Ever so quietly, Mara tucked the twins in the sling she had designed to carry them around, being careful not to jostle them so they would sleep. She smiled as little Sarra's mouth puckered in a frown before her hand sought that of her sister. Shifting a bit, she made sure the two were pressed against each other, and was rewarded with a sigh from Sarra as the lass fell into a deeper sleep. She grabbed a robe, throwing it on over top to keep warm, and stepped into the soft slippers beside her bed.
Feeling much cozier, Mara moved towards the open window, thinking perhaps she had better close it when she caught the scent of snow on the chill air. While it was refreshing, she did not need the hassle of cleaning drifts off the floors, and she was ever concerned for the girls comfort. She was about to draw the shutters, but a flurry of wings caused her to step back from the sill, a startled yelp leaving her lips. Before her sat a beautiful bird, the glossy raven eyeing her with unexpected intelligence.
"Hello there," she said softly, trying not to startle it even as she wondered how she would close the window now. The bird chirped in reply, sticking out a leg, and she only then noticed the scroll of parchment that was tied to it with a piece of leather. How very strange. "Is that a message for me?" she asked, curiously taking a few steps closer. The bird nodded, and Mara's eyes widened at the realization that it seemed to understand her. Then she frowned thoughtfully as she debated how to get the message with her hands full. She didn't want to put down the girls, she had just gotten them settled.
As if sensing her dilemma, the bird hopped on to her shoulder, making a harsh croak that almost sounded like Dis's name. "Good idea," Mara agreed, heading for the other room and not bothering to question how the bird knew who lived there. The whole scenario was rather unreal, so she was just going along with it. She tread slowly, trying not to dislodge her rider, and calling out to alert Dis to their unexpected guest. "Dis, we have a rather strange visitor," she murmured as loudly as she could without waking the sleeping babies.
Dis looked up from the embroidery she had been working on with a smile, though her face went abruptly tense at the sight of Mara's avian passenger. "A raven from Erebor!" she gasped. She jumped to her feet, holding out a hand to the bird imperiously, and swiftly divesting it of its burden. It appeared content to stay on Mara's shoulder, so she sat down across from the chair Dis had been recently occupying, awaiting the news with bated breath.
For several moments Dis read silently, her mouth pursing as she came across certain ambiguous phrases that she recognized as her brother's usual way of downplaying things. By the end however, she felt her face relax, and she collapsed shakily into her seat, tears running down her face. Mara felt her heart drop at the sight, certain that it meant bad news. "What is it?" she cried anxiously, struggling to keep her voice low.
Dis raised her head with a tremulous smile. "They made it," she choked out. "Oh Mahal, they did it!" Her expression was so painfully joyful it was almost too much to behold. "We're going home," she whispered, pressing her lips together hard to suppress a sob.
With a cry of delight Mara leaped to her feet, the raven squawking indignantly and removing itself to perch on the chair. She spared a moment to give it a pat on the head in apology, but she was soon headed towards her room, already planning what she would need to wear to go outside. "We must tell everyone!" she called back, getting a laugh from Dis followed by hearty agreement.
They went first to Lona, gathering her and Gimli up but not yet telling them what was going on. "Can I count on you to gather the townsfolk and meet us at the great hall?" Dis asked Gimli.
He nodded agreeably, heading off to round up some of the younger recruits to aid in his endeavor. Lona meanwhile linked arms with Mara, asking pointed questions as she tried to glean the cause of her friends sudden jubilation. "You'll see," was Mara's only reply, a mysterious smile on her face. They located Aris next, the wife of Bombur hurriedly calling her children to her as she carried her youngest in her arms. Little Aisa smiled up at them, her blond hair plaited in two tiny braids, brown eyes wide at all the attention she was suddenly receiving. Bomfur took his brother in tow, holding tightly to young Bomdur's hand as they joined the growing procession that was wending towards the hall.
Dis was pleased to see several young boys racing around the large space when they arrived, lighting lamps and starting a fire in the hearth under the confident direction of Gimli. The overseer waved to their group, striding over to drag Bomfur away so the two could talk and delegate at the same time. Dis went with them after some prodding, while the other three women took charge of the children, keeping them occupied until everything was set up.
The people grabbed seats quickly, with no concern for station in their eagerness to hear what news their temporary leader had to give. The doors were closed when it was announced that everyone had arrived, and the hall trembled with the little sounds of anticipation, shifting of seats, and a few complaints from confused children that were hurriedly soothed by those nearby.
Dis stepped to the front of the room, Mara at her side, the little ones left in Lona's care. So excited were they that they clasped hands in front of the gathering, and Mara nodded for Dis to make the announcement. "My friends, it is with utmost pleasure that I bring word from Erebor. A raven from the east arrived this morning with the tidings we have all been waiting for. The mountain has been reclaimed! Erebor is ours once more!" Dis fell silent with a proud grin, allowing the people to cheer for several moments before she raised her hands for silence. "I know that some of us are eager to return to the mountain at once, to see long departed family or simply to be in our homeland once more, but as winter is upon us, I have made the decision that we will wait until spring. I have sent a reply to that note already, explaining my plan to those that await us, and I hope that when the first thaw arrives, many of you will join me in heading for Erebor."
A chorus of loud agreement thundered through the cavernous hall, approval for Dis's wise choice far out ruling any disappointment at having to wait. People began to filter out of the hall, talking amongst themselves and making plans in voices full of expectant promise. As they cleared out, Dis made motions for the council men to stay back, and they gathered to her swiftly. A couple of tables were pushed together, allowing for a more intimate set up, and the group gathered round. Congratulations were offered, the council beaming in response to Dis and Mara's happiness.
"I thank you," Dis said regally, inclining her head. "Now, for a spot of business. As I'm sure you are aware, her highness Mara and myself will most assuredly be departing with the caravan in spring. Taking into account that Thorin is not returning here, for obvious reasons, he has asked me to delegate the lordship of these halls to one of you, on the condition of course that you are willing to take on the task." The gathered lords nodded thoughtfully, not yet passing on their opinion. "I understand that many of you were born in Erebor, and some are simply curious enough that you wish to see the place anyways, and I assure you that I do not refuse you that choice. You have until spring to decide if you will be going, but at that time I shall need your decisions. That will be all," she finished.
"My lady, if I may?" one of the elder lords spoke up.
Dis nodded in encouragement. "You have the floor Lord Dolgar."
"Well, you may already know this, but my wife was lost when the mountain fell, leaving me with a mite of a child to raise on my own. My son Dolgin now has his own family here, and we have been content for many years. I do not wish to leave, so, if no one else speaks for it, I would be honored to take the post. I shall likely be staying regardless."
Dis smiled, relieved that she already had a suitable candidate. "You have been a loyal friend to this family for many years Dolgar. If there are no objections you have my full support." The council appeared content with this turn of events, and the matter was settled with all the proper formalities, Dis handing the signed contract to the halls over in place of her brother. Everyone departed for their homes in satisfaction, and with the political weight now off her back, Dis knew they only had one job left. Waiting out the winter.
Author's note: Good news has reached Ered Luin at last! While the caravan is waiting for winter to pass we will be returning to Erebor for a chapter, and there the company will learn exactly what happened to Bilbo's parents. Expect a fair bit of angst, mingled with some family feels and fluffiness when Bilbo is introduced to Thrain for the first time.