Riswynn frowned following the elf as fast as her legs would allow, narrowing her eyes at the back of the lithe creature's head imagining a nice ax embedded there. She wasn't sure if perhaps the elf was making her half run just to spite her due to her injuries or perhaps, she was one of the many elves that just didn't enjoy the company of dwarves. She rolled her shoulders a habit she long ago picked up whenever she was nervous, causing her to grunt in discomfort. Her injury was tender, and the movement caused a sharp pain to travel down her arm to her fingertips. She pinched her eyes shut and took a deep breath, opening them she found herself looking at the worried gaze of her hobbit friend, she gave him a weak smile and gutted her chin
"C'mon lad, can't loose the elf" she said softly her eyes trailing after the she-elf as she floated down the corridors away from them.
Bilbo was nervous for his friend, she was injured and had only just received care from Oin and already Lord Elrond wanted an audience with her, he was afraid that perhaps she would be punished for hurting those elves. He watched her walk away, holding her head high she moved with grace, shoulders squared despite the arrow wound. Her honey hair was piled messily on top of her head, blood still crusted some of the strands, she wore simple black trousers and Thorin's heavy coat. He smiled and shook his head, despite her injury she waltzed behind like she owned the very ground she walked on, he smirked and rolled his eyes as the two dwarves left him behind, Thorin walked the very same, he figured it must be a dwarf thing.
"Master Baggins, I suggest you hurry up" Thorin grunted in annoyance as Bilbo stood there and watched them instead of following.
The she-elf lead them toward a beautiful open balcony, the last light of the day was just gracing the open space and Riswynn would have found it a marvellous sight if not for the present company. Elrond was standing there regally awaiting her arrival, a brow raised when he spotted not one dwarf but two and a halfling.
"I wasn't aware I had called on you Thorin and Bilbo" Lord Elrond said amused.
"If you called her here to punish her, then I will have choice words with you elf" Thorin growled.
Lord Elrond rose a brow and smirked at the threatening undertone, it was a curious thing seeing a dwarf so protective of a female, he knew they tended to be secretive and normally chose to hide their women folk, so it was surprising that he was there as her figurative bodyguard. His eyes scanned over the female and his smirk deepened, perhaps it was more than met the eye, she was wearing the same coat he had previously seen Thorin wearing, he looked more closely at the pair intrigued.
"If you are quite finished staring, can you get to the point of this summons, I am tired" Riswynn snorted crossing her good arm around her middle.
Lord Elrond smiled and nodded his head "I wanted to apologize properly for the incident that occurred this morning, the elves that attacked you are my kin from Lorien, I have sent them away so the remainder of your stay here might be a more pleasant one"
"We don't plan on staying long, we will be on our way shortly" Riswynn grunted looking away from the elf toward Thorin who nodded his head in agreeance.
"And where are your travels taking you might I ask" Lord Elrond inquired looking down at the curious female with eyes of burning gold.
"That is no concern of yours" Thorin hissed.
"Thorin what about the map" Bilbo asked softly from behind him, looking back and forth between the dwarf leader and the elf Lord.
Thorin frowned and looked over his shoulder at the hobbit "It is not his business"
"Don't be a fool, show Lord Elrond the map" Gandalf cursed approaching from the shadows.
"Gandalf how convenient that you happened to be waiting in the shadows" Thorin growled unimpressed.
"The business of dwarves is no concern to the elves" Riswynn hissed agreeing with Thorin.
Gandalf sighed and looked up into the darkening skies "Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves, your pride will be your downfall"
Thorin looked at the wizard smugly "This map is the legacy of my people it is mine to protect as are its secrets"
Gandalf moved swiftly to Thorin's side and looked down at him, urging him to reconsider "You stand in the presence of one of the few people in middle earth that can read that map, show it to him"
Riswynn sighed and looked up at Elrond, who was waiting patiently for the mysterious map to be revealed, a glint in his eye. She glared hard, her eyes glowing in the dim light "Thorin, show it to him"
Thorin held his mouth in a firm line giving a subtle nod and withdrew the map, handing it over to the elf hesitantly.
Lord Elrond unfolded the wrinkled paper carefully and moved into the moonlight above, his face forming a deep frown as he looked from the map to Thorin "This is Erebor, what is your interest in this map"
"Oh, its mainly academic, as you know this kind of artifact can sometimes have hidden text" Gandalf said interrupting Thorin as he opened his mouth to speak, giving him a side glance. Thorin nodded in thanks as Elrond turned into the light and looked at the ancient runes.
Riswynn smiled at the old wizard's trickery before turning her attention back to the elf, he muttered something in elvish and Gandalf smiled brightly looking at a confused Bilbo "Moon runes an easy thing to miss"
Bilbo looked at Riswynn for an explanation and she shrugged her good shoulder. He twitched his nose and stared at the elf inspecting the map "In this case it is true moon runes can only be read with the light of the moon of the same shape and season as the day they were written" he said turning it about looking over the paper to stare at Thorin.
"Can you read them" Thorin asked taking a step forward a hopeful expression on his face.
Elrond sighed "I can, come follow me" he said turning on his heel leading them away from the balcony.
Riswynn swallowed in anticipation and hobbled as quickly as she could behind the elf, Bilbo trailing behind her, Thorin and Gandalf in front. She watched in awe as they walked the elvish buildings before delving deeper into the mountain side emerging underneath the waterfall, a large clear stone that glistened in the moonlight sat at the stone edge. She looked around curiously as Elrond walked carefully to the stone and gently placed the map down "These runes were written on a mid summers eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago, it would seem you were meant to come here Thorin Oakenshield" he smiled.
"Fates are with us, the same moon shines on us tonight" Riswynn whispered looking up at the moon through the spray of the water watching as it glimmered in the darkness casting shadows across the moon stone that held the map. Her eyes shone brightly with curiosity as she leaned forward looking at the map in awe as a hidden text seemed to glow within the map.
"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 said turning toward Thorin.
"What is Durin's day?" Bilbo asked curiously looking at the dam.
She smiled at him "It is the start of the dwarf's new year, when the last sun of autumn and the first moon of winter appear in the sky together"
"This is not good news; summer is passing and Durin's day will soon be upon us" Thorin said looking at Riswynn. She smiled at him and held up a hand placing it on his shoulder "We still have time, don't worry" she said encouragingly.
"Wait time for what" Bilbo asked confused.
She looked at him and sighed "Time to find the entrance, I know of its location I can lead us there, we only need to be standing there at the exact right time, for the door to be opened"
"So, this is your purpose then, to enter the lonely mountain" Lord Elrond said disappointed.
Her eyes flashed red as she looked at him "What of it" she hissed, fearing that he would council against it.
Elrond sighed and handed the map back to Thorin with a frown "Some would consider it unwise"
Thorin shook his head unconvinced as he tucked the map back into his clothing "Come Riswynn Bilbo we must gather the others"
"Wait what does he mean by that, why would it be unwise" Bilbo questioned looking at Gandalf and the retreating elf.
Riswynn placed a hand on his shoulder to steer him about "Come Bilbo, the elf doesn't want us to awaken the dragon of course"
"We won't wake it" he stuttered afraid, and she smiled at him "Oh lad, I haven't an idea of what awaits us there"
"I will seek council with Lord Elrond before our departure" Gandalf said, walking away in long strides to catch up with the elf lord, leaving the two dwarves and the halfling to navigate back to their own quarters.
Riswynn sighed rubbing her sore shoulder following behind the wizard, Bilbo off to her side, she looked from the corner of her eye and frowned at him. He looked hesitant, his eyes wide and fearful as he looked everywhere they traveled. Thorin walked ahead, marching through the elven halls toward his companions eager to leave, he knew they were running out of time, and travelling on foot would slow them down immensely especially now that Riswynn was injured. He grits his teeth in frustration, he didn't want to leave her behind, she was essential to finding the hidden door as quickly as possible, however given her condition he had to think logically on whether she would be a valuable member of the company any longer. He looked over his shoulder at her and felt his frown deepen, she was emerged in conversation with the hobbit, know doubt trying to ease his mind about the journey ahead, she had a way with words that he didn't possess, she was far more patient with there burglar than he. She looked to be managing her pain well, keeping pace with him but he could see the subtle hints that she was in distress, the way she held her arm across her body, supporting the weight of the injured side, the small, labored breaths, and flushed cheeks. Being unable to use her dominant arm would be a hinderance for anyone and he didn't know how much fighting they would have to endure during the rest of the journey. The idea of leaving her behind left a bad taste in his mouth, he certainly wouldn't leave her here in this elven kingdom, but he could provide her with enough supplies to return to Ered Luin.
They joined the others and Thorin called for everyone's attention "The map has been translated, we must leave here at first light, we need to reach the mountain before the last light of Durin's Day to find the keyhole, we must make haste if we are to succeed"
The Dwarrow were in an uproar after hearing the news, unable to settle down asking question after question about the map and who translated it, when they would arrive at Erebor, how they would get there with no ponies.
"Enough lads, lets all try to get some rest" Balin shouted holding up his hands, eyeing the rowdy crowd.
Riswynn smirked at the enthusiasm that ran through the group, spirits seemed to be lifted and mood improved as everyone eventually settled down. She chuckled at the cramped quarters, although the elves had given everyone separate lodging it seemed that the Dwarrow preferred to sleep huddled together their mistrust of the elves evident as weapons were always within reach. She sighed and approached Thorin struggling to shrug off his coat "Thank you for this, it was thoughtful" she said softly looking up at him.
He felt the corner of his mouth turn up into a small smile as the dam handed back his coat, her fingers brushed against his own, her skin was soft and warm to the touch, and he felt a jolt travel up his arm as he grabbed the material. Once free of the leathers she shuddered and wrapped her arm over her chest, giving him a shy smile, she turned to leave "Goodnight Thorin"
"Wait let me escort you back to your room" he said moving to her side, watching her shrug in acceptance.
They walked in silence until the wooden door of her lodging appeared, she moved silently toward it when he cleared his throat "Riswynn, I need to speak with you" he said softly.
She turned and rose a brow, before nodding her head and pushing open her door allowing him to enter behind her. She sat down on her bed and looked at him "Is something the matter" she asked bluntly as she scrutinized his face. He looked uncomfortable, his mouth a thin line, his eyes looking anywhere but her face.
"Riswynn, I believe it to be in your best interest to return to Ered Luin, while the rest of the company continues on the journey" he said plainly.
She shot to her feet and gave him a withering glare, her eyes flashing red in the darkness "Its because I'm injured isn't it, you think I will slow us down" she screeched.
Thorin winced at her outburst but said nothing, looking up to stare at her face.
She closed her eyes and looked down refusing to look at him, frustration building in her chest "You can't leave me behind, I need to go, I have to finish this"
"Riswynn this is for your own good" Thorin pleaded quietly.
She looked at him, tears pooling in her eyes as they flashed dangerously "No don't say those words, I know what is for my own good and what is not, you are sending me back to a place I don't belong, I belong with the company"
"Don't make this harder for me" he mumbled.
She laughed without humor "I will be coming Thorin, I don't care how many times I get shot, I will follow regardless of injury, I will see Erebor again"
"You can see it after its reclaimed" he said with a note of finality.
She shook her head "And how will you find the hidden door without my aid"
"We will find it; Bilbo has keen eyes as does Kili and Fili I'm sure together they will find the door" he said his voice wavering with uncertainty.
She swallowed hard and shook her head miserably as a single tear fell from her eye "Don't take this away from me Thorin, I need to go"
He looked away as guilt tore his insides to shreds, swallowing down the feeling he gave her an icy glare "You are not welcome any longer"
The words rang in her head, echoing in her mind shattering her heart and she gave him the saddest smile he had ever seen "I'm not welcome anywhere Thorin, I don't care I will see to it that drake get what he deserves with or without you"
He grabbed her by the shoulder and gave her a shake his face red with anger and frustration, he was only trying to protect her why was she so stubborn that she could not see that. "And if you die trying to help us reclaim the mountain"
She blinked back her tears, red and golden swirling in her eyes "Then I die, I am not afraid of death"
"I don't want you to die" he whispered miserably.
She smiled and patted his cheek with her palm, the roughness of his beard tickling her skin "Everyone dies Thorin, and it would be an honor to die helping you reclaim your birthright"
He closed his eyes sighing, the warmth of her skin seeping into his cheek, her breath tickling his face as she was so close "Fine"
She smiled brightly her eyes glowing like the sun as happiness spread throughout her, without thinking her wrapped her good arm around his middle and squeezed "Thank you" she whispered.
He was shocked at the contact, having not received many hugs it was a foreign sensation, he pat her on the back awkwardly and cleared his throat as she stepped back and beamed at him, her smile almost as bright as her vivid eyes.
"No more getting hurt, trying to save Bilbo" he smirked at her.
She laughed and shook her head "No promises, our burglar does tend to get himself in trouble"