Thorin,
My dearest brother. This letter is for your eyes only and soon you will know why. First of all, I want to say how happy I am for you. You have reclaimed our home. I could not be more proud of you. I am also extremely relived to know you and my sons are alive. That all of your company is alive is wonderful news. Gloin and Bombur's wives are especially happy.
I will not be coming with the first caravan, as much as I want to, but circumstances here prevent me. This is where I must ask you to keep this information a secret for the time being. Mailli is with child, but she is very ill. To be honest, I'm surprised she has lived as long as she has. She still has two months to go and I don't know that she will make it to the end or survive the childbirth. Please don't tell Fili. There is nothing he can do. By the time this letter reaches you, there is a good chance that she will be dead. If my some miracle she does survive, we will both be on the second caravan. Otherwise, it will just be me.
Telling Fili would not do him or anyone else any good. He will find out soon enough. The second letter I have enclosed is one you can read out loud and share with the boys and your company. I will tell no lies, but I won't tell all the truth either. It explains the reason for us not being a part of the first caravan is because as your regent in the Blue Mountains, there is much for me to do and oversee. This is very true. It's not easy to organize these large groups to travel so far. The first caravan will be small and they will pave the way for us. The majority of us who will be moving to Erebor will be arriving in the second caravan.
It breaks my heart to see Mailli as she is. She and Fili do not deserve this and I can only hope Fili will be able to deal with this and live on for his child's sake. Mailli didn't know she was expecting when Fili left and even if he had stayed, nothing could have been done to prevent this outcome. Mailli does not harbor any ill feelings towards Fili or you. She is very proud. It was hard to calm her down from her joy when we read your letter and she learned Fili lives. We were afraid she would do herself harm as she cried in elation.
I look forward to seeing you and walking the halls of Erebor again. Mahal's willing, I will be there with both my daughter-by-wed and my grandchild, but should that not be, my grandchild at least. Another heir in the Line of Durin. I am loath to say farewell again, even in a letter, but I must. I will see you as soon as I am able. Give my love to my sons. And Thorin, if you must share the news with someone, make sure it is someone who will keep your confidence.
With love, your sister, Dis
Thorin wiped his tears away. Poor Mailli. Poor Fili. Poor Dis having to deal with all of this by herself. This was not a good way to start life in Erebor. And after all they've been through, too. He wiped his hands down his face and massaged his temples. This turn of events could certainly destroy Fili. Thorin knew if they lost Fili, they would probably lose Kili and if both were lost, would it ruin Dis? He knew it would ruin him. Why couldn't the children of Durin ever get a respite from tragedy?
Dear Readers, I will be out of town for a few days, and will update again on Monday. The story is mostly written and I will post a chapter (or two) a day. See you Monday. - Idrylla