A clear sky, a boundless sea, and a white sailing ship drifting over the blue waves.
The creations of the Elves were truly wondrous. After more than half a month at sea, the ship was still as spotless as when it had left port.
"Allen, have some soup. I never imagined fish from the sea could taste so fresh."
Bilbo handed a bowl of rich, milky-white seafood soup to Allen, who was polishing Ringil. Its fragrance filled the air.
Seven days had passed since Allen left that dark land, and the Noldor castle standing on Himring had long since fallen far behind them.
Once they grew tired of the sea views, the days of sailing became dull and tedious.
Everyone had to take on some share of the work to keep the ship running, while also finding a way to fill their idle hours.
Even Allen, king though he was, had to go back on his word and dive into the sea in search of quality ingredients to improve their meals aboard.
After all, who would not crave something fresh after eating marching rations for half a month?
And as a Hobbit, Bilbo naturally took it upon himself to become their cook.
"Allen, what exactly happened to you during that week beneath the sea? You've been so much quieter. Don't you want to talk about it?"
Mr. Baggins had always been deeply curious about Allen's ordeal, and equally concerned about his friend's condition.
In fact, the ship had sailed away for only three days before circling back from another direction.
To avoid attracting the sea serpent's attention as much as possible, Hollimion, Bilbo, and some of the Twilight Knights had made camp on one of Thangorodrim's peaks to await Allen's return. For safety's sake, the ship had then left the