Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
SUFFICE it to say, Ygritte had been surprised when Thorin agreed to meet with Lord Elrond later that night to talk and to╶ hopefully╶ show him their map. He was being stubborn, as per usual, but Ygritte was convinced that Aninth had some how gotten through to him when they both left the table. She had narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she stared between Aninth and Thorin when they returned, wondering how in Middle Earth Aninth had gotten him to act ... pleasant. Or at least fake some politeness towards the Elves.
Ygritte had her assumptions, of course, but she kept quiet and simply observed them from afar. After all, they really needed to know what was hidden on the map.
"Our business is no concern of Elves," Thorin said gruffly, causing Ygritte to roll her eyes from where she stood next to her father.
"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map," Gandalf urged. Ygritte wasn't sure if anyone had heard it or not, but the tone her father spoke with carried hints of impatience and annoyance. Both of which were obviously directed toward Thorin.
"It is the legacy of my people," Thorin said, "it is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves," Gandalf sighed and Ygritte couldn't help but agree. "Your pride will be your downfall. You stand here in the presence of one of the few people in Middle Earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond."
Ygritte was fighting the urge to walk over and rip it from Thorin's inner pocket herself. She kept her arms crossed and pinched her stomach to stop herself from moving forward.
"You have to get past the parts you don't like, Thorin, or you'll never get to the parts you like," Aninth reminded him. "You may not like this part, but you will like it if we find that there is something useful hidden on the map."
There was a pause. Then Thorin reached into his vest and pulled out the map, standing from his position against one of the pillars as he did so. Balin protested, but Thorin brushed off the elder Dwarf's words as he approached Lord Elrond and handed him the map. Ygritte couldn't help but look to Aninth, whom was nodding in approval. Again, she narrowed her eyes in suspicion and wondered what happened between them. For days they've been acting as though they're mortal enemies, yet now Thorin was listening to her. Somehow she had acquired his attention. And not knowing what had happened was killing Ygritte.
Ygritte tore her gaze away when Elrond began to unfold the map and examine it carefully. Then his eyes widened in recognition. "Erebor. What is your interest in this map?"
Thorin opened his mouth to respond, probably to tell him it was none of his business, if Ygritte were to guess. So, as to save Lord Elrond from Thorin's sharp tongue, she decided to speak up.
"It's mainly academic," she said, speaking rather quickly.
Elrond met her gaze. She tried her hardest to keep her face emotionless and her eyes steady as she stated towards him. After all, he always could tell when she was lying.
