"They have returned!" Dis cried, as she entered the room. "Your father?" Eiranna answered. Her heart swelled at Dis's words. It had been many months, almost half a year to be exact, since King Thror had led his Dwarven army away to Moria. Eiranna's worry had not diminished, but steadily grew as each day passed. News that they may have returned safely would fill her with much needed relief.
"Yes! After so many months, they have returned home!" Dis cried excitedly, hugging Eiranna to her. She could feel the energetic excitement radiating from Dis, and it was difficult not to share in it. "I am told my father waits in his chambers. Will you come?" she asked, as she pulled back from Eiranna and tugged on her hand. Dis regarded Eiranna expectantly, awaiting her answer. "If you do not mind much, I will remain here. You have not seen your family in many months; I feel some time alone is necessary." "You are as much part of my family as I, and I expect Thorin would be pleased to see you," Dis said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she made the comment about Thorin. "That is extremely sweet, but you go," Eiranna replied. She could see mild disappointment in Dis's face, but she did not make further protest.
"But you will return promptly to give me the full report, yes?" Eiranna requested, smiling. Dis returned the smile. "Of course. I shall return," she replied, before she made her exit.
When Dis had returned to Eiranna later that day, she came bearing grave news. The Dwarves had been successful in their conquest of Moria, having successfully fought off and defeating numerous hordes of Orcs. Despite their apparent success, the Dwarves of Erebor were unable to enter the mines, due to the risk of some other far more dangerous foe residing within. Alas, there had also been many losses. It broke Eiranna's heart to learn that King Thror and Dis's brother Frerin were among those who lost their lives. She was unable to learn more specific details, because Dis was upset to the point of hysterics. Eiranna spent the remainder of the day consoling Dis.
Much later, long after the sun had set and the darkness of night had set in, Eiranna lay in her bed, unable to sleep. The tragic news from earlier that day had caused much unrest in her mind. Dis had finally settled down to a fitful sleep, and Eiranna found herself wishing to follow her friend. Sighing, Eiranna sat up from her bed and quietly slipped into her dressing gown. Slipping through the shadows, Eiranna made her way through her home towards the kitchen. As she rounded the corner into the Main Hall, she saw the fire from earlier still burned and sitting before it was Thorin. He looked up at her approach. Even amidst the shadows, Eiranna could see the strain and fatigue etched upon his face.
"Eiranna. It is too late an hour to be up." She slowly approached him, until she stood just beyond the chair where he sat. "Forgive me. I was unable to sleep and thought some warm milk would help. I will leave you be."
Thorin reached and caught hold of Eiranna's hand. "Stay." She looked first at her hand that was now held within Thorin's, and then at him. She saw the pleading within his eyes." "As you wish." Eiranna reluctantly dropped his hand and passed in front of Thorin and took the seat next to him. He stared broodily into the fire, unspeaking. She watched him silently as the pair sat next to one another. Thorin broke his gaze on the fire to look over at Eiranna, and she could see the shadows of injuries he sustained upon his face, areas of slight swelling, fading bruises, and healing cuts. She raised the arm nearest to Thorin and held her hand out to him. He took hold, and Eiranna gently squeezed his hand.
"I am so sorry, Thorin. The sorrow you must feel is beyond words." He bowed his head briefly, before turning his gaze, once more, to the still burning fire. There were no further words exchanged between the pair, yet their hands remained firmly clasped. Eiranna must have fallen asleep, because when she opened her eyes, she was in her bed. She had no recollection of how she came to be there.