Charlotte helpfully translates for Thorin. When Gloin gets huffed because he couldn't understand what was said Thorin motions for him to be quiet after some grumbling Faron says.
"Gloin, he's offering us food." Faron
"Ah well, in that case, lead on." Gloin
The company is led to the area where they will be dinning.
The Dwarves are grumbling about how they don't like green food, and Gandalf says to Lord Elrond.
"Kind of you to invite us. Not really dressed for dinner." Gandalf
"Well you never are." Elrond
As Gandalf and Lord Elrond are sitting down everybody has a big laugh at a blunder that Kíli made, and Lord Elrond explains the history of the swords they found in the Troll hoard saying.
"This is Orcrist The Goblin Cleaver a famous blade Forged by the High Elves of the West my kin. May it serve you well." Elrond
Thorin nods taking the sword back from Lord Elrond. Lord Elrond tells Gandalf about his sword saying.
"And this is Glamdring The Foe Hammer sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the Goblin Wars of the First Age." Elrond
Balin tells Bilbo not to bother asking Lord Elrond about his weapon, and that he isn't actually sure it even is a sword, but more of a letter opener really. At the end of their conversation Lord Elrond says to Gandalf.
"How did you come by these?" Elrond
"We found them in a Troll hoard on the Great East Road shortly before we were ambushed by Orcs." Gandalf
"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" Elrond
"Excuse me." Thorin
Thorin leaves the table as politely as he can, and then walks across the room.
The conversation resumes saying.
"Thirteen Dwarves, a half-ling, and Charlotte. Strange travelling companions Gandalf." Lord Elrond
"These are the descendants of the house of Durin. They are noble descent folk, and surprisingly cultured. They've got a deep love of the arts." Gandalf
As Gandalf says this Bofur starts singing The Man In The Moon because Nori complained about the music the minstrels are playing.
That evening Thorin, Balin, Bilbo, Gandalf, and Faron are called to a private meeting with Lord Elrond. At this meeting Gandalf asks Thorin to show Lord Elrond the map, and Thorin hesitates for a moment, but he gives the map to Lord Elrond with out anymore fuss much to the great confusion of Balin. Lord Elrond unfolds the map, looks it over, and says.
"Erebor. What is your interest in this map?" Elrond
"It's mainly academic. As you know this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden texts." Gandalf
Gandalf and Thorin look at each other, and Thorin can see that he is trying to get them the information they require without giving away the purpose of their quest. Thorin smiles at Gandalf who says.
"You still read ancient Dwarvish do you not?" Gandalf
Lord Elrond studies the map in the moon light, and says.
"Cirth Ithil." Elrond
"Moon runes of course an easy thing to miss." Gandalf
"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." Elrond
"Can you read them?" Thorin
Lord Elrond takes them to an over hang at the back of a waterfall with a crystal platform, and says.
"These runes were written on a mid-summers eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 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
Before their eyes the moonlight reveals the hidden writing, and Lord Elrond reads it saying.
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole." Elrond
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo
"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
"This is ill news summer is passing Durin's Day will soon be upon us." Thorin
"We still have time." Balin
"Time? For what?" Bilbo
"To find the entrance. We have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time then and only then can the door be opened." Balin
"So this is your purpose to enter the mountain." Elrond
"What of it?" Thorin
"There are some who would not deem it wise, however with Charlotte's help I believe that you will achieve your quest in spectacular fashion that will benefit everyone in the end." Elrond
"Your good nature never ceases to impress me. You are a credit to your race Lord Elrond." Thorin
Thorin smiles at Lord Elrond, and takes back his map. Gandalf looks at Lord Elrond, and says.
"What do you mean?" Gandalf
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-Earth." Elrond
Lord Elrond walks out of the room leaving Gandalf, the Dwarves, the Elf, and the hobbit alone.
While this is going on Charlotte has gone for a swim in the Brúinen to see if Ulmo will grant her an exception for this most urgent Quest. As she is swimming Charlotte says.
Ulmo I need your help with something really important.
What do you need Charlotte daughter of the sea?
I need you to make an exception to the promise I made to you.
What are you doing that is so important that it would require you to stay on land for more than six months at a time?
I am helping Thorin Oakenshield reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug.
And your presence on this quest could mean the difference between success and failure?
Yes. With my help I will be able to ensure that the quest concludes in a way that will be beneficial for all Dragon included.
Ulmo laughs at the last part amused by how Charlotte can have compassion on someone as undeserving as Smaug, and says.
Oh Charlotte you are truly the most compassionate of all my children. Very well I shall grant you two exceptions. You are using the first one now make sure you use the second one wisely.
Thank you Ulmo.
Before you go and resume your quest Charlotte daughter of the sea I have some advise for the next leg of your journey.
I am listening.
When the Dwarves leave Imladris it would be most helpful if you swim up the Andúin then once you reach the top swim down the Forest River that way you will be positioned to aid the Dwarves should they have problems with the Elves of Mirkwood.
I understand, and will do as you suggest.
Good. Now go on, and help the Dwarves reclaim their home.
Charlotte nods, and swims back to Rivendell to tell Thorin what Ulmo said.
Upon re-entering the city Charlotte goes to where the Dwarves are staying, and sees Thorin sitting next to Balin discussing the next part of their journey. Charlotte takes a seat next to them, and says.
"Thorin I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have talked with Ulmo." Charlotte
"And what did the god of the sea say if I may ask?" Thorin
"He said that he will give me two exceptions to the promise the first of which I am using now. The second I am saving for later when it is needed." Charlotte
"This is good news. We have gotten a positive answer from the god of the sea." Thorin
"During your conversation with Ulmo did he say anything else lass?" Balin
"What are you getting at Balin?" Thorin
"Ulmo has a long history of helping the Free Peoples when it is needed most, and I would think this qualifies don't you?" Balin
Thorin looks to Charlotte for an answer to Balin's question, and she says.
"Yes in fact he did. Before I left the Brúinen he said and I quote 'When the Dwarves leave Imladris it would be most helpful if you swim up the Andúin then once you reach the top swim down the Forest River that way you will be positioned to aid the Dwarves should they have problems with the Elves of Mirkwood.' Are we going to be taking a path that will take us through Mirkwood?" Charlotte
"Yes we are." Thorin
"In that case Thorin I strongly suggest that we take Ulmo's advice." Balin
"Very well we'll do this your way. Charlotte when I give the signal to move out you will travel by river until you get to the portion of the Forest River that flows through Thranduil's lands, and when you get there you will wait there for us to catch up." Thorin
Charlotte nods, and the company retires to their beds for the night.
The next day Charlotte is talking with Thorin and Balin when Rikki suddenly appears out of thin air startling her friends a little bit. Rikki looks at them, and says.
"Not more Dwarves." Rikki
"Got a problem with Dwarves Rikki." Charlotte
"Not really." Rikki
"If you don't have a problem with Dwarves some of our company must have done something to annoy you. What was it?" Thorin
"They were bathing and carrying on in a public fountain." Rikki
Thorin and Balin shake their heads in disappointment, and Thorin says.
"We'll speak to them." Thorin
Rikki nods her head, and sits down next to Charlotte to see if these Dwarves will improve her opinion of these people. By dinner time the rest of the Dwarves arrive, and when they see Rikki sitting next to Charlotte they get a very guilty look on their faces. Thorin looks at them, and says.
"You come with me." Thorin
The offending Dwarves including Fílí and Kílí know that they are in trouble especially when Balin follows after Thorin, and the offending Dwarves sulk off after Thorin already moping about the upcoming lecture.
By the time the Dwarves come back Rikki and Charlotte have gone to bed for the night leaving the Dwarves to their own rest. As Bilbo is going to bed he hears Gandalf arguing with Lord Elrond saying.
"Of course I was going to tell you. I was waiting for this very chance, and really I think you can trust that I know what I am doing." Gandalf
"Do you? That Dragon has slept for sixty years. What happens if your plan should fail? If you wake that beast?" Elrond
"But if we succeed. If the Dwarves take back the mountain our defences in the East will be strengthened." Gandalf
"It is a dangerous move Gandalf." Elrond
"It is also dangerous to do nothing. The Throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright. What is it you fear?" Gandalf
"Have you forgotten a strain of madness runs deep in that family. His grandfather lost his mind. His father succumbed to the same sickness, However I also know that if Thorin Oakenshield should fall Charlotte will catch him." Elrond
"Then why are you afraid?" Gandalf
"Because many people could be hurt before that happens. Gandalf these decisions do not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to re-draw the map of Middle-Earth." Elrond
"With or without our help these Dwarves will march on the mountain. They're determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe Thorin Oakenshield believes he is answerable to anyone nor for that matter am I." Gandalf
Thorin leaves as soon as the elf and wizard are out of sight to alert the company that it is time for them to leave, and as soon as he does Charlotte dives into the Brúinen to take her path for the next leg of the journey.
Charlotte has swam down the Brúinen, and is swimming in the sea along the shore until she gets to the bay which flows into the Andúin. Charlotte swims up the Andúin, and walks over land until she gets to the head waters of the Forest River. Charlotte swims down the Forest River until she gets into the clean part of the forest, and she finds a nice place to rest and wait for the rest of the company to arrive. As she is waiting there an elf sits down on the bank, and opens a bag taking out his lunch setting it out for a picnic. Charlotte's tail swishes catching the elf's attention, and as soon as their eyes meet their feas call out to one another. The ellon looks down at his lunch, then back at Charlotte, and says.
"I seem to have packed more food than I can eat. Would you mind joining me for lunch?" ?
"I would be happy to join you for lunch." Charlotte
Charlotte exits the river in a cloud of steam, and sits down next to her soul-mate.
Elros returns to the palace, and goes to his chambers to contemplate what has happened. When Elros walks through his door he thinks about his soul-mate Charlotte. As soon as his contemplation is over Elros goes to discuss his discovery with his captain and friend Tauriel. Tauriel congratulates Elros on his discovery, and Elros leaves the guard room to go write the appropriate letters to the Lady Galadriel as well as Charlotte's father not just her grandmother. Elros is pleased that he will be taking his lunch by the river for the next few days. Charlotte and Elros spend much time together over the next few days, and are getting closer to each other every day. Elros gets a reply from Charlotte's father, and is exceedingly glad that he has been given permission to court his daughter. Elros immediately goes to the silver smith to commission the silver courtship rings, and then goes to the kitchen to order a picnic to be enjoyed under the stars. The only area in which they don't agree is the topic of Dwarves, but they have made sure not to let the disagreement come between them. Elros finds the concept of Sea Children to be endlessly fascinating, and the fact that this makes it so Charlotte is not helpless on her own is a very good thing. Elros has asked Charlotte repeatedly what she is doing in the forest, but each time she dodges the question assuring only that her purpose in the forest is nothing bad. Elros has a suspicion that Charlotte being here has something to do with the Dwarves, but as there are no Dwarves in the forest he has no proof to support this thought. Elros is going to enjoy this chance he has been given to spend time with his soul-mate until something happens to disrupt their happiness. Charlotte has made him aware of the fact that she is required by Ulmo to spend half the year in Númenor, but is currently using an exception granted to her by Ulmo because of the importance of the task that Charlotte's has undertaken. This just makes Elros more curious about the situation as a whole.
Charlotte is sitting next to Elros enjoying a starlit picnic, and sees that he is perfect for her since he is a humble elf, but is not what should be considered lowly based on character as well as over all appearance. Charlotte finds that she enjoys Elros' fun and care-free nature, but there is a definite sense that he should not be under estimated. Happiness floods Charlotte's heart a foreshadowing of the greater happiness to come when she and Elros are wed, and Charlotte thanks Ulmo for the new life he