(Next chapter will be released once chapter 25 is written)
Night had come, while the others built a fire and started joking you joined Bilbo, Thorin, Balin, and Gandalf to speak to Elrond about the map. Though, Thorin was having none of it.
"Our business is no concern of Elves," Thorin says
"For goodness sake, Thorin show him the map," Gandalf says a bit irritated
"It is the legacy of my people," Thorin replies stubbornly "It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves," Gandalf says "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."
You watch in silence as Thorin opens up his jacket, pulling out the folded piece of paper.
"Thorin, no," Balin tries to protest but is brushed away
Once given to him, Lord Elrond looks at the map.
"Erebor," Lord Elrond says "What is your interest in this map?"
"It's mainly academic," Gandalf answers before Thorin could reply with a remark "As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read ancient Dwarvish, do you not?"
Lord Elrond had stepped away to better lighting. He then says something in Elvish of which Gandalf translates.
"Moon runes?" Gandalf asks "Of course. An easy thing to miss."
"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," Lord Elrond briefly explains then turns to face everyone
"Can you read them?" Thorin asks
You all then follow Lord Elrond to a cliff-side area. Where five waterfalls are pouring off of a higher cliff above. At the very edge of the cliff a large, clear and cloudy crystal table. A half circle with elegant carvings in the ground, surrounding the table.
"These runes were written on a Mid-Summer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago," Lord Elrond says "It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight."
As you look to the moon the clouds move, causing the light of the moonshine to the crystal table. The light causes the table to glow white which reveals glowing, blue lettering 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,' " Lord Elrond reads from the map
"Durin's Day?" You ask aloud
"It is the start of the Dwarves' new year," Gandalf says, turning to you and Bilbo "When the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together."
"This is ill news," Thorin says, gaining attention "Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us."
"We still have time," Balin says to try to calm Thorin
"Time? For what?" Bilbo asks beside you
"To find the entrance," Balin answers "We have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened."
"So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain?" Lord Elrond asks
"What of it?" Thorin responds lowly
"There are some who would not deem it wise," Elrond answers as he hands the map back to Thorin
"What do you mean?" Gandalf asks Lord Elrond
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth," Lord Elrond responds then walks away
What could he mean by 'guardian'? Sure you know there are Wizards other than Gandalf. But could there be a different meaning behind what was said?
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Secrets to Unfold (Kili X Reader)
FanfictionBoth of your parents were killed when you were just a baby. Or so you thought. Somehow, you were taken to the Shire and placed on young Bilbo Baggins' doorstep. Raising you like his own, you grew up in the beautiful, green hills of the Shire. Everyt...
