Where she is right - The story of Dís, daughter of kings.

5

"A messenger just arrived. He is on his way to the Erebor and the Iron Mountains. Dís is writing a note for Thorin right now and we should hurry to get a letter for Dwin's family ready. Then they will know about Dwin's fate before we even reach the Erebor. But the dwarf can not wait very much longer. He's on an urgent errand and is about to cross the ford", Balin said.

Dwalin pulled Dwin to her feet and cursed to himself angrily. Balin led them hastily to a burly, well-dressed dwarf at one of the tables on the fairground. While eating he entertained the crowd around him with news from along his way and was in turn told the latest local gossip. He noticed Balin with Dwin coming towards him and whistled approvingly.

"So that's the lass from the Iron? Why don't I take her herself with me? She's barely wider than a letter. My saddle's big enough for both of us, darling!", he laughed and winked at her unabashedly.

With just one big step Dwalin was in front of him and grabbed him by the collar but Balin appeased them frowning.

"Oh, calm down, brother. That was certainly meant as a compliment to your companion. Come on, Dwin. I have everything here", he said pointing to his quill and inkstand at the next table.

The messenger tore himself off Dwalin's fists and glared at him angrily. A brawl would have been much to the warrior's liking just now and the messenger was anything but intimidated too. But both were content to stare at the other one furiously this time.

Dwin meanwhile sat with quill in hand undecided in front of the empty parchment. Seeking help she looked at Balin.

"I don't know how to start this. Oh, Balin, could you perhaps...?", she whispered unhappily.

"Of course, dear. Give it to me", Balin said with a smile.

He thought for a moment and quickly filled two pages in his best handwriting. He read it to her softly and she smiled gratefully. With her own hand she wrote a short greeting and her signature beneath his words and Balin closed and sealed the message with his signet ring.

"I'm sorry. But I am not good at writing. That would have taken me hours", she mumbled apologetically.

"It's all right. No reason to apologize, dear. I just did not want to let this opportunity pass. Imagine how your mother and your brothers will be happy to hear from you", he said cheerfully and Dwin smiled at him.

Dís came over to them. The messenger jumped to his feet and bowed deeply.

"Here", she said and handed him a letter to her brother. Balin also gave him the letter to Dwins family and paid the messenger well, so both would be preferably delivered. The dwarf bowed again, mounted his pony and went on his way to cross the ford in the last daylight. A nearly full moon rose above the trees and so he would still be able to travel a good distance today. He rode on to Dwalin, tore his animal around at the last instant and called mockingly:

"You give your pretty one something to eat! With a little more meat on the ribs I like her even better!"

He threw Dwin a kiss and galloped laughing towards the river and was a few moments later swallowed by the twilight. With clenched fists Dwalin watched him disappear.

Dís rolled her eyes.

"Other dwarves have got eyes too, Dwalin. You should better get used to that", she said, turned to Balin and went on:

"Hans just had an interesting suggestion. A kind of permanent sales representation of Erebor here. I want you to listen to that, too. Perhaps we will have to convince Thorin together."

"I will certainly not get used to that!", Dwalin growled when the two were gone. Dwin took his large, firm hand.

"I won't get used to that neither. But let that stupid talker! Come on, let's get something to eat", she said and pulled him to the fires.