Hufflepuff's Gold Cup
[Successful sign-in! Congratulations on obtaining the Hufflepuff Gold Cup Alchemy process!]
A wave of new knowledge flooded into Luke's mind, bringing with it a surge of excitement. He now possessed the alchemy process for both the Ravenclaw Diadem and the Hufflepuff Cup, two revered relics of Hogwarts' founders. The Gryffindor Sword was indestructible, capable of absorbing magical substances and growing infinitely. The Ravenclaw Diadem bestowed wisdom upon its wearer. And now, the golden cup of Helga Hufflepuff revealed its secrets.
According to the lore of its making, the Hufflepuff Gold Cup held potent purification and healing abilities. More importantly, it could absorb and store magical energy, even nourishing its user's magic. It also possessed a magical effect related to food: while it couldn't conjure delicious meals from thin air, a small portion of food and fine wine placed within it would continuously multiply, allowing many to eat and drink their fill. These conjured delicacies and wines even contained magical properties, nourishing the user's body. Though the effect might be subtle at first, consistent use would yield immense benefits over time. This magical nourishment was rumored to be why Madam Hufflepuff lived the longest of the four Hogwarts founders.
Luke was highly satisfied with this sign-in reward. He now had the means to create both the Ravenclaw Diadem and the Hufflepuff Cup, two powerful magical artifacts, and he was eager to begin. However, he knew he couldn't rush and decided to set them aside for the moment.
Having completed the sign-in at Forlond Port, Luke would typically have departed. However, at Governor Myrgon's invitation, Luke decided to extend his stay for a few days. He was particularly interested in the forging technology of the Noldor. The Noldor were renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and their relentless pursuit of perfection in jewelry and weaponry, having created legendary treasures such as the Silmarils, the Three Rings of the Elves, and the Crystal of True Knowledge.
With many Noldor craftsmen gathered here in Lindon, it was an ideal opportunity for Luke to learn. He already possessed some Elven crafting knowledge, but who could resist the chance to expand it? By combining the crafts of the Noldor with his existing skills, he hoped to further enhance his smithing abilities.
The Noldor craftsmen, in turn, were impressed by Luke's own extraordinary forging skills, especially when they witnessed his flaming sword and its seemingly infinite growth properties. They engaged in friendly discussions, exchanging insights and techniques.
A month quickly passed. Though Luke felt he had gained much, time was pressing, and he needed to continue his journey. After bidding farewell to Myrgon and the Noldor craftsmen, Luke mounted Sulond and flew to Harlond Haven, located on the south bank, directly opposite Forlond.
If Forlond Harbor was the gathering place of the Noldor elves, then Harlond Harbor was the settlement of the Sindar. Unlike the Noldor—who were more "warlike," skilled in forging and metallurgy, and known for their proud and persistent characters—the Sindar elves were closer to nature. They excelled in music, poetry, and woodland survival, their cultural style being more elegant and subtle.
As Luke put it, the Noldor elves were like science students, while the Sindar elves were more akin to liberal arts students. Furthermore, the Sindar elves were those who had never reached Valinor and had never witnessed the Two Trees, leading them to be sometimes called Dark Elves. This designation didn't imply evil; it simply meant they had not seen the Light of the West.
Harlond Port and Forlond Port were situated across Lune Bay from north to south, a short distance apart. Luke quickly rode Sulond to the southern harbor and then used Apparition to teleport directly from high altitude to the ground.
Harlond Port differed greatly from the dazzling, white architecture of Forlond. Its overall style was more natural, with abundant vegetation and blooming flowers covering the port, making it resemble a coastal garden city. Luke's appearance drew the attention of the port's elves.
However, unlike the naturally aloof and sharp Noldor, the Sindar elves were more reserved and gentle. Seeing that Luke was not a hostile visitor, they simply observed him curiously, not approaching him directly.
As Luke entered the city, a silver-haired male elf approached him politely. "You are Wizard Luke, right? Welcome to Harlond Harbor. I am the Governor of this place, Calenor. I heard a few days ago that a wizard had come to Grey Havens, but I didn't expect to see you so soon."
Seeing the visitor's friendly demeanor, Luke smiled and nodded. "Hello, Governor Calenor. I'm Luke. I was curious about the scenery of Harlond Harbor, so I came here specifically to take a look. I hope I haven't disturbed the peace here."
Calenor smiled faintly and shook his head. "You are too polite, Wizard Luke. You are Lord Círdan's guest of honor, and naturally also a distinguished guest of our Harlond Harbor. If you don't mind, allow me to introduce you to the scenery here, Wizard Luke."
Luke looked flattered. "If it's no trouble at all, it would be my honor!"
Then, guided by the Governor of Harlond Harbor, Luke began to tour this port city where the Sindar resided. Unlike the more autonomous Noldor elves in Forlond on the north shore, the Sindar elves in Harlond were more willing to accept Círdan's rule and had more frequent exchanges with Mithlond. This explained why Governor Calenor treated Luke, a wizard valued by Círdan, with such courtesy.
Harlond Port exuded an elven artistic ambiance. Melodious instruments could be heard everywhere, and beautiful ballads, telling tales of ancient history, love, and nature, drifted from the depths of the forest. Various handicrafts made of wood and silver were also on display. As Luke followed Calenor, appreciating the diverse sights of Harlond Port, he finally received the anticipated system prompt.
[Hogwarts Sign-in System: Locating Harlond Harbor. Do you want to sign in?]
"Sign in," Luke murmured silently, his face expressionless.
[Successful sign-in! Congratulations on obtaining the magical portrait making process!]
The Magic Portrait and a Brief Art Lesson
A magic portrait? Luke was surprised. He hadn't expected to receive this from his sign-in this time. In the wizarding world, magic portraits were works of art imbued with special enchantments. The figures within them weren't static images but beings with independent consciousness and personality, capable of movement and communication. Hogwarts Castle itself was filled with such portraits, like the Fat Lady guarding the Gryffindor common room or the previous headmasters' portraits in the Headmaster's office, who might pretend to sleep while secretly observing.
These portraits could even visit each other, moving from one frame to another. They were a key feature of Hogwarts, sometimes serving as surveillance or message delivery systems. They were, in essence, independent personalities, with their own consciousness and social circles, merely confined to painted canvases. While Luke wasn't disappointed by this new acquisition, a single problem emerged: he couldn't draw!
Creating a magical portrait required at least some painting skill combined with magic. Without artistic ability, who knew what bizarre, terrifying images might result?
"Governor Calenor," Luke inquired, "are there any skilled painters here?" He reasoned that since the Sindar elves excelled in the linguistic and poetic arts, they should also have some knowledge of painting.
Calenor nodded. "Painting is one of our clan's important skills; most elves possess some knowledge of it. Does Wizard Luke wish to commission a painting?"
"Not exactly," Luke smiled and shook his head. "It's mainly that I'm interested in painting myself and would like to find an artist to learn the techniques."
Calenor understood immediately and readily agreed to help Luke find a painting teacher. So, Luke temporarily stayed in Harlond Harbor. Under Calenor's introduction, he began to learn painting from an elf with superb artistic skills. Given elves' long lifespans, they accumulated immense skill; almost any elf could teach Luke, a novice painter. There was no need to waste the talent of an extraordinary painter on such basic instruction.
Nevertheless, the instruction yielded significant results. Under the elf painter's guidance, Luke made remarkable progress, quickly grasping the fundamentals of painting. In just over a month, Luke became quite proficient. Although the elf painter remarked that his work was too mechanical and lacked aesthetic value, Luke himself was quite satisfied. After all, it was a rapidly acquired skill, and being able to draw realistically was good enough. As for the lack of "spirit" or dullness, once magic brought the portraits to life, they would surely be even more "vivid" than any master's painting! With the elf painter's pitying gaze, Luke officially concluded his painting lessons.
To thank the elf painter for his patient instruction, Luke presented him with a small alchemical product he had crafted in his spare time: a brush that could paint in a variety of colors. With an infusion of magic, it could even briefly bring objects in his paintings to life. The elf painter was delighted with the gift and promised Luke he could consult him anytime with painting questions. For Governor Calenor, who had facilitated the introduction, Luke gave a piece of mithril as a token of his gratitude.
Then, Luke formally said his goodbyes, mounted the giant eagle Sulond, and flew directly back east. It had been nearly a year since he had left home. He planned to return to Weathertop first, and then journey south to the Death Road in the White Mountains to search for the Sulfur.
They flew over the Blue Mountains, passed the Shire, the Old Forest, and the Barrow Hills. Finally, after crossing the town of Bree, the familiar outline of Weathertop Castle and its towering spire came into view. Weathertop's splendor remained undimmed.
The two giant trees, one gold and one silver, shimmered brilliantly under the sun, casting golden and silver hues upon the castle. A flock of pristine white snowy owls circled the sky, like soft white clouds adorning the fortress. As soon as they spotted the arrival of the giant eagle and Luke, they all immediately flew towards them. The great snowy owls chirped happily and surrounded Sulond, as if welcoming the return of their king.