In response to the person who asked about the rating for my story, I have switched it to a T rating for the moment. It will be a little bit before I need to use that M rating.
After many weeks and months, King Thror and the Dwarves of Erebor had reached their destination. Dunland. Thror had chosen to settle just beyond the borders of the town of Morfeth, near the North-Eastern border of Dunland. There were rumours the region had some trouble with Orcs, but King Thror felt the benefits far outweighed the risks. It had been reported that the mountains were rich in Iron Ore, and the city was well known as the center of Dunland's smithing trade, so the King had felt the city was well suited for the talents of Dwarves.
The months passed as the Dwarves worked building at their settlement. Basic huts and forts were constructed, and some semblance of society was re-established, albeit primitive and shaky. But the Dwarves of Erebor still remained, for the most part, destitute and struggled from day to day.
Many male Dwarves ventured into Morfeth seeking employment, including Thorin and his brother Frerin. Thorin, along with his childhood friend Dwalin, had managed to acquire work as blacksmiths in the local forge. He worked there almost daily, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, working to earn not he could to increase the prosperity of his people.
Since that evening Thorin and Eiranna had sat upon the boulder together, many months previous, they had grown closer. Eiranna was unsure as to where their relationship stood and was, at times, doubtful the Prince viewed as much more than his father's ward. She worried her deepening feelings for Thorin would inevitably result in great sorrow and disappointment for herself. Despite her worries, she enjoyed his company and cherished the time she was able to spend in his presence, which was not much.
Eiranna had ventured into town once or twice, usually accompanied, under the instructions of Prince Thrain, by at least one other Dwarf, especially if Dis accompanied her. The females remained close, Dis rarely leaving Eiranna's side. The young Dwarf Princess's thirteenth birthday had just passed. It had been marked by a small, private celebration limited to the Royal Family, Eiranna, and select close family friends.
On a particularly sunny Spring afternoon, Prince Thrain had approached her and requested if she would mind going into town to acquire some items he needed. She agreed, and the Prince had instructed one of the elder Dwarves he kept as a bodyguard to accompany her. Eiranna and the Guard made their entry into Morfeth. They swiftly sought the items they needed and began to make their leave from town. As they walked, Eiranna saw a small 'Help Wanted' sign in the window of the local Inn and Tavern. Curious, she asked the Guard who walked alongside her, "Would you mind much if I went in the Inn for a moment?" He shook his head in reply. "But do not venture beyond the Inn and return as quick as you can," he urged. Eiranna nodded in agreement and walked the small set of steps that led into the Inn.
As she passed through the entryway, Eiranna took inventory of her surroundings. Directly in front, there was a staircase leading upwards to, what she assumed, were rooms available for rent. To Eiranna's right was an enormously long countertop that served as a bar and it curved around out of her view. In the space before the counter were numerous tables and chairs. She saw even more tables and chairs set up to her left, and assumed that they ran around the whole of the lower level of the building. Standing, off to Eiranna's right, behind the counter was a female human. The woman eyed Eiranna curiously as she made her approach. The small Dwarf barely cleared the top of the counter. "Hello," the woman said in greeting. "What purpose has brought you to my Inn this day?" "Oh, you are the Innkeeper then!?" Eiranna asked, unable to stop the surprise that crept into her voice. "Yes. I am. Shanna, at your service," the Innkeeper replied. "Are you in need of a room?" Eiranna shook her head. "I noticed you have a 'Help Wanted' sign hanging in the front window." "Yes, I do," Shanna replied hesitantly. "What of it?" "I am curious as to what exactly the position would entail?" Eiranna inquired. "I am in need of someone to help me with basic daily tasks, washing, cooking, and laundering clothes, those sorts of things," Shanna replied. Eiranna nodded. "And how often would you require this help?" "No more than a few days a week. Who are you asking for?" Shanna asked, as her eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh, myself. I am with the settlement of Dwarves that arrived not too long ago." "Yes, I am familiar with the settlement of which you speak. You're looking for employment? Why?" the Innkeeper pressed. "I wish to be honest with you, Ma'am," Eiranna began. "The people I have arrived with have little in terms of possessions. I myself do not have much. I wish an opportunity to better the situation for myself and the others I reside with."
The Innkeeper studied the Dwarf curiously. Eiranna was certain she saw doubt in her eyes and was about to give up hope when Shanna spoke. "May I ask your name?" "Eiranna," she replied. The Innkeeper sighed wearily. "I cannot promise anything, but be here tomorrow morning and we will see then." Eiranna nodded in agreement. "I will be here. I thank you," she said, a tentative smile forming upon her face. The Innkeeper returned the smile. "Off with you then," she said, gesturing towards the door. Eiranna nodded and turned to meet the Guard who awaited her return outside.
The news of Eiranna's employment was met, mostly, with uncertainty and trepidation. She had spoken with Prince Thrain in private to be sure he was not against it. She had explained to him that she only wanted to be of use. She wanted something to occupy a bit of her time, outside Dis and the settlement. He accepted her reasons, and, somewhat reluctantly, gave him consent to her position in the Inn, under the condition that it would not affect her care of Dis. Thorin appeared especially displeased. He made it quite clear he did not see the need nor understand Eiranna's desire for this venture. However, after learning of his father's consent, Thorin made no further comment.
The evening that marked Eiranna's first day of employment was a particularly busy one for the Inn. Shanna had asked her to be sure the tables remained cleared as patrons came and went. Eiranna bustled about, from table to table, clearing mugs, bowls, and assorted utensils. As she passed by one of the tables situated in the corner, she saw a familiar figure.
Eiranna stopped mid step. "Thorin? What are you doing here?" It was obvious he had been working in the forge that day. She could see the sheen of sweat and dirt upon his skin. He regarded her, unsmiling."If you are determined to continue this madness, I will not allow you to walk home alone as well. The night is dangerous."
"I cannot ask that of you. I am sure your day has been long," she said, softly.
Thorin waved her off. "It is no trouble. Go on. I will wait until you have finished." Eiranna could hear voices calling at her for more Ale. She studied Thorin for a moment longer, before hurrying off towards the voices that continued to call.