern nature but he might not realise that this is what has transpired…. He could be mistaken… but it was the only logical explanation for Thorin's behaviour….