In the days since the Dragon's attack, the Dwarves of Erebor and Dale, along with some human men and their families, had temporarily settled outside the borders of Dale. Eiranna had searched in vain among the survivors, hoping that she would find her father, hoping he had escaped in time before their home had fallen. It was false hope for Eiranna never found whom she sought. Her soul ached because of it. She felt awful. Eiranna's eyes burned from the smoke of the fires from days earlier. She feared the pain would never cease. The kindly Dwarf who had pulled her out from destruction amid Dale had long since wandered away. She knew not where or even cared much. She knew she should be grateful to him, but her anguish over the loss of her father and her loneliness made her wish she had been left there. There was no happiness to be had. It had been burned away when the Dragon had descended upon Dale and Erebor. Eiranna had heard the whispers repeatedly and she was sick of its name. Smaug. It did not deserve the importance of being named. The destruction, pain, and ruin it had brought upon so many, including herself, sickened her to the core. Their future was unclear and uncertain. No one seemed to know where to go or what lay ahead. Eiranna heard the angry words of those around her seeking answers and solutions from King Thror and the Royal Family. She sympathized with their frustration, but it was quite clear that King Thror, as well, had no clear indication of what his peoples next move ought to be. They were homeless and destitute with no refuge to seek out.

Eiranna sat amongst the other refugees. No one paid her much mind, and it did not trouble her. Her mind wandered, unfocused, as one moment passed into the next. It was a voice calling over the murmurs of those around her that broke her out of her reverie. "The persons I seek are Donar, and Eiranna, his daughter." Eiranna raised her head at the mention of her and her father's names. She was surprised to discover the speaker was one of the Royal Guards.

"I am she," Eiranna called over the crowd. The Guard craned his neck and searched among the crowd before, finally, spotting her. He began to make his way through the clusters of people to her. "Your father? Where is he?" he asked when he reached her side. Eiranna winced at the mention of her father. She stooped slightly as she shook her head in response. "You will come." The Guard motioned for her to follow him.

As Erianna trailed closely behind the Guard, she noticed the curious gazes and whispers cast in her direction. She could almost read the expressions on their faces and hear their words, why her? It was a question she herself wanted the answer to. Curiosity got the best of her, and she asked of the Guard. "I don't understand. Where are you leading me?" "Prince Thrain has requested your presence," he answered, offering nothing further. Eiranna did not press the Guard for further information. They made their way through the crowds, winding this way and that, as they ventured ever closer to where Eiranna knew Prince Thrain was.

Eiranna and the Guard approached the tent-like structure the Royal Family had been residing beneath since making camp outside Dale. Made from what appeared to be large pieces of linen and wooden posts, it did not offer much shelter, but, at the very least, it offered privacy. As she passed through the entrance, Eiranna saw Prince Thrain. As she made her way towards him, she was startled by his appearance. He seemed to have aged years in the days since the attack on Erebor. He looked haggard, strain clearly etched on his face. His magnificent beard had been mostly burned away, it pained her to see. Focused so intently on Prince Thrain, Eiranna did not see Thorin until she was quite close to him. He stood next to his father, and she could plainly see the fatigue and pain upon his face. Concern for him welled up inside her. His eyes followed her as she approached, but he did not speak.

It was silent as Prince Thrain studied Eiranna. "Little one, where is your father?" he inquired. Her grief raged up inside her at his query. She lowered her head before she made her answer. "He is not here," she managed. "I could not get to him. Our home collapsed upon him." The Prince was quiet for a moment before he made his reply. "I am sorry. The sorrow I feel for your loss cannot be overstated. Your father was a good man, and an honourable one at that."

Eiranna could feel tears begin to fill her eyes. Do not embarrass yourself by crying in front of the Royal Family, she commanded. Despite herself, a choked gasp escaped from between her lips, and the tears that filled her eyes began to spill down her cheeks. Her embarrassment overwhelmed her, and she kept her eyes averted from Prince Thrain and Thorin.

Prince Thrain stood from where he sat and approached Eiranna. Kneeling before her, he said softly, "There is no shame in your grief. Please, do not be embarrassed." He paused before continuing. "Believe me, I do not wish to cause you further pain. Am I correct in the knowledge you have no living relatives?"

"Yes, that is true," she replied softly. "And is there someone that is able to care for you?" he pressed. She shook her head in response, puzzled by his question.

"I would like to propose something to you, Eiranna, if you would permit me to do so."

Though her vision was clouded by her tears, Eiranna turned her gaze to regard the Prince curiously. "Of course," she told him.

"My daughter, Dis, I worry for her," he began. "The death of her mother has been hard on her, and I, as well as my sons, are not always there to guide her." He paused briefly before he continued. "She speaks of you often. Aside from my wife, I have never seen her take to another female so deeply. A bond has seemed to develop between two of you."

"Yes, I am incredibly fond of her. She is a dear girl," responded Eiranna, still unsure of where the Prince was leading.

"This is what I have to offer. I wish for you to serve as her companion. Guide her. In return, I will provide you with protection and care as best I can in these sure to be troubled times."

Eiranna could not help the surprise she felt at Prince Thrain's words, and briefly wondered if it was obvious upon her face. "I beg your pardon, Majesty, but I am confused. Why seek me out? I am not of your family, and I am sure you have far more pressing matters upon your mind."

Thrain took hold of both her hands in his. The Prince had never once touched her previously and the intensity of his touch surprised her. "I knew your father for many years. He was a good man, and he was my friend. Eiranna, allow me this last service in honour of your father. Please."

Eiranna could feel the tears begin to form once more. She was pondered over what I just been offered to her, before she nodded in agreement and said, "Of course, as you wish."

"Collect your belongings and return swiftly. I will have a space set up for you with Dis." Prince Thrain stood as he spoke and turned from her before returning to his previous seat. Eiranna offered him a quick nod. She cast a quick glance at Thorin who, she discovered, was still watching her. She held his gaze for a moment before turning and leaving the tent.