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

11

It was late in the evening when Bard accompanied Dís back within the sight of Erebor's gates together with her own escort.

He dismounted in order to be at eye level with her and said softly:

"When I heard that you would represent the Erebor this year I really looked forward to the harvest festival this year. It was a very pleasant day today. Significantly more relaxed than last year with your valued brother and King Thranduil."

"Oh, I can very well imagine that", Dís grinned and added quietly, "I myself felt very comfortable in the city and in your presence too. I am pleased that we will probably see each other more often now due to the construction tasks."

She saw his eyes light up in the semi-darkness and his smile made her heart beat faster.

"Good night, Princess Dís."

"Good night, King Bard."

All in high spirit and lost in thought she went up the stairs quietly humming to herself. She opened the doors to her rooms. Thorin lay on her sofa obviously waiting for her.

"You are late", he said reproachfully.

"The festival went until late and I do not do things by halves, brother", she said lightly.

Thorin stood up and pulled the wreath from her hair, frowning.

"What a sight you are! What is this supposed to be? Hay and straw? Don't you have gold enough in your chests?", he asked sullenly.

Dís became angry slowly.

"What do you want?", she asked annoyed.

"So how was it?", Thorin asked back, sounding bored.

Dís began to tell him at length about the conversations at the table and, just as she had hoped, he waved his question away.

"Yes, yes. Fine. Thranduil?"

"Thranduil had sent Legolas. He and Bain got along well. All in all it was really nice", Dís answered and yawned conspicuously.

Thorin was silent a while.

"Dwalin has set the day", he said abruptly.

Dís grinned inwardly. So that was what really bothered him.

"Oh, how wonderful! When will it take place?", she rejoiced exuberantly.

"Tomorrow begins Narqueliё , sun waning. In ten days then. And I have no idea what to give him as a present. He is still serious about it.", Thorin mused.

"Of course he is serious about it! Dwin is such a sweetheart. What an extraordinary luck the two have found each other. And woe to him if he does not treat her properly! I know exactly what I will give to her. She will get the sharpest and most beautiful dagger I can find. Where should I go to get the best here in Erebor?", she asked, watching her brother closely.

"Fourth gallery, south quarter. Kredur's forge, I guess", Thorin answered absently and rubbed his forehead.

"And I? What do I give Dwalin? Mahal, I still can not believe it."

"Mm. Things that gold can buy he owns already. Good housing, pony, weapons.... It should rather be something meaningful", Dís mused aloud, suddenly clapping her hands.

She looked at the king intently.

"What does he mean to you?", she asked.

Thorin thought for a while before answering.

"Next to you Dwalin is the one closest to me. Together with Balin of course. But Dwalin always was my friend also. Basically the only one I have", he finally said.