Chapter 20- Moon Runes
First thing Philicia did is check to see if the bag of supplies came with them. "Yes " she said clutching it tightly." We are very glad you deceided to stay my dear" Gandalf said giving her a warm hug. "And as for you Thorin Oakenshield. What in heavens name were you thinking. Your timing was impeccible". Gandlf proceeded to scold him. "Mithrandier is correct Master Dwarf for there could have been irreversable concequences to your brash decision." Elrond went further explaining what could have happend. "Thorin son of Thrain" Lady Galaderial spoke next. "The path between worlds is a place not traveled by but the very few chosen." The elf reached for Thorin"s hands and surprisingly he did not pull away. "Your lives are bound together, place your full trust in her and you will suceed, do not let strife and mistrust seperate you. For when the time comes she will save the line of Durin." She let her hands drop to her side. "I will take it under advisement." Thorin gave a regal nod of his head as the elf faded away. "May I inquire as to what you have in the sack? Elrond eyed the bag curiously. "I brought some things with me to help. Lord Elrond you know what their up against so does Galaderial. The Battle of The Five Armies it will be called. In my former world thats when they all died. Now if whoever made it possible for me to come here I need these things. When the end of the battle comes I pray that what I have here now will save their lives." Philicia went on to explain that Lord Elrond needed to gather his best healers and be in Erebor before the 20th of November. "Please bring the best healers you can gather I will have a trauma room set up ,sterile and waiting." Philicia was frantic as she went on to explain that time was crutial . "I will need to leave these things here I can't chance anything being damaged or lost. Will you bring them for me?" Philicia pleaded. "I will personally see it is done." "Thank you." Her and Thorin left needing a good sleep. They walked to Philicia's room .Thorin changed back into his Blue Tunic and mail shirt. "I am going to sleep with the company tonight I have truly missed them." Thorin kissed her goodnight pivited on his heel and was gone. They both had returned at the very same time they left so their was nothing to explain concerning their absence. Philicia and Thorin spent the next day with the company eating and resting up. Merrymaking and music was aplenty" Sing us a song lass " Nori asked? "Yes Lady Philicia sing us a song you have a most beautiful singing voice" Nori's brother Dori added." Oh alright , you twisted my arm" she gave them a warm smile." Twist your arm now why would I do a thing like that, besides Thorin would lay me out cold if I tried" Dori glanced at Thorin who was cracking a knowing smile for he had heard the expression on numerous occasions while they were in Philicia's world. They exchanged knowing looks "Come on lass do sing us a song" The whole company was stirring up a rucus with their insistence. "I have one" She went and talked with the elves for a moment and someone had managed to get a piano from the music room. Philicia seated herself in front of the keyboard and ran her fingers across the keys getting a feel for it. The piano was different than the Baby Grand that had once stood in the big corner of her living room but the keys were the same.
She started playing. And then her breathtaking voice echoed through the halls.
Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed
Some say love it is a razor, that leaves your soul ,to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need
I say love it is a flower, and you it's only seed.
Her hands swept over the keys with reconition . This had been one of her mom's favorate songs It had been played at their wedding she had loved it so much. So Philicia had learned it losing count the times she had sat at the piano and played it.
It's the heart ,afraid of breaking that never learns to dance
It's the dream, afraid of waking that never takes the chance
It's the one who wont be taken who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only` for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed that with the sun's love, in the spring becomes the rose.
When she played the last lingering notes there was not a dry eye to be had even the elves had stopped and listend to her hauntingly beautiful song. "Aye lass you do us honor didn't know you could play." Balin said offering his hand to help her down from the raised platform. Philicia didn't say a word but went strait to Thorin buring her face in his shirt." What has you so distressed?" He questioned tipping her face to meet his." That was my mom's favorite song I miss her so much", and she burst into tears. Thorin lifted her in his arms and carried her out of sight of the others. He laid her on the bed and sat down with her pulling her close to his side. " Why did you not tell me you could play?" He asked stroking her face with his large blacksmith's hand. "You never asked ,my mom used to play the piano at our church on sunday and wednesay night's and she taught me when I was little." "When the mountain is ours again I will have the piano from the music room at your disposal for when you wish to play." "Thank you that would be great. Thorin there's somthing I have to tell you It's about tonight and the map." Oakenshield whirled around his sapphire eye's boaring into her." Have you remembered anything else pertaining to what it say's?" "No I can't remember anything else only what I have told you." She looked outside as the sun was setting over Rivendell. " We need Lord Elrond to read the map. " "Philicia I can not so lightly give away the secrets of the Kazad." I know but he has to it's the only way." Thorin said no more about the map he just put up walls Philicia was sure would take a battering ram to break. "Come we must find the wizard". So they both went in search of Gandalf only finding him conversing with Balin and Bilbo in Elrond's Study. "Ah, there you two are. "Gandalf exclaimed. By now Thorin was in the foulst of moods brooding and cankerous ,his arms crossed, closed off. "Thorin." Gandalf started "You must show him the map. Philicia tried not to listen to what they were saying so she distracted herself admiring the architecture of the elven city. The intricatly carved patterns within the stone the perfectly symeterical ..." So are we going to ask Lord Elrond or not,Thorin?" Balin asked as Thorins mood failed to improve. "If he means to try and stop us, then no I will not." Suddenly Philicia was gently pulling him aside"Thorin he has to see the map it's the only way. I don't know what it say's and besides without all the information you are leading us with blinders on." Thorin said nothing just stood there his eye's transfixed out the window. Lord Elrong met them there and leading the way they passed over a stone bridge a beautifu cascading waterfall running underneath. "Gandalf has informed me you have a map in ancient Kazadul." "Thorin stood in front of the elf his shoulders squared head held high. "Our business is no concern of the elves Thorin slid his thumbs in his belt. "Oh for goodness sake," The wizard barked "Thorin show him the map." Gandalf was forceful in his tone having had enough of the Dwarf Kings grumbling."It is the legacy of my peple it is mine to protect, as are it's secrets." Balin who had been pacing back and forth was nodding his head agreeing with Thorin. "Save me from the stubborness of dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf said annoyance getting the better of glimpsed at Elrond but there was no anger present in his face perhaps these elves were a little different unlike the Mirkwood ones that watched Erebor burn and turned away doing nothing. Thorin took a chance. Gandalf's voice echoed in the stone "You stand in the presence of one of the few that can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond. "Gandalf was not backing down. "Please Thorin let him see it he can help." Philicia placed her hand on Thorin's arm silently pleading him to trust the elf. He knew Lord Elrond would know what they were up too but he would have the answere he sought. Not saying a word Thorin reached into his pocket and handed the folded map to Elrond. "Thorin no," Balin laid a hand on his arm trying to halt his action but Thorin shruged him off. The elven lord unfolded the map carefully reading it over. "Erebor ", he exaled." What is your interest in this map?" Thorin immediatly realised that Elronds had guesssed their intent fortunatly Gandalf intervenrd" It's mainly academic as you know these things sometimes contain hidden text." Elrond turned the other way so Gandalf could stare Thorin down silently conveing him to stay quiet. The dwarf gave a small groan stepping away. Elrond glanced at the moon and held the map up to it so the light could hit the parchment. He had oviously found somthing for he muttered a few words in elvish. "Moon Runes such a easy thing to miss". Thorin nodded his head in understanding. Moon Runes were hardly ever used anymore so it made sence to him that his grandfather would encode them to the map. Thorin glanced at Philicia a pleased look was upon her face. "Can you read them?" Thorin asked his tone full of hope. The elf nodded his head " Walk with me ."He said headed to the door way. The four of them followed the elf up a flight of stairs that led to a platform carved from the rocks themselves . The sound of a waterfall could be heard from beneath them and two more were on either side causing a mystical scene to surround them. "This is absoutly beautiful." Philicia said sneaking out her phone to snap a photo . Voices echoed in the hollow as The elven lord started to speak. At the edge was a crystal table Elrond walked up to it and placed the map on top of the crystals glistening surface. Gandlf was on one side Thorin on the other While Bilbo , and Balin waited back a way's. Suddenly Philicia went and stood next to Thorin reaching for his hand gently taking it in hers."These runes were written by the light of a cresent moon on a Midsummers Eve nearly two hundred years ago." He spoke his finger running over the blank space on the map."Fate must be smiling on you Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines on us tonight. Thorin and Philicia together looked up as the clouds parted letting the moonlight shine on the map. Maybe lord Elrond was correct in assuming fate had a hand in this the wizard had indeed gotten them there in time. The moonbeams caught on the crystal and it emitted a white glow. Philicia had remembered seeing this in the movie but in real life it was much more intriguing. The light touched the parchment and silver runes appeard in the once blank space. Thorin leaned in his eyes curious as to what they would behold.
"Stand by the Grey stone when theThrush knocks, and the setting sun with last light of Durin's day shall shine upon the keyhole." Elrond read loud enough for all present to hear. "A riddle, how fitting." The clues in the map sent shivers up his body hope and fear all rolled into one."Just hold on Thorin we will talk when this is over." Philicia wispered just for his ears only. "This is ill news. Summer is passing and Durin's Day is nearly upon us." Thorin huffed. "Then we still have time to find the hidden door. " Balin said confidently coming into the light."We must be standing in the right spot at exactly the right time then and only then can the door be opend." Thorin looked at Balin then to Gandalf ,Bilbo and finally to the woman beside him her hand still clasped in his."So this is your purpose. To enter the mountain." Thorin knew that Balin had given away the quest however he was not angry he figured the elf had already known anyway. "What of it?" Thorin said his hostile tone returning. "There are some who would not deem it wise." Elrond warned .Thorin quickly snatched the map from the elf clutches he had had it long enough."Thorin,"Philicia said giving him akward look. "Do not forget Gandalf . You are not the only Guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth." Elrond spoke to the wizard grabbing his robes and leaving them at the platform. "Oh my this maybe harder than I thought" The wizard mumbled to himself. "Umm I don't to sound naggy ."Everyone then looked at Bilbo." But when and what exactly is Durin's day?" Bilbo's face had a puzzled look upon it. Balin went on to explain to the Hobbit that Durin's Day was the start of the Dwarvish New Year. Thorin kept his eye's to his feet the whole walk back silently deciding there next move. "I think "Gandalf said coming beside Thorin, "Perhaps we should be more concerned for stealth than charm." "What are you insinuating" Thorin stopped and looked at Gandlf. "What do you know of this Philicia ,what is going to happen"? Thorin turned to her than as his eye's softend into hers. "I will tell you in a little while ,ok" "Very well " he said as they continued to walk.
"So what is the urgent matter we must discuss away from everyone else." Thorin had been in a mood all evening and apparantly time had not improved his cankerous attitude any."Well if your going to bite my head off i'll just keep it to myself." "You are right ,and I apoligize for my sour mood." She looked at the king and her words failed her. "It's ok I know it has not been an easy night for you, but that's what I have to tell you The White Council is going to meet tomorrow morning Saramon will be here and he is going to give you a hassle." Thorin raised his eyebrows at her. "How so?" "They are going to try and stop you they think it is too risky with the dragon and all." "They can not ,they will not deny me my birthright ,dragon or not." Thorin began pacing the room his fists clenched so tight the knuckles were white. "They won't , we have to leave early in the morning before sun up and everyone wakes up." "Were still going over The MIsty Mountains , right? " "Yes ,that is the path we will take it is the quickest route through the mountains." " There are things that are going to happen Thorin ,bad things." Philicia went to the window that overlooked the lake ." We are going to run into bad weather. Rain, high winds, snow and very slippery conditions. There will be stone giant's and crumbling rocks very narrow ledges. Watching this in a movie is one Thorin but knowing I now am going to be in it, I'm scared ,very scared. what happens if one of us slips and falls. what if we get..." Thorin silenced her with a tender kiss to her sweet lip's." That is why we have all those ropes and harnesses and warm outer clothing is it not." He placed his large callosed hands on both sides of her head and kissed her again this time with more ardor. Thorin's memory was recalling what they had shared the night before they left. His lips came down on hers and she opend her mouth to receive his kiss. Thorin wrapped his arms around her puling Philicia closer . He let out a soft growl and then deepend the kiss as he backed her up till the back of her legs met the bed. She fell ,scooted herself backward till her head was at the top. Thorin lowered his knee onto the mattress and crawled to lay beside her." What has you so scared my heart?" He asked for Philicia was clearly shaking." She reached for Thorin and burying her face into his front proceeded to tell him everything about what they were up against." Goblin's , by Mahal are you sure?" "Yes at least that's the way it happend in the movie and I am pretty sure so far everything is mostly the same." "Oh my love, maybe it would be for the best you stay where, where you are safe." "Not a chance besides do you know how use the ropes and pullys? " Thorin cast his eye's downward." I didn't think so." So for the next hour they planned out exactly what they were going to do The plan was to tell the others that everything was a gift from the elves and leave it at that." I must speak with Gandalf to inform him of our plan." Thorin was gone for about an hour then they both gathered up all the stuff divided it equally and carried it to the room down the corridor where the rest of the dwarves had their belongings at. "Fili, Kili, Balin, Gloin take these things and put one of each pile into every carry bag." What is all this?" Gloin asked examining the thick thermals. "Gift's , from the elves." Philicia cut in. So each bag had a few steel hand holds non perishable food ,drinks , thermals in the correct sizes for each dwarf and hobbit. A face mask , gloves and slip proof rubber boots. The napsacks were prepped and ready for the unexpected very early departure. "Get some sleep we leave early" Thorin commanded . None of the company questioned him by now all were ready to continue the journey. "We need to get some rest also. May I sleep beside you this night?" Philicia pulled the blanket's back and Thorin climbed in next to her pulling her close and tucking her head under his chin. Philicia's alarm on her phone went off at four am and after getting into their traveling clothes They woke the others" Did I put the pastries and orange juice in each bag I can't remember" "I believe you did if not Bombur will be reminding us soon enough." So they went and woke the others. '"What's going on uncle?" Kili asked rubbing his sleepy eye's. "We are leaving be ready within the hour. " With that Thorin went to find the wizard. "Lady Philicia may your travels be safe and trouble free." Arwen and Philicia said goodbye. When The Dwarf King askes for your hand please do not forget me." I won't." Philicia daid giving Arwen one last hug. "Philicia let us go now, quickly." Thorin took the and lead they started the climb up the little trail ever slowly leaving Rivendell behind them. Bilbo turned around and took one last look at the elven city. " Don't worry Bilbo you willl be back one day." Philicia patted The Hobbit on the shoulder for reasurance. "Master Baggins, I suggest you keep up we have 40 day's before we reach The Misty Mountains and Durin's Day ever draws closer." "Balin lead on you know these path's." So they tregged on resting a bit a little after sun up. And then the journey continued.