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Market Day:

Over the next several months during the dark cold days of winter Dis and Lúthien became good friends.

When weather permitted they met in the market place walking, talking, admiring the rich beautiful cloths, jewels and potteries crafted by the merchants and tinkers as young woman often do. On occasion Dis even visited Lúthien at Torridan, the manor home of Lord Éomer and Lady Maribella. The pair would stroll about the manor giggling and sharing secrets all the while under the watchful eye of Varada and the stoic Peregrin. They would sit in front of the fire in Lúthien's chambers for hours on end -brushing-braiding-fashioning each other's hair, and dreaming of their future.

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It was first breakfast in the grand private dinning chamber of the royal family. Thror sat at the end of the table his wife, Queen Delamana sat to his right. Prince Thrain sat at the far end accompanied by his wife lady Anra to his right. Mixed between them was Frerin and Dis and various other members of the royal family. Conversation was light much to do about the day's events, meetings, visits etc. The huge iron doors swung open and in strolled Thorin.

"May I be excused grandfather?" Dis uttered as she shoved the last bit of bread and jam into her mouth.

King Thror inclined his head and waved the she dwarf permission.

"And where are you off to in such a hurry so early in the morn little sister?" Thorin inquired casually as he filled his plate with varies breads, fruit, meats and cheeses taken from the long buffet console.

Her mouth still filled with food she replied. "I am off to the market down in Dale to see my friend." She lifted a thick wooden mug filled with warm milk to wash down her bread and jam. Followed a loud belch.

Thorin headed to the table with his overflowing plate of food. "You have a friend?" It was not meant to come out as an insult but was taken so by his sister.

"Thorin!" She huffed throwing a whole potato at him.

He chuckled cupping her head with his hand as he drew it down to her chin and titled her head back slightly so he might kiss her forehead. "I meant no offense dearest sister. I merely implied... in Dale that you had a friend." He sat down next to her and began to eat.

"As a matter of fact I do…dear brother and she is my dearest friend in all the kingdoms." Dis rose from her chair heading off in a hurry. "Her name is Lúthien and she is the daughter of Lord Éomer."

Thorin nearly choked on the large piece of mutton he had just shoved into his mouth- his eyes wide opened as he watched his sister run from the dining chamber. Heavy lids closed then slowly reopened finding himself staring at his plate unable to partake anymore as the words from out of his sister's mouth repeated over and over in his head. Lúthien. Thick heavy forearms braced either side of his plate, he was deep in his own thoughts until Frerin reached over and punched him in his arm. "Thorin" The younger grunted deeply at his older brother. "You are far away brother." Frerin smiled and winked, whispering. "No doubt with some she dwarf pleasuring you beneath the warmth of your furs." Frerin grabbed Thorin's shoulder with a squeeze -winching as the stern voice of his mother Lady Arna snapped sharply. "Frerin... this is no place for talk like that." Thorin's brows furrowed as deep blues cast toward his younger brother.

Moments later he pushed his chair back from the massive table and without word hurried out the door. He headed down the corridor and to the entrance. He met with Dis near at the front gates. He caught her off guard as he stepped in front of her.

"Thorin." She smiled with great surprise.

He towered over her (for he was much taller than most dwarves) looking down into eyes that matched in color his own- smiling lovingly. "I thought I might accompany you to the market." He inclined his head.

"You?" She was taken by surprised at his invitation for Thorin rarely if ever went to the market.

"Aye... me." He smiled with a soft chuckle.

"Accompany me?" She looked up suspiciously into crystal blues. "You desire to go... with me?"

"Aye...with you" He smirked lowering his voice.

"To… the….. market?" She stepped back studying him curiously, placing the tip of her finger on his chest. "Let me see if I understand this correctly Thorin- you ... desire to go to the market ... with me?"

"Aye, Dis… to the market." He attempted to look offended. "With you." He placed the tip of his finger on her nose and laughed.

"But, Thorin, you never go to the market." She said scratching her temple.

"Well." He stammered for a moment to think of some logical reason. "I am to be king someday and as such... I should... " He seemed to have lost his ability to thinking quickly on his feet for a few moments. "Dis... I have too been to the market often... enough... beside...I have been charged by grandfather to ensure that certain goods are being sold at market price." He shrugged.

"Hhhmmmm, alright Thorin but you are behaving in an odd manner indeed."

Dis furrowed her brows and shrugged. The daily running of the kingdom never interested here. At any rate she would enjoy his company as he rarely spent time with her now that he was being groomed to take over the running of the kingdom when his time came. She smiled and slipped her arm through his. He winked and pat her hand as they headed over the path towards Dale. Spring was approach the weather was partly cloudy and crisp with mountain air. They talked as they strolled. He listened intently to all she had to say hoping that she would mention her new friend. When finally she did not he grew impatient. He wanted to be careful not to tip Dis off that he was interested in Lúthien in any other manner accept passing interest as her older brother.

"So….this new friend of yours….." That was all he had to say and Dis rambled on and on for the rest of walk. She told him all about Lúthien and he listened -intently smiling and nodding his head. She told him of kindness, her beautiful voice when she sang and how she was a friend- loyal and true. Thorin looked skyward taking in every word. He had not even noticed that they finally reached the market-Dis immediately began looking for Lúthien.

She pulled on Thorin's arm. "Come on Thorin.. I swear by all that is in Erebor you are slow." Then she saw Lúthien, released Thorin's arm and ran to her friend. He stood back, folding his arms over his chest watching the delight in his young sister as she greeted her friend. The pair nearly danced around in a circle each bracing the other's forearm, giggling and laughing in sheer delight. But all that was in Durin's name she was a beautiful creature. Thorin thought to himself as he watched them. The young prince smiled, shook his head and pushed off towards them. He took a deep breath hoping that time had healed her anger with him for taking her over his knees and thrashing. He would soon find out either way.

When the pair ceased with their circle greeting Lúthien's back was towards Thorin- so she did not see him fast approaching. When he reached them he stood as close to Lúthien as he could without alerting her. The females continued with their chatter until Dis reached behind Lúthien's right side grabbing a fist full of Thorin's sleeve material and pulled him forward. "There is someone I want you to meet" she said at the same time as she pulled Lúthien toward her, spinning her slightly so that that she and Thorin faced one another. "This is my eldest brother Thorin." Dis gleamed with pride and excitement.

He smiled softly not only with his lips but his eyes. Lúthien noted that he seemed different, kinder. He inclined his head. "M'lady Lúthien…tis good to see you again." He paused waiting for her reaction to seeing him. He held his breath for a moment then continued. So far so good as she had not attempted to slap his cheek. "You are looking…..well." The corners of his mouth widen into a full fledge smile and his voice deepened. Lúthien smiled, her breath hitching slightly as a noticeable hue of crimson fluched across her cheeks and she fluttered her lashes inclining her head. Dis looked from her brother to her friend then back and forth several times. Noting that these two were most definitely intrigued with one another. She smiled then quirked her brow. Had her brother just said 'again'?

"You are kind to say so prince Thorin." She blushed even deeper red and her smile caused that familiar feeling inside Thorin whenever he thought of her.

"Wait…. again?" Dis interrupted- pointing her finger one from the other. "You two have met before?" She smacked Thorin in the arm breaking him of the trance he was in. Lúthien had never spoken of her feelings for Thorin to Dis.

"Aye….once …briefly….on the south road." Thorin inclined his head.

Lúthien stood tall and folded her arms across the swells of her breasts. "And another at my brother's feast." She noted him crack his neck from side to side and shift his weight uncomfortably from boot to boot. He braced himself for a full backhanded slap. But none came.

"Aye…about that Lúthien….I wanted to say…" He looked over to her but before he could finish Lúthien snatched Dis by the arm scooping hers through and whisked her off. She began to chatter away in hopes of distracting Dis from the entire subject. They passed Peregrin who stood tall with one brow cocked and a twisted smirk on his lips.

"This should be very entertaining." He snorted as the females passed in front of him. "Entertaining indeed." Lúthien gave him a silent snarl and hiss.

Thorin grit his teeth and followed suit. Six strides and he passed Peregrin whom remained where he was-shaking his head in amusement as the young prince flew past him. He caught up with the females staying just far enough behind to hear what they were discussing.

"What did my brother mean when he said …'about that'….?" She asked as they reached their destination.

Lúthien stopped suddenly leaned in squeezing her friend's hand. "Twas nothing…..just a misunderstanding." She grabbed a hand full of material lifting it with a smile trying desperately to change the subject. "Look this is what I wanted you to see. Is it not the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?"

Throin stopped just near them. He stood examining them, watching them laugh and converse. He could not recall ever seeing her smile before nor had he heard her laugh and Dis was correct her voice did sound like the sweet sound of a song bird.

The sun's rays filtered from behind the cloud hitting Lúthien's blonde tresses in such a way they reminded him of the halls of Erebor-shining-shimmering with hues of yellow-gold- with a hint of diamonds.

Dis turned to admire some slippers and when she did the sun's rays reflected off the elegant and intricate silver and gold weaved haircomb clipped in her braids. Lúthien had not noticed it until that moment.

"Oh how lovely Dis," She oohed as her fingers gently touched the hair binding.

Dis reached her hand behind her to touch the precious metal engraving and smiled. "Oh aye it tis…thank you." She looked over towards Thorin who had maneuvered himself closer with the pretense of admiring some daggers and sheaths. "Thorin made it for me … didn't you…brother." She smiled looking from Thorin to Lúthien.

He glanced over acting as though he was unaware of the conversation. "Huh? Pardon?"

Lúthien meshed her lips to conceal a smile-because he was obviously trying to be unobvious. She thought it charming.

Dis touched her haircomb. "You made this for me…remember." Rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

"Uh…." He looked from side to side and shrugged. "Oh that… aye….. I did…last Durin's Day."

Before he knew it Lúthien had strolled over to where he stood, placed her hand on his forearm. He tensed then relinquished his muscles. She had touched him in a kindly manner. They exchanged glances- even smiles-before she whispered. "Tis indeed a lovely gift that you have bestowed on your sister prince Thorin." Slowly her head inclined all the while her eyes locked on his. "There is none in all the realms that could compares to your workmanship."

He cocked his head sideways slightly. Had his ears deceived him? Did she actually have kind words to say about his nature? Varada stood wide eyed and nearly fell over.

The mighty dwarf prince was struck speechless. Frozen where he stood, by a female from the race of man. She smiled and returned to her friend's side. Lúthien once again had her arm scooped in the crook of Dis' arm and the pair was off again. She looked back over her shoulder and inclined her head then looked at a very startled Dis.

"Lúthien, dearest friend... I do believe that you fancy my brother." she laughed softly

It wasn't until Peregrin brushed pass him was he jolted. The titan looked over his shoulder shaking his head and grunting. Leaving a stone prince where he stood.

TBC