Chapter 10
The Map Reading
I stood next to Thorin as we stood with Gandalf, Elrond, Balin, and Bilbo. I stood with my arms crossed.
"Our business is no concern of elves." Thorin said. I rolled my eyes. I had a stubborn dwarf I was courting.
"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map." Gandalf said.
"It is the legacy of my people, it is mine to protect, as are its secrets." Thorin said.
"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves. 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." Gandalf said.
"Thorin. He's right. Please just show him the map." I said, wrapping my arms around Thorin. Thorin took the map out of his vest pocket.
"Thorin, no!" Balin said, trying to stop him, but Thorin held out his hand to stop Balin and handed Elrond the map and then wrapped an arm around me.
"Erebor. What is your interest in this map?" Elrond asked after he looked at the map. Thorin started to speak, but Gandalf interrupts.
"It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf asked. Thorin kissed my forehead as Elrond walks away, looking at the map. The moonlight hits the map and Elrond realizes what it is.
"Cirth Ithil." Elrond said.
"Moon runes. Of course. An easy thing to miss." Gandalf said.
"Well in this case, that is true, Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon with the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." Elrond said.
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked. Elrond lead us to a place behind the waterfall near a cliff. I stood at Thorin's side as Elrond put the map on a stone like table.
"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. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield, the same moon shines upon us tonight." Elrond said. Thorin looks at me and smiles. I returned the smile as clouds move away from the moon and rays of moonlight hit the crystalline table, causing light to flow through the map. Ancient runes become visible on the map. "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 dwarves' new year, when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together." Gandalf said.
"This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us." Thorin said.
"We still have time." Balin said.
"Time? For what?" I ask.
"To find the entrance. We have to be standing at exactly the right. We have to be standing at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened." Balin said.
"So this is your purpose, to enter the Mountain." Elrond said.
"What of it?" Thorin asked.
"There are some who would not deem it wise." Elrond said. Thorin takes the map and pulls me close to his side.
"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asked.
"Your not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-earth." Elrond said. Gandalf turned as Elrond walked away. Thorin and I head to our room. I check on Stacia and found her uncovered. I shook my head and covered her up.
"Mommy?" Stacia asked. I sit on the bed as her eyes open.
"You should be asleep." I said.
"I was wondering if we're gonna be moving on soon? I like it here, but I want to see Middle-Earth more." Stacia said, her eyes fell on something behind me. I turned and saw Thorin leaning against the door.
"We should be soon. Now get some sleep." I said, kissing her forehead. I get up and came up to Thorin. Thorin looked at Stacia as she fell back to sleep.
"She should stay here." Thorin said.
"She wants to go and will be heartbroken if we leave her." I said as we head to our room.
"Its gonna get more dangerous as we go, Mariah." Thorin said. I turned on him, anger in my eyes.
"I know. I'm not that stupid. She's going. No ifs ands or buts." I said.
"Fine. I'm going to sleep with the others." Thorin said, angrily turning and leaving. I slam my door shut. Why do I get stuck with the dwarf that can lose his temper easily and is so stubborn. I sigh as I crawl back in bed and curl up with Thorin's pillow. A tear slid down my check as I fell deep into slumber.
AN: There's the new chapter. Debating on a few things, but I'll figure them out in no time. :)