"Wizards?"
The young Elf's gaze examined the two of them, especially lingering for several seconds on the bubbles atop their heads.
Then he said sothing in Elvish to the other Elves. The Elves imdiately lowered their bows.
"I am Legolas, son of Thranduil."
"Gandalf the Grey, I have heard of your na. My father says you are a wise one."
Gandalf bowed slightly, his grey robes sweeping over the moss at his feet, his voice carrying warm laughter. "I am honored by such praise from the King of the Woodland Realm."
He looked up at Legolas, his gaze bright. "Son of Thranduil, indeed as sharp as this forest... it seems the winds of Mirkwood have blown all the finest gifts to you."
Faced with Gandalf's praise, the young Elven prince showed so embarrassnt.
He turned his gaze to Kael, curious. "So ti ago we captured Orcs fleeing from the Misty Mountains, and from them we learned that Azog the Defiler has been killed by a black-robed wizard. That must be you."
"If there are no other black-robed wizards, then that would indeed be ," Kael said with a smile.
Legolas's wariness toward the two diminished considerably, but he still inquired, "May I ask what brings you two wizards to visit Mirkwood?"
Knowing that the Elves of the Woodland Realm had conflicts with the dwarves, Gandalf naturally wouldn't say they were looking for dwarves.
He coughed and explained, "We plan to pass through Mirkwood to reach Lake-town, but encountered giant spiders along the way, until your arrival."
Legolas nodded. "If that is so, then please follow . My father should wish to see you."
Gandalf and Kael exchanged glances and didn't refuse. They were also curious whether Bilbo and the others had fallen into the Elves' hands.
The two followed the Elves northward. The further north they went, the less Mirkwood was polluted by dark forces. The forest regained its vibrant appearance, and the air beca fresh.
Seeing this, Kael simply removed the Bubble-Head Charms from both their heads.
Most Elves of the Woodland Realm were Silvan Elves, also known as Wood-elves, with predominantly black and brown hair. Compared to other Elven races, Silvan Elves were closer to nature, able to establish connections with forest flora and fauna, skilled with bows and arrows, using trees, rivers, and other natural environnts to hide themselves and even sense threats.
But surprisingly, although the Woodland Realm was primarily composed of Silvan Elves, they were ruled by a minority of Sindarin Elves. Like the Elven King Thranduil and Legolas, both were Sindarin Elves, their golden hair being the most obvious marker.
The Woodland Realm was located in the northeastern part of Mirkwood, only a few miles from the edge, with the Forest River winding past the southern gate.
Unlike the Elven architecture of Rivendell, the Elves of the Woodland Realm lived in a magnificent palace built within underground caves. The main gate was carved into a hillside covered with maple trees, with two tall stone doors inscribed with magical Elven runes that made it difficult for anyone to leave easily once they entered.
The two followed Legolas through the gate into winding tunnels, passing many checkpoints and passages before arriving at a spacious hall.
At the highest point in the center of the hall sat a throne carved from stone, with massive elk antlers behind it. On the throne sat the Elven King of the Woodland Realm... Thranduil.
He was tall, wearing a crown woven from red leaves and berries, dressed in magnificent robes, his handso face bearing authority and so arrogance.
"It has been long since we t, Mithrandir." Thranduil rose from his throne and stepped down, his face bearing a polite smile.
"Your Majesty Thranduil." Gandalf bowed slightly.
Kael also paid his respects.
Thranduil's gaze imdiately fell on Kael. "A rare young wizard. You must be that black-robed wizard Kael who killed Azog, I presu? I have heard tales of you from distant kinfolk... Barrow-wight Slayer, Troll Killer, Enemy of Orcs. Truly a series of great achievents!"
"The rumors are sowhat exaggerated, Your Majesty Thranduil," Kael shook his head.
"Whether exaggerated or not, I can still discern," Thranduil waved his hand. "That massive explosion in the forest earlier should have been your handiwork, shouldn't it? My Elves went to investigate... woodland for hundreds of ters around was leveled, and at least a hundred giant spiders were killed."
"Such strength far exceeds what the rumors suggested!"
He then proudly showed off his son to the two. "Speaking of which, you should have already t my son... Legolas. He is the finest archer in Mirkwood, never missing his mark, having killed countless giant spiders."
Gandalf very graciously joined in the praise, comnding Legolas as having his father's qualities, with various flattering words flowing endlessly.
Kael watched Thranduil's smile unconsciously growing wider and silently gave Gandalf a ntal thumbs up. Gandalf had hit Thranduil's sweet spot.
For Thranduil, praising his precious son made him even happier than praising himself.
As for Legolas, who was also present, he was left red-faced by his father's boasting and Gandalf's continuous praise.
Delighted, Thranduil ordered a feast to be held to entertain the two guests, Gandalf and Kael.
At the feast, Thranduil took the main seat, with Gandalf and Kael as guests, and Legolas accompanying them. They enjoyed various wines and delicacies to soothing music.
During the feast, Thranduil inquired about the purpose of Gandalf's journey.
"Mithrandir, what important matter brings you through Mirkwood this ti?"
Gandalf explained sowhat vaguely, "We plan to go to Lake-town."
"Lake-town?" Thranduil paused with his wine cup, narrowing his eyes at Gandalf and Kael. "What charm does Lake-town possess to attract two wizards to visit there?"
"I recall that the residents of Lake-town are descendants of survivors from Dale. When the dragon attacked the Lonely Mountain years ago, Dale at the mountain's foot also couldn't escape. So survivors fled to the lake and established what is now Lake-town."
"You're going to Lake-town... could it be for that sleeping dragon in the Lonely Mountain?"
Seeing that Thranduil had guessed their purpose, Gandalf no longer concealed it and nodded.
"Yes, we plan to investigate the Lonely Mountain. After all, that dragon could awaken at any ti and poses a great threat."
"So you're cooperating with Thorin Oakenshield? Wanting to help them reclaim the Lonely Mountain?"
Thranduil frowned, his expression displeased.
Seeing Thranduil's attitude turn cold, Gandalf felt sowhat helpless but still took the opportunity to inquire, "Your Majesty Thranduil, have you already encountered Thorin and the others?"
Thranduil had no intention of concealing anything and said coldly, "They trespassed in my territory and have been imprisoned in my dungeons."
"You and Kael are guests I have invited... the Woodland Realm welcos you. But if you wish to plead for the dwarves, then spare your breath!"
Thranduil didn't give Gandalf a chance to plead, directly cutting off his words.
Gandalf opened his mouth but swallowed his words. Thranduil's attitude was clear... as long as they weren't pleading for the dwarves, they would still be friends.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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