Elrond sat beside Glorfindel in the large tent of Círdan and looked around to see who was in attendance. Dark had fallen, telling the elves that summer was on the waning side of the year and they needed to think of returning to their homes, for all except Thranduil and Celeborn had at least a month's travel and Círdan two months to reach the Havens. He had an idea.

"If we don't depart this area soon, my halls are open to you for the winter, Círdan," Elrond offered.

Across the large tent, Círdan stopped his conversation with Erestor and looked over at him. "Erestor and I were in discussion of that very thing. I may take you up on your offer. I haven't spent winter at Imladris since the Second Age."

"I would be honored," Elrond replied and quickly turned to his left where Gandalf was sitting. "That includes you, mellon-nín."

Gandalf's eyes crinkled in amusement. "It all depends on Thorin Oakenshield."

"Celeborn is chaperone tonight," Glorfindel announced gleefully and all eyes turned to the taciturn elf in question. "He doesn't trust dwarves not to screw everything up and leave him stuck this far north and in Thranduil's halls for the winter."

"I saw Thorin paying more attention to the lass than the matches," Elrond said to the lords gathered around, each holding a glass of vintage from Thráin's private reserves. "Mithrandir, what do you think of these swift developments?"

All eyes shifted to the wizard.

Gandalf cleared his throat and coughed softly. "I have my eye on them and this courtship. I feel Thorin might be influenced to proceed rapidly." He turned his indomitable gaze in the direction of Celeborn. "It has come to my attention, Lord Celeborn, that you met with Thorin just this morning and held up the games."

Celeborn took a draught of wine and calmly returned his gaze. "My business with the dwarf is nobody's concern." He rose and departed the tent, leaving a half glass of wine on the table.

Gandalf turned his attention to Glorfindel. "You say Celeborn is chaperoning tonight. Is that why he abruptly left?"

Glorfindel nodded. "His scouts just informed us that Thorin and the lass left the mountain followed by Lady's Dis, Lári, Galadriel and Arwen."

Elrond stood and Glorfindel reached out a hand and stayed him with a hand to his wrist. "Nay, Elrond, let Celeborn watch over them. If anything happens, he will inform us."

"I would feel better with our forces on alert," Elrond replied and looked around. "Where are the pen neths?"

"Your two are in the dwarven baths and Legolas went walking with Princess Sigrid."

Thranduil choked on his wine. "WHAT?" he roared, causing everyone inside and out that heard to cringe at the deafening bellow. "Why can't that boy just marry your daughter, Elrond?"

The cringing turned to laughter from within the tent.

"I may have forgotten to add that the siblings are also with them. Legolas promised to teach young Bain a few moves with the sword and of course Sigrid is to learn also."

"I take it Bain wishes to spar with our Elessar?" Elrond asked.

"That is my conclusion as well," Glorfindel admitted with a smile. "All this sparing has the youngsters wishing they could have their own competition."

"And why don't we give them one?" Círdan asked with approval in his tone.

Glorfindel looked around the tent. "Well, the dwarves are testing their underage lads in the ring like they did this afternoon. Maybe we can have a round with Elessar and Bain using wooden swords."

"I'll take it up with King Bard in the morning," Elrond said, relieved Legolas was just instructing and not courting.

Thranduil sank back in his chair and downed his wine in a single sitting.

Thorin escorted Lióni through the stables and along a path ever higher on the mountain. He glanced back to see if any of their chaperones needed rest, but they were keeping pace effortlessly. On a knoll, he led her to a stone bench overlooking a meadow and they could see outlines of sheep bedded down for the night. Sitting beside her, he commented, "When I was a boy, I would come here and watch the moon rise. Soon it will appear in the dip of the mountain." He pointed in a direction. It was late enough that dark was almost upon them and Thorin insisted everyone carry a torch to light their way down.

"I never thought I would ever meet another dwarf that liked to go outside like I do," Lióni told him.

"With all our balconies, being outside became natural for me."

His deep voice sent a tingle down her back. She desperately wanted another kiss, but didn't want to appear anxious or licentious. "I must admit, your style of courting isn't anything like the stories I was told to expect."

Thorin could see her face in the glow of the torch and smiled. "And what did your dams tell you to expect?" He saw her soft lips and almost leaned over for another taste.

"Oh, that I would be gifted with expensive jewelry made by your hand and daily trips to the market to see if something tempted me and places where dwarves could view our progress and learn to accept me."

His deep chuckle filled the air. "I escorted you in front of not only most dwarves, but elves as well today. As for the jewelry, you will have to wait for those. I haven't actually made more than one set since returning and that was a promise I made as a youth when I was an apprentice goldsmith before Smaug came."

"So our courtship will be nothing like your parents?"

Thorin slipped an arm about her shoulders. "I've seen plenty of courtships. They all start like this one; where the couple takes walks under watchful eyes of chaperones. I've even seen a few that failed and that is why we have guardians over our virtue. It would be unfortunate should ours fail and a child be produced of a abortive union. Since I wasn't around for my parent's courtship and only have stories, I'll court my way," he declared and made sure his chaperones clearly heard.

At the mention of a child, Lióni felt heat burn her cheeks and neck. To be talking so intimately with one who was almost a stranger embarrassed her. "It's just that I'm uncertain what is expected of me in this process. I don't wish you to give up on me if I don't say or behave like you think I ought." She felt his body vibrate when he silently laughed again.

"I'm not giving up on anything, but warn you there are forces at work that would either part us or have us wed soon. You must be resolute in this endeavor because the waters may become choppy."

Lióni listened to his cryptic comment and longed for clarity, but for now she would enjoy her time with him. Not wanting to sound like an addle brained simpleton or young maiden, she remained quiet and watched the gap in the mountain. Slowly a light defined the outline of the distant ridges. They both watched the large, ochre moon make an appearance.

Thorin became lost in thought while appreciating the beauty; from in front of his eyes and that which was sitting beside him. That she didn't seem to need constant chattering relieved him. When the moon was quite high in the sky and morphed from bright orange to dull yellow, he shifted and looked at her. "Is this all you hoped for?"

Lióni stirred from her musings. "It reminds me of home. I used to slip out and sit on the side of the mountain and watch this very moon rise over hills to the east. I feared never seeing it again."

"I hope in time you see this as your home. Anything else you fear never seeing again?" he asked in hopes of learning her desires.

"I will miss my brother when he departs and takes Yurna with him."

She provided Thorin with an opportunity. "About your brother….I don't hold any acrimonious feelings against him and hope he doesn't hate me too badly."

"He is wiser now. Why don't you go and visit him?" She frowned, unsure if it was appropriate thing for her to say.

He caught the wrinkle in her forehead in the dim light. "Why the frown?" he asked gently.

"I still am uncertain if I'm crossing a line I shouldn't."

Thorin took both her hands in his. "Look at me." When she focused on his eyes, he continued. "No wife ever has to hold her tongue with her husband. As long as you keep our fights private and not fodder for the market, I will never tell you how to act or what to say."

Relief flowed through her veins. "In that case, let's visit Tóvad together. He doesn't get any visitors outside the family and healers, although I've been told elven healers visit him morning and night and impart healing. Next week, he will be walking with crutches and that's a full two weeks faster than with dwarven healing alone."

"Why isn't he moved back in with you?"

"I don't know. I don't think anyone has suggested it."

"I'll check with Óin and if he gives the word, your brother will be back in your chambers by tomorrow night." He withheld his other surprise that just came to mind.

"Would you think me loose and forward if I hugged you for helping me in this matter?" Her large, expressive eyes drew him into her and he sought out her lips.

As his lips found hers in the darkness, he murmured, "I suggest all your sentences end with your lips against mine." He claimed her lips more forcefully than his playful kiss of earlier.

She found her fingers threading through his hair and tugged him closer.

He took that as a sign to force her lips apart with his tongue and taste her mouth. All vestiges of stone melted into molten lava and he literally felt his body explode and volcanic lava flow downwards and settle in his groin. Now he understood what Balin and Dáin always referenced as better than the best ale and sweeter than honey. His erections felt wooden next to this. He felt a tap on his shoulder. "Not now," he snarled and claimed Lióni's lips once more.

"Yes, dear brother. NOW. This type of behavior is usually frowned upon on the first walk. You should have at least four before groping a lady's breasts."

Shocked, Thorin pulled away and saw where his hand rested. He heard the chaperones quietly laughing and the elf, Galadriel, commenting, "He moved even faster than your daeradar, Arwen."

Thorin's white teeth flashed in torchlight. "I'm not apologizing, Lióni," but he did move his hand. "I think we better return before your father comes to see why the moon is high and we're not back yet."

Galadriel resisted the urge to reach out to her husband. She felt him nearby keeping watch over them from further up the mountain. She saw Arwen also look that way, but she took her cue from her grandmother and followed the dwarves down the path.

Thorin entered the elven tent city and maneuvered ever deeper into the maze. Guards allowed him to pass unchallenged the second day of the competitions at the break of dawn. Sky had lightened to grey with a band of pink to the east. A tall spear lowered across his path at the entrance to the inner sanctuary of the lords.

"State your business," the guard demanded, but kept his voice down.

"I'm here to see Lord Celeborn," Thorin replied. He was wearing Orchrist and had a sack slung over his shoulder.

Silently the guard called, 'Emoth?'

'What is it, Calendhel?' Although the guard was of Elrond's house, most warriors were known to the servants of their lords.

'Thorin Oakenshield is here to see Lord Celeborn. Should I send him away?'

'One moment.' Emoth left his tent and hurried to his lord's. He mentally called before entering. 'Lord Celeborn, are you able to see me?'

'Yes.'

Emoth slipped quietly into the tent. He wasn't sure if the lady was back, but saw Celeborn sitting at the table where the pile of jewelry still lay in a jumbled pile. "Thorin Oakenshield is here to see you."

"Bring him to me."

Emoth bowed his head and hurried out. He passed the tents of Círdan and Thranduil first and then stopped near the one Erestor and Glorfindel were sharing. He saw, in fact, the prince was seeking entrance. "Follow me, Prince Thorin."

Thorin's eyebrows rose and he looked up at the tall guard that blocked his way and could have sworn the elf never said a word. He followed the other elf to a tent and entered when said elf held the flap open and motioned him inside. His eyes adjusted to the dim light without a lit lamp or candle. He spotted a pile of jewelry on the table and Celeborn sitting beside it staring at him. He marched to the table and set the sack down. Without a word, he opened it and pulled the box out. From his pocket, he produced a rolled document and handed it to the lord.

Celeborn unrolled the parchment and read it aloud. "Purchase Agreement. Two thousand gold coin for one gold and jewel encrusted box from the private collection of the Durin's. Paid in full. Prince Thorin Oakenshield."

"I will explain to my father the trade when time permits. I haven't seen him since the games yesterday."

Celeborn took the box, turned it over and read the inscription. "Made by Lord Hónid, Erebor, TA 2732." He set it down and opened the lid. Inside were trays and he took them all out and spread them on the table. He noticed they also were crafted from gold and had priceless gems for handles. Carefully he started placing the items inside until the box was full and nothing remained on the table. Then he looked at Thorin. "How is your courting progressing?"

Thorin shrugged. "I've thawed and the lass seems to like my attentions. I don't see any need to prolong the courtship and will wed soon so you can leave. I'll ask her to marry me tonight and if she agrees I'll suggest next week."

"And what do you expect from me to hasten the courtship?" Celeborn didn't think for one minute Oakenshield was being kind to him.

Thorin was glad the lord returned to his chair so they were of equal height. "My father suffered decades in isolation. He seems indebted to the elves who helped him. I expect you and all elves, including Thranduil, to continue that friendship until my father is dead. I don't care if you befriend me and would just as soon you didn't, for I'll never forgive the elves for turning their backs on the suffering of my people. I want the ruse to continue for Father's sake."

"I thought you another petty, narcissistic, greedy dwarf, Thorin Oakenshield. You surprise me. I give my word and speak for all elves, at least on this side of the Misty Mountains; your request will be honored. Until your father dies, I will see the dwarves of Erebor are supplied and cared for….for your father's sake."

"How? You've cut off King Fengel from these lands."

"I also deal with Gondor. Their caravans come up the east side of the Anduin and out of Fengel's territory. Also, Lord Círdan has agreed to sponsor towns of men in Mithlond to send at least one caravan a year here. You will find his caravans have a minimum of two hundred wagons loaded with supplies until Dale and Erebor are once again as of old."

"Was that discussed in the meeting I missed?" Thorin hated being in the dark to policy and trade.

"Yes, but even your father hasn't been informed of our private meetings and decisions."

Thorin nodded his head once in respect. "Your ladies are comfortable and catered to. Elves are invited to enjoy our baths and halls."

"An echo of your father's invitation. When the matches are over tomorrow, many elves will accommodate themselves of your hospitality." Celeborn ended the discussion with a wave of his hand.

Thorin turned and strode into daylight. Birds were starting their songs and the air smelled of dew on grass. He didn't stop until inside the mountain, but eyes of elves followed his progress and Glorfindel and Círdan knew he met with Celeborn.

"I think we need to break the fast with our irascible friend and see if he'll open up this morning," Círdan commented. They both saw Thorin leave the mountain in the faint scintilla of light. They spent the night on a rock overlooking the encampment, talking and Glorfindel filled him in about those he saw in Aman over the centuries.

Glorfindel jumped down and the other lord, just as spryly followed. They entered Celeborn's tent without calling out for an invite. Glorfindel's keen eyes saw a lump on the table and the sack Thorin had slung over his shoulder covering it. "Will that be enough to get you back into Galadriel's good graces?"

"Probably not, but she always forgives me."

Círdan shook his head. "I remember during the War of the Wrath several lords that sailed to these lands with King Finarfin in hopes the fair Galadriel was still available."

Celeborn finally let a small smile appear. "I was flat out asked by most of them how someone as homely as me could win her love."

"I'm sorry I was dead and missed it," Glorfindel cheerfully stated.

"Well I'm not going to miss breakfast," Círdan added just as fast. "Shall we."

The three stepped into a bustling camp and decided to take their first meal of the day outside and were soon joined by the other lords to enjoy the cool of the morning. It promised to be another hot day.

Lióni wanted to look her best for Thorin and tossed gowns across her bed, looking for a lightweight number that would keep his eyes off all other lasses and on her cleavage. Her hands finally pulled a soft blue number she hated when forced to stand still for fittings. At the time, she firmly told her mother and grandmother she would never wear anything so revealing. The neckline plunged between her breasts and arms were bare. She couldn't wear a normal shift under it, so pulled it on over her bare skin and looked in the full length mirror. The folds of the pleated skirt flowed in clouds to her feet. Noticing that her hair was still mussed from sleep she grabbed her brush and combed the locks down. Her long hair flowed over her shoulders and covered the low back. A knock sounded and she called, "Come."

"I will be dead before wearing this scrap," floated across the room and she turned to her laughing mother bringing memories of Lióni's youthful outburst when presented with the gown several years before.

"It will be hot today," she lamely replied.

"Yes, and so will all the dwarrow that see you." Lári walked around her. "I like your hair that way with this gown. A simple clasp to keep it from your eyes will suffice. Also, I have a sheer white shall." She raised her voice. "Mif." Soon the older servant appeared in the doorway. "Tell my mother to fetch my lightweight white shall."

"What jewelry should I wear?" Lióni looked in her jewelry box made of sandalwood and polished so it gleamed in the light of the lamps.

"You don't own anything fancy enough to be seen with a prince, but your grandmother does. Come, we'll raid her supply."

Thorin's eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw her. Without a word or nod to anyone else in the room, he offered his arm as if she were the only one present. Behind them, the proud parents beamed at each other and grandmother, Risári, whispered to them. "That is the look Thráin used to bestow on Lis when they were courting and to the day she died. The son acts much like his father."

As predicted, Thorin barely watched the matches and Lióni tried hard to block his piercing gaze and every time she glanced in his direction found his eyes on her instead of the match. Day two brought out even better fighters and the winners of the day before bested some of them.

Lióni finally looked to her left with a comment. "I don't understand. If Lord Elrond's sons were in the beginners group, why did they easily best the better warriors today?"

Thorin tried to remember the question. "Because Lord Elrond is showing them off. I see Thranduil is doing likewise with his son. It is as much a test for them to see if they can endure three days of competition. I'm sure all the elves know the progeny of the great lords will someday take their place as their superiors in due time."

"And do you have anyone like them that you are testing?"

He smirked. "Absolutely. My nephews, Fili and Kili."

She looked around. "I don't think I've met them outside watching them in the sparing ring when my brother lost badly to you and in a few meals, but nobody formally introduced them to me."

"They haven't been introduced to any of the lasses here that I was choosing between. Of course, the lasses from the Blue Mountains know them. The boys have been kept busy running the mountain while we enjoy the competition. Tomorrow, when our finest compete, Father will pull them into the arena and test them." Thorin sobered and turned his eyes back to the elves battering each other with swords. His secret fear was one of the lads would steal her away with their good looks and youthful charm. He didn't have the luxury of acting like them at their age and felt inferior in the courting department, and he didn't feel up to competing with his nephews for the love of a woman, so kept them apart, but knew he couldn't do so forever. Suddenly he had a thought. If he did introduce them and she was as Yurna , an O-zalafaurkhas, better to find out before he made a further fool of himself. "I'll introduce you to them tonight. Have supper with us. I'm sure Father will be entertaining Lord Celeborn's womenfolk and I'll arrange to have the boys present."

"You don't have to do that for me," she protested, half wanting to spend a quiet evening with just him and the other half afraid he would dump her back with her family for the evening. If that was how she could be in his company, so be it. "I just like being with you."

After lunch, they cheered dwarves and the afternoon passed swiftly. Thorin escorted her back to her chambers, with the chaperones and her family following. "Please don't change your gown," he whispered in her ear.

She blushed slightly and daringly reached up and stroked his beard. "For you, I'll wear it."

Thorin forgo a kiss and marched away, plans already forming in his mind.

"I wish to dine with Adar," Arwen declared when they departed to their opulent chambers to prepare for supper with the king.

"And miss tonight's entertainment?" Galadriel teased. "Thorin Oakenshield is setting his nephews up to see if one is susceptible to Lióni's beauty. It should be a most interesting night."

"Could we invite Adar?" Arwen persisted as she shed her gown for a robe to wear to the bathing pools.

"I'm sure we can convince Elrond and all the lords except two to be the king's guests." Galadriel opened the door to the hallway. Standing outside were several elven guards. "Please ask the king if our lords can join us for supper."

One of the guards bowed and hurried away as she closed the door. Disrobing, she heard a knock by the time she was ready for bathing. Azthêla opened for her.

"King Thráin wishes to inform you that he already extended an invitation this afternoon to the lords of all elven realms. Only Lord Celeborn refused to come."

"Thank you," Azthêla replied and closed the door. She turned to see Galadriel overheard so she didn't have to break that news. The two ladies and their servants departed to the bathing pools for females and soon were soaking in hot water with a glass of exquisite wine.

Thorin looked behind him to see who the chaperones were. He saw Gellett, Glóin's wife, Cái, Balin's eldest daughter and Dioari, mother of the Ri's. He looked back to his date. "Before we dine with Father and the elves, I wanted to talk with you."

Lióni, who hadn't changed her gown upon his request, didn't speak, but took his arm for a stroll into an arboretum growing delectable fresh food. It was cut into a gorge in the mountain and shaded much of the time, but grew seasonal vegetables and spices. She saw ripe tomatoes and knew many of the fare would be on the king's table that night.

They walked in silence to the end of the split in the mountain where a waterfall that gave moisture to the plants shrouded their conversation from the others, who stopped a space away to give them privacy.

"Lióni," Thorin turned her to him and took her hands in his large warm ones. "I know you deserve a proper courtship, but would you consider becoming my wife very soon. We can still walk and get to know each other, but we wouldn't have chaperones and the nights wouldn't end at your father's door."

Lióni wasn't sure she understood. "What are you saying, Thorin?"

"I'm asking you to marry me by next week."

She was stunned. Usually a proposal didn't happen until a month of walks and gradual increasing of affection. Here he was, trying to skip that part. "Is there a reason for this impulsive wedding?"

"I am not ah youth wooing a young lass. I've already lived half of my life and need an heir for my father to fawn over. I assure you that I am capable of producing dwarflings for you to raise, but find this exercise taxing and a waste of time. We will wed, so I'm suggesting we skip the suspense and get to the marriage bed."

"That is the most unromantic proposal in the history of all dwarves." Lióni stood proudly before him. "It is lucky for you that I agree with your sentiment." Inside, she cried that he didn't love her. "I accept."

Thorin felt relief flood his soul and regret he couldn't tell her the truth. Instead he smiled softly and leaned close. "I assure you, being married to me will not be without rewards."

"I will someday carry the title of queen. What other reward is there?" she snapped and averted her eyes, lest he see a sheen that betrayed her.

Thorin reached inside his fur vest and pulled out a ring made gold and beautifully etched, with a large diamond. He took her hand and placed it on her left middle finger.

In spite of herself, Lióni just had to look. It was beautiful.

"I stayed up last night making this for you," he whispered.

"It's lovely," she breathed. Her eyes found his. "You did this for me?"

Again he smiled just for her. "No; I did this for me. I've thawed and need a mate. Like I said, I'm not a youth to be trifled with. As a man, I know exactly what I want and need. With your permission, I will announce our engagement tonight."

"I…of course."