Balin hug his daughter tightly, taking in her appearance. He hadn't seen her in almost three years and had been worried about her. Dis smiled, hugging her sister-in-law. Not very often she saw her or her older brother. Clill smiled looking at the female Dwarf, her dark hair, running down to her waist tied into braids. Like most female Dwarves, Dis had facial hair along her cheeks. Still, she was beautiful than most Dwarves.
"Father", Clill smiled. "Dis, I trust you and your family have been well?"
"You know the boys", Dis said. "I always worry about them."
"So what is this about?" Balin asked. "Where's Thorin."
"Thorin's gone east to the Iron Hills", she answered. "He's calling a meeting upon the seven families."
The two Dwarves looked at her with interest. Thorin hadn't had any contact with Dain or the other Dwarves in years. Why has he gone now so suddenly? Clill looked at the charm on her wrist with a sigh.
"The time has come", she said.
"Time?" Balin asked.
"It is time to reclaim the Mountain", a familiar voice answered.
Everyone turned to the door, very surprised to see Gandalf had arrived. He took a seat on the opposite end of the table.
"Gandalf?" Clill said. "What are you doing here?"
"The Wizard arrived the day before yesterday", Dis explained. "He's a friend to our family and is very welcome."
"Be that as it may, I thought you would've gone to the Iron Hills with Thorin!"
"Let's just say that my guidance would be more helpful here", he answered. "I have come to help gather Dwarves from these parts that are willing to help you and Thorin."
"Gandalf, you are talking about an impossible quest", Balin said shaking his head. "Naught with an army of Dwarves were we able to defeat the beast. Why should this time be any different?"
"This time you will have the Seven Armies. With the hundreds of Dwarves at your aid, the dragon will stand no chance."
Clill looked at him skeptical. She didn't know how to believe that the Dwarves could defeat the dragon after failing so miserably the first time.
"About that burglar you mentioned in Bree", she said. "Where do you suggest we find one? No Dwarf can possibly steal something from a fire-breathing beast."
"Now, I never said anything about a Dwarf, did I?" Gandalf smirked as he lit his pipe. "No, the burglar I have in mind comes all the way from a distant place called the Shire. This young Hobbit should jump at the chance for an adventure."
"Hobbit?" Dis asked. "Does Thorin know where to find him?"
"He will meet us there when the time comes. But for now, we need some strong Dwarves who are willing to join us on this quest."
"I believe I would know where to find them", Balin said with a smile.
"Can we join too?"
Fili and Kili ran into the room with eager looks.
"Please, Clill?" Kili asked. "It's always been a dream of ours to see our true home."
"Boys", Dis said worried.
She knew this journey was going to be long and dangerous. She did not want to risk losing her only two sons. Clill looked at her nephews and looked at Dis. It would be her decision if the two young ones would be allowed to go.
"Please, Mother", Fili said. "We'll be alright. We can protect ourselves."
Dis looked at her eldest and gently placed her hand upon his cheek. Fili should be allowed to go. If Clill and Thorin didn't have any more children, he would be next in line for the throne. It was Fili's right to go to Erebor.
"Very well", Dis nodded.
"What about me?" Kili asked.
Dis looked at her youngest son and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She worried about him the most. Kili was still so young and so reckless. Always hurting himself in one way or another. Dis didn't want to let him go.
"Mother", Kili said looking at her with begging eyes. "I have to go with Fili. I will return safe to you."
He opened his palm, showing the stone she gave him a few days before. He would keep it as a promise to her. Dis looked at him with tears in her eyes and kissed the top of his head.
"Keep your promise you will return", she said. "I will be waiting for you."
