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

15

The guests from the Iron Mountains had come for the traditional reindeer hunt that took place every year at the end of winter, since the mountains were inhabited by dwarves. The large herds migrated around this time of the year from the shelter of the Grey Mountains back east onto the great grassy plains and on their way they passed through the regions north of Erebor and the Iron Mountains. There the hunting party would await them. Since the fall of Smaug the hunt was arranged alternately from Erebor and the Iron Mountains like in former times again. The highlight of the classy and comfortable one-week hunt was a great celebration for everybody where vast amounts of meat were consumed and countless barrels of beer served. Dwalin and all others who had the honour to ride along with the kings were already looking forward to it for weeks. Queen Veri who was a known excellent archer and passionate huntress also would ride with them. Today the last joint preparations would be made and the reports of the emitted scouts evaluated. And tomorrow the company was to start. The late winter weather was mild and clear and everybody awaited tomorrow's departure feverishly.

Dís and Balin would remain in Erebor. First because both did not care a brass farthing for hunting in winter and second to prepare the feast. Together with Dwin they saw the hunters off the next morning. Dwalin overlooked the many pony drawn carts carrying the abundant meals, tents, wood and coal for the fire pits and braziers. And they would carry the prey on the way back. Dáin and Veri were cheerful as always and Dís watched her brother who was sitting on his pony next to them. Quiet and completely lost in thought staring at the ground. Dáin spoke to him and Thorin looked up and began laughing. Dís loved this carefree laugh she had not heard for weeks. Thorin looked over to her, still laughing and Dís smiled. He turned his pony, rode to her and dismounted again.

"Well, little sister. What shall I bring you back from our trip?", he asked with a grin.

"I only have one wish and you know it", she said.

"Dís...", he replied brusquely and his good mood vanished abruptly.

"Thorin, please! Think about it at least", she asked him urgently but he stared aside annoyed.

"Look at them! That's what you could also have. Openly and without the need to hide", Dís whispered and nodded towards the waiting couples.

Thorin saw Dwin and Dwalin standing close together, exchanging a loving glance in silence. Karla who tied Bombur's scarf new and kissed him. And Gloin's wife who looked happily and with pride at their son Gimli, who was allowed to participate for the first time at the reindeer hunt this year. And Dáin who teased his wife. In return she hit his pony's behind with her riding crop so that the frightened animal bucked and Dáin almost fell out of his saddle. Everyone laughed, the loudest Dáin himself.

Thorin looked at his sister unhappily and said roughly:

"Dís! Don't you see I am neither Gloin or Bombur or Dáin! And unfortunately not Dwalin either who even had the courage to engage with a total stranger! For me there can not be happiness without you!"

"Of course it can! You just have to want it!", Dís snapped.

"But I do not want it! And this is the last word I want to hear about that matter!", he growled.

"You will have to hear lots more, brother", Dís replied sharply, turned around and walked over to Balin and Dwin.

Thorin hated it exceedingly when she had the last word like that. Angry and scowling he mounted again.

The young Thorin Stonehelm came riding towards him together with Gimli at his side and he bowed reverently and full of esteem for his famous namesake. And the king of Erebor forced a friendly smile. This boy would become Dáin's successor. A clever, upright dwarf. Just as Fíli. Fíli! Thorin's heart clenched painfully and he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Dís was watching him. Hastily he gave the signal to start and the company began to move slowly.