Recap-

~*~*~*~*~ With Amara and Thorin ~*~*~*~*~
Amara POV
(Instead of Bilbo, Picture Amara being with Thorin, please)

Amara heard Gandalf speaking, to whom? Elrond.
"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."
"Do you? That dragon has slept for 60 years. What will happen if your plan should fail, if you wake that beast?"
"What if we succeed? If the Dwarves take back the mountain our defenses in the east will be strengthened." Gandalf argued.
She continued onward and soon found Thorin on one of Rivendell's many bridges, he was overhearing Gandalf and Lord Elrond talking. Like she feared.
"It is a dangerous move, Gandalf." Elrond replied.
I turned to Thorin, "You are doing the right thing, Thorin. To reclaim Erebor."
"It is also dangerous to do nothing. Oh, come, the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright. What is it you fear?" Gandalf questioned.
"Have you forgotten? A strain of madness runs deep in that family. His grandfather lost his mind. His father succumbed to the same sickness. Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall? Or the rest of his Kin? Gandalf, these decisions do not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to redraw the map of Middle-earth." Elrond argued.
Thorin took in a deep, sharp breath.
Amara's eyes narrowed.
She turned, and grabbed his hands. "You will not fall." She reassured him.
"But what if I do? Or what if Theia does, or Kili, Fili?" He questioned, getting more upset.
"Then we will find a way to bring whoever it is, back from the sickness." She said strongly.
"I will always be beside you, Thorin. And our family. Never forget that."
Thorin pulled her into a hug, "when we get to Erebor there shall be a grand wedding, my love."
She kissed him, smiling. "I can hardly wait."
Together they walked back to the others, where they were sleeping.

Tomorrow would prove to be a new day.

However, Amara got woken up by Gandalf in the middle of the night with a message, saying that they must leave in two days bright and early - otherwise they'd be forced to stay. That, worried her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*Apostrophe marks in italics ' are thoughts
Example: 'Hello everyone!'
* italics without apostrophes put emphasis on certain word(s)
Example: Run. Run!
* Asterisk symbol * in bold is a translation for any of Tolkien's languages.
Example: "Mae Govannen." *Well met.*

~*~*~*~

It was nighttime, and Gandalf had called us to a meeting to read the map. When mom and I arrived, I noticed that Adad, Balin, Bilbo and Elrond were their also.

Right away Adad went on the defensive. - Even though he liked these Elves. For they kept his One, and daughter safe.
"Our business is no concern of Elves." Thorin spoke, protectively.
"For goodness sake, Thorin show him the map!" Gandalf spoke.
"It is the legacy of my people, as are its secrets."
"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall."
My head snapped towards Gandalf. That, held more then one meaning. - I could sense it.
Mom went up and put a hand on his arm. "You can trust Lord Elrond, A'maelamin." *my beloved*
Thorin, adad looked into her eyes, studying her and nodded. He took the map out of his shirt and handed it to Lord Elrond. Balin objected. "Thorin, no!" He held out an arm trying to stop him.
"Let it be, Balin. My mother knows what she's doing." I said softly.

Elrond studied the map, "Erebor." He stated, looking to Thorin.
"What is your interest in this map?" He questioned.
Adad went to reply, but was cut off - saved by Gandalf.
"It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text."
Thorin smiled slightly at Gandalf, relieved.
"You still read ancient Dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf questioned Elrond.
"Ah, Cirith Ithil." Elrond spoke.
"Moon Runes? Of course. An easy thing to miss." Gandalf explained.
"Well, in this case, that is true." Elrond elaborated.
"What do you mean by that, exactly?" I asked.
"Well, for one miss Theia 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.
Hope shined in our eyes.
"These Runes were written on a Midsummer's 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 spoke loud and clear.
I smiled at my parents.
'They could be read.' I thought.
"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." He read.
I repeated it over in my head multiple times. Attempting to memorize it.
"Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked.
"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."
Little did we know, that, that was a clue.
"This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us." Thorin said gravely.
I sighed quietly, looking at my mom who was shaking her head.
"We still have time." Balin replied.
"Time for what?" Bilbo asked curiously.
"Time to find the entrance." Balin informed Bilbo.
"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 continued.
They let the "cat out of the bag" Elrond will know now.
"So this is your purpose. To enter the Mountain?"
"What of it?" Thorin questioned.
"Adad, calm down." I spoke, calmly.
"There are some who would not deem it wise."
"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asked.
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-Earth."
It was then, that Gandalf looked troubled.

Gandalf pulled us aside later that night and told us that we must leave in the morning. That he would meet up with us in the Mountains.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I apologize for the very late update, but well.. If you read the last A/N (they all have emoji's) you'll know why. My grandma is in the hospital, she's 97 and looks to be in her 80's. She's never broken anything, nor had a Stroke. Shingles yes. She broke her right arm in 2 places, sprained her right leg and it was confirmed that she did have a Heart Attack.
We've gone to see her 3 times this week ❤️ (100 miles to see her) But it's worth it! I'm concerned on why mom isn't back home yet today - she left early and now it's nearly 5pm. Gram will need Physical Therapy. She'll pull through though! (Many say she's a tough lady - and that she is!)

I'm no longer going downstate this August, so I'll have time to update when I'm not needed (helping gram) - if she's home.

I did start another story but like I promised I'm finishing this one first before publishing anything else! (It's just half a chapter anyway.)

I think I might take a smallish nap or two (points to those who got that phrase! 😋)

-Ash, Lithoniel, Element-Of-Dreams