Day Two: Presents/Gifts
(NOTE: I'm not savvy on dwarf weapon history so forgive me if there are any inaccuracies. I simply took liberties here. And this is a bit of a continuation of the first chapter though it can also stand on its own.)
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The elf warrior marveled at the item that the young dwarf was presenting to her. It was an ornate dagger with runes etched on the sheath and even along the blade itself. The craftsmanship was exquisite and it was clearly a weapon that could rival those wrought by her own kin.
"A handsome blade," she said admiringly.
"This was forged by the great dwarf-smiths of old," Kili explained, "and passed along the line of Durin for generations. A beloved heirloom and now it is yours."
Tauriel's eyes widened incredulously. "I cannot possibly accept such a precious gift."
"But you must," he insisted, "for it is a trifle compared to the gift you have bestowed on me, that of my life."
"But I already said," she began to protest.
"Please," he interrupted her, raising the dagger to her with both his hands and with his head bowed, "I do not know how else I can repay your kindness."
Tauriel could not help but smile. She had heard much about the stubbornness of dwarves but in this case she found this trait admirable. She was learning fast that they had a very strong sense of honor as well as a long memory.
They never forgave and they never forgot. Those had been the words in the tales she had heard. And she realized now that these applied to favors as well as slights. A dwarf's gratitude was nothing if not relentless, and that was what made them so noble.
"I am learning more and more about them with each passing day," she thought, "and I hope that I will have more opportunities to get to know them all better." She hesitated to add, particularly a warm but reckless, dark-haired archer.
Setting her musings on dwarf culture aside, she turned her attention back to the dwarf in question. How could anyone resist such earnestness?
"Then, it is an honor to accept this most precious gift, Master Dwarf," she said sincerely as she accepted the offering with both hands.
The grin that spread over Kili's face made the gesture all the more enjoyable.
"May you plunge it into many a goblin heart," he declared excitedly, eliciting a laugh from the elf maiden.
"I am certain we will have many an opportunity for that ere long," she conceded somewhat gravely. Kili noticed the shift in her expression and boldly laid a hand on hers. She looked at him with a curious but grateful expression.
"And may this noble blade come to your aid when the moment is dire," he added solemnly, "may it save your life as you have saved mine."