Bella followed Gandalf in a mixture of excitement and concern. They, along with Bilbo, Thorin, and Balin, were going to show Elrond the map in search of any secrets it may hold. The possibility of learning more, of discovering the secret of the hidden door, made her want to bounce on her toes. But the fact that the entire Company, Gandalf included, have been valiantly attempting to keep the purpose of their quest a secret made her worry that revealing the map will reveal their motives.
For the first time in her life, she feared elves. She feared what Lord Elrond would do if he did not approve of their quest. No thanks to Bofur, she could imagine too well why the elves would try to stop them. Yet, she did not want to believe that the elves would deny the dwarves this chance to reclaim their homeland.
Finally, they arrived in the hall where they met Lord Elrond. The elf nodded to them in greeting. "Gandalf told me that you have a map you wish to show me," he said.
Thorin bristled. "Our business is no concern of elves," he growled.
"For goodness sake, Thorin," Gandalf said exasperated, "show him the map."
"It is the legacy of my people," Thorin snapped. "It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves," Gandalf said under his breath. Speaking up he said, "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."
A tense moment slipped by. "Thorin," Bella said quietly, catching his attention. In limited Khuzdul she said, "Your ire is not for the household of Elrond. It is for another realm."
The smallest smile twinkled in his eye as he tilted his head in acknowledgment. He withdrew the map from inside his coat and handed it to Lord Elrond.
The elven lord unfolded the map with care. "Erebor," he murmured. His eyes immediately turned to all of them, especially Thorin. "What is your interest in this map?"
"It is mainly academic," Gandalf answered.
"Yes," Bilbo said. "I especially am fond of such things. Occasionally," he added, glancing toward Bella and the dwarves, "I consider journeying there to see the land in person, but only when safety is assured."
"As you know," Gandalf said further, "such artifacts sometimes contain hidden text."
Elrond didn't necessarily look convinced as he turned to study the map in the moonlight.
Without the elf looking, Bella gave her brother a small nod. "Nice cover," she mouthed.
Bilbo smiled as he shrugged. "I try," he mouthed back.
"You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf asked.
A moment later, Lord Elrond murmured, "Cirth Ithil."
"Moon runes, of course," Gandalf said quietly. He turned to the four of them. "An easy thing to miss."
"Well in this case it is true," Lord Elrond said, studying the map further. "Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." He turned back towards them.
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked.
Elrond nodded before quickly leading them through a couple halls that led them to a cliff face under four waterfalls. "These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago," he said, laying the map on a great quartz pedestal. "It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight."
As if waiting for those words, the clouds rolled back to reveal the crescent moon Elrond had spoken of. Bella ventured as close as she could as the moonbeams struck the crystal, granting it an ethereal glow. She lightly gasped in awe as silvery blue letters appeared. "Bilbo," she whispered.
He stepped closer. "Now that is something I have had yet to see on any map," he murmured in awe.
"And that's why you need to venture beyond your maps and into the world more often, my dear Bilbo," Gandalf said mildly with a smile.
"'Stand by the grey stone,'" Elrond translated, "'when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole.'"
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked.
"It is the start of the dwarves' new year," Gandalf answered. "When the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together."
"This is ill news," Thorin said, turning to them as Elrond stepped back. "The summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us."
"We still have time," Balin answered.
"You honestly believe we can trek the final distance and find the entrance in time?" Bella asked. "I'm guessing that we have only about seven months at most."
"Closer to six actually," Thorin said. "If you intend to join a family of dwarves, you must learn to follow our dates."
Bella smiled indulgently. "Last I was aware, I didn't have scheduled lessons, aside from Khuzdul. Everything else is a little scattered."
"And she is learning quickly as each subject is brought up," Bilbo said. "But I'll repeat her question: Do you believe we have the time needed?"
"I believe we do," Balin answered. "We just need to be standing at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, the door can be opened."
"So this is your purpose," Lord Elrond said. "To enter the mountain."
"What of it?" Thorin demanded.
"There are some who would not deem it wise," the elven lord said, handing the map back to Thorin.
The exiled king gave their host a harsh look as he reclaimed the map.
"What do you mean?" Gandalf asked.
Elrond met the wizard's gaze. "You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth." With that he left them.
"What does he mean, Gandalf?" Bella asked.
The wizard sighed. "It is nothing for you to concern yourself about."
"But–"
Gandalf held up his hand. "Maybe one day, I'll tell you. But for now," he sighed before giving her and Bilbo a soft smile. "There are some secrets that I wouldn't feel right revealing to you even if you managed to steal my hat and ask them. I do not wish to burden you without cause." He momentarily turned towards where Lord Elrond had left. "I suggest that you all go and get some rest. If I do not return to you by midnight, assume that you must slip away in haste before the sun rises. I'll meet you as soon as I can in the Misty Mountains." Then he strode away.
Bella turned to Bilbo, worry niggling her insides. Were they wrong to choose this quest as their first adventure?
The night was clear, the stars and waning moon shining brightly upon the elvish city. Bella perched on a bench that overlooked a beautiful expanse of scenery. She had considered visiting the Company, but she'd hardly peeked in when she realized that the vast majority, if not all of them, were doing their laundry with only their underwear currently on. So she had left them to enjoy the quiet solitude on a balcony.
She glanced back at the sound of quiet footsteps, but not before a light blanket settled about her shoulders.
"All the waterfalls give the breezes a chill," Fili said wrapping her in both the blanket and his arms.
She smiled. "Are you sure? Or are you just making an excuse so you can hold me close?"
"Does it really matter?" he asked.
"It most definitely would to my brother," she answered.
"And you?"
"I would like to know."
"How about a touch of both?"
Bella considered. "So long as you aren't one of the dwarves washing clothes in only your underclothes."
"Don't worry. I'm fully clothed and have fully washed earlier today," Fili answered.
"Well then, I guess this is alright. Sit beside me?"
Fili slipped round the bench to settle on her left side. He hugged her close as she rested her head on his shoulder. "So, you were with Gandalf and Uncle when they showed Lord Elrond the map."
"Ah, so you do have an ulterior motive," she said. She laughed as Fili attempted to tickle her sides as he growled. After a moment as they settled again, she answered, "I was with them, as was Balin and Bilbo."
"What did you find out?" he asked.
She grinned giddily. "There were moon runes. Runes that could only be read by the light of a crescent moon on a midsummer's eve. They revealed how we will find the keyhole for the secret door." She shifted a little. "They also revealed that we only have until Durin's Day to get there and find the possible entrance."
"Hm, if we make good time, we may have a couple weeks to a couple months to search," Fili mused.
"And by good time, do you mean travel without rest?" she asked.
"No, just from sunup to sundown," he answered. "Maybe into the late evening hours if the terrain and moonlight allows."
She released a long breath. "It could very well be starting tonight," she said. "Elrond discerned our intentions. Gandalf hopes to reason with him, but he said that if he does not return to us by midnight, we should make for the Misty Mountains before daybreak. He'll meet us in the mountains as soon as he is able."
"You see now why we dwarves aren't too fond of elves," Fili commented lightly.
"I'm sure he only feels concern because of the dragon," Bella said.
Fili was about to reply when they heard Gandalf's voice across the way.
"Of course I was going to tell you, I was waiting only for this very chance. And really, I think you can trust that I know what I'm doing."
"Do you?" Elrond asked.
Bella caught a glimpse of the two figures as they walked across a distant walkway, their voices heard only because of the clear air and a touch of wind.
Their host continued, "That dragon has slept for sixty years. What will happen if your plan should fail, if you wake that beast?"
"What if we succeed?" Gandalf pressed. "If the dwarves take back their mountain, our defenses in the East will be strengthened."
Bella exchanged a glance with Fili. It sounded as though they were preparing for war. The flicker of worry in Fili's eyes did nothing to reassure her.
"It is a dangerous move, Gandalf," Elrond said gravely.
"It is also dangerous to do nothing," Gandalf persisted. "Oh, come, the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright. What is it you fear?"
"Have you forgotten?" Elrond asked, stopping and turning to face Gandalf. "A strain of madness runs deep in that family."
Fili stiffened, anger and fear fighting for dominance in his eyes.
"His grandfather lost his mind, his father succumbed to the same sickness. Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall?"
Bella caught Fili's left hand with her own, entwining their fingers. Squeezing them in an attempt to offer reassurance.
"Gandalf," Elrond concluded as elf and wizard continued on out of sight and hearing, "these decisions do not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to redraw the map of Middle Earth."
The two of them sat in stiff silence for a moment. Bella gently rubbed her thumb along the side of Fili's finger. "Fili?"
"What if Uncle isn't the only one?" Fili asked. "What if I lose my mind?"
"That sickness will have me to contend with," Bella answered, giving him a look that she hoped showed both determination and affection. "I cannot say anything about your great-grandfather or grandfather, but for you and your uncle, even Kili, we all have each other. You and Kili will be there to keep Thorin sane with your determination and love. You and Kili have each other, your uncle, Bilbo, and me. We will fight this if need be. We won't let this madness claim more victims."
Fili released a shaky breath. "How can you be sure?"
"Cause I can't believe that anything is stronger than the love between family," she said.
Finally, swimming, swirling blue eyes turned to meet her brown ones. He leaned his forehead down to touch hers, drawing and releasing deep cleansing breaths.
"We'll find a way," she said softly. "I promise. For as long as I am able, I'll fight for you."
Fili breathed a soft chuckle. "Ever my daring ranger, amralime."
"And don't you forget it, fangon-nen." Sometime thereafter, Bella allowed herself to slip into a peaceful place where worries didn't exist.
Fili gazed out over the tranquil nighttime scene, his right arm protectively wrapped around his slumbering love. He couldn't help but wonder if Gandalf was concerned about the reclaiming of Erebor and gaining another stronghold because of the possible return of Sauron. Of course, he kept his promise to Gandalf and didn't voice that worry. The tail end of Gandalf's and Elrond's discussion had been distraction enough for him and Bella.
He smiled at his One's nearly ferocious determination to stay the potential madness. At least if he or any of his family would fall, it wouldn't be from lack of loving protection.
He turned to see Bilbo approaching. He made a slight shushing sound, nodding to the hobbit's sister. Their fingers were still entwined and he didn't want to risk disturbing her.
Bilbo smiled softly with a nod. "I was coming to get you," he confessed in a whisper. "It's just passed midnight a few moments ago and Thorin wants us all to pack up." He glanced at his sister. "I'll take care of both of our packs. I'll ask Kili to keep an eye on you two."
"You've trusted us this long," Fili protested in amusement. "Do you honestly not trust the two of us even when we're asleep."
Bilbo rolled his eyes. "Fine, you'll be the one getting lectured by Balin, Dori, or your uncle."
"Send Kili," Fili said with a sigh.
Bilbo gave him a satisfied and amused smile. "I'll come relieve him once Bella's and my packs are ready."
"Of course," Fili said, rolling his eyes. But he smiled. He knew that Bilbo was merely looking after Bella and her honor, apparently a common trait among several if not all races. In their final moments of solitude, he placed a discreet kiss on her hair. It sounded as though they were heading out once again, at least they had a peaceful rest while it lasted.
"Bella."
Bella blinked her eyes when she heard the lilting voice. She had never heard a voice quite like that in her life.
"Bella."
She slowly pushed herself up from her bed, seeing no one in the room she had been granted upon arriving in Rivendell. Who was calling her?
"Bella. Come meet me in the pavilion."
Without further question, she rose and walked to the nearest pavilion she knew of. For a moment it seemed as though no one was there, then she saw a slender form highlighted by moonbeams. The elven woman wore an outer garment the very shade of the night sky, broken only by its silver and pearly clasp and the glowing white of the underdress. The elf's face was beautiful to look upon, the fairest of all fair things. Under the moonlight, Bella couldn't be sure if the elf's hair was gold or silver.
Bella dropped into a curtsey, almost afraid to even look upon this elf who appeared as though she was one of the Valar of ancient times.
"Peace, Bella Baggins," the lady said. "I am a mere elf, just as Lord Elrond is."
"Begging your pardon, my lady," Bella said, "but 'mere elf' should never be used in reference to you."
She softly laughed, a sweet, rich sound. "Your praise is great, young one." She then gave her a knowing smile. "It is unheard of for a hobbit maid, such as yourself, to travel with a band of rough dwarves."
"I am traveling alongside my brother, and most if not all of the dwarves are fine gentlemen." She considered. "Even if they need reminded of their manners every so often."
"You also feel yourself entwined with one of the thirteen," the elf lady said.
Bella hesitated. "He considers me to be his One, and although we've barely known each other over a month, I am starting to believe that he is mine."
"You have also made sure to include his brother as well as your own."
"I can tell that they are close, just as Bilbo and I are. It feels wrong to not include him."
"Thus why you insured he had similar weapons."
Bella started. "Pardon my rudeness, but who are you and how do you know so much?"
The great lady nodded with a smile. "I am Galadriel."
The hobbit gasped. "Lady of Lorien, Guardian of Lothlorien. My Lady, I never dared dream of meeting you. Gandalf told us of you, but he failed to truly reveal your beauty."
Galadriel softly laughed again. "I trust he spoke of more than just my beauty."
"Of course, he told us of your wisdom and foresight . . . and perhaps hindsight since you knew the happenings of the past."
"True enough."
Bella then stilled. "Why have you summoned me, Lady Galadriel?"
"To share with you images I have seen that relate to you and those you hold dear."
Bella shifted, swallowing back her nervousness. "What have you seen, Lady?"
Galadriel's voice became grave. "I have seen you and your brother cast down and thrown out. I see your love lifted up, held aloft as a prize. His brother fighting against a choking black hand. Each of these events are inevitable, you cannot prevent them from coming to pass."
Bella felt her heart sag. "We'll lose them," she murmured tears on her voice. "Just as we lost our parents."
"Not necessarily," Galadriel gently corrected. "For though those events I told you will happen no matter what, each may come to pass with vastly different outcomes based on earlier decisions. The dwarven princes may die or they may yet survive, it all depends on the choices you and those around you make."
"Bella."
"Huh?" Bella found herself feeling groggy and not truly present. "What's happening?"
"Peace, Bella," Galadriel said. "Until we meet in the waking world."
Before she could ask what the elven lady meant, she felt a gentle but firm shake of her right shoulder. She opened bleary eyes to see that she was seated on a balcony, half-curled into Fili's side on a bench.
"Bella," Bilbo called gently, his fingers deftly combed loose tendrils of hair from her face. "We have to go now."
Bella blinked at him, trying to figure out what had just happened. She was certain that she had . . . . She turned to look into Fili's face. "Was I dreaming?" she murmured.
"Of what, amralime?" he asked.
Bella turned back to Bilbo. "I dreamed I met Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien."
"What?" Bilbo gasped in awe.
"I know. It-it felt too real to be a dream," she said. "But I'm sure of it."
"You can tell us about it on the way," Kili said bringing around their packs. "Uncle is anxious to leave before the sun leaves the mountains."
Bella slowly nodded, slipping off the bench and stretching before strapping her new swords on. She grabbed her travel pack and shrugged it on. A quarter of an hour later, they were hiking along a rocky trail on foot. The dwarves had decided that it would be too dangerous and troublesome to retrieve their ponies from the stables. A part of Bella felt relieved even as she was disappointed. Bilbo had been studying their future paths, revealing that they would be going through the Misty Mountains and thus goblin territory. Although it was unlikely they'd have any run-ins with the creatures, Bella felt comforted that their sturdy, four-hoofed companions were safe from danger.
Once they were safely on their way and out of range of elvish observers, Bella recounted her vivid dream to her three closest companions. Fili and Kili didn't quite believe her that an elf could be that beautiful, but they took Galadriel's words with the same seriousness that she and Bilbo did.
"I don't understand how you and Bilbo could possibly find yourselves cast out of anywhere," Kili said. "As exemplary hobbits, I'd imagine you'd be welcome everywhere."
"Things change, Kili," Fili said. "It's possible that it's not because they are hobbits or because of some failing in manners. It could be of some decision they make, or because they are associating with dwarves that cause them to be cast aside."
"Personally," Bilbo said, "I'm more concerned about what the Lady of Lothlorien saw concerning the two of you. 'Held up as a prize' would indicate that it is someone who is a deadly enemy to your people or even your family."
"But as of this moment, I can't imagine an enemy like that," Fili said. "I know that there may be some out there, but I have yet to have names or faces to associate with the idea."
"I wouldn't be surprised if I'm facing an orc," Kili said. "If that's the case, we just have to watch each other's backs whenever we come under attack."
"But it's only the outcome that we can influence," Bella reminded him. "We can't just keep what was seen from coming to pass."
"Yet that doesn't mean that we shouldn't fight against the possibility of it happening," Fili said. "If we don't then it could happen several times and we'd never know if it was the foreseen image or not."
"Too true," Bilbo agreed. "And I personally would like to get past such scenarios and know without a doubt afterwards that we won't have to face them again."
"No complaints here in that regard," Bella said. She met the eyes of her brother and two closest friends. "I know that many have suffered and lost more, but for me, losing Mama and Papa was enough. I don't want to lose any of you."
"And you won't," Fili said, wrapping a strong arm around her. "Not while I can help it."
Dawn's light was just starting to kiss the dwellings of Rivendell when Thorin spoke, "Be on your guard. We're about to step over the edge of the Wild. Balin, you know these paths, lead on."
Bella hardly heard Balin's affirmative as she and Bilbo turned to look back at Rivendell one last time.
Fili gave her a one-armed hug. "We'll come back one day," he said. "And then, you can receive the peaceful welcome you dreamed of, and the warm farewell you wished for."
She smiled up at him. "I trust that 'we' means that you'll be included."
"Naturally," he said. "Actually," he added in a low voice, "so long as Lord Elrond would have no objections, and it happens, I just may put Rivendell on the honeymoon locations list, alongside Ered Luin."
Her smile widened as she allowed herself to be guided on up the path. "You're already planning the honeymoon? Isn't that a little premature? Not to mention, I thought that brides had a say."
"Ah, but that is why Rivendell is one of the top two locations," Fili answered. "And, I'll confess it may sound a bit like putting the cart before the horse, but it is very rare for Ones to not wed and spend the rest of their lives together."
"So, the courtship is just a formality then?" Bella asked as they passed where Thorin was standing and waiting.
"Among dwarves who've known each other for years and years at least," Fili answered. "For those who aren't so blessed, or in the case of dwarves and hobbits, it's an opportunity to get to know each other and sort through cultural differences."
"Too true," Bella said. "So what have we discovered about our views on elves?"
"Based on new personal experience, the elves of Rivendell at least are a decent sort and I wouldn't mind coming back for a visit," Fili answered. "So, I'm willing to give other elves a chance too. Though I will be more skeptical about those connected to King Thranduil."
"Fair enough. And I will at least exercise caution around the elves of the Woodland Realm," Bella said. "Can't promise more than that until the time comes."
"That can be allowed. What about courtship practices?"
So for the next few hours, they talked about what they had discovered about their cultures thus far. And in doing so, Bella felt that she was learning more about Fili. True she was still missing Rivendell all over again by lunchtime, but she was heartened by their promise to return someday . . . together.
Author's Note: And about here was where I won my first NaNoWriMo challenge. I had actually surprised myself by reaching the word count in roughly half the time since I started late. But I have yet to do so again. Maybe one day though. :-) Anyway, from here on out, is stuff I have written without the challenge lurking. (Unless for Part 2 or Part 3 I decide to use as future NaNo material.)
I had a good time watching the clip for this particular scene since it seemed quite magical with the waterfalls, moonlight, and giant crystal. I also had to include the conversation between Gandalf and Elrond. It plays a bit of foreshadowing on its own, or at least a forewarning.
I couldn't resist including Galadriel, not only because she appeared in the film, but considering that according to the books certain events of the White Council were happening about this same time. It was around this time for me that I saw clips from Battle of Five Armies, specifically regarding Fili and Kili. (I know that their fates were already set in stone in order to remain true to the book, but it was awful.) So, what better way to potentially save a couple of our favorite dwarves than to have one of the elves most well-known for her wisdom and foresight give Bella a warning. Of course . . . no guarantee that it will work or not. I can't give away spoilers. (Unless you know me that is. ;-))
Also a lovely opportunity to see Fili and Bella interacting a little more one on one. So, any thoughts? Theories? Think I got Galadriel right? Anything you especially liked or disliked about the chapter? (Ee! I just realized how dangerous a part of that question could be.) Or, just want to chat about the story. Would love to hear from you. Until next time.