First off: over 200 reviews! Oh my gosh you guys this is amazing! Thank you so much! I know it has been over a year since I last published, but it has been one of the worst years of my life for many reasons. I lost a lot of people close to me, I have been suffering from depression, I was bullied at my job, and a handful of other things that made it impossible to write. Recently, I have been fixing aspects of my life and I finally found myself able to write again.

To those that forgot what happened in the story I ask that you reread the story before you leave it; if you can't I have no hard feelings if you unfollow. Hopefully, you can read it after I complete it. Thank you for giving my writing love while I had a hard time loving anything really.

Anyway! Thank you to everyone who favorited and followed! And a special thank you to reviewers. Every kind word is appreciated – and constructive criticism is welcome.

angel897, Jo, DraggonflyMaiden – Thank you for the kind words and I hope you like this part!

cherrybombb – Hello there! I did receive your request for Fili and Kili stories. I will post them in the next chapter as I want to get this published as soon as possible, but I promise to see them soon. If you don't need them posted in a chapter, PM me again and I will send you a list.

ChelaseaSW6 – I now have both and I apologize for the wait.

Angel – I have been meaning to update sooner, but if you see above I've been having a rough time of it.

ThunderNinja4Ever – Right now!

UnaLoiuse – I hear ya loud and clear! AND HERE YA GO! :)

becca-bug-01 – Gonna be honest life has been sucking a lot recently, but I'm gonna try my best to overcome. I do hope you enjoy this part though.

ravenblack121 – I think there was supposed to me more to that comment, but I would like to add I've only had them together once – I personally don't count that as romance; it was meant to be more comedy with a little cuteness so I could better develop their relationship later on. However, I am aware of the fact that not everyone likes the Kili/Tauriel ship and that's fine! To each their own, my friend.

cpaercf – I'm so sorry it took me so long that you had to reread my whole story. God I feel awful. Hopefully you enjoy the update and here are three more stories I recommend.

Faron Oakenshield – I wanted more of Balin's past brought to light so even though it's sad, I hope you enjoyed it. As to Thorin, Fili, and Kili…that's complicated, but we'll get to that later.

dragonegyptianblue – I'm sorry it's been so long; I didn't mean to let it go like that. I love Balin, so this was kind of hard to do to him, but I think it gives him a more experienced air. Now Tahna isn't related to Cirema, but there is a faint, and I mean FAINT, connection. However, I do want to show the connection between Balin and Tahna though, as you were right to think of a father-daughter relationship.

I've decided to do a story recommendations corner for my lovely friends here on FF. Since you're here for Thorin/OC I will only recommend those unless otherwise requested. Still nothing new that's caught my eye so you're gonna be getting more completes instead!

Technoelfie: The Long Dark. *Complete*

LadyDunla: The Written Word I: The Journal. *Complete*

Kassandra85: Black Gates of Moria. *Complete*

I woke comfortably the next morn, pressed between the boys. My boys…my family…I watch Kili's face as he slumbers soundly, a bit of drool leaving his snoring maw. I stifle my laughter and rise cautiously. The early rays of dawn peek through the windows; the hearth still provided the most light. I look about to see all are sleeping soundly; I am the first to rise for once.

Yesterday had been strange to say the least. After my heartfelt admission to Thorin we held each other close for a long while after. We take comfort in one another and hardly move from our perch, enjoying the time we had. Naturally as shadows grew, we returned inside. The others met us with a strange, hushed silence that I did not think they were capable of. They scattered quickly – giving themselves things to do as though we had caught them doing something wrong. I had not missed how red Balin's eyes had been; as though he had been crying. When Dwalin passed I made to ask, but he shook his head and remained silent.

I had looked to Thorin for an answer, but he too looked surprised. Fili and Kili embraced me tightly and while welcome, it only confused me further. I still don't know what had caused such a reaction, but I suspect I will never know. Dinner, despite being meatless once more, was wonderful; all thanks to Bilbo and Bombur. After the meal there had been some music and a couple stories, but mostly it was peaceful silence. The only break in the silence was Gandalf's return, he did not say where he had gone, but it was twilight at the time. He was playing with danger by being out near dark, what with the orcs and Beorn.

That reminds me…I listen diligently throughout the lodge trying to determine if our host, who had surely returned in the night, is awake. I hear nothing, but it doesn't count for much. I rise delicately as to not wake the others, mostly Thorin. Unlike previous nights where there had been distance between us, he now joined us in our sleeping space. I remember falling asleep facing him, with my hand tucked securely between his own. In the night we had moved apart, but not far. Even now he is breathing deep and evenly – I hope he is having good dreams. I stealthily maneuver through the sleeping company, reaching the dining hall with little difficulty. I move further back into the house in hopes of finding the bathing room Oin had made mention of yesterday evening.

Before I travel beyond the sight of the company, I pause in a doorway. I use my ranger senses to try and locate the large man. I would rather rejoin my company rather than face the possibility of running into him on my way to bathe. However, I'm pleased to discover that he sleeps behind a large door at the opposite end of the hall. I still tread lightly as to not alert him to my presence as I move down the corridor. I open and close door with supreme gentleness.

The room is spacious – a large door leading to another side of the yard I hadn't seen yesterday. The place is so large I can only assume it's meant for washing the larger animals; or Beorn himself for that matter. There are two large metal tubs and a pump for the water. On a small shelf I see lye soap, sponges, cloth, and brushes. They are satisfactory, but I quickly realize there is no lock for the door so I can only hope that the other occupants of the house do not wake.

I start with pumping water into one of the larger basins. It's quite a chore – seeing as the pump is larger than that of a normal human's. After my…struggle with the pump, I begin to disrobe – as long as I am bathing to get rid of the goblin stench I might as well scrub it out of my clothes too. I am only wearing the bandages that cover my chest as I approach the shelf as I grab a bar of the soap. Along the side of the small cabinet, where the shelf sits, I notice a wash board leaning against the side out of sight from the door. I pick it up and take it to the tub. I only managed to pump small amount of water so when I enter the tub I have to crouch down to wash my clothes.

As I scrub my clothes along the metal grate, I lose myself in the monotony of the act and time passes quickly. With the clothes washed I take off my wrap and wash it as well. Once that's done I leave the basin to make a clothesline out of some discarded twine and hang my clothes.

Next, I empty as much of the water from the tub as I can with a bucket before refilling the tub with new water. I pause in between the pumps when I hear a suspect noise beyond the door. After a few moments of silence I resume filing the tub. This time I fill it with more water, but not so much that I can't remove the water later. I bring one of the cloths in with me and the soap. Now as I soak the thoughts begin to seep in. I'm finally feeling better, but the thought of what lies ahead makes me nervous. Mirkwood…its name is enough to make bumps appear on my skin.

It's a dark and cursed place, the mere thought that any one, especially the others, would ever have to go in there is terrifying. Not only has all light left it, but there are foul things that live there. Hadrien had told me that I had been fortunate to avoid the large spiders in my last travel through there. However, I knew firsthand that the shadows could create illusions that make you a danger to others. A fear settles in my heart at the thought of the boys turning on one another in that place. The mask I have now protects me from such magics, but they have none. Who is to say that in the dark they would not mistake each other for enemies?

I have to protect them somehow; but then there is my own culminating fear of the place as well. I know I have the capacity to make it, but with the threat of elven encounters hanging…I can't help the way my stomach turns. I lounge a little in the water as the sun's rays begin to stream into the room fully and warm my skin.

Then there is Azog to consider – with him still following us it will make it near impossible to trek through the forest quickly. With Beorn's help we might get a head start, but once we enter the woods it will take the orcs very little time to catch up with us. I sigh as I run the soap through my hair. Dragonfire would be useless in the forest; the dead wood would burn quickly and entrap us. Frost Fang would be the only advantage we'd have…unless the necromancer made another appearance.

I touch my neck a tenderly; the bruises may be gone, but there is a ghost of his hand around my throat when I think about it. He is based in Dol Guldur, the dark fortress. I can sense the shade growing in mass in the distance, the image of his large shadow lying in wait there makes me only more uneasy. I don't want that thing anywhere near the company or my boys.

Necromancers, orcs, and elves…what are we going to do? I've never tried pipeweed before, but after seeing how it has calmed the other's nerves before I wish I had some; it might help me think. Suddenly, I hear Thorin's voice in the hallway and he sounds panicked. I jump out of the water and grab a large blanket nearby. The hay on my feet and the horse hair on the blanket stick to my wet body, but for Thorin's sake I could make an exception to the discomfort.

"Thorin? I'm in here!" I call out. Before I could even tuck the blanket so that it looks decent the door swings wide open. Thorin looks a little askew with pieces of hay sticking out of his uncombed hair. His eyes are searching until they land on me and then there is a pause. A moment passes where I can tell he is relieved to find me, but then realizes exactly what kind of a situation we are in. He turns his face away to provide me with some privacy, but I can't help laughing.

"Not this again," I chuckle. He makes a loud sort of noise, maybe a snort. "You are making quite a habit of this, sweet one."

"I did not mean…forgive me," he says with a small smile on his face. Clearly, he too can see the humor in the situation we find ourselves…again. "You were missing when we awoke. You were in any of the rooms and I became worried and I thought that you might have run into our host."

I approach him at the door, leaning down to turn his face towards mine. My hands brush through the small hairs on his beard. He looks up at me with tenderness in his eyes and light seems to be emanating from him today. My heart swells a little from his concern. He is the only one who really knows about my anxiety about the bear-man and Thorin has taken it upon himself to protect me; it's endearing.

"I would never travel somewhere that you couldn't follow," I tell him. He looks up at me with raw emotion shining in his eyes as he covers my hand with his own. He nuzzles it gently, guiding my fingers through a motion that pleases him. It makes my stomach flutter with delight. I never thought I could take enjoyment out of making someone else content, but it makes the heart so light, as though it might fly away.

"I didn't mean to interrupt you, birizbine," he continues. "Finish your bath and I will have Dori or Ori find you something suitable to wear while your clothes dry." He takes my hand and kisses it firmly. "Then come join us for breakfast." He then walks back down the hall – never so much as a single look back.

I close the door and look back at my bath. I don't feel like getting back in so I attempt to air dry by throwing out my bathwater. I wipe off as much of the horse hair as possible in wait for one of the Ri brothers. Several minutes after I have finished there is a knock on the door.

"I'll stand behind the door so you can come in," I say as I take position. "I'm ready." The door opens slowly, but the delivery is swift. I watch Bilbo as he places the clothes on a bucket I had overturned. I hold the door in front of myself as shield, more for Bilbo's sensibilities than anything. "Forgive me, my friend, I wasn't expecting you."

Bilbo kept his eyes on his feet as he begins to make his way back. "Thorin thought it best as he finally realizes my potential as a stickler for manners," he adds with a laugh. "He was worried that the others might say something in jest that might offend you." He pauses in the hall and I close the door so that only my face remains visible to him now. He is finally looking up at me now that there is nothing…revealing to be seen.

"I don't think he really has to worry about that, but I appreciate his concern and your help," I say. Bilbo smiles back at me with a simple nod and turns to leave. "Bilbo?" he pauses. "Are you alright? You seem a little…sad? Maybe out of sorts is a better way to say it."

There is something there in the way he smiles again, but I can't put my finger on it. "No, I'm fine, Tahna. I just wish we could spend more time here you know. It's the closest thing to the Shire we've been you know." Homesickness…I understand; so I nod in acknowledgement and close the door behind him.

I gently unfold the clothes to see that there are only three items of clothing: a shift, a dress, and my belt from my belongings. The shift has been tucked at the sleeves and all together too short – it's probably a repurposed tunic from one of the company. It has been washed…I wonder whose it was. The dress has obviously been stitched together recently, but the stitches are thick and sturdy. It's made of brown muslin; it might have been a blanket. Dori told me his family has specialized in textiles for years, so I assume it's him, but I will be sure to ask. I slip them over my head, thankful for the warmth they provide, and then add my belt. The muslin layer makes it to my ankles, unlike the shift, and the belt sits comfortably on my hips. I slip back on my boots and make my way to the door.

I can hear the dwarrow bustling in the kitchen as I make my way back down the hallway. I stop cold when I see the door at the opposite end of the hall is ajar. Stopping is the worst thing I could have done because Beorn fills the doorway to his room and my heart stops.

He makes eye contact with me and we freeze; staring at each other. The look on his face is curious, but more importantly, he looks determined. He draws himself forward about to move beyond the confines of his room and my body becomes frigid. I knew that he would not hurt me as a guest in his home, but I am afraid of him. I'm not even entirely sure why I am so afraid, but there is something about him that makes me anxious. I naturally take a step back.

"Tahna?" asks someone in the room next to me. I would look to see who, but I dare not look away from the large man. I'm afraid if I look away he will suddenly appear beside me and there would be no escape. A dwarf, I can't tell who, came to my side and must've seen the source of my unease because he pulls me away from the hallway. Once we leave the hallway I see it's Dwalin holding my arm. He brings me over to Thorin and whispers something to him in Khuzdul. Thorin just nods and makes a spot for me by his side.

I sit, but my heart is still racing a little and I watch the doorway with trepidation. I keep waiting for Beorn to appear, but a hand on my arm makes me look away. Kili, with concern in his big brown eyes, places a plate of food in front of me. I wrap my arm around him and squeeze in hopes of reassuring him that I'm alright. He gives me a big smile and continues to pass out the food. I'm surprised to see some eggs this morning, which raised everyone's spirits after the sad air yesterday. It's enough that, for a moment, I forgot about Beorn.

However, he did turn up eventually for the morning meal. When he did I unconsciously move even closer to Thorin and sensing my movement one of his large hands came to the small of my back to keep me close. Fili and Kili must have also realized my change because they move down, closer to me. I find myself firmly guarded by Durins. It's strange though because Beorn appears to ignore us, in favor of Bilbo.

"Thank you, little bunny," he says as Bilbo offers him a large plate of portions. Bilbo seems a little offended at the moniker, but says nothing. For a few minutes Beorn is no different from us, just enjoying the meal silently. After eating a large portion, he turns to Gandalf.

"Everything is ready for your journey. However, we should leave tomorrow morn. When I was out the other day I noticed there were not as many orcs as there were upon your arrival. There are only a few patrolling the border now. I will journey behind you to keep them at bay," says the large man.

"You have my thanks – as well as those of the company," says Gandalf cheerfully. The others also murmured their thanks, their mood brightening at the thought of fewer orcs trailing them.

"Hmmm…" he answers. Then he looks at me directly and I feel the goosebumps on my skin. "And what about you?" The tension grows in the dwarrow beside me.

For a moment my heart falters, but I just try to answer the question, "I am also thankful for your help, Master Beorn." I could feel Thorin's grip tighten slightly.

"That is not what I meant," he says. "Do you intend to go through that forest again? Knowing what it means for you?" I just stare at him; he did know. "All who live near those woods know of Thranduil's decree." A stone begins to take form in my stomach and it grows as everyone turns to look at me.

"What does he mean?" asks Fili.

I look up at our host in my heart I plead with any Valar listening to make him disappear. However, the longer we share that gaze, the more I could see he had not said it out of maliciousness and more in curiosity. As he said before the forest elves are not as wise as or safe as the elves of Rivendell; he must be wondering what is worth my life. He wants to know what is worth risking Thranduil's wrath.

"Thranduil will execute me if he catches me in the forest," I answer Fili. The others raise their voices in concern, but I silence the outraged cries. "I cannot leave them," my voice breaking, "I cannot let them enter that place alone." I stand slowly, managing to keep our eyes level, despite that he remains sitting. Thorin's hand slides off of my back slowly. I can feel my fists clenching at my sides.

"I can appreciate your loyalty, even if it is to dwarves," he replies, "But I thought I might ask you to reconsider. If you think Thranduil will spare you because you are acting as an escort you are mistaken. He will have you executed."

I pause knowing that the shifter is right. Once the elves saw me I would be as good as dead, but the forest is vast and they have forsaken much. "These elves are not only more dangerous, but also more self involved. Unless we venture north of the path, they will never find out."

"Your ignorance will be what gets you killed," he says finally starting to sound a little mad. "It is true that more of the forest is lost to the elves every year, but that doesn't mean you are safe."

"I'm no fool. Nothing in that forest is safe," I reply. I watch him ignore me, instead helping himself to seconds. I begin to realize what it is I am so afraid of when I see him. It isn't him; as far as creatures go he is hardly the most horrifying or dangerous I've faced. It is our similarities that frightened me.

We had both been subject to Azog's cruelty and managed to escape. When we returned we were not the same; we both sought our revenge. He killed goblins in the eastern Misty Mountains and I became a ranger; killing all manner of dark creature that crossed my path. We isolated ourselves from everyone. I rejected my uncle, cousin, and my fellow rangers. It was only after Hadrien that I began to open up, but even after his death I spent most of my time separate from the rest of the world. He is a reminder of my past; of how lost I had been with no real purpose other than to cause pain to those who had wronged me.

"I won't be like you," I say. At that he does look up, I can see he is curious again. "I couldn't have told you why I was so afraid of you until now. I was you; for a long time I didn't live with any real purpose for my life. I thought taking it upon myself to kill Azog and his spawn would be enough, but that wasn't a life. I cut everyone out and thought it would make me more focused and stronger, but it didn't."

I look away to the dwarves; they are watching me the same way they had looked at Bilbo before in the mountains so I continue. "But then this company came into my life and much like a broken sword they have essentially remade me; I am stronger than I have ever been. I cannot imagine life without them now." I look Beorn in the eyes, feeling like I had discovered a great truth about myself. "I appreciate your concern for my safety, but if my loved ones cannot follow me and reach the mountain before Durin's day then I will have to follow them and damn the consequences. Come what may, I will not abandon them."

All is silent when I feel a large hand grip mine. I look over to see Fili standing by my side, Kili right behind him. He holds out his other hand and in it is a bead. It is silver in color, but is more likely a simpler metal and in it is a black stone. It is beautiful and made in the likeness of pair in Fili and Kili's hair. I recognize them as family beads. It is uncommon for a dwarrow to invite someone of another race into their family and thusly considered an honor. This makes it official to all who see me now; I am a part of the house of Durin from now until the end of my days.

When I look back up at him my throat is so tight, all I could do is nod. Gently, he reseated me. He and Kili then took a spot on either side of me to braid my hair. Their fingers move swiftly and with precision. The others all have tears in their eyes and my own are misty. I don't move my head for fear of disturbing their work. This means that I'm stuck staring at Beorn. He watches me now with a newfound respect. I look at him now with confidence because there would not be anymore similarities between us.

I felt the beads settle on my shoulders and I look down to examine them further. There is a black stone embedded in the metal, it stands out. I reflexively run my thumb over it, enjoying the smoothness of the endless looking stone. As I twisted the beads I could see dwarrow runes, but I couldn't recognize them. I smile with adoration for the craftsmanship and care that went into them.

"What do they mean?"

"They just say 'little sister' on them. They're all we've had time to make for right now. Once we reach Erebor we promise to make you a more proper pair," said Fili. Kili nods enthusiastically at his brother's words.

"Proper pair? But Fili these are wonderful," I say softly. "I love them as they are; another set isn't necessary."

I lay the beads back onto my shoulders and bring the boys into my arms to hold them tightly. After burying my head into their shoulders I look up. I make eye contact with Beorn once more. My grip tightens a little more and I could think about how there is no force on this Earth that can stop me from going with them.

The sun has just crested the sky when Dwalin calls everyone outside. I have just redressed and follow alongside Thorin and Dori. It's clear what we are all out here for, when the dwarf himself appears with axes in hand and no armor or tunic to speak of.

"Alright, listen up," he barks, "With Mirkwood ahead we need to be prepared for anything. According to our ranger, there are giant creatures that lurk in the wood and there is the possibility of elves." He looks over at Fili and Kili, "Your namad will need your protection; it's important that we go in ready." The boys give a rather serious nod.

"Couple of you were also injured," Dwalin says looking at Thorin and I, "Now I need to make sure you're back to fighting form." Then he looks directly at Bilbo, "And I honestly thought you were never gonna use that thing, but since you seem insistent on using it we're gonna teach you how to use that letter opener properly." At that Bilbo's nose twitches and his cheeks puff up a little, but he remains silent.

"Pair up for basics," commands Dwalin. At that I throw a glance over at Thorin who is also looking at me from the side of his eye. I smile, but Dwalin caught on quick. "Not you two! Ranger, you go with Gloin. I won't be having anyone giving ya any special treatment! If you feel the strain, lower your sword." Then he looks at Thorin. "You're with me."

We all chuckle together at Dwalin's demand before the dwarves began to strip down. "Is that really necessary?" asks Bilbo.

Balin appears by his side, "By removing our armor we show that we aren't hiding any other weapons as well as put us at a greater state of vulnerability; if we fight like we have no protection it pushes us harder. Naturally, you and Tahna are excused from having to such things."

"Wouldn't need Thorin to be more distracted than he already is," comments Nori. The others have a quick laugh though Thorin's expression is less than amused.

Bilbo is placed with Dori, who is surprisingly patient, as he teaches Bilbo basic stances and the wrist movements with his small blade. The others paired off (usually with family), and Gloin and I stood apart. The next closest pairs to us are Fili and Kili, and Oin and Bifur. Ori is the only one without a partner and sits aside to watch and catch up writing the most recent events in our adventure with Gandalf as his companion.

As a dueling pair, we only stood out because of my height; admittedly, I felt a little out of place. I look around, but before I can think much more on it Gloin nudges my arm, giving me a smile. I return it and we assume positions across from each other. Gloin lifts his axe in one hand and watches me. The thing about axe wielders is that they relied heavily on two techniques: hooking and crossing. Hooking is obvious; they hook their enemy's weapon and draw it either above or below to expose their opponent for a finishing blow. Crossing is a continual motion first up then down and up again, forming a cross against their enemies; the point being to stagger the opponent and bring down a blow in the next motion. Crossing is effective, but also more tiring in longer battles where as hooking is simple. Hacking and slashing is the most basic form of any weapon, but the design of the weapon determines the effectiveness those blows, rather than the skill of the user.

"Begin," calls Dwalin.

Gloin brings his axe down toward my side. I quickly use the flat side of my blade and use it to deflect the attack, at which point he tries to hook the side of my blade. Rather than give him that advantage I pull away enough to move my own blade into my own into a diagonal cutting motion. After I deflected, he read my movement and anticipated the strike. He uses the momentum from my deflection to swing back and block it. He uses most of his strength in that move because I could feel it throughout my hand, though I didn't falter. I did my own cross while Gloin fell back into a defensive stance. I decide to take a chance on making my own hook using my hilt. I make a diagonal swing at him and as he brings down his axe to block I slide my sword along the shaft to the axe head. My longer arms give me the length, but not the strength. So to find the necessary leverage I pivot, putting my back to him. Then placing the shaft in my shoulder, I use my whole body to act as a counterweight to bring the blade down. After catching him by surprise, the weight is enough to slip the handle out of his hands. So with a final flourish I send his axe a couple feet away and I point my sword at him. He gives a small smile and a nod acknowledging my victory.

"What in bloody damnation was that?" demands Dwalin. We both look up at the stormy looking dwarrow. He picks up Gloin's axe and shoves it back into his hands. "I thought I said no special treatment," he said accusingly.

"It was only the first match, Dwalin. I don't see a reason to come after her like I'm gonna kill her," explains Gloin.

"Well everything else in that forest will," he says. "You're not doing her any favors. Gloin, switch with me."

The others around us look a little anxious at the idea of me going head-to-head with the gruff billy goat, but it didn't affect me. My wounds have all healed, only minor scabs and fresh scars remain. It's another bout like any other, but if he wants to make sure that I haven't lost my touch then he would certainly be pleased. My anemia has also subsided; I'm not even bleeding right now, which is also to my advantage.

"Alright," says Dwalin menacingly. "You said you'd be back to pulling your weight and now it's time to get back to work." He twirls his axes in his hands. I recognize it as an intimidation tactic right away.

"You managed to take down those trolls," he continued. "So you can't be in that bad of shape. I'll make sure of it." He begins to move to the right and I follow, making sure to keep him in front of me at all times.

"That's rich," I comment as I bring my sword upward. "Coming from someone who was thrown into a sack." The others have all ceased their exercises to form a watchful crowd at the edge of the circle Dwalin and I are making.

"Mind yourself, lass," he responds. "I wasn't the one passin' out on the side of a cliff."

"You might too if you had to bleed from between your legs on a regular basis," I snarl. "Maybe I can help you understand what that's like." It is a completely empty threat because I love my dwarrow, but that doesn't mean he gets to throw that particular ailment in my face without a little animosity.

"Careful with those threats of yours, they are beginning to sound like fighting words," he says as he stops moving.

"I think they're rather appropriate unless you plan on surrendering right now," I jibe. The eye contact we share is scalding and challenging.

"By the time I'm done you'll be wishin' I had," he growls.

I have no other taunt to offer him so rather than drag it out, I charge him. Dwalin brings both his axes down with a force worthy of Mahal himself. My own momentum works against me as I am brought closer to him and have to shift my attack into a defense. Much like I did with Gloin I turn my blade again to block and the impact between the iron forged weapons impact can be felt throughout my bones. The metal shrieks in protest and sparks fly as he draws back one axe. He's serious…

Grasper holds my sword still in the hooking position while Keeper is drawn back for another swing. A smirk forms on my face as I release my blade and clatters to the ground. The pressure he had put on pinning the sword, and me, causes him to lurch forward. Adding in the momentum from his other swing leaves an opening for me. He opens his legs and tries to steady his torso in order to prevent himself from losing both his axes. His inability to let his weapon go opens him up so I could reach my real target.

I crouch slightly while drawing my leg up to my chest and with a tilt of my hips, I extend my leg to kick him squarely in the jaw. He clearly hadn't been ready for that and he stumbles backwards, but still has hold of one of his axes. I retrieve my sword and take a couple steps back to collect myself. He rubs his chin a little while glaring at me as he retrieves his missing axe and resumes a ready position. Now he knows I'm not gonna play nice either…

His axes now form a cross on his chest and this time he makes the charge first. I stick my sword out in a thrusting motion, but rather than displace the blade to either the right or left, he forces it down. He drops the full weight of the axe blades down and Locelnehtar with them. I lose my balance as he tries to rip my sword from my grasp and I land too close to the axe heads for comfort. As he starts bring them up along my steel I feign to my left. It's a risky maneuver, but I had to choose unless I want to get hit on both sides. I twist the hilt to receive a little cover for my left hand.

The axe nicks my hand as Dwalin releases me. The blood causes my blade to slip in my injured hand and I quickly switch back to my right hand. Glancing at the damage, it's a minor cut that managed to land on top of a vein. It looks worse than it really is, is my guess. He sees the blood and withdraws what would have undoubtedly been another attack.

"That enough for you?" asks Dwalin. It is an offer of surrender probably trying to spare me more injury. If I really wanted to I could call it off, but where would the fun be in that. Besides, I'm part of the house of Durin now. Backing down isn't exactly an option.

"Only if you forfeit now," I say haughtily.

"Lass!" Bofur interjects from the sidelines, "You're bleedin'. It ain't a good idea to press."

"It's just a scrape," I reply. "Don't worry. I promise I won't make this last too much longer."

At that Dwalin brings up his axes, ready to go another round. I hold my bleeding hand away from my body and bring my blade up. From the corner of my eye I see Fili, Kili, and Thorin shifting anxiously at the front of the company. I send a small wink their way and resume a ready position. Rightly so it seems, Dwalin chose that wink as a signal to charge me again. This time though I chose an altogether different approach…

I bring my blade across in a slashing motion. He blocks it with one axe and brings the other in for a blow. It is the most practical move, but also the most obvious. I continue forward, but I instead slide down, between his legs which are in an open stance. The window is small and his height works against me, but I have to try. His swing misses my head by a few scant inches and the axe locked with my sword falls to the ground.

I throw my arms wide to collect his ankles. Because he tries to maintain grasp on his remaining axe he leans forward again slightly and that, along with my momentum, is enough to knock him on his face. When he tries to bring his last axe behind him to hit me, I bring my sword down on the shaft with finality and force it out of his hands. He curses loudly in Khuzdul as he starts stretching towards his axe. Not today, friend…

I throw my person on top of him, preventing him from gaining a hold on his axe. I adjust myself until I sit cross-legged on his back. I sheathe my sword at this point, marking the true end of this bout. At this point everyone around us is laughing as Dwalin tries to lift himself up with his arms, but is unable to lift high enough. Then he starts yelling.

"If you had a beard I would threaten to cut it off," he yells. "Now get off of me, you foul beast."

"Mind your words, Dwalin; that foul beast is now part of the house of Durin," remarks Thorin. There is another round of laughter amongst the company.

"You wouldn't be saying that if it was you being pinned to the ground by her rear end," he says and the others laugh it off, myself included. Then he ceases struggling and looks up at Thorin. "I forgot you might actually enjoy that."

Then there is silence. I feel my face flush and I look at Thorin for his response to Dwalin's comment. He says nothing, but stares back at me with embarrassment in his eyes. When it comes to battle I can match wits with the best, but these kinds of taunts are new to me…and this is difficult. Without warning Thorin rips himself away from the others, retrieving Keeper from the ground and stands six feet away from where I sit on my perch.

"Tahna, join your brothers," he says with icy coldness. He is taking practice swings with the axe and I can only imagine what he has in mind. I quickly stand and join the others, Kili the first to take my arm and put me behind him, as though he is my shield. Dwalin got up slowly, his eyes never leaving Thorin as he tries to guess just how badly he has messed up. After a moment he caves and collects Grasper.

"Thorin, listen now…I was only saying it in jest," he says gently. He looks over to me to intercede and maybe stop the will-be King Under the Mountain, but I shake my head as my blush deepens. He looks back to Thorin, who is unmoved, and he takes a step back.

"Now, Thorin you may be my king. And I am honor bound to protect you unto death, but be aware that I will defend myself if you attack me," warns Dwalin.

"That's fine," says Thorin as he takes a step forward. "It won't do you much good."

Hours later Dwalin is still unconscious in his bed roll, where Dori and Bombur had left him. The others politely made no mention of Dwalin's comment as Thorin aggressively took down his best friend. It is sad that Dwalin didn't fight back harder, but I think was actually afraid of hurting Thorin, which he is probably regretting. I look away from Dwalin to Thorin who is currently wrapping my hand, delicately. He barely received a scratch, but he busies himself with my hand. We are sitting with our own bedrolls in the stables. The others are moving throughout the house in preparation of our night's meal. There is no guarantee that would have another nice meal after we leave tomorrow morning.

I watch Thorin's face as he concentrates on the bandage far too long. A small smile forms on my face even though he won't look at me. My face still burns a little at Dwalin's comment and Thorin has said nothing since. I can't help wondering if he is mad because it is embarrassing or because it is a lie; my face flushes at the idea of the former. A loud laugh comes from another room and we both look up. No one enters and Thorin finishes quickly.

"I would almost say you fought well," I say. I succeed in getting him to look at me. "But that would imply Dwalin actually managed to fight back; Twas more of a beating really."

"It is not as though it was undeserved," he replies curtly. "You're still blushing."

His pointing it out makes it worse, but I try to brush it off. "Aye, because that sort of thing is meant to be private between…well, lovers…" My statement falls apart before it really took form as saying the word made me blush harder. Valar, did I stick my head in a forge?

He chuckles a little and smiles at me, "Is that what you would call us?"

My voice suddenly takes on a calm coldness as an act of caution. Perhaps I am reflecting on this more than I really should, "What would you call us?"

"Marlel," he says immediately.

"Are you going to tell me what that means or must I guess?" I ask.

"It means love of all loves," he says confidently. "I just don't think your definition really does it justice." I feel my face heating up again at the intensity in his eyes. "But you are right what a dwarrow and his one do is no one's business, other than their own."

"I didn't really think a human would have much physical appeal to a dwarrow," I confess. "What with the height and lack of beard…" He looks surprised and somewhat skeptical.

"I might say the same about me," he offers. Now I'm surprised. With his sort of confidence I'm rather surprised that he would worry about what he looks like.

"I think you handsome," I say readily.

"And I, you," he says with a brilliant smile. "But the "marlel" doesn't refer only to a physical love, but of all loves. Even if I did not think you handsome, I would still love you." My stomach flutters at the words.

I cup his face gently and tilt his lips upward to meet mine. My nose brushes his cheek as I try to bring myself ever closer. His lips are soft, but I can feel the firmness of the muscle behind it. I can feel his beard barely brushing my chin and lip – it didn't tickle, but it is a little cool. When we separate my breathing sounds loud in my ears; I guess I had been holding it. I lock eyes with Thorin and place my bandaged hand on the back of his head to pull him forward once more.

His lips slide back over mine with practiced ease and I sigh. One hand leaves my face so he can use his arm to wrap around my back to hold me close. This time the firmness comes forth and he presses further. One kiss turns into several and it is some minutes before Gandalf arrives to retrieve us for dinner. He has to clear his throat loudly before either of us respond. His eyebrows are raised in surprise, but neither of us answer him as we leave hand-in-hand for dinner.

No one saw Dwalin peek at the couple during that first kiss. After one became too many, he closes his eyes again the smirk on his face is large as he had gold waiting for him in his kin's pockets.

Khuzdul Translations:

Birizibine – my golden gem

Marlel – love of all loves (passions)

namad – sister

The kisses are a bit of an apology for being late.

Next time: Mirkwood…