Chapter 10: The Arkenstone and the Jewel of the Stewards
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Gimli looked around at the throne room that he had helped rebuild. Erebor was going all steam ahead, trying to produce enough mithril to ensure that the gates weren't going to break as soon as they brought the Arkenstone out of the hiding place where it lay. It had been placed there by Tauriel after the battle of Five Armies, as a symbol of peace between the two races. No one knew if Smaug was the last Dragon in Middle Earth, but the Dwarfs of Erebor weren't taking chances, having only being able to live in the Lonely Mountain for 60 years. Xana had written to him last week, having a letter attached to the main message. That there was going to be a council in Mirkwood and that he was invited. Then the writing changed suddenly and read 'Gimli, don't be like your father, please. Stick to the path. We sweep it regularly for anyone-mostly the dwarfs- that want to journey through the Wood. Legolas.' He had shown the last part to his father, who had grumbled about that stupid elven patrol that had captured them and insulted the family.
Normally, he would be down with the smiths, helping them as they crafted items for the people of Dale. But today was different. Today was the day the Arkenstone was lifted from Thorin's breast and saw the light of day again. It still shone like the stars. As Gimli walked over to the main hall, he remembered when his father Glóin had told him that King Thranduil of Mirkwood had longed for the stone, during their captivity in Mirkwood, just before Kíli was shot with an arrow made of a morgal blade. Knowing how much it had hurt Frodo, he knew that it was probably best that the dwarf had fallen in the Battle of Five Armies.
Also attached to his mail from Mirkwood was an invitation to Nix and Haldir's wedding. They had finally sorted everything, including where it was to be held. Returning to his duties as the official master of Ceremonies, the dwarf took the key that hung next to Thorin's tomb and unlocked the chest. Never before had he ever seen the Arkenstone. It did indeed look like starlight had been encased by the purest crystal there was. Although a little dull from being locked up, Gimli could fix that by a little elbow grease and polish it. As he removed it from its chest, he almost dropped it, gasping in shock, realising that Faramir wore a crystal exactly like this. Smaller, yes, but the same type of crystal. Using his crystal cuts memory, he realised that it was indeed the same gem, just cut. Quickly polishing it, Gimli returned it to its chest and literally ran to his room, causing stares from the other dwarfs. Not that anyone really cared anymore. He had been part of the Fellowship of the Ring and also had elves for friends. Grabbing his ink, quill and paper he took a note down, reminding him to ask the Gondorian delegation if they had the Jewel of the Steward present. The council was going to be discussing the fact that a Silmaril jewel had been found
"And if that doesn't wake them up, I don't know what will!" Gimli said as he sat the note down and started to think of a way to get the Arkenstone out of the Mountain undetected.
Faramir was riding back from his talks with Éomer about his upcoming marriage to Éowyn. As he sat in the saddle, he played with the jewel that he had to wear as part of his duties as the Steward of Gondor. Faramir hated wearing it, well, to be honest, Éowyn hated him wearing it. She thought that it made him moody and unsociable. As did most of the other officials in Gondor. As he fiddled with it he remembered that he would have to wear it to the council that he was asked to attend, in Mirkwood. With his brother, the king and Mikeala. Normally, he enjoyed her company, but when he was wearing the jewel, he seemed to hate her. As soon as he took it off, however, he seemed happier and he wanted to go out and do activities with his friends. Once, he was caught wearing peasants clothing at the bakery. But that was stopped very quickly when he said that the king had been ahead of him in the line, wearing his ranger gear
"My lord Faramir. We will be resting here tonight." Called one of his escorts that Éomer insisted that he take
"Thank you," he said as he dismounted and started to set up his tent. Taking off the jewel, he felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Now after a good 3 months after the war had ended, did he finally understand the burden that Frodo carried. Boy is this going to be fun...! He thought as he lay down. Falling asleep quickly, he quickly held the jewel in his hand. It was HIS!