AN: I am a ghost writer now. I've seen the BOFA trailer, and have consequently died. It was like staring into the eyes of a Basilisk, only not as yellow. To all who have yet to see the trailer: do not. Save yourself and do not watch it. Save yourself and eat waffles instead. Be happy. Do not watch the trailer. Also, welcome any new ghost readers who have seen the trailer and died. That was some pretty horrible shite, wasn't it?

Anyway.

So, I've had to crawl through this chapter; it was so grueling. Thus the terrible wait (sorry!). The major scenes had been written long ago but I needed to link them together which was boring, so that took me awhile to do. It's just been an upward slope of writer's block in every single story I have so I've been extra frustrated but trying to motivate myself.

To Lalaithiel: Hehe, I was freaking out when I saw I got a review! Thanks! ;]

To Guest (Apr 17): Omg! Thank you! That means so much to an author-in-the-making! I won't stop posting until the story's done! I've over 90 pages of material written so, I'm kind of invested haha.

To Kari R: Geez! Thank you so much! I'm not blushing at all lol. I have SO MUCH planned out for Emily it's not even funny, so I'll definitely keep continuing her story! :D

To The Big One: Where I live, it literally takes a blizzard for most schools to get off. Sometimes there'll be a delay, but if the storm is supposed to move on, we'll have school still. It does suck lol. Thanks for the info; I wasn't aware of that! Also, I anticipated that link not working; that's why I gave the search string that would lead to the picture ;]

To punky warhammer: Ah! Thank you! So chuffed it envoked an emotional response! That's such a win for me haha.

To Kendal: Thank you! I'm boldly going forward!

To Guest (Jul 14): Is that your wish…? *poof!* Granted! ;]

Chapter XVII

Of Snowballs and Swordplay

When breakfast came the next day and I sat in the Great Hall, most of the seats were vacant, save for a few grumpy old Dwarves bickering over meat pudding. It had been impossible for me to sleep, thus my uncharacteristically early start to the day. I found myself eying the empty chair a few spots down, the one I knew wouldn't be filled in a matter of hours unlike the others. Thorin's.

I'm not sure how I felt about our late night/early morning encounter. It was like nothing that I expected. Granted, I hadn't expected to run into him at all. Whenever I thought about it, I couldn't help but cringe at every line I had said, and at everything I had did—god, why was I so awkward? I must have looked awful too! Like a drowned rat, a sickly drowned rat! I swear, either I have horrific luck or Thorin's a magnet for total wrecks—he's managed to be at least in the vicinity of if not a witness to all of my recent breakdowns: mental, emotional, and physical. I'm damned surprised he missed out on the one after dinner the other week!

You know, maybe I'm just jinxed or something. Or we both are—I doubt he enjoyed spending time around awkward people, being somewhat socially awkward himself.

I was feeling much better, by the way. I think the fever burned out in the following few hours, though I still felt a tad off—a chill or shiver now and then. It was weird how suddenly the sickness came about and subsided. Maybe it was just nerves. Or because of a lack of sleep. Or… I don't know.

A swished of grey robes beside me made me turn my head. "Hey," I droned in my dull, morning voice.

"Hey?" the Wizard repeated, pretending to be offended as he sat down. "And just what sort of a greeting is that?"

His reply made me smile. It reminded me of my dad and how he'd faithfully respond with a lame, "Hay is for horses."

I shrugged at Gandalf's raised brow. "It just means 'hello'. Lots of people say it where I come from."

He gave a small 'humph' of discontent, but didn't press it further. I picked at my half-eaten eggs on toast, as Gandalf helped himself to the platters. It seemed I had an ever-present frown on my face which I kept summing up to my lack of sleep. I cut off a piece of egg and scooped it onto my fork (yes, they had utensils apparently), letting it hover by my lips before realizing I wasn't hungry and setting it back down. I glanced over at Thorin's chair and my frown deepened. I crammed the forkful into my mouth and begrudgingly chewed.

"It would seem that our host has conveniently forgotten to inform me of his departure," Gandalf said suddenly, genuinely put off.

"Hm? Oh, yeah. Right."

His bushy brows disappeared under the brim of his hat. "Had you knowledge of this and did not care to tell me?"

I looked up from my eggs. "What? Oh. No, no, it's not in the books. Well, I don't know, maybe it's in the Appendixes. I don't remember."

"Then how is it you seem less surprised by Lord Thorin's departure than I?" the Wizard asked in a haughty tone. I had a feeling he hated being out of the loop or being the last one to find out something. It was a little funny, actually, seeing as that's all he does with other people, being all wise and mysterious.

"I ran into him when he was leaving last night, er, this morning," I told him.

"And you did not try to stop him?" Gandalf asked, incredulously. "If he succeeds, our quest will be that much more difficult for every Dwarf in the army he brings back. As I have tried to tell him, discretion is key."

"Whoa now, hold up," I said, stopping Gandalf before he could go on ranting. "What good could I have done? A stampede of rabid fangirls would only slow him down, at best." And I'm just one. "It's impossible to stop Thorin once he sets his mind on something."

Gandalf pursed his lips but nodded. "Apparently so," he said dejectedly.

"It'll be fine. I mean, don't get any grey hairs over it," I said, grinning at my joke.

The Grey Wizard gave me the most un-amused look I've ever seen. I'm pretty surprised he didn't get up and leave the table.

I continued to grin. "Really though. I could count the members of the company on my two hands… well, my hands and a foot."

"Let us hope you are right, Emily." His tone was knowing as if he trusted my information but wouldn't outright tell me. It made me a bit happy.

I leaned back in my chair so that it rested on two legs. "So…" I drawled, almost twiddling my thumbs.

I waited, watching Gandalf clean the end of his pipe with his beard. He noticed my stare and raised his brows. "Have you said something?"

"No…"

We both paused. "Would you like to?" he inquired.

"Well… I was wondering how long we're going to be staying here since Thorin's gone." I recalled he had already been decked out in his Hobbit gear, so it couldn't be long before the Quest officially began. "Everyone's going to assemble soon, right?"

"We shall leave when the time is right," he said simply, but I stared him down, not going to take his vague ass answer. Gandalf sighed, "By first light on the third day from now."

"The fifth day?" I asked, thinking of his words before the Battle of Helm's Deep.

"The third day," Gandalf stressed, "And no later. Thankfully, I had told Thorin of our burglar's residence before he left, so there is little point to delay."

"Then why aren't we shoving off now?"

"Well," the Wizard drawled. "Given the time needed to reach the northern kingdoms and return, Lord Thorin and his companions should arrive at the Shire some hours later than ourselves. In the early evening, if I am not mistaken."

"Makes sense," I shrugged.

"I would hope so!" Gandalf huffed, possibly annoyed that he was obligated to run his plans by me. "And if that were not cause enough for our delayed departure, it is sufficed to say that you would be the other reason."

"Me?"

"Yes, I think it best to give your injuries more time to heal. It does not seem wise to add the stress of travel to your already troubled health." He paused as he looked me over. "How have you been fairing, Emily?"

I had a feeling that Gandalf wasn't just talking about my injured knee. I shrugged, turning away and feeling oddly embarrassed. "I dunno," I said, subconsciously twirling Thrain's cuff between my fingers. "Could be better, could be worse, I guess."

Gandalf was quiet for a moment, his blue eyes clouding over in thought. And then, just as soon as he turned serious, his eyes lit up and he smiled. "Well! I would advise you try for 'better'."

"Uh, yeah."

"Speaking of 'better'," he continued, still suspiciously chipper, "I happened to have passed Prince Fili in the halls. It seems he has been released."

I perked up. "Fili's up and at 'em?" I asked, getting to me feet in a hurry. "Where was he? Where can I find him?"

"I think it would be easiest to let him find you," Gandalf suggested.

"Too antsy! Which way do I go?" I cried, practically hopping from foot to foot.

Gandalf sighed. "Turn right out of the dining hall."

"Thanks! See ya later!"

And in all of my injured knee glory, I ran out of the Great Hall and skidded right. Yeah, I could run on my knee. It was healing pretty well, and maybe I shouldn't have been running on it so much, but it was holding up alright. There was just a reddish mark on the side where the stone has wedged itself in and under my kneecap, and it was only a bit sore from time to time.

I slowed to a jog and then a brisk walk once I realized I wasn't going to just luck into finding Fili. Had I not been so shy of the Dwarves around me, I may have called out his name or asked if anyone's seen him. I went to the men's wing, hoping he was there but aside from a guard, I didn't see anyone.

If I were Fili, where would I go...? Wherever Kili was, probably. I sighed. Okay, if I were Kili, where would I be? No idea… Archery field? Wherever that was. Alright, I had no clue. What the hell did they do for fun around here? Spar? Play hide and seek?

Maybe Gandalf was right. If Fili wanted to find me, he would.

But would he want to? I mean, I considered us friends… but I had no clue if he did. I was pretty sure Kili wasn't too keen on hanging out with me. My being a blue-haired human girl may have sparked his interest initially but I had the feeling that the spark fizzled out. Yeah, we saved each other's lives a few times but… maybe we just weren't friend compatible. Hm, I wonder what his astrological sign would be…

There was also Gimli who I thought liked me alright (or at least didn't not like me) but he fell off the planet. He kind of struck me as the forgetful type, so I wouldn't be shocked if he simply forgot to drop a line during my hospital stay, or leave a get well card or whatever. I wasn't complaining and I wasn't hurt by it but… it had crossed my mind.

It was a bit of a bummer, to think that they might not like me that much when I had practically idolized them in my pre-Middle Earth time. I guess making friendship bracelets is out of the question. Which is a damn shame. I'm fucking great at those.

Bifur liked me, I reminded myself. And Bofur too. They were awesome. Yet sadly, nowhere in sight... I considered scoping out the medical wing on the odd chance that they might show up but the thought of Lóni getting a second shot at examining my hair stopped me. If I could find out where the kitchens were, I might run into Bombur who could help me locate his brother and cousin. But who was I kidding? Ered Luin was huge. I doubted I'd see them here again.

My mood seemed to just continue on its downward slope since last night. Things were starting to stagnate and my agitation was only increasing. I needed to snap myself into better spirits.

I wandered a bit before deciding that my stomach was definitely ready to eat now. Instead of the Great Hall, I went to the first little dining room I'd been to—the one where I'd made a proper ass of myself in front of Dwalin. Hoped he wasn't there... He wasn't, it turns out, but when I entered; however, I was greeted by another familiar face—one that I had hoped to never see again. That of the troll. Its head had been stuffed and mounted on the far wall like a deer's.

Well, that's appetizing.

Really though. It hardly bothered me once I tucked into the food. It was odd though. Even after I filled my stomach, I still felt a bit empty. A little farther up from my stomach though. Right in the chest. I didn't give myself the contentment of sighing. I didn't want anyone to know how I felt. I didn't want to explain it. I don't think I could, actually.

"Even with a limp, you prove difficult to find," came Kili's annoyed voice behind me.

I turned in my seat to face him. "Hey," I replied, surprised. "Were you—"

"My brother's looking for you," he interrupted, shifting his weight.

A common Dwarf walked past him, bowing his head, respectfully muttering, "My prince." Kili nodded to him, then fixed me with an impatient look. "Are you coming, or not?"

"Yeah! I, uh, lead the way," I said, standing up quickly. "And I don't have a limp!"

I did, but whatever.

Kili glared over his shoulder. "Please. You looked so helpless hobbling out of the mines," he said. "I'm surprised you don't have someone carrying you from place to place. Course that may change soon."

What's got his knickers in a twist?

I hurried to catch up to him, choosing to walk side by side. For some reason, I didn't want to trail after the bratty brunet like a puppy. The thought just irked me. I couldn't help but notice how sour Kili looked. Guess he didn't want to find me. "You didn't look so hot yourself," I told him, "I distinctly remember you shaking like a leaf back with the troll."

Kili turned away, but I could see his face had gone red. "I don't know what you mean," he shrugged.

"Then I'll refresh your memory! You and me back in the library—back when I rescued you? You seemed damn ready to pee yourself!"

"You didn't rescue me," he spat, walking faster.

"Oh, I didn't?"

"No."

"Well, who was it that distracted the troll? Me!"

"But who dug you out of that rock pile in the first place? I did," he shot back.

"This isn't a contest, Kili!" I said, "I appreciate you saving me, really, but why can't you admit I saved you too? Is it because I'm a girl?"

The prince snorted. "Uncle Thorin and your Wizard friend saved us. That's all that matters, alright?"

"No, it's not alright! Who got your ass off the hook with Thorin? Also me!"

Kili kept his gaze straight ahead. "Think what you want."

"Look! I'm not asking for a thank you," I said tersely. Then, when he tried to ignore me, I grabbed his arm to stop him. "You have to give me credit, Kili! I can understand you not wanting to be friends with me for whatever reason; that's fine, but why are you going around acting all butt hurt?"

His dark eyes widened comically, and he opened his mouth to, no doubt, rebuff my statement (or ask where in the hell I came up with the phrase 'butt hurt') when another voice cut across us.

"Emily! Kili, great, you found her!"

We turned to face a grinning Fili, who looked much better than I'd last seen him. All of his braids had been redone and from what I could tell, all of the blood has been washed from his blond locks.

"Hey!" I greeted, as he came up beside us, affectionately clapping us both on our shoulders.

Kili ducked his head, looking disheartened at the elder prince's appearance. The blond's hands dropped and he regarded his brother briefly, before snapping back into his cheerfulness.

"Seems like you've won," he said to Kili. "You found Emily first."

"Just lucky," he mumbled, pursing his lips at me.

I tried to ignore Kili's mood, and focus on the prince who actually seemed pleased to have located me. Friendship bracelets were back on. "You're looking well," I said to him. "Now that you aren't covered in blood."

He chuckled. "I have you to thank for that, don't I?"

I shrugged, eyes on my feet. "It's nothing…"

"I beg to differ," Fili laughed. I saw Kili turn his back on us.

Clearing my throat, I tried to steer the subject away. "So! You were looking for me?"

"Yes, we've a surprise for you!"

"Really?"

"Indeed," nodded Fili. "Back at your chambers, actually. Hope you don't mind our intrusion."

"Are you kidding? What is it?"

Fili rolled his eyes, playfully. "That defeats the purpose of a surprise, doesn't it?"

"Holy crap!" I exclaimed, my mouth gaping in an awestruck smile.

"It's been finished for awhile," Fili told me. "But someone forgot to pick it up from the forge," he said, shooting his brother a look. Kili appeared unabashed but I didn't care. I was too busy drinking in every inch of my new sword.

The hilt was a rich plum leather, decorated with runes and squared off gold designs. The blade was about the length of my forearm, all straight edges and sharp. The tip tapered off to one side, a triangular cut-out in the center with long grooves running along the middle to meet it. It wasn't as thick as most Dwarven swords, I noticed; that combined with the hollowed end made it much lighter than it looked. Granted, it was still heavy, but definitely manageable.

"Do you like it?" asked Fili, watching my face carefully.

"I love it! I-it's amazing!" I grinned.

There was a snort from across the room.

"Oh, you hear that, brother? She likes your work."

I glanced over at the brunet, the mocking tone in his voice grabbing my attention. Kili leaned against the wall, arms crossed, with a half-bored expression. "Designed it himself," he went on, smirking. "In fact, it somewhat resembles your own blades, does it not, Fili? Only a bit more… feminine, yeah?"

"Quiet, Kili," Fili warned, giving the younger prince a look.

"What?" Kili shrugged, feigning innocence. "I was merely pointing out the similarities between your swords and Miss Emily's… I am surprised you haven't inscribed the royal seal on the pummel as well. Isn't it only a matter of time before she's a princess?"

"Kili."

"The way mother goes on, I am surprised she's yet to be adopted," he continued, ignoring the blond's glare. "Wouldn't that be grand? A sister."

I really had no idea what Kili was getting at, if anything, but all I knew was that they were both growing more annoyed at each other and it was making me uncomfortable. When the rising tension between the princes became almost tangible, I took it upon myself to break it up. I stepped in front of Fili, breaking his view of his brother.

"I had no idea you were artsy," I said enthusiastically, hoping to lighten the atmosphere. It took another moment of my intense smiling before Kili turned away and Fili started blinking again.

"I am glad you liked it," said Fili, returning to normal. "But your sword was only half of the reason we sought you out."

"Oh?"

Fili hooked his thumbs on his belt. "I have been cooped up in that healing bed for too long, as I am sure you can relate. Kili and I decided it would be a good time to go hunting. Brush up on our skills before our quest."

"Are you…?"

"Inviting you along? Yes," Fili answered. "I'll understand if you aren't interested, of course. Not many women consider slaying animals enjoyable exactly, so..."

"I dunno about killing animals, but, I'd sure be up for getting out!" I smiled. "I think I was getting cabin fever."

"You're ill again?" piped in Kili, sounding a tad too hopeful.

"What? No, it's—it's an expression," I explained, and he deflated.

"So, you will accompany us?" Fili asked.

"Sure!"

"Great. Well, just bundle up and we'll be—" he paused as Kili stalked out of the room. "… waiting outside."

I frowned at the open door, then at Fili. "Look, I don't mind staying here," I said sincerely.

The prince shook his head, dismissively. "I am… sorry about him," Fili cringed. "He tends to be obnoxious before he warms up to people. Just hit him in the nose if he gets out of hand."

"That will help?"

"Oh, yes. As children, he used to bite at my knees until I kicked him in the head. By accident of course," he added.

I laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

Hunting parties were normally ten at least, but since we were just going mostly for fun and fresh air, it was just us three. We set out along the mountainside, past some of the homesteads and off into the snowy landscape east of Ered Luin. Soon after setting out, we were surrounded on all sides by a forest—sparse snowcapped branches and covered shrubs. And over our shoulders were the bluish peaks of the mountain range.

We each were armed with our swords, and Kili, also with his bow. I had been so excited to have my sword sheathed on my hip (Fili helped me). I felt like a total badass. Of course, that was slightly ruined when Kili caught sight of my winter apparel and snorted so loudly, it echoed.

"Just what is so funny?" I asked through gritted teeth.

He shook his head, still holding back laughter. "Oh, nothing. Nothing at all."

I glared.

Fili rested a hand on my back. "You look fine. Don't mind him," he reassured.

"I know I look fine," I said indignantly. "Got my gear at Target on summer layaway… best purchase of the year."

"Oh, that makes perfect sense," called Kili from ahead. "So, you're supposed to be a walking target?"

"It's the name of a store…"

A snarl stayed in the back of my throat. The little… jerkface was starting to get to me. He seemed so determined to piss me off. Despite how absolutely insufferable he had been before, I kind of preferred it when Kili was transfixed with my hair and kept trying to flirt with me.

We spread out, with the instructions to look for tracks. "And not your own," Kili had laughingly clarified.

Ignore him. He's just… I dunno. Was he embarrassed? Or jealous? That I had a heroic moment or two? He hadn't seemed bothered back in the tunnels. Of course, the looming threat of being eaten might've stunted those feelings... Was he jealous? That Fili and I were friends? Or was it really as simple as Fili had said, that he hadn't warmed up to me yet? It was impossible to guess.

I sighed, my breath coming out as a cloud. "Boys…"

Seriously, I thought adolescent guys back home were hard to read but I didn't think that applied to these Middle Earth guys. No fair. I bet Legolas wasn't this prissy when he was going through his hormonal Elf stage. Then again, he was probably—what?—a thousand by that time?

I chuckled, watching the snow on the ground, remembering the game I'd sometimes play when walking in the snowy woods. I'd try to walk on top of the snow like an— "Oomph!"

I misplaced a step, something that I found happened often in my heavy snow boots, and toppled a few feet down a snowy incline. No damage done, but the simple acting of falling down a hill was too familiar and frightening. I flipped over onto my back, heart beating like a drum, eyes darting to and fro, dreading the appearance of a plaid coat. Had it happened again? I was feeling dizzy as I looked around. Snow in a pine forest. Why hadn't I seen it before? How could I have-? Where was he? Was he here? Was I back?

I got to my feet, standing there, shaking, waiting.

"Fili?!" I cried.

No, that was too loud! He would hear you!

"Fili! Kili!" I yelled even louder.

I couldn't quell my raving thoughts, my hyperventilating lungs. I couldn't think straight or listen to my own advice.

I started to run blindly—wasn't that how this went? Where was he? Where was I? Where-?

I crashed into Kili who had been running towards me apparently. I almost fell over, my legs were so weak.

"Miss Emily! What's the matter?" Kili asked, grabbing my shoulders to brace me.

"I…" I panted, trying to calm down.

I leaned heavily on him, breathing again. Oh, god, I was safe. I was here. I… I was so stupid. Leave it to me to overreact. I shook my head, finally seeing how worried the brunet looked as he regarded me. Fili raced up beside us.

"What's happened?" he demanded.

"Well, don't look at me!" shot Kili, hotly.

"It's nothing. I… just thought I'd lost you two."

I saw the brothers visibly relax.

The worry left Fili's eyes as he grinned. "Don't worry, then. We'd always find you."

"Especially with that hair of yours," Kili chipped in.

"Lay off the hair, will ya?" I growled, shooting the smirking brunet with a look.

"Oh, I meant no offense," he laughed, holding his hands up. "But you must admit, it does rather stand out. Much like a troll in a dining hall!"

"Or like Kili in a maiden's bedchambers," muttered Fili slyly.

"O-oi!" he cried, totally caught off guard by his brother's jab.

I laughed at his crestfallen face. "Can't you take a joke, Kili?" I asked, sticking my tongue out.

He recovered quickly, again adopting his typical unimpressed expression towards me. "It may be a joke on my behalf but with you, we've only spoken truths. That hair," he said, shaking his head with a grimace.

"Why you-!"

"I am afraid, he does have a point," smirked Fili.

"Not you too!"

Fili continued to smirk.

Oh, I'd had it! This was war!

As the brothers turned away, laughing between each other, I bent down and scooped up a handful of snow, balling it into a rounded shape. And then another. "Oh, boysss," I cooed, grinning devilishly.

I waited for them to turn and then—wham! I got Kili right in the face! He sputtered and stepped back in surprise, swatting snow from his nose. I launched the other at Fili who quickly brought an arm up to shield his face but the snowball exploded on impact and managed to get him anyway. I cackled all the while, as they stood there, half in shock.

And then all hell broke loose.

Of, course, the jerks would tag team me! I let out a scream as I ran for cover, ducking behind a large tree while they pelted me with snow. My back to the bark, I frantically made snowballs, hoping to stock up before they got ballsy enough to charge me. I peeked out to find that they were also behind trees, whispering to each other, making a plan. God, I wish I had a snow-fort!

The sound of a bow-string being drawn alerted me and for a second, I thought they had gone postal, ready to really fight. But before I had time to react an arrow whizzed by, striking a branch high above me, and thus causing a mini avalanche down the branches. I yelped as snow showered on me, annoyingly getting down the back of my clothes. I heard Kili's snort of laughter some ways off.

"That was payback for earlier!" he shouted to me, a grin in his voice.

I angrily shook most of the snow off and glared, not willing to peek out behind the tree. "Oh, aren't you so clever, Mr.-I-have-a-bow?"

"Do you give up?" Fili asked. By his voice, I could tell he had crept closer. Stealthy bastard.

I readied my snowballs. "Never!"

A hunk of snow crashed against the side of the trunk I was beside. On instinct, I threw a ball blindly, off to where I thought Fili was, just to stun him. Then I leapt out and got a proper aim, hurling one at the blond so he had to take cover. A snowball missed my head by inches—had I not have been in the process of grabbing another, I'd have gotten a direct face-shot. I turned to see Kili readying another snowball and in my haste, I threw it. And missed. Fili got me in back again and I had to duck for cover behind another tree.

"You throw like a girl!" Kili teased, trying to incite me.

"Is that supposed to be an insult?"

"Merely an observation!"

"Well, er, here's one for you— you throw like an Elf!" I shot back. Which would only be an insult to a Dwarf.

I heard Fili laugh loudly. "She's got you there, Kili!"

"Shut it," he growled, but he didn't sound that upset.

I had an idea. "Fili, I propose a truce! Us against the Elf!"

I risked a glance around me tree to see Fili. The blond seemed to be considering the offer, looking between me and Kili critically. A quick smirk made his braided mustache sway. "As tempting as that offer sounds," he began, and I immediately knew he'd rejected it. "Elf or not, he's still my brother, I'm afraid. Though I'd kindly suggest that the pair of you try your skills against me. Might make it fairer."

Kili and I locked eyes from a few trees away, then after a pause, simultaneously exclaimed:

"Her?"

"Him?"

"You must be joking, brother!"

"No way!"

We shared a disgusted look between us. As if. It seems we only work together when our lives are in danger. Kili ran to rejoin his brother and I scoffed.

"Okay, I surrender," I shouted to them, coming out from behind the tree with my hands up. I approached them slowly as they watched with slight suspicion. "Alright, you guys. You got me."

Kili smirked. "It's about time you've come to your senses, Miss Emil—"

His words were cut off as I promptly kicked the trunk of the tree they were under, sending a pile of snow down on them. I took off running once I had the satisfaction of hearing them groan in discomfort. Victory!

After that, the rest of the hunt involved little to no hunting. Fili said that our bickering scared away all of the game but it didn't stop us. It seemed that by the time we returned, Kili and I reverted back into five year olds, name calling and stubbornly refusing to grow up. At least, if I wasn't mistaken, we were fighting a bit more playfully—helped along by my tendency to call him bizarre nicknames that he couldn't make sense of, my favorite of which being Katniss. I wouldn't exactly call us friends but we were less antagonistic at least. I suppose letting our pent up hostility out on each other via snowballs helped a bit.

Geez, I hope we aren't at each other's throats the whole journey. That'd suck dragon balls.

"Alright, now draw your sword," Fili instructed. "Pretend I am your opponent. How would you face me?"

I stood in one of the sparring halls with the princes, and a dozen other Dwarves, all of us in standard leather armor that covered our torsos, as a safety precaution. I was starting the basics of training—this had to be a crash course seeing as my days were limited here. One hand held my sheath steady as the other gripped the hilt of my sword, pulling it free in one smooth motion. I watched Fili before me, studying my movements, and I dipped into a leaned back crouch, bringing my sword over my head with two hands. Classic samurai style.

Fili's expression froze then broke into one of utter astonishment. Even Kili who had been on the far side of the room, firing arrows into a wooden target stopped to look. His bow lowered a fraction as he eyed me, shook his head and continued with his archery.

I faltered in my stance. "What?"

"Emily… what are you doing?" Fili asked slowly.

"I… I think this is called the ko gasumi stance," I replied.

He raised a brow until he realized I was serious. "No one stands like that, Emily," he sighed.

"Samurais do… and people from anime…"

"I have no idea where that is, but assure you, they're probably dead if they thought they could fight someone in that position," he smirked. "Here, lower your sword. Always keep it at your center. That way you can block attacks and deal them out as well."

I complied, realizing that he was probably right. As much as I'd have liked to look like a badass like Kenshin or like everyone from Kill Bill, I was nowhere skilled enough to pull off those moves. It'd also help if I had a katana and not a shorter blade like mine.

"Keep your feet firmly planted, none of that standing on tiptoe. You need a solid base. That's better," Fili said, nudging my foot farther out. "Now, come at me."

"What?" I blurted, lowering my weapon.

"Back in position," he ordered and I reluctantly obeyed.

"Shouldn't we be using fake swords, like wooden ones or craft foam?"

Fili was nonplused by my objections, drawing one of his own swords. "If we had more time, yes. But we do not. You must get accustomed to the weight of your own sword," he told me. "Now. Pretend to attack me. Slowly."

So I did. Still desperately clinging to my film and video game experience, I went in for a sideways slash. Fili blocked me easily, of course. "Too obvious," he commented. "Try a stabbing motion, instead. They're harder to block and do more damage."

"Okay."

I jabbed at him, and he demonstrated how it was more difficult to avoid. "Now, it's your turn to block."

"Sorry, what?"

Fili laughed at my apprehension. "It's just for practice," he reassured. "Once you become used to the movements, it will be second nature."

"If you say so… just, make sure I don't end up a shish kabob."

"A what?"

"Er, dead."

The prince chuckled, "I think I can manage that."

Okay, so Fili is an awesome teacher, which makes perfect sense seeing as he's an older brother. An older brother to Mr. Act-First-Think-Later-Kili. He had to have the patience of a saint.

Once I got the basics actions and variations of attack and defense, we settled into a round of sparring. I was able to move and react faster and it almost seemed like a real duel. But I knew Fili was holding back, letting me feel my way around and explore what I could do. It was kind of cool; I was starting to feel a bit more confident holding my sword, parrying off to the side and circling my opponent. Course, I'd hardly mastered anything but (if I do say so myself) I was off to a good start.

Fili blocked my attack and redirected it downwards which left my side open for his counterattack. I quickly jumped back out of his reach, and spun around to try and catch him off guard with a side stab. He saw it coming and easily deflected my blow. He relaxed his posture, switching back into teacher mode.

"You aren't dancing, Emily. That fancy swirling may look nice but it could cost you dearly," Fili told me, firmly. "Never have your back to an enemy."

I sighed, nodding. "Alright, do-over," I said, getting back into my stance.

Fili; however, didn't resume his offensive stand, but looked thoughtful. "You need variety," he murmured into his fingers, then glanced at his brother. "Kili! Come here?"

The brunet paused, looking at us then firing the arrow he had cocked. It found its target, dead center. Bow lowered, Kili ambled over, none too quickly. "Have you given up already?" he questioned, looking at me, half-amused.

"On the contrary," Fili replied, giving his brother a knock-it-off look. "Emily's doing better than I predicted. She's just needs more practice. That's where you come in," he said, lending his sword to Kili who took it hesitantly.

I wanted to protest, but it seemed too late now. It made me nervous, the thought of sparring with Kili. I didn't think he'd try to outright hurt me or anything—he might be a jerkface, but I didn't think he was a bloodthirsty maniac. It was just that he seemed more… accident prone, and less careful than his brother.

Kili faced me, giving me the once over with skeptical eyes. "Let me guess," he started, with a grimace. "You don't want me to take it easy on you?"

"Are you kidding?" I yelped. "You'd better take it easy on me! I'm a level one novice!"

Kili frowned, probably surprised that I wasn't as stubborn as him, then nodded indifferently. He raised his sword lazily, as if I weren't worth his whole effort, and pursed his lips. "Ladies first," he said, but his tone was more mocking than courteous.

I glared. Okay.

I lunged at the prince, trying to catch him off guard, but he quickly threw up his sword. And then he went on the offensive, coming at me with strong swings that I could hardly block. He had a much more wild style of swordfighting than Fili, who used more precise movements. I could hardly defend myself against his onslaught, let alone get a few attacks in myself. There was a split second stumble on my part but it was just enough of a blunder to allow Kili to jab at me. His blade struck me right in the stomach, and although the thick leather plating on my armor protected me, the force of his blow pushed me back and left me winded.

Kili lifted his chin, "Looks like you've just died."

"Don't count me out just yet!" I cried, going after him again.

The sound of clashing metal rang in my ears. Kili laughed as he deflected my attacks which, admittedly, became more haphazard with each swing.

"Think through your emotions, Emily," Fili called to me. "Don't forget your training."

I gritted my teeth, glaring at Kili's haughty face. "Yes, I can see your training's doing a lot of good," he snickered. "I've killed you once over and you haven't even touched me."

"Sorry, you're not my type," I growled, sarcastically.

"You wish I wasn't," he retorted.

Merlin's beard, we're not back to this, are we? I recalled our awkward first meeting in the baths. I definitely hadn't been checking him out. Not then, and def not now! My leer intensified. "You're absolutely insufferable, you know that?" I told him, to which he infuriatingly smirked.

"Why don't you do something about it, then?" he challenged.

"Maybe I will!"

In a flash, I rounded on him, hoping to get him on his left side, where his sword couldn't protect him as well. But Kili foresaw my attack and instead of blocking, he stepped back, bringing his blade down on mine and knocking it from my grasp. No time to retrieve it from the floor. He was ready to attack. I tried to get out of the way, but before I knew what was happening, I was flat on my back with a sword tip resting on my chest.

The brunet smirked down at me. "I think this is the part where you surrender."

"Yeah? Well, think again," I said through clenched teeth. And with all my might, I drew my legs back and kicked him right in the groin. The effect was immediate and twofold: Kili went down like a ton of bricks and pain flared in my left knee that I had totally forgotten about in my rage. Damn it! Still, I managed to feel victorious, looking at Kili, holding onto his crotch for dear life.

"Who's surrendering now?" I asked smugly, sitting up to gloat.

He leered at me, despite his obvious pain.

"Alright," Fili sighed, coming between us as his brother squirmed to his knees. "That's enough."

"She cheated!" Kili growled, stumbling to his feet.

"I improvised," I corrected.

"You acted dishonorably," Kili snarled at me, ignoring his brother's efforts to break us up. "Can't even accept defeat admirably."

"You're one to talk!" I shouted, advancing on him. He held his ground with narrowed eyes. "Win or lose, you're always a stuck up little princess!"

Kili clenched his jaw, then finally blinked. "I don't care what you say," he said, his voice low. His eyes dropped from mine to Thrain's cuff and his scowled deepened.

"Kili," his brother began, grabbing his arm, but Kili jerked free, still glaring daggers at me. He looked ready to say something else, but chose not to, stalking off out of the hall.

I stood there a moment, staring at the doorway where he left, anger building in my veins. I can't beleive him! That little-! The hilt of my sword was presented to me, snapping me from my semi-murderous thoughts. Fili. I was surprised he stuck around and didn't run after his brother. I gave him a sideways glance and took back my sword, sheathing it.

I fidgeted, noticing the other Dwarves staring. I just got a balls shot in on thier prince. Oops.

"I thought you said kicking his butt would help," I said to Fili with a small smile, trying to relieve some tension.

Fili returned the smile, half-heartedly. "I distinctly remember saying his head," he replied. "Your aim was a bit lower."

I shrugged. "Well, he's a butt face, so…"

The prince snorted at the mental image. "I'll have to remember that one."

The awkward air hadn't left.

He cleared his throat. "Well, I will say this: when in battle, I thoroughly advise you to fight dirty whenever possible. Just not against my family, if you can help it."

"Only if they don't start it…" I muttered, starting to unbuckle my training armor. "Thanks again, Fili, for agreeing to teach me... And, sorry everything kind of went south…"

Fili looked confused for a moment, but recovered quickly. "It was a pleasure, Emily. And if you're still willing to train, we could continue tomorrow?"

"Really?" I grinned.

"Here, at noon," he nodded.

"Awesome. Okay."

We both hesitated, wanting to say more. Fili spoke first. "I want to apologize on my brother's behalf," he frowned, looking up from his boots.

"Don't," I sighed. "What's his damage anyway?"

The blond's brows furrowed. "I have been trying to figure that out."

"Is it because I saved his ass? Back with the troll? I-is he so full of it that he can't wrap his head around a girl saving him?"

Fili opened his mouth to respond, then shook his head. "No, I do not believe that's it. Our mother raised us better."

I pursed my lips.

"I'll speak with him."

"No, don't."

"I must. He had no right to speak to you in such a way. You're a guest here," Fili said, "And my friend."

My anger drained away at his last words and I looked at him sharply. I found myself smiling. He is so getting a bracelet. "No, really. It's okay. If you ream him out, I have a feeling it'll make things worse between us… I'll just… call him out on it later or something."

"Emily, are you sure…?"

I nodded. "Yeah… Er, look, I'm gonna split."

"You're what?"

"Uh, leave," I clarified. "I need to clear my head and... stuff."

"Of course," Fili nodded, backing away.

I shuffled my feet. "I'll see ya around."

Once I left the hall, and I was alone with my thoughts, I felt the weight of everything coming back with a vengeance. There was a fire in my stomach when I thought of what had occurred, as well as a headache forming when I tried to make sense of why it had occurred in the first place. And then there was something else, something deeper and more to my core. I felt hollow again. Not because of Kili. I just. I don't know. There was just a hole.