Thorin had pulled a bone comb through his hair and put on clean clothes. During his hunt for a wild boar he'd toppled over some times. There was now a large scratch above his elbow, but Thorin was still looking back on a wonderful day and he was very curious what the evening would bring .
When it was time to eat he knocked on Dís' door. He smoothed his clothes and was surprised to see her. She wore a beautiful dress and even though her eyes showed her insecurity, she looked good - much better than she'd done the past weeks.
"Hi," she said softly, biting her lip. "Arwen made this dress for me. Do - do I look very stupid?"
Thorin shook his head. "You look beautiful."
A hesitating smile appeared on her face, which warmed his heart. He was glad she came along tonight, instead of staying behind on her own. He nodded to the two boys appearing behind their mother, both wearing an elf robe which kind of suited them. He however would never wear such a robe. He offered Dís his arm and they walked to the Gardens of Imladris, where the buffet was covered by beautifully carved arches, around which curled shining flowers. Thorin had never seen such a thing in his life and he had to admit it expressed a beauty he would never find in Erebor, although they had possessed their own treasures that had no equals in Middle Earth.
His eye caught Elrohir, who was waving happily to them. He sat around a table with his family and winked them enthusiastically. "Come, sit with us!" He made an inviting gesture with his hand.
Thorin looked at Dís, who pushed Kíli protectively against her hip. Thorin knew her well enough to notice she felt insecure.
"I don't know if that pleases your father, lord Elrond."
Thorin looked aside, to the man who was flanked by his son and daughter.
"Without a doubt. Dís, Thorin, you are more than welcome."
He saw Dís' cheeks turn red and gestured her to sit next to Arwen with the children, while he found a place in front of Elrohir and greeted Lindir, an elf who was also close to the royal family.
When all elves had found a place to sit, Elrond stood up and greeted all persons present. He thanked them for their presence and offered his gratefulness to Nienna, Lady of compassion and sorrow, wisdom and hope. Even though Thorin did not know whether Nienna really existed or whether she was only a fable, those were meaningful words. His sister and he had came here, cloaked in sorrow, but now they were sitting here around the table, while hope for a better life was almost touchable. It was not comparable to the life he had known in Erebor, but he was grateful Dís and his nephews were still alive and it had been a miracle that they were received by elves - in such a way they were now eating around the same table.
"That's yours." Elrohir broke through his thoughts and pointed to the swine that was lying on the table. It was stripped of its skin and smelled tasty. The elves knew very well how to prepare meat and it was a pity they did it so rarely.
"How do you know?"
"It's the smallest."
Thorin shook his head, smiling. "You would expect the biggest one on this table."
"Would you?" Elrohir asked with raise eyebrows. "The four smallest members of our community sit around this able."
Elrohir looked aside to Dís for a moment, who did not notice because she was staring to her plate. She was the only one who had not filled her plate and Thorin wondered if this feast was calling up bad memories. It had been years ago they had sat around the table with their family and even though Thorin was glad they'd been incorporated so friendly, he also understood it did not take away his sister's distress.
"I hope she can enjoy tonight," Elrohir said softly, who saw his dejected face. "She deserves an unforgettable night and this feast is meant for elves - and dwarfs - like her, who are burdened by grief and pain day after day and are not able to get rid of it. I really hope the moon and stars will take a part of her grief with them when they leave the sky tomorrow."