"Our business is no concern of elves."
Thorin followed Gandalf into the library where Elrond was. Balin, Clill and Bilbo were there, needing to know what they needed to do to get to Erebor quickly. Gandalf had mentioned there was a message hidden in the map that no one could read. It was obvious they needed help.
"For goodness sake, Thorin!" Gandalf sighed. "Show him the map."
The Dwarf prince crossed his arms as he looked at the Wizard. Thorin was not about to let anyone he deemed unworthy to look at the map or its hidden secrets. Those were made by Dwarves, meant to be read by only Dwarves.
"It is the legacy of my people. It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves", the old Wizard mumbled. "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."
Thorin stood quietly with his arms crossed. Everyone kept their eyes on him, waiting to see what he would do. Clill shook her head in frustration.
"Thorin, you want to get out of here as quick as possible, don't you?" she asked. "The longer you resist, the longer you keep us here."
He looked at her before giving another thought to their quest. They needed to get to Erebor as soon as possible for her sake. Thorin reached into his coat and handed the map to Elrond.
"Thorin, no!" Balin said.
The older Dwarf had the same mind of frame as the prince. Ever since Thranduil had betrayed them at Erebor, no Dwarf held any amount of trust for the Elves. Thorin brushed aside his father-in-law and handed Elrond the map to the Lonely Mountain. The Elf king looked at it in surprise.
"Erebor", he read. "What is your interest in this map?"
"It's mainly academic", Gandalf lied. "As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not?"
Gandalf knew that the Elves would stop the Dwarves if they told the truth. That was the last thing anyone needed at the moment. Elrond raised his eyebrow and held the map up in the moonlight, looking closer at the markings on the parchment.
"Cirth Ithil", he said recognizing the material.
"Moon runes", Gandalf smiled. "Of course. An easy thing to miss."
"Well in this case, that is true", Elrond acknowledged. "Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written."
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked almost impressed by how much this Elf was actually helping them.
Elrond lead everyone to the waterfall. In the center of the cliff was a crystalline table onto which he laid the map.
"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago", Elrond explained. "It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight."
Everyone looked up at the night sky. The clouds cleared away, allowing the moon to shine its light. The beams seemed to glow throw the waves of the waterfall, shine upon the crystal. The runes on the map glowed with the light, allowing Elrond to read out loud.
"Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole."
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked.
"It is the start of the dwarves' new year, when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together", Gandalf explained.
"This is ill news", Thorin said shaking his head. "Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us."
"Not to mention the cold seasons will be upon us soon if we are not quick enough", Clill said.
Now they had another reason to quicken their pace through Middle Earth. Clill looked at Thorin worried about their timing. They weren't going to be able to afford to stay in one place much longer.
"We still have time", Balin said trying to calm his daughter down.
"Time?" Bilbo asked. "For what?"
"To find the entrance. We have to be standing at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened."
"So this is your purpose?" Elrond asked as he heard the truth coming from their mouths. "To enter the Mountain."
Thorin looked at the Elf king with a sour face, his attitude returning.
"What of it?"
"There are some who would not deem it wise", he explained, calmly handing the map back to its owner.
Thorin kept his frown as he grabbed the map. No one was going to stop him from reclaiming his home. Not this elderly Wizard and not this Elf.
