Morning.
Early in the morning, Bilbo wandered aimlessly along the railings and terraces, strolling about and admiring the scenery.
"A place where Elves live..."
Just as Gandalf had said, when he was young, Bilbo had run far from home alone in search of the legendary Elves, all the way into the forest. When he returned at midnight, his feet had been covered in leaves and gravel.
His heart for adventure had first sprouted back then. Now that he had truly met Elves, it could be said that he had fulfilled a childhood wish.
As he walked and marveled at everything around him, a broken sword suddenly caught his eye. The Hobbit curiously rose onto his tiptoes to look up at it.
Opposite the sword was an exquisite mural depicting a figure clad in fearsome black armor, wearing a terrifying helmet, and wielding a black spiked mace.
Most eye-catching of all was the ring on the figure's hand. That glint of gold stood out sharply against the mural.
"Hmm, he feels a little like Li Wei, though he looks fiercer than Li Wei."
Bilbo gave his assessment.
Still, Li Wei's armor looked better.
Leaving the mural behind, Bilbo quickly put it out of his mind and continued standing on a balcony somewhere, taking in the beautiful view.
Tap.
Light footsteps came from behind him, accompanied by Elrond's calm, reassuring voice:
"Not with your companions?"
"Uh, no. They wouldn't miss me anyway."
"Actually, they all thought I shouldn't have come on this journey."
"Is that so?" Elrond looked at the Hobbit and said, "I have heard that Hobbits are highly adaptable."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I have also heard that they are especially fond of the comforts of home."
Bilbo looked at the lord, thought for a moment, and said, "I've heard that seeking