PLEASE? FOR ME?

CALYPSO was certain she'd never run so fast in her life as they tore through the rocky terrain, using the massive stones as cover to hide from the pack of Orcs that were riding the Wargs. Thankfully, they were being drawn off in the distance by Radagast, who was in fact outrunning them with his rabbits.

"Come on!" Gandalf ushered them quickly, crossing the grassy area to reach another huge stone. But then Radagast led the Orcs right in front of them, not that far ahead. And so Gandalf had them turn around. "Stay together."

"Move!" Thorin ordered, making sure he was at the back of the group so that no one was left behind.

"What's confusing Radagast about leading them away?" Calypso huffed while keeping her hand around Bilbo's. Neither wanted to let the other go.

Still unseen, they hid behind another rock. However, Ori got ahead of himself and nearly barreled past everyone, blowing their cover. But Thorin was quick, grabbing him by his collar and dragging him back.

"Ori, no!" he shouted, pushing the youngest Dwarf toward Calypso, who held him with her other hand.

Gandalf peered over Thorin and waited until it was clear of Orcs. "All of you, come on, come on! Quick!"

Thorin eyed Gandalf, who seemingly knew where he was going, which made no sense to the Dwarf. "Where are you leading us?"

Rather than reply, Gandalf just ran, which practically gave Thorin his answer, he knew, deep down.

There was silence as they reached yet another rock, this one much smaller. And to Calypso's horror, an Orc on a Warg jumped on top, searching the horizon. She held her breath and squeezed Bilbo and Ori fearfully.

Thorin caught Kili's eye and nodded to his bow, signaling for him to use it. His nephew stepped out and shot the Warg twice, but not before it let out a strangled cry. As it fell from the rock, the Orc got up and charged at them, but Bifur and Dwalin quickly killed it.

Unfortunately, the spectacle drew the attention of all the other Orcs, who ceased chasing Radagast. Calypso was too horrified by the sight of a dead Orc with its guts splattered everywhere to see the approaching band of Orcs, but Gandalf did.

"Move! Run!" he shouted, no longer worried about being stealthy.

The party all took off, following the wizard quickly. Gloin spotted the pack of Orcs coming up on their right side, pointing them out.

"There they are!"

"No, there!" Calypso said, looking to the front of them.

"This way! Quickly," Gandalf said while cutting left.

"There's more coming!" Kili shouted, all of them forced to come to a stop as they were herded on all sides by the enemy. Calypso swallowed thickly, trembling as the Orcs and Wargs got closer.

"Kili! Shoot them!" Thorin ordered.

"We're surrounded!" Fili exclaimed as his brother took out only one of many Orcs.

"Where's Gandalf?" Dori asked, making them realize the wizard was nowhere to be seen.

"He's abandoned us!" Dwalin accused.

Ori took in a deep breath and released Calypso's hand, raising his slingshot instead. A rock sailed through the air and hit an Orc in the head, bouncing right off and hardly making it flinch. Ori whimpered and took a terrified step backward.

"Hold your ground!" Thorin shouted.

Swallowing thickly, Calypso grabbed her sword and held it up, knowing that if she was going to go out, she was gonna go out swinging. Not with proper form, but at least with fight left in her.

Only for Gandalf to call out to them from behind a jagged rock. "This way, you fools!"

Thorin didn't need to be told twice, running to the spot where Gandalf seemingly disappeared. Seeing a well-hidden opening with a steep drop into a tunnel, Thorin called to the others as Kili kept shooting the oncoming Orcs. "Quickly! All of you! Go, go, go!"

"Come!" Fili ordered, grabbing ahold of Calypso and ushering her to the escape. Once she made sure Bilbo was running in step with them, she sped up a bit until they reached the hole.

She groaned as she hit the hard stone, sliding down to the bottom, landing on Fili's hard chest.

"Are you okay?" he said with a little groan as they sat up.

"Perfect," she mumbled sarcastically. Then she rolled off him, and he helped her stand. For just a moment, he looked at her, horrified. "What?"

"I - I forgot the Troll's eye," he said, sighing in relief. Then he brushed his thumb over her cheek. "You're covered in blood. It's horrifying."

Calypso had pretty much forgotten that as well as she smiled. "You sure know how to make a girl feel beautiful."

Fili rolled his eyes, but before he could try to make a flirty comment in retaliation, Kili slid down and right into him, knocking him out of the way and making Calypso giggle. Kili was followed by Thorin, who was watching the opening, waiting for the Orcs to file in and continue their attack.

But it never came.

Instead, a war horn sounded, and they all heard the Orcs begin to cry out. Then a moment later, a dead Orc fell into the hole, knocking some of them over. After ensuring that it really was dead, Thorin ripped out the responsible arrow and glared at it, recognizing the craftsmanship.

"Elves," he spat, throwing it down. He looked accusingly at Gandalf, who smiled innocently like it was a happy accident.

"I cannot see where the pathway leads," Dwalin said from down the tunnel. "Do we follow it or not?"

"Follow it, of course," Bofur said, already heading that way.

"I think that would be wise," Gandalf agreed.

Soon, the tunnel turned into a tight, bottom of a chasm. The early-morning sun was peeking out above them, giving them a bit of light as they traveled. Though she was at the back of the line with Bilbo and Gandalf, Calypso still saw Bombur struggling to fit through one skinny part, making her giggle as his brothers pushed him through.

"Gandalf," she heard her brother whisper. Calypso stopped and looked back at them. "Where are we?

Gandalf raised an expectant eyebrow. "You can feel it?"

A troubled and confused look crossed Bilbo's face. "Yes. Uh, it feels like - well, like magic."

"That's exactly what it is. A very powerful magic," he informed him with a nod. Then his eyes landed on Calypso. "Surely, my dear, being what you are, you can feel it as well, reaching out with your powers."

"I don't know how to 'reach out'," she said, putting air quotes around the words. "Gandalf, you know I don't know the first thing about my powers. It's why I must find more Nymphs."

Gandalf just hummed to himself and nodded somberly. "Yes, well, do keep going. Perhaps it will hit you as it has dear Bilbo."

With a frown now on her face, Calypso continued to walk. She reminds silent and tried to focus on her abilities — on the moisture in the air and earth around them. And finally as they neared the end of the path, she felt it.

It was like a warm fire was building up inside of her, caressing every inch of her skin and setting her alight in a way that was non-painful. It made her hair stand on end and her fingers itch to use her own magic.

"There's light ahead," Gloin said as they kept going.

There was water flowing from the rocks and down the small set of stairs they trailed across. Then they all broke into the sunlight, looking at the vast and magnificent view before them.

At least, Calypso and Bilbo found it magnificent.

They'd never seen anything like the Elven city with high towers and open walls. The architecture was soft and delicate like the Elves. There were long bridges leading all over, looking like something out of a storybook.

"The Valley of Imladris," Gandalf spoke. "In the common tongue, it's known by another name..."

"Rivendell," Bilbo said in awe.

"Here lies the last homely house east of the sea," Gandalf added.

Thorin turned on him furiously. "This was your plan all along — to seek refuge with our enemy."

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield," he replied calmly. "The only ill-will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

"Of course, they will," Gandalf agreed. "But we have questions that need to be answered."

With a sigh, Thorin looked away, knowing that Gandalf was right even if he was too stubborn to admit it.

"If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact, and respect, and no small degree of charm, which is why you will leave the talking to me."

"I don't see why," Calypso said, trying to lighten the mood. "Grumpy is quite adept at making new friends."

Thorin let out a breath through his nose as a few of the company snickered. "Get to walking before I throw you from the cliffside, Calypso."

"Well," Bofur said, looking over the ledge. "There's water at the bottom, so I'll wager she'd live."

"No, she'd die for sure," Gloin insisted.

"Wanna bet—"

"No, we don't wanna bet!" Calypso exclaimed, a bit red in the face over their ridiculousness. "Get to walking before I start shoving Dwarves off cliffs instead."

☽︎

Rivendell was even more beautiful up close, Calypso thought as they crossed the final bridge and came to a stop in front of a tall staircase that led into the city, it guarded by two armed Elves who made no move toward them.

One Elf who was not a guard approached them, and since Calypso was hidden behind Thorin, she had to crane her head to look at him. He had a pleasing face and long, straight, dark hair. He walked elegantly and held his head high, going right for Gandalf, who he clearly recognized.

"Mithrandir," he said, using one of Gandalf's other names as a greeting.

"Ah, Lindir," Gandalf greeted.

Meanwhile, Thorin leaned in to Dwalin, both still holding their weapons. "Stay sharp."

Unfortunately, as Lindir spoke to Gandalf, it was in some form of Elvish that Calypso and none of the Dwarves understood. Thankfully, Gandalf had the sense to reply in the common tongue.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond."

Lindir frowned at that. "My Lord Elrond is not here."

"Not here? Where is he?" Gandalf asked, a bit worried.

Only for those worries to cease when the same horn from earlier sounded. Calypso looked back, seeing a full hunting party of Elves on horseback returning. They were coming quite fast, and so Thorin, feeling threatened, pulled Calypso to the center of the circle of Dwarves.

"Close ranks!" he shouted, all of them raising their weapons.

The group of Elves reached them and began to surround them, circling them almost threateningly. Though Calypso knew they weren't in danger, she was still a bit unnerved by the large horses — she'd never been around a full-sized horse except for Gandalf's who was quite calm and serene. These were much more menacing than sweet Mabel, who was now lost to the wild.

"Gandalf!" one Elf greeted from his steed, looking down at the Wizard.

"Lord Elrond," Gandalf greeted in relief before continuing in Elvish.

And of course, Elrond replied in Elvish, making everything all the more confusing. Then the Elf got off his horse and embraced Gandalf before passing off a confiscated Orc weapon to Lindir.

"Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders," Elrond finally said in a language Calypso could understand. "Something or someone has drawn them near."

"Ah, that may have been us," Gandalf admitted sheepishly.

Then Thorin finally showed himself, stepping toward Elrond and holding his head high and proud. There was something of a genuine smile of recognition on Elrond's face, but Thorin remained stoic.

"Welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain," he greeted.

"I do not believe we have met," he said gruffly.

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled Under the Mountain," Elrond informed him.

Thorin raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Indeed? He made no mention of you," he said rudely. Calypso wanted to smack him on the back of the head but thought against it as the two men stared each other down.

Then Elrond began speaking in Elvish once more, a plain expression on his face. When he was done, Gloin was quick to step forward threateningly.

"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?"

Gandalf all but sighed in annoyance. "No, Master Gloin, he's offering you food."

Calypso smiled to herself as several of the Dwarves circled up and began whispering amongst themselves before all looked to Lord Elrond.

"Well, in that case, lead on," Gloin decided, now trusting them much more with food being offered. After all, their dinner had been interrupted by the Troll incident.

As Calypso followed after Thorin, she met Elrond's gaze and offered him a kind smile. Only to see his eyes widen as he studied her.

"My dear, if my old eyes do not mistake me, you are a Nymph," he identified. Then he bowed lowly before her. "It is an honor to have you walk the halls of my home."

"The honor is all mine," she said politely. "I used to dream of visiting the Rivendell I read about in books growing up. I am Calypso Maethion-Baggins. At your service."

"Welcome to Rivendell, Lady Calypso," he nodded. Then he held out a hand toward Lindir. "If you'd like, Lindir could show you to a room where you may wash up. You must be terribly uncomfortable underneath all that mess."

Calypso's cheeks burned, realizing she must've looked so absurdly unkept in front of the beautiful Elves. She shyly tucked some tangled hair behind her pointed ear and nodded, trying to imagine how horrible she looked with grime and sweat and blood caking her face.

"That would be most welcome."

Calypso started toward Lindir, who was offering her a kind smile. However, Thorin caught her upper arm, keeping her near.

"Thorin," she said softly, looking back at him. She understood why he was worried — he didn't want to split the company in unfamiliar territory. "I'll be okay."

After a moment, he swallowed thickly and nodded, releasing her arm. Only to watch with a glare as Lindir offered Calypso his arm and led her away, a soft smile on his face.

Lindir was nice, Calypso thought, as he walked her through the halls of Rivendell. He made a point to show her any time they passed an area of great importance. Then they reached a guest room that had a small, golden tub already filled with steaming water behind a partition. He let her know he would be waiting outside and ready to escort her to dinner once she was presentable.

Calypso practically melted into the tub, her muscles feeling exhausted after fighting Trolls and running from Wargs. And by the time she was done washing her hair and body, the water in the tub was murky and brown. Yet Calypso felt like she could concur the world as she got out.

Much to her surprise, her pile of dirty clothes that she'd left on the floor was missing — she hadn't even heard the Elves slip inside her room and take them, and the changing partition kept them from view. In their place was a dark green dress made of a silky but warm material.

Calypso eyed it for a moment, feeling the fine fabric before slipping it on. The garment hung off her shoulders flatteringly and hugged her body well — even if it was a dress likely meant for a child Elf that was still growing, it fit her perfectly.

For the first time in weeks, as she combed her hair, Calypso looked in a mirror. Her eyes were a bit wide, taking in how her skin was tanned and her legs were more toned. She'd lost some weight now that she wasn't accustomed to the full meals that Hobbits served. Her hair had grown and seemed almost lighter as it hung down her shoulders.

But at the end of it all, she was still herself. Still recognizable as the Calypso that had left Bag End. Maybe that was a good sign. Maybe it meant this journey wouldn't change her as much as Gandalf hinted that it would.

Despite the luxurious shampoo that the Elves provided, the tangles that Calypso received in the wild were still too much for the wooden comb that was provided for her. And apparently, as she shot off a string of crude words aimed at her thick hair, she was overheard from the hallway.

"My Lady Calypso," Lindir said, cracking the door open. "Is everything quite alright?"

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she looked over her shoulder. "Sorry. Just struggling with my hair. Haven't combed it in a while."

"Would you care for some assistance?" he offered kindly.

"I don't know. I'm rather tender-headed. I might end up wishing you were dead," she admitted sheepishly.

Lindir chuckled while coming closer. "I shall use my lightest touch."

Elves really were magic, Calypso decided then and there. Because not once did Lindir catch any rough tangles and painfully pull her hair as he combed it. And when he was finished, he began to intricately braid it back for her in an unfamiliar Elvish style to keep it out of her face.

"Oh, it's wonderful, Lindir," she told the man, looking up at him as she laid the braid over her shoulder. "Thank you very much."

He nodded politely. "It was no trouble. Now, may I escort you to dinner? I am sure your companions are missing your lovely company."

"And I must admit I'm missing them," she said as they left the room. "I just hope they are not acting unseemly."

"I have never met a Dwarf but I am sure they are not quite as... unseemly, as you put it, as the stories say they are."

That was how Calypso began telling Lindir about the Dwarves arriving at her home. He was appalled by the lack of manners shown, as well as the singing and throwing food. It was safe to say he was horrified of his home being left in the same state once they were gone, which amused Calypso.

Finally, they reached a dining hall with open arches exposing the foothills of the nearby Misty Mountains, the sun low in the sky and ready to sink. Several Elves were gathered, playing soft and light music for them. All of the company was gathered and sitting at a long table.

It was Kili who first spotted her, simply looking over her at first as he surveyed the room. But then he doubled back and looked at her in alarm while kicking his brother underneath the table to get his attention as well. And when Fili turned, he didn't bother to hide how he was gawking at her.

Both thought that Calypso looked elegant and regal, her face full of light as she spoke with Lindir. They'd grown used to the wildness of her beauty while on the road, but this — this polished look — had something deeply regal in their noble blood stirring.

And their poor uncle was no better. In fact, Thorin stood from his seat altogether as she entered the dining hall. Of course, he didn't look completely ridiculous because Gandalf and Lord Elrond had done the same out of respect — they just didn't hold the same motives as Thorin did, whose breath had been taken away.

"Ah, Lady Calypso," Elrond greeted. "Won't you join us for dinner?"

"I'd love to," she said cordially before scanning for an empty seat. There was one next to Thorin that she was considering taking, but Ori was quicker, shouting from his seat next to Dori.

"I've saved you a seat, Callie!" he called with a dopey smile. He didn't notice how his leader was glaring down at his plate.

After saying goodbye to Lindir, Calypso sat next to Ori. Then she looked out over the table, surveying the food. She knew Elves didn't eat meat, so wasn't surprised by the table being covered by only fruits and vegetables. But it all looked so impossibly fresh and delicious to her, who hadn't seen a healthy meal since leaving the Shire.

It seemed that she was the only one that thought so, though.

Ori was holding his head with a frown as Dori tried to raise a lettuce leaf to his mouth. "Try it," Dori pleaded. "Just a mouthful."

"I don't like green food," Ori declared.

And Dwalin dared to pick up a handful of vegetables from his salad bowl, looking underneath like something was hidden from him. "Where's the meat?"

Ori looked around the table, his head swiveling. "Have they got any chips?"

"Come now," Calypso said, giggling. "You had no problem eating all the food in my home, and it wasn't all meat. I know you lads are capable."

It made many of the Dwarves grumble as they picked at their plates, watching her in wonder as she effortlessly ate her meal without complaining or gagging.

"It's dreadful," Fili complained, leaning his elbow on the table with a frown. He was seated right across from Calypso and was enjoying to view.

"Eat, Fili," she requested. "I need my protectors to be big and strong lest any Orcs come to steal me away in the night."

"I'd rather let them take you than eat this," he said jokingly, making her scoff.

"Please?" she asked softly, leaning in and having no idea the power of her words. "For me?"

Fili's resolve crumbled before her very eyes, and he sighed before stabbing a piece of chopped up pear with his fork, bringing it to his mouth. He made a big show of chewing it, making her roll her eyes — pears were delicious, after all. But once he swallowed, she was pleased enough.

"Thank you," she said brightly while sitting straighter. "You're a very brave Dwarf."

"Well, I'm a brave Dwarf too," Kili spoke up childishly. "Look!"

Calypso grinned encouragingly at him as he shoved a forkful of lettuce into his mouth. He cringed as he chewed it but did not spit it back out, which she considered a small victory.

"Calypso," Gandalf called from the head of the table, stealing her attention away. "Won't you join us for a moment?"

"Excuse me, boys," she said, making them frown as she left and went to take the empty seat by Thorin. He'd quickly stood and pulled it out for her, earning an appreciative smile from her.

"Thank you for joining us," Elrond told her. "I must say I am curious as it has been an age since I met with a Nymph."

"But you've met my kind before?" she asked brightly. "Oh, I'd love to hear everything. I'm afraid I know not much about what I am, being adopted and all. And there's a shortage of literature on the subject of Nymphs in the Shire."

"Well, you'll be thrilled to know we have a short collection on the subject," he told her. "And I'm sure I could muster a short history lesson later if you'd so desire."

Thorin didn't even care that the offer might set them behind on their journey. He'd stay in Rivendell for weeks if Calypso simply asked him and it kept the elated look on her face, as Elrond's offer made her so visibly happy.

"I would appreciate that greatly," she said, her eyes shining. Then she looked at Bilbo. "Did you hear that? He's going to tell us everything! And maybe he'll know where more reside."

"Yes," Bilbo smiled. "We can finally learn why you made it rain on Melissa Butterwick's birthday, ruining the party."

Calypso narrowed her eyes and scoffed. "I didn't make it rain," she mumbled. "Not that she didn't deserve it for daring to choose the same party theme after I declared it weeks beforehand. I do hate a thief."

Bilbo rolled his eyes, knowing that for all intents and purposes, he was a thief now.

As dinner continued, Gandalf ended up telling Elrond about the swords they came across, wanting to have the Elf examine them. Thorin reluctantly handed his over, and Calypso was surprised to find that Elrond actually recognized them.

"This is Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver. A famous blade forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well," he explained while handing the weapon back to Thorin. Then he looked at Gandalf's. "And this is Glamdring, the Foehammer. Sword of the King of Gondolin. These were made for the Goblin Wars of the First Age."

Calypso noticed her brother, who pulled out the very small sword that Gandalf found for him in the cave, likely wondering if it had a special history too. But Balin saw as well and doused his dreams.

"I wouldn't bother, laddie. Swords are named for the great deeds they do in war," he explained.

"What are you saying — my sword hasn't seen battle?" he questioned.

Balin frowned and spoke in a regrettable voice. "I'm not actually sure it is a sword. More of a letter opener, really."

Bilbo pouted at that and looked to his sister, who was of no comfort. She just snickered, knowing she at least had a real sword as it was made for men.

"How did you come by these?" Elrond then asked.

"We found them in a Troll-hoard on the Great East Road shortly before we were ambushed by Orcs," Gandalf answered honestly.

Elrond raised a curious eyebrow. "And what were you doing on the Great East Road?"

Rather than answer, Gandalf remained silent. And getting upset with the prodding questions, Thorin stood to leave. "Excuse me," he said before leaving the hall altogether.

Calypso watched him go with a frown but knew she couldn't really do anything to comfort him in this place. Elrond let out a hum, watching him go as well.

"Thirteen Dwarves, a Halfling, and a Nymph," he mused. "Strange traveling companions, Gandalf."

Gandalf sat a little taller, defending them. "These are the descendants of the house of Durin. They're noble, decent folk. And they're surprisingly cultured. They've got a deep love of the arts."

As if to prove him wrong, Nori began complaining about the beautiful music. "Change the tune, why don't you? I feel like I'm at a funeral."

"Did somebody die?" Oin questioned.

"All right, lads. There's only one thing for it," Bofur said before climbing up on the table. Calypso sighed and covered her face with her hands as he began to sing. And as he sang, the others beat their utensils on the table and joined in.

"There's an inn, there's an inn. There's a merry old inn beneath an old gray hill. And there they brew a beer so brown, the Man in the Moon himself came down."

When the food went flying, Calypso was mortified. She sunk down in her chair to keep from mashed potatoes hitting her. Then she glanced at the horrified Elves in the room, making eye contact with Lindir. And though he was disturbed, as he spotted Calypso, he managed an amused smile as he shook his head.

Unseemly was certainly the word to use before.

☽︎

Calypso was most surprised when Gandalf found her and led her to the library late at night. Already, Thorin, Balin, Elrond, and even Bilbo were gathered. She was shocked that she was being permitted in the meeting with the Elf, figuring Thorin would want an outsider nowhere near the map. But it seemed he didn't mind Calypso and Bilbo being there — perhaps he didn't hate them so much after all and was just adept at hiding his true feelings.

Of course, just because they were all gathered didn't mean progress was being made. Thorin was stubbornly refusing to ask the ancient Elf for help.

"Our business is no concern of Elves," he muttered childishly.

Gandalf just sighed, so tired of his hatred. "For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map."

"It is the legacy of my people. It is mine to protect, as are its secrets," he insisted stubbornly.

"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," he snapped.

"Thorin," Calypso spoke up softly, gaining his attention. "It - perhaps it's for the best. Please, can't you show him the map?"

Thorin shared a look with her, contemplating for a moment before his shoulders relaxed the slightest bit. Then he began to pull the map from the pocket of his coat.

"Thorin, no," Balin said in a hushed tone, not quite as trusting of Calypso and Gandalf's opinions on the matter given that they weren't Dwarves.

But Thorin did not listen as he handed the map to Elrond, who studied it carefully. And he was surprised by the contents, to say the least. "Erebor. What is your interest in this map?"

Before Thorin could reply, Gandalf had a lie slipping off his tongue. "It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read ancient Dwarvish, do you not?"

Elrond nodded and moved around the library until he was in a bit of moonlight. Calypso wondered what he was doing as he spoke two words in Elvish. At least Gandalf understood.

"Moon runes? Of course," Gandalf translated before looking to a confused Bilbo. "An easy thing to miss."

"Is it?" Calypso asked curiously, glancing at the wizard. She had a hard time believing that a man of his skill and experience would miss something so evident.

"Well, in this case, that is true," Elrond spoke up. "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 eagerly.

"I can," Elrond nodded. "Perhaps we should relocate to somewhere with a bit more light."

That somewhere was beneath a great waterfall in the side of the Misty Mountains. There was a great overlook, showing them all of Rivendell, which was even more beautiful at night, Calypso thought. At the very edge of the walkway was a stone pillar that Elrond spread the map on.

"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago," Elrond explained to them. "It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight."

After he stopped talking, the clouds parted, revealing the moon. The moonbeams fell upon the map, and Calypso watched as blue, glowing runes appeared on the bottom right corner of the map. Elrond peered closer, reading the contents aloud.

"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."

"Durin's day?" Bilbo questioned, neither he nor his sister familiar with the concept.

"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 told them.

Thorin stepped to the side, a frown on his face. "This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us."

Balin came closer, speaking softly. "We still have time."

"Time? For what?" Bilbo questioned.

"To find the entrance," he told him. "We have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened."

Elrond raised an eyebrow, picking up on their plan given their lack of subtlety. "So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain?"

Thorin looked at him stiffly. "What of it?"

"There are some who would not deem it wise," he said simply while handing the map back.

"What do you mean?" Gandalf asked him, tilting his head and peering at him.

"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth," he warned before taking his leave.

It left them in silence for a moment before Gandalf cleared his throat. He looked to the four remaining and forced a smile.

"Come now. We've had a troubling and exciting day. I do say rest sounds most pleasurable."

Calypso was the first to move, a big yawn escaping her mouth as she did so, unknowingly making Thorin smile just barely.

"Don't have to ask me twice," she said. "I think I could sleep for a week."

"We don't have time for a week," Thorin told her, following after her. "We stay a day to rest and replenish supplies. Then we're off."

"Whatever you say, Grumpy."