I don't own 'The Hobbit', and I never will. Enjoy!
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After supper that evening, (and without a song or food fight, by some miracle of the Valar), Elrond asked for Thorin to accompany him to his study, Lindir staying by his side this time around instead of dismissing himself to go elsewhere. Naturally, Bilbo went with, along with Balin and Gandalf. Fíli, Kíli, Dwalin, and Dáin all tried to follow, but were waved away by Thorin. Thorin knew that Gandalf had told Elrond about his father's map. And although they didn't need to translate it, there was no way for Thorin to explain how he knew where the secret message was hidden and what it said.
So it was best to just have it 'translated'. Of course, that didn't mean that Thorin would make it easy on Gandalf. The wizard had told Elrond about the map without Thorin consent, so the dwarf would 'argue' with Gandalf about showing Elrond the map. The map would give away the intent of their quest, but it was not up to Elrond to mark their path for them.
"I fail to see how our business is any concern of Lord Elrond and his kin." Thorin said to Gandalf.
"For goodness sake Thorin, show Lord Elrond the map." Gandalf said exasperatly.
"It is the legacy of my people." Thorin shot back smoothly, instead of snidely. "It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves!" Gandalf growled. "Your pride will be your downfall. You stand before one of-"
"The few people in Middle-Earth who can discover and translate any hidden text that we may have missed?" Bilbo cut off the gray wizard, who got extremely flustered and glared at the hobbit-fairy.
Thorin smirked, pushing down his chuckles before smoothing his face out again, knowing that Lord Elrond had not missed the look. Bilbo stuck his tongue out at the huffy wizard, which made him even huffier at "'pompous little hobbit-fairies". Balin sighed at the childish antics happing around him, with the ever long-suffering of one who had endured it all and must continue enduring it until the end of his days. Not wanting Gandalf to get the idea of turning Bilbo into something, unnatural, Thorin stepped forward and made to give Elrond the map, but pulled back at the last second.
"This map was last held by my father, and his father before him, as an heirloom on my house." Thorin explained his hesitance. "Please be careful with it."
Elrond nodded, gently taking the map to unfold it and look at the contents. The elf lord's eyes widened when he saw what the drawing was of. He then composed himself as best he could. They may not actually be interested in Erebor itself, since Thorin had said that the map was last held by his father and grandfather, and Bilbo said that there might be a hidden message, quite possibly from Thráin or from Thrór.
"Erebor." Elrond said simply. "What is your interest in his map?"
"As I said, this map was last held by my father." Thorin explained before Gandalf could offer his 'academic purposes'. "While any dwarf could read the runes visible on the map, I was wondering if he may have left a hidden message before it left his hands."
Elrond nodded his head, understanding the desire for a last message from your father, having lost his own father and mother to Valinor when he was very young. Gandalf begrudgingly admitted that Thorin's excuse was a good one, Balin was staring at Thorin while wondering where the lack of manners when it came to the elves had gone, and Bilbo was snuggling into Thorn's neck, silently praising his diplomacy skills. Elrond held the map up to examine it in the moonlight, saw a silver glimmer in the lower right corner, and comprehension of what it was that he was seeing was reached.
"Cirith Ithil." Elrond said in his native tongue.
"Moon runes?" Gandalf echoed in the common tongue.
"What are moon runes?" Bilbo asked, having never actually found out what they were.
"A special form of writing invented by the dwarves that uses a special silver quill and ithildin ink, which was made from mithril." Lindir, surprisingly, explained. "The method is rarely used anymore due to the dwindling amount of mithril -which can only be mined from Moria- that is needed."
"Moon runes are an easy thing to miss." Gandalf added.
"Well in this case, that is true." Elrond agreed as he studied the map more. "Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as they day of which they were written on."
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked, though he already knew the answer.
Elrond nodded his head once and gestured for them to follow him. They left his study and went down a tunnel that led to a cavern in one of the cliff-faces. A waterfall cascaded down in front of the rocks, and a special crystal sat towards the edge of the outcrop, to where Elrond was leading them.
"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago." Elrond said.
"Perhaps written by my father in Erebor, but not right before it left his hands." Thorin sighed as they reached the crystal 'table'.
Bilbo gently patted Thorin's cheek, and the gesture made him smile. Lindir chuckled softly as he recalled Bilbo comforting him the same way earlier that day. Elrond raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment on his Faeven's behavior. Lindir would tell him later, probably after a roll in the bed sheets.
"It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell." Elrond said as he laid the map on the crystal. "Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight."
The group of two elves, one wizard, two dwarves, and one hobbit-fairy looked at group of clouds that moved aside to show the crescent moon. The moonlight shimmered threw the waterfall and reacted with the crystal, which began to glow a bright white-blue color. Looking to the map, blue-silver dwarven runes appeared on the paper.
"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." Elrond read the runes aloud.
"A thrush, like a robin?" Bilbo asked.
"Or a bird in the same family." Lindir confirmed.
"And Durin's Day?" Bilbo kept up his 'curiosity'.
"It's the start of the dwarves New Year, when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together." Gandalf explained.
"And when is that this year?" Bilbo continued.
"October 24th." Thorin replied without hesitation, and then almost fidgeted when Balin gave him a look. "What?"
"And here you can barely remember when your sister's birthday is." Balin shook his head.
Bilbo fell off Thorin's shoulder as he laughed, landing on the crystal table. Thorin groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, ignoring the chuckles from Gandalf and suppressed snickers from Lindir. How was this his life? How? With a sigh, Thorin lowered his hand and poked Bilbo in the stomach, making the hobbit-fairy shriek in surprise.
"You're not helping." Thorin 'scolded'.
"What's your point?" Bilbo asked 'innocently'.
The comment produced even more laughs, even from Elrond and Balin. With an aggravated sigh, Thorin carefully picked Bilbo up by his wings, and held him at eye level. The two stared at each other until Bilbo stuck his tongue out at the dwarf, making sure he got spittle on him. With another sigh, Thorin wiped his face dry and tucked Bilbo into his chest pocket, where little giggles were heard until the hobbit-fairy settled down.
"It just means that he likes you." Gandalf said jovially.
"Hasn't anyone ever told you to keep your nose out of other people's business?" Thorin asked.
"It never works." Elrond replied for the gray wizard, who harrumphed at the words.
Thorin knew that it was wise to simply get the next bit of conversation that he could see in Elrond's eyes out of the way. They were on friendlier terms this lifetime, but that still didn't mean that Thorin wasn't concerned that the elf lord would try to stop the dwarves from reclaiming their homeland.
"Durin's Day is in a little over 4 months." Thorin commented as one on his hands rubbed his beard, knowing the reaction he would get from Balin.
"We still have the time Thorin." Balin replied. "We have to be standing in 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?" Elrond questioned.
"Yes." Thorin said plainly.
"There are some who would not deem it wise." Elrond replied as he folded up the map.
Thorin was surprised to hear concern in Elrond's words, and not a rebuke. Looking up, the dwarf could also see the concern in the elf's eyes. Had it been there last time, even with Thorin so wrapped up in his anger that he heard everything twisted and warped instead of the way it was intended? Or was this a new development? Thorin reclaimed his map, but not with a jerk like he had last time, and a nod of thanks for his aid.
"There are those who would not deem living in Nogrod wise, but we haven't had much choice in that matter either." Thorin replied as he tucked the map back into his pocket, his words giving way to the shocked faces of Elrond and Lindir.
"Those mines are desolate!" Elrond exclaimed. "Why would you stay there?"
"What of your other kin in the Iron Hills?" Lindir asked, overlapping his Faeven.
"Náin and Dáin could only take so many without straining to feed everyone who was already living there." Thorin shook his head. "And the Broadbeam clan of Tumunzahar was the only other of the dwarf kingdoms that offered us shelter because we gave them shelter after Khazâd-Dum fell in the First Age, but that was offered after Azanulbizar. We know the mines are desolate, and the fields we have are worthless according to a nomadic hobbit of the Took Clan who looked at them 5 years ago. Said that if he had come even 2 years sooner they could have been saved, but it's too late now. We have to find a new home, and soon."
"Is Erebor truly your only option?" Elrond asked.
"Unless we want to camp on the plains of Dunland again, and be at the mercy of orcs and bandits with no mountain protection around us." Thorin replied.
Elrond felt an unpleasant twist in his stomach. He knew that the dwarves of the Longbeard clan had it rough after they lost Erebor to Smaug, but he wasn't aware of how bad it truly was until just now. This is what happened when you only left your home to dispatch the occasional band of orcs. You fell way behind in the important news of Middle-Earth.
"If there is anything Rivendell can do to aid you, simply let me know, and I will do all that I can to help." Elrond promised.
"Got any accountants you can't stand?" Thorin asked, referencing the treasure hoard in Erebor.
Balin snorted, which set off chuckles and laughs from everyone else. Really, was that a trick question? They all started back down the tunnel to Elrond's study with the occasional snicker breaking loose, which set off more laughs. Once there, Balin and Thorin bade Elrond, Lindir, and Gandalf good night. Bilbo had fallen asleep in Thorin's pocket. Once alone on the way back to their rooms, Balin stopped Thorin about mid-way there.
"Alright you, where did the manners come from?" Balin demanded.
"They've always been there Balin." Thorin replied with an amused look. "Along with my sense of humor and witty sarcasm."
"Thorin." Balin scolded.
"The elves and dwarves have been at war with each other since the First Age, Balin." Thorin sighed and started walking again. "The hostility between our races won't lessen until someone takes the first step to bury the hatchet. For Kíli's sake, I'm taking that step."
"For Kíli's sake?" Balin blinked in shock.
"Kíli's Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate) is one of Lord Elrond's sons." Thorin sighed. "Which one, I am not sure. Kíli would probably be able to tell you."
Balin hummed as he processed this new information from Thorin. He hadn't even noticed that young Kíli had found his Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate); he had been a bit busy trying to get Dwalin to speak with his own Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate), young Ori, (and was epically failing). But if Thorin was on his best behavior for his nephew's sake, his attitude over the last couple of days made a lot more sense. Thorin, of course, was on his best behavior because Bilbo had threatened to withhold hobbit cuddling time after he got back to his normal size, but no one else in the company ever needed to know that little tidbit of information.
Even though they now knew what the map said, Thorin was still going to have them stay in Rivendell a few day, if only for Kíli to get to know his Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate). Thorin just wanted a comfy bed for a few more days, before they were forced out into the wilds again. Plus, he was hoping that Lord Elrond might know something that would help Bilbo be able to transform back into his normal hobbit form. Thorin missed his normal-sized hobbit cuddles.
No, he wasn't pouting at the thought.
He wasn't!
Okay, maybe a little.
…
Don't tell Bilbo, he'd never hear the end of it.
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The next day, Thorin announced what the map had shown the previous night, which Ori diligently recorded in his book. Several of the dwarves wanted to high tail it out of Rivendell then and there, but were overridden by Thorin stating they needed the rest. Despite the toughness that they claimed, the dwarves were still worn out from the trolls and the orcs mounted on wargs chase, so they were taking a few days to recover.
So recover they did. They all broke up into small groups to explore the Last Homely House East of the Sea. Nori and Bofur went to find a new garden to spoil and elves to scare. Ori ditched Dori and ended up with Dwalin as a bodyguard while he explored the library. Dori was taking the time to redo his braids while conversing with Balin about something political. Bifur was carving a new toy while Óin looked at his axe wound. Fíli had ended up getting dragged to the kitchens with Bombur, and Kíli was down at the training grounds with Thorin.
Bilbo spoke with Elrond as they ate breakfast, asking if they could speak in a private location. The elf lord agreed, so Elrond, Lindir, and Bilbo made their way to the elf lord's study. Once there, Bilbo landed on Elrond's desk, and began to nibble on some of the fruit that was kept there for a snack. Elrond simply smiled, and patiently waited for the hobbit-fairy to speak.
"What do you know about my kin?" Bilbo asked. "In their original fairy form."
"That they were very cheerful, loved to play pranks with their talents, and brought smiles to all who came into contact with them." Elrond replied.
"Is it true we participated in the Last Alliance at the end of the Second Age?" Bilbo questioned.
"Yes." Elrond nodded. "They were a beacon of merriment during those bleak years."
"You wouldn't happen to know how we changed forms, do you?" Bilbo asked a bit meekly.
"I am afraid I don't." Elrond shook his head. "Any of you kin that I met already knew how to change between their original form and normal form."
"Ah." Bilbo pouted, and his wings drooped.
Bilbo had really hoped that Elrond knew how his ancestors changed their forms. Hildifons had been trying to get his nephew to be able to switch for 7 weeks, and they hadn't really gotten anywhere with it. Bilbo felt that something was missing, and he hoped that it wasn't that Lady Yavanna decided to take away his ability to change until after Erebor was reclaimed.
"You will be able to change your form." Elrond did confirm. "I received a vision of the future when I first saw you. You were in your normal hobbit form, lying on a bed in a room of stone, which I now assume is within Erebor. You were wrapped in furs on the bed, red faced and tired, but happy, with a babe lying in your arms. Thorin Oakenshield was by your side."
Bilbo perked up at the news. Part of him wondered if Elrond had seen the same future last lifetime, and the other part didn't care. A smile spread across the hobbit-fairy's face. A future with Thorin and Frodo sounded wonderful… he just hoped that he could make it happen.
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"Kíli." Bilbo flew over to the dwarf, who was reattaching fletching to his arrows while Thorin went through his paces with Orcrist.
"Hm?" Kíli acknowledged Bilbo, but kept his main focus on his weapons.
"Nothing is going to happen if you don't talk to him." Bilbo said, making the dwarf's hands still.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Kíli stated, and began to work again.
"Nephew." Thorin stopped what he was doing sat down next to him, keeping his voice low. "Bilbo is right. Nothing is going to happen between you and your Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate) if you don't speak with them."
"I haven't met my Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate)." Kíli denied.
"Right." Bilbo's smile was that of a sneaky matchmaker. "And I'm an orc who likes to dance naked in meadows filled with pink polka dotted goblins and blue stripped wargs."
That statement made Thorin and Kíli pause to give Bilbo weird looks. The hobbit-fairy just grinned at the younger dwarf, who slowly inched closer to his uncle. Thorin chuckled and shook his head at the antics Bilbo brought to his family. How did he think he could live without his Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate)? Life was too boring that way. Kíli turned his head so fast poor Bilbo got bystander's whiplash. Thorin groaned as he realized he had spoken out loud.
"What?" Kíli gasped. "When?"
"April 12th, 2931 of the Third Age." Thorin replied.
It didn't take long for Kíli to put two and two together. Thorin and Bilbo had known since before the quest had even started! Doing an excellent impression of a fish, Kíli pointed back and forth between his uncle and the hobbit-fairy that was their burglar. Bilbo found himself giggling at Kíli's facial expression, which also made Thorin laugh. His uncle laughing is what snapped poor Kíli out of it.
"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Kíli demanded.
"Why haven't you?" Thorin shot back, and then grew serious. "Kíli, are you scared that I'll reject you because your Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate) isn't a dwarf? Because that would be very hypocritical of me."
"No!" Kíli denied, and then his face twisted in confusion. "Yes? Kind of?"
"The real point?" Thorin asked.
"He's immortal." Kíli sighed. "How can I possibly be his Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate)?"
"Actually, Elladan, Elrohir, and their sister Arwen, can choose a mortal life." Bilbo interjected, making Kíli look at him in even more shock. "Their father and uncle had the same choice at the end of the First Age. Elrond chose an immortal life, while his brother Elros chose a mortal life, and became the first of the Kings of Númenor. Elrond's children can make the same choice."
"How do you know that living a mortal life isn't what he wants?" Thorn asked.
"Stop pointing fingers at me!" Kíli protested. "And you still didn't answer my question. Why didn't you tell anyone that Bilbo is your Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate)?"
Thorin frowned as he thought about that one. The original reason was… he forgot. A small laugh escaped Thorin as he shook his head. Bilbo was rolling his eyes, as if he knew what the dwarf was thinking. Thorin shot the hobbit-fairy perched on his nephew's shoulder a look.
"I actually forgot the reason, if I did have one." Thorin admitted. "It probably made sense back then, but in all honesty was really stupid."
"At least he admits it." Bilbo whispered to Kíli, making the dwarf laugh.
It was then that Elladan and Elrohir entered the training grounds, dressed in sleeveless tunics, pants, and knee high boots. After spending around 20 years around the twins, Bilbo could easily tell who was who, but knew that Thorin didn't know, and Kíli only knew which one of them was his Amrâb Yusth (Soul Mate), but not what his name was. Bowing to each other, the twins drew their swords and began to spar.
Kíli was entranced by Elladan, though he didn't know his name. The fluid movements while he wielded his sword were also strong and deep rooted. Thorin was watching their forms and the way they handled their limbs and where they stepped while they practiced. Bilbo just yawned. If you've seen one elf practice in the training ground, you've seen them all.
But it was definitely worth it to watch Elrond and Glorfindel spar with each other.
Bilbo fluttered off Kíli and gently gave Thorin's hair a tug. The dwarf followed the hobbit-fairy out of the training ring, knowing that Kíli wouldn't act on his feelings if his broody uncle was hanging around. Elladan and Elrohir were both amused as the caught sight of Bilbo leading Thorin Oakenshield out of the training grounds by his hair, but they didn't let it stop them from their practice.
Elladan was determined to show off what he could do for the dwarf prince, Kíli. Elrohir happily agreed to help get his brother together with his Faeven. Elrohir knew who his Faeven was, but Haldir's duties as a Marchwarden to the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn wouldn't let him leave Lothlórien until they dismissed him from their service. Maybe their father coming forward with Lindir as his Faeven would spur the elf into doing something besides hold hands when his grandmother visited.
The spar came to a halt when Elrohir disarmed his brother and had his sword at his throat before Elladan could recover his sword. With a glare, Elladan took his finger and pushed his brother's blade away from his neck. Elrohir laughed, and then stopped when he caught sight of a small assembly from Lothlórien, Galadriel and Haldir as part of the group. With a grin, Elrohir skipped out to greet them. Elladan just rolled his eyes and went over to where he kept his bow.
The elf knew that Kíli's eyes were on him. Elladan was hoping that Kíli would speak with him, and the best way to do that was by igniting a common interest. Elladan hadn't missed the bow and arrows in the dwarf's hands when he had first seen him on the plains outside of Rivendell. While Elladan hadn't had a sloppy archery posture in years, it was probably the quickest way to get Kíli's attention. Arrow after arrow flew down the range, each hitting the center of the intended target, but Elladan was purposely holding his arm to high. If his guess was right, it really shouldn't take too much longer for Kíli to…
"You're holding it wrong." Kíli said as he wandered over his own bow and arrows.
"Oh really?" Elladan asked in, what he hoped, was a teasing voice.
"Really." Kíli replied with his own teasing tone. "Never thought I'd see the day when a dwarf would have to correct the archery form of an elf."
Elladan laughed, and allowed Kíli to correct his body position. It wasn't until they were done shooting their arrows that Kíli realized that Elladan had purposely shot with the incorrect form to get his attention. The elf certainly had his attention now. The next round they shot, Kíli purposely shot wrong, making Elladan stare at him with disbelief. Kíli just smirked, because two could play at this game.
Oh, yes they could.
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"Our newest kitchen maid is complaining that they are under enormous strain, and that we are two barrels short of wine." Lindir reported with a sly look on his face as he recalled the look on Lady Eithadis' face when she was sent to the kitchens to work while he and Elrond walked through the city that afternoon. "How much long do you think the dwarves and hobbits will be with us?"
"That has yet to be decided." Elrond replied with a smile of his own, which fell off his face as he came to a sudden halt, Lindir stopping next to him.
12 naked dwarves, (Thorin and Kíli being elsewhere), and 1 hobbit, (Hildifons), were in one of the main fountains in the city. They were laughing and having 'the time of their lives', as some would call it. It was a sight neither of the elves had wanted to see or truly wished to see ever again. As they shared a glance with each other, the same thought was in their heads.
'Thank Eru Ilúvatar that Elladan and Elrohir never thought of that.'
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Thorin and Bilbo were standing in another doorway to the courtyard as watched the company, plus Dáin and Hildifons, splash around in the fountains. Okay, Thorin watched, Bilbo had his head turned to give Thorin a look. The sight of his kin starkers in the middle of Rivendell made Thorin realize that he had forgotten to limit them to splashing around in the bathtubs. Thorin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He really hoped that Elrond's attitude wouldn't go down the river after this.
"Thorin." Bilbo scolded.
"I know Bilbo." Thorin sighed, and marched over to the fountain. "Bath time is over. Out."
There were groans all around, but they all got out. Laughs, yells, and questions of where their clothes where, (the elves had taken them per Elrond's orders once he had gotten over the sight of the dwarves in the fountain), were heard as they grabbed towels. Laughter had them all turn their heads to see a tall elf woman dressed in a long white dress and long golden hair that simmered in the sun. Those who had never seen the Lady Galadriel before were jaw dropped at her beauty. And those who had seen her, (Bilbo on his way to Valinor and Thorin as he watched his son after Khazad-dûm), were still just as stunned as the first time. Galadriel smiled at them all, happiness and joy in her eyes as she viewed the children of Aulë and Yavanna together.
"It is good to see all of you enjoying yourselves." Galadriel said.
No one was able to say anything, but there was a sudden rush to cover the nakedness from the beautiful lady. Bilbo giggled and flew to perch on Thorin. But instead of his shoulder, Bilbo perched on top of his head. The dwarves stared at the hobbit in shock, he knew that hair touching was a no-no unless you are family or your significant other. And they were even more startled when all Thorin did was roll his eyes.
Thorin would deal with them panicking about Bilbo touching his hair later, (not that he minded)… when the company wasn't completely naked, save for a towel.
"Get your clothes, they should be in our rooms." Thorin ordered with a smile of his own.
The dwarves scrambled, still sneaking glances at Galadriel, who was still smiling a pleasant smile at them. They had never had an elf smile so nicely at them, save Lord Elrond, but those were 'I liked that joke, please tell another one' smiles. Once the dwarves and single normal formed hobbit were gone, Galadriel turned to Thorin and Bilbo. Her eyes softened, and gave them a nod before she turned to go find her son-in-law.
"She's even more… I don't know how to describe it, in person." Thorin admitted.
"She has that effect." Bilbo agreed. "I guess that's what happens when you live as long as she has, seen the things she's seen, fight the battles she's fought…"
"What is her story?" Thorin asked, finding himself curious.
Instead of answering, Bilbo grabbed one of Thorin's braids and tugged him along. The hobbit-fairy led his dwarf down the hallway to a secluded balcony that none rarely went to… Bilbo had frequently come here when the company first came to Rivendell and again when he retired from Hobbiton. They quickly got situated, Thorin leaning against the rail and Bilbo sitting on a decoration column that put him at eye level with Thorin.
"Galadriel was born in Valinor during the Years of the Trees, before the First Age even began." Bilbo launched into the story. "She was the niece of Fëanor, son of Finwë. Fëanor was the creator of the Silmarils -special jewels he had crafted that contained the light of the two trees, (Laurelin and Telperion), made sacred by Varda so that none of condemned hands could touch them- and also of the seven Palantíri. Now, Fëanor loved the Silmarils with a fierce and jealous love, much like the way a dragon loves it's treasure hoard, either showing them off a great feasts or storing them away in a locked vault. That fierce loved also encompassed all other items of great beauty."
"Dragon sickness existed back then?" Thorin interrupted.
"Yes, but I don't think they had that name for it since the dragons weren't created by Morgoth until the First Age." Bilbo nodded, and continued the tale. "Galadriel's golden hair was said to have caught the light of the two trees, which was rumored to have inspired her uncle to make the Silmarils. It is said that Fëanor had begged for Galadriel for a tress of her hair three times, and three times she refused him, seeing that he was consumed with a dark greed.
"Now let's jump ahead to the 3019th year of the Third Age, when Gimli humbly asks for 1 strand of golden hair to treasure in memory of her words at their first meeting." Bilbo smiled, as Thorin began to make the connections. "This hair would be set in crystal as an heirloom of his house and a pledge of goodwill between the Golden Woods and the Lonely Mountain. She gave him three. Three times she refused her own flesh and blood when she was begged with the one having a longing to possess, and once freely given when asked for with a desire to remember and to forge friendships."
"Wow." Thorin whispered. "Glóin has always said that Gimli would do great things one day, but I don't think that was what he had in mind…"
"Probably." Bilbo agreed. "I don't think Gimli ever knew the true meaning behind his gift."
"Well I do now!"
Thorin and Bilbo jumped in shock at the loud voice. They had not noticed that there was someone else with them, since the entire company was drying off and getting dressed. Standing there dressed for travel, hands on his hips, fiery red hair and bushy sideburns, was Gimli, son of Glóin. On his chest was a crystal that held three golden hairs within.
"Well… fuck."
"Bilbo!"
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Pairings seen for the first time: Mentioned Elrohir/Haldir of Lothlórien
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Translations
Cirith Ithil = Sindarin for: Moon Runes
Amrâb Yusth = Khuzdul for: Soul Partner/Mate/Spouse. This is the gender neutral term, used for pre-marriage reference or post marriage if one of both spouses are gender neutral/fluid
Faeven = Sindarin for: Soul Mate (male)
Nogrod = Sindarin for: Hollow-House; Tumunzahar = Khuzdul for: Hollow-Building/House
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Timeline
June 20th, year 2931: Midsummer's Eve, Elrond reads the Moon Runes.
June 21st, year 2931: Bilbo asks Elrond what he knew about his kin during the Second Age, Kíli and Elladan start to spend some quality time together, fountain bath, the dwarves meet Lady Galadriel, and a time traveling Gimli catches up to the Company.
