Woo! It's time for Caladwen Sunday, so here is chapter 2 of the prequel. I hope you all enjoy it.

Review responses;

Thilbo4Ever – Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed True Love Conquers All! I've been looking forward to getting the prequel uploaded for a long time, and now I've finally done it! Just let let you know, with True Love Conquers All, there's going to be some changes made to that, and it quite possibly, will be added onto this. Will know more when it comes to that time.

Aznfirefly1 – Yep! The prequel is finally here! I'm glad you are loving it! And thank you so much! That means a lot to me!

Erebor

For the past five hundred years, I have had a good life. I lived through a happy childhood with my older brother, Legolas, who I adore. I have a loving father, who has helped me through every aspect of my life. And even though I never had the chance to meet her, I know my mother, the woman who spent the last moments of her life bringing me into this world before she was brutally killed and burned by orcs, I know she also loved me and for the rest of my life, I will be ever so grateful for the life she allowed me to have. To be with my father, my brother and my friends.

The only thing I wish could be different, is father allowing me to travel beyond our borders. Ever since I was an elfling, I have always had the desire to see more of the world than just our walls. I have often wished to see Rivendell, Lothlorien, Bree and even the peaceful Shire. But, the main place to see has always been the dwarven kingdom of Erebor, the kingdom where my mother's necklace was made.

Our own kingdom has had a long friendship with the dwarves for many many years and trade between the two have always been strong, never in jeopardy of ceasing.

I believe that with how strict father is being on my leaving, I will never be able to see any other land, let alone Erebor. Until one night, comes to me with an offer of a journey, that I didn't realise at the time, would change my life forever.

After returning to my room from training, I bathe and dress, readying myself for a calm night of reading before bed when there is a knock on the door.

"Yes, who is it?" I ask.

"It's your father." I hear him call through.

"Just a moment." I get out of bed and put on a robe and closing it. "Come on in."

He walks in, shutting the door behind him before turning back to me. "Oh, forgive me, iell nin, I did not realise you were getting ready for bed."

I just smile as I sit at my table, inviting him to sit across from me. "No worries. I was just going to do some reading before I slept. Is there something you wanted me for?"

"Actually, there's nothing I want you for. I came to ask you to accompany me on a little trip I am taking."

I look to him in surprise for a moment before I ask; "A trip? Where are you going?"

He looks to me. "To Erebor."

I sit up straight in my chair at these two words. "To Erebor? You are going to Erebor and you want me to come? What's changed your mind? Before when I ask about travelling to different lands you would be firmly against the idea."

He nods. "I would be. But, for a few years I have watched as you have grown in your training, outranking every other elf, apart from your brother that is. I have no doubt about your skills and your ability to defend yourself or others should the need arise. And I know how eager you are about visiting Erebor, you may not tell me, but it shows when the kingdom is mentioned, or when you look at your mothers necklace."

I smile wide. "Oh, I would love to go, father! When do we leave?"

"In a few days. Of course, your handmaiden will be coming along-" he begins, but I interrupt him.

"Actually, will Tauriel be able to come instead? I'd feel more comfortable having a close friend with me."

He thinks for a moment before he nods. "Alright, I will allow her. Let her know tomorrow we set off in three days time."

"I will. Thank you so much for this, father!" I say with a smile as I embrace my father close.

I hear him chuckle as he holds me just as close. "You're very welcome." he then kisses my head. "Now, get some rest. You have a busy few days ahead." he smiles before leaving.

Once the door is closed, I have too hold back from squealing loudly. Erebor! I'm finally going! I smile as I get into bed and happily read my book before falling asleep.

We spend the next few days getting ready for the journey, Tauriel agrees to coming with us, being just as excited as I am about leaving Greenwood. Even though we love our home, both of us have always had that adventurous side, to go and see what's out there.

I also find out the reason we are going is to pay homage to King Thror after finding the Arkenstone, which he labelled as The King's Jewel. I don't see what the fuss is about over a jewel, but I suppose I will find out once we arrive.

The day finally comes to our leaving. Father rides ahead on his elk while I ride behind him next to Tauriel, both of us talking excitedly.

It takes us a few days to ride from Greenwood, around Esgaroth and through Dale before the gates of Erebor are before us.

I am smiling wide. "Erebor. . .we're finally here."

Tauriel smiles beside me. "I know, this is all so exciting."

As we come close to the gates, I smile in awe at how high they are, almost a hundred feet, which are flanked by two stone statues of dwarves on either side barely half that size.

We are greeted at the gates by dwarves who take our mounts once we've dismounted and our essentials to our rooms as we follow another inside. Tauriel and I talk quietly to ourselves as we stare around in awe. The stone walls were beautifully crafted with veins of colour running through them.

As we reach some double doors, father turns to me before walking in.

"Remember your training, Caladwen, diplomacy before anything when in the presence of another King."

I nod as we walk in, walking beside father this time as Tauriel is behind me. Walking into the throne room, which is more like a cavern than a room, there is a single path running straight through and on either side is nothing. One wrong move either way will prove fatal as you fall thousands of feet down into darkness.

I make sure not to look down, looking straight ahead as we see the throne which is carved out of a stone pillar which runs down from the ceiling, sitting in the throne is King Thror, looking as proud as any dwarf, above him lies a jewel set into the stone, I assume this is the Arkenstone. From where I am, I can see the beauty in the stone and the colours that shine from it. Blues, pinks, purples, oranges and whites swirling around. It is beautiful. I can see why he labelled this as the King's Jewel.

One either side of the throne are two dwarves, both younger than the King. On his left stands a dwarf with black hair, like the King. I put him to being Prince Thrain, Thror's son. Looking to the dwarf on Thror's right, I stop myself from gasping aloud and force my legs to keep moving.

I instantly know him to be Prince Thorin, Thrain's son and Thror's grandson and I could not help but think that he is an exceptionally handsome dwarf. He has raven black hair, like his father and grandfather, which is brushed back with two braids hanging over each shoulder. He has a beard running from the side of his face which is put into a single, neat braid and a moustache, the same raven black as his hair. He wears a dark blue tunic with a silver embroided belt line and a dark blue undershirt which I can see beyond the tunic laces. His boots black with a silver pattern on the front and a black fur cloak.

As I look him over, his eyes meet mine and I almost feel myself freeze. He has the most beautiful blue/grey eyes I have ever seen. They seem to rage like a calm storm. His gaze is so intense I can barely look away from him. I manage to do so as I lower my head to the ground, a pink tinge on my cheeks.

"Welcome, Thranduil, King of Greenwood!" I hear Thror's voice boom in greeting. "I am pleased to welcome you into my halls."

Father inclines his head. "It is an honour to be here, King Thror. I thank you for your hospitality."

"Not all, my good elf. Allow me to introduce my son, Prince Thrain," Thrain bows his head. "And my grandson, Prince Thorin." I look to Thorin as he bows his head, straightening up before he sends a smile my way, I smile back before looking away, blushing slightly.

Father bows his head to both before he places his hand on my back. "May I present my daughter, Princess Caladwen of Greenwood."

I step forward and curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, King Thror."

He inclines his head to me. "As it is to meet you, Princess. If I may say, Thranduil, you have a very beautiful daughter. I believe her beauty may even rival that of the Arkenstone."

I smile shyly. "You flatter me, My King. But, I must disagree. The Arkenstone is far more beautiful than I."

He chuckles. "You are too modest, my child." he then turns to father after calling a guard over. "I have some guest chambers ready for your uses. I do hope you enjoy your stay."

Father and I bow and curtsy before we are lead away. As we walk, I look back and meet the gaze of Thorin. I smile as I see him looking to me, who is also smiling. I have had ellons at home give me some attention and it's not fazed me. But with Thorin, it's different. I do not know what it is about him, but whenever I look into his eyes, I can feel a spark that runs all through my body, sending me chills running up and down my spine, which I enjoy. How can I feel these things after just meeting someone?

Father has to guide me in the right direction as I almost miss the corner the guard is leading us down. I glance back at Thorin with a shy smile and see he is unable to conceal the amused look on his face.

The guards lead us to our quarters, which I think are splendid. Smooth stone walls and floors, a comfortable looking sofa and armchairs placed in front of a roaring fire with a fur rug, a large bed with plenty of pillows and blankets, a bathroom which has a large tub and doors leading out onto a balcony over looking Dale and Greenwood forest.

"Is everything to your liking, Princess?" the dwarf guard asks me while standing by the door.

I smile at him. "It is wonderful, thank you. If I may ask, would it be alright if I walk around the mountain?"

The dwarf nods. "Of course, you are our guests here. The King wishes for you to see everything."

I thank him with a smile before he leaves. Once I unpack my clothes, I go to my father's room.

"Ada, I'm going for a walk around the mountain."

He chuckles. "Not even here an hour and already you are itching to see everything."

I just grin at this, knowing he is right.

"Very well. Take Tauriel with you."

I nod and leave, finding Tauriel before the both of us walk through the corridors of Erebor. As we walk, we see many dwarves walking along, smiling and bowing their heads to us in greeting. I smile back at them, not believing a word of the elves at home when they say dwarves are arrogant, selfish and only think of their own. The ones we have seen so far are nothing compared to the rumours.

As we come to a corner, I stop as something collides into my legs. Looking down, I see a small dwarven child laid on the ground. Her hair as dark as night and brown eyes looking back up at me.

"I sorry miss, I not look where I was going. I hurt you?"

I smile as I kneel down and help her up, straightening out her dark green dress. "Not at all, young one. You just startled at me. You came from the corner at such a speed. Who were you running away from?"

Just as she was about to answer, a male voice came from around the corner.

"Dis! Adad has told you more than once about running in the corridor! You could hurt someo-"

The voice stops as the person comes around the corner. Looking up, I see Prince Thorin standing in front of us.

"Oh, Princess Caladwen. It is a pleasure to see you again." he says with a bow to his head.

I smile as I stand, giving him my own curtsey. "As it is to see you, Prince Thorin."

The girl looks to me with wide eyes. "You a Pwincess like me!?"

I smile at her. "I am. You're a Princess?"

Thorin stands behind her, placing a loving hand on her head. "She is. This is my little sister, Princess Dis. I hope she wasn't being a nuisance to you and-" he looks to Tauriel.

"Oh, forgive me, this is my friend, Tauriel."

Tauriel bows her head to Thorin. "A pleasure to meet you, Prince Thorin."

Thorin bows his head to her. "As it is to meet you, Miss Tauriel. I hope my sister wasn't a nuisance to you both."

I shake my head with a smile. "Not at all. It's not everyday I get run into by another Princess."

"Where you fwom Miss Cala. . .Calada. . ."

I smile at Dis trying to say my name, I decide to help her out. "Ca-lad-wen. You can call me Cal if you prefer," I bend down and whisper as if to tell her a secret, though loud enough for Thorin to hear. "Only my greatest friends get to call me that."

She giggles as I stand straight. "Where you fwom, Cal?"

"We're from Greenwood."

Her eyes go wide again. "You an elf? Bof of you?"

Tauriel and I smile. "We are."

She then rushes forward and takes our hands. "Can you tell me about Gweenwood? I wead about it, but not seen an elf before!"

Thorin, Tauriel and I chuckle.

"We would love to tell you more, unless you and your brother are busy with something."

Thorin shakes his head. "Not at all, Princess. In fact, I would like to hear more myself. Why don't we all go to the library?"

I nod as the four of us walk on, Dis still holding mine and Tauriel's hands as we make our way to the library.

Well, there we have it. Caladwen's in Erebor and she's met Thorin. Want to know more? Stay tuned next Sunday for the next chapter xx

Translations;

Elfling – Elf child

Ellon – Male elf

Ada - father

Adad - father