Darûn was working in the mines when Oin appeared in the tunnel from higher up the Iron Hills complex. They greeted each other, then Oin offered to help with the mining. Focusing on the Irons lode, they worked hard for a few hours, adding ore to the growing pile. Darûn knew the smelters would be happy. They had complained about the lack of ore to smelt iron and make steel.
Wrapping up their work and setting their tools aside, Oin suggested a drink. Darûn recommended the Inn in Esgaroth, so the two friends, bonded by shared labor set off to the Gate and onward along the road. In time they approached the ruins of Erebor and paused there to emote about the loss of the dwarves of that once fair city, including Oin's loss. Darûn reminded Oin of how the Sons of Durin always rise again to build new and grander mansions and cities than before. heartened, they continued on toward Dale and once again paused to reflect in grief upon the suffering of their dear human friends whom they had considered brothers and sisters. They took heart knowing that the survivors of that calamity had been brought safely to Esgaroth. They reflected on the valor and compassion of a certain elven woman named Mersië or 'Mercy', fiery and ardent of spirit and a devoted friend to the dwarves in the north.
On they continued their travel until they arrived at the pier by the still working marketplace of Dale. They boarded a boat and Darûn rowed them to Esgaroth where they disembarked and wound their way on the wooden streets of the city built upon piles above the waters of Long Lake.
Arriving at the Inn, they seated themselves at the tavern counter and ordered food and drink. Toast after toast ensued and soon the entire patronage of the tavern was engaged with them in mutual toasts of honor, respect and friendship, replete with dwarven-style tokens of respect from the belly. After a long, pleasant evening, the two friends, not bonded by sharing food and drink as well, stumbled back to the Iron Hills, supporting each other as they went.