Tauriel POV

I stood by, watching Legolas and Gimli spar. Gimli was very talented with his ax, a weapon elves were never particularly fond of. Well certainly not me. I disliked the sword even.

Legolas finished off with his dagger point at Gimli's heart. "You lose. Again."

Gimli pouted. "Legolas, that wasn't fair! You started before I said go."

I laugh. A dwarf's stubbornness will never grow old.

"Perhaps I am not the fairest fighter Gimli." Legolas grinned. "I do what's necessary to survive, or in this case succeed."

Gimli grunts, shaking his head, "I call another rematch."

I laugh, "You said yourself that was the last one, you've sparred 8 times now." I get up, entertained by the two

"I promise this will be the last one. What say you Legolas!" Gimli counters, I can't help but shake my head and smiling.

However, instead if agreeing or disagreeing, Legolas changed subjects.

"Tauriel. How would you like to spar Gimli?" He asked me.

Gimli flushed red, "No no, I wouldn't dare want to touch your lady Legolas. You'd kill me if I hurt her. Hurting you is easier."

Those words, although sweet, set me off a little. I could feel the adrenaline brewing,and I draw my dagger, spinning it wickedly,

"I wouldn't be so sure Gimli, don't underestimate her." Legolas says, crossing his arms.

I chuckled a bit, but Legolas continued, "However your intelligence is catching on. If you do happen to harm Tauriel, that will be the last thing you ever do. Regardless if you're in the undying lands now." He spun his unsheathed sword and pretended to be serious. I grinned and Legolas too joined me in laughter as we observed Gimli's ashen face. From remorseful to hesitant to determined.

Gimli breathes loudly in thought, but eventually raised his axe.

"Aight," Gimli says. "I apologize in advance my lady."

I shrug. I ready my dagger and strike.

Gimli charges. I clash daggers with him and acknowledge his strength. He is very strong, but definitely slower. His axe mimics my dagger.

"Whoa." Gimli says.

Gimli and I continue. I manage to pin him down on one of his slower turns and finish with my dagger at his neck within seconds.

"I was goin easy on ya!" Gimli says. "I don't want to be the cause of the pain a lady like you should never feel!"

I laugh joyfully. I could get used to this fellow dwarf. He brings the beauty and humor I once saw in Kili.

"Or you don't want me on your heels." Legolas nods accordingly, his sword twirling at the tips of his fingers.

"Please elf, you're no competition for me." Gimli retorts, "I have the strength of a boar and the heart of the lion!" He boasts.

In a second, Legolas was behind the dwarf. His sword held against Gimli's neck.

"What was that?" Legolas threatened

"Yer ears are failing." He pouts. The prince shakes his head, but removes his sword. The two playfully glare at one another.

I decide to interrupt the silence, "You are a very good fighter Gimli, I am impressed."

Gimli flushes and bows, "Thank you, Lady Tauriel."

"Please, just Tauriel." I grin

Gimli stands up, "I'm true to my word, so I'm done fighting for today... But I call for a rematch tomorrow!" He swings his axe and we merrily laugh

"Speaking of rematch..." I smirk at the prince, "I think I ought to redeem myself from last night."

"Is that a challenge?" Legolas smiles.

I rush towards him again, my twin daggers against his curved sword. Our weapons meet, creating a clash as both of us pushed against each other.

"No." I say. "It's an order." And with that I wickedly slash at his lower abdomen.

We sparred all morning, laughing. Gimli cheered for me, especially.

However a servant approached us in the middle of the fight, "Prince Legolas, your father calls. He wants you to meet with all the nobility."

"Tell him I'll be right there." Legolas responded.

The servant bowed, and walked away.

He turned towards me, "Tauriel, are you available later this afternoon?" He asked.

"No. I don't think so." I say apologetically." I'm helping Helena with cooking tonight, there's going to be a huge dinner for the nobility to celebrate your fellowship. She could use an extra pair of hands." I smile

He nods understandingly, "Will you be seating with us then?" He asks.

I shake my head, "No, perhaps just serving you potentially. I want to help my friend in any way I can." I smile.

I mean I'm not a servant, but I felt I should return my gratitude somehow. This was out of my generosity.

"That is kind of you." He smiles. "Very well, I expect the best service from you tonight then."

"Of course." I smirk.

"Work hard." he closed in the space between us, planting a peck on my cheek.

"You know me." I smile

LINEBREAK

I went into my chambers and bathed. The water turned my fiery red hair into a browner blend.

I dressed in a simple blue gown, put my hair up in a tight bun, and covered it with a pale cream bandana. I left my weapons in my chambers. Then I made my way to the kitchen, where Helena was busy cutting vegetables, cooking stew, and baking breads.

"Tauriel." She smiles sadly, "I'm sorry I cannot help you right now, my hands are full."

"And mine are empty." I smile at her change of expression. "I'm here to help you. And serve with you tonight, you deserve better than doing all these chores alone."

"Don't you have general duties? Or time with the prince?" She stops, looking at me curiously.

"Nope, I'm here to help you." I grin

She smiles brightly. "Thank you so much friend! Could you start by continuing of chopping these potatoes, I must check on the stew."

I nod, "Of course."

All the other servants turned to me, looking inquiringly, before returning to work as well.

I chopped potatoes, celery, and carrots.

Helena and I still chatted merrily, even through the everlasting work, it was quite enjoyable.

Read and review. Sorry for the delayed update I have been so so busy lately. But I'll try to update ASAP

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