As one of the wisest Elven sages in Middle-earth, deciphering information on a map was effortless for Elrond; he recognized the writing on the map at a glance as the ancient dwarf secret script—Moon Letters—and knew how to interpret it.
"Moon Letters only appear under moonlight, and they must match the phase and season, exactly consistent with the moon phase on the day they were written," Elrond explained.
"These letters were written on a Midsummer's Eve, nearly two hundred years ago, by the light of a new crescent moon."
"Your visit to Rivendell seems to have been fated," Elrond looked at Thorin, "Fate favors you, Thorin Oakenshield, for tonight the same moonlight shines."
Elrond led everyone to a crystal table, placed the map on it, and the Moon Letters on the map were revealed by the refracted moonlight.
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."
Hearing the information Elrond deciphered and translated, Thorin no longer cared about his pride, furrowing his brow as he pondered the information given by the map.
The information provided by the map was already very clear: they needed to reach the Lonely Mountain on Durin's Day, and then, when the last light of Durin's Day shone upon the keyhole, use the key to open the entrance to the Lonely Mountain and enter it.
Having obtained the method to enter the Lonely Mountain, Thorin was already impatient to depart, determined to reach the Lonely Mountain before Durin's Day.
But Gandalf stated that they needed to stay in Rivendell for a few more days.
This was because he had summoned the members of the White Council to discuss how to deal with the appearance of the Witch-king of Angmar and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur.
Thorin was very dissatisfied with this; he only wanted to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and did not care about other matters.
So he was already prepared to leave Gandalf behind and lead the others to continue their journey from Rivendell.
As for Luke, he spent these days with Elrohir and Elladan, and under the guidance of these two Elven brothers, he visited places such as gardens, libraries, and forges, and even met the future King Elessar—Aragorn.
However, at this time, Aragorn was only a little boy of about ten years old, and his name was not even Aragorn, but the Elven name Estel, meaning "Hope," raised by Elrond.
Looking at the little boy who was as close as brothers with Elrohir and Elladan, Luke couldn't help but think of their sister, Arwen, who lived far away in Lothlórien.
He wondered if these two brothers would still be so close if they knew he was the one who would marry their sister Arwen, and even make Arwen give up her immortal Elven life?
As the White Council meeting was about to begin,
Luke thought he would leave with the Dwarves first, but Gandalf approached him first, wanting to take him to the White Council meeting.
"Gandalf, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
After all, he was not a member of the White Council, so why attend this meeting?
Gandalf shook his head, "Your presence is needed at this meeting, and some matters require both you and me to confirm them for greater persuasiveness."
Seeing Gandalf's insistence, Luke no longer refused.
It just so happened that he also really wanted to meet the members of the White Council, as each member among them was a great figure, and it was a rare opportunity for them to gather together.
Moonlit night, the highest garden in Rivendell.
Luke followed Gandalf to the stone pavilion in the garden.
Upon entering, he saw a tall, incomparably beautiful Elf standing in the moonlight, radiating a hazy glow, with a noble and elegant demeanor.
She wore a magnificent white robe, and her bright golden hair, shimmering with silver light, cascaded like a waterfall; her eyes were bright and deep, revealing wisdom and mystery, as if they could see into people's hearts.
"Mithrandir."
Seeing Gandalf, a smile appeared on her face, and instantly, the surroundings seemed to become even brighter.
"Countless years have passed."
"Lady Galadriel."
Gandalf nodded and praised, "Years may have changed me, but they cannot change the Lady of Lothlórien."
Lady Galadriel's smile deepened, her beauty even more dazzling than the moon in the sky.
Luke was also stunned by Galadriel's beauty; she was the most beautiful Elf he had ever seen, surpassing human understanding of beauty, with an unparalleled charm in every gesture and smile.
However, looking at Galadriel, whose smile blossomed due to Gandalf's single compliment,
If he didn't know she had a husband, he would have suspected the relationship between these two.
But no sooner had he thought this than the Elf lady opposite seemed to sense something and turned her gaze, landing on Luke.
Meeting those eyes that seemed to penetrate people's hearts, Luke's heart skipped a beat; he quickly cleared his mind and bowed to her, thereby avoiding those penetrating eyes.
Gandalf, beside him, proactively introduced Luke, "Lady Galadriel, this is my companion Luke, Black Robe Wizard Luke; my own talent and mastery in magic cannot compare to his."
"Greetings to you, Lady Galadriel, may the light of the stars always shine upon you!" Luke formally greeted her again.
"Black Wizard?" Galadriel looked at him with curiosity and scrutiny.
"Young Wizard, why do you not dare to look me in the eye?" A voice suddenly echoed in Luke's mind. Yet, Galadriel opposite him did not speak, only her eyes showed a hint of profound meaning.
"Is it because you have secrets and do not wish me to see them?"
Telepathy? Luke instantly jolted.
Confirming that the other party was speaking to him telepathically, he quickly tried to say in his mind, "Of course not, Lady Galadriel, I simply cannot look directly into your beautiful eyes; they are like the brightest Star of Eärendil in the sky, dazzling to behold."
How could he say that he was just speculating about her relationship with Gandalf and was afraid of being seen through?
Then he raised his head and looked directly at her, trying to make his expression more sincere.
Galadriel's smile deepened, as if pleased by Luke's compliment.
"Sly young Wizard, you have a glib tongue."
Galadriel seemed to have teased Luke enough and stopped speaking in his mind telepathically.
"Young Wizard, once this journey is complete, you are welcome to visit Lothlórien."
Then, to Luke's surprised gaze, she extended a slender hand towards him, opening her palm to reveal an emerald green gem radiating light.
"This is?"
"This is the Elessar, also called the Elfstone; it contains the light of the sun and can be used as the core of a staff."
"This is truly too precious!" Luke hesitated to accept it; he could feel the powerful magic contained within the gem, and if it were used to make a staff, it would undoubtedly create a powerful one.
Moreover, he remembered that this gem was eventually given by Galadriel to Aragorn as Arwen's dowry and a gift for Aragorn's kingship.
Now, upon just meeting, she was giving such a precious magical gem?
Even out of respect for Elrond and Gandalf, it shouldn't be this much, should it?
After all, he saw that both Gandalf and Elrond showed surprise, clearly not expecting Galadriel to give this gem.
"Take it." Galadriel's voice was gentle but carried an undeniable power.
By the time Luke came to his senses, the gem was already in his palm, radiating a warmth like the sun.
"However, I also have a condition," Galadriel said.
"What condition?"
Luke immediately looked up; hearing a request, he felt a sense of relief.
"I need you to craft a magical wand for Arwen."