The year 2933 of the Third Era, the first weekend of March.
Threbes.
Three times a year, the celebrations in Gray Harbor begin, lasting three days each time.
In fact, business travelers from the Shire, humans in the north, and Rohan in the south had arrived at the Gray Port almost a few days ago, occupying the stalls of previous years or coming to the newly added areas, looking forward to this day.
They may be carrying carts full of fruits and vegetables, or they may be carrying a dazzling array of barrels of fine wine, or they may be transporting valuable and strong war horses, to name a few.
There was even a dwarf among them.
Wearing felt hats, long beards, and carrying axes or warhammers at their waists, these reckless and enthusiastic guys arrived at the elven port almost a week ago and pocketed the time they spent here. until all the gold coins are completely spent.
Ah, yes, they are Thorin's tribe who came from the Blue Mountains.
With the battles such as the Battle of Mithlond two years ago, the Northern Expedition, the Battle of Dol Guldur, and the Battle of Morannon, the relationship between the dwarves and the elves finally eased after many epochs.
In addition, the master of Gray Harbor paid a large sum of remuneration to the Turin dwarves very generously. As a result, the dwarves who had loose money often ran to Mithlond, the largest and most sacred port of the elves in the north.
Compared to the abundant and beautiful homeland of the elves, the old land of the Blue Mountains, which had long been abandoned by the ancient dwarves, was no doubt more attractive than that.
Among them, Dori, Nori, Ori, Bofur, Bifur, Gloin, Fili and later Kili were the most diligent.
The elves entertained these guests very carefully, but the dwarves did not miss their own 'extra meals'.
Moreover, some of the elves' creations would be inferior to even the dwarves, so as time goes by, the gold coins in the hands of the dwarves will flow back into the hands of others.
Soon, Thorin noticed this, and he almost jumped up in anger. Thorin called the dwarves together, gave them a scolding, and told them not to go to the elven ports.
But how could such a thing be forbidden?
It just calmed down for a while, and then the dwarves returned to their old ways.
after all.
Eating, drinking, fighting, and loving to exercise and dig holes are the nature of dwarves. You can't stop them from unleashing their nature.
Moreover, the dwarves had been suffocating for so many years in the ravines of the Blue Mountains.
Now that the north has become much safer after the battle two years ago, the dwarves are free to wander and take risks, and even Thorin cannot stop them.
However, Thorin soon came up with a countermeasure.
Since there is no way to stop dwarves from going out for adventure and wandering, they should also join this increasingly grand trade activity and come to the head office.
After all, both the dwarf artifacts and the elven artifacts can be said to be the pinnacle of the craftsmen of Middle-earth. Humans and other races have little resistance to the exquisite items forged by their craftsmen.
In fact, when the items carefully forged by dwarf craftsmen appeared in Threbeth, the elves' festival, which was originally only open to meet the annual lack of food, instantly became more lively.
In just two years.
The northern kingdom of Linton has returned to the world's attention, lively and prosperous, just like the last era when High King Gil-galad was still on the throne.
But these are not the reasons why Serebes is particularly lively this year.
Everyone is spreading rumors that the King of the North, the Silver King, and the Lord of Annuminas will attend this celebration of Celebes. That's why everyone is so excited this year.
At that time, all battles and legends, including the First War of Light, had been spread among various races in Middle-earth.
Almost everyone is talking about the name of the Dragonborn and the epic battle between light and darkness.
Everyone hopes to see the legendary hero with their own eyes.
Falling Flower Hall.
In front of that familiar high platform.
Chirdan is still so majestic and noble, and his beard is almost one of the most unique scenery in Middle-earth. "They're all talking about you," he said, his eyes smiling.
Time flies, two years flash forward.
Two years have passed since the coalition forces, led by Turka, held a rehearsal for a decisive battle with the dark forces in Middle-earth and led some of the rescued slaves back to the north.
In the past two years, Turka Aracano has worked hard to govern Annuminas, the ancient capital of the ancestors of mankind.
At the beginning, Turka invited a group of Dúnedain led by Arathorn to join the newly born Annuminas, and handed over part of the power to Arathorn, making him responsible for specific things inside and outside the city.
Out of protection and respect for the tomb spirits of his ancestors, Arasorn finally agreed.
At the same time, northern elves also began to appear in places other than the Kingdom of Linton because of the Dragonborn and Fenna. Among them, the elf Galdor was the first elf to live permanently in Annuminas.
He and Arathorn formed a deep friendship during this expedition, and out of love for the Silver King, Galdor chose to live in a human city.
He and Arazon were responsible for people's livelihood and the military, and they almost became one of Turka's most important helpers.
In addition, dwarves from the Blue Mountains come and rush through the door from time to time.
As a result, this ancient city on the shores of Nengweiao Lake began to slowly regain its vitality. Although revival is still far away, everything is starting to get on track.
In addition, Turka has not done nothing in the past two years.
He first went alone to exterminate the ghosts that lingered in Fornost, and then together with Galdo, they swept away robbers and beasts in the wild from time to time, making the nights in the north safer.
Slowly, the name of the Silver King became more famous.
But except for the residents of Annuminas, few people from the northern tribes had actually seen Turka Aracano, so there were more legends about the dragonborn in the north at that time.
The most unreliable among them came from the busybodies in Ciel and Bree.
There is a widespread rumor among the people there: The Silver King is a troll! He has a green face and fangs, and is eight feet tall! There is also a mountain-like monster riding on his crotch, which can breathe fire.
As a result, the people listening to the story are often scared away before the words are finished.
However, the more bizarre the story, the greater the market. Gradually, the audience for this unreliable rumor turned out to be quite large.
I just don't know if they will be frightened when they really see the Dragonborn and the fire-breathing monster they talk about.
"Rumors have their time, my lord." Turka's Sindarin was already as fluent as an elf, he said: "Soon they will have something new to talk about."
A lot of things have changed in two years, one of which is that Turka's hair has become longer.
The original short hair has long reached her shoulders, and is as black and shiny as satin. It was bound with a forehead crown made of mithril, and tied up with a braid according to the custom of people at that time.
At the same time, he was wearing a light blue silk and mithril robe woven with exquisite patterns embroidered with gold thread, and an emerald green gem was pinned to the collar.
The eyes are like amber, sparkling in the sunlight.
Majestic, yet charming.
"I doubt this." Childan moved away from his jewel-like vertical pupils and said a very philosophical proverb: "Rumors are like fine wine, the longer it gets, the better it gets."
Turka sighed, "Yeah, yeah, that's funny."
Only then did Chirdan laugh very happily.
However, Childan soon stopped laughing again and asked: "Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes, this trip should have happened a long time ago. I am almost late. I made an appointment with Legolas in Dagorad to see the scenery of the Great Green Forest before the third leaf-falling day; I also talked with the forest Geer promised to go to the Land of Hussars again to see the grasslands there, but he never made the trip. The trivial matters in Annuminas delayed too much of my energy. I have not yet experienced the beauty of this world, but I feel I have worked hard all my life." Turka frowned and said helplessly: "I need a holiday, my lord, it may not be too long, it is best not too short."
The thought began when I met him on the beach outside Shoon Bay.
In just two years, it seems that the Dragonborn, who already has several legends, has never had a decent rest. The memory of leisure in his mind still lingered on the time when he was learning to talk to the elves, the big holly wood bed, and the melodious sound of the elves' horns.
But looking back, it seems like half a century has passed.
"So, no one can stop me anymore."
Under the blowing of the sea breeze, Turka's light blue embroidered robe was slightly raised, just like when Cirdan and the wizard were talking about life here.
The master of Gray Harbor shook his head and woke up from his trance: "Your power is getting stronger and stronger, Ocleanm." He said: "If you think this is what you want, then do it. The elves are immortal Tethered to this heavy earth, growing tired and unable to be free, I don't want you to be like this."
"Free?"
Turka looked back, his eyes briefly confused, but he soon said: "Fate has not revealed my final outcome. Maybe I will be like the elves, after being tired physically and mentally, I will go to the Western Aman continent and gain Enjoy eternal peace.”
At the same time, he also began to deliberately restrain his power.
"I thought that when the time comes, the Valar will come to greet you in person." Childan felt his body and mind clear, and the feeling of being oppressed by some kind of power disappeared. He bowed slightly and said, "But that will be a long time later. , your destiny is far from here yet."
Turka was silent for a moment and nodded. "You're right." Ended the topic.
Finally, Serebes began.
As the last carriage caught up at the last moment, the door to the elves was closed.
People gathered together in the square and near the pier.
There are lights and colorful decorations everywhere, and there is laughter and laughter.
Then a grand fireworks show is lit, and the huge and gorgeous fire is clearly visible even in the daytime. First, there was a huge elk, which bloomed at the highest point, and then took elegant steps, quickly swooped down into the sky, and exploded into a huge firework.
Then there was another beautiful flower, which was held by a bird made of multiple flames. It flew over the sky of Misland from east to west, leaving a head full of sparks.
Finally, a huge sailboat appeared in the sky, riding the wind and waves until it disappeared into the sky of Shuen Bay.
The tourists and business people who participated in the Serebes tour were all amazed.
They praised loudly, shouted vigorously, and sold their goods. The most popular items here are beer and snacks.
Obviously, as the north becomes more peaceful and prosperous, what was originally a simple transaction of goods has now become a huge day of celebration.
On this day, people enjoy the rare holiday atmosphere while admiring the exquisite and breathtaking city scenery of the Firstborn.
"I have to say that Mithrandir is indeed a master at creating atmosphere." On the high platform, Turka witnessed all this with his own eyes. He said: "As a wandering pyrotechnics master, he is better than a wandering pyrotechnics master." Istar’s reputation continues to grow!”
Chierdan nodded with a smile and said nothing.
In fact, the fireworks show lasts for three days, from day to night, non-stop. Very New Year atmosphere.
Well, in a world like Middle-earth where magic and miracles coexist, in modern society, if you dare to do this, you won't be able to see it on a hazy day.
"My lord."
Gandalf jumped out of a corner wearing his pointed hat, long scarf, gray robe, and long boots, as if he had been waiting there.
"Speaking ill of people behind their backs is not a quality that a king should have." The wizard held his staff and walked up to the two of them with a sword at his waist. Bow to the two kings.
Cirdan and Turka laughed at the same time. "Mithrandil."
"Your elusive ability is still intact." Chierdan said with a smile: "The elf's ears still cannot detect your footsteps."
Turka said: "It's a simple trick, but it's very practical."
Obviously, the dragonborn's sharp eyes had discovered the wizard beforehand, but they just didn't expose him.
Gandalf was not discouraged. He straightened up and said, "Do you want to learn? I can teach you, my lord."
"I will do it if necessary." Turka said dullly.
The three of them laughed together.
"Mithlond is becoming more and more lively." Gandalf, who was covered in dust and looked like he had just emerged from a ravine he didn't know was there, smoked his pipe and puffed on the smoke while saying: "And this It has only been two years since everything changed. My lord, I have to say that with the expulsion of the Eastern Demon, your conservative and dull heart has finally become more open."
Cirdan was not angry after being teased, but stood quietly on almost the highest platform of Gray Port, looking at the lively scene in his city, and said calmly: "Mithrandil, you know , which is not what I want. But if everyone likes it, why not?"
Turka glanced at the wizard curiously and said, "Mislandir, where have you been in the past two years? Is there anything new on the mainland?"
Since two years ago, following everyone to Annuminas and lifting the magic in the Chamber of Elendil, Gandalf placed the Ithil Crystal in the highest room in the tower, leaving a word of caution. After using it, he left with the brown-robed Radagast.
Goodbye is already two years later.
"If people become more happy, this is a new thing." The wizard smiled first, and then said: "I went to Mordor again, carefully, up and down, inside and outside. After some investigation, Sauron was indeed not found. Then we went to Gundaba, which was also a lot dilapidated. When we were in the north, we eliminated many orcs there. Now the orcs there almost dare not When they come out to plunder again at night, the wolves have disappeared, and the Gray Mountains have become much safer.”
Hearing the wizard talking about important things, Cirdan and Turka's expressions became serious.
As a result, the noise below seemed to become smaller, and the noise seemed to come from the horizon, humming, hahaha, chirping, but not very clear.
"Then I asked the eagle Duoduo to patrol the Misty Mountains, and the news I got was equally good. Orcs were no longer found in the mountains. Woodcutter and hunters began to go into the mountains to hunt and cut firewood. This was a sign that the evil forces were declining. "
The people on the high platform seemed to see the long-lost smiles blooming on the faces of the people of Central Continent. The shadows had never disappeared from everyone's heads as clearly as at this moment.
"So," said Childan, "we do have a period of peace."
"Not long, but yes."
Turka nodded, a glimmer of light flashing in his golden vertical pupils.