Compromise [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

"Good heavens."

"Where is this?"

"Am I dreaming?"

"Or are we all dreaming?"

"I must have arrived in a fairy-tale world."

"."

Gazing at the scene before them.

Everyone was stunned.

What appeared before the members of the Company was a valley.

A colossal valley surrounded by a surging river.

In the distance, majestic waterfalls cascaded down from towering peaks, churning up vast mists that, under the autumn sun, formed rainbows stretching across the valley.

The four sides of the valley were steep cliffs.

A great river rushed downward.

Circling the dreamlike valley in the center, day and night without cease.

Rows of exquisite yet imposing spire-like structures stood in succession.

Buildings dominated by white and gold were constructed in terraced layers, interlocking and extending ever upward.

The most traditional and exquisite fantasy-style architecture.

Interspersed with an abundance of green trees, fountains, gardens, and plazas.

From afar, this was absolutely a dreamlike valley that could only exist in fairy tales.

And the castle in the center was the most beautiful hanging garden in the world.

Even though Morgan knew where he was and had prepared himself, he was still shocked by the sight before him.

In all his life from birth until now, this immense valley inspired more awe in him than any city or building he had ever seen.

In his past life, due to his profession, flying around the world was the norm.

Whether it was man-made architectural wonders that stunned the world, or meticulously crafted landscapes claimed to be natural formations.

In his view, none could compare to what was before him.

At this moment, he realized that a place comparable to a legendary paradise, a place like a fairy tale, truly existed.

Everyone gazed at the scenery in wonder.

Except for one person.

Thorin Oakenshield's expression darkened the moment he saw the scene.

As a former minister of the Kingdom Under the Mountain and now the King of the Dwarves of Turin.

Although Thorin Oakenshield had never actually been here.

He had heard of this place more than once from books and the accounts of others.

Recalling what Gandalf had said during their argument not long ago.

And Gandalf's previous insistence on leading the way.

Thorin Oakenshield realized it almost instantly.

Just as he was about to confront Gandalf.

He saw Gandalf speak first.

"Imladris Valley."

"But it usually goes by another name. Does anyone know what it is?"

Gandalf looked at the amazed crowd, introducing the place with a smile.

Withdrawing his gaze from the breathtaking scenery in the distance, Morgan smiled and said, "Rivendell!"

"Correct, this is Rivendell."

"If you were to ask where the safest and most comfortable place is on the eastern shores of Middle-earth, it would certainly be here."

Gandalf continued his introduction with a smile.

Thorin Oakenshield could no longer hold back, stepping forward to demand, "Is this the plan you've been plotting all along?"

"To seek refuge with our enemies?"

Gandalf seemed to have anticipated Thorin Oakenshield's reaction.

He merely shook his head calmly and said, "There are no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield."

"The only hostility you will find in this valley is the hostility you brought with you."

Gandalf spoke calmly.

Everyone understood the meaning of his words.

Sensing the tension between the two, the other members of the Company immediately fell silent of their own accord.

Seemingly realizing the tone of his voice, Thorin Oakenshield took a deep breath and tried his best to speak calmly: "Do you think the Elves will bless our adventure?"

"No, they will only try to stop us!"

Gandalf remained calm as he spoke: "Of course they will."

"But we have questions that need answering."

"Thorin, we still haven't figured out the secrets on the map."

"You know what that means."

As Gandalf's voice fell, Thorin Oakenshield immediately fell silent.

Yes, the secrets hidden on the map of the Lonely Mountain leading to its depths were the most troublesome problem for him.

Thorin Oakenshield had once maliciously speculated: could it be that Gandalf knew and was deliberately deceiving him?

However, when he touched the key that belonged to the hidden entrance of the Lonely Mountain, Thorin Oakenshield quickly dismissed that thought.

Noticing Thorin Oakenshield's silence, Gandalf struck while the iron was hot and continued:

"Thorin, we have no food, no horses, we have nothing. Bombur and Bofur are still injured, and there are Orcs outside."

"If we don't come here, where can we go?"

"If we want to succeed, we need to use some strategy."

"Respect, and also charm."

"You don't need to do anything else; leave the communication to me."

After listening to Gandalf's words, Thorin Oakenshield remained silent for a long while before finally exhaling two words in resignation: "Fine."

Thorin Oakenshield had ultimately compromised.

Although he was ten thousand times unwilling to compromise in his heart, Gandalf was right.

The Company had previously lost their temporary camp.

At this moment, they had no food, no horses, there were large numbers of Orcs outside, Bombur and Bofur were injured, and the group needed a good rest.

And most importantly, the secret of the map needed to be solved.

Thorin Oakenshield could not think of any other way besides accepting Gandalf's method.

Just as Gandalf had just said, sometimes one needs to use some strategy.

This adventure was of great importance and could not afford to fail, even if it meant asking for help from their enemies, the Elves.

As long as they could succeed, it would be worth it.

After Thorin Oakenshield solidified his resolve, he looked again at the beautiful valley in the distance that countless people had marveled at.

It felt much more pleasing to the eye.

The Company continued on their way.

Gandalf still led the group.

Morgan followed right behind Gandalf.

Bilbo followed behind Morgan.

For Bilbo, among the entire Company, besides having a relatively good relationship with Gandalf, there was also Morgan the human.

Although the group of Dwarves treated him normally enough, Bilbo was clearly aware of the teasing and mockery that occasionally slipped into their words.

Bilbo also knew that the only reason the Dwarves agreed to let him join the group was entirely because of Gandalf.

The protection he received along the way was also because of Gandalf.

Bilbo was perfectly clear about everything in his heart.

Although being looked down upon by the Dwarves made him angry, Bilbo wanted to prove himself even more.

Just as Gandalf had said back at his Bag End in Hobbiton.

He wanted to prove he was no less capable than his grandfather, great-grandfather, or great-great-great-grandfather, and he also wanted to show Gandalf, who had believed in him and seen his potential, that his judgment had been correct.

Thus, Bilbo, an adventure novice who would have been frightened by a wild boar at the very beginning, had changed.

By the time the Company was overtaken by Orcs in the forest, he had already found the courage to take up his short sword and fight them.

This was a significant improvement.

It was just that the situation had been so dire at the time that no one had noticed.

As for the Company.

Aside from Gandalf, the person Bilbo most wanted to befriend was, of course, Morgan.

This was partly due to Gandalf's instructions.

But it was also due to Morgan's personality.

Because in Morgan's words and eyes, he had never seen a hint of contempt, mockery, or sarcasm.

Therefore, Bilbo was willing to get close to Morgan.

"Morgan, judging by what you just said, have you been here before?"

Bilbo quickened his pace to walk alongside Morgan and asked casually.