There were few people that Thorin Oakenshield trusted. He trusted his kin, but that was it. After losing the Lonely Mountain, the dwarves of Erebor were looked down upon by many races of Middle Earth and elves had a special place of distrust in Thor...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Our business is no concern of elves," Thorin said.
"For goodness sake, Thorin," Gandalf huffed, "show him the map."
"It is the legacy of my people. It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves. 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."
Thorin stared down Lord Elrond but the elven lord, however, did not seem phased, only slightly intrigued. Thorin once again knew Gandalf's words to be true. The map was so old that not even Balin could read it.
Thorin reached into his coat and pulled out the map.
"Thorin, no!" Balin tried to sway him, but Thorin brushed his arm away. He knew he did not have many other options.
He handed the map to Lord Elrond. The elf unfolded the paper and looked it over with interest.
"Erebor," he said, looking at Thorin. "What is your interest in this map?"
Thorin was about to tell him it was none of his concern when Gandalf spoke up first.
"It's mainly academic," the wizard said. "As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text." He exchanged looks with Thorin, who kept silent. "You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not?"
Elrond turned away from them, further looking over the paper. He held it up to the night light.
"Cirth ithil."
"Moon runes," Gandalf breathed. "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."
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked.
Elrond nodded and motioned for the small group to follow him. Most of the company had gone back to their chambers, but Balin and Bilbo had stayed. The elf led them to an open cliff side, surrounded by waterfalls with a crystalline table in the center of the landing.
"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago," Elrond said. "It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight."
He lay the map on the table, allowing the newly revealed moonlight to shine on it. Thorin stared as silver runes began to appear. Elrond ran his finger across the page, translating the words.
"'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.'"
