Unexpected

Chapter 7: Tea

That night, Eili stayed up with Lord Elrond, Gandalf, Balin, Thorin, and Bilbo. After some hesitation, the dwarf king revealed a map to Lord Elrond. Moon ruins were quite odd indeed. Fortunately, Lord Elrond was able to translate them.

"Can you read them?" Asked Thorin. Lord Elrond nodded and lead them outside to the side of a cliff, which was surrounded by waterfalls. They gathered around a large crystalline table.

"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago." The elf lord explained. "It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield; the same moon shines upon us tonight."

The moon shone through the clouds and onto the map, revealing ancient ruins. "Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole." Lord Elrond translated.

"Durin's Day?" The hobbit questioned.

"When the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together. It's the start of the dwarves' new year." Eili explained.

Thorin was concerned. "This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us."

"We still have time." Balin reassured.
"We can still 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."

"So this is your purpose, to enter the Mountain."

"What of it?" Thorin queried defensively.

The elf lord spoke. "There are some who would not deem it wise."

Thorin snatched the map off the table and growled.

The wizard turned to Lord Elrond. "Who do you mean?"

"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-earth." The elf lord said before turning and walking back inside.

Thorin turned to Bilbo and Eili. "You two. Get your rest while you can. You'll need it."

"We'll go to our rooms now. Good night Uncle." Thorin nodded and walked off. He examined the map, grumbling to himself.

Bilbo gestured to an entrance leading inside. "Shall we?" The hobbit and young dwarf talked as they navigated through the halls of Rivendell towards their quarters.

"Oh!" Bilbo exclaimed.

"What's wrong?"

"I completely forget my evening tea! And at this time- Goodness." He sighed.

Eili gasped. "Me too! Oh, I knew I had forgotten something."

Bilbo looked at her. "You drink tea every evening?"

"Yes, of course! I cannot believe I forgot. I have it every evening. Every single day."

"Perhaps we can have some together some time."

"Tomorrow?" Suggested Eili. She Looked around the long hallway they were walking down. The duo had finally arrived at their quarters.

"If you're not too busy." He said doubtfully.

"One is never too busy for tea." She laughed lightly.