Line Of Durin (Thorin Oakenshield)

Chapter 5

Once darkness had fallen Lillianna had followed her brother to the meeting with Lord Elrond. To no surprise to Lillianna, Thorin was being stubborn on asking for help from Elves.

"Our business is no concern of Elves." Thorin stated.

"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map." Gandalf argued.

"It is the legacy of my people, it is mine to protect, as are it's secrets." Thorin said. Balin was pacing behind much to Lillianna's dismay as it was annoying her.

"Save me from the stubborness 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." Gandalf argued once more.

"Thorin. Trust me and let Lord Elrond read the map. " Lillianna begged already getting a headache from Thorin's stubborness and the excessive music which was played during dinner.

"Thorin, No!" Balin disagreed as Thorin stepped forward to hand over the map. Thorin simply brushed passed him and handed it over.

"Erebor. What is you interest in this map?" Lord Elrond spoke.

"It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. you still read Ancient dwarfish, do you not?" Gandalf interrupted as Thorin was about to speak.

Lord Elrond spoke some funny words. Lillianna wished that people would just stick to the common tongue.

"Moon runes. Of course. An easy thing to miss." Gandalf stated.

"Well in this case, that is true. Moon runes can only be read by the light of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." Elrond explained.

"Can you read them?" Thorin asked.

Lord Elrond motioned for them to follow him as he lead them outside to a crystalline table.

"These runes were written on a Midsummer'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 answered.

Lillianna noticed the clouds moving away causing the moons light to shine upon the map on the table.

"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." Lord Elrond translated.

"Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked.

"It is the start of the dwarves' new year, when the last moon of the autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together." Gandalf explained to the two confused hobbits.

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

"We still have time." Balin interjected.

"Time? For what?" Bilbo asked once again before Lillianna had the chance to ask.

"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 explained.

"So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain." Elrond interrupted.

Lillianna jumped forgetting of the presence of the Elf.

"What of it?" Thorin hissed.

"There are some who would not deem it wise." Lord Elrond aswered.

Thorin grabbed back the map slipping it into his pocket.

"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asked.

"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-earth." Lord Elrond said before leaving.