Just a little note to say thank you for all the lovely reviews. I am glad people are enjoying my little story :)
When Eiranna woke, Thorin did not lay beside her in their bed. She knew not what time it was, but judging from the darkness that lay outside the room's window, she figured it was late. She rolled onto her back and surveyed the room quickly. She saw the fireplace was alight with fire; a fire that had not been burning when they had gone to bed. Eiranna could not see Thorin's entire figure, but saw his left hand resting on the armrest of the chair in which he sat before the fire. She propped herself into an upright position, positioning her arms behind her to support her weight. She sat quietly, watching for any evidence from Thorin that he knew she was now awake. When there was no sign of movement, Eiranna slid out of bed and made her way to her husband. When she stood alongside Thorin, she slid her hand behind his head to rest it on the back of his neck. He started at her touch. "Thorin," Eiranna said softly, gently squeezing the flesh on his neck. He raised his eyes to meet hers, and she could see the angst that lay there. "It is late." "I could not sleep. I apologize if I woke you," Thorin replied. Eiranna shook her head. "No, you did not wake me." Silence resumed. Eiranna stood beside him. Her hand had moved from his neck to his scalp, where she continued to massage his skin.
"You have not been sleeping much as of late," Eiranna said tentatively. "What troubles you?" Suddenly, she felt Thorin's hands wrap around her waist, pulling her close to him, until she was sitting upon his lap. Eiranna brought her legs up, tucking them underneath her. His hand traveled down her leg and back, returning to her hip before resting on her stomach. His hand rustled the soft, thin material of her night gown. Thorin's eyes traveled along with the movement of his hand, until he raised his eyes to meet hers. "You are so beautiful," he murmured. A small smile appeared on Eiranna's face at his words. She lifted her hand to his face, running it, slowly, along the underside of his chin. "You flatter me, but I feel it is but a stall tactic." A deep sigh came from Thorin's mouth, as he rubbed at his temples.
"What is it?" she said, as she moved her free hand to his face and cradled his head between her hands. "I close my eyes, and all I see is blood. It is happening more often," he whispered, mournfully. Eiranna's lips parted slightly at his words. She could feel the alarm upon her face and felt it within her. "It is Moria you speak of?" she whispered. Thorin nodded. "So many slaughtered, my own family among them. I still hear the screams. And what was the purpose of it all? It has brought us no closer to an established home. It was all in vain."
Eiranna shook her head. "Your Grandfather meant well. He had the best of intentions for his people. The tragedy of so many lives lost cannot be overstated, but it was not in vain." She paused before continuing. "I know you grieve for him and for your brother." Eiranna saw the sadness that filled Thorin's face at the mention of his brother. "Frerin, he was foolish. He launched himself into battle away from those who would offer him protection. He was exposed to the enemy. He was always so impulsive, and it was his downfall."
Eiranna thought carefully on Thorin's words, as she studied his face. "You feel responsible for him?" she asked quietly. He nodded. "You are not at fault for Frerin's death. You must know this. You have no reason to feel guilt. We are all responsible for ourselves. He put himself in the path of danger. His death is a result of his actions, not yours."
Eiranna felt Thorin stiffen at her words, and his face tensed with anger. He swiped Eiranna's hand from his face. "I was his elder brother. It was my duty to watch out for him, to protect him. It was not his time to die." "I do not mean to anger you, or desecrate Frerin's memory. Please do not misunderstand me. From what I knew of him, I am sure he fought valiantly. But you cannot protect everyone. It is not possible. Nor can you continue to torture yourself. You must try and move past it. It is what it is. Nothing will change what has happened. Remember your brother for who he was. Grieve for him, but do not allow yourself to be tethered to his death."
Eiranna felt Thorin's body ease gradually free from anger, and she relaxed against his chest. The two remained pressed to one another, Thorin sitting in the chair with Eiranna curled against him. She was unaware how close she was to sleep, until Thorin's softly spoken words drew her from it. "You comfort me."
She looked up to him before she spoke. "I am here for you. Always."