Chapter 790: Reunion
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Sheyan's objective wasn't to infuriate or besmirch the elf, but only wanted to rescue the old porter from the death penalty. Thus, Sheyan immediately added on.
"Yes, O respected elves, I acknowledge that picking fruits without permission is an absolutely lawless conduct, an exceptionally bad behavior. Therefore, we are willing to compensate 50 silver coins as an apology and to buy his freedom from punishment. I trust the benevolent elves of Rivendell will not oppose this."
The blue-robed elf leader glared at Sheyan menacingly. Still, he could sense the majority of his comrades leaning to the side of accepting the 50 silver coins compensation. Besides, they wished to remain 'benevolent elves of Rivendell'.
Of course this elf leader was reluctant, but he couldn't possibly insist to hang the darn old human in his indignant!
After all, Rivendell was a civilized kingdom. If he did that, his spirit will be akin to being corrupted like the Uruk-hais. Moreover, the elves may not heed his command willingly in the future. Nevertheless, he was extremely reluctant to set free the human just because of a puny human questioning his character; that will truly be a pathetic elvish figurehead.
Yet at this moment, a voice drifted in.
"Rivendell accepts your apology."
Sheyan turned around and his heart instantly skipped a beat. The one that just spoke wasn't anyone but that middle-aged elf wizard, the one leading the exterior patrol squad who could detect the 'Stairway of the Sun' in his body!
The elf wizard smiled gently at Sheyan. His smile was like a gentle breeze yet it caused Sheyan's hair to stand on end. However, without saying anything else, the elf wizard led the two elf patrol squads and left.
Thus, the matter was unexpectedly and peacefully resolved.
Still beaming with astonishment, the young Segimli couldn't help but ask.
"My human friend. If possible, can I take a look at your tongue? I suspect it is infused with enchanting sorcery."
Reef interrupted with sneaky intent.
"I suspect that old elf has an unwedded daughter."
"Get lost." Sheyan brushed Reef aside. He picked up and hoisted his heavy load upon his shoulder again, before trudging forward. Caravan lord Wilhelm and the horrified old porter quickly expressed their gratitude to Sheyan and resumed their advance.
Very quickly, the caravan group transported the goods to their destination.
This was a seemingly remote public square which served as a special district for the elves. Hundreds of human caravan groups were resting here, awaiting the elven recipients of these goods to claim them.
Learning from the unfortunate old porter, the other humans of the caravan group became additionally cautious; not daring to even sit on benches and opting to sit on the ground instead. While resting, some humans popped open drink pouches crafted with animal skin and gulped down water that had turned slightly putrid.
Moments later, a few elven kids ran over while carrying fruit baskets made with fresh leaves and branches. The fruit baskets were filled with ripened fruits as they offered to the humans. Probably, some of the kind-hearted elves were moved by Sheyan's description of his 'thousand leagues travel', and dispatched their children to show hospitality to the guests.
Sadly, not a single worker dared to eat and shunned the few elf kids like they were snakes or scorpions, leaving the elven kids baffled and unsure of handling the situation.
Instead, Sheyand and Reef treated nothing as taboo and immediately gestured them over. They indulged in the fruits and evaluated the flavors, before beckoning the young Segimli over to enjoy the fruits with them.
However, the elvish kids secretly spat on those fruits and mimicked the rigid, rock-like postures of dwarves.
"I've never fancied fruits, not even once."
The few elven kids appeared rather curious about the outside world and bombarded the duo with questions. The kids were pure and didn't despise them based on their attire.
Reef pondered a little and produced to them a white grade pistol as a gift. This pistol was offensively weak and its only merit was automatically creating a bullet every ten minutes. Reef acquired it the previous world and found it a pity in selling off. Moreover, no contestant showed any interest and thus he retained it for fun.
Thus, Reef hailed it as an arrowless bow and successfully obtained the favor of these little 'flower pots'.
The little friends were in high spirits and naturally answered any queries of the duo. Sadly, the surrounding flora were ravaged by the playful little rascals. The few nearby elf protectors felt rather curious about their new toy, but were embarrassed to steal items from kids and could only observe incessantly.
"When does the celebratory banquet begin?" Sheyan inquired of an adorable girl elf.
The girl elf had just test fired twice and replied with a rosy expression.
"It begins when night falls!"
Sheyan shamefully continued.
"I bet you young ones are clueless about the banquet's proceedings. After all, my parents used to conceal matters from me when I was young."
A little elf was immediately fooled and raised his voice haughtily.
"I know it! The adults will first assemble and march through every street of Rivendell, before the banquet will officially commence at Hyacinth Square!"
The elf protectors were listening to their conversation as well, yet they didn't find it weird as it was completely normal to be inquiring about the banquet. Hence, they remained silent. Of course, they didn't notice the incisive glint in Sheyan's eyes; otherwise, they would've long approached him for an interrogation.
The sky swiftly darkened where the colorful enchanted ribbons hung across trees started illuminating resplendently. It was as though the world was brightened by gentle neon lamps which created a surreal sensation of stars descending onto Rivendell.
Evidently, Sheyan and Reef who hailed from the real world felt rather normal to this. Instead, the storyline humans were awestruck, and even the little Segimli stared at his environment in wonder. His mouth seemed to be murmuring crude vulgarities of the dwarves, as he forgot about stealing drinks from Sheyan's 'Endless Spirited Vodka'.
From afar, magic torches were ignited with brick speckles. The magic torches appeared like fruits from the trees and naturally assimilated with the besiding flora. Fireflies buzzed around in the night sky and complemented the hazy backdrop of splendid and magnificent elven houses.
In a distant street, a gorgeously decorated carriage was gradually approaching with tassels fluttering along it. It looked as though it was floating on the water like a fantasy, with snow white uni-horn creatures hauled the carriage along. The muscles of those lofty and herculean creatures were incredibly distinct and flowed like moving water with every step forward, releasing an air of dignified nobility.
Four elves stood atop the carriage. The one on the left appeared strong and mighty, and had flax-colored hair. He was the Lord of Rivendell, Elrond. A dazzling sparkle could be seen on his finger, the ring Vilya, a ring almost as famous as the One Ring. This Rivendell lord was actually a half-elven; son of Eärendil, a great seafaring man, and Elwing, an elf.
(ED: Both Eärendil, and Elwing were of the half-elven, neither were a full elf or human.)
The golden-haired elf beside Elrond was Glorfindel. Despite his child-like countenance, his eyes contained a deep abstrusity of countless centuries, as though it could see through everything.
The other middle elf caused Sheyan's heart to accelerate. Indeed, it was Sheyan's target – the maiden Melody. Her appearance seemed to be unchanged while her unique temperament of innocence and purity remained vividly portrayed. However, her expression was exceedingly tranquil as though she had planned everything out.
Upon sighting sister Melody, Sheyan's mood subconsciously improved. Yet when Reef pointed out the elf beside her, his mood was instantly sullied.
Indeed, right beside Melody was Prince Legolas, the son of Thranduil! A delicate mithril head ring bound his golden hair which flowed down like a brilliant golden waterfall. His perfectly lobed ears and majestic hair enhanced his incredibly refined impression. His sharp cheeks and distinct features exhibited his heroism greatly. His high quality silver-colored robe, weaved with an unknown material, exuded a scholarly and intelligent air.
He didn't conceal his gaze towards Melody, showering her with attention every 10 seconds. One could observe the deep emotions in his gaze that undoubtedly shattered the hearts of many young elvish maidens in the crowd.
Without a doubt, few would be able to resist the killing might of this dashing elf. Melody smiled gently as she responded to the constant cordiality showed by Prince Legolas. They appeared natural and unrestrained, simply a match made in heaven.
Sheyan observed the celebratory parade quietly. Instead, Reef coughed and chuckled.
"I feel we ought to consider The Prancing Pony or Angmar now. Some things cannot be forced...."
Sheyan remained silent before grumbling.
"Since we are already in Rivendell, I must at least inquire of her intentions first."