AN: I know this has been a long time coming but I swear I never stopped working on this but I got to that point with all stories where you end up at a crossroads of possibilities and you have to choose. I rewrote this chapter over 7 different ways, each heading in a different direction but none feeling right. This feels the closest and if I didn't just go ahead and push it forward I know that I was going to remain here even longer. Sorry for the long wait, I hope the length makes up for it?

Sigrid woke to the smell of wood and leather, to the soft sounds of someone in the other room. She had a patched-up blanket on top of her that was soft, warm, and not hers. She was still in Filí's rooms. She must have fallen asleep after they talked into the night. It had been nice, reminding her of all the times they sat on her porch and watched Tilda run amok. They had talked of Lake Town and the festival, about the meetings Filí had in the next few weeks with Dains court and her own student's antics.

She didn't bring up anything that was bothering her, too aware of the fragile space between them. Aware of what it would sound like if she started throwing accusations around. She didn't want to argue with him, she had felt too tired to argue.

Sigrid fumbled in the dark until she got a candle lit from the small fire in the hearth. She didn't know where Filí kept the fire strikers that dwarves used, that she now used too since she had moved to the mountain.

Filí's bedroom was lit up and she could hear him rummaging and muttering to himself. She hesitated before knocking on his door and he bade her enter.

His room wasn't very tidy, how many weapons could a dwarf collect? The sitting room was already littered with them but the bedroom felt as if one false step and she may cut her foot open. She wished she had put her boots back on.

Filí was dressed for the day, his hair damp and unbraided, a wild mop that had already began to curl. He smiled at her, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you, was trying to get ready for the meeting."

"Oh, I'll be ready in a few, just let me change." She turned to leave but he stopped her.

"I think I should go without you. You don't know how volatile these meetings can be."

She frowned at him, stepping into the room. "Why wouldn't I? I thought we had agreed last night?"

He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, "You've barely slept, they're just going to be loud and angry. I'll make them see reason without the need for your help, I was just trying to find my hammer."

She couldn't help the eye roll, irritation seeping out of her. "Oh, you dwarves are so stubborn. Give me five minutes and don't you dare go without me."

She wanted to leave in a huff, to emphasize her irritation but the amount of clutter littering her way made it impossible.

He called after her, "Fine but when I say duck you duck, no arguing."

Sigrid would always be amazed at how loud dwarves could be. Her head had throbbed as negotiations came to an end, not one both sides agreed too. She had enough when the voices began to rise again. Clearing her throat as she would in her class all eyes turned back to her.

"You will sign or leave, but I am done with this meeting. No amount of anger or shouting will change the terms."

The guild master of the Blacksmiths nodded, signing his name with a large flourish, he had won his point after all. The problem was Sorn, the Jewelers Guildmaster. He had been raging as the contracts were fairly presided over by a council made up of the King, Filí, Balin, and Sigrid. He had wanted far more than was proper and Sigrid had almost laughed at the amount.

Sorn walked over to the table, his armor tinkling as he waddled, more for show than for any ability to stop a weapon. He glared at her, pointed an old arthritic finger at Sigrid and said something so full of venom that while Sigrid couldn't understand the words, the hatred in them was universal.

Then the room broke into chaos. Filí had thrown himself at the old man, yelling in the common tongue for him to apologize, their armor scraping loudly as they tumbled onto the stone floor. Sigrid was pulled away by a guard and another stepped in front of her, swords were drawn and ready to defend her. King Thorin was yelling orders anger etched on his face.

Whatever Sorn had said was enough for everyone to draw their weapons and for Sigrid to be dragged by a very red-faced Balin to the antechamber. The door closing behind them with a clang. The heavy door wasn't enough to muffle the shouting. Balin tried to put his diplomats smile as he led her to a chair. Sigrid felt weak at the knees and was grateful to sit back down. It had all happened so fast.

"As you can see, things can become a bit heated at these things. Not to worry we will sort it all out, I'd send you down to Dale to prepare for the festivities but I doubt Filí would be too pleased with me."

He poured her a cup of water and she tried to drink it but her hands were trembling. Sigrid was so confused, her head ached more as the noise from the other room increased in volume.

"Balin, what did he say to me? What was so bad that Filí threw himself on an old man? I don't think I've ever seen Filí this upset."

Balin patted her hand gently, "Filí can explain it all, I don't think I can handle being tackled like that by him if you don't mind."

They didn't have to wait long as Filí came in, his face showed barely contained fury. Sigrid felt dread claw at her chest and she was momentarily afraid of him. His weapons were still out as if he was heading to battle. He stopped approaching when he caught sight of her face, he slipped them away. Balin excused himself and hurried off, faster than Sigrid had ever seen him move. Filí took a few hesitant steps towards her and took her chin in his fingers, checking her for any sign of injury. "Are you alright, love? I swear you won't ever have to deal with him again."

Sigrid shook her head, making Filí release her face. "I'm fine, I just want to know what he said. Is Sorn alright?"

His face went from concerned to angry in a flash, "It doesn't matter what he said, it's been dealt with?"

Sigrid's eyes grew wide, she tried to speak but she stumbled through her words. "H-how has it been… dealt with?"

He sighed but gave her a small smile, "Not in the way you think. I didn't harm him, though I really, really wanted to. But he threatened you and he will have to meet with the king at a later date. Thorin wanted you there but I said no."

Sigrid's eyes narrowed, "Insulting me isn't worth this much trouble. He was angry of course, he would lash out at me."

"Sigrid he didn't insult you, he threatened you."

"Then tell me what he said."

He gritted his teeth, "It is not worth repeating to you. For what he said he will get less than he deserves. I'm done talking about it." He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "Go down to meet your sister, a guard will be going down with you."

Sigrid shook her head. "I've never needed a guard before. I refuse to be followed around like that."

"Your safety isn't up for discussion and I'm in no mood for it."

Sigrid was so angry she wanted to shout, she wanted to scream at him, instead, she took a deep breath. "Tell me what he said."

"Enough Sigrid." His voice was almost pleading, releasing her hand and taking a step away.

"If I am to be coddled like a child then I at least deserve for you to be honest with me. I don't need protection from an angry old dwarf who can barely walk without assistance, let alone be followed like a babe." She reached for his arm, she could feel how tense he was under the many layers of leather and cloth. "Please, Filí, just tell me, what could be so bad to keep it from me?"

Filí shook his head, "No, Sigrid, you didn't listen to me when I said it was too dangerous for you to be a part of the meeting, and you are not listening to me now. I am done." His voice was firm but so, so quiet "Go to Dale, your guard are already waiting for you at the gate."

Sigrid watched him go, watched as the tension on his shoulders increased and the door shut behind him.

The carriage rocked over the uneven road, she saw one rider in front and felt the presence of another behind her. She hadn't bothered with eating breakfast as she fled the mountain as fast as she could. Her anger slipped away from her the further she got from the mountain. She was too weary to hold onto it as she once would have.

At arriving at her father's home she tried to dismiss the guards only for them to blush and mutter about orders. She then tried to invite them in but to no avail, she watched as they stood guard in front of her father's house. Her snowy white rams began attacking the dry grass and weeds around her father's house, she sighed and patted them each on their sides.

Letting herself in she realized how early she was, the maid her father kept was making food and on seeing Sigrid began fussing around her making her some tea and shoving a fresh roll in her hand. Tilda soon joined her and her father did as well. Sitting together eating breakfast made her feel like the last few weeks weren't real for the briefest of moments.

Soon the bustle of the day's events drew her out of her thoughts and she let Tilda drag her upstairs. Tilda was excited about the dress she and Lady Dis had picked out, Sigrid hadn't even seen it yet. When she finally did see it she couldn't help voice her displeasure at the garment.

"Tilda, I'm going to freeze."

Tilda laughed at her, "No, you won't, Lady Dis had something made for you to go over it. But it's not that cold yet and there will be fires everywhere."

Sigrid felt the dress between her fingers, the fabric thin and a little too delicate for the season, she looked up at Tildas hopeful smile. Sigrid sighed and began to get ready. Tilda chatted away as Sigrid slipped into the dress, it was soft and embroidered in thin lines with moons and stars. It was a pale blue, almost white with small beads that the dwarven women favored, though she had never seen them so small and delicate.

Lady Dis had joined them at some point and helped Sigrid with her hair. Her mother in law had helped twist her hair in a simple but elegant braid with little beads woven in. Her marriage braid was pinned back with a small comb of leaves.

Lady Dis smiled down at her as she finished up. "The comb was my late husbands make. He made it for me when we were courting. I hope you don't mind it, it looks so lovely with your dress."

Sigrid turned to her and smiled, "I'm honored you would let me borrow it."

Lady Dis only shook her head. "You keep it, I haven't been able to wear it in years and I think he would appreciate them being worn. Their part of a set, I'll give you the other ones when we go back to the mountain."

Soon they headed towards the center of town her new guards trailing behind her. Sigrid tried to ignore them to pretend that they weren't glowering at anyone who waved and greeted them. By the time they got where the competition was being held Sigrid was internally grumbling at the weather and at everything. A chill had settled in and Sigrid was glad to see fires being lit everywhere. Lady Dis led them to the large pavilion set up for the king and his guests. Tilda left her there as she was meeting Eva and her sisters.

Inside the pavilion was warm, it looked like they had brought a whole sitting room inside. King Thorin and Dain were laughing over something with a few other dwarves already delving into their cups. Sigrid looked around and didn't see Filí, she saw Kilí though who made his way towards her with a smile.

"Sweet sister, my brother will throw a fit when he sees you, you look lovely." His smile was wide as he made an exaggerated bow.

Lady Dis rolled her eyes at him, "Where is the ogre today, I hope he is in a better mood?"

Kilí looked around, confused, "He was just here, must have stepped out. I'm sure he'll be along."

Soon the conversation around them turned to bets and money was being exchanged between Lord Dain and the King. Sigrid kept glancing around at the front of the pavilion hoping to see Filí walk in. Eventually, the horns began to sound outside and they knew the children's race would start in a few minutes. She followed the King out with Lady Dis and Lord Dain who was boasting about his son.

The stands came to view and small groups were milling around laughing and chatting away, but Sigrid spotted Filí at last. Her smile died as it began to form, he was speaking to a group of dwarves all dressed in armor, except one. Lady Amet stood next to Filí with her hand on his arm, a wide friendly smile on her face, her eyes only for Filí.

Sigrid wanted to pass them, to hide, to have a moment alone but Lady Dis had noticed Lady Amet hanging onto Filí's arm. She took Sigrid's arm and pulled her away. "Come on darling, we should find your sister." Her voice was soft but had an edge to it that Sigrid couldn't wrap her head around. If Filí noticed her, Sigrid didn't know, she kept her eyes ahead and saw nothing, letting Lady Dis guide her to her seat. Tilda was smiling at her when they found her, sitting at their father's side. Bard greeted them and Sigrid felt herself go through the motions but she couldn't remember what she said.

Children were stretching or waving at everyone as her father spoke. His speech drew laughs but Sigrid couldn't hear it. She felt her heart race and the throb in her temple increase. She wanted to sleep and forget that everywhere she looked was Lady Amet. She saw her now joining her mother and the other ladies of Dain's court, a pleased smile on her painted lips.

As her father's speech came to an end Filí joined them. A hushed conversation between him and his mother was followed by Lady Dis standing and moving behind them, but not before Lady Dis placed her hand briefly on Sigrid's shoulder. Sigrid felt him sit, she could feel his warmth but she still felt cold.

He leaned in, whispering into her ear. "Sigrid, are you alright? You're shivering."

She responded mechanically, what she said she couldn't tell. It wasn't enough for Filí he reached for her hands and squeezed them on her lap. "Are you still mad at me about this morning?"

This penetrated the fog on Sigrid's brain and she looked down at their hands. His hand was so much bigger than hers. She wanted to pull her hands away from but remembered where they were and how many eyes were always on them. She gave him a tired smile. "No, Filí. I'm not."

The horn blasted again, interrupting what Sigrid was going to say and the children ran towards the ribbon held at the end. Screams and laughter filled the air as several of them fell over within a few steps. Sigrid focused on their little faces finding comfort on their looks of determination. She recognized several students of hers amidst the crowd.

The race was a close call but in the end, Sigrid's father called it a three-way tie. The children were happy, the crowd roared and Sigrid plastered a smile that hurt her face as they walked passed her towards her father.

Taking a deep breath, she faced Filí, "You are heading to the ax throw correct? I wish you luck."

She kissed his cheek like she always did before he competed in years past. Filí nodded, looking like he wanted to say more but his mother interrupted him. Her words seemed harsh but Sigrid didn't understand them. Lady Dis took Sigrid's arm and they made their way towards the other competitions trailed by two guards the whole way.

Sigrid went to cheer for her brother in one competition and for Kilí in another. When she reminded Lady Dis that Filí would be competing next, Lady Dis sat with her but didn't cheer Filí on. Sigrid tried her best to act the part of a devoted wife but when it was over she didn't hesitate when Lady Dis suggested a change of venue. Sigrid could hear Lady Amet through the sounds of the crowd praising Filí for all to hear.

She didn't see Filí again until dinner inside of Dale's great hall. Lady Dis didn't leave her side and Tilda was in and out of her company not noticing how quiet Sigrid was. Lady Dis had kept their conversation going and Sigrid was amazed at how she seemed to

The dinner was informal as were most festivals large wooden tables with benches were lined up surrounding a center that faced a band that was already playing. Lady Dis led her to Bards table where the elven king was already toasting with Sigrid's father.

Her father smiled at her and poured her a drink.

"You look half frozen. Would you like me to send for some blankets?"

Lady Dis ended up answering before Sigrid could protest. "I've got someone grabbing a few. I fear it's my fault she's so cold."

King Thranduil slid the cup closer to Sigrid. The penetrating stare he gave Sigrid made her feel like he could see through her. He said nothing as she drank, the wine not too sweet but soon she felt her insides warming up. Lady Dis told her she would see her tomorrow and not worry about entertaining Dains court as she could manage on her own. "Eat something and head to bed dear, you look like you haven't slept."

Sigrid could only nod in response before Lady Dis squeezed her shoulder and headed to where the Dwarves were already getting louder.

She ate something, she couldn't remember later what it was, a dwarven maid brought it to her and she assumed Lady Dis had sent her. She ate bundled like a child under way too many blankets, feeling tired as her body warmed up. Her head throbbed more and more as the noise level increased. Finally, she told her father she was heading to bed early. Her father nodded as he was talking to someone and didn't notice her discomfort. Halfway out she felt someone slid her arm into theirs. She looked over to see the elven king escorting her out.

When they stepped out she saw her guards had brought up the carriage and her rams. He handed her in gently and with such grace that it made Sigrid feel awkward.

He spoke gently, if not in a bored tone. "Your father mentioned your guards and I had a servant tell them you were unwell when you joined us. I hope you can forgive the presumption."

"No, I truly appreciate the care. My head has ached terribly all day."

He nodded, "It's no wonder, you live with dwarves now it must be terribly loud there."

He stepped back and nodded at her guards, who were glaring at Thranduil. They began to move, her driver speaking gently to the rams as they began their gentle pace back up the mountain.

Sigrid had made it to her rooms out of sheer determination. But halfway she felt like she should have stayed with her father for the night. Her father's house was so much closer and she could have already made it to her rooms. Instead, she had two new guards who escorted her to the family wing in the upper halls.

She stumbled once and both of them immediately jumped to attention.

"Should we get you a healer, my lady?" Said one with elaborate braids. Sigrid smiled weakly.

"I'm just tired and need sleep. No need to make a fuss."

They spoke again as they approached her door and told her they would be stationed outside her room if she needed anything. She wanted to protest, to tell them to head to bed themselves but she knew that it was not their fault Filí had ordered her a guard.

Sigrid dressed for bed, barely caring where her dress fell and began the arduous task of taking her hair down. Lady Dis' work was intricate, and she almost gave up when Filí walked in looking upset.

She could see he was about to argue with her, to tell her something that would cause her to lose her temper. But she was too tired for it, she sat at the table in the corner and turned her back to him. "Please help me with this, I cannot get your mother's braid's out."

Sigrid waited for only a few moments before she could hear Filí taking off his gloves and walking towards her. She couldn't see his reflection on the polished silver mirror that hung over her table, but she could vaguely see his hands working on her hair. He was careful, even meticulous as he started taking out beads from her hair. When he got to the comb that Lady Dis had gifted her he hesitated for a brief moment.

"My mother is very fond of you." He placed the comb on the table. "But she has a funny way of showing it." He continued unbraiding her hair, "First she puts you in danger with that meeting, next she puts you in a dress that is too thin during the beginning of winter. Then she lets you leave without telling me where it is that you are going." He took her comb and began to gently run it through her hair. His voice was soft, but she could hear the steel behind it. "I did not appreciate being told where my wife was by the elven king and his smug face."

Anger and resentment pooled inside of her, she felt that if she didn't speak, it would burst like rushing water. Through her pain at her temple, she pulled herself away from him and turned to face Filí.

"Your mother put faith in me and my abilities to garner peace with my own people, or do you forget that I am now their princess? Your mother let my little sister pick a dress for me so she felt like she was still a part of my life. Then she went to entertain Dains court on her own so that I could eat and get some rest. It is not her job to take care of me, I'm not a child and haven't been one for a long time." She took a deep breath and stared at him imploringly. "Is it not enough that you had me followed all day without my permission? Now you are expecting your family to be responsible for me? She trusted me to find my own way home, Filí. King Thranduil was sitting with me and my father and noticed my discomfort. He helped get my carriage and helped me get in. He was kind when he did not need to be." She rubbed her temples, "And instead of being grateful to him you are angry? At who, your mother or the elven king who barely spoke to me?"

Filí was looking right at her when he quietly said, "You could have told me you were unwell."

She turned away from him and climbed into bed. "I've hardly seen you since this morning and every time I do we argue or you are with better company." She took a deep breath as she pulled the blankets up to her. "No Filí, I will not chase after you." She rubbed at her eyes, feeling them burning with unshed tears that came out of nowhere. She looked pleadingly at him now, "I am tired, please let me sleep."

He nodded, still looking at her with an expression she couldn't read. He left one candle burning by her door and Sigrid watched it for a long time before the pain finally made her succumb to sleep.

The next morning Sigrid woke up early, feeling a bit better though her head still felt tender and got ready. This time she wore one of her own dresses and a thick woolen cloak to go over her shoulders. The games would start early and Bain was competing again, she decided to go ahead of everyone and be with her family. But when she came out of her rooms Filí was there, ready for the day as well as sitting at the table with food. They stared at one another before she sat and took a cup of tea.

"I spoke with my mother." Filí started. Sigrid raised an eyebrow, he continued. "I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have come here to pick a fight after you clearly didn't feel well." He took a breath, "I was blunt and demanding when I should have just talked to you about everything and… I'm sorry."

He looked as if he meant it, Filí wasn't one to apologize and she nodded her acceptance. She placed her hand over his, speaking quietly lest she starts another argument. "Will you tell me the truth now? What was so bad that we spent the rest of the day at odds with one another. What did Sorn say?"

Filí looked down at their hands and brought his other to cover hers. He didn't speak for a while but when he did, his voice was hoarse and quiet. "He said he would outlive you to see the contract put to rights."

Sigrid wasn't sure how to react at first, mulling over his words. It wasn't something she really thought about but Sorn was right of course, she was human and so very mortal in comparison to dwarves and nothing in comparison to elves. She looked at Filí and realized she had always known they didn't have the rest of their lives together. Only hers.

Finally, she spoke gently, she could see this had really bothered him. "You know he is probably right, Sorn is an elder but he probably will outlive me. This is not a reason to punish him, it's not a threat Filí, it's a fact. I will not live in fear of it either."

Filí stood abruptly and pulled his hands away from her. Sigrid continued, "He's an angry, bitter dwarf who was lashing out at me. It was a lapse in judgment at best."

He looked out the window, the clouds were rolling in, the view was misty and dark. "At worse, he was making a threat to a member of the royal family of both Erebor and Dale." He turned towards her again but didn't step closer, the distance between them felt large to Sigrid though it couldn't possibly be but a few feet. "It is pointless to argue over it, he will be dealt with after the festival. I know you do not like the guards with you and I don't blame you, but I will not risk your life." She wanted to protest but pursed her lips to keep silent. He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose before walking back towards the table. "I don't think your family and mine would forgive me if I dismissed them and something happened to you." He leaned closer, looking earnestly into her eyes. Sigrid's breath caught in her throat and her heart sped up. His braids were pulled away from his face and he wore no adornment in his beard today. Sigrid watched him intently as he brushed her hair from her face, "I could never forgive myself if something happened to you."

He walked away as he always did lately, leaving her speechless, leaving her wanting. Wanting to say anything but not knowing how to start, wanting to cry but no tears would come, wanting to reach for him but not knowing what she would do when she caught him. Words caught in her throat and she let out a few shaky breaths when the door closed behind him.