Moonlight shone outside Bag End, penetrating the glass and casting a silvery glow within Bilbo's home.
Dinner had been completed by the tarnished and Bilbo. Bilbo, citing the tarnished's height making movement inconvenient in Bag End, had gone to wash the dishes himself first.
When he returned, the tarnished found Bilbo with another apple in his hand, munching on it.
Perhaps the tarnished should now be called "Arthur," Bilbo believed it was a good name.
The tarnished didn't find anything wrong with the name; since the pronunciation was similar, he accepted it.
"Arthur, are you saying you come from a place called The Lands Between? I'm afraid I haven't heard of it. I've hardly ever left home, so I don't know much about the outside world. However, my father and mother did travel, and sometimes I wonder if I should leave my warm bed and go see the world outside Hobbiton," Bilbo said with great interest after hearing Arthur's origin story.
He looked at Arthur and asked, "What do you think, Arthur? Should I go out and explore?"
Arthur listened to Bilbo's words and pondered for a long time, so long that Bilbo was almost about to speak, before he finally replied, "I cannot give you a definitive answer to that question, Bilbo. The outside world is not just beautiful; it also holds dangers. But beautiful memories will be cherished for a lifetime, and dangerous experiences will make you appreciate and cherish life in your homeland even more."
Then Arthur looked at Bilbo and said with an incredibly envious tone, "From your few words and your sincere hospitality towards me, all of it indicates that you live in an incredibly peaceful environment. I envy you, Bilbo, truly. I genuinely wish my homeland could be as quiet and peaceful as yours."
Bilbo was a little surprised, yet also found it somewhat amusing.
However, when he saw the envy and suppressed sadness in Arthur's black eyes, he held back his laughter.
He pursed his lips and said, "I hope one day your homeland can be as peaceful as this one, Arthur."
Arthur merely offered a smile and said nothing else.
Bilbo felt the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so he quickly cleared his throat and said, "Could you tell me more about your adventures, Arthur? I'm sure you've been to many places."
Arthur had no reason to refuse. He narrowed his eyes and fell into memory: "Of course, but where should I begin? Oh, let's start here."
"Fallen leaves bring tidings. At the end of the mist, my homeland, The Lands Between…"
As Arthur recounted his tales, Bilbo became immersed in the stories told by the tarnished.
He was thrilled by the howling winds of Stormveil Castle and worried about the strength of the Omen and the brutality of the Grafted King.
He was deeply moved by the magnificent waves of Liurnia of the Lakes and sighed at the Full Moon Queen's love and the Moon Princess's wait.
Arthur continued his narration, from the clash between General Radahn the Starscourge and the Valkyrie in the Caelid Aeonian War, to the Blood Lord's plot to crush the allied forces in the Leyndell defense battle on the Altus Plateau, and then to the Blasphemous Lord deceived by the Great Serpent at Mount Gelmir.
A scroll seemed to unfurl before Bilbo's eyes, its contents so rich, so vibrant, and so immersive.
He heard things he might never witness if he stayed in Hobbiton his entire life.
A sudden impulse surged within Bilbo. He wanted to see the Eternal City beneath the earth that Arthur spoke of, to explore the Ancient Dragon city-state floating in space-time, and to visit the Land of Shadow hidden in history.
More importantly, Bilbo wanted to see the Erdtree that Arthur mentioned repeatedly.
That colossal tree, reaching to the sky, as dazzling as the sun, as brilliant as the stars, bringing prosperity to his homeland.
As time passed, the moon reached its highest point in the sky, and the light streaming into Bilbo's home grew even purer, as if someone was watching from the moonlight, also listening to everything Arthur said.
"…And so, elden ring was restored, and The Lands Between welcomed a new king. That is the story of my homeland as I know it, Bilbo," Arthur said, looking at Bilbo after finishing his tale.
The tarnished wondered if it was his imagination, but he seemed to hear the sigh of a deity near his ear, a sigh that contained praise, melancholy, and sympathy.
Bilbo snapped back to reality, still seemingly not fully detached from the story of The Lands Between, still immersed in it.
It wasn't until Arthur gently patted his shoulder that Bilbo came to, letting out a long breath.
Bilbo blinked his somewhat sore eyes, then looked at Arthur with admiration and said, "Your adventures truly exceed my imagination, Arthur. You have traveled to so many places and experienced so many stories. If you don't mind, could I record these stories in my spare time? I'd like to write them into a biography for my descendants to read."
Arthur nodded: "Of course, Bilbo. If there are any unclear details, I can also fill them in for you."
Bilbo smiled contentedly, then looked out the window and realized it was already late at night.
A sudden wave of drowsiness from within made him yawn. Bilbo said, "Ha, it's gotten so late. Let's call it a night. You can keep this bed; I'll go rest in my parents' bedroom. See you tomorrow morning, Arthur."
The hobbit bid the tarnished goodnight and then left.
"Goodnight, Bilbo, may the moonlight illuminate your dreams."
After bidding Bilbo farewell, Arthur also suddenly felt a bit tired, so he carefully adjusted his body into a comfortable position on the small bed and lay down.
Soon, his breathing became steady, and he fell into a dream.
"Go to the southwest of the Middle-earth, which is south of the Shire. There are woodlands destroyed by the fires of the First Age, where you can rebuild your homeland."
"I permit you to join in my Great Song."
In his dream, Arthur felt himself arrive in a pure white space.
A person of similar stature to himself was looking at him kindly.
When Arthur saw this crowned, bearded, strong man, the person's name automatically appeared in his mind.
Eru Iluvatar.
The Creator of this world.
Arthur just found him somewhat familiar, then smiled: "We haven't met for the first time, have we?"
Iluvatar smiled and nodded: "Yes, when you appeared in the void and fell into this world of Arda, I already saw you. However, I was not clear about your origin, so I did not rashly awaken you, but only endowed you with the language ability of the world of Arda, so that you could communicate fluently with intelligent beings."
Arthur, however, caught other information in the other's words and showed a sad expression: "You mean, this is no longer The Lands Between, no longer my homeland. Can I still go back?"
Iluvatar merely nodded calmly: "Even I have not found the coordinates of your homeland beyond the void."
The tarnished looked up, unspeakable sorrow welling up from the depths of his being, gradually engulfing his entire body.
But Iluvatar's next words made the tarnished's lost and sorrowful heart tremble.
He said, "But your homeland is within you."
Arthur looked at the other in confusion.
Iluvatar slightly raised his hand and pointed to Arthur's chest: "My eyes can see that everything of your homeland is there, within that Elden Ring radiating a gentle golden light."
He means, the Elden Ring?
Inside me?
Arthur lowered his head in disbelief, gazing at his chest.
As if sensing Arthur's gaze, an elden ring composed of multiple pure golden circles quietly emerged from his chest.
Arthur's mind sank into it; he saw that everything of his homeland seemed to have had its time paused, sealed within the elden ring.
Iluvatar's voice came at this moment: "So, go to the southwest of Middle-earth. The story you told tonight fills me with unparalleled novelty and satisfaction, therefore I allow you to rebuild your homeland and compose your music in this world I created."
Arthur watched the elden ring return to his chest, then looked up again at the Creator with grateful eyes.
He said, "Thank you."
Iluvatar gently shook his head: "Visitor from another star, my words are not yet finished. I allow you to compose your music, but I will not allow you to affect the music I have already composed. In Arda, some things are destined to happen."
The Creator looked at the tarnished, his tone a little more serious than before: "Just like in a grand concert, as a special guest, you can play magnificent pieces, but you cannot steal the show and become the true master of the concert."
Arthur sincerely replied: "I only want to rebuild my homeland and protect her with my life."
Iluvatar said, "At the end of the movement, I will help you. Your homeland will be hidden by my power in Middle Earth, and it will become a huge island in the ocean.
And your deeds will become epics and myths passed down through generations in human mouths, and perhaps occasionally, humans who hear of your deeds will sail out to sea to find your homeland."
"Are you satisfied with this curtain call?"
The Lands Between itself was a continent surrounded by sea, so Arthur did not feel Iluvatar's arrangement was inappropriate.
So he nodded.
Iluvatar's solemn expression softened, and he waved his hand: "Then farewell, visitor from another star.
May we meet again at the final chapter of the performance."
With Iluvatar's action, Arthur felt his consciousness rapidly awakening from the dream.
Until he suddenly opened his eyes, the crisp birdsong outside the window rang in his ears, and the gentle sunlight spread across his face.
"Hey! You're awake, Arthur.
I was just about to call you, did you sleep well last night?
Want to come have breakfast together, there's fresh fruit and fluffy bread, and fragrant bacon and fried eggs."
Bilbo's enthusiastic voice came from the other side, holding a tray in his hand, a subtle smile on his lips.
This hobbit's chattering and enthusiastic demeanor made Arthur, who hadn't felt such friendliness in a long time, smile from the heart.
He wished Bilbo good morning in return and enjoyed a hearty breakfast with him.
"I think I should leave, Bilbo," Arthur said, sitting on a chair by Bilbo's front door, looking at Bilbo who was enjoying the sunlight and puffing smoke.
Bilbo was startled, immediately taking the pipe stem from his mouth, looking somewhat surprised.
"Oh, are you leaving already? Actually, I think you could stay here for a few more days, don't worry about the food at my house, there's enough to entertain you," Bilbo said.
Arthur smiled: "Although we've only met for one night, I'm willing to believe your words.
It's just that last night I had a dream, and someone in the dream told me to go south of the Shire, where I could rebuild my home."
As soon as Bilbo heard this, he put away his reluctance and showed an expression of happiness for Arthur: "South of the Shire, that must be very far.
Although I haven't traveled far myself, I've seen it on maps.
You can start from the east of the Shire, find a wide river called the Brandywine River, and follow it south to reach a place called Minhiriath."
Then he stood up and said, "Yes, I have a map at home, I'll give it to you."
This hobbit's style of doing things was always swift and decisive; no sooner had he spoken than he had already darted into Bag End, and soon emerged with a rolled-up, brand-new map.
Bilbo spread out the map as he spoke: "It's a good thing I bought this map from a traveling merchant who passed through the Shire before.
Although it's been in the house for a few years, the outside world shouldn't have changed much."
He handed the map to Arthur, pointing to the location of the Shire and Minhiriath: "Here is the Shire, we are currently in Hobbiton, and then you go from here..."
Bilbo meticulously planned the route for Arthur, as if he himself had looked at the map countless times, intending to leave the Shire and travel.
Arthur listened carefully to the route pointed out by this hobbit, and after he finished speaking, he took the map from his hand and said gratefully, "Thank you, Bilbo.
Once I rebuild my homeland, I will invite you to visit."
Bilbo smiled: "Of course, I also look forward to seeing that Erdtree you mentioned."
Then he showed a look of sudden realization, patting his head: "I almost forgot, the journey from here to Minhiriath is very long, I'll go get you some dry rations and drinking water.
Hmm, and I'll have to give you a backpack big enough to hold all that food."
Bilbo glanced at Arthur and added, "You should be able to carry it, right?
But I'd recommend you go to Bree first and buy a horse to help carry it; you just saw the location.
However, be careful when you pass through the Barrow-downs on your way to Bree; I heard from a traveling merchant that there are many wights in the Barrow-downs."
Arthur replied, "Your preparing dry rations and water for me is already enough to make me very grateful, Bilbo.
As for a horse, you don't need to worry.
Have you forgotten, I told you last night that I have a magical whistle that can summon a Spirit Steed."
Bilbo cleared his throat: "I was a bit too excited and forgot about that.
Then I'll go prepare the dry rations for you first."
Sausages, cheese, bacon, dried fruit, bread—the hobbit's pantry had plenty of such food, and all of it was easy to store, so there was no need to worry about it spoiling quickly.
While Bilbo was preparing these things, Arthur also put on his armor, though he didn't wear his helmet.
"I really don't know how to thank you, Bilbo, I mean it," Arthur said, looking at the large pack of dry rations that was almost as tall as Bilbo.
Bilbo, however, showed an expression of not needing to worry, saying, "These dry rations are only half a month's worth from my pantry.
If I weren't worried about them spoiling easily, I would have prepared even more fresh food for you."
"It's really more than enough," Arthur said, looking at the enthusiastic hobbit, thanking him again.
Bilbo said, "Consider it a return gift for the stories you told me last night.
I wish you a safe journey, Arthur, and may your homeland be successfully rebuilt in the southern lands."
Arthur nodded, then put on his white wolf war ghost helmet, reached into the air a few times, and a golden whistle appeared, which he blew.
— — — — — —
The spirit steed Torrent appeared with the whistle, making Bilbo watch the scene with interest.
"This scene is truly magical, and is this the spirit steed you spoke of?
It even has horns.
May I touch it?" Bilbo gazed at Torrent without blinking, expressing his admiration.
Arthur firmly hung the bag filled with food onto Torrent's body, and upon hearing Bilbo's words, he said, "Of course you can, Torrent is very well-behaved and very understanding.
Perhaps it can even understand what you say."
After hearing this, Bilbo immediately waved to Torrent , who was half a head taller than himself: "Hello, lovely horse, may I touch you?"
Torrent snorted, then actively lowered its head and approached Bilbo, allowing him to easily stroke it.
Bilbo was overjoyed at this, reaching out to stroke Torrent's neck and saying, "Oh, this is amazing.
It really is as well-behaved as you said."
Then Bilbo pulled an apple from his pocket and placed it in front of Torrent , saying, "Do you like apples?
Shire-grown, sweet and juicy!"
Torrent leaned its head forward, gently bit the apple from Bilbo's hand, and began to chew after the other let go.
"If all the horses I met were as well-behaved as yours, I think I could also ride a horse out to travel," Bilbo said, looking at Arthur, who had already organized his backpack.
Arthur came to Bilbo's side, patted Torrent, and smiled at Bilbo: "That day will come soon, Bilbo.
Once I rebuild my homeland, I'll ride Torrent to invite you out, to see this world with me.
If you have that idea at that time."
Bilbo nodded cheerfully: "No problem, I'll wait for your invitation in Hobbiton."
Before mounting his horse, Arthur thought of something and said to Bilbo, "You saved me when I was unconscious, sheltered me for the night, and gave me so much food.
If I don't repay you, I'll feel bad."
Then Arthur reached out, and a pure pendant inlaid with four red amber stones and a brass dagger with its blade carved with plant patterns appeared in his hand as if by magic.
Arthur half-squatted and handed them to Bilbo, explaining, "These are the Red Amber Pendant and the Brass Dagger.
Wearing the pendant will make your body healthier and less prone to illness.
And the Brass Dagger, this is a protective weapon carried by members of the Erdtree royalty in my homeland.
In the future, if you encounter difficulties, use this Brass Dagger to come to my homeland, and the people there will help you solve any trouble you encounter.
Be careful, this dagger is very sharp."
After all, when Arthur had nothing to do in The Lands Between, he had blacksmith Hewg fully upgrade many weapons he didn't usually use, and the Brass Dagger was among them.
Bilbo took the pendant and the Brass Dagger, which was long enough to be used as a one-handed sword for a hobbit, and said to Arthur, "I will take good care of them."
Arthur smiled, then stood up and mounted his horse, nodding his final farewell to Bilbo: "Then farewell, my friend.
May the Erdtree always protect you."
"Farewell, may your journey be smooth, sir Arthur."
Bilbo watched Torete carrying Arthur's figure gradually disappear down the Hobbiton path, and his blessings drifted with the wind to the other party.