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She's back! And with another fun little story about Fili and the rest of the gang. I do hope you all enjoy this one, and I just love to hear from each and every reader. If you like this story, please check out my others - all of them finished and found on my home page here on Fanfiction. Thank you.

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My OC's name is Réann...pronounced Ree-Ann.

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Mistaken Identity

~XXX~

Chapter 1

Fili, crown prince of Erebor, looked down from the balcony where he and his brother stood, watching the procession of dams file down the corridor beneath them.

"Well, it would appear that six out of the seven have arrived," Kili said in a rather unimpressed tone.

"And the seventh should be along in a week or so, depending on the weather and how quickly Amad's caravan can make it over the Misty Mountains," Fili added, looking none too happy about the whole thing.

Kili eyed his brother sympathetically, noting that the blond prince did not appear at all happy about this. Not that anyone would blame him, for an arranged marriage was never something one looked forward to.

"At least Uncle fixed it so you have the option of choosing the one you like best, and not the council," the dark-haired dwarf said, hoping to lighten his brother's mood. Granted, he himself found the idea positively barbaric, yet seeing as there was no way out of it, he felt making the best of a bad situation was the only way to help Fili.

"Oh yes, lucky me," Fili huffed, leaning over the railing and staring at the back of the six disappearing dams. As instructed, each had been wearing a veil, hiding their faces from everyone's sight. It had been the concession made in order to provide each dam equal opportunity. Since the one from the Blue Mountains would be arriving later than the rest, it was deemed unfair that the six who came sooner might receive more time to entice the prince. Thus, all the dams would wear veils, and not be allowed to interact with anyone - especially Fili - until the final one arrived. "More than likely they will all be hideous, and I only get to choose the lesser of seven evils."

"Or…they could all be beautiful," Kili added hopefully.

"And when have I ever been that fortunate, Little Brother?" Fili questioned, resting his chin atop his folded arms on the railing.

"We did make a journey across Middle Earth, defeat a dragon, and survived the Battle of Five Armies," he pointed out, giving Fili a playful nudge with his elbow. "Not to mention, you do have a rather impressive brother. You can't deny your good fortune there."

This caused Fili to let out a slight chuckle, turning his head to stare at Kili.

"Yes, I suppose that is something," he agreed with a smile. "Still, I'm not looking forward to marrying a dam I don't love…or even know! I do desire a wife, and a family, but I would prefer one of my own choosing, not someone foisted on me simply to fulfill the line of succession." Fili knew that Thorin would never have agreed to such a thing if the council hadn't been pressuring him. Even their Amad had been unable to sway their thinking on the matter, and everyone knew that she was as scary as they come. "I don't blame Thorin, truly I don't…but I can't help feeling as if I'm some kind of sacrificial goat, being thrown to the wargs simply to keep the peace."

Kili placed his hand on his brother's shoulder, trying to offer comfort as best he could. They had talked about this at great lengths, trying to find a way out of it, but neither one could come up with a viable solution. With everything that happened before and during the Battle of Five Armies, their Uncle's rule was tentative at best. What with Thorin's gold sickness, lingering injury, and unprecedented alliance with men and elves, their king had caused a number of the seven clans to doubt his fitness to rule.

It had been Balin who came up with the idea that having the heir to the throne firmly grounded and wed to a highborn lass might go a long way in calming the objections of those who were opposing Thorin. And much to Fili's horror, the suggestion worked. However, since all seven clans insisted that one of their lasses be placed in the running, his brother was now being forced to choose a wife from one of them. The selection process dragged on for months, but it was still far less time than Fili would have liked. Yet, now they were here, at least six of them, that was, and the crown prince was soon expected to make his selection.

Granted, it was to the dam's advantage as well, and not just because they had the prospect of being the next queen of Erebor. In exchange for their time and trouble, each lass who came to meet with Fili was promised a hefty sum of gold. And while all seven had to journey to the Lonely Mountain, only one would be chosen, thus Thorin had felt obligated to compensate the rest for their sacrifices. Kili knew this had only irked his brother more, making him feel even like some prize in a degrading game of matchmaking, with the rest going home with gold in consolation.

"I wish there was something I could do," Kili moaned, unable to provide any helpful advice. "I would offer to step in and take your place if I could, Nadad."

"I know, and I thank you for that, but if it has to be one of us, I would rather it be me than you," he told his brother with a half-hearted smile. "I knew long ago that the position I was born into might require me to do things I found…difficult. But such is the life of a prince…as well as a king. Don't worry, Naddith, I will find a way to deal with this. Besides, I want you to marry for love. One of us deserves to receive such a blessing from Mahal."

"There's still a chance you could find your other half in one of these dams," Kili stated hopefully. "And didn't Amad write that she had chosen Dola from the Blue Mountains? You two used to be friends way back when…who knows, maybe she's your One?"

"Sorry to disappoint you," Fili laughed, shaking his head. "But I have it on very good authority that Dola is craft-wed…and has been for a number of years."

"Really? How do you know?" This was news to Kili.

"She told me so herself," he answered, his hand unconsciously going to cover his left cheek as he spoke. "Right after she slapped my face…when I tried to kiss her."

"WHAT? You tried to kiss Dola?" Kili was shocked. "That was a bold move, even for you, Fili! You know she has four older brothers who are even more protective than Dori! You could have been killed!"

"Thankfully I wasn't. But Dola made it perfectly clear that she had no interest in being a wife or a mother. That dam is dead set on focusing on her metal work and nothing else." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Yet with such an impressive right hook, I believe she should've become a shield maiden."

"Wait…if Dola is craft-wed, then why is Amad bringing her here to meet you?" Kili questioned, scratching his head in confusion.

"Political reasons," Fili said with a shrug. "It would have been a slight to the Longbeards if a dam from one of the noble houses wasn't at least in the running. However, Amad knows that if I chose from my own clan, the others might cry foul. Thorin made it very clear that it would be better all-around if I picked a lass from one of the other six houses."

"Oh, Mahal! This is getting ridiculous!" Kili grumbled.

"Really…you don't say?" Fili said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Still, the money Dola would bring back would enhance her family's riches, as well as support her metal work for a good many years. However, the bottom line is, I won't be choosing her, and I'm pretty sure she knows it. So, in truth, my selections are now down to six."

"Well, don't write off the possibility that one of them is Mahal's match for you," Kili urged. "And going into this with an open mind, and heart, is your best bet for happiness, Brother."

Fili couldn't say he agreed with Kili, but to be honest, he just didn't want to disappoint his naddith by arguing further on the matter. It wouldn't change the outcome, and there was no sense in making everyone around him as miserable as he was.

"You're right," Fili stated, putting on a brave face and turning away from where the six dams had disappeared around a corner. "There's always the chance they might not be too bad. Besides, I've put up with you for nearly eighty years, I suppose I could tolerate an annoying dam for the rest of my life as well."

"HEY!" Kili scoffed, reaching out and giving Fili's arm a playful punch. "I'm trying to be helpful here and you turn on me like a traitorous orc? That's low, brother, truly low."

"Well, teasing you seems to be the only joy I have left. You won't take that away from me too, will you?" the blond prince asked, his jest tinged with a hint of sorrow. Kili's face crumbled and he let his arm encircle his brother's shoulder.

"If that's what gets you through the day, Nadad…then go ahead, tease away," he offered. "I can take it."

"I do thank you for the offer," Fili replied, throwing his own arm over his brother's shoulder and leading him away from where they had been standing. "However, I will try my best to refrain from pummeling you with my razor-sharp barbs too often."

"It would be appreciated," Kili laughed, giving Fili an affectionate hug. "My hide might be thick, but my heart is rather tender."

"And that's one of the things I love about you," Fili admitted, the two heading off towards dining hall, eager to get something to eat. "Never change, Little Brother. Never change."

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Réann, of the Stiffbeard clan, walked solemnly behind the other five dams and their escorts, unable to take her eyes off the magnificent dwarven city of legends around her. However, she had not come to gawk at the scenery, nor was she there to catch the eye of a prince, she reminded herself. No, Réann had journeyed from the Grey Mountains for one reason alone, and that was to help her people through the upcoming winter, and perhaps much more.

Her father, Lord Darmin, had been hesitant to allow his only daughter to volunteer for this privilege, not wanting her to enter a loveless marriage, even if it was to the crown prince of Erebor. Yet, after much arguing and debate, he at last agreed to her insistence that the gold being offered would go a long way in aiding their people, who would otherwise suffer greatly through the cold winter in the Grey Mountains. Times had been hard for most dwarves leading up to the retaking of Erebor, and while things had improved greatly with the line of Durin back on the throne, it would still take great effort for the Grey Mountain Stiffbeard clan to pull themselves out of the near poverty their kingdom had fallen into.

Her father had done much to ensure his people survived the constant raids from the Gundabad orcs, not to mention the occasional attacks by goblins and Easterlings. Many of the families had given up, choosing to abandon their homeland and relocate to safer territory, but Lord Darmin had held strong, doing all he could to fortify their small cities and mines. And though the mountains were not littered with the rich gems or gold mined in Erebor, it was the finest quality steel that they produced. Sadly, no one knew this for without the dwarves united under one kingdom, trade between them had nearly become non-existent. However, now with Erebor restored, and King Thorin determined to unite the clans once more, there was a chance for trade to resume. The financial state of the Grey Mountains could majorly improve…and Réann was determined to see it happen.

So, she had volunteered to come, to offer herself as one of the candidates from the seven clans and meet this mysterious prince that very few had laid eyes on. It was said that he had been born in exile, far away in the Blue Mountains where his uncle, the now King of Erebor, had taken his people when the Lonely Mountain fell. Fili's mother, the Princess Dis, had married there, producing two sons whom Thorin Oakenshield then named as his heirs, promising the oldest the right to one day rule after him, should he ever retake the mountain from the dreaded dragon, Smaug. Well, now that this had come to pass, the line of succession apparently needed to be strengthened, and word was it needed to be done quickly.

"Welcome to your chambers, my ladies," one of their escorts announced, pulling Réann out of her private thoughts. She watched as the dam stepped forward and opened a large door, waving her hand to invite them inside.

Once more Réann followed the others through the grand archway, hearing all the dams gasp and giggle at the opulent surroundings. It was a spacious room that she could only assume was used for gatherings, with a fireplace in each corner, and many tables and chairs for lounging. Around the room there were seven doors, each one seemingly leading to a private bed chamber for each dam. It would seem that the king of Erebor had thought of everything. And while she was completely in awe of the furnishings and accommodations, Réann couldn't say she was tickled by the idea of sharing her leisure time with a few of the other candidates she had met so far. Still, it was what she signed on for, and she was not about to back out now.

It would appear that all seven dams were to be afforded exquisite quarters during their stay, and though they would be sequestered during that time, at least no one could complain about the accommodations. Réann had even noted that all their guards and escorts were female, the king having gone to great lengths to see that they were kept from interacting with any males, be they nobles, miners…or the crown prince. Réann had to laugh at the notion, seeing as how she had no interest in finding a mate here, no matter his station. She had come for the promise of gold, and the hopes of forming a trade agreement with the king. Thus, she planned to do all she could to come off as the most unsuitable and undesirable marriage mate possible!

"This room will be for your use, and yours's alone," their guard stated. "My shield-maidens and I will be outside this door at all times, both for your protection and should you need anything. The king wishes you to be comfortable during your stay, as well as well looked after. Please do not hesitate to inform us of any request you might have." And with that, the few dams who had been escorting them exited the room and shut the door behind them.

In a flash, most of the lasses raced for the bedchambers, squealing with delight as they claimed the one they wanted. In the end, Réann was left with only two choices, though in her mind it mattered not which one she took.

"My Lady, this way," came the soft-spoken voice of Amara, Réann's dear companion and lady's maid since she was very young. "This one here seems nice."

Réann gave her friend a warm smile before turning to follow, rolling her eyes at the other five giddy females and their actions. Still, as Réann reached up to remove her veil, and looked around the room she had just walked into, she could definitely see the draw to living in such a magnificent kingdom. The stone was as smooth as glass, the color a warm and inviting shade of green, and the intricate tapestries that hung on her wall alone would take at least a month to fully inspect. Erebor was truly all everyone had said it was and more.

"Are you sure you don't want to catch Prince Fili's eye?" Amara asked, as she set their packs down and stared at the grandeur around them.

Réann's eyes snapped back to where Amara stood, giving a sniff of indifference.

"Granted, this place is amazing, but no amount of gold, riches, or luxury could induce me to sign my life away and marry a dwarf I do not love," she stated firmly. "I will, however, be more than happy to visit from time to time on diplomatic missions, once a trade route has been established between Erebor and the Grey Mountains. I have a duty to fulfill…and that's the only reason I'm here."

"If you say so," Amara said with a shrug, still in awe of everything she had seen. "Though I suppose, marrying into the line of Durin does have its drawbacks."

"Oh? How so?" Réann questioned, not having seen anything thus far that might be considered a determent…other than marriage to a complete stranger.

"Well…the sons of Durin have been a target for the enemy for as long as any can recall, hunted by all who would like to see their line wiped out," the young maid pointed out. "Not to mention…the gold sickness that runs through their blood. Maybe that's why a bride for the crown prince is being sought after this way, and at such great haste. "

Réann had heard rumors about the gold sickness that had supposedly driven King Thrór mad, but she had never put much faith in such tales. And from what she had been told of the destruction of the dragon, and the battle that followed, the sons of Durin had fought bravely, bringing great honor and renown to their clan. Besides, if there was such a sickness running through their family, why would they be allowed to remain on the throne? No…it must all simply be a fabricated rumor, and nothing more.

"It's best you don't put too much stock in gossip, Amara," Réann insisted, waving off such conjecture. "They say not to judge a sword by its sheath, nor should we judge a dwarf…or his clan…before appraising them ourselves."

"Sage advice, My Lady," Amara agreed with a bow of her head. "I will withhold my opinion until I am better informed." She then turned around in a circle, inspecting the room's furnishings. "What would you like to do first? Shall I unpack your belongings while you go out into the communal room and visit with the other dams?"

"Mahal, no!" Réann gasped, scrunching up her nose in distaste. "I plan on spending as little time with those nosey busy bodies as I absolutely have to." She then reached for one of her packs and flopped it on the bed, opening it up and extracting a sheaf of parchment along with a bottle of ink and a quill. "And the first thing I wish to do is send a message to my father and let him know I've arrived safely."

"Well, you might find it a bit difficult to send a message if you plan to remain cooped up in here all the time, and it would also appear that you are not allowed to wander freely through the kingdom until the seventh dam arrives," Amara reminded her. "And with the guards stationed outside the doors, I don't think sneaking out is going to be an option. I believe they are very serious about keeping all the candidates under wraps until it's time for you to be introduced to Prince Fili."

"Oh, pish," Réann said in a dismissive manner, taking her stationary over to a nearby desk and sitting down. "I grew up with three protective brothers, and a fretful father, which means I'm a master at sneaking out when I wish."

"Wouldn't it be just as easy to ask them to send your message by way of one of their ravens?" the maid asked, looking a bit concerned by her mistress' covert intentions.

"And run the risk of them reading what I plan to write? Hardly!" Réann chuckled, not at all wishing to be censored in her private conversations with her father. "I'll have Jareth deliver it for me."

Amara nodded in understanding, knowing full well that her mistress spoke of her favorite white snow owl, the large birds of prey long having been employed by the Grey Mountain dwarves as curriers.

Of course, Réann knew she would have to wait until nightfall in order to send any letters, for even though snow owls were diurnal, meaning they flew and hunted both during the day and night, they preferred the darker hours, when there was less competition for prey. Réann had made sure to continuously call Jareth to her during their trip, ensuring that he would follow her all the way to Erebor. She was certain he was now roosting in the nearby forest, just waiting for nightfall to seek her out…or at least she hoped he was.

"That still doesn't explain how you plan on getting out of here in order to give him your message," Amara continued, crossing her arms over her chest and eyeing Réann skeptically. "You might be able to sneak past your brothers, but these are Erebor guards. I'm willing to bet they might not be so easy to slip past unseen."

"Then I'll simply employ a few of the tactics that have worked well in the past." Réann said with an evil grin. "And who says I won't let them see me…or at least who they think I am."

"Which means that I'll somehow be involved as well, I assume," Amara said with a long-suffering sigh as she flopped down in a nearby chair.

"Exactly!" Réann nodded, turning back to her letter as she began to write.

Thank you all for reading. Are things off to a good start? Poor Fili...being forced into an arranged marriage, but him wanting true love. Hmmmm, I do wonder if he will find that.

Also, for those of you who were wondering, YES, I did name the white owl Jareth on purpose. Come on, who else do you think of when you see a white owl?

Here is where I would normally respond to people who send in guest reviews - so hopefully next time there will be something here. Thanks in advance!

ThatOtherWriterGirl