That's Another Story For Later

Training and the In-Laws

I stood at the side, watching archers train with Kili at my side. "Aim... fire!" I barked. Twenty thrums of bowstrings went as one, and twenty thumps into the targets.

"Bows down!" Kili ordered as I went forward to look at the targets, checking that it was aimed in the right place. They were new cadets, and it had been two days. I surveyed it slowly, and I felt their eyes upon me as I walked. They surveyed the dark blue tunic, the hunting boots, and brown leather pants as I scrutinized the targets. My own weapons were stashed on my person. "Iridian!" Kili shouted. I ducked at the tone upon hearing the first syllable, the woosh of an arrow passing over my head. A hand was on a dagger in a moment.

I looked up to see the arrow embedded where my side was. It would have gotten the fabric of my shirt, assuming he had good enough aim. I moved from under the arrow. I stood slowly. I saw Kili about to say something, and I silenced him with a glare. I turned to face the cadets, to see no one with raised bows. They were all silent. I stalked forward, facing the cadets with a deadly calm. They all looked terrified.

I scanned the faces for the one with the least amount of remorse. The one in the middle, with blond hair and brown eyes. His were staring at mine calmly. I came right up to him, three inches taller. "What is your name?" I growled at the boy.

"Nunri." He answered in a voice that could only be described as obnoxious. I paused, pretending to mull over the name. The other dwarves had backed away from him, not wanting to get caught in the wrath. "Did you not hear the command to put the bow down?"

"Wouldn't a woman know better than to walk on the range?" He responded. I bristled, but forced myself to keep calm. "Well? Wouldn't you know? Don't you have something to sew? Besides, since when do you look like a dwarf?" He taunted.

"I am much more dangerous than a woman."

"Prove it." He demanded.

"Go grab a sword. Kili, referee, would you?" I called out, pulling out my dual swords. His eyes locked with mine in nervousness. "Don't you worry. I can take care of myself against this guy." He came over, holding a two sided sword. My fiancé walked over, standing in between to watch the match.

"Arms ready." We raised the swords. "Opponents ready?" I nodded once, as did Nunri. "Fight." He said simply. Nunri charged immediately. I easily anticipated his moves, blocking them. I couldn't deny he had raw strength, but he was using it to try and bash past my double sword blocks. It wouldn't work, for I had twice the strength in the one block than he did in a swing.

His next strike I glanced, causing him to stumble off balance. I kicked him to the dust, setting me boot on his back. I knelt down, putting a dagger to his chin. "I'd try choosing a more fair opponent when the time comes." I growled close to his ear. "Never try and fight me, or shoot me again, or you will be unable to continue your training. Is that understood."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I couldn't hear you. The sounds of battle have made me go deaf." I said in a sickly sweet tone.

"Yes ma'am!" He shouted so the entire group could hear. I stepped off him. He stood, brushing the dust off his clothes.

"Don't forget it." I said, sheathing the dagger. I looked at Kili, and subtly winked. "Alright, collect your arrows. Nothing to see anymore." I ordered. They all scrambled to get their missiles, not wanting to face my wrath like Nunri did. A hand touched my shoulder, and I saw Kili smirking. "That kid had it in for him. He's lucky I didn't shoot him myself, or that I didn't send him to Dwalin."

"Iridian! Kili!" The voice interrupted. We looked simultaneously to see Dwalin and Fili running toward us. Fili had called, his voice holding an excitement I had not seen before. It was a different kind of ecstatic. They continued running, breathing not lightly, but not heavily. "Kili... Mum's here!" He said, taking his brother's hand.