Chapter 39

Taken from "The Hobbit"

Lord Elrond came to Gilrean and Estel's rooms a few days after the Dwarves arrival. Gilrean answered the door very surprised. "My Lord," she greeted Elrond as she bowed to him. "What brings you here so late? Estel was just getting ready for bed."

"I am sorry to disturb you at this late hour, my Lady. But, I have been presented with a wonderful opportunity to teach Estel something that may not come around again. The Dwarves have a map that has some curious runes that they have asked me to decipher. I thought that Estel would enjoy the visit with them and to see the runes."

"Yes, I am sure he will. Thank you for considering him. I shall return shortly with him."

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Estel was just getting into bed when his mother came in with a big grin. "I have a surprise for you Estel. Apparently, these visitors have given Elrond an idea of a new lesson for you. I will let him explain it better, but you need to get ready now."

Estel was very surprised by this indeed. He quickly ran and got his clothes on but was stopped on his way out of the door. "On your best behavior, Estel." Gilrean shot him a warning look. "I know, I know."

"Ada, what are we doing?"

"The Dwarves have a map that has some curious runes on it that I would like you to see. I thought it would be interesting for you and an excuse to stay up late." Elrond winked at Estel as he took the child's hand and led him up to the observatory.

"Well met friends and travelers. Maybe what I can reveal on your map will aid you in your journey. Estel, you can come over here too so you may see. But, first Thorin and Gandalf let me see your swords."

Estel looked in wonder at the small short sword that Thorin handed to Elrond and the longer Elven sword that the wizard handed over as well. "Estel, can you read any of it?"

"I am not sure Ada. Some of these I have not seen before."

Elrond smiled at his foster son. "No, you would not have seen these. Gandalf, you sword was made in Gondolin and is named Glamdring or 'Foe-Hammer.' Thorin your sword is named 'Orcrist' or the Goblin-Cleaver. Though, I said sword it may have been an Elven knife."

"Where did the trolls get them I wonder?" asked Thorin.

"I could not say," said Elrond, "but one may guess that your trolls had plundered of old robberies in some hold in the mountains. I have heard that there are still forgotten treasures of old to be found in the deserted caverns of the mines of Moria, since the dwarf and goblin war."

Estel noticed Thorin looking thoughtful as he studied the sword. "I will keep this sword in honor," he said. "May it soon cleave goblins once again!"

"A wish that is likely to be granted soon enough in the mountains!" said Elrond. "But now show me your map!"

Thorin handed Elrond the map. Estel saw Elrond study the map for a long time then shake his head. He would have to remember what that was about. Estel looked about him while he was waiting. It was a beautiful clear night. The moon was shining above in a broad silver crescent. Estel loved it up here and hoped he would be able to visit more. Suddenly, Elrond held up the map and saw the moonlight shine threw it. "What is this? There are moon letters here, beside the plain runes which say 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast.'

Estel grinned as Bilbo asked his own unspoken question. "What are moon letters?"

"Moon letters are rune letters, but you cannot see them, at least when you look straight at them. They can only be seen when the moon shines behind them, and what is more, with the more cunning sort it must be a moon of the same shape and season as the day when they were written. The dwarves invented them and wrote them with silver pens. These must have been written on a midsummer's eve in a crescent moon, a long while ago."

"What do they say?" Estel giggled as the dwarf and Gandalf asked this at the same time. He knew he wouldn't be going to sleep tonight.

"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks," read Elrond, "and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."

"Durin! Durin!" cried Thorin. "He was the father of the fathers of the eldest race of the Dwarves, the Longbeards, and my first ancestor: I am his heir."

"Then what is Durin's Day?" asked Elrond.

"The first day of the Dwarves' New Year," said Thorin, "as all should know, is the first day of the last moon of Autumn on the first day of Winter. We still call it Durin's Day when the last moon of autumn and the sun are in the sky together. But this will not help us much, I fear, for it passes our skill in these days to guess when such a time will come again."

"That remains to be seen," said Gandalf. "Is there any more writing?"

"None to be seen by this moon," said Elrond, and he gave the map back to Thorin. "I must be excused now to take my foster son back to his mother. The valet will escort you to the main hall. Good night friends!"

Elrond took Estel by the hand and led him down the stairs back to his room.

"Ada, how did you know what that said?"

"I am learned in many rune-systems, many that are not even used anymore. I may be able to teach you some if you have time because you are clearly interested. Tomorrow is Midsummer's Day and there will be a lovely feast and celebration by the river. All of your lessons will be cancelled and I will see to it that your mother is informed so you may come."

"Thank you Ada! Can we go up to the observatory again? I like it up there."

"Yes, neth min. I will see what I can arrange. Now, I think you at least need to try to sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day."