Y/n could remember the very first time she met Fili. It wasn't on the battlefield as one would believe, but rather, she first saw him in Laketown. They quite literally ran into each other. She remembers this distinctly because she found it most peculiar that she, who was born on those very waters having lived in Laketown and gotten used to the swaying, was knocked on her ass ungracefully while this handsome golden dwarf towered over her.

He barely looked at her, but she was gaping, she was sure of it.

She was only quite thankful that he was too distracted fighting a league of Orcs, trying to lead his ragtag group of Dwarrow, Elf, and Bard's children to safety. All the while Smaug flew above their heads breathing fire and dooming the town below.

Indeed, Y/n did feel quite shameful when she thought back on it. Because not even five minutes earlier, she had lost her father to Smaug who had burned their house and a row of others. She only made it out safely because he had pushed her out into the lake before the fire drake could spew his flames. So Y/n felt quite silly that her heart was moved by this handsome Dwarf who barely glanced her way when she was still mourning the loss of her only family left.

But sometimes, matters of the heart made little sense, and that was a motto Y/n lived by.

Flicking her eyes past him, she noticed an Orc advancing from the shadows, and towards the unsuspecting Dwarf who was struggling with three others.

Without thinking, she clutched the spear that lay by her side and stood up, throwing it straight through the vile creature's heart. The dwarf had looked at her in shock, then nodded in thanks before he advised, "Find yourself a boat miss, and get somewhere safe." He never waited for her answer, already darting after his company. It made her sad, to think he really didn't see her that time, as he was so distracted.

She didn't think she would meet him again a few days later.

Now though, Y/n huffed as she folded up the fishing net, her eyes trailing towards the Lonely Mountain. Despite helping save Fili's life, she had heard no news about his health, or if he was still even alive. She had hoped for the best as she heard Thorin and Kili had woken from their long sleep two weeks and a month respectively. They had made great strides in both their healing and progress on rebuilding their home. Relations with the neighboring kingdoms too had gotten better once Thorin upheld his word and helped Dale rebuild as well. Even the bad blood between the Mirkwood Elves and Erebor Dwarrow lessened when King Thranduil received his treasured gems.

And Bilbo, the Hobbit, had even convinced some of the other Shirelings to come and help heal the land once the snow started to melt. Already, with the Hobbit here the winter was not as harsh as it has been in winters past. The Dwarrow and Men believe it to be because Yavanna will bless whatever land any of her dear Hobbits settle down in.

Y/n was inclined to believe them.

Whatever the reason may be, there really had been nothing but good news all around since the Battle.

Except, Y/n wasn't happy. And it was beginning to show.

When the young fisher woman sighed again, she heard Bard from the other side of the boat put down his things as he said, "Alright."

Y/n turned to the new King of Dale, and caretaker since he took her in as his ward since her father's passing, confusion clear on her face as he walked to her. A warm fatherly smile etched on his face, "What's going on in that head of yours N/n?"

The young woman quirked a brow, while in her minds eye a flash of golden hair and blue eyes entered unprovoked. Shaking out the image, she turned back to her net, "What do you mean?"

"You've been sighing and huffing lately, you only do that when something's weighing on your mind," Bard pointed out causing the young woman to grumble, "I don't huff and sigh."

Bard chuckled good-naturedly, "Lass, I practically helped raise ya with your father once your mother passed. You and my Sig were practically sisters, don't bother denying it." Y/n sighed once more causing Bard to laugh this time, "You just did it again."

Y/n laughed with him, shoving his shoulder playfully before calming down. When they settled, her eyes found the Mountain again and she asked quietly, "Do you think he's alright?"

When Bard remained quiet, she turned to find him searching her face for something. She wasn't quite sure what, but she persisted, "You are King. Have they told you any news.... Of Prince Fili?"

Bard hummed in thought, his own eyes going towards the Lonely Mountain, his elbows coming to rest against the railing of the boat, "I didn't know you knew him." Y/n copied his stance and listened to the sounds of the lake sloshing against the sides of their boat, "I've only met him twice... But he left a great impression on me."

She caught Bard's worried glance and she quickly remedied, "I do not pretend to think he remembers me, or fool myself into hoping he would feel the same... I just..." The creaking of the boards and slight wind russling their hair all brought peace to her tumultuous thoughts as she ended lamely, "I hope he's okay is all."

He was quiet as he observed her, his face twisted in one of worry before he finally spoke, "He's awake. He will be coming to Laketown soon, with his Uncle and Brother." Hope soared in her heart as she turned to him with excitement, "He is? Whatever for?"

Bard frowned as he thumb tapped his knuckles, his hesitance made her heart thump loudly with nerves. Straightening out, he frowned as he supplied, "I'm.... Not supposed to tell you this, as I have not even approached Sigrid about it yet. But it seems I must prepare you for what is about to happen..."

She felt her hands shake, hoping that her worst thoughts were not about to spill from his mouth.

"While Fili was asleep, King Thorin and I came to an agreement that a marriage between our two Kingdoms would be best to strengthen our alliances... With Prince Kili and Tauriel's wedding coming soon, the Dwarrow and Mirkwood Elves have a more stable alliance. It was agreed that Sigrid would marry Prince Fili as soon as he awoke." Bard ended quietly.

Y/n took in a shuttering gasp as she felt her heart shatter. She barely heard his apology as the blood rushed from her head and a ringing filled her ears, "I am so sorry Y/n... I didn't know that you... That you held any regard for him. If I had-"

"It wouldn't matter anyways," Y/n concluded and the older man immediately went to argue, "You don't know that."

She let out a humorless chuckle before stating, "I am nothing but a fisherman's daughter. I could never mean anything to the Heir of Erebor." Bard frowned but didn't say anything, causing the pain in her sould t be crushing. Looking over at the barrels of fish, she surmised, "We have enough fish for today I think."

Bard reached out a hand to comfort her, "Y/n-"

Twisting her body away from him, the silence that followed was deafening. Awkwardly, she looked Bard in the eye, "Let's go home."

It was about a month later when spring had officially begun, that the Line of Durin and their trusted companions made their way down to Dale. Y/n stood next to Sigrid in the market, watching as the group of thirteen Dwarrow, a Hobbit, and an Elf, made their way through town. The Heir himself had gotten many looks from the unmarried daughters who all gathered there to get a look at the eligible Prince.

'But they don't know he's already spoken for', Y/n thought as she watched him scan the crowd around them. No doubt looking for Sigrid. She shook her head before focusing her (e/c) eyes on gutting the fresh fish for their customers.

'Assuming we get any today that is,' her mind unhelpfully supplied as she eyed the Dwarrow who were distracting their usual customers. Her eyes then went to Sigrid who whispered excitedly next to her, "It's so good to see them again, although it's strange to see them this clean. The first time I saw them, the were climbing out of our toilet."

She giggled, while Y/n only cracked a small smile. Sigrid frowned at her friend, "Y/n? What's wrong? You've been acting strange for a while now."

Y/n frowned and was about to answer when gasps and whispers broke whatever thoughts she was having. Looking towards the group, she expected to see the Dwarrow stopped at a stall close by to them. What she wasn't expecting was Fili, with his golden hair alight, and blue eyes twinkling like a clear spring, to be in front of her and beaming.

She felt her face warm, her eyes shifting down to her pants and shirt as embarrassment for the way she looked settled heavily in her gut. But the pull to look back at her Dwarf was too strong, and before she realized it, her shoulders relaxed as she let out a breath just by being in his presence. A warmth began to light in her chest, and for the first time in a month, she actually smiled. With a dip of her head she greeted, "Prince Fili."

"Y/n," he answered just as softly as she had spoken. Her brows shot upwards and she could feel Sigrid by her side watching them with confusion and anticipation, "You remember me?"

"Of course, how could I ever forget?" Fili answered with an easy smile which flustered her too much. She looked down at her hands that were covered in grime, and fish guts before flicking them back towards his mesmerizing eyes, "You are fully recovered I hope?"

"I am, thanks to you I heard," he answered back with a wink. Y/n's heart stuttered for a moment, before she leaned forward conspiratorially and jested, "Oh? Is that all I get? A thanks?"

For a moment, she felt her stomach drop as she wondered, 'What am I doing? I shouldn't be speaking so casually to him!' But to her utter amazement, she watched with intrigue as Fili's eyes drifted towards her lips, before finding their way towards her (e/c) eyes again. Before he could reply, a majestic Dwarf that had long dark hair stepped towards them slightly and commanded in a deep timber voice, "Come Fili, we mustn't keep King Bard waiting."

The company watched in amusement and slight guilt as both Fili and the young woman deflated. Sighing, Fili affirmed, "I'll be right there."

Y/n tried to hide her disappointment that he would be going so soon. She knew that after their meeting with Bard, she would never see him again. That thought alone was enough to fill her with dread, although she didn't have a clue as to why. It made no sense, and yet... Somewhere deep within her she knew that without Fili, she would fade away.

With one last look at Fili, she went to bid him goodbye, but paused as he pinned her with his gaze. His eyes surveyed her from head to toe before he announced, "You look lovely today atamanel."

She heard the whispers start around them once more, but paid them no mind as she blinked dumbly at the Prince, "I'm covered in fish guts."

Fili smirked, "You were lovely the first time we met too." Y/n stood straighter and wondered if he remembered their first meeting in Laketown. Her eyes went to some of the other familiar faces she had met that day and was met with friendly smiles but no recognition. Her eyes went back towards the Prince in front of her as she thought, 'He must be referring to our second meeting... But I-'

"I was covered in Orc blood," she finished her thought out loud as she regarded him incredulously. The Heir chuckled once more and mumbled in the Dwarrow's secret language, "Menu tessu atamanel." Y/n caught many of the Dwarrow grinning at her, causing her to frown, "I don't know what that means."

He grinned at her, and in leu of an answer, switched to common and dipped his head, "I hope we meet again soon."

He left Y/n unable to answer him, her eyes watching his party leave and go towards Sigrid's home in the Center of town. She heard the town's usual commotion start up around her but none knocked her out of her state of reverie until Sigrid elbowed her.

Turning towards her friend with widened eyes, she was immediately overcome with guilt, "Sigrid, I'm sorry I shouldn't have-"

Y/n was shocked to see Sig's excited grin as she gripped her upper arm and squealed, "What was that?! N/n were you flirting with the Crown Prince of Erebor?? In front of his Uncle, the King??"

Y/n never felt more like the dead fish on her cutting board than she did in that moment as she floundered, "I.... uh..."

She was cut off as Sigrid squealed once more, jumping up and down while she simultaneously shook her friend back and forth. Y/n could feel the blood drain from her face as her actions truly hit her when Sigrid continued, "Oh! I had no idea you two even met! You must tell me all about it!"

"What? No, I can't," Y/n denied.

Sigrid pouted at her, which her friend thought was adorable for the Crown Princess of Dale to do, "Why not? He was clearly smitten? I need the details! Please!"

"Sigrid, I can't," she tried again.

"Please? Was it in the Battle?"

"Sig-"

"You disappeared from Dale for hours, I had feared the worst. Were you really out with the Dwarves?" Sigrid pressed.

"Please Sig, please stop-"

"You know, I've met him as well? He's quite charming. Very handsome, I think he'd make for a find husband. I don't enjoy the short stature myself but more power to you-"

"Sigrid enough!" Y/n finally cut in. The two friends both stood in silence in the stall. Y/n could only be grateful that the market was back to its normal hustle and bustle to pay the pair no mind. The Princess of Dale stood as silent as stone, her eyes widened in shock. Overwhelmed, the fisherman's daughter sighed and with remorse hung her head as she spoke lowly, "I'm sorry Sig. I shouldn't have raised my voice at you like that... I just... I can't talk about meeting him, because he isn't mine to talk about."

"What are you saying? Speak plainly, please," her friend pleaded, and it felt like a knife in Y/n's heart when she heard it wobble.

Looking up towards Sigrid's blue eyes, she complied in a small voice, "You and Fili are engaged to be married."

"What?" Sig muttered taking a half step back. Y/n frowned as she admitted, "It really wasn't my place to tell you, and for that I am sorry but," she smiled at her friend and even though it was downcast she knew it was genuine, "I want you to be happy. And you are right, he seems like a fine dwarf, noble and true."

Sigrid stayed silent as she looked away from her friend, her face twisted in hurt. Without thinking of her bloodied hands, Y/n clasped her own around her friends, drawing Sig's eyes once more Y/n took a step closer as she mumbled lowly to Sigrid, "Please forgive me Sig. I should not have behaved in such a way with your betrothed in front of you."

Sigrid ignored her apologies as she scanned her face and asked, "Do you love him?"

Chuckling self-deprecatingly, the young woman answered, "It doesn't matter how I feel. What matter's is that you are happy. Besides, I've known you my whole life. I would rather have you in it than a chance with a Dwarf Prince that I barely know.... No matter how charming he may be."

Sigrid frowned, "That doesn't answer my question."

"He's a Crown Prince, and you are a Crown Princess. What am I? Just a fisherman's daughter," Y/n sighed, letting go of Sigrid's hands and frowning when she realized how dirty with grime she got them. Looking own at her humble yet dirty outfit, she backed away further before looking up at Sigrid who was scanning her face as her father had a month before. Y/n frowned when she saw her best friend's face harden into determination, "Sig?"

"Right, I cannot stand by and let this happen," the Princess said, mostly to herself as she marched away from their stall. Y/n could only watch with hurt and confusion, baffled by Sigrid's last sentence. With a long suffering sigh, the young woman just came to the conclusion that she had hurt her best friend. Casting her eyes round about the stall, she pursed her lips before starting to put her goods away, knowing that today her heart just wasn't in it.

Sigrid would normally count herself as a patient young woman who could be rather tactful when needed. but she had not the time, nor the energy to waste on anymore dallying, especially when her best friend's happiness was on the line.

Honestly, had Y/n come to her sooner of what she had known, Sigrid would have done something about it in a diplomatic way. But here she was, storming into her house, Bain and Tilda on her heels trying in vain to get her to slow down.

"Da's in a meeting," Bain had warned.

"It's very important, he said it's not to be interrupted," Tilda added breathlessly.

"Da can get over it," she grumbled before unceremoniously throwing open the doors to her Father's office and glaring at him, while the Royal Company stared at Bard's children with widened eyes.

Bard frowned at them as King Thorin rumbled, "What is the meaning of this?"

"I'm sorry Da, we tried to stop her," Bain panted.

"But she wouldn't listen," Tilda finished.

All eyes went back to the Crown Princess of Dale who was in turn, glowering at her father. Bard's brows furrowed as he questioned, "Sig, what are you doing?"

"Is it true?"

"Is what true?" Bard questioned, his eyes searching the Dwarrow around him who looked just as lost.

"That you and King Thorin have come to some agreement to form a stronger alliance by marriage of Crown Prince Fili and I?" Sigrid spoke clearly leaving her father to wince where he sat and Thorin to pale when Fili rounded on his Uncle and cried out, "What?!"

Thorin frowned and mumbled in Khuzdul, "This was before we knew of your One." Fili let out a low growl causing Thorin to raise his hand slightly from the hand rest and command lowly, "Be still, we will sort this out."

The Royal Dwarrow shared one last look before turning back to Bard and his eldest daughter who had made her way closer to the desk where Bard sat. The King of Dale tiredly sighed out, "Y/n told you-"

"Yes! Y/n told me! I wish she had told me sooner!" Sigrid voiced angrily, planting dirty hands on her pristine powder blue dress.

Bard eyed Sigrid stoically, "It wasn't her place to say anything. Nor was it her place to know."

Sigrid glared back defiantly as she spat, "And yet, one must wonder why she knew before me? And why she told me before my own father?" An awkward tense silence filled the office as the Company of Dwarves, and the two royals' respective Ones, watched the pair unsure how to break their stare down. It was only subdued when Bard sighed heavily and ran a hand down his face, "I thought it wise at the time... To warn her. She seemed... More attached than I anticipated."

Sigrid's eyes widened, her mouth moved to made a sound, but she stopped suddenly at the many eyes around them. With slight frustration, she turned back to her father and signed, "You knew?" The Dwarrows brows furrowed as they watched Bard's face turn to shock then frustration before he signed back, "Of course I knew! How did you know?" Kili frowned as he watched the two use some signs that looked similar to Iglishmêk, but was different. Turning to Tauriel and Bilbo, he asked, "What are they saying?"

The two watched and shook their heads, never having seen something like this from where they are from. All the while, Sigrid and Bard were talking aggressively with their hands.

The eldest daughter signed, "Fili and Y/n talked in the market, they were quite obvious I think."

Bard sighed and rolled his eyes, "What was she thinking? I told her to warn her what was to come. She should not have talked to him."

"Da, you can't seriously be thinking of going through with this? You wouldn't be making relations better, you'd be making it worse!" Sigrid argued. Huffing, Bard shook his head, "What else am I supposed to do? As much as I hate seeing N/n upset, I can't just hand her off to Prince Fili! His Uncle would see that as an insult!"

Sigrid's jaw dropped in shock before she growled and signed furiously in defense of her best friend, "Da, I can't believe you would say something like that about her! Prince Fili would be lucky to have her. Besides, you did not see the two of them, it was like there was no one else around them, truly."

Bard exhaled deeply, his brows furrowed with despair as he signed back resolutely, "I'm sorry Sig. I would love to see her happy too. But we can't put Dale in jeopardy to save her feelings."

Sigrid's glare only hardened, she had already made her mind to help her friend, she wouldn't fail now. Taking a step back, she dropped her hands down to her waist and finally announced to the crowd of Dwarrow, "Father, you know why I cannot go through with this."

Bard's eyes widened, "Sigrid, what are you-"

Ignoring him, Sigrid turned to Fili and bowed her head in greetings before saying, "My apologies Crown Prince of Erebor, for not greeting you or your kin sooner." Fili accepted it with a gracious dip of his head, and waited for the headstrong Princess to continue, "I hope I do not cause offense, but I will not go through with marrying you." The company began to mumble around them once more, wondering what the princess was up to as Bard warned, "Sigrid-"

She glared at him before turning her eyes once more to Fili and saying, "I cannot in good conscience marry you for I do not think we would make each other happy."

Fili smiled at her sadly, "No, I don't think we would."

Sigrid gave him a quirky upturn of her lips, "As much as I enjoy your company when you stayed with us in Laketown, I believe the only intentions we have for each other is friendship. Although I believe I will always cherish your guidance as a friend, I don't think it fair to doom ourselves to a loveless marriage."

"I couldn't agree more," Fili nodded diplomatically. Sigrid fought a grin, "However, should it appease both our kingdoms with a marriage of an alliance, might I suggest a possible candidate? You have already met her." Fili furrowed his brows wearily but nodded for her to continue, "Her name is Y/n, she is the one you were talking to in the Marketplace earlier."

At this, the entire room started with surprise, but Sigrid and Fili shared a grin as he nodded, "Aye, I know her. She saved my life."

"Would you be opposed to having her as your intended instead?" Sigrid questioned seriously even with the smile on her face.

"I find this to be agreeable," Fili spoke with a wide grin on his face. Sigrid hummed and folded her arms. Looking rather proud of herself she turned back to her father and announced, "Well, it seems we still have a wedding between our two people after all." Bard blinked in his shock before turning to Thorin and saying heavily, "Her lineage will not bother you? She is not of noble birth."

Thorin looked over to his nephews before saying cryptically, "When it comes to matters such as these, not even the most stubborn of Dwarrow will fight their union."

Kili and Fili beamed at their Uncle's approval. Even Tauriel, as quiet as the she-elf was around the company, blushed lightly at the praise of the Dwarven King.

Bard and his children weren't fully aware of the depths his words held, but Sigrid smiled sweetly at the notion. And hoped one day she too would find someone who looked at her the way Fili looked at Y/n.

Sulking.

She didn't do sulking.

There was no time for such trivial matters such as that anyhow. Sigrid and Fili's engagement would be announced soon enough no doubt. Which meant celebrations, which meant food, which meant meat. Lots and lots of meat.

So no, she wasn't sulking.

She was just resting...

On the docks...

By herself.

She huffed as she looked down at her reflection in the water. Kicking her grubby image with her worn boots, she watched her reflection ripple before settling once more. Her face twisted at the sight of herself, and her musing took a turn for the worst.

'Look at you, why would you think he would ever want you?'

'Even if you weren't a commoner, you are plain, even by Human standards. There are others who outshine you.'

'It's really quite sad, you've barely spoken to him and yet here you are. Wallowing.'

It was her last thought that made her straighten and glare down at herself defiantly. Y/n took in her wild hair, her e/c eyes, her queer sense of style as some would put it, and thought, 'That's right. It is quite sad. I am a daughter of a Fisherman. I have no title, no dowry, and I live by my father's trade. I don't wallow over fanciful flights of my heart.'

She ignored the sting that followed those thoughts as she took in the sight of her dirty hands, still covered in grime and blood that she knew also held callouses. She smiled, 'I am just Y/n, and there is nothing wrong with that.'

With an affirming nod, Y/n stood up when someone spoke behind her, "Hello."

The young woman let out a shriek of fright as she turned and jumped at the sight of the Dwarf Prince. Her eyes widened further, as did his, when she stumbled backwards. Too close to the edge as she was, she fell off the docks and into the chilled dark waters below.

When she resurfaced, his concern was plain to see as he stood near the edge and asked, "I do apologize, I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you alright?"

Y/n pushed her hair out of her face, unable to stop her mirth as she joked, "Yes, I meant to do that."

A twinkle of mischief sparkled in the young Dwarf's eyes, his mustache braids swaying as he smirked, "Really?" Swimming a little further from the docks, she nodded in all seriousness, "Oh aye, the water feels grand. You should join me."

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard his laugh. Despite the cool water chilling her skin, she felt warm all over. Sinking into the water just enough until the waterline hid her smile, she waded closer once more hoping to steal some more silent moments to gaze at her Dwarf.

Fili settled and looked down at her from above, his smile all soft and sweet. He tilted his head towards the docks after a moment and suggested, "Come up? There is something I wish to discuss with you."

Y/n didn't feel like she could trust her voice, so she simply nodded. When she was up, she crinkled her face at her sopping wet clothes that scratched with every uncomfortable step she took. Her boots squelched with each stride but she slowly made her way over to the Dwarven Prince that had plagued her thoughts the last five months since the Battle. Her eyes flitted up towards his shyly, finding that he was already watching her once more with that soft smile.

Her nerves made her eyes flit downward, her fists clenched by her side as the silence droned on between them. She shivered in slight discomfort when all she could feel was the heat of his gaze on her skin. So to spare herself from embarrassing herself further, she flicked her eyes towards him and inquired, "You wanted to speak to me?"

Fili didn't say anything for a moment, his eyes lingering on her face before shedding off his coat and offering it to her. Y/n furrowed her brows as she looked from the coat to Fili who only chuckled before walking over to her and handing it her, "Here, this should keep you warm."

Y/n felt her face flush with heat as she mumbled, "Oh.. Thank you." She accepted it with a shy smile, wrapping it around her shoulders and shuddering at the heat it provided. If she also secretly inhaled his scent of leather, oils, and fire it was neither here nor there. Fili watched her for a moment, hiding his own smile before they both turned outward towards the lake. Taking in a deep breath, he hooked his thumbs on the belt loop, and said conversationally, "Princess Sigrid came into our meeting today, much to our surprise."

Y/n's stature instantly went rigid, her face going neutral. Fili frowned at her immediate change, and could have sworn her eyes looked dejected although her voice had an air of aloofness, "Oh? Did she say what for?"

Fili studied her as he answered, "She told her father, in so many words, that she could not marry me."

Y/n hid her surprise well, any hope that sprung to her heart she immediately squashed as she turned to the Dwarf Prince beside her and responded evenly, "Really? Then what did she suggest?" At the Golden Prince's brows quirked, Y/n clarified, "I know Sig, we've grown up together. She's practically my sister, she would not have made such a statement if she didn't already have a counteroffer."

Y/n was rewarded with a warm chuckle that made her insides melt as he nodded, "You are right. She did make a different offer. But.... before I continue I do want you to know that you have no obligation to agree. Dale and Erebor can continue with their good relations without this... Alliance."

At the Prince's slightly worried tone, Y/n's own apprehension began to grow. Nodding for him to continue, Fili took in a deep breath before sitting down and patting the spot next to him. Y/n gravitated towards him without thinking, waiting for him to collect his thoughts for a moment. After a short pause, he took a deep breath and explained, "In Dwarrow culture, when one wishes to court another, we gift our intended three items that would be useful to them and show that we can protect, provide, and cherish them."

The young woman smiled at the thought, imagining what Fili would gift her if they lived in a different world where they could have worked out. Her eyes found Fili's blue ones as he continued, "Usually those gifts are more specific towards the one they are courting as well, so... to start off a courtship we ask to braid our bead into their hair."

Y/n's breath escaped her when Fili pulled a beautiful golden bead that had a rune she didn't recognize on it. He held out his palm as his eyes searched hers with fear and hopefulness mixed in them, "Would you, Y/n of Dale, allow me the honor of braiding my bead in your hair?"

Her chest heaved as she felt all her hopes and dreams within her hands reach, and yet she couldn't help but ask breathlessly, "Why me? Why not Sigrid?"

Fili smiled, even if fear was still visible as he confessed, "The moment I met you, there was no one else."

Y/n let out a shaky laugh as tears happily left her eyes as she joked, "You know I was joking about wanting more for saving your life. If this is out of pity-"

"It's not," Fili interrupted, his features turning more confident.

"Then yes," was her prompt reply, as her tears blurred her vision. She could see his countenance rival that of the Sun, and felt her own lips stretch into a grin as response, "I would be honored to wear your bead."

Fili sucked in a breath before, taking a section of her hair behind her ear and plaiting it into something that felt rather complicated to Y/n. At the end, he tied off her hair, and clasped his bead. His blue eyes once more searched her face, before he chuckled happily and brought her forehead down to touch it lightly with his mumbling something in Khuzdul that left her slightly confused but otherwise happy.

They stayed there for many hours talking quietly with one another, planning their next meeting. All the while, Y/n couldn't help but feel content, and feel that the future would hold nothing but great things.

Y/n paced the length of the room in her shared chambers with her Dwarf. The soft flowing material of her sleeves swished as she walked, her dominant hand making its way to her mouth to chew on her fingernails (a habit that Bilbo has been trying very hard for her to break). She grumbled angrily and wiped the tears that had not stopped falling since her talk with Tauriel and Bilbo just thirty minutes earlier.

Irritation bubbled skin deep as she thought of the pounding headache she'd have tomorrow just because she was crying. But of course, that was just one of her many problems. The other, being unsure of how to approach her husband of her fears.

Y/n was no fool, she knew that she needed to talk to her handsome Dwarf in order for this marriage to work. And despite her fears, she was unwilling to let Fili go just yet. So she had to hold onto the hope that maybe, just maybe Bilbo was right. That Fili did love her.

But that didn't stop the deep seeded fears that only spoke of her insecurities.

'He doesn't love you anymore.'

'He only married you to strengthen the alliance between our two kingdoms.'

'Fili will leave you, there is nothing you have to offer.'

Grumbling she pinched the bridge of her nose and told those thoughts to shut it. Her misery only stopped when the door opened and shut soundly.

Turning to see who it was, she was surprised to see none other than her Golden Dwarf looking at her with red rimmed eyes and a guilty expression. He barely even made eye contact with her, causing her browns to furrow before she sighed and slumped to the floor, "Bilbo told you didn't he?"

"Yes," was his quiet response. The awkward tension that filled the silence afterwards made both shift uncomfortably before she let out another sigh and patted the floor next to her, "Come, sit. I think we have some things to talk about."

She saw from her peripheral that he did so, although wearily before he sat down, not too close to her. He looked almost frightened, which soothed the ache in her own chest. Looking over at him she frowned, "What did I do wrong?"

Fili's head snapped over to her, his fear overtaken by pain, "What?"

"What did I do wrong?" She repeated before continuing, "You never look at me. Something has changed between us. We were fine during our courting, and then suddenly you couldn't bare to be near me when we got married." Her thoughts went to what Balin told her before their marriage and her heart broke silently, "Is it because I'm not your One?"

"What?" He repeated, his eyes widened in horror which seemed to confirm Y/n's worst fears. She felt her tears fall anew as she explained, "Balin told me about Ones, and what they mean to Dwarrow. Do you resent me? I know our marriage is one of alliance but-"

Fili's golden brows furrowed then, shaking his head, he reached for her hands and stopped her, "Hold on, atamanel, what do you mean you are not my One?"

Y/n frowned and tried to explain while her heart shattered once more, "Balin said that Ones for Dwarrow were a gift from your maker, Mahal, that when he carved your soul from the stone, he cleaved it in two before sending you down here."

"Yes, but Y/n, you are my One."

"What?" the Heir's Consort questioned now beyond confused. Fili shifted closer, "You are my One Y/n."

Furrowing her brows, she tried to wrap her mind around this revelation, "But... But how can I be? I'm not a Dwarf. I thought you could only have-"

Fili sighed in irritation as he glared at the fire, "It seems Balin didn't mention that we can sometimes find our Ones outside of our own race. That is why Uncle is married to Bilbo, and Kili to Tauriel." Y/n felt her face blanch as she sputtered, "Wh-what? But.... But Bard said our marriage was for-"

"An alliance? It probably would have been had the marriage agreement between Crown Princess Sigrid and I actually went through," he explained calmly, his posture finally seeming to relax. But only slightly, she had noted. Sighing, Y/n unknowingly pulled her hands away from Fili's causing him to frown up at his wife as she asked, "Why didn't Bard tell me?"

"I think... As far as King Bard knew, I did marry you to strengthen our alliance," Fili concluded quietly, "We are a secretive people, we don't let outsiders know of our culture. Unless they marry into it of course." Y/n glared at her husband, "Then why have you been ignoring me if I am your One?"

At his wince, her demeanor softened, but she waited for him as he gazed at the fire before saying in a broken voice, "Balin told me the day of our wedding that you thought our marriage was just for the alliance between our people. He also said that your people held no such beliefs. And it... hurt."

She sucked in a sharp breath, her face warped in pain as he continued, "As I told my Uncle earlier, I was tempted to stop the wedding there to free you from being tied to me if you didn't wish it, if you didn't really want me, but... I am a selfish Dwarf and I couldn't. So, I settled to just giving you space instead."

The stillness that enveloped them was full of misery. Y/n frowned before scooting closer, causing Fili to eye her as she took his hand and asked, "How did you know I was your One?"

Fili let out a bitter sounding chuckle, "When we first met, and I lay there dying... I saw you and for the first time in my life I felt complete. I felt whole. I just knew, that you were my other Half, and I prayed to Mahal to not take me yet because I had just found you. And I couldn't... I couldn't..."

His head hung as he quietly cried, fear that she would leave him. His actions towards her caused him to hide his face in shame. Y/n though, thought back to how she felt, and couldn't help the smile as she ran her hands through his hair. His eyes gravitated towards her, holding questions and fear, but they showed only shock as she laughed, "Oh, you dumb, handsome dwarf."

His head popped up in bafflement and insult, "Excuse me?"

He watched his wife laugh some more before she said with mirth in her eyes, "You are ridiculous. I wish you had explained to me what a One is, and how you felt. But then again... I should have also come to speak with you sooner than I did." Fili quirked a brow as his head fell to one side in question causing her to let out happy hum. Her hands continued to trail through his hair as she whispered conspiratorially, "I guess I should finally reveal my own secret. Our first meeting was not on Raven Hill."

His brows shot up, "What?"

"We met a few days prior, in Laketown. When Smaug was laying waste to it with fire," she revealed. He blinked before shaking his head, "No, I would have remembered."

"Love, you were busy fighting Orcs, and trying to lead your company to safety, and then you fought in a Battle and almost...." She choked on the last word but pressed on with a lilt in her voice as she joked, "I doubt you would remember the girl who saved you from an Orc, you barely even looked at me then."

Fili blinked as he searched his memories of that night. The event she spoke of sparked recognition, but the face of the young woman wasn't all that clear. 'All this time, it was Y/n?' he wondered. When his blue-eyed gaze returned to her she beamed at him as she disclosed, "That night that we ran into each other, it felt like my world shifted, and I couldn't stop thinking about you as My Dwarf. When the Battle came and I saw some of the same faces the day we met, but not yours, I followed and found your brother causing a racket trying to leave so that he could find you. I volunteered to go search for Prince Fili, and they gave me a description... but I really was trying to find you. I wanted to make sure my Dwarf was safe."

Fili blinked in disbelief and slight confusion, "If you knew who I was, why did you ask for my name?"

Y/n felt her face warm in embarrassment as she confessed, "It hadn't clicked that you were one and the same until your said your name."

Fili felt his jaw drop slightly before he laughed for the first time since their courtship began. His mirth was contagious, as she soon joined him, leaning against his solid form as they held each other. Fili felt his eyes sting once more as he asked wetly, "We are fools aren't we?"

Y/n stilled, her smile turning bittersweet, "Yes, we are."

"We could have avoided all this heartache sooner had we talked," Fili observed.

His wife only hummed as she watched him. With a frown, he turned his head and asked, "Can you ever forgive me?"

Y/n was silent for a beat longer than Fili was comfortable with causing him to squirm where he sat. Her (e/c) eyes pierced him in his spot as she said, "We will have to learn to talk to each other in the future."

"Yes," he readily agreed.

"If one of us feels uncomfortable, we need to voice it from now on, no more walking on eggshells around each other," she stated firmly.

He nodded, "Of course."

She still remained tense as she asked, "When do you need to go back to your duties?"

"Uncle gave me a few days, but if you need space, or time to think I can leave you be," Fili offered with a frown.

"Do you think he will give you a week or so if you asked?" Y/n asked surprising him. Furrowing his brows he shrugged, "He might, why do you ask?"

His eyes widened as his wife crawled onto his lap, and planted herself there, her smirk turning seductive as she suggested, "I've been wanting to make you an Adad Fi, and we never had a proper wedding night." His initial shock gone, Fili felt his grin stretch his face as one hand held his wife's hips firmly and the other tugged her down to meet his lips soundly. Their passion fueling the other before they separated with a loud smack as Fili said breathlessly, "I think we can arrange that."