Marryn sat by the window, her chin in her hand. For nearly ten days, the messenger boys had come and gone with no news of Thorin.
The lady drummed her fingers on the desktop while her mind wandered elsewhere.
Outside, the day was bright but cool. Traders and merchants scurried to and fro along the busy street.
"A lovely day," Haban's voice rang out behind her.
Marryn turned. "Yes, it is," she said quietly.
"I'm sure you'd rather be somewhere else," Haban said with a knowing grin, "When will we see more of that fine dwarvish friend of yours?"
Marryn shrugged and smiled but her jaw began to shake and her eyes grew wet. With a heavy sob, she rose to her feet and ran away, covering her face with her hands.
Alone in her bedroom, she wept, feeling abandoned and foolish. Perhaps it had only been a foolhardy dream that she and Thorin could be together. Perhaps she had simply been the victim of an elaborate prank.
She remembered the moon pebble that hung about her neck and stroked it with her fingers. A feeling of calm and reassurance fell over her.
She sighed deeply and wiped her tears away in time to respond to a knock on her door.
She opened it and Haban stood with a letter in his hand.
"Perhaps this will dry your tears, love," he said holding it out to her, "A strange young dwarf woman came to the door very discreetly and said that Thorin has been forbidden to leave Erebor for the time being."
"Thank you, Haban," Marryn said, "I am sorry I acted so. One would think I hadn't reached the age of five."
Haban sighed and then laughed. "I have raised you since you were young and to this day, I am at a loss when it comes to your tears. I can only hope that they are quickly replaced with a smile."
Marryn grinned and hugged the old man. "I could have asked for no better guardian."
Haban kissed the girl's forehead softly and said, "Go on. I can see you are anxious to hear the news. Inform me of what you will. I quite enjoyed Thorin's company."
"I will," Marryn promised.
As Haban limped away, Maran pulled Thorin's letter open.
My love,I am deeply sorry to have made you wait so long. It has been incredibly difficult to get this letter to you, as my movements are watched day and night.I regret to tell you that the king has forbidden me from contacting you. It is no fault of yours and let me be clear when I say that I have no intention of obeying this command. I tell you this only to explain my absence and beg your patience.I am sending this letter with my sister, Dís, who has agreed to act as our messenger whenever possible.
I apologise for the short letter. I simply could not leave you in the dark. My love for you is no less strong.Until we meet again,Thorin