Astartes of the Bear School

Chapter 1055 1037. Appreciation
Amidst the concerns about Gandalf's unreliability, Lindir, the steward of Rivendell, a dark-haired male elf in casual clothes, led a group of people to the dining venue.

As the master, Elrond had to take off his armor according to etiquette, wash himself and then change into formal clothes before he could sit down.

On the way there, Lan saw the general appearance of this beautiful city.

In fact, according to his impression, this place is a bit like Lothric or Yharnam.

The city is built in the mountains, and because of the uneven foundation, the buildings are also stacked and staggered in the three-dimensional direction.

And the elves don't seem to like installing guardrails on those narrow bridges across the abyss. They just have a straight walkway extending to the other side.

If a timid and clumsy human were to stand on it, his legs would probably become so weak that he would be unable to walk.

But the atmosphere of Rivendell is very different from that of Lothric and Yharnam.

The only similarity is the layout of the buildings.

It is warm and leisurely here. The sunshine in all seasons is intoxicatingly warm, and even the breeze blowing through the mountains and forests carries a fresh scent.

As for the prosperous times of Lothric and Yharnam, perhaps those two cities would also be eye-catching.

But unfortunately, by the time Lan En saw them, they were already in a state of decay and ruin.

All that's left is devastation, and monsters and lunatics roaming around.

While the dwarves were rushing forward because of hunger and desire for the banquet, Lan had a chance to have a private chat with Gandalf, who was also slowing down his pace.

"In my opinion, you are the one who led those wolf riders here."

In between whispers, Lann calmly said words that made Gandalf's eyes widen.

"When you heard the wolf howling, you fiercely questioned Thorin whether he had revealed his whereabouts. But at that time I felt that you were a bit like someone who had done something bad but pushed the blame on others, so you were anxious to take the lead and have the right to speak."

"And while Radagast and I were leading the wargs away, you were leading the mindless dwarves to follow us. It doesn't seem right, Gandalf."

The old wizard licked his lips awkwardly, his eyes darting around.

He opened his mouth, looking like he wanted to say something.

But Lan En had already confirmed his thoughts from his performance, so he ignored him altogether.

"Don't try to deceive me with your foolish words, Gandalf. Frankly, I don't understand what good it would do you to call in the orcs' warg riders. Would you be so kind as to explain this to me?"

Gandalf hesitated for a moment, then moved closer to the witcher and lowered his voice even lower, while carefully watching the dwarves fighting in front of him.

"This is not good for me, but it is good for the dwarves and this team."

"How to say?"

Lan En seemed to be listening attentively.

"You've seen their appearance. I guarantee you that everyone in this team has lost at least five kilograms since the beginning of the journey."

Gandalf spread his hands, and his gray beard, which had grown to his belly, was lifted up.

"Long journeys are too difficult. After all, they are just mortals and need a good rest, just like horses need to eat fine food to grow fat quickly. Rivendell can provide the 'fine food' they need."

"And there is a question concerning our ultimate goal in our journey that must also be answered in the wise mind of Elrond."

"Why don't you just tell them straight? Do you have to let the wolf riders bite their asses and force them into Rivendell when they have no other choice?"

Lan En frowned slightly.

Gandalf looked helpless and the old man spread his hands.

"You don't understand dwarves. The gap between the dwarves of Durin's bloodline in the Lonely Mountain Kingdom and the elves, as well as the dwarves' stubbornness and vengeance. Really, if Thorin hadn't been sober at the time and I hadn't taken him away, I think he would rather die in the mouth of a warg than come to the city of the elves."

"Are you really that stubborn?"

Lan En said in amazement. He had dealt with dwarves many times in the Magical Middle Ages, but he had never seen a dwarf who was unwilling to bow his head even when a knife was put to his neck. He had never seen a dwarf who would not even bow his head but would not do anything when a soft word was spoken.

The old wizard curled his lips and continued to refresh the witcher's cognition.

"They are ten times more stubborn than you think!"

"And now? I see they are quite looking forward to having a meal in the elves' territory."

"That's because it's done, Lan, my friend."

The old wizard held the brim of his pointed hat and winked at the witcher.

"Don't underestimate the old man's ability to handle affairs. The dwarves are still stubborn and immature. I have dealt with dwarves of their grandfather's generation before."

"I've learned a lot." Lan En stepped aside and extended his hand in a respectful gesture, "Please go first, respected grey-robed wizard."

"Oh, thank you. I'll be grateful if you can help me."

Gandalf's beard trembled with a smile, and he walked forward with his wand in hand.

This is a small terrace. The elves' artistic architecture makes it more like an art exhibition than a restaurant.

Looking out, you can see the mountain walls and waterfalls on the Rivendell side, as well as the mountain forests with red autumn leaves.

Several elves were playing harps and flutes. The elves' casual and formal clothes were so exquisite that it was almost impossible to tell the difference.

The dwarves, hobbits, and flannel balls were seated at two small tables, while the tall Gandalf, Lan, and Thorin, who was basically a short human, sat at a high table.

Elrond, who had changed into a casual outfit of fallen yellow leaves, also entered the dining area at this time.

When he is in armor, no one can doubt that he is a powerful and experienced warrior, but when he is dressed in formal attire and wears an exquisite elven circlet, no one can doubt that he is a wise man with profound knowledge.

The extraordinary qualities of the elves and the accumulation of immortality are fully reflected in him, making him a model.

He took the seat of honor at the high table as Lann, Gandalf, and Thorin stood up to welcome him, with Lindir, the steward of Rivendell, standing behind him.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Elrond."

Gandalf negotiated very skillfully.

"You're welcome, Gandalf. We are old friends."

Elrond chuckled and waved his hand.

"Please enjoy your meal. I hope the elves' food can satisfy your tired bodies."

The same kind of food was placed on the high table and the two low tables, with no difference in status.

The elves' silver and porcelain plates looked more like works of art than tableware. Lan En took a quick look and found that the plates and bowls were covered with exquisite reliefs and engravings!
But the food served on these tableware seems a bit bland.

Most of the dishes were cold salads with green leafy vegetables, cakes, bread, etc. There were only a few slices of sausage, which were sprinkled on the salads, and they seemed to be more decorative.

Lan took a bite of the cake and it tasted surprisingly good, just like his taste.

And it is rich in nutrition and energy.

It was like dinner at Tom Bombadil's, except with a different amount of pure life force.

But this feeling is just Lan En's taste.

He had not gone through a long journey of hunger, exhaustion, and a fight with ogres.

Although these meals are full of energy, they lack the satisfaction of greasiness and meat, which makes the dwarves, who have long since lost their bird life, unable to satisfy their mouths and tongues.

As they ate they grumbled and complained that the elves were feeding the sheep.

The elves' music is as tranquil and elegant as their food, and the female elves who play the flute and harp are all beautiful.

Their skin seemed to glow in the warm sunlight of Rivendell.

While they were fiddling with their instruments, they would often walk past Lan En with curiosity, looking at his hair and face.

This observation did not make Lan En feel as cramped as he did in Aretuza College.

Because the eyes of these elves did not contain the fierce desire of the sorceress apprentices, their curious gazes were clear and natural.

It seemed that he simply wanted to see the appearance of the elf-like person called 'Adanisir'.

Under this clear gaze, Lan En smiled and nodded at them.

They also responded to his greetings in a friendly and graceful manner while continuing to play the beautiful music.

"This is Ocrest, also known as the [Beast Bite Sword]."

On Elrond's side, he was acting as an appraiser for the dwarves and Gandalf at the High Table, using the knowledge and experience he had accumulated over his long life.

Elrond gently held a scabbard sword in both hands, slightly pulled open the blade, looked at the inscription on it, and spoke carefully.

This is Thorin's sword, and it and the half-sword on Gandalf's waist are said to have been found in the troll's lair.

Out of trust in his guests, or perhaps confidence in himself, Elrond allowed Gandalf and Thorin to enter the banquet with weapons.

This long sword is adapted to the arm span and height of a normal human. Thorin can use it freely because he is tall among dwarves.

And when Elrond gently pulled out the knife a little, there was a pleasant hum of metal trembling, and a chill that made people's hair stand on end spread faintly.

There is no doubt that this is a rare and good knife.

Even Lan En, who was nodding to the female elves just now, turned his head away because of this feeling.

He was sensitive and fascinated by the art of swords, and it was difficult for a perfect sword to escape his attention.

On the other hand, he felt that this knife was actually a weapon of the same level as the Sword of the Lady of the Lake on his waist!

"Can you let me see it?"

Lan put down the glass in his hand and looked at Thorin and Elrond with a questioning look.

After the dwarf nodded, the elf smiled and passed the sword in his hand over to Gandalf and handed it to Lan.

The demon hunter pulled out Ocrest completely, and rubbed the delicate and graceful blade with his gloved fingers, like the most tender caress.

Surprise flashed in Lan En's eyes. There was no doubt that this knife was truly a weapon that could rival his divine weapon.

(End of this chapter)