Perhaps it was because he had just recovered from a serious illness, or perhaps the bed he slept on last night was incredibly comfortable; in any case, Bilbo had a rare, worry-free, and beautiful night's sleep.
Therefore, when Bilbo opened his eyes, the first ray of morning sunlight had just passed through the window, gently kissing his eyelids.
"Hmm… Ah…"
Bilbo sat up from the bed, stretched contentedly, and let out a comfortable sound.
Then the hobbit neatly put on his clothes, which the Elves had taken to wash while he was unconscious and had placed by his bedside.
Bilbo agilely jumped off the bed, which was nearly two-thirds his height, his furry big feet stepping on the soft carpet. His eyes full of curiosity, he pushed open the door and walked out.
The morning sunlight filtered through the exquisite long windows, dappling the stone walls of the Elven palace.
The air was filled with a faint scent of pine, making Bilbo feel comfortable in both body and mind.
Delicate vines twined around the stone pillars surrounding the statues, swaying gently in the faint light, narrating the passage of time.
In the dim light, the landscapes on the murals seemed to come alive; the lush forests, winding streams, and distant rolling mountains danced on the stone walls.
Oh.
Bilbo's eyes immediately widened, mesmerized by this morning scene.
Because it was nighttime yesterday, Bilbo hadn't noticed these things.
Since there were no Elves in the palace, Bilbo thought he might have woken up too early and they were all still asleep. So, Bilbo walked somewhat tiptoeing through the Elven palace, like a curious baby looking left and right.
As he walked, a mural caught Bilbo's attention.
This mural was different from the others depicting landscapes; its content seemed more like a record of real events.
The painting depicted a brave human warrior, armored, holding aloft a broken, pure white holy sword. Amidst the bodies of his fallen comrades, he faced a Dark Knight who was swinging a warhammer at him.
And even though the figure of the Dark Knight was only painted by an Elf in the picture, it made Bilbo feel grotesque, terrifying, and hair-raising.
He could even hear the desperate shouts of warriors on the battlefield, the clanging of swords, sharp and urgent, blood splattering, and screams echoing all around.
Bilbo's heart pounded in his chest, as if he himself were in that bloody storm.
Then his gaze was drawn to the Dark Knight's finger, as the sudden appearance of another color on a completely dark figure would naturally draw attention.
A ring? Was that a ring?
Bilbo only glanced at the golden-painted circle twice before losing interest and looking away.
He turned around and saw, beneath this mural of light and shadow, an exquisitely crafted, pure white statue of a human female standing quietly opposite the mural he had just seen.
Her face was beautiful and serene, so delicately carved that her long eyelashes seemed to tremble slightly, as if telling an ancient story.
Bilbo stood on tiptoe and saw that on the stone slab held by the human female statue, a broken sword lay on the light blue satin.
But even though the long sword was shattered, its fragments still gleamed with a cold light in the morning sun, its former glory and honor undiminished.
Then Bilbo felt he had seen enough of the things inside the palace, so he nodded contentedly and walked out with swinging arms, feeling relaxed.
He walked along stone paths dotted with mottled moss, passed through a pavilion where a waterfall cascaded, and finally came to a wide balcony. Amidst the lush surrounding trees, he closed his eyes and happily took a deep breath.
Elrond, who had finished his morning duties, noticed the hobbit, slowly walked over, and softly asked, "Not with your companions?"
Bilbo was startled by the sudden voice. He recognized Elrond.
However, he wasn't too nervous facing the Lord of Rivendell.
Firstly, because the other two lords he knew, Arthur and Thorin. The former usually acted like his friend, and the latter would also sing along when the dwarves sang happily.
This made Bilbo's concept of "Lordly Majesty" very vague.
Secondly, because Elrond himself was also a very gentle and wise lord, which made Bilbo feel very relaxed when facing him.
After thinking for a moment, Bilbo replied, "The dwarves probably aren't awake yet. Arthur and his friends, I don't know where they went. Gandalf, uh, I also don't know what he's up to."
Elrond nodded gently, then said no more, his gaze directed at the scenery of Rivendell outside the balcony.
Bilbo also looked outside, but he clearly still had something to say.
Moreover, he wasn't a person who was very good at holding back his words, or perhaps Bilbo genuinely needed someone to confide in. And Elrond happened to appear there, making Bilbo feel he was someone he could confide in.
Therefore, Bilbo couldn't help but whisper to Elrond, "Actually, besides Arthur and Gandalf, everyone else basically thinks I shouldn't have embarked on this journey."
Elrond looked gently at the hobbit and softly retorted, "Is that so?"
Bilbo nodded.
Elrond took a small step closer to Bilbo and continued gently, "But I hear hobbits are very adaptable."
Bilbo was startled and asked with some uncertainty, "Really?"
Elrond gave a faint "Mm" and looked seriously at Bilbo for a few moments: "I also heard they are very fond of the comforts of home."
Bilbo, hearing this, showed a self-satisfied smile, but quickly controlled his expression, looked around, and deliberately lowered his voice, saying, "I also heard it's not very wise to seek advice from Elves. Because their answers are both yes and no."
Now it was Elrond's turn to look at Bilbo with slight surprise. Bilbo's expression immediately changed, feeling that what he had just said had offended this Elven lord.
Oh, Bilbo, look at your mouth, what have you said.
He lowered his head, not daring to look directly at Elrond, complaining in his heart.
"Hahaha."
Who knew Elrond would actually laugh softly, making Bilbo look up in surprise.
The Lord of Rivendell raised his hand and gently placed it on Bilbo's shoulder, saying, "Bilbo Baggins, we would be very happy for you to stay here for the rest of your life, if that is your wish."
Then Elrond left as quietly as he had arrived, leaving Bilbo standing there stunned.
"Clang—Clang!"
Suddenly, the sound of swords clashing from not far outside the balcony reached Bilbo's ears, catching his attention.
Bilbo followed the sound and found Arthur, dressed in simple but sturdy knight's armor, practicing sword skills with a basic one-handed sword against someone.
Sir Bernal and Ms. Millison were also standing nearby with their arms crossed, watching Arthur and the other person spar.
Old Sir Igon, however, was not there; he had gone somewhere unknown.
However, the person Arthur was sparring with was obscured by green branches, making it impossible for Bilbo to see who it was.
Or rather, teaching? I don't think anyone can compare to Arthur in martial arts; even Sir Bernal, in my heart, is not as formidable as Arthur.
Yes, that's right.
Bilbo thought to himself, narrowing his eyes, changing his position, and standing on tiptoe, trying to see clearly who was sparring with Arthur.
But when Bilbo finally saw the figure opposite him, his expression turned to surprise.
Wait, the one sparring with Sir Arthur was... a child?
Bilbo's mouth slightly agape, he stared in shock at the child, clad in child-sized armor, yet wielding a longsword meant for adults, as he sparred with Arthur.
But after a brief moment of shock, he immediately became interested.
So Bilbo ran over with a "pat-a-pat-a" sound.
"One, two, one, two, one, two, three, very good, you're mastering the rhythm quickly. To wield a weapon meant for adults so skillfully at seven or eight years old, it seems you've put in a lot of effort practicing on your own. Who taught you?" Arthur put away his sword and stepped back a few paces.
He did not stint on his praise, commending the little boy he was sparring with.
Arthur habitually woke up for morning exercise, and martial artists like Bernal and Millison, who were strict with themselves, also came here to practice.
Feeling that his own morning exercise alone wasn't enough to satisfy him, Arthur proposed the idea of a three-way free-for-all to them.
Bernal and Millison naturally agreed, but halfway through their fight, this clearly human little boy suddenly ran out, his eyes full of longing, asking Arthur if he could teach him a move or two of swordsmanship.
Arthur originally wanted to refuse, thinking it was just a normal boy's temporary impulse upon seeing them spar.
But soon, all three of them noticed the thick calluses on the little boy's palms, something that only comes from holding a weapon for a long time.
So Arthur nodded and agreed.
As Arthur praised him, Millison also raised her hand and clapped softly, and Bernal also nodded gently.
The little boy took off his helmet, revealing a head of messy black hair and a tender face covered in sweat.
However, he was clearly very tired. After a few gasps, he reacted, sheathing his sword, and respectfully performed an Elven gesture of reverence towards Arthur, who was a few steps away, answering, "Thank you for your guidance, esteemed Sir Arthur! My swordsmanship was taught to me by Lord Elrond, and his two sons, who are also my two elder brothers, Elrohir and Elradan."
Bernal smiled: "A very polite little fellow, and your body possesses both talent and aptitude. What do you say, Arthur, do you want me to teach him instead?"
Arthur waved his hand: "You let him rest for a while, Bernal. He's not Fili or Kili; he's still a child. Your training method would be counterproductive, hindering his normal growth later on."
"But I also want Uncle Bernal to teach me a few moves, and Sister Millison too!" the little boy said in a panic after hearing this, fearing that Arthur and the others would leave.
Arthur gave the little boy a reassuring smile and said, "Don't worry, I just want you to rest for a while. I think Elrond must have told you the saying about haste makes waste, er…"
He was about to call out the little boy's name but realized that he hadn't asked for it since he first met him, and he was momentarily speechless.
The little boy immediately said sensibly: "Estel (Note 1), that is my name, Sir Arthur. Please forgive me for not telling you my name beforehand. I was simply too excited when I saw your three sword techniques. I heard your names from Lord Elrond."
Arthur nodded and said, "It's alright, Estel. How about we rest for a bit now, and then have breakfast together?"
Estel immediately nodded, his gray eyes filled with a child's excitement: "Okay, I like the Miruvor (Note 2) that the Elves drink the most; it's very sweet, but unfortunately, Lord Elrond only lets me have a tiny sip each time."
"That's because the growing bodies of human children cannot yet withstand the energy contained in Miruvor, Estel," Elrond's voice rang out along with his footsteps, making Estel's excited face immediately tense up.
"Good morning, Elrond. And Bilbo, how are you feeling?" Arthur raised his hand to greet them.
Now it was Elrond's turn to widen his eyes and look behind him in surprise; he had only just noticed that the hobbit had followed him without him knowing when.
Ah, that's more like it.
Arthur felt very pleased when he saw Elrond's shocked expression at Bilbo being behind him.
I can't always be startled by Bilbo's stealthy talent.
Bilbo immediately said, "I saw Arthur sparring with a human child and was curious, so I came to watch."
Then he replied to Arthur's words: "I feel great, Arthur."
Arthur nodded reassuringly: "That's good."
At this moment, Estel blinked nimbly, looking at the hobbit, who was not much taller than himself, and proactively greeted him: "Hello, Sir Bilbo Baggins."
"Hello, by the way, why is there a human child in Rivendell?" Curious Bilbo asked directly.
Estel's gray eyes dimmed, and Elrond sighed, saying, "His father fought bravely to the end in an orc attack; I adopted him."
Bilbo quickly apologized to Estel: "Oh, sorry, I apologize."
Estel showed a sensible smile: "It's alright, Sir Bilbo, I understand what you mean."
Elrond's eyes showed a loving expression as he stroked the boy's head, then looked at Arthur and said with a smile, "Actually, I had intended to introduce this child to you, Arthur. I just didn't expect that you and he would meet ahead of time. Is this fate making you meet earlier?"
Arthur looked at Elrond, puzzled, somewhat not understanding.
Elrond continued to smile and asked, "Arthur, are you willing to take Estel as your apprentice?"
Note 1: Estel is Aragorn, but at this time, Elrond had not yet told him his true name and lineage.
Note 2: Miruvor is a kind of cordial wine brewed by the Elves of Rivendell, a warm and fragrant liquid that can rid the drinker of weariness and restore hope and vitality.