I am so sorry how long it's been since I last updated! And unfortunately, this chapter is on the shorter side :(

But please enjoy!

"Our business in no concern of elves." Thorin spat, glaring daggers at Lord Elrond before them.

"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map." Gandalf huffed, looking down on the dwarven king. Emi's timid eyes darted back to Thorin again as he spoke.

"It is the legacy of my people." The dwarf scowled at Lord Elrond again. "It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."

"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves!" Gandalf threw up his hands in frustration as Lord Elrond raised an eyebrow towards the wizard. Balin stood defiantly behind Thorin. Emi wondered again why she was even here. Gandalf turned back to Thorin and sighed. "Your pride will be your downfall. You stand in the presence of one of the few in middle earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond!" The hobbit could see the hesitation on Thorin's face. At last, the dwarf lord took a step forward, raising the map out in one hand.

"Thorin, no!" Balin cried in alarm, moving to stop his king. But Thorin kept him back as he held the map out to the tall elf. Lord Elrond took the map and unrolled it.

"Erebor." The elf lord read. "What is your interest in this map?" Panic flashed in Thorin's eyes as he opened his mouth to reply. He won't lie! Emi realized. She nudged the wizard next to her who spoke up quickly, probably already thinking the same thing.

"It's mainly academic." Gandalf nodded. "As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text." Lord Elrond turned away to study the map. As soon as his back was turned, Gandalf sent Thorin a pointed look as the dwarf lord closed his mouth again slowly. "You still read ancient dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf spoke up again to the elf. Lord Elrond did not reply for a long while. At last, he spoke.

"Cirth Ithil." The elf murmured.

"Moon runes. Of course." Gandalf translated, sending the shorter three a small smile. "An easy thing to miss." Emi couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Well in this case, that is true. 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 anxiously. Lord Elrond began walking out of the room, still gazing at the map. Gandalf motioned for the others to follow as the elf began talking again.

"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell." Lord Elrond said as the small group came out onto a large stone balcony hidden behind one of the many waterfalls. "Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield; the same moon shines upon us tonight." Emi watched in wonder as the elf laid the map down on a large crystal table. The clouds parted slowly, revealing a bright crescent moon hanging in the sky above them. It was beautiful. Even more so as the moonlight shone through the sheen of the waterfall, illuminating the whole crystal. The hobbit could not help but inch closer to see glowing blue runes begin to appear on the parchment that had previously appeared empty.

Lord Elrond read the runes aloud, his voice echoing off the rock. "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?" Emi asked aloud.

"It is the start of the dwarves new year." Gandalf informed her, the little hobbit's head tilting up to look at the old wizard. "When the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together."

"This is ill news." Thorin frowned. "Summer is passing. Durin's day will soon be upon us!"

"We still have time." Balin tried to reassure him.

Emi pulled a puzzled expression. "Time? For what?"

"To find the entrance." Balin explained quickly. "We have to be standing in the exactly right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened."

"So this is your purpose," Lord Elrond's voice interrupted. Everyone turned to him, remembering that he was still there. "To enter the mountain." The elf looked around questioningly.

"What of it?" Thorin growled back. Lord Elrond regarded Thorin for a moment before answering.

"There are some, who would not deem it wise." Came the reply at last. Thorin took the map back gruffly.

"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asked the elf, frowning.

"You are not the only guardian to watch over Middle-earth." Elrond replied, sending Gandalf a harsh glare before walking off.

The air was tense as Emi followed Balin and Thorin back to the others.

"We leave in two days." Thorin told the others he entered the room where the others were carrying on merrily. They nodded in reply before going back to their conversations. Emi found herself standing awkwardly by the door. The dwarves seemed more rowdy in Rivendell, like they were trying to be as unelf-like as possible to show their disapproval of the race. It reminded Emi of back in Hobbiton. When they pillaged her pantry so thoroughly. She suddenly felt a wave of empathy for the elves of Rivendell.

Her eyes glazed as she observed the dwarves carrying on with each other loudly. She wasn't one of them. She was more like an elf when it came down to it. No one noticed as her large feet padded silently into the darkness.

Emi thoroughly enjoyed her stay in Rivendell. The fresh air made her feel whole again. The beautiful gardens and architecture were stunning and there was always more to find and discover. It almost made her forget about the quest and the dwarves entirely. Almost. She took a deep breath, looking out over the whole balcony.

"Not with your companions?" Emi turned in surprise to see Elrond walking up beside her.

"I don't think anyone will notice." The hobbit sighed as the elf raised a questioning eyebrow. "Dwarves respect strength. And that is one thing I am definitely lacking. Most of them don't even think I should be here."

"Indeed." Lord Elrond smiled slightly. "I've heard that hobbits are very resilient." Emi's eyes widened in surprise as she looked over at the elf lord.

"Really?" She asked, unsure of whether he was kidding or not.

Elrond nodded, hmming. "I've also heard they're found of the comforts of home." Emi looked down. Then laughed slightly.

"And I've heard it is unwise to seek the council of elves, for they will answer with both yes and no." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Emi immediately regretted it. She glanced up at the elf worriedly, but only saw a small smile of amusement hidden there. Emi too smiled ever so slightly, though still feeling a little nervous.

"You are welcome to stay here." Lord Elrond said, turning away. "If that is your wish." Emi swallowed, blinking slightly as the elf disappeared into the halls. She turned back to the view. She could really stay here? Did she really want to?

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