Fifteen years had passed since the night Eiranna had requested space of Thorin, and space he had given her. He did not ignore her. The two remained civil, sharing a word or two occasionally, with the two still sharing common living space. Eiranna did return to the Inn, although was kept from duties within the tavern, and Thorin did not once come to meet her. However, if it was late in the evening when she finished at the Inn, Dwalin always seemed to have some pressing duties within the town he happened to be returning from, and he would escort her home. He was not a good liar and she saw through the thinly veiled story. She knew he had been sent by Thorin, but Eiranna did not protest.
Time marched on, and still Thorin kept his distance, respectably. The pain of the events of the past that had led to her request faded from her mind, and what she was left with was disappointment and longing. She saw Thorin almost daily, but Eiranna had come to realize she missed him. She missed the time she spent with him. Eiranna was certain she had missed her chance; a chance at what she did not know, but she had difficultly forgiving herself.
Since arriving in Dunland, the Dwarven Settlement outside Morfeth had grown in size and fortitude. It did not seem to please King Thror much though. It had been planned, for some time, that he would attempt to retake the ancient Dwarf Kingdom of Moria. Thorin was among those who would go, along with his brother, Frerin, and Prince Thrain. King Thror and his Dwarven Army were to leave that very next morning. The entire settlement had busied themselves making preparations and gathering items that would need to be brought along. Eiranna feared for the entire Royal Family, but much of that was reserved for Thorin. She prayed and hoped that he would return safely.
The next morning arrived, and the Dwarves who would go with King Thror were outside, preparing to leave. Assorted family members and loved ones mingled, saying their goodbyes. There were many tears. Eiranna stood aways off from the main group, observing. She watched as Dis bid farewell to what was her entire family. At 38, she was no longer the small girl Eiranna once knew. Eiranna could clearly see the emotion upon Dis's face and how she struggled to stay calm. Dis did not linger long after she had said her goodbyes, the pain far too much to bear.
Eiranna remained, uncertain whether she should approach Thorin. She had thought it was best not to, when she saw Thorin see her, surprise upon his face, and he made his way towards her. "You came to see us off?" he asked. "Aye, I did," she murmured. The pair stood facing one another quietly. Quite suddenly, Eiranna folded her arms around Thorin fiercely. She held tight to him, her hands grasping along his back, her fingers feeling amongst the clothes he wore. It was a moment before Thorin responded and brought his arms to wrap about her middle. Because of his taller stature, she felt herself lifted slightly off the ground. Their embrace was tight and full of desperation. Eiranna buried her face into his neck. She knew others were probably watching as the pair clung to one another, but, surprisingly, she found she cared little. "You will be safe?" she murmured amid his hair. "Always, m'Lady," he replied softly. It was then she heard someone call Thorin's name. She parted from Thorin to find Dwalin nearby. "We are moving out." Thorin nodded. "I am not far away. Go. I will follow." Dwalin turned to follow those who made their way from the settlement.
Eiranna's arms lay against her sides, as she watched Thorin bend down to gather his equipment and baggage. When he was once more upright, Thorin studied Eiranna closely, before he lifted his hand to her face. He ran one finger down the side of her face, and smiled sadly. "Take care," he said. As he made his leave with the other Dwarves, Eiranna spoke softly to no one but herself. "Please return to me." She did not notice her tears until they began to slide down her cheeks.