NOTE: Hey guys been a long time lol. For those of you new to the story, basically I'm trying to create a love interest for Thorin. Frankly the hobbit lacks a little romance haha. For those who have already read this story I thank you for your continued patience. I know it's been a long haul. As you can see I have restructured the story a little bit to make longer chapters. There is a new one at the end. REMEMBER: any and all reviews are greatly appreciated.

I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS CREATED BY J.R. TOLKEIN

As Nola and Thorin grew up, they began to understand that their promise was more of a dream than they would have liked. Thorin was the grandson of the king and Nola the daughter of a lord. They led a luxurious life, but they each had their own set of obligations that need attending to.

On a daily basis Thorin was taught politics, the art of combat, warfare and anything else he might need to know as a future king. Every night he would return to his chambers bruised while pondering diplomatic possibilities and decision-making. He found himself engrossed in his lessons to the point where others showed no doubt that he would one day make a great ruler.

Nola on the other hand, could not have been more uninterested with the court life of her station. For starters, Nola herself was unusual. It was common for dwarf women to be undistinguishable from dwarf men. They were stout and proudly displayed long and think beards. Nola however, grew up into a slim hourglass shaped and full woman. Everything from her ears to her toes was small and dainty. With long auburn hair that hung to the small of her back and no beard to speak of, she was very different from the rest of her race and gender.

Instead of shunning his daughter, Norbar decided that he would develop her into a prize that he could sell for top dollar. He viewed Nola as a piece of merchandise and was sure she would attract suitors and her father began disagree drastically about her upbringing. She was forced into music, singing, dancing, painting and worst of all embroidery. It's was true she had some skill with a harp and some vocal talent. But, her music teacher was so drab each lesson felt like it took years to complete. Her only consolation was her secret meetings with Thorin.

Whenever they could spare the time, the two of them would meet and he would relay to her everything he was taught. They would clash swords until their legs were numb and discuss politics until they became blue in the face. This became the only time they could see each other in private and it was extremely limited.

As they grew older, their social statuses required them to attend festivities in the great hall and socialize with old grumps sprouting worn tales of heroic battles. Thorin did have a few friends among the sons of the lord's but they believed Nola to be too much of a flower to take part in their manly activities and conversation. She settled to conversing with drab girls her own age with which she had nothing in common. The effort to spend time with each other grew more and more futile until their world was shattered all together.

Nola was in her room polishing the sword Thorin commissioned for her when her father decided to share his news. He barged in with a hasty announcement from Nola's ladies in waiting. She quickly stashed the sword under her bed just as he marched through the door.

"Nola there you are!" He boomed. "I have exciting news! King Thrór has granted me Lordship of Moria!"

"Congratulations father!" She exclaimed. After a pause she hesitantly asked: "What do that entail for the fate of our family."

"Well I have some quick business to attend to while we are still in the city, but, I am confident we will be prepared to leave in three days' time" he stated.

"What exactly do you mean leave?" She asked alarmed.

"We are going to take up residency in Moria" He told her.

"Father, I can't leave! Our life is here!" She exclaimed.

"What were you expecting? I cannot govern Moria from Erebor Nola." He chuckled.

"Then tell Thrór you do not want the position!" She begged.

"Of course I want the position! I'm not going to turn it down because my daughter doesn't want to move!" He hollered.

"Father please! For me, could we not leave?"

"Nola this is not up for discussion!"

"Fine! You can go to Moria, but I'm staying here" she declared resolutely.

"That's ridiculous! I won't allow it! You are my daughter and you will obey my command." He took a step towards her. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of the sword under her bed. He bent down and grabbed the hilt.

"How did you get this sword?" He asked in a low menacing tone.

Nola raised her chin defiantly: "Thorin gave it to me".

Norbar bent down until he was nose to nose with her. His next words were chilling and sent a shiver of fear through Nola.

"You are never to speak to him again; in fact, you are not to leave this room. You will stay her and be prepared to leave in three days' time or so help me I will drag you to Moria."

"No!" she screamed "I will not leave!"

Norbar drew back his arm and struck Nola across the face. She fell to the floor clutching her bloody nose, looking up to her father with hatred in her eyes. It wasn't until he left the room until she allowed the tears to fall.

…

Thorin woke up, annoyed by the light glaring through his window but comforted by the sound of his manservant striking the flint to light the fire.

"What's on the agenda today Gori?" he asked while sitting up in bed.

Gori straightened up and gave a quick bow. "Sorry to disturb you my lord. Just the usual…lessons and such."

"Regular day then?"

"Yes sir. Oh I almost forgot…I have a letter for you. The servant who gave it to me expressed that you not open it until this morning." Gori reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. Thorin reached for it and gently pulled it open.

Dear Thorin,

My father has been granted a position of high honor. Your grandfather has appointed him Lord of Moria. In light of his new status, my father has decided to move our family to the mines where he may better govern them. We began our journey yesterday morning. Unfortunately, there were circumstances that prevented me from biding you farewell. I wanted you to know I will think of you fondly and I thank you for granting me many wonderful memories. I will miss you dearly.

Nola

Thorin re-read the letter twice before launching from his bed and grabbing Gori by his collar.

"When was this letter delivered?!"

"T-two days ago my lord!" yelled Gori, who had become very alarmed.

Thorin released his grip and dashed out the door. He took off faster than a flying arrow down the hall. He had been blind to the situation not realizing that Nola's lack of communication must have meant something. He thought she had just been occupied with lady lessons or what have you. He should have known it was odd that he hadn't heard from her in days. But he would make things right. His mission was to find her and he would not return until Nola was by his side.

Thorin was so distracted, he merely ran into his father, Thrain, who was admiring a golden goblet.

"Whoa! Hold it right there. What's the rush about?" Thrain asked his son.

"Father I don't have the time. Nola left for Moria yesterday and I have to catch up to them." Thorin rushed out in a huff.

Thrain grabbed him by the shoulders and spun him around and began to lead Thorin to his room. "Oh no you don't. You have duties to attend to my boy."

Thorin wrestled from his father's grip. "Sorry father this is more important than sword training."

"I'm afraid it isn't. Besides, what are you expecting to happen even if you do reach them in time? You think Norbar is just going to let his daughter walk out on him? Without a marriage promise it would be a dishonor to her family." Thrain stated logically.

"Fine then I'll marry her, whatever it takes!" replied Thorin determined as ever.

"Do you know how extensive the rituals are for a dwarf woman to become bound to a prince of the line of Durin? Her father is occupied with adjusting to his new position. He isn't going to have the time support her through it and negotiate all the terms."

Thorin fell silent.

"And another point, how do you even know she wants to become your wife. Did she say anything before she left or give you any indication that was her wish?" Thrain asked

"I received a farewell letter." Thorin mumbled.

"Well you have your answer, she was ready to say goodbye"

Thorin sighed as his father released his shoulders. A glazed look passed over his face and he stared out a nearby balcony.

"Are you o.k. Thorin?" Thrain asked in concern.

"Yeah" he mumbled. "I'm going to go get suited up for sword practice…"

Thorin walked back towards his chambers in a dream-like state. There was so much he couldn't piece together. Why hadn't she talked to him before she left? How come he found out she left by s simple note? Why had no one told him? It didn't make sense.

Well if she didn't care enough to tell him she was leaving, then he wouldn't care enough to miss her. Time to focus on his training. He would be the greatest prince the halls of Erebor had ever seen. Forget about the memories she left him. The only enlightenment at the end of those trails led to heartbreak. No! No more! He was done with her! Time to move on!