The next day Thorin decided to spend some quality time with his oldest nephew. He thought fishing would be a good way.

"Can Dalila come?" Fili asked.
"No. This is just for us."
"Oh.....ok!" Off they went to the pond down the hill. The pond was crystal clear. Only one tree was beside it. It was the perfect place to sit and watch the pond life. The frogs leap from lilypad to lilypad while catching bugs. The water is calm until it's disturbed by a bobber.

Fili loved this pond. It was his and Dalila's special place. She would climb the tree and pretend to be in a tower and he would save her. They'd watch the sunset. They could always find each other here.

"Now, fishing takes practice. You have to be careful or you'll hook yourself." Thorin explained. But Fili was already casting his line.
"Where'd you learn that?" Thorin chuckled.
"Dalila taught me. The guy she use to live with taught her. I don't remember which one."
"I see. Fili we need to talk about Dalila."
"She's really funny huh? And she's my best friend. And she likes adventures, like me! And she's really pretty."
"Yes all that's true but you need to stop spending time with her."
"Why?" Fili said confused. Why would his Uncle want him away from his best friend?
"Because you're a prince."
"When we play games she's a princess and I'm the knight that rescues her."
"Yes but that's in games. We're talking about real life."
"Uncle she's my best friend. I can't stop playing with her." Fili protested. Thorin sighed.
"You'll understand soon."

They caught a bucket of fish.
"Momma I got supper!" Fili said carrying a bucket.
"Oh good! Dalila is already making tea." Dís said.
"Dalila!!" Fili said running in.
"Fili!!" She ran to him.
"Did you catch anything?" She asked him.
"A whole bucket full! Look!" He showed her the bucket.
"Wow! You're so good at fishing!"
"Thanks!"
"Your little brother is so cute! I got to hold him while you were away. He has the cutest smile." Dalila gushed.
"You like him more than you like me." Fili's smile quickly faded. He was jealous of his baby brother. Kili was getting more attention from Dalila than he was.
"Oh no Fili. Kili is like my baby doll. Just a toy of sorts. You're my best friend." She assured him.
"Uncle said we can't play together anymore."
"Why?" She asked crushed. She use to look up to Thorin. He was a fatherly figure to her. But now she couldn't stand him. He was keeping her from her best friend and she didn't know why!
"I don't know. He said because I'm a prince."
"Oh. And I'm an orphan, not a princess." She sighed. He nods sadly. She lost hope. She wouldn't play with her best friend ever again. But then she remembered something....

"Fili! I have an idea!"
"What is it?" He hoped the young dwarf had a good idea. He didn't want to lose his best friend.
"I read a story once about this girl. Her mommy and daddy died and she was an orphan too. But a prince fell in love with her and married her and she became a princess. If I find a prince to marry then I'll be a princess and we can be bestest friends forever!!" She squealed.
"That's it! That'll work! We have to find you a prince!"
"But where? What prince would wanna marry an orphan?" She said sadly.
"You're a pretty orphan. And you're funny. I'm sure there's a prince out there who will marry you." Fili told her honestly.
"You really think so?" She looked at him hopefully.
"I know so. But we can't tell Thorin our plan."
"Ok!"

"Fili get in here with that fish. I'm starving. And we're having a few guest tonight." Thorin yelled from the kitchen.
"Coming Uncle!" Fili went to the kitchen with Dalila right behind him. Thorin sighed at the sight.
"They're only children Thorin. Let them be." Dís said.
"Yes I know they're only children but I was only a child too."
"But you are not Thror or Thrain. You won't make the same mistakes. And we're not even certain she is his one."
"She is his one Dís....just like she was my one. I don't want Fili hurt like that."
~~~~

A/N any ideas who/what Thorin is talking about?