It's been four weeks since Dis began speaking. She spends most days with Zefur, mostly just following him as he works. She seems interested in his activities, but the lass hasn't spoken much since that first day. A word may fall from her lips here, or the odd phrase makes an appearance there. For the most part she simply takes everything in with bright inquisitive eyes as if seeing the world for the first time.
She likes to visit Zefur's nursery. The animals make her smile, and the shy ones warm to her, recognizing a kindred spirit. Zefur watches her, afraid to even breathe. One poorly chosen word or deed could send her careening back into the void of depression, and Zefur has no intention of setting her back. So, unsure of himself, he simply goes about his work. He feeds the animals, and she'll ask a question. Perhaps even two.
Sometimes she cries. It's unexpected, and he's never ready for it. But when he turns to find heavy tears slipping down her cheeks, he'll take her hand and sit silently beside her. She grips his fingers - but never too tightly - and squeezes them gently in gratitude when her tears are spent.
Autumn sets in, and the leaves are in their prime. Dis smiles, the blue mountains bursting with color around her.
"Beautiful," she says. Zefur looks at her and smiles.
"Remarkable, isn't it?"
She nods.
Three months after Dis starts speaking, the first snow falls. Zefur has come to think of her as a friend, and he enjoys her company. She speaks more often now, though Thorin says it's no where near her former chatter. Zefur tries to imagine her talking that much. He can't.
Zefur is finishing his duties as the first flakes of snow fall in earnest. He feels an irrepresible giddiness in his chest over the coming winter season. The festivals and homecomings are always his favorite part of the year. His whole family will be coming together, and he's missed his cousins. There will be plenty of good food and music, and the thought of accompanying his brothers as they play brings a smile to his face. Mam and Da will come down this year, and Zefur can't wait to see them.
He's shaken out of his thoughts by Dis. She's standing in the middle of the yard, head tipped back and tongue out to taste the snow. One flake alights on her nose, and she - Mahal! - she giggles!
Zefur sighs in appreciation. She's never laughed, not once, and he'd begun to doubt she ever would. But there she is, snow catching in her hair and lashes, giggling in sheer delight. Dis still has a lot of healing ahead, but for now, one of the cracks in her spirit is mended.
And Zefur rejoices.