Elrond, Lord of Rivendell, is the son of Eärendil and Elwing. He and his twin brother Elros combine the blood of the three elven families, the three major human families, and the Maia.
Elrond was born at the mouth of Sirion in the year 532 of the First Age.
But his face shows no trace of time, neither old nor young, but is engraved with many happy and sad memories.
Her jet-black hair was like a shadow before dawn, with a silver hoop on her hair. Gray eyes are like clear dusk, containing the light of stars.
He looked majestic, like a king who had gone through many hardships;
Yet he was full of energy, like a warrior, experienced in many battles and still young and strong.
Elrond's brother Elros was the founder of the Númenóreans.
In other words, Elrond is actually Aragorn's cousin after countless generations.
In short, the Lord of Rivendell received the coalition forces led by the black-haired dragonborn very warmly.
Almost the entire Rivendell took action.
They entertained their kin from the West and the East, as well as dwarves and humans, with the best food, fine wine, and comfortable beds.
The purpose is to make the nearly 10,000 coalition troops feel at home.
This made the dwarf, who was somewhat resentful, smile again.
"This is a qualified victory feast."
They say so.
Then they happily pulled their newly-acquainted human friends, even the pointy-eared elves, to sing loudly and dance enthusiastically.
The lively and cheerful atmosphere suddenly washed away the sadness and pain of more than a month.
Compared to the almost bohemian dwarves, elves are much more elegant.
They either smiled and watched the dwarves vent their enthusiasm wantonly, or looked at the beautiful night quietly.
Of course, there are also those who enjoy drinking in pairs, but in general, their wine is much better than that of the dwarves.
As for humans.
Arazon happily hugged his wife and children.
He previously sent his wife and son to Rivendell, and now the family is reunited.
This was also the first time that Dragon Byrne met the future Human Emperor Aragorn, although he was still an infant at this time.
Looking at that little man, it's hard to believe that he was originally one of the protagonists of this world.
Why do you say originally... Well, because now Dragon Byrne has no idea whether the development of the world will continue to be the way he knows it.
In addition, the black-haired dragonborn also saw a surprising figure.
"Princess Arwen."
During the dinner, a familiar figure appeared in front of everyone.
It was Arwen Udomir, the elf princess whom she briefly met in Mithlond.
Dragon Byrne immediately stood up in surprise, caressed his chest and bowed. Among other things, the Elessa gem given by the Elf Princess when she left was of great help. During this expedition, many wounded in the coalition forces were saved by the power of this gem.
Although Arathorn was on good terms with the elves of Rivendell, it was indeed the first time for him to meet Princess Duskstar. This was because this beautiful princess who was famous in Middle-earth had been staying in Lothlórien, the golden forest where her grandmother, Lady Galadriel, lived. , almost never seen by outsiders.
Now, they saw with their own eyes the elf princess who was wearing a diamond crown and was as beautiful as Lúthien when she was alive, and everyone couldn't help but sit up straighter.
Arasorn sincerely thanked the Elf Princess and said: "If it weren't for your gift, my people and I would have gone to the world of the dead long ago! Praise Elberis! Among so many stars created by the Star Queen, this is You shine brightest!”
Arwen smiled and said: "Son of Arado, Arathorn. Your fate will not end here, and this will not change even without my help."
This made Arathorn and Thorin even more awed.
Because they all believed that the elf princess's cold eyes saw through the fog of fate and gave Arasorn's fate prediction. According to the prophecy, there is no doubt that Arathorn will not die in this battle.
This made Arathorn very excited. He bent down deeply and paid high respect to this powerful and kind-hearted elf princess.
Then Arwen looked at the Dragonborn again, but at this time Dragon Born's power was too strong, and she could no longer look directly into his eyes like last time, so she could only say: "Oathkeeper, Goodbye today, it’s a real pleasure that your story has become a legend.”
Dragon Byrne just smiled when he heard this and said nothing more.
He originally planned to return the Elessa gem to the elf princess, but Arwen refused.
She said: "Let this thing do its part for me in the next war. It's a pity that I can't go with it."
Dragon Byrne always felt that when she said this, the wizard beside her looked helpless, even a little distressed, but in the end he said nothing.
The lord here, Elrond, who mastered the Air Ring Veya, one of the three elven rings, had a strange expression. He was surprised, but also a little relieved. He looked at the Dragonborn up and down and frowned.
Ah, these are just a few episodes.
The elves prepared an extremely rich feast. Not only were they entertained with fine wine and food, but also the elves of Rivendell played golden harps under the moonlight.
The sound of the piano seems to have magic power. It is not only as sweet as the sound of heaven, but also combined with the rushing waterfalls outside and the tinkling mountain springs, the entire valley seems to be in a paradise.
Then, the elf sang a very ancient melody, which made everyone listen attentively.
At first, the elegant Elvish lyrics were intertwined with the beautiful melody. Although he couldn't understand much, he was immediately fascinated as soon as he started to listen carefully.
Those sentences seemed to take shape, showing in front of him all kinds of distant scenery and bright things that he had never imagined before.
The fire-lit hall became like a golden mist, suspended above the foaming sea that sighed at the edge of the world.
A brave sailor is setting sail, fighting against the vast sea, looking for the final land.
Gradually, the confusing world became more and more like a dream. Finally, the dragonborn felt an endless river of gold and silver flowing through his body. Its shapes were ever-changing and impossible to fathom.
It merged with the trembling air around him, soaking him, drowning him.
The sailor was about to be drowned by the storm. Suddenly, the melody of the song suddenly changed, becoming passionate and cheerful. The brave sailor finally broke through the fog and arrived at the blessed land in the west.
As a result, Dragon Byrne suddenly woke up. He understood that this was the story of the elves singing the story of the sailor Eärendil heading west to find Aman.
Eärendil was Elrond's father.
"What a wonderful story."
Gandalf commented, "The singing and piano are very beautiful. Lord Elrond, your pursuit of music has become more intense over the years."
Elrond, who was sitting on the main seat, accepted the wizard's praise with a smile.
Thorin and Arasorn also reacted at this time.
The dwarf prince said: "Although the dwarves' singing is also beautiful and melodious, compared with the elves, it is indeed inferior."
To be able to make a stubborn dwarf say such words shows how uniquely talented the elves are in music. Thorin even glanced at the elves' golden harp reluctantly, but hesitated to speak.
"Dwarves also have their wonderful stories. Their songs may not be as beautiful and melodious as those of the elves, but they have a different flavor. Thorin, if you are willing, you can play a song for us."
The wizard is indeed the most entertaining master in Middle-earth. When Gandalf saw it, he immediately interrupted and said: "Thorin, I have never forgotten the scene when the dwarves were singing in their kingdom and home. At that time , dwarves are all so cheerful and enthusiastic!"
Only a few people, the Dragonborn and Elrond, noticed certain words in the wizard's words.
Sure enough, Thorin was stunned for a moment.
"home."
He said: "What a sacred word. A million other words in the world cannot overshadow the charm of this word. Where is the home of the dwarves?"
In front of everyone's eyes, the dwarf prince walked up to the elf's golden harp.
Played a completely different style of music from the elf.
“Across the cold and foggy mountains,
In that deep underground cave for thousands of years,
We must set off before dawn,
Look for that attractive light shade of gold.
The dwarves of the past chanted powerful spells,
Accompanied by the jingling music produced by the hammer,
Dark creatures sleep in the depths,
The cave under the rocks is unknown how deep it is. "
This piece seems to have the same magic. The other dwarves who had not reacted before seemed to hear the sounds of their hometown coming from the wind. Slowly, the Turin dwarves such as Dwalin, Gloin, Nori, and Dori stopped playing.
First one, then all the dwarves started chanting slowly.
“Across the cold and foggy mountains,
In that deep underground cave for thousands of years,
We must set off before dawn,
Find the long-forgotten gold before your eyes. "
The dwarves became sad and sensitive, and in their own language, following their prince, their king, they sang an equally ancient dwarven melody.
Now it was the Elf's turn to see a majestic mountain standing in the far east, filled with gold and jewels, and filled with the cheerful songs of the dwarves. It makes people want to see the majestic mountains, listen to the singing of the pine trees and the roar of the waterfalls, and explore the caves.
But those beautiful things are created by deft hands, wisdom and magic, so this love becomes strong and full of jealousy, and the desire in the dwarf's heart is ignited
So, the melody changed.
"The pines roared in that high place,
The strong wind howled loudly in the middle of the night.
The flames are red and the flames are spreading rapidly,
The trees were like torches lighting up the sky.
In the valley, bells are ringing,
Humans looked up with panic written on their faces;
The dragon's rage is stronger than the fire,
Destroyed towering towers and weak houses.
Mountains rose with smoke in the moonlight;
The dwarves heard the heavy footsteps of doom.
They fled the hall but fell at its feet,
Dying under the moonlight is inevitable.
Across the cold and eerie mountains,
It's extremely dark in that deep underground cave,
We must set off before dawn,
Fight it to take back the harp and gold! "
Looking at Thorin and the others' expressions of bitterness and hatred, Dragon Byrne seemed to have seen the scene of the dwarves being driven out of their homes by a terrifying dragon and wandering around.
So he could somewhat understand why the dwarf prince always had anger and gloom in his eyes. When your home is occupied by bullies and your loved ones are killed or injured, your heart will definitely be gnawed by hatred.
Listening to this sad melody, the elves sympathized with the poor dwarves who had lost their homes, forgetting their recklessness and impulsiveness.
There is also stubbornness and greed.
Well, just add a little fussing and shortsightedness.
Let's put it this way, if you don't expect too much from dwarves, they are actually pretty good people.
Only Elrond kept winking at the wizard, as if to say: Mithrandir, what are you doing?
"A very nice melody."
The wizard said meaningfully: "Thorin, a very sad story, but touching! The dwarves will definitely be able to regain their homeland, as long as they keep their swords sharp! One day! Yes, one day, they will get their reward. As you wish.”
When he said this, his eyes involuntarily glanced at Dragon Byrne.
Only then did Thorin break away from his sadness.
He threw down the exquisite golden harp, sat back on his seat, and said gloomily: "I hope so."
Shaking his head and ignoring this wizard who was always ready to cause trouble, Dragon Byrne said with relief: "Thorin, my friend, I am willing to do my part for the dwarves to regain the Lonely Mountain. This is my promise. "
Thorin's expression brightened indeed. He gratefully picked up a glass of wine and toasted the Dragonborn.
The gray-robed wizard looked at all this with a smile.
This made Legolas and Tauriel of the Woodland Kingdom look at each other, wondering if they should sing a song themselves, otherwise they would feel a bit at a loss?
The feast continues.
Everyone was drinking and singing. They were all honored and thankful that they had experienced an epic war.
And pray for the war to come.
October 5th.
After two days of repairs in Rivendell, the coalition forces finally set off.
Elrond and Arwen stood on a hill and witnessed an army of more than 10,000 people passing through the valley, along the mountain passes, and into the snow-capped Misty Mountains.
October 7th.
The coalition forces passed through the snow-capped, inaccessible Misty Mountains and entered the vast area of Rovanian Wasteland to the west of the Dark Jungle.
Dragon Byrne and the others repaired themselves a little and took off the frost on their bodies, then walked along the north-south road, crossed the Anduin River at the old ferry, turned south, and quickly headed towards Dol Gudu, which is located in the south of the Mirk Forest. Go ahead.
Along the way, the coalition forces advanced rapidly, almost brushing the edge of the dense and vast dark forest. Not to mention being inaccessible, even the birds in the forest felt the chilling atmosphere brought about by the march of the army.
At this time, everyone had already felt the pressure of the approaching storm, and there was no other expression on their faces except solemnity.
October 9th.
The coalition forces finally passed through the vast and desolate western part of the Rovanian Wasteland and arrived at the entrance to Dol Gudu in the southern part of Mirkwood.
And across the long Anduin River, on the other side is Lothlórien where Galadriel and his wife live!
Those with good eyesight can even see here under the beautiful forest that is always golden. The queen of the tree people is carrying her husband and looking across the river.
Obviously.
Galadriel and Celeborn, like Elrond of Rivendell, closely followed the movements of the coalition forces and looked forward to news of their victorious return.
They were a pair of very beautiful and handsome elves. The Dragonborn's eyes became sharper and he could even clearly see the golden hair of the Queen of the Tree People, which was like gold and exuded a soft silver light under the sunlight.
Like the radiance of the Twin Sacred Trees.
It is said that Fëanor once asked for a lock of hair from her, but she refused. Perhaps the idea that the Silmarillion contains the light of the twin sacred trees came from this.
As if feeling the Dragonborn's sharp gaze, the Tree People Queen nodded to him gracefully.
He withdrew his gaze to the west.
Dragon Byrne once again saw the brown-robed Radagast who had disappeared for some time in front of the entrance to the Demon Cave here.
"Gandalf!"
Riding on a wooden crowbar pulled by a dozen rabbits, this wizard who was proficient in all animal languages broke into the vanguard of the army and was taken to the center where the Dragonborn and his companions were.
As soon as the slovenly-looking wizard came down, he hurriedly said to Gandalf the Gray: "You are right as you expected. We have all been deceived. The ruins have been blinded to make us think that the Dark Lord has abandoned it. !”
"I asked many birds to investigate, but they couldn't get in, so I rushed to the castle in person, only to find that there was extremely profound black magic hidden inside. Gandalf, the Dark Lord is really resurrected!"
At that time, all the generals were summoned to the Chinese army's camp by the nominal commander-in-chief, Dragon Byrne. When the brown-robed wizard who went to investigate the news said this, his previous suspicions were immediately confirmed, and everyone was in an uproar.
"Quiet."
The gray-robed wizard wearing a pointed blue hat and a long scarf shouted loudly, and his stern voice was like a thunder, shaking everyone to the spot.
He looked at Radagast majestically and said, "Are you sure where he is?"
"No, I'm not sure!"
The brown-robed wizard shook his head, with a trace of fear on his old and shriveled face: "I didn't penetrate too deeply, but I can feel the breath of Sauron's existence. Even if another era passes, I won't be able to smell that evil and rotten smell. Will be forgotten!"
"Then he most likely ran away."
Thorin said quickly, with a hint of joy in his eyes: "He didn't dare to confront us head-on. He knew we would destroy him, just like we did in the north! Yes, that's it!"
"Do not be silly!"
Gandalf said loudly: "The power of the Dark Lord is linked to his ring. As long as we fail to find the Supreme Lord of the Rings, we will not be able to destroy him. All we can do is drive him away and keep his terrifying form forever." I can only hide in a dark cave and never see the light of day!"
Thorin was choked by the wizard's roar, and he closed his mouth unhappily.
"Then what do we do now?"
Glorfindel broke the silence. He looked at the dragonborn on the throne, frowned and said, "Should we continue to attack Dol Gudu?"
