Woo! Finally! Got this chapter finally done! I am so so so so so so so so so so so sorry for the late update! Please forgive me!

Review responses;

Tibblets – Thank you for your support!

Sparky She-Demon – I'm glad you're enjoying this! I'm trying my best to get everyone how I believe they're to be. Especially since you dont even SEE some of them (Frerin and Dis) and so for the others who are so cranky in the films (Thorin and Dwalin) trying to see how they would be before, especially Thorin.

Dragonett8 – Thank you so much for your support, it is very much appreciated! I'm now at a time in my life when things seem to be finally going the right way. My depression is not as bad and stresses at home are settling down now, so hopefully I'll still be writing for quite a bit now! I'm really happy that you have stayed with me through this and are enjoying my stories xx

The Tour and Duels

The next day starts off bright and early as the sun shines through the shafts carved through the wall. I have to remember to thank King Thror for his consideration for elves love of the sun and nature.

Getting out of bed, I dress in grey leggings, blue tunic shirt and brown calf length boots. After brushing and braiding my hair, I walk out into the lounge to see my father already sitting in one of the chairs by the fire.

"Quel amrun, adar." I say to father

"Quel amrun, iellig." he greets me as I make my way to the kitchen. "You are up early."

"Yes. Lord Balin offered to give Tauriel and I a tour of Erebor last night, while you are in conference with Thror."

"Well, that was nice of him. Do you know what he will be showing you?"

"I do not." I reply as I come out with a goblet of water and an apple. "However, I do hope he shows us the training area."

Father chuckles. "Even when we are away from home, you cannot help but think about your training, can you?"

I smile cheekily after taking a bite of my apple. "Well, that is what has been drummed into me my entire life, has it not?"

He just rolls his eyes with a grin. After a few moments, Tauriel enters after being admitted entry by father.

"Caladwen, Lord Balin is here."

I smile and nod, finish my apple and tossing the core into the lit fire. "Alright. I will see you tonight for dinner, father."

He nods as I kiss his cheek. "Have fun."

"I will."

I walk out and find Tauriel standing with the grey haired dwarf, who is wearing a red tunic and matching pants. He bows as I shut the door.

"Good morning lass, I trust you slept well?"

I smile and nod. "I did, thank you. I will admit, I was nervous about sleeping inside a mountain, but when I woke up this morning and the sun came through the shafts, it put my mind at ease. Which I will have to thank your King for."

He smiles back. "The King likes to make sure all of his guests are comfortable while they are in his halls."

I smile as Balin leads us on, bypassing the library as we had been there with Thorin and Dis the day before. As we're walking, we go past a closed door and I stop as I hear clanging metal and grunting coming from behind.

"Would this be your training area?" I ask looking to the elder dwarf.

He nods as he sees what I'm looking at. "Aye, that it is. Would you like to see?"

I nod enthusiastically, Tauriel grinning and rolling her eyes as we follow Balin inside. There are about twenty or so dwarves either standing around talking or training in the ring. I smile as I see Thorin, Frerin and Dwalin, Thorin and his brother fighting while Dwalin is leaning on the rail as he watches. He turns and sees us come in.

"Balin, what a surprise."

Balin grins at his younger brother. "Yes, it is. Lady Caladwen wanted to come see the training area for herself."

Dwalin grins as he turns to me. "Well, as you can see lass, just a normal training ring."

I smile at the dwarf. "Normal for you, yes. We do not have anything like this at home. We just train in the gardens."

He nodded. "Well, you are welcome here anytime."

I thank him as we stand by and watch the two young Princes fight. Thorin, being the oldest of the two, has more strength in his blows, but Frerin has more speed on his side, which he uses to his advantage, as he keeps side stepping his older brother. Soon enough, Thorin had Frerin on the ground, on his back and disarmed, his blade to his throat.

Frerin grins up at him. "You've bested me yet again, Nadad."

Thorin grins back as he holds his hand out, pulling his younger brother to his feet. "You're doing well in your training, nadadith. It took me longer to defeat you this time."

Both brothers clap each other on the back as they make their way over to where we're standing. Frerin gives an over exaggerated bow as he sees Tauriel and I.

"Ah, My Ladies. You honour us with your presence on this fine day."

I just grin at the cheeky dwarf as I give a mock bow of my own. "We thank you for your kind words, my Prince."

He grins back as Thorin rolls his eyes, a fond smile on his face as he turns to me. "I assume you are enjoying your tour?"

I smile at him. "Very much so. Lord Balin was just about to take us to the forges when we came past here."

He nods as he looks back to the training area then to Tauriel and I. "Would you like to join us? I am interested in seeing your fighting skills."

"I would love to, but I'm afraid we left our blades in our rooms."

"I can go and fetch them, Caladwen." Tauriel suggests.

It's an offer I can't refuse. And so she, along with Balin as a guide, go back to our chambers to retrieve our weapons while I sit with Thorin, Frerin and Dwalin.

"How are you enjoying our home?" Frerin asks me.

"It's like nothing I have ever seen before. Admittedly, I have always wanted to come here to see the mountain for myself, it has always intrigued me."

Thorin smiles at this. "Well, I do hope you enjoy your stay here."

I smile back. "I'm sure I will."

After a few moments, Tauriel and Balin arrive and I grin as I take my twin blades from her.

"How are we going to do this, then?" Frerin asks.

After a moments pause, Dwalin speaks up. "I can take on Lady Tauriel first, if she is not afraid, that is."

I smile as I see the twinkle of challenge flash in her green eyes as she looks to Dwalin. "Actually, Master Dwarf, I was wondering the same thing for you."

Frerin laughs while slapping Dwalin's back, while Thorin and Balin are grinning along with me. I can also see the same look of challenge in Dwalin's eyes as the two of them take their places in the training ring. The other dwarves that were training all gather around to watch the elf and dwarf go against one another.

I lean on the fence as I watch Dwalin and Tauriel circle each other for a few moments before Dwalin makes the first move, swinging his axe over his head, making Tauriel spin away from him before swinging her sword towards him, missing him by inches as he dodges out of the way.

Everyone watched as they spun, sliced and danced around each one, neither one hitting their mark, always coming close but just avoiding the hit. I'm smiling as I watch, feeling very impressed with Dwalin's skills. This dwarf is good, really good. But not good enough I feel. He may have strength on his side, but being an elf, Tauriel has more agility than he would, easily able to parry or dodge his attacks.

After another fifteen minutes of this, Dwalin calls a stop to the fight, breathing heavily.

"I have to say lass, you certainly know how to handle a blade. I fear if I didn't call it off, you would eventually maim me, and I don't feel like seeing a healer today."

Tauriel grins as she seethes her blades. "You fight just as well, Master Dwalin. I have to say, it has been an honour to fight you today."

Dalin grins as they clasp arms with each other. "Aye lass, as it has been for me too."

The dwarves cheer as Dwalin and Tauriel make their way towards us.

"Well done, Tauriel! And you too, Dwalin!" I say with a wide smile.

"Yes, your training has certainly not been wasted, Lady Tauriel." Thorin compliments.

Tauriel bows to him. "I thank you for your compliment, Prince Thorin."

Thorin just waves his hand dismissively at the use of his title. "Please, it is just Thorin. There are no titles among friends."

Tauriel smiles. "Then I insist you just address me by my name instead of 'Lady'"

He grins. "Agreed, Tauriel."

"Alright, you two next!" Dwalin indicates as he nods to Thorin and I.

Thorin and I grin at each other before we make our way to the ring, after I pass my sheaths to Tauriel. Like Dwalin and Tauriel, Thorin and I circle around each other, analysing the others movements and waiting for the other to attack first. This time, my patiences runs out and I'm the first to attack, a move I know Legolas would be disappointed in.

Thorin easily blocks my move, the strength in his arms sending vibrations through my blades and up my own arms, surprising me for a moment before I recover as Thorin pushes me back and swings with his sword. I roll out of the way of his sword and taking my stance, my left leg bent at the knee while my right leg straight out to the side, my blades in front of me.

It's Thorin's turn to jump back to avoid my swing just before rush forward to strike, but again he blocks me. While in the middle of the block, my senses pick up movement right behind me and I swing out my left arm and I hear it clang with another sword. Turning, I see Frerin standing behind me with a grin on his face, my sword blocking his from attacking me.

"Well, this hardly seems fair, my Princes." I say as I look from one to the other.

Thorin grins at me. "Well, if you have been training for as long as you say you have, then facing both of us shouldn't be a problem for you."

"Think you can handle two dwarves at once?" Frerin asks cheekily.

"Ooh, a challenge. Well, there's only one way to find out."

I suddenly raise my right leg, pressing my foot into the chest of Thorin and pushing him back, making him fall with a grunt as I swing around and start attacking Frerin with all my strength. The young prince's cocky grin soon falters as he puts as much concentration as he can to block my swings. He manages to send one of my blades flying from my hands before I do the same with his and sending him on his back, pressing the tip of my sword onto the skin of his throat, the metal barely touching his flesh.

"Dead." I announce with a grin.

Frerin grins as he falls back, pretending to be dead. One brother down, one more to go.

Speaking of said brother, I spin around just in time to avoid the swing of his sword as he approaches me from behind. Our swords clang as I swing around to him.

"Attacking someone from behind, dirty trick don't you think?"

"Just like your dirty trick on me a few moments ago?"

I smile. "Good point. I think it's time to finish this."

"I couldn't agree more."

We continue swinging against each other a while longer before his right leg suddenly finds its way behind my left and he trips me back, sending my sword flying. Before I can get up to retrieve it, he's soon straddling me, his sword against my throat.

"I do believe I win, Princess." He says with a grin.

I grin back. "Don't be so sure of yourself, my Prince."

At the look of confusion on his face, I nod down with my eyes and he looks to see I have taken a hidden dagger from my boot which is now placed against his abdomen. One wrong move and blood will be spilt from both of us.

I smile as he looks back to me, and I swear I see a look of appreciation in his eyes.

"I do believe that is a tie, don't you think?"

He grins. "Aye, a tie. For now. For I do aim to best you one day."

"I look forward to our rematch."

He smiles as he stands and holds his hand out to me. I smile back as I take his hand and he helps me up. Those who stayed to watch start cheering as much as they did with Dwalin and Tauriel. I almost forgot about the spectators during our match. I bow to them before Thorin and I walk over to the others.

"Wow! What a fight!" Frerin exclaims. "You were incredible, Caladwen!"

"Indeed she was." Thror's voice calls out.

Looking to the doorway, we see Thror, Thrain and my father standing there, obviously having watched our fight. Everyone except, Thorin, Frerin and myself bow to them as they walk closer.

"You are a seasoned fighter, Princess. I can see you have been taught well to go against not one but both of my grandsons and survive."

I smile as I bow to him. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I have had some excellent tutors, my father being one of them."

My father smiles to me, a look of pride in his eyes, which make me smile all the more.

"Yes, I can see that. I'm afraid I'll have to cut your tour short, I need Balin to join us after lunch."

I'm slightly disappointed, but I give a bow anyway. I'm not exactly going to go against the King.

"If I am not needed for anything, I can continue the tour." Thorin says as he steps forward.

Thror and Thrain exchange glances with each other, as if they're having a silent conversation before nodding.

"No, you are not needed, my son. Go get washed up, have some lunch and enjoy yourselves."

Thorin, Tauriel and I leave, after father places an affectionate kiss on my brow. He escorts the two of us to our chambers where we bathe and change for lunch before our tour continues.

After a nice lunch with Thorin and his family – including Dis who asks about our duels – Thorin leads Tauriel and I through the halls of Erebor. Thorin proceeds to show us the markets, which are a couple of levels, about a dozen or so stalls on either side. Each stall sells different things, such as; food, clothing, weapons, armour, perfumes and jewellery. As soon as I saw the jewellery, I thought of my own necklace which was made within these walls.

I turn to the dwarf. "Thorin, would you be able to show me where the gems are mined?"

He looks surprised at this. "You want to see the mines?"

I nod as I pull out my necklace from under my tunic to show him. "This was made within these walls, and I have always wanted to see where it was made."

He looks to it for a moment before nodding. "Of course, come."

He leads us out of the markets, down some stairs and deeper into the mountain.

"May I enquire about that necklace? How did you get it?" Thorin asks curiously.

"King Thrain gave it to my mother as a wedding gift almost five hundred years ago. My father gave it to me when I became of age. I have treasured it for over four hundred years."

He nods as he leads us further down into the mountain and through a doorway, before we arrive in what I presume are the mines. On one side there's a walkway and a few stone buildings, where I assume they collect the ores and jewels before sending them elsewhere and on the other side is a huge chasm, where I already see a few dozen dwarves hanging in their contraptions as they chisel away at the stone to look for treasure hidden beneath.

"Wow. . ." I gasp out, my widening in awe.

Glancing at Tauriel, I see she is the same as I.

"I have never met a guest before who is as excited about the mines as you." Thorin says as he stands next to me.

I just smile as Tauriel and I follow him along the walkway and he leads us to a large room where there are dwarves sitting at tables as they look over ores and gems.

"Here is where we go through everything we collect and check over everything we find. Whatever can't be useful here, will be sent to the forges to melt down and use to make weapons and tools." Thorin explains as we watch the dwarves at work.

"And the gems and jewels?"

"They get bought off by the jewellers who make them into jewellery, like the necklace you wear."

He takes us to a back room where the ores, gems and jewels are stored and I look around in awe at the many sparkling stones that twinkle in the torchlight.

"Wow, I've never seen so many jewels in one place before."

He smiles as he watches me walk over to a barrel which is loaded with amethyst, the light purple gems glittering at me. I look to Thorin as I point to them.

"May I?"

He nods. "Of course."

Turning back to the barrel, I reach down and gently pick up one of the gems, gingerly holding it in my hands as I turn it over, looking at it at every angle.

"It's beautiful."

"I will take a guess and say that is your favourite jewel?" Thorin asks as he stands besides me.

I smile. "I love all kinds of gems and jewels, as they're all beautiful. But, after receiving my mother;s necklace, I have always had a soft spot for amethyst."

"You can keep that one if you wish."

I instantly turn to him, a look of surprise on my face. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly-"

He smiles as he takes my hands as I'm about to put it back and closes my fingers over it. "Keep it as a souvenir of your time here."

I look to him for a few moments before I smile. "Thank you, Thorin."

He nods, still smiling as he turns to Tauriel. "You may take one too, if you wish."

She looks hesitant. "Are you sure?"

He nods. "Of course. Please, take one."

After a moment, she takes a light green jade, thanking Thorin with a bow of her head.

We place the jewels in our satchels and continue on with the tour.

As I go to bed that night, I place the amethyst on the bedside table and look at it for a while, thinking of the dwarven prince, who has shown me nothing but kindness and friendship since I came here the day before. Of everything I have ever heard about dwarves, about how they care for nothing but themselves, or the gold they mine in the mountains, the dwarves I have met here have been nothing like that. I somehow feel more at home here among them than I do with my own kind. . .maybe because I was taunted about my size at home. . .but here, I fit in.

Sighing, I turn over and close my eyes to sleep, thinking about what the rest of my time here will be like.

Yay! This chapter finally done! Im working on the next chapter but dont know when it'll be up. Thanks again for all of your support and for staying by my side this whole time. Please R&R xx

Translations;

Quel amrun, adar - Good morning, father

Quel amrun, iellig - Good morning, my daughter

Nadad - brother

Nadadith - little brother