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

24

During the afternoon most of the foreign guests left the Erebor and Thorin was busy seeing everybody off. Only Alwa's family and Bilbo remained behind to visit a little longer.

In the evening Thorin invited the companions for dinner so they would have the opportunity to meet his wife and new family on a more personal level. Alwa sat quietly besides the king, looking at the dwarves one by one, while Dwin, who was sitting on her other side, told her the names and relationships, adding what she knew about the ten.

Karla and the two oldest daughters of Bombur, Brit and Grit, were also invited, just like Gloin's wife, Liv, and their son Gimli.

Despite the not inconsiderable aftermath of yesterday's partying it soon became cheerful and loud. Thorin enjoyed being able to celebrate at ease and without official duties in the circle of his friends tonight.

And each time he looked at the dwarrowdam beside him, he was surprised how very familiar it felt to have her next to him.

The king listened amused to an anecdote Dwin told about Bifur and added:

"And later he was the one to find Dwin heavily bleeding down in the mines thus saving her life. Thanks Mahal."

Dwin looked at the king shyly and said softly:

"And the king was the one to tell Dwin not to surrender to her grief and her broken heart thus she began fighting."

"Thanks Mahal", Dwalin added, throwing Thorin a grateful glance and pulled Dwin into a hug.

Alwa watched them kiss each other and smiled. Bilbo was compelled to sing a song from the Shire and the dwarves joined in, clapping and stomping. Afterwards Bofur stood up, quite drunk already, and began to sing one of his rather rude songs until Dwalin got a hold of him and put an end to it quickly. There was cheering and laughter and Bofur sat down again and continued drinking. For Thorin's parents-in-law it was soon becoming to noisy and they withdrew. Everybody rose and wished them a good night. Thorin noticed that Alwa was tired too, but she smiled bravely and remained at his side.

Suddenly her gaze lost itself as if dreaming and she said clearly audible:

"The wizard."

"What did she say?", Oin asked, raising his pipe.

"She means Bofur with that idiotic hat!", Nori replied.

"Bone head!", Bofur grumbled and threw a chicken leg at him.

Everyone laughed.

There was a knock and a servant announced Gandalf.

It became quiet in the room. They all stared at the queen with awe. Alwa's brothers and Thorin however glanced at each other knowingly. Gandalf entered the room, surprised at the respectful silence.

The king welcomed the old wizard and servants hurried to bring a fresh cover and fill his goblet. Gandalf sat down besides Bilbo and raised his glass to the king and the friends around the table.

"It is nice to meet you all again tonight in such a small round!", he said smiling.

So they continued eating, drinking and joking again but all of them threw covert glances at the queen from time to time.

After a while Alwa could hardly keep her eyes open any longer and Thorin had Ama come and accompany her to her rooms. A little later Ama sneaked back into the dining hall again, blushing and stood shy and undecided in the door.

"What is it?", Thorin asked her.

Ama stepped closer and whispered in his ear:

"She would like you to leave the doors open, sire."