"How do ya feel?" Dwalin asked, knotting off the red cord around her arm.

Nimera blanched as the chatter from the arena filtered in to the room "Like I will be sick."

Dwalin scoffed "You have faced orc raids and bandits, but you cannot face a crowd?"

"In the wild I did not have to worry about a large audience witnessing my failure."

"Then do not fail." Dwalin said simply.

Nimera rolled her eyes "Oh is that all?"

She followed him out into the arena as the cheers from the crowd rose, shielding her eyes against the sun with her hand. On the opposite side she could see another darrowdam emerging as she hefted a large board sword onto her brawny shoulder, the orange cord of the iron hills dangling from her biceps.

Dwalin gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze "It is one more match. You have bested all so far. Just cut that lass' chord, draw blood and be done with it."

Nimera nodded, taking one last steadying breath as she crossed the field. She looked over as the darrodam met her in the center. The two locked eyes for a moment before bowing.

In unison they turned to face the royal stand as Thorin quieted the crowd. Nimera glanced over to where Fili and Kili sat beside him.

Kili gave her a reassuring smile.

Her attention turned as Fili made a subtle motion with his hand. She watched as he signed again "out think."

"It has come to these two champions." Thorin's voice boomed "Lady Renka Daughter of Lord Roark of the Iron Hills,"

The blond darrowdam stepforward bowing to Thorin before turning to Dain

"Lord Dain, Lord Stonehelm," Renka bowed "I will bring honor to the Iron Hills."

Dain nodded his approval

Nimera thought her legs would give out as Thorin called "Lady Nimera, Daughter of Torr, Ward of Lord Dwalin, of Erebor."

Nimera could've sworn she heard a few rallying cries from where the company sat as she stepped forward.

She bowed "My King Thorin, Lady Dis, Crown Prince Fili, Prince Kili," She paused as she heard a faint snicker from Kili which was quickly replaced with a grunt of pain "I will bring honor to Erebor."

Thorin smiled, "There is no doubt of it."

With a final bow, Nimera took her spot in the ring. Digging her boots into the ground as she took her stance. She had expected some snide words or provocative comment from the darrow opposite, but Renka was focused on her with a stony expression.

Nimera drew her sword flexing her hands nervously around the hilt, the worn leather of her gloves was a welcomed familiar feeling.

"Begin!"

The crowd roared to life at Thorin's commencement. The brawny darrow lunged at Nimera with a yell, her sword aimed straight for Nimeras chord. Nimera dodged the blow deftly, the impact of the dwarf's strike sending a large chunk of earth flying as she hefted the broad sword back up.

Renka swung again, the blade skimming Nimera's Leg. Nimera redirected it with the flat of her sword, attempting to get a better opening to cut her cord.

She wheezed as Renka turned into her, slamming her shoulder into Nimera's chest. Nimera faltered back, her free hand wrapping around her chest. She danced back as the blond darrow swung again, her stamina startling Nimera as she struggled to draw air back into her lungs.

With another yell Renka brought her broadsword down, Nimera brought her blade to meet it mid air, a loud clang ringing out around them.

Nimera's mouth opened slightly as the tip of her sword snapped off at the impact, glinting in the morning sun as it sailed through the air leaving only a jagged edge in its wake.

Renkas sword passed through the now empty space, slicing through Nimera's shirt, glancing across her chest and shoulder. She could feel blood beginning to seep through the torn shirt.

Renka pulled back as Thorin's voice cut through the noise "Lady Renka of the Iron Hills has drawn first blood!" He looked over a Nimera "Lady Nimera do you yield?"

Nimera looked down at the broken sword for a moment with a sigh as she glanced around the arena.

She straightened her shoulders, looking first to Renka then to Thorin "I do not yield."

Thorin nodded "Lady Nimera has chosen to continue. You may begin."

.

Fili gripped the arm of his chair as the tip of Nimera's sword skittered through the air, a red stain beginning to seep through the light fabric of her tunic.

"Fee." Kili groaned beside him

"That is a right shame." Dain grunted "I would have liked to see this match to its end."

Thorin sighed as he rose "Lady Renka of the Iron Hills has drawn first blood! Lady Nimera, do you yield?"

Kili threw his arms up "That's not fair. There is no way she can fight with half her edge gone!"

Fili did not respond, his eyes were fixed on Nimera.

He watched as she looked down at the broken end of her sword, her shoulders sagging slightly, further displaying the bloody tear in the fabric.

To his surprise she caught his glance with the corner of her eye. Her fingers brusquely moved as she signed "out…think…"

She stood upright to face Thorin "I do not yield."

The arena erupted in cheers as the two darrowdamns took their positions again.

.

"You should stop while you are ahead."

Nimera was surprised as Renak spoke up. "I will not pull back simply because you are injured, there is no dishonor in it."

Nimera nodded "I would not expect you to."

"Begin!"

Renka lunged again, Nimera willing her body to stay still as the darrowdam charged. She steadied herself as Renka brought her blade down with as much force as she could muster. In a split second Nimera backed away from the blow.

Renka's blade sunk into the ground with a dull thump, the earth refusing to give up the blade as she tried to pull the broadsword free. Nimera smiled, Jumping at the darrow in front of her, burying her shoulder into her chest, knocking them both backwards. As they fell Nimera slid the clean end of her sword up, severing the tie.

The two landed with a thud. Nimera stayed perched on top of her opponent, one hand holding the jagged end of her blade to Renka's chest, the other raised high, clutching the orange band.

There was a pause before a deafening roar rose up around the ring.

"Do you yield?" Nimera panted, praying to every Valar in the sky that she would.

Renka swallowed, glancing at the jagged edge. "I yield!"

"Lady Renka of the Iron Hills has yielded." Thorin boomed, a touch more excitement in his voice than before "Lady Nimera of Erebor is the Victoress of the Blade!"

Nimera rolled off of Renka and onto the grass, her lungs burning in her chest. She closed her eyes listening to the sound of the crowd for a moment.

"You did well. It was an honor to fight someone of good skill for a change." Nimera opened her eyes as Renka offered her her hand, pulling her back to her feet.

Nimera smiled, bowing slightly "It was an honor as well."

"Well done lass!" Dwalin yelled, barreling into her from behind as he wrapped an arm around her "I never counted you out for a second. And look you didn't even toss your guts in front of the whole of Erebor!"

Nimera's ears turned pink "Perhaps we can leave that part out in the victory speech!"

Dwalin gave her a nudge forward as the crowd quieted down again. Thorin stepped onto the field trailed by Fili, a small box wrapped in his arms.

Nimera stepped to them, bowing "King Thorin, Crown Prince Fili, I dedicate this victory to you and the line of Durin."

Thorin inclined his head "You have fought valiantly and brought honor to your house. Please accept this token."

Fili stepped forward, a smile playing on his lips. "I must say I am impressed." He whispered, holding the box out to her.

Nimera smiled, "I had an excellent teacher. Perhaps you may have heard of him?"

Fili opened the lid slowly "Oh aye I've heard he is part orc, or is it part troll?"

Nimera stifled her laugh with a cough as Fili extended the box to her "A dragon's tooth dagger." He announced to the crowd "One of a pair made from the fangs of the dragon Samug!"

Nimeras eyes widened as she took the box from him, the dagger lay in its sheath against the velvet case, a glittering sapphire set into the hilt of the tooth.

"Congratulations my Lady." Fili bowed. He turned to follow Thorin but paused for a moment "You will go to the healers right?"

Nimera frowned "But I might miss the next match!"

"The lads right." Dwalin said, beginning to steer her towards the outer passage "I am sure they will be quick."

"Do not win without me!" Nimera laughed casting a glance back to Fili

"I wouldn't dream of it."

…

"What a match!" Risti gushed as Nimera shirked her tunic off "I was on the edge of my seat."

"With worry or excitement?" Nimera pondered

"Most certainly both." Risti nodded, wiping the dried blood from the cut "Just as I suspected, a glancing blow. Though your other shoulder will be black and blue for sure!"

Nimera nodded "Bruises we can worry about later. I do not want to miss the next matches."

Risit gave her a sly glance as she wound a bandage around her shoulder "Rooting for anyone in particular? I have heard Lord Dain's son is quite the sight to behold…. He helped you take Oin's books to storage did he not?"

Nimera raised an eyebrow "How on this good earth do you know that?"

She shrugged, "I know many things and hear a good deal many more."

"Stonehelm is a good man who wished to help prepare for Durins Day, that is all."

Risti gave her an incredulous look

Nimera ignored her as she poked her hand through the tear in her shirt. "I don't suppose you have a spare needle and thread?"

"Absolutely not!"

Nimera and Risti jumped in unison at the voice, Nimera clutching her tunic to her chest.

She recognized Dis' maid as she barged into the room "Steg?"

"My lady thought you might try something like this!" She said with a tone that seemed to be accusing Nimera of a great crime.

"What…"

Steg cut her off as she threw a dressing gown over Nimera, pulling her arms through before knotting it tightly "Lady Dis told me I am not to allow you to return to the tournament until you are presentable!"

Nimera frowned contemplating ducking past the woman. Steg moved in front of her, towering over Nimera as she folded her arms over her broad chest. "I always do as my lady commands."

….

"Stop looking so tense." Kili nudged his brother

Fili made another pass with his whetstone "I am not tense, I am preparing."

"So," Kili leaned back against the wall looking down at the cord tied to his arm. "Who is going to be the lucky lady this year?"

Fili gave him a long suffering look, "You know who, same as every year."

Kili sighed "Come now don't be such a stick in the mud! Surely there is some lady that has your fancy? Do you not wish for her to have a token of your affection?" He leaned in closer "I can think of one…"

Fili's withering look stopped the rest of his sentence.

"Fine, I was always the more charismatic brother anyway."

"Excuse me my princes." A feminine voice called from behind them "I wanted to wish the both of you luck."

Kili turned, a charming grin plastered across his face "Well my lady how about a kiss for good… Nimera!"

Nimera laughed as his face fell

"Mahal I didn't recognize you!" He said, eying her up and down.

Her tattered tunic and trousers had been replaced by an elegant soft blue dress and surcoat. A delicate string of pearls was draped around her neck, standing out against the bandage peeking out from her shoulder.

She reached a lace gloved hand up and patted his cheek "Please continue, I do love seeing you attempt to be charming."

"This is certainly a change from this morning!" Kili grinned

Nimera shook her head "Your mother sent her maids after me. She said she refused to sit next to a dirt covered vagabond." She looked at Kili apologetically "I am sorry I missed the archers competition. Though there was little doubt in my mind you would win."

Kilis chest puffed with pride "Aye it was not much of a contest. The blade will be a much more sporting affair."

"I will be watching with great interest." Nimera smiled

Kili gave her a devious look "How about it?"

She frowned slightly "What?"

He wiggled his eyebrows "A kiss for good luck!"

Nimera thought for a moment a sly look flickering across her features as she glanced over his shoulder.

"Of course my prince." She said demurely leaning in giving both of them a kiss on the cheek. Fili felt his cheeks burn as her lips touched his face.

"What in Mahl's name are the two of you doing!" Dwalins voice boomed behind them. The two princes jumped. Sputtering for an explanation as the large dwarf frowned down at them.

Dwalin stopped looking past them "Oh Nimera I did not see you. You should head to the stand soon, Dis and Balin will be waiting for you."

Nimera gave a still sputtering Kili a devious look as she turned "Best of luck!"

…

"Nimera there you are!" Dis smiled as she was escorted into the royal stand. "I see Steg found you." She said tucking one of the pins back into her hair "You look stunning."

Nimera shook her head "Mahal, where do you find those maids? They could make Dwalin cower in his boots!" She said taking the empty seat between Dis and Balin.

Dis gave her a coy look "Thorin has his army to enforce his rule and I have mine."

A loud trumpet blast herroled the arrival of the competitors as the four swordsmen walked out into the ring, waving at the cheering crowd around them.

She watched as they each removed the cord tied around their arms thrusting it high into the air.

"Why are they removing their cord?" Nimera whispered to Dis

"It is tradition. It makes the competition a bit fiercer. They will give it as a token to someone in the arena."

Nimeras eyebrows lowered slightly "A token? Like for lovers?"

Dis chuckled "It can be a sign of respect or admiration, but some use it as a token of affection."

Fili stepped forward, approaching the stand.

His gaze flicked to Nimera for a moment before he bowed, presenting the deep blue cord to Dis. "I will claim victory for you."

Dis leaned forward, touching his face as she rested her forehead against his. "I know you will."

As he stood Stonehelm approached, a deep copper cord in his hand. Nimera looked over in surprise as he stopped in front of her.

"My lady." He flashed a broad smile as he extended his hand to her, the cord in his open palm. "I dedicate my victory to you."

Fili felt his blood boil as Nimera's cheeks flushed as she leaned forward, taking the cord from him. She inclined her head slightly, giving him a warm smile "Good luck to you my Lord."

Kili placed a hand on his shoulder, pulling him from his anger. He gave him a wink before turning to Nimera, dramatically bowing in front of her before extending his own deep blue cord to her.

"For the fairest lady in all of Erebor!" His eyes flicked to Dis "Except of course for you mother."

Nimera laughed as she took the cord from him "The very best of luck to you Prince Kili."

Kili slung an arm around his brother pulling him back to the field. "Do not let Stonehelm get the best of you before the match has even begun!"

Fili shrugged him off "How do you know you will not beat me and have to face him yourself?"

Kili laughed as he took position opposite Fili in the closest ring "Why, do you plan on letting me win this year?"

"Begin!" Thorin's booming voice echoed around them.

Within an instant a loud clang rang out from the ring beside them, signaling the other match had already struck a blow.

Fili shrugged pointing his sword at Kili "No, but I thought it would be nice to give you some hope."

.

"So which of my sons have you wagered on to win?" Dis asked as the brothers locked blades again in front of them

Nimera looked affronted, "I would never wager about your sons!"

Dis gave her a disbelieving look

"I have two silver on Filii."

Dis laughed "I am surprised you bet against Kili."

Nimera shrugged "Kili already won me two silver in the archery round. Plus I've seen Fili in training. I think my money is safe."

There was a grunt as Kili knocked Fili onto one knee, Fili deftly redirecting his brother's blow as he stood.

There was a cheer from the far side of the arena, as Dain jumped to his feet "Well done my boy!"

Stonehelm had his opponent pinned on his stomach, the point of his sword pressed against the back of his neck.

"Your son must be a very accomplished swordsman, Lord Dain." Nimera observed

Dain nodded vigorously "Aye Stonehelm is the best in the Iron Hills." He glanced at the two cords resting in Nimera's lap "I see he has chosen you for his token."

As Nimera glanced down at the cords, Dain cast a smug look at Dis who returned with an icy glare.

"Yes, it was very kind of him." Nimera nodded looking back to Dain

"Yes well.." Dis began, only to be cut off as a loud clash sounded.

Kili's blade skittered across the ring. He raised his hands as Fili pointed his sword to his chest "Alright fine, I yield."

"Lord Thorin II Stonehelm of the Iron Hills, and Crown Prince Fili of Erebor." Thorin called as the two stepped forward.

Stonehelm bowed to Dain "I will bring honor to the Iron Hills."

Fili pushed past him to stand in front of Thorin "I will bring honor to the line of Durin and to Erebor."

Thorin clapped a hand on his shoulder "I know you will."

He bowed before turning to take his place in the ring. He looked over expectantly to where Stonehelm stood.

Fili seethed as Stonehelm paused turning to Nimera.

"And of course I will bring honor to you Lady Nimera." He said, taking her hand in his gently kissing her knuckles. She gasped softly at the gesture, the color in her cheeks rising.

Stonehelm stood inclining his head to Thorin and Dain before turning. He locked eyes with Fili for a moment, a smirk crossing his features. Filis' eyes narrowed slightly as he watched him take his position opposite, his irritation redoubling.

.

"Well now it looks like I have the best seats with the best company!" Kili grinned as he took his seat beside Dis

"Kili, that was a wonderful match!" Dis beamed

"Oh aye, though it is never much of a contest when it comes to Fili." He looked at Nimera "So how much money did I save you by losing?"

Nimera laughed, "Enough to buy us a round after this is all over."

"Well then let's hope for a quick victory!"

.

"Begin!"

Fili watched Stone helm carefully as the two circled.

"Why dont we make this easy and you yield?" Stonehelm laughed as he brought his sword down

Fili's blad caught him mid swing pushing him back.

"I will take that as a no."

Fili side stepped his next swing, bringing his blade down across Stonehelms side. He jumped back, narrowly dodging the edge of his blade. With a yell Fili swung his sword up, trying to get under the dwarf's guard. Stonehelm read his move quickly, blocking his blow mid swing, using the force to knock Fili back a few steps.

He stepped forward closing the gap, hooking his blade against Fili's, attempting to knock the blade from his hands. He grunted in pain as Stonehelm wrenched his arm to the side. Fili brought his knee up high, driving it forward into Stonehelms chest. The dwarf relented his hold on Fili's arm taking a staggering step back.

Stonehelm lunged again, waiting for Fili to step back so he could catch him with the upswing of his blade. Fili's eyes narrowed, turning his sword around in his hand. Stonehelm's eyes widened in surprise as Fili stepped into him. He quickly tried to bring the blade down as Fili surged forward.

Using his forearm he pushed Stonehelm's blow to the side, gritting his teeth as the blade cut through his arm. His other arm struck forward, catching Stonehelm in the jaw with the hilt of his sword. Stonehelm staggered back from the blow as Fili turned his blade back in his hand, striking his arm with the flat of his sword. Stonehelm grunted in pain, his blade fumbling from his grasp.

Fili lunged forward one final time knocking him off balance. He followed him to the ground, His forearm pressed against Stonehelm's throat.

Stonehelm's arm reached out, grasping for his blade.

Fili pressed the edge of his sword against his arm "Yield."

Stonehelm narrowed his eyes. Fili pressed his blade harder against his wrist, enough to draw blood. "Yield." He growled.

Stonehelm gritted his teeth "I..I yield!"

.

Nimera gasped as Fili brought his arm up to divert Stonehelm's blow

"Fili!" Her shout mixed with Kili's as they both leapt from their seats

Beside them Dis covered her mouth in horror as the blade connected with Filis arm, slicing through his tunic.

In an instant the two dwarves were on the ground, Fili's blade pressed against Stonehelm's arm.

Dis clutched Nimera's arm, "How bad of a blow did he take, can you tell? Mahal!"

Nimera felt her mouth go dry. "I..I do not know."

The seconds seemed to drag into hours before a cry finally rose up

"I…I Yield."

.

Fili paused for a moment, before relenting his hold. He could feel blood trickling down his hand as he stood, pooling in the grass below.

He straightened himself before marching to where Thorin and Kili stood waiting outside the ring.

The pair wore almost identical expressions of anger and pride as Fili approached them.

"Lord Thorin II Stonehelm of the Iron Hills has yielded. Crown Prince Fili of Erebor is the Victor of the Blade!"

Kili stepped forward half shoving the box towards Fili. He stopped looking at his blood soaked sleeve. "Perhaps I will hold onto this for now."

Fili nodded before turning, stalking out of the ring.

Dis frowned as she watched Fili leave.

Nimera touched her arm gently "I will go make sure he is alright."

.

"Prince Fili you really need to.."

"I said I am fine!" Fili growled, brushing off the healer's attempts.

He looked up as soft footsteps sounded on the stone.

Nimera put a dismissing hand on the healer's arm as she entered.

"I'll take care of it." She said taking the small bag from him.

She knelt in front of Fili, cutting off the rest of his sleeve before dipping a cloth in the water as she carefully wiped the blood away.

"You will need stitches." She said softly, pulling out a hooked needle and thread from the bag.

Fili simply grunted in response as he stared stonefaced in front of him.

Nimera gently began working the needle through his skin, pulling each stitch tight as she went.

She paused as she knotted off the last stitch, tracing a finger down the long row of thread.

"That was a foolish tactic to try." She said, her voice wavering on a note of anger

He regarded her with a cold look for a moment before turning away.

"If it had not succeeded you could have lost use of your arm!" Nimera continued her voice growing louder "And for what, glory? How could you do something so utterly stupid!" She said, snipping the end of the thread.

She could feel him tense at her words. He rounded on her with a glare, pushing her hands away.

"What do you care?" He snarled "It is no business of yours what I do! You forget yourself. I am a prince, you take far too much liberty speaking to me in that way!"

Nimera flinched away at his harsh tone

"It is because I care about you, because I… I thought you were my friend. I can see now I was mistaken." She said quietly, "I apologize."

Nimera abruptly stood grabbing the bag off of the floor. "Make sure you have another healer change the dressing tomorrow."

She turned on her heels, walking briskly from the room.

Fili clenched his fists together as he listened to the sound of her footsteps fade.

He looked up as a sigh echoed from the opposite passage. Kili was leaning against the frame, watching him with a deep frown.

"How much of that did you hear?"

"Enough." Kili pushed off of the door frame coming to stand in front of him. "You are my brother and my closest friend, but I will not stand by and let you treat her like that." He said crossing his arms

"I do not know what came over me." Fili shook his head.

Kili sat beside him, stretching his legs out in front of him "You are letting jealousy get the better of you."

He looked over at Kili "I am not jealous. Nimera is not mine."

"No, but you hope she will be someday." Fili opened his mouth but Kili put a hand up to stop him "I am not a fool, you do not hide your feelings well enough. You must tell her."

"And if she does not hold the same feelings?"

Kili shrugged "Then you let her go. And cherish the friendship you have. But if you continue acting in this way you will push her away for good."

"I do not know how." He sighed

Kili patted him on the shoulder as he stood "Yes you do." He took a few steps towards the door then paused looking back at Fili "Talk to her and make things right."