Sorry for the late update! School's being a nightmare and I've had no time for the internet! Sorry! :(

The next week was spent training and getting their injuries examined. Thorin and Balin were present very little, planning the next leg of the journey. The company were getting twitchy and wanted to be away as soon as possible.

Fili took it upon himself to train Aire as best as possible, occasionally handing her off to Dwalin. Each of the dwarves would report to Thorin in the evening to inform him of her progress. Thorin had very little time to talk to Aire and she was normally asleep by the time he returned in the evening. She didn't always sleep in Thorin's room either. On occasion she'd return to her own, especially if a training session had gone wrong. Overall she had improved, especially against the single blade, but she still made mistakes that would be fatal in the battlefield. Her biggest issue was the war hammer, favoured by Dwalin and Ori (When Dwalin leant it to him.) She could never get out of the way of it fast enough, something that was a surprise to all the dwarves.

It had been agreed (most likely forced by Thorin) that she should be taught to get out of the way of any weapon that wasn't a sword. Her elvish blood stood in her favour against Oin's iron staff, Gloin's axes, Bifur's spear (Which she could defend against if she needed too) and Bofur's mattock. Even Nori's long handled mace proved to be of little difficulty. It was just the war hammer she had problems with. Every time it was used against her Dwalin would have to pull up short of hitting her and causing her serious damage. Even Ori could catch her with it and the younger dwarf was far slower than Dwalin. None of them could figure out why Aire's blood was letting her down. The simple argument of 'because it's elvish' didn't hold up.

"I'd rather not have her accidently decapitated in battle." Thorin stated to Balin as the two left the library to head down to the training field. "Each of us must be aware of the others as well as the enemy. Dwalin or Ori can't always be looking out for her."

"I'm sure it's a relatively simple thing to fix." Balin reassured him. "A fresh set of eyes may just be what's needed." The pair boarded a small boat and were rowed across to the small island. None of the company were expecting them and the pair hoped to catch the company in their training. It appeared they'd timed their arrival well.

Dwalin, who'd been left in charge of the company in Thorin's absence, had split the group into two teams. He, Bofur, Noir, Dori, Gloin and Bombur each had a small strip of red cloth tied around their right wrist. Fili, Kili, Bifur, Bilbo, Ori and Aire were left to defend against them. "I do believe my brother's set up a game!" Balin chuckled as Gloin hit his brother with his weapon. Oin huffed and stepped back, moving to sit on the edge of the make-shift arena. Gloin reached out at his nearest opponent which happened to be Bilbo. The little hobbit saw him coming and Gloin soon joined his brother.

The 'tournament' continued until only Dwalin, Fili, Aire and Bilbo remained. Fili was down to only one sword and looked exhausted after his bout with Nori. Dwalin sent his sword flying from his hand, continuing on his spin but slowing quickly. The reason for his loss of speed became apparent when he lightly tapped Aire's left arm. She'd been moving out of the way but had once again been too slow. Dwalin's loss of velocity didn't show in his favour as it allowed Bilbo to close the distance between them, touching Sting to the back of the dwarf's neck. Bilbo had won.

"I think you missed one, dear brother." Balin laughed as he and Thorin made their way towards the remainder of the company.

Dwalin grunted and slapped Bilbo on the back. "'e's learning."

"Learning? He beat you."

Dwalin opened his mouth to offer an excuse but Aire beat him to it. "Sorry." She didn't look from the ribbon she was untying from Bombur's wrist. The words sounded flat and meaningless. Thorin was willing to bet that she said them too many times a day. When she did look up it was to Thorin and she managed a small smiled. She cautiously approached him, well aware of how tired he'd been lately.

"I hear you're having trouble with Dwalin's hammer." He smiled gently, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to him.

"You could say that. I'm just thankful that goblins nor orcs fight with them."

"Yes, but it has similar force and speed to a warg's head."

Aire winced. "Well hopefully we'll just have the dragon to worry about." Thorin smiled, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips.

"Let's see where the problem lays." He let go of Aire and she followed Dwalin into the middle of the clearing. Neither looked particularly tired after their fighting and neither showed it either.

"Did you see what I saw?" Balin asked suddenly once Dwalin had touched Aire with his war hammer. Thorin nodded, a slightly frown on his face.

"Nori!" He called. "Take Aire's place!"

Confused the red-headed dwarf did as asked. He nimbly stepped out of Dwalin's reach. Bombur, Bifur and Bilbo were all put against Dwalin and each time Balin and Thorin saw the same result.

Thorin put the others to training before talking to Dwalin alone. "You change your strategy." He said bluntly.

"What?"

"Against us you swing as hard as you can. With Airelotwen your swing is slower until you're nearly upon her. At that point you pick up speed. Any reason why?"

Dwalin shrugged. "Didn't realise I was doing it."

"Well realise." Thorin snapped. "You wouldn't take that approach with an enemy, nor would a warg take that approach with Airelotwen. You're not helping her by changing your style." He wasn't impressed. Whether Dwalin realised he was doing it or not, Thorin knew why. He was all too well aware of the 'threats' his men had been giving Airelotwen. Kili had mentioned it to him the other day, but he'd seen Gloin at the table during the feast and he'd heard Balin the morning after. He wasn't happy with the verbal warnings but he was outright angry at the possibility that Dwalin was hindering her training. He called Aire back over and made them try it again. This time Dwalin kept moving towards her at the same speed and it was easier for her to move out of the way. Thorin nodded happily, summoning the company and sending them back to the house to clean up for dinner.

Thorin waited until everyone save for Airelotwen and his nephews had passed, offering his arm and a smile to his lover. "It's nice to see you smile for a change." Airelotwen said, gripping his arm. "You've been so serious for the past few days that the rest of us had begun to worry."

"You included?"

"I always worry." She rolled her eyes, taking Fili's hand as he helped her into the boat. The three heirs of Durin and Airelotwen rode back to Lake Town in silence. Bofur and Bombur were bickering about something in their boat, Bilbo's nose poking over the edge as he attempted to hide. He did not look impressed.

Once back at the house the company showered and changed, cleaning themselves up for the evening meal. Airelotwen was fixing her dress when she felt Thorin appear behind her, his chest pressed against her back. "We will be gone by the end of the week." He stated, arms wrapping around her waist. "Durin's day is approaching and I wish to find the door with time to spare. Master Baggins has recovered from his cold and I feel we are close to outstaying our welcome."

Aire smiled, turning in Thorin's grip to cup his face. "I will miss this side of you; caring and relaxed."

Thorin chuckled, ducking his head to kiss her. "When we reclaim Erebor then you will see this side of me more often."

Aire tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. "Not if I am in the Shire and you are in the Lonely Mountain."

Thorin growled, tightening his grip. "You will be staying with me."

"Is that a request or a demand?"

Thorin kissed her again. "Airelotwen, will you join my family and I in Erebor?"

"Of course." Airelotwen detached herself from Thorin, taking his arm and pulling him towards the door. "Now, I believe we're expected downstairs."

Not quite a marriage proposal… yet… (If I decide to treat you all, that is)