A Hobbit's Tale-Thorin's P.O.V.

15-The Answers

By nightfall we had gathered inside the house of Lord Elrond. Meaning myself, Balin, Gandalf & Bilbo Baggins of course. Anya was not with us though & I found that a bit odd. Was she not the least bit curious to know? For a moment I felt a little disappointed, I was kind of expecting her company. We stood in the hallway, I had the map & the key. We were standing in the hallway, Gandalf gestured me to show him the map. I still did not like it, never trust an elf.
Thorin: "Our business is of no concern of the elves."
Gandalf:(Sternly)"For goodness sake, Thorin. Show him the map!"
Thorin: "It is the legacy of my people & it is mine to protect as are its secrets."
Gandalf:(Grumbling)"Save me of from the stubbornness of dwarfs. Your pride shall be your downfall. You are standing in the presence of the very few in the Middle-Earth who can read it. Show him the map, Thorin!"
Gandalf kept glaring at me while Lord Elrond just stood there. I was still doubtful but we do need the answers though. Reluctantly I took out the map handing it to the elf. Balin did not like it.
Balin: "Thorin, no!"
But I held up my hand to keep the older dwarf back. Lord Elrond took the map & he opened it.
Lord Elrond: "Erebor? What interest do you have in the map?"
I was about to tell him why but Gandalf intervened.
Gandalf: "It is mainly academic."(I looked at him, confused, at first)"As you know that these kind of artifacts contain hidden texts. You do still read ancient dwarfish, do you not?"
For a while the silence was a bit uncomfortable. I watched as the Lord Elrond study the map beneath the moonlight seeping through the windows. He said something in Elvish while peering at the map. We all looked at the wizard.
Gandalf: "Of course, Moon Runes. An easy thing to miss."
Lord Elrond: "Indeed, Moon Runes could only be read on the same shape & season on the day they were written."
Thorin: "Can you read them?"
Next he led us out in an open area outside. The moon was slightly hidden behind the clouds. We walked towards a crystalline table. Lord Elrond placed the map on its surface.
Lord Elrond: "These runes were written exactly 200 years ago on the Midsummer's Eve. It appears that you were meant to come to Rivendell, Thorin Oakenshield. It seems fate is with you for that same moon shines here tonight."
We all looked up as the clouds slowly shifted revealing the moon. Its bright rays shone down upon us, on the table, I looked down at the map. By magic the runes revealed the writings in the Ancient Dwarfish appeared on the map. Coincidence? Could be!
Lord Elrond: "Stand by the grey stone when the Thrush knocks & by the setting sun of the last light of Durin's Day shall reveal the keyhole!"
Bilbo: "Durin's Day? What is that?"
Gandalf: "It is the beginning of Dwarf's new year when the last moon of the autumn's season & the winter's season appear on the same day."
Thorin: "This is ill news. Summer is passing & the Durin's Day shall soon be upon us."
Balin: "We still have time."
Bilbo: "Time!?! Time for what."
Balin: "To find the entrance. We just have to stand at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Only then the door can be opened."
Lord Elrond: "So this is your purpose? To enter Erebor?"
Typical of these Elves, trying to wheedle their way in the affairs of others when they are not meant to be. I looked at Lord Elrond in disdain.
Thorin:(Annoyed)"What of it?"
Lord Elrond: "There are some who would not deem it wise."
Scowling, I had practically snatched the map from him as he handed it over.
Gandalf:(Frowning)"What do you mean?"
Lord Elrond: "You are not the only guardian in all the Middle-Earth, Gandalf."
That confused me as well, the wizard was not the only guardian? Meaning there were more? I exchanged glances with Balin while the hobbit stared at Gandalf's back. The wizard had left with Lord Elrond so we found our way out. I kept pondering at the words being read on the map. Somehow I still had hoped for Anya to be here once the map's contents were revealed. The hobbit began to walk faster, moving away from us. What is he upto?
Balin: "Master Baggins, where are you off to in such a hurry?"
Bilbo:(Smiling as he turned)"Well if you must know I'm going to find Anya Hadin. She must be told about the map & everything!"
I scowled at him, annoyed at the face that he was thinking about the same thing.
Thorin:(Folding my arms)"Oh really! Just how will you be able to find her? She could be anywhere."
Bilbo: "I might have an idea of where she might be!"
After saying that he took off in a quicker pace. Balin & I just gaped at his back, he was fast. I huffed at this, not accepting the fact that he had the same idea as I did. I could feel Balin's eyes on me, turning he had this odd twinkle in his eyes.
Thorin: "What is it, Balin? Why are you looking at me that way?"
Balin: "You want to talk to the girl yourself, don't you, laddie?"
Taken aback at first but I shrugged my shoulders.
Thorin: "Maybe, but how can we find her in this godforsaken place? She could be anywhere. And you forget we barely know her, Balin."
Balin: "Don't you think its about time that you did? Come."
Before I could stop him I began trailing behind him. Soon we were out in the courtyard, no sign of the hobbit. Balin stopped the elf servant who was carrying some clothes.
Balin: "Pardon me, but you didn't happen to have seen a hobbit pass by here now did you?"
The servant smiled at us pointing to his left.
Elf: "As a matter of fact I have, Master Dwarf. Just turn left here then go straight ahead then to your right. You will find some stairs."
Balin bowed his head slightly he then gestured me to follow him. We walked in the given directions, found the stairs. Balin placed his hand on my back, urging me to go first. I could not only hear the sound of the waterfalls but voices as well. Taking a peek I saw them, chatting, their backs towards me. Before I could step back Balin pushed me forward, almost stumbles but held myself. What the!?! He made shooing motions with his hands then turned to leave. I just stood there glaring at his back. Then I could hear Anya's laughter, silently I cursed the hobbit. A part of me wished that it was me making her laugh. I stepped forward to clear my voice loudly, that made them flinch, turning to look at me. I gave the hobbit a hard glare, giving him a clear message to leave at once. Him, fidgeting a little, bid the girl goodnight & walked away. I kept staring at him as he left, slowly breathing in & out to calm myself. I turned to look at Anya but her back was towards me, again. Just as well, since I can't tell whether she was offended or not of my intrusion. The wind blew her long black hair gently even her blue gown. I certainly could not miss how the dress was showing the lovely shape of her body. I wonder what it would be like to hold her in my arms. I halted that train of thought while staring at the bottom of the waterfalls in the ravine below. 'Too soon, Oakenshield, too soon!' I silently reprimanded myself. Looking at Anya's face which looked so serene & soft in the moonlight.
Thorin: "So you happen to like this place then? Gandalf told me that he brought you here as a child."
Anya:(Without looking at me, nodded)"That is correct, both me & Andrein. I basically grew up here, they taught me how to fight when I was in my early teens."
Thorin: "I see, well you do seem to be fond of these elves here. Especially this Lord Elrond, who gave you that locket."
She turned to stare at me with anger in her eyes, I noticed her left eye twitch again.
Anya: "Just what exactly are you implying? Let me tell you something, Thorin Oakenshield. The Elves in Rivendell are my family. So don't you dare compare them with those Woodland's Elves, got it?"
I stared at her in shock, her cheeks were flaming red & her golden-brown eyes burning into mine in disdain. By Mahal, I did it again. And all due to my distrust in elves. Curse it!

1486 words!

Real smooth, Oakenshield! Well my a/n coming next.