Strings Attached

In winter you put your carrots in the sand. So they are kept fresh.
When a dwarf dies, you put them in the ground. So he is reconnected with the element he was made of and Mahal sees him and takes him to the Halls.
As Balin was retelling the famous tale about the great battle, Dís let her thoughts wander freely. She knew the story. The things Balin didn’t say.
They had to burn them. Burn the dead.
Frerin, Thrór... Fundin... and others.
But eventually... you eat even the stale carrots in winter.
Eventually... everyone will find the Halls.

Dís sat by a fire, still not believing completely this is happening. Being on the road, together with her brother, sons and clansmen.
Most of them were already asleep. And snoring.
She didn’t mind, on the contrary. This felt like home.
Not for the hobbit obviously, as he was getting up.
She savoured one more look at her sons, sitting together against a rock, talking in hushed voices...
Then the wailing sounded.
„Orcs,“ joked Kili.
That was something she didn’t consider before she joined the quest...
Fortunatelly Thorin was not having that kind of joke.
Thorin would not have orcs.

Dís was riding with her brother. Smoothing ruffled feathers. The wizard was.. somewhere in the back. Her boys were keeping out of her sight and hopefully out of trouble.
Yes.
No „crazy fun adventure“ for you two. You are going to behave...
Well, at least someone was sure to be safe.
The Hobbit didn’t join them.
„Wait, waaaaaait!“
Or did he?
She heard a sigh.
She hoped her brother will not roll his eyes. But everything was possible under the strange influence they were all feeling.
She didn’t look at Thorin, she wouldn’t look at Thorin.
„Give him a pony.“

You could tell Thorin thinks that this whole burglar idea is a joke.
If you knew him.
Dís knew him all her life. That was why she was hiding from his sight... but not for long.
When he noticed her, the hobbit was completely forgotten.
Her presence endangers all of them. She is a dwarven lady. Any dwarf would feel a need to protect her...
„I can protect myself!“ she protested. Didn’t she know how to fight? „I can be responsible for myself!“
„But I cannot guarantee your safety! Noone is safe on this quest!“
„I know.“
That didn’t matter.

What is she doing here?
Dís was asking herself over and over again. She was not supposed to be here, all alone.
She should be home, tending to the fire. But some strange force made her leave everything behind, get on the road. A road that will lead to a quest. The Quest.
Her brother will surely be surprised.
Women shouldn’t be wandering in the wilderness.
Not that it is wild here.
Gently rolling hills of the Shire, inviting warm light shining through a round window next to a door with a rune on it.
She will rest well tonight.