A short little chapter tonight. More in the next couple days :)
The news of Thorin's engagement spread swiftly throughout the Dwarven settlement. Although the Royal Family's status was far from its prior glory, with Thorin labouring in the nearby village daily, the news was still cause for celebration, and, to Eiranna's dismay, much gossip. Despite her position within the King's household, she had escaped notice and most public attention, aside from the occasional whisper. When it became public knowledge that it was she who Thorin had intended to wed, the scrutiny increased exponentially and was, at times, unbearable. Eiranna could feel eyes upon her as she walked about the settlement. It made her uncomfortable, although she did her best to keep it from her mind. Those who had vied for Thorin's attention behaved particularly awfully. She would, occasionally, catch a word or two as she passed, and usually wished she had not. One particular day, she had passed a small group of female Dwarves and heard one say that it was a pity Thorin had chosen to waste himself with the half-breed servant girl. She flinched at the words, and had paused briefly, debating whether to speak up. In the end, she had continued walking. Eiranna did not discuss this with Thorin, feeling it so petty and trivial it was not worth bothering him about.
Eiranna would have sought comfort from Shanna and her tasks at the Inn, but a few days after their engagement, when she had mentioned her intent to travel into town, Thorin had forbidden her to return, stating that there was no need for her to work when he was there to care for her. She had been upset, but had not made any objections, although she wished she had. She missed it, and she missed Shanna. Instead, Eiranna had fallen to her books, her constant companion, as well as spending much time with Dis, who was beside herself with happiness over the news of Thorin and Eiranna's engagement. It served as a welcome distraction for Dis, who had struggled with her grief over the loss of her brother and her grandfather. Eiranna had discussed the situation and her feelings with Dis briefly. Dis explained to her that Thorin only wished to keep her safe and protected within their, relatively, safe haven. She had continued to say that Dwarven males are, traditionally, fiercely protective and jealous of what is theirs, including their mates. Eiranna was unaccustomed to such restrictions. Her father had always allowed her to do as she wished, within reason, and King Thrain allowed her much the same freedom.
Although King Thrain did not object of his son's choice of wife, he had some reservations due to their relatively young ages. The majority of Dwarves wed around an age of 100. Thorin was only 54 and Eiranna had yet to reach her fiftieth year. King Thrain had spoken to each, separately, about waiting some years before marrying. Despite his attempts, both were adamant of their feelings on the matter and did not wish to wait. King Thrain had known there would be no convincing Thorin; he knew how his son felt for his intended bride.
It had been a simple ceremony, which took place two months after Thorin had asked Eiranna to be his wife. There had been brief discussion of making the union a public event, but Eiranna had stated her desire it be kept private, and so it was. Aside from King Thrain and Dis, there were only a few who were privy to be in attendance. Two attendees were Dwalin, Thorin's childhood friend, and his elder brother Balin, who served as councilman to King Thrain. The King, himself, officiated the ceremony. Despite Eiranna's human heritage, the ceremony followed traditional Dwarven marriage union customs, and she made no objections as such. It was short and to the point. Thorin had given Eiranna a ring that had been worn by his mother. It was to serve as her wedding ring. There was no grand celebration, only a simply dinner. Afterwards, Thorin had carried his wife into their bedchambers, and after their first coupling as husband and wife, had fallen asleep in one another's arms.
After the news of Thorin's marriage had made the rounds within the Dwarven settlement, residents whispered amongst themselves how long it would be before an announcement of another kind would be made. That of an expected child.