Nothing More

Chapter 13. Deciphering the map

After reading the note from Thorin telling Gelli of his love yet explain he need to rescue his company from their drunken mess. Gelli found herself wondering the garden paths of Rivendale, stoping to look over the different colours and breath in the scented fresh air. As she rounded a bend in the path she found her spot, a small bench placed under a large ever green oak, the spot where she would sit and read trying to escape the memories of Erebor's downfall. Today would be the day she sat under the tree in a daze reliving the glorious memories of the night before, her wedding night. Today she wasn't just a lady of Rivendale, today she was a well loved wife contemplating the inevitable quest she would travel on with her husband. Just the thought of her husband,had her on her feet on her way to find the man that consumed her every waking hour.

After leaving his wife in bed, Thorin spent his morning searching for his company, all the while wishing to return to his bed. After rescuing dwarves from fountains, lakes and those who had fallen over in the garden after drinking the night before. Thorin and Balin head to find Gandalf. After finding Gandalf with Bilbo they meet Lord Elrond and plan to discuss the map later in the evening.

Later that night Thorin, Gelli, Balin, Bilbo,Gandalf and Lord Elrond meet.

Gelli's point of view.

"Our business is no concern of Elves." Thorin accused almost as if it were an insult, however he was only trying to protect his people.
"For goodness sake. Thorin, show him the map!" Gandalf shouted.
"It is the legacy of my people. It's mine to protect! As are its secrets." Thorin spat, as he try's to get his point across.
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall. You stand here in the presence of one of the few in Middle-earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond!" Reasons Gandalf.
Thorin reached into his coat to retrieve the map. Slowly handing it Elrond.
"Thorin, no!" Balin announced, causing Thorin to stop half way. Trying to encourage him I placed my hand in his free hand and as he glanced my way I nodded in encouragement. Understanding my encouragement Thorin thrusts the map into Lord Elrond's hands. If he hadn't don't it with so much power he would regret the decision and take it back.
"Erebor. What is your interest in this map?" Asked uncle, closing my eyes in dread knowing the possibility of him changing his mind and not deciphering it.
"It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artifacts sometimes contains hidden text." Gandalf bluffs. Releasing the tension in the room.
The relief evident in Thorin's eyes at the reason Gandalf had given.
"You still read ancient dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf press, trying to divert the conversation.
"Cirth ithil" Elrond announces after a quick study of the map.
"Moon runes. Of course. An easy thing to miss." Gandalf reasons, trying not to laugh at the lie he made to cover his mistake, I lean my head against Thorins shoulder muffling any noise that I make.
"Well in this case, that is true. Moon runes can only be read by the light of the moon of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." Explains Lord Elrond, why glancing at me and smiling.
"Can you read them?" Thorin asks stepping forward but never realising my hand.
"These runes were written on a mid-summer's eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight." Elrond explains at Thorin, while glancing at our connected hands and then at me, a small smile on his face. Uncle places the map on a stone slab right under the moon, and as the moon's light shines on the map, it reveals the runes.
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole." Elrond translates aloud for all to hear.
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo question having never heard the term.
"It is the start of the dwarves new year, when the last moon of Autumn and the first sun of Winter appear in the sky together." I quickly fill in the details so the conversation can progress.
"This is ill news. Summer is passing, Durin's Day will soon be upon us." Thorin remarks in panic the grip on my hand tightening as I try to reassure him.
"We still have time." I say calmly direct at Thorin yet loud enough for all to hear.
"Time, for what?" Bilbo questions yet again in the dark.
"To find the entrance. We have to be standing at exactly the right spot, at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened." Balin exclaims, yet reveals are true purpose to my uncle. His head snapping in my direction as he tries to make eye contact as to receive confirmation.
"So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain!" He exclaims with a hint of betrayal lacing his voice.
"What of it?" Thorin try's to defends.
"There are some who would not deem it wise." Elrond exclaims as he tries to explain., as he hands Thorin his map back.
"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asks, yet I have a suspicion that Elrond only needs to confirm.
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-earth." Elrond confirms my suspicion and I drop me head in guilt as Gandalf realises what he means.