บท 41: Chapter 41: Leave Rivendell

[Aldril POV]

"What the hell?" I muttered, distressed. I didn't understand why my world exploration increased so much. Could it be because I met so many people in these few days? But for it to increase this much must mean they are very important in Middle-earth. From my uncle, great-grandmother, cousin, and Aragorn, I wouldn't doubt it, but does Glorfindel count too? Most likely, yes. "Damn it, I should have read the books."

I scolded myself for my laziness in not reading the books, but it no longer mattered. Now I had to focus on the rewards. The spatial ring will be very useful and fits well in the Lord of the Rings universe. I once heard a friend say that Sauron created many rings as experiments before making the One Ring. 'If anyone asks where I got it, I can say it was in the Troll cave.'

As for the information I got about the Hawk's Sight ability, it allows me to anticipate others' movements, enabling me to dodge attacks or make precise strikes. It also allows me to see from very long distances and detect traps, clues, or hidden enemies more easily.

"It's an excellent ability; it will help me a lot in the fight against Smaug." Besides, Glorfindel's advice will help a lot. Possibly in his arrogance, Smaug will consider me a worm not worth his time, and this will help me land a lethal blow from the start. "I could also use the signs that witches use. In the acquired memories, there is a sign that allows one to survive a dragon's fire."

'Aegis of Igni' is an advanced ability derived from the Igni sign, which allows the witcher not only to manipulate fire but also to protect themselves from it. Through this ability, the witcher can create a temporary magical shield that envelops and protects them from flames, even the most intense ones, like those of a dragon. "This sign came particularly from an ancient witcher who invented it to face the dragon that killed the woman he loved." Without a doubt, this witcher was a genius. It's a pity he died along with the dragon.

As for the ability of Malenia Blade of Miquella, it would help me a lot. Malenia was one of the best sword wielders in the Elden Ring verse, but the problem is she only uses one sword, and I currently need to learn to use two. 'This problem has been bothering me these days, so the solution to this problem would be Rellana.'

I say this because Rellana wields two swords and is one of my favorite bosses from the DLC. I was fortunate enough to have finished it before reincarnating in this world.

"But losing the opportunity to gain the knowledge of Malenia's swordsmanship would be very painful. What do I do? Can't I get both? Oh great Varda, what should I choose?" I murmured while biting my thumbnail. Rellana and Malenia were my favorite bosses in the Souls games, along with Lady Maria, so my indecision is natural.

In my moment of indecision, a voice so melodious it could touch the darkest heart, yet so full of power it could bring even the Dark Lord to his knees, whispered to the stars, but clearly I could hear it. "Just this once."

That's when, without realizing it, my hair shimmered like the starry night, and the system notification went off. I froze for a few seconds; the voice was so majestic that it petrified my body, but at the same time I felt an immense calm. This calmness brought me out of my stupor and, taking a deep breath, I noticed that I was on one knee 'His voice alone has this power, how terrifying' I thought to myself.

I instinctively knew who had whispered in my mind. This confirmed that the great Valar were aware of my existence. From what Elrond mentioned, my mother was blessed by the great Varda, and from what I've read, she is the creator of the stars... Wait a moment, my hair shines like a starry sky on certain occasions, the instinctive bond formed by Shadow Star, and my grandmother being allowed to leave Valinor to care for me... does this mean the great Varda has always been watching me?

"Hugh, more unanswered questions," I murmured, holding my forehead. "Right, the system notification, I almost missed it."

[Detected favor from a higher entity: Knowledge of Malenia Blade of Miquella and Rellana Twin Moon Knight will be integrated once you sleep.]

"Thank you, great Varda." Without a doubt, this knowledge of swordsmanship will make me extremely lethal. However, I must not become overconfident. I need to practice, and perhaps in a few months, I can use at least 50% of their effectiveness, which is already a lot.

Another notification caught my attention. [Three different sword styles detected. Integration will begin. The new name will be...]

-Meanwhile, in Gandalf's meeting-

The meeting continued despite the approaching night, which began to be bathed in moonlight. In the meeting place, Gandalf, Elrond, Saruman, and Galadriel continued discussing what Gandalf had discovered in the ruins of Dol Guldur.

"Impossible! Sauron should not have a body yet; he should still be a spirit hiding in Mordor!" Saruman exclaimed, agitated by Gandalf's revelation, to the point of rising from his seat and slamming his hand on the table.

"I thought the same, but Radagast informed me that very dark magic was taking place in Dol Guldur, and that's why…" Gandalf was abruptly interrupted by Saruman.

"Don't mention the brown-robed wizard Radagast. He's a fool. He ate too many poisonous mushrooms and lost his mind. He most likely can't tell the difference between dark magic and regular magic."

Sighing, Gandalf shook his head. "That's why I went to investigate, and in that place, I encountered Sauron and the spirits of the Nazgûl, and here's the proof." Pulling out a cloth from his robe, he placed it on the table and carefully unfolded it.

Seeing what Gandalf had revealed, Elrond immediately stood up. "Impossible, these are…"

His words were completed by Galadriel, who gracefully and elegantly approached what Gandalf had shown. "Remnants of the Nazgûl. It seems you managed to wound one of them, Mithrandir." Taking the item in her delicate hands, Galadriel felt the lingering traces of dark magic in the helmet.

What Gandalf had shown was the helmet of one of the Nazgûl. If Aldril were here, he would notice another change in the plot.

"If Sauron still lies in Dol Guldur, we must go and defeat him. Right now, he must be in an extremely weakened state," said Galadriel, her beautiful face showing a serious expression. At Galadriel's comment, everyone nodded resolutely. Only Saruman nodded reluctantly, which was clearly observed by Gandalf, increasing his suspicions.

-At the same time-

Aldril had finished organizing everything necessary, packing the soap and some towels the Elves had left for his use. It was a pity he didn't have time for a bath. In his storage ring, he stored the drinks from his room, as well as all the fruits the Elves had left for him.

Putting on his mother's cloak, Aldril checked himself and, seeing nothing was missing, left his room, only to find a nervous Bilbo, who sighed with relief upon seeing him.

"Aldril, did Kili not tell you why we're leaving so suddenly? And where is Gandalf? Isn't he coming with us?" Bilbo was nervous, not understanding why they were suddenly told to prepare to leave.

Patting him on the shoulder, Aldril replied, "Relax, Bilbo. Gandalf will catch up with us later. Now let's go to the garden; everyone is probably still there." With that said, they both hurried to the garden.

-With the dwarves-

"Hurry up, grab the meat," said Bombur, who had packed only food in his backpack.

"Why are we leaving so suddenly? I haven't been able to sleep well," asked Bofur, as he got up lazily.

"Hey, where are Aldril and Bilbo?" asked Fili while looking around, only to see a large figure walking alongside a smaller one. "Never mind, they're coming."

"Bilbo and Aldril are here, but where is Gandalf?" asked Glóin.

"I don't know, why don't you ask Thorin?"

***

The team didn't take long to prepare; within minutes, they set off towards the exit. They made a brief stop to gather the horses. There was a small amusing scene as the horses had offered their food as a gift to Shadow Star. Curiously, Bilbo's pony was beside him, implying it was the only one allowed to eat alongside him. Seeing this, Aldril slapped his forehead and sighed, "Alright, my friend, it's time to go."

Upon hearing his companion say they were leaving, Shadow Star neighed joyfully; he had grown tired of being in this place, and there was no mare around to pass the time with.

Arriving at the entrance, a group of Elven guards stopped them. Thorin, eager to hurry, drew his sword. "Out of the way!" Seeing the king unsheathe his sword, everyone else followed suit and brandished their weapons.

The guards viewed this calmly. Despite being only six elves, they were confident in dealing with these filthy dwarves. As Thorin glared angrily, a voice stopped him, "Wait, Thorin, let me talk to them." Hearing Aldril, Thorin gave him the benefit of the doubt, signaling him to hurry.

Approaching the elves, Aldril noticed their demeanor shift from casual to respectful. With a smile, Aldril said, "Mae govenin, iôn Elrond eneth aníron le thannas who enni. Lû toltho, aníron an len athrad." ("Good evening, my uncle Elrond must have informed you who I am. We are in a hurry, so I would kindly ask you to let us pass.")

"Mae, bedith vaer, neth Aldril." The elf respectfully replied, giving the order for the others to let the dwarves through.

Thanking him with a nod, Aldril turned to the group, who looked surprised, while Thorin frowned disapprovingly. "Let's go, don't waste time."

Snapping out of their stupor, all the dwarves nodded and hurriedly left Rivendell. Before leaving, Aldril glanced back at the elf and, with an apologetic smile, said, "Hannon le, pedo iôn nîn Elrond bain nîr ú-mabad nauthannen, ar ú-dhartha vi nedh i naugrim athan badathon ad." ("Thank you, tell my uncle Elrond that I apologize for not saying goodbye properly, and that when my journey with the dwarves is over, I will come back.")

With a nod, the elf went back into Rivendell to deliver the message to Elrond. At that moment, Aldril felt a gaze from the peak of Rivendell. Looking up, he distinguished the silhouette of an elf, whose beauty was evident even from a distance. Already guessing who it was, Aldril smiled, elegantly bowed, then turned around and followed the dwarves.

-On the peak of Rivendell-

With a smile, Galadriel watched Aldril depart. It was indeed surprising that he could feel her gaze from this distance, showing that his latent power was gradually awakening. "May the stars guide you, young son of Tindómiel. I hope our meeting will be soon," she murmured, then turned around with a charming smile. "They have already left."

****

"Mae govannen, my dear Elven readers. There are many orcs entering this fic, some are masochists, others are slow-witted, and others are intellectuals. We need to give them a warm welcome, haha.

Remember that there are advanced chapters on Patreon. Hugs, and lastly, let me tell you: I've been researching Game of Thrones, and oh my god, I love Visenya! To me, she was the true conqueror, haha."

"P@treon.com/Mrnevercry"