Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own the Hobbit, that honor goes to the wonderful J.R.R Tolkien.

The Art of Defending Ones Honor

It wasn't long before Simila found herself at the training grounds.

As a matter of fact if she was being quite honest her time in the markets went by quicker than she anticipated. Too quickly. And that was including the time it took her to drop it all off back at her house. And perhaps tidy up a bit. Alright, clean, but her father didn't have to know that. The point of the matter is, Simila was being completely ridiculous. Yes, her father was rather frightful when angered, but to go to such lengths only to prolong the inevitable was, well, ridiculous. And cowardly. Now that was a label Simila simply refused to accommodate. Besides she couldn't even be sure if her father really knew she left the mountain.

Releasing a sigh Simila stole a glance over to where he was practicing with Gloin, and decided to wait for them to finish before approaching (It need not be acknowledged that she was stalling for time to gain the tiniest shred of courage). Instead she found herself walking to the wooden fence that surrounded the grounds and took a seat on one of its posts.

Not too long ago the fence had not been there. As a matter of fact the last time she was there it hadn't even existed, and that had been naught but a few weeks ago, a while after she decided to hide from Fili and Kili. That had been the last time she had been to the training grounds until now. It wasn't hard to figure out why it was there, either, and the memory brought a scowl to Simila's face. In all honesty the reasoning was a rather typical, especially when it involved the Ili's and herself. She suspected most of the precautions Thorin took with safety around the mountain came with the added influence of 'What trouble can my nephews and that infuriating daughter of Dwalin's possibly get into here?' Well, when it came to the fence, a very enthusiastic duel that involved a lot of creative curses and insults (on her part), laughter as well as a few bets (Kili and a few spectators), with the added dose of fearing for ones life (Fili). This ended with said spectators and Kili fleeing for there lives after aforementioned enthusiastic duel carried on in their direction. Simila believed one unfortunate dwarf nearly took an axe to the knee that day. Thus, she could only guess, came to be the fence that protected the lives of those that wished to view the progress of those training.

Simila couldn't even imagine the reaction Thorin gave when he found out. No doubt something between skepticism, annoyance, and a look that clearly shown the question of: 'How does that even happen?' Well, dearest Thorin, one does not simply boast that they would "tame her yet" and get away with it. Fili tried, though. Fili also failed. None have tried since. The incident obviously wasn't too much of a problem, however. Nothing had been said about it, though that would probably be because Thorin was avoiding her company, which reminded her that she still needed to speak to him about that whole undying love thing.

Talk about uncomfortable conversations.

Another scowl crossed her face ( Simila decided that it was exceedingly hard to break old habits) and she glanced around in search of her King. She found him not too far away from where her father was practicing with Gloin, leaning against one of the wooden dummies, watching their progression. Simila pushed herself off the post and made her way over, going over what she would say to him in her mind. She didn't think "Mister Thorin, sir, even though I find you incredibly majestic, I assure you my mind and heart are completely set on my work," would suffice. Though it actually might work, Simila realized. Well minus the majestic part. That might actually alarm him.

"Careful," She warned as she drew closer, drawing Thorin's attention toward her. "This side of the fence can be quite dangerous."

For a moment, Simila swore he looked amused.

"There had not been any aggressive, temperamental dwarf-maidens about until you arrived. Perhaps now it would be best if I retreat to the other side."

How touching.

Simila placed her hand over her heart, a wide smile crossing her face. "Do you really mean that?" She asked. The look he gave her made it obvious he was questioning her sanity. She really couldn't blame him. Being generally questionable was one of her talents.

Thorin shook his head before his attention was once more drawn back to the sparring before them. Her father held the advantage, forcing Gloin into defense, their axes clashing loudly with every fierce blow delivered. Simila found herself thinking back to the years she spent training under her fathers guidance, searching for the signs that spoke of an opponents next move. Being much smaller than most of her opponents her father made her train with, being able to read body language could be a great advantage. In a real fight it could determine life or death. Watching her father now made Simila realize it had been far too long since she picked up her axe with the intent to hone in on her skills. She would certainly have to rectify that if she wished to leave the mountain again. Her father would never allow her to go anywhere if he even so much as thought she couldn't properly defend herself. Simila enjoyed leaving the mountain far too much to allow that to happen.

Her hand found its way unconsciously to the haft of one of her axes, and she was suddenly filled with the urge to make use of them. Fighting had always been one of her passions (the others being mead and smithing). She would even say she was quite skilled at it, but there was a difference when it came to a real battle where it was not only skill, but the all consuming will to live to struggle with. Her father had spent hours and years training her for battle, something she had once naively thought would be all she needed. Now that she was older and had experienced what it was like in a fight, she understood the sheer discipline and need for a leveled head. She knew what it was like to go against another's will to live, to fight knowing that it may be your last moment alive. It was something her father had warned her about, but something that could only truly be understood by encountering it first hand.

"You have not returned since then, have you?" Thorin questioned, disapproval clear in his voice. Simila turned her gaze away from the fight before them and returned them to her fathers closest friend. "You should not allow such childishness to come between your training." It took her a moment to realize he was chastising her like he would his nephews after one of their particularly foolish antics, and after the shock worn off she could only agree with him. She had, indeed, been foolish these past few days.

"I know," Simila replied after a moment of silence, a frown making its way on her face. "I will venture to mind my training better in the future."

"You can venture now," He replied, a small smile on his lips as he drew his sword. It didn't take her long to realize he was mocking her formality, and she winced upon the realization. Even as a dwarfling she would revert to speaking formally with him when she felt she was in trouble about something or the other. She had always seen Thorin as someone who deserved her upmost respect, and has always shown him nothing less than that. Even while in the process of one of Fili and Kili's pranks, something that Thorin seemed to always find some amusement in. Something he found mildly entertaining now. On the other hand she was grateful that he was willing to practice with her, not that she would be that great of challenge for him.

It did not take much convincing for Simila to draw her axes, nor did it take long for Thorin to make the first move. She barely had a moment to prepare before his sword was coming her way, and when the steel met with a loud clash Simila could feel it reverberate throughout the haft, making her arm throb with the sheer force. Holding back the urge to let out an undignified curse, Simila locked sword and axe together before bringing up her other in hopes of gaining an advantage. Thorin saw it coming and pushed her back, breaking his sword free and blocking the arc she had sent his way. They drew apart for a moment, appraising the other for a moment, trying to gage the others next move. This time Simila made the first advance, feinting to his left before striking at his right.

It might have worked on anyone less than a seasoned warrior.

Thorin dodged, and brought his sword up in a low arc toward her midsection, and if Simila had been a tad slower the blade would have undoubtedly met its mark. He was on her before she had a chance to recollect herself, his sword a blur of motion, pressing Simila into defense. It ended with her ultimately landing on her backside, the cold steel of Thorin's sword pressing against the hollow of her throat.

"You have quick reflexes. You're also quick to evaluate the situation, which will serve you well." Her bruised pride perked up at what Simila could only assume was a compliment. "Until you get overwhelmed, that is. You need practice with your foot work as well. The only reason you are on the ground right this moment is because you tripped. Now stand, we will try again until I deem your skills up to par."

What must have been hours, yet felt like years, must have passed before Thorin decided she was suitable enough to stop for the day. By that time her muscles ached, and every move she made with her arms made her want to lie down and refuse to move for the remainder of her existence. The medicine Dis had given her earlier that day had long since worn off, and her head was once more the residence of mining dwarves. A grimace crossed her face as she threw her dignity to the wind and dropped there on the grassy ground, her breathes coming out in sharp pants. Simila was sure she looked quite the sight then with her hair sprawled around her in inky tangles, face red and covered sweat. A few chuckles could be heard, but she ignored it in preference of getting her breathing back in check.

All in all she would say it was a pretty successful training session.

Simila closed her eyes for a moment, relaxing into the cool ground. She felt positively exhausted, but the sort of exhaustion that spoke of accomplishment. After all she had managed to make it out unscathed. Not only that, but she even managed to almost disarm her challenger. That was a feat, if ever there had been one, even if she ended up once more on her backside afterwards. Simila could have sworn she had even seen Thorin nod his approval afterwards. She would say a sore bum was well worth it.

A gentle prod to her shoulder told her she was no longer alone, and Simila opened an eye to see who would dare disturb her moment of peace, for such an act was deemed highly unforgivable at that moment. Said person was quickly forgive, however, after she saw they were presenting her with water. Sitting up, Simila quickly took the wonderful drink from their hands and downed the contents, some of the chilled liquid dripping down her chin in the process. The giver snorted.

"One could almost believe it is ale you're drinking," The gruff voice of her father said. Lowering the waterskin, Simila gave a grin.

"Water is the sweetest nectar a lass could find when searching for a nice drink to quench ones thirst," Simila spoke frankly. "Though ale is the preferred ambrosia."

"Aye to that, lass!" Gloin agreed with a laugh. Her father shook his head, a grin crossing his brusque features in what appeared to be a scowl, and held out his hand for her to take. She accepted gladly, and dusted herself off. She would need to take a trip to the bathing corridors later. Sweat was not her favorite scent, and she certainly didn't need to hear any joke-

"I still need to speak with you, Simila," Her fathers voice cut into her thoughts, and she froze mid-swipe before collecting herself.

"Yes," She commented hesitantly, her heart once more racing with the panic she felt earlier that day. "What is it, da?"

Silence, and not the comforting sort. Simila couldn't bring herself to look her father in the eye, preparing herself to be thoroughly chastised for her recklessness; for leaving the mountain. Having busied herself with flicking non-existing flecks of dirt off herself, she nearly flinched when her father gently grasped her chin between calloused fingers, forcing her to face him. His dark eyes traced her face, taking in the dark bruise that had formed after her altercation with the rock she had met while jumping from the cliff the night before.

Honestly, what was she thinking? She really wanted to know what was going through her mind when she did that.

"Did you get that while defending Kili's honor?" Gloin questioned, having taken notice of where her fathers attentions had turned to. Unlike her father, though, he wore a grin and- wait, what? I defended Kili's honor? Simila though to herself, cursing her forgetfulness. If she had actually asked after what happened the night before, she could have avoided situations such as this.

"Nay," Thorin spoke up. "It was she who did the bruising there. Some she-dwarf dared suggest Kili came to be by an indiscretion between Dis and an elf." He spat the last part out, anger coloring his words just as it shown clearly on his face. Simila felt herself get consumed by rage. That was not only a slight against Kili, but one against Dis as well. Simila's hands unconsciously clenched tightly into fists, and her father looked to Thorin in mirroring rage.

"Who was this she-dwarf?" He questioned.

"An admirer of Fili's. From what I was told she made some slight against him, then insulted Kili and Dis after he defended his brother." Thorin went silent for a moment after that, his brows drawing together. "She had given Fili her token. He turned it down." Understanding dawned on Gloin's and her fathers faces then.

For a dwarf-maiden to give one a token was to declare her full love and devotion to him. Once declared, there would be no other. He would either accept her and they would wed, or deny her where she would go on never loving another. It took a great amount of courage to do this, knowing that if it were to be denied the rest of their existence would be one of loneliness and heartache. After all a dwarf only loves once. This was one of the reasons it took many years before any courting may begin. Certainty was a necessity. Situations like Fili's were rare, however. In most cases of love the feelings are mutual, and the token would gladly be accepted and celebrations would be held in honor of the future couple.

In the cases in which they were denied... Well Simila did not doubt it caused Fili great pain to turn his admirer down, to knowingly condemn one to a loveless life. It was not something he would wish upon anyone.

This was not an excuse to insult anyone, though. A dignified dwarf-maiden would have accepted it with grace, and went about her life. Her pride would have never allowed her to stoop to such childish behavior, much less insult her princes and their mother. Simila did no regret hurting this she-dwarf. As a matter of fact, if she were presented the opportunity to do so again, she would take the chance gladly. Sympathy came easily, but her forgiveness did not, and one glance at the other three dwarves around her told her she was not alone in that.

Gloin excused himself not long after that, leaving Thorin and her father to discuss something they clearly did not wish to share with her, so Simila turned her attention to the wooden practicing dummy, striking at it with her axes and ignoring the pain that ignited in her shoulders and arms. Her mind went over a list of names of those she knew to hold Fili in high regard, and it did not take her long to realize just who it was.

Dulgura.

Well, that would explain the bruise and the look she had received earlier that morning. And the general pettiness displayed the night before. Simila honestly wondered what would posses Dulgura to give Fili her token. For as long as Simila could remember he had made it quite clear he held no interest in her. He had even once outright told her that he held no romantic inclinations toward her whatsoever. She had ignored it, just as she had every other time. Dulgura was stubborn, and set on him. Simila didn't truly believe that she really loved him, either. What she loved was the thought of marrying the prince that would one day be king.

It was the title she was after, like so many other she-dwarfs, which honestly angered Simila. If she were to be quite honest Fili would one day make a great king and husband. He was loyal and caring, fiercely protective of those he loved. He held a great sense of humor (at times), yet knew when things should be taken seriously. And though she would never verbally admit it, Fili was quite handsome. She couldn't understand how these attributes could so easily be overlooked for something as trivial as a title, and hoped that one day he would find himself a lovely dwarf-maiden that would love him for him.

Simila sighed and twirled her axes before putting them away. Such thoughts were not common for her to ponder over. She had never been like other she-dwarves. Love was not something she cared to experience. As a matter of fact it was something she actively tried to avoid. As in she literally ran from it. Physically, mentally and emotionally. She had not been lying when she said her mind and heart was set on her work. To her, that was more than enough to keep her content. That and her friends and father. Nothing else mattered, and nothing ever will.

Realizing that it was only silence that surrounded her then, Simila turned to see Thorin had left, and her father was quietly observing her.

"You seemed lost in thought," He commented tersely. "Didn't want to disturb you."

"It's fine," She shrugged, walking toward him slowly. "What was it you wished to speak to me about?"

"We're having company for dinner tonight. Wanted to make sure you prepare enough to feed us all."

Oh.

Well that wasn't very frightening at all. Simila suddenly felt very childish for her behavior that day, and would have groaned if it were not for her fathers presence. That would have surely tipped him off. Now the only question she had was the reasoning behind the company. Sure, it was not rare to host large dinners with family and friends, but Dwalin had always been rather solitary for a dwarf. When dinners were to be held, it would normally be done at another's home.

"And who all will be in attendance?" She questioned, trying to get and idea of what all she should prepare. "And what's the occasion?" That one was just for her curiosity more than anything, though she tried to hide it.

The look he gave told her told she wasn't fooling anyone. It also seemed to relay the message of "you know very well who will be attending." No response to her last question, but she supposed she would find out why later on. Her curiosity would have to wait.

"All right, then." Her visit with Dori came to mind then. She still needed to deliver the weapons and crafts she had forged. "Da, will you take a few things to Dori for me?"

Her father released an exasperated huff and glared down at her. "Am I your errand boy now, girl?"

Simila widened her eyes and drew her brows together in the pleading expression she used against him since she was a dwarfling. "Please, da?"

A scowl crossed his face before he gave a curt nod. "Fine." He said, and left her there grinning at his back in triumph. Her father can act as gruff as he wanted. She knew there was more to him than that.

Later on that evening Simila found herself seating the table for ten.

Not long after her father left she had went to bathe before heading home to start dinner, where she found her uncle Balin resting in his chair before the hearth where he told her the precise number of guests for that nights dinner. Seven. Ten, if her father, uncle and herself were counted as well. Gloin was coming, along with his wife and Gimli. So was Thorin, Dis, Fili and Kili.

He also let her in on what the dinner was for.

Not too long ago Thorin had left the mountain upon hearing word that his father had been seen wandering the wilds of Dunland and went in search of him. He had not spoke much about his journey, nor of his findings, but Simila had assumed it was because he had found nothing and returned. Apparently something had, in fact, transpired and he wanted to discuss it with those closest to him. Simila wondered if that was what they had been whispering about the night before in the Drunken Miner. She was fairly certain it was.

She had been exceedingly busy the past two hours since she returned home and was told the news by her uncle, and was glad her he decided to help her. She was certain that if she had to do it alone she would have ended up pulling her hair out from the sheer amount of pressure she felt. That and her mind kept straying back to what Thorin may have to say later, and it was admittedly distracting her from the task at hand. As much as she loved food, cooking it was not one of her favorite pass times. Especially when she had things on her mind. She was far better at eating it.

Simila stood before the table once she finished placing the utensils, and mentally thought over what all she had done, trying to make sure she had not forgotten anything. The center of the long wooden table was filled with a variety of meats and diced potatoes. Plates and silverware were set out, as well as tankard's. Ale was a necessity, and had been taken care of before she had even began cooking. All in all Simila believed everything was in order for the night, and gave herself a mental pat on the back before thanking her uncle for his help.

It was not much longer that the first knock on the door came, and her father, who had busied himself with his pipe, stood from his seat to answer it. Not a moment later the sound of muffled voices met her ears as her father greeted their guests, and then footsteps as they made their was to the dinning hall. The first to appear was Thorin, who nodded her way in greeting before taking his seat. Next came Dis, followed soon after by her sons, who were laughing about something or the other. Kili broke away from his elder brother and made his way toward her.

"How fare you this evening, my lovely Simila?" He questioned, and Simila heard a snort come from Dis' direction as he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Her brow furrowed at this, and Simila was embarrassed to admit her face heated up at the gesture. So their back to this again, She thought in exasperation, forcing back a groan. Why? Just why? Simila sent a pleading look toward the older dwarves in the room, but they were either pointedly ignoring the scene before them (Thorin, who had long since gave up on trying to stop them from such acts), or were looking on in amusement, though the expression of Dis' face resembled something more akin to malicious glee. Simila held no doubts on where the Ili's gained their personalities.

Before she had a chance to respond Fili was before her, a charming smile on his face as he took her hand from his brothers and repeated the gesture, looking her right in the eye as he did so. "Fair Simila, how my heart wept so since our last parting. Every second away from you feels as if centuries have past."

What are they doing?

Laughter filled the room, and Simila felt her face heat up further. She scowled. "I'm certain, then, that the last five hours must have been positively excruciating then."

Fili placed his free hand over his hear and nodded mournfully. "Indeed it has, my fair lady. But now that I am once more in your presence-"

"I know incredibly slow and truly excruciating methods on how to keep you from being so miserable permanently in the future," Simila cut in, a large smile working its way on her face as ideas began to flood her mind. They were positively delightful. "I hate the thought of our parting paining you so."

She barely heard her father murmur something along the lines of, "that's my girl." Instead her grey eyes were locked with Fili's as he regarded her thoughtfully, before he gave a nod and sent a grin toward his brother, holding out his hand in which Kili grumpily dropped his coin purse in. "Told you she didn't appreciate sentimental romance. She much rather keep it simple and straightforward," He said, before taking his seat, Kili following soon after.

Oh.

So that was what they were doing. Making bets. On her. And romance. Two things that did not, and would never, go together. Though she had to admit, Fili had been right. Hearing those words leave his mouth made her stomach churn uncomfortably. Kili's approach, though no less unnerving, was far more preferred. More so if his mouth hadn't touched her skin.

A knock on the door broke Simila out of her thoughts, and before her father could stand from his seat, she quickly told him that she would get it and rushed out of the room. She took a moment to gather herself before answering the door. It was Gloin and his family, not that it came as a surprise, though Simila was admittedly glad to see Gimli and his mother Ovala. They would serve as great respite for her throughout the night.

"Mister Gloin," She greeted with a smile. "Ovala, Gimli, I'm glad you could make it." Gloin gave her a smile and a nod before making his way to the dinning hall. Ovala swept her into a hug and caressed her cheek before following her husband, leaving Simila and Gimli at the door. He was grinning at her in that way he did when he was a dwarfling. The way that spoke volumes of, "I know something that you don't know."

"You're blushing, lass," He commented offhandedly, grin still in place. "I take it Fili and Kili are here, then."

"They are."

"Then they already began." He seemed a little despondent by this, but that grin never left his face. Simila was beginning to worry when he leaned forward and whispered, "I know why," before leaving her standing there alone in the hallway, her mind struggling to work over his parting words.

A/N: In apology for how long it took me to post this, I wrote precisely 4,774 words (not including disclaimer and A/N) and eight pages for you. I honestly tried getting this up sooner, but it was like everything I wrote just didn't feel right and if I had forced it... well, it would have been downright terrible. That and I found myself constantly questioning myself. 'Are Thorin, Dwalin, Gloin, Fili and Kili in character?' or 'Am I laying it on a bit thick with Fili and Kili?' Then there was the constant worry of rather or not it all made sense. Seeing as this is self edited, I can honestly say it is probably not the best written chapter, but I did try.

Now, concerning Gloin's family. I could not find anything referring to his wife. No name- nothing. So I created Ovala who's personality has yet to be seen. As for Gimli, he honestly seemed out of character to me, but considering that he is drastically younger than he would be in Lord of the Rings. I believe he was only sixty five when Thorin and the company left to take back Erebor, which is pretty young in dwarf years so he would likely not be as mature. I hope his characterization is alright, as well as the others. I tried to stay true to their personalities.

Reviews:

daydreamer0001: I'm glad you think so! And I apologize I took so long to update. I hope you enjoy this chapter(:

Dalonega Noquisi: I'm happy to see you are enjoying this story. If I'm quite honest, it's my baby. I've been working hard on it. You were spot on with Fili's admirer, and I hope this explains a bit of what happened the night before. As for Fili/OC, I haven't quite worked out the pairing yet, but I agree that there isn't enough out there. He happens to be my personal favorite.

BornScreaming: I'm pleased that you do, and thank you. I certainly will keep it up(:

Vargavinter: Thank you! An I do try to keep it true to the world, so I am happy to hear you think the language is appropriate. Dwalin is one of my favorite characters (along with Fili, Kili, Ori, Bofur, Thorin and of course Bilbo) and this story actually came from my ponderings of what he would be like as a father. Then came the thought of what his child would be like, and thus came to be Simila. As for Dis, well she was the only named dwarf-maiden named I believe, and she is the mother to Fili and Kili. It seemed wrong to leave her out, plus I admittedly always wondered what she would be like. As for the pairing Fili/OC would definitely fit, but as of right now I'm still unsure.

blaahblaahblaah: More has finally arrived! I apologize it took so long, though. Hope you enjoy(:

Kcaelle: I'm glade you think so(: And thank you for telling me that. I spent a while considering how to present the relationship between Fili, Kili and Simila so its definitely a relief to hear you think its believable. And I'm glad to see you like Simila, it took a while to get her the way I wanted. I hope you enjoy!

Well that's it. Please review and tell me what you think, I find your input incredibly encouraging and thank you for that(: