Bilbo didn't really see the immediate need to learn how to use the sword. The Battle of the Five Armies, as people seemed to be calling it, happened a few months past.

People were still recovering, Fili had just recently been given permission to get out of bed. Kili had just arrived from a diplomatic mission at Mirkwood. Thorin was throwing himself at so many different projects it was a wonder that he could find time for Bilbo.

Dwarven Courting was important, Ori had informed the hobbit. As King, Thorin had to set a good example and follow proper courting protocol. And no matter how busy he was or how many people were vying for his attention, Dwarven culture dictated that there must always be time spent with the intended.

Bilbo should know. Ever since Thorin announced that he would court Bilbo, he was given a crash court in all things dwarven, from culture to politics to family trees. Balin explained that the sword training was part of dwarven politics, and from how Dis seemed to always be sharpening her swords and knives, Bilbo believed it.

Dis as a person was nice. As a mother, she was intimidating, especially when Fili and Kili blatantly tried to disregard the healer's instructions. As the Princess of Erebor, she was regal in public but that kind demeanor fooled no one on the Council who knew her for her strong opinions. All in all, Bilbo liked Dis.

Except when she was his fighting instructor. He always assumed that it would be one of the Company, Dwalin because he was the Captain of the King's Guard, or Nori because his fighting style was something that could be adopted to Bilbo's stature. He didn't take it well when Thorin told him that Dis would be the one to teach him.

"Why her?" Bilbo asked, already nervous because of the stories that he heard from Fili and Kili.

"She is the best," Thorin reasoned. "I would teach you myself, but would you really like it if what limited time we have together would be spent with us sweaty, grunting, and out of breath?"

Bilbo's cheeks reddened, thinking of another entirely different activity which would leave the pair sweaty and out of breath. Thankfully, Thorin didn't seem to have noticed.

"Dis is the only choice," Thorin said. "Kili does not know how to properly instruct anyone, Fili is still recovering. Dwalin and Balin both have other duties that cannot be delegated. Besides, I thought that you wanted to spend more time with my sister."

"Er, yes."

It was a hobbity thing, to become close to your intended's family. He was already on very good terms with Fili and Kili and most of Thorin's extended family. All that was left was Dis. But Bilbo did not think that sword training with her was the best way for them to get to know each other.

"If you insist."

In the end Bilbo was run ragged with each session. Dis was a hard task master, but she had patience where Bilbo knew other dwarves did not. Kili, who observed one session, told him that Dis was taking it easy on him.

If what Dis was putting him through was 'easy', Bilbo didn't want to know how she treated the troops that were sent to her for training.

Bilbo did improve with the sword. He was no warrior, but at least he could defend himself. And training with Dis did improve his relationship with her. After all, in every argument he had with Thorin, Dis took his side.

Oh look innuendo! In my defense, I had just take pain medications before I wrote this.

As always comments are loved.