Hey everyone. This is much longer than I thought it would be so I only got in one edit for this one. If something is out of place or doesn't makes sense shoot me a PM. Anyway next chapter is the reveal! Are you excited? I am. Now last Friday was my birthday! Please send me a review for this chapter; reviews make the best birthday presents! Not much else to say here except please excuse my horrible Sindarin again.
angel897 – Thank you for the kind words!
SleepiPanda – Yep! Don't mess with the ranger!
QueefCream – I'm giving Tauriel a part in the story that is more important than friendzoning Legolas! Yay! I hope you like the Kili moment! Let me know!
Everyone please be sure to check out QueefCream's story: Lians' Contingency. She's getting to the reunion bit and I am so excited!
"I will not ask again," says the Silvan elleth. "What are you doing here?" She strides forward to face me, completely unintimidated by my presence. Most elves could sense my magic on some level, but Tauriel has never faltered because of it. It's one of the things I like about her.
Her Silvan heritage differentiates her from the Noldor elves that simply emanated magic. She is not nearly as pale as her brethren and her red hair stands out like a flame in the darkness. Much like the other elves, she had something otherworldly about her, but her blood prevents her from appearing as cold or distant as the rest of her kin.
"I travel with the dwarves, Mellonen," I explain. I leave Wildwind to the meal in her stall to approach the she elf. She looks me over and her eyes shine a little brighter.
"I thought as much…You have grown so much, Tahna," she responds. "I forget sometimes just how quickly the Children of Men grow."
At this point I reach her and wrap my arms around her in a hug. In a way it almost feels like I'm protecting her, despite her being much older than I. I hold her against me and take comfort in her solid form and her knowledge of my true nature. Her welcoming warmth is another difference between her and other elves; I know that she cares by letting me so close. We each hold each other a little tighter before separating. If she thought I had grown then she equally remained unchanged…except for the new emblem on her uniform. It's the royal seal of the Greenwood.
"You're Captain of the Guard now? That's exciting," I state. "What's the captain doing on this side of the Misty Mountains while her charges are in the Woodland Realm?"
"Checking in on old friends and making sure they are doing nothing foolish," the elf replies solemnly. Straight to the point, no dancing around; it's one of the many things I love about her. However, she adds, "Thranduil has also given me temporary leave to visit my cousins that live in Rivendell."
"Why do they not live with you?" I ask, genuinely curious. When she says nothing I manage to figure it out, "The forest is getting worse isn't it?"
"Mirkwood is becoming a very apt name for the forests of the East," she states. "I am afraid we do not have much time for small talk. I must return shortly, but I want to address the rumors…"
I frown, "You should know better than to listen to rumors, Tauriel."
"In most circumstances I wouldn't, but rarely any rumor about you is rarely wrong…" she pushes.
"I'll have you know, I didn't slay that dragon in Ered Mithrin," I say jokingly. However, after realizing the dragon rumor is close to the real goal I add, "Or the mermaids in the Sea of Rhun."
"I know," says Tauriel curtly. Her large green eyes meet mine and she holds them. "However, the whispers are in regards to Thorin Oakenshield. They say he plans to reclaim the Lonely Mountain."
My scowl from earlier returns and I do my best to reign in the worst of my reaction. I'm not surprised – after the attack today, it is clear that others know of the quest. I believe that Thorin didn't tell anyone intentionally, but someone must have overheard something. My mind momentarily drifts to the Storyteller. Somehow I wouldn't be surprised to find out that he was the one who started the rumor.
"We are travelling east," I confide, "But only to visit their kin."
"Then why so few of you? I would imagine the line of Durin would want to be well protected and surely more than thirteen dwarves would want to see their kin."
"We travel quicker this way," I state.
"Is that matter of such grave importance for such speed to be required?" says Tauriel. Despite her calm tone, I know this is a partial interrogation. She is certainly a good choice for captain of the guard. If nothing else, Thranduil chose well.
"It is not my business," I murmur.
"So you travel with them, despite that they do not trust you with this information?" she says, clearly not believing a word of it. "What is in this arrangement for you?"
"Does it matter?" I ask defensively.
"Answer me Tahna, daughter of Kalar," she demands gently. I flinch upon hearing my full title and I cannot bring myself to look at her. Tauriel has seen me at my worst and done her best to heal what wounds she could. Both she and her father risked their lives and namesakes just to see me spared after the crime I had committed. Even after all that she had seen she still calls me her friend. This, in my mind, gives her the right to ask such things of me. However, I am currently serving Thorin and the less I divulge of my intentions and his, the better.
"I was preparing to travel north anyway and they needed my help." I know that my half truths do not work on her and so I cannot begin to fathom why I bothered with trying.
"To what? To what end, Tahna? You and I both know you have no intention of going back to Thoth. Where are you going, Tahna?" she asks a little louder now.
"…To Gundabad," I growl at her. This is the truth, and in some ways my ultimate shame. I have chosen a life a revenge, which is not what my people stood for, but it is the only life I have known. My hatred for the pale orc has given me a purpose, power, skill, and praise. I do not try to play off in my mind that it is some kind of justice, for it is not nearly as blind or brutal as my vendetta. From the disappointed look on her face I know I need not say more on the matter.
"You still search for him. You still seek the death of the Defiler," she says. She states aloud, maybe in hopes that I will deny it, but she should know that I will not. So she continues, "Even after everything that has happened, still you will not give him up. My father sacrificed for you, I vouched for you…Gliwen died because of you." She accuses me of nothing, but her voice is hollow as she gives voice to my sins.
My hands tighten into fists as I remember the young elleth's last moments of life. She died in my arms, my blade still lodged inside her. Despite her lack of breath she had whimpered an apology to me; me, of all people. Her eyes had released tears in her pain, but she used her last breath to apologize and forgive me for what I did to her. How could she do that? I couldn't even forgive myself…My own mother hadn't even forgive me in the end.
"I know, Tauriel," my voice cracking under the weight of my guilt. "But hunting him is the only goal I have. I have no real home, no purpose."
"That is a lie," Tauriel spits back harshly. My entire body tenses as I had not heard her speak to me like this before. "You can give yourself purpose and move on with your life, but you refuse to. You are too narrow-minded and afraid to try and do anything with the life you have been given."
"Afraid?" I ask angrily. "Of what?"
"Of change," says Tauriel. Her tone has softened once more. "To give up on your search accept a life that does not revolve around the ghosts of your past. You are afraid to let them go and finding something else to hold onto in this world. A new life would be so different from the one you lead now that you fear you would no longer recognize yourself or remember those you have lost. It is a frightening thing to let go, Tahna, but you must. This path will lead to nothing, but more pain for you, Mellonen. And it will destroy what little you have left."
"Tell me, Tauriel, what is it that I have left?" I ask lowly. "Azog took everything from me. Anything I once held dear has been burned into ashes or is in the ground as warg shit."
"Another lie," Tauriel retorts. "Tell me, Tahna, when did you become such a good liar?"
My fists clench again at my sides at her accusation. Since the fall of my people I had done my utmost to never lie. Half-truths maybe, but never outright lies. I am not a liar!
"In your mind you perceive it as a truth," Tauriel continues, "but it is not the truth. I saw you earlier with the dwarves. You looked so content and welcome among them, and they with you. Especially the younger ones…Tahna, I saw you smiling…"
"They are good people and good friends. I will give you that," I state, unwilling to fully yield.
"They are more than that, but you will not allow yourself to see it. They are good friends, as you said, ones who would accept you into their homes. They are a possible future Tahna, but you still refuse to see it," she says pleadingly. "I am not surprised to see you bond with dwarves, for your stubbornness surely rivals theirs, but they are not your only future. Your uncle and cousin would surely forgive you and welcome you back in Thoth, or maybe the young ranger apprentice who took you from Mirkwood. I wish that you would look beyond the past and see the bright futures you could have. If only you let yourself be happy, Tahna."
"I will be," I answer with confidence. "When Azog and Bolg join Gijak in the Void."
Tauriel's eyes remain saddened, but something also affirms within them. "Tell them the truth. If nothing else tell them and you can see that I speak true. They would be a future for you; they could be home again, Tahna."
My heart does ache with the thought of a home. Friends, family, love, and hope. Tauriel is wrong to think I do not wish for these things, for I want them more than anything, but I cannot. Not until my past is well and truly buried.
"No more half-truths, Tahna," she continues, "How can you raise children, let alone love someone, if everything you are is based on only half of who you are? It's is not your way, Tahna."
I try to open my mouth to reply, but find myself cut off by the sound of something falling into the doorway. When we both turn I see Kili that has just stumbled into the stables. His flushed face and hazy eyes are clear indications that he had not stopped with the elvish wine at dinner. He is thoroughly intoxicated. Mahal, how did Thorin let Kili slip away like this? Where is Fili? They never go anywhere without each other.
"Kili? Where's your brother?" I ask cautiously. He looks up at me with an unfocused eyes and a goofy grin on his face.
"We split up to look for you," he answers as he picks himself up off the ground and sways a little. "We thought the elves may have tried something after what you did at dinner." His eyes land on Tauriel, who watches him with curiosity in her eyes. He returns the look with squinted eyes and tightened lips. "Is this elf giving you trouble, Kalar? I can find Fili and rough him up a bit if you want." Surely it's the wine talking, Kili wouldn't attack someone out of the blue even if they were annoying. Despite that, I burst out laughing at the image in my head of Kili, who is swaying on his feet, trying to attack the Captain of Mirkwood. He looks like a solid breeze could knock him over. Not only that, but Kili has just misgendered an elf…again. Kili looks a little confused, but smiles at me anyway. Over time, my laughter dies away.
"Not at all, Kili," I answer. "This is Tauriel, she's a friend. She's gotten me out of quite a few rough scrapes." The pointed look I feel on the back of my head is thoroughly ignored.
Kili looks up at her again, squinting his eyes in concentration, "You can't be a she-elf."
"Oh?" says Tauriel. "And why is that?" she prompts. The small smile on her face tells me this amuses her greatly and I confess it is nice to have her looking away from me for the moment.
"Because you're wearing breeches," he answers with a large nod that almost sends him tumbling. Tauriel's eyes light up at the silly statement and a small giggle escapes her lips. Upon hearing her laugh, Kili's face breaks out into another smile. "Maybe you are a girl…You are so beautiful."
My friend's face creates a bright blush across her cheeks and a smug grin settles on my face. She clearly hadn't been expecting Kili to compliment her or to be so blunt; though the latter maybe because of the drink. However, her response left me quite shocked.
"Maybe I am, Master Dwarf," she flirts. "But I cannot think of a way to prove it to you." I openly stare at my friend for her suggestive flirt. I think my jaw hangs open slightly, but I can't bring myself to care. I have admired Tauriel because of the differences between her and her kin, but this seems out of place entirely. I know she has a playful nature, but this…
Despite that Kili misses the suggestion entirely and simply chuckles, "You're funny too!" There is a momentary pause while he tries to think. "I know! Girls like hugs. You should give me hug!"
"That is a horrible generalization, Kee," I say. "You can't base what you know of girls on your mother. Not to mention, you like hugs; does that make you a girl?"
"No," pouts Kili, "Shut up." He staggers forward to hug Tauriel, but starts falling instead. Tauriel, who is both closer and faster than me react to grab him. Thinking it's a hug, Kili wraps his arms around her to "reciprocate". Tauriel is blushing even harder now, but still wears a look of amusement; at least until Kili starts rubbing his face along her bust.
"You are a girl," says Kili contentedly. She looks up at me for help and I cannot stop myself from laughing. Kili remains in his position until Tauriel gently pushes him away, leaving the dwarf with a pitiful expression on his face.
"I'm sorry," he says for no particular reason. He offers no explanation so I cannot begin to fathom what he is sorry for. Tauriel had flirted back with him and he had not forced himself on her per say, so I can't see the necessity of apologies. Tauriel gives him a bright smile to let him know all is well before turning back to me.
"Ir pulni tiraech ad?"
"We will be here for a few days at most," I answer. "Where shall I meet you?"
"I spend most of my time here with my cousin in the southern most groves. Meet me there within two days or else I will have already left," she says. I nod in acknowledgement. She turns back to the door gracefully side stepping Kili as he watches her leave, still unsteady.
"Can I come see you too?" he asks lazily.
She stops in the doorway and turns to smile back at him. "If you wish," she answers, "I do find you quite amusing, Master Kili." She looks away from him and back up at me. "Regardless of the outcome it was good to see you."
A small smile covers my face at the genuine tone in her voice. "And you, Tauriel," I respond. Tauriel and her father are the only elves that I have ever actually liked; they are both good people in a world of darkness. They were there for me in my darkest hour and saw me at my worst, yet still they saw something good within me and protected me from Thranduil's wrath. I am forever in their debt and would do my best to protect them, if possible. With another small smile she leaves; now it is just me and the inebriated son of Durin.
"She's like a flame," he hums without explanation once more. I chuckle a little at his dazed state and he turns to look at me suddenly, "Are you and her…?" I think he tries to make a kissing motion with his mouth, but I honestly thought he was going to be sick.
"No," I affirm. I could only imagine what the company would think of my courting an elf. Kili nods and sways for a moment before he looks up at me with haze in his eyes.
"What about you?" he asks.
"Me?" I ask, confused.
"You wear breeches," he says.
"That is correct, Kili," I say holding in a chuckle, but still not understanding what he is getting at.
"Are you a girl?" he says. My surprise at the question stuns me momentarily. I can't imagine how Kili managed to come to this question based on the previous one, but it is out now, regardless. My heart clenches at the thought of lying to him and with Tauriel's words still hanging in the air, the truth slides out easily.
"Yes I am," I state plainly. I am still not a liar…
The look of surprise on his face is quickly overtaken by a large smile. He stumbles over to me and wraps his arms around me much like he did with Tauriel. His cheek is now pressed firmly against where my bust would be if I wasn't still wearing my chest plate and his arms keep me close. A small blush settles on my cheeks at his endearing hug and I hug him back; before I can pull away, though, he says something.
"Namadith," he whispers. I recognize that the word is Khuzdul, but I have absolutely no idea what it means. I can only hope it is nothing dirty.
"Come on, Kili. Help me bring back the supplies to the others," I say as I finally manage to remove his arms.
Thorin watches the sun's last rays disappear behind the hills, still disgruntled by this evening's events. His argument with the wizard, who smokes his pipe across the room from Thorin, remains unfinished. Upon discovering the withholding of the company's ponies and supplies, Thorin had promptly accused the Elrond of deception. The elf lord had calmly tried to assure Thorin that the ponies would have been returned after they had been seen to. Thorin had been unable to show any proof of ill intent, but there is nothing to support his innocence either. Nothing could be confirmed until the ranger returned.
For what seemed like the hundredth time that evening his mind flickers to the ranger. This time it starts with the trolls and the concerns that still rest in the back of his mind. He had truly meant what he had said at dinner, believing the ranger to be a brave and powerful ally. He had protected all who had been under Thorin's protection when he had failed, even his own nephews. He had selflessly defended both them and himself.
A small smile passes over his face as recalls the look they had exchanged at dinner during Bofur's song. Thorin recollects being lightened by the mood of his company when the miner had taken up the merry tune and when he met eyes with the ranger he had even offered a smile. Kalar's eyes had been as warm as the forges of Erebor and returned a smile of his own.
Thorin had been disturbed when it quickly changed into a scowl after the ranger's eyes had shifted behind him. The dwarf lord had followed the line of sight to the two elves in the hallway, speaking rather loudly in their native tongue. Thorin hadn't understood that anything was amiss until Kalar threw the knife.
Thorin has no love for elves of any kind, but the suddenness of the attack almost had him feeling sorry for its victim. However, Thorin nearly started laughing when Kalar had unceremoniously punched one of the elves in the face. If anyone were to ask Thorin he would deny that his heart had swelled with pride at the memory. Most Dunedain rangers have good relations with the elves, so it is a relief to Thorin that Kalar is not enamored with the elves. Of all the strange things here he knows that Kalar is the least of his worries right now and in some ways it meant he could count on him.
That is why he hadn't stopped him when he had pushed up the other elf up against the post. The elvish that had slipped out of the ranger's lips had been guttural and angry, very unlike the flowery language itself. Thorin has a feeling that he would quickly become accustomed to Khuzdul. It had been enough to wrench an answer from the elf. Kalar had turned on his heel and let the elf hit the floor as he went to reclaim what is theirs. With a little probing from Thorin, Kalar had allowed the dwarf lord to grant him permission to continue, which had pleased Thorin immensely. Despite the ranger's initial outburst, he had put Thorin in the position of power over him to and provided Thorin with a higher role of authority.
The night overall has ended in Thorin's favor, regardless of the tighter tensions now with the elves and the scolding he received from the wizard after returning from the meal. He has a new blade and men are safe for the night. Also, for the time being the truth of their journey has yet to be revealed so the elves would not try to prevent them from leaving yet. Once the ranger returned with the supplies they would also be able to eat properly.
Thorin's mind turns back to the ranger, or more specifically the blade. The Slayer of Dragons; how appropriate. If Thorin didn't know better he would have thought Kalar had done that on purpose, but he had seen Dwalin give him the blade; it truly was nothing more than coincidence. However, with this turn of events, Thorin had silently begun a war within himself. He knew better than to let everything that has happened on the journey pass without speaking to the ranger. Kalar has good character and the amount of experience he has battling dark creatures has proved invaluable. On one hand he is strange, unpredictable, and had a temper that could rival Dain's. On the other hand he has proven to be brave, loyal, and selfless.
Thorin recalls his own words in Bag End prior to his encounter with the ranger. He had asked only for loyalty, honor, and a willing heart. All of these Kalar has given him, but there still he holds back from treating him the same as the rest of the company. His lingering doubt stems from the betrayal of the elves who had sworn to come to his people's aid if they ever needed it. Because of this he refuses to let go of the fear that Kalar may be a girl. However, he is so close to letting go of his fear. He is tired of stubbornly fighting what "might be" and he finds that with every step the company takes, the ranger gains a little more of his trust.
For a moment Thorin lets his mind wander. If Kalar even was a woman, what would he do? The first thing that comes to mind is leaving him behind in Rivendell to keep him safe. Then he remembers that he is still a fully fledged ranger. The very night they had met, Kalar had returned from slaying ghouls and this day had been his third encounter with trolls. Even if Thorin left him behind, he would just turn around to go and face the next danger alone. The truth of the matter is that regardless of Kalar's gender he would be much safer with the company. He had been alone when they found him, which is not the safest route for anyone in this age. Thorin could not simply ignore that fact…
However, would he keep him with them? If he kept him regardless of a feminine nature he would be leading a woman to an end many have declared a suicide. This instills a fear in Thorin that he may actually be willing to let a woman face such dangers if it meant he could reclaim the Lonely Mountain. His men are stout warriors of the Line of Durin, willing to put their lives down in hopes of giving their kin a better future. Would he really let a human girl risk her life for a fight that is not her own? Thorin shutters at his answer.
He knows now why others would purposefully remain ignorant of the signs; how much simpler it would be to assume him as nothing more than a lad with a good heart and a steady hand. Thorin yearns to give in to the same and ignore the selfishness of his choice. He longs to pretend there are no signs, for he was so tired…But if he wasn't cautious it would be just like the elves all over again.
"Thorin," starts Gandalf, breaking Thorin from his reverie. "We must speak to Lord Elrond. He is one of the few in Middle Earth who can read the map-"
"Not until Kalar returns," Thorin counters. The ranger had been gone for so long that he had sent his nephews out after him. However, Fili had returned not long after, completely lost in the elvish stores of wine. Thorin could only imagine what Kili would be like at this point if they had discovered the wine together.
Sons of Durin have a very high tolerance to most drink, including elvish wine. However, most dwarves and his sister-sons had never dealt with anything stronger than the dwarf brew from Ered Luin. As such they had never experienced elf wine before and would be suffering that oversight come morning.
"We must not-" starts Gandalf, when he is suddenly cut off by the doors to the antechamber swinging open violently. Most, including Thorin, tense and grip their weapons. However, what they see is enough to send most of the company into fits of laughter. The ranger has packs from the ponies on each arm and some even dragging from ropes tied to his belt. The laughter is caused by what is nestled on the ranger's back. Kili is very drunk with his arms wrapped around the ranger's neck and his legs are sandwiched by the packs carried. It really made Kili look like a child and his nuzzling of the ranger's face did him no favors. He is murmuring something in Khuzdul so low that not even Thorin could hear. Kalar himself looks fit to burst.
"Get him off of me," he growls. With more laughter everyone moves to assist the ranger by taking off the packs first. Then Dori and Dwalin peel Kili from the ranger's back, which takes a surprising amount of effort. When they finally get him off, Kili falls into the pair and promptly passes out. Now free, the son of Imelkane turns to Thorin, while not very mad, the annoyance in his eyes is hard to miss.
"You let him run around Rivendell like that? How much did you let him have?" he asks.
Thorin makes another note of the mothering tone the ranger has taken, but also has half a mind to smile at the irate ranger. He decides against it and tries to form a response when Fili comes stumbling out of the bath chamber. He appears to be faring better than his brother had, but the small sway in his stance is an easy indicator. He does his best to stand up properly when his eyes land on the child of Men.
"Kalar!" he slurs only slightly. He begins to make his way towards the ranger. Aware of his intentions the ranger moves away from the doorway and puts a large table between himself and the prince.
"Prince Fili, how much wine have you and your brother consumed this night?" asks the golden-eyed man cautiously.
"Ah…a pitcher…maybe two…" he estimates.
"Two!?" exclaims the ranger. The glower returns to Thorin, but the ranger says nothing. Thorin however, finds the entire situation quite hilarious. He even lets the smile he had been holding back before, out. Kalar begins to look even more aggravated, causing Thorin's smile to grow bigger.
"Now that Kalar has returned," says the wizard impatiently and gaining the attention of the entire company, "We must discuss apologizing to Lord Elrond."
"Apologize?!"
Thorin and Kalar look at one another, surprised that their outburst had been synchronized. The others are silent as the small stare passes between them. Kalar breaks away and is the first to make his displeasure known.
"We have nothing to apologize for," Kalar says. "The elves hid what the Company paid for: the ponies, the supplies, the weapons. They are thieves."
"We are their guests," says Gandalf irately, "And they are our hosts. It would serve you well to show them some respect."
"Respect?!" growls Kalar. Thorin's smile has warped into a smug grin as Kalar continues the fight that Thorin had fought with Gandalf earlier. "Respect is earned. I heard the elf laughing at our unawares as if it were all some game."
"So rather than calmly bring the matter up you think you are in the right to assault the citizens of Rivendell?" asks Gandalf.
"They have us disarmed at the dinner table. If I brought up the ponies; do you think he would just hand them over, especially after what he already suspects? I'm glad to have done as I did. I would have done it no different if it were even the elf lord you so do fancy," Kalar spits.
The wizard stands and approaches the ranger so quickly that some of the company jump at his sudden appearance. The ranger, however, remains unmoved and faces the wizard that towers over him.
"Lord Elrond is one of the most powerful persons in all of Middle Earth. He is offering up his home and his wisdom…I will not allow your brashness to forsake this quest," he says quietly.
The wizards tone is as frightening as the one they had heard at the table of Bilbo Baggins in Bag End, but the ranger doesn't seem to care. Kalar coolly replies, "Powerful and wise he may be, but that is not an excuse. Honesty and integrity are also features befitting a lord of his stature. If he apologizes to Thorin for his lack of manners then I shall apologize for mine."
"Lord Elrond-"
"Is our host, as you said," says Kalar, "And we are his guests. If we are in the wrong then so too are they." The ranger finishes with his arms crossed, unwilling to yield to Gandalf's imperious stature. Gandalf, who seems to realize the ranger's conviction, sighs.
"Very well I will set up an audience with Lord Elrond as soon as possible," he says. After a moment, Kalar bows his head in agreement. "Now as to the matter of the map-"
"I will not let the elf anywhere near the map," says Thorin suddenly. "How do I know he will not pocket it at the first chance?"
"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves," says Gandalf frustratedly. A loud crash draws everyone's attention from their leader and wizard to see that Fili had gotten much closer to Kalar during the conversation with the wizard. Apparently Kalar had been distracted enough that Fili slipped around the barrier to come up behind Kalar. Fili is now holding the son of Imelkane in a loose sleeper hold. The smile on Fili's face tells Thorin that he is trying to rile the ranger up. Unfortunately for Fili, it works.
"Prepare to die, son of Dis," grumbles the ranger. Kalar then throws his arms up and around Fili's neck and drags him over his shoulder. However, midflight Fili tightens his hold and takes Kalar down with him. Another round of laughter comes from the company as they begin to make bets on the wrestling match before them. Kalar and Fili start tumbling along the floor like children at play as they try to get a better hold on one another.
They watch them for a few moments before turning away. Balin, though smiling at the cheerful spectacle, is the first to return to the topic at hand, "This is the heirloom of our people and in light of recent events I cannot in good conscious agree to let the elves see this. The map and all of its contents, including its secrets are ours to protect."
"Then do you know of someone else who may know to read this map?" asks Gandalf pointedly. "Hm?" he adds.
Thorin winces a little at the tiny jeer at the end of the wizard's statement. No dwarf would know how, such knowledge was lost over time. The royal family still followed such practices, but the loss of his grandfather and father had hardly provided Thorin with the opportunity to learn. Thorin bows his head slightly in defeat and Balin remains sadly silent. A light tap on Thorin's shoulder has him turning to meet the ranger's golden gaze.
"May I please see the map?" he asks gently. Thorin's inner turmoil rises once more, but with the thought of giving it to Lord Elrond he eases it into the man's hands. The ranger unfolds it and lays it out gently upon the table. With the movement Thorin can see that Fili is sleeping on an overturned couch in the corner of the room. It would seem that the ranger had ended things quickly…
The ranger looks over the parchment once and then twice before a smile blossoms on his face. Thorin momentarily stares at the scar on the corner of his mouth once more before looking back at him. "These are moon runes," he says jovially. Thorin's heart stopped a moment. The ranger knew exactly what was on the parchment, and he would have been able to tell them all along. His eyes slid to Balin who had a relieved and joyful look to them.
"Moon runes?" the old warrior asks carefully.
"Aye," the ranger breathes. "Noble houses of dwarves would use these to send secret messages to each other so that no one could read the messages even if they were intercepted," Kalar says excitedly. "The dwarves had some magic of their own and infused it into liquid mithril to write it so that it could only be read in the light of the same moon it was written. Of course most cases can't wait entirely for the same moon so the low the mithril grade was commonly used to only have to wait closer to a month. It makes it easier to read, but this…"
"If it was only for noble dwarves then how do you know?" asks Gloin suspiciously.
"We were once a people of knowledge and much was dark to us in the regards of the War of Wrath," says the man. "King Thror gifted us with two parchments that were written by the dwarven generals at the time of the war for scholarly study. Both contained moon runes, but whether or not Thror was aware of it, I do not know."
"What does it say, lad?" says Dwalin excitedly. Thorin's own excitement grew as well. He could finally have the answers to reclaim his home.
"I can't tell," he starts, "We need to read it when there is a crescent midsummer's moon in the sky." He looks out the balcony at the night sky before turning his head back. "We have to wait one more night before we can read it."
"That's excellent news," says Balin with tears in his eyes and a grin on his face. "Well done, lad!"
"If you don't mind me askin', how do ya know that?" asks Ori.
"The message itself is right here," he says as his fingers gently trace the space beneath the words 'Desolation of Smaug.' "The scribes did excellent work. The mithril is high grade and therefore very difficult to read, not that you would know it was there. Their ink work is so light I can barely tell it's there."
"What gave it away?" asks a curious Bilbo.
"Just beneath the actual message there is a signature made with hands too heavy to be a scribe," says Kalar. "Just a moment…" he says before his fingertips begin to trace the space he spoke of. Thorin watches, entranced until the hand pulls away. "It's Thror's."
Thorin's chest tightens at the mention of his grandfather's name. However, Kalar's words have instilled a new hope in him with this miracle.
"How do you know it's tomorrow night?" asks the hobbit.
"Down here in the spider web there is a riddle in ancient dwarvish and a water mark indicating midsummer," Kalar says confidently. "Together the date and the riddle point to tomorrow night."
"What's the riddle?" asks Bilbo.
"Last of my tribe of one score and four; After I am passed there follow no more; If you use shape to describe me to others; The horseshoe and lyre in form are my brothers," he reads.
"That's strange," says Bofur. "Dwarves aren't usually ones for riddles."
"Thror always loved a good riddle," says Balin fondly. Thorin nods his head in remembrance that his grandfather had always thought riddles a good way to stimulate the mind. He hardly told any once Thorin was old enough for weapons training.
"When did ya learn to read the language of our people?" asks Dwalin.
"I got hurt in training often so when I couldn't fight with a sword I picked up a book. All of my favorite tales were about dwarrow, so I taught myself to read it," he says.
The ranger, done with his examination of the map, folds it gently and hands it back to Thorin. He looks the ranger in the eye and sees a gentle look there. Thorin is overwhelmed to say the least with a new hope, much like when Gandalf had given him the key back to his kingdom. This one ranger had protected them from danger, shielded them from the treachery of elves, and now offered them answers with honesty. If Thorin ever doubted the choice of bring the ranger along – it is washed away in this moment.
"Alright lads," says Balin, "Let's get everyone fed and off to bed. Tomorrow we will celebrate. Bombur, pass Kalar the first plate, he's earned it."
With that their gaze breaks and Kalar turns to settle beside the makeshift firepit. The ranger smiles with the observation that the pit is filled with elvish furniture. Fili awakens from his slumber and throws his weight onto Kalar's shoulder. Kalar welcomingly throws an arm on Fili's shoulder as well.
"It'll be a little while," says Bofur as he assists his brother. "How about more of your story, lad?"
Thorin clearly sees the hesitation on the man's face, but slides closer to the fire and starts anyway. Before Thorin goes to join them, eager to hear more of the ranger's origin, he turns to the wizard who had been silent for quite some time now. The suspicious look in his eyes as he watched the ranger as well as the disgruntled expression made Thorin smirk. The wizard thought he had all the answers, but apparently he hadn't counted on wild card Thorin had thrown into the pot.
"Looks like we won't be needing your elf after all."
Translations:
Mellonen - My firend
Ir pulni tiraech ad? - When can I see you again?
Namadith - Little Sister
Again send me post birthday reviews! I loves them! Did anyone else wonder how Lord Elrond knew it was a midsummer crescent moon? Because I did. Is everyone excited about the extended edition release for BOTFA? I lost my mind…
Next time be ready for flashbacks and reveals…in more ways than one…