Arwen suddenly accelerated. I had made the ring in case she lacked power, and now this misunderstanding.
Over two years of being together, I could sense she had feelings for . But I wasn't sure if it was because I was a novelty in her boring daily life, because of the delicious food, or because of magical knowledge.
'Wait a minute. What happens to Aragorn now? And Frodo?'
Arwen was a beautiful woman, easy to talk to, with a good personality. But she was destined to marry Aragorn. She also helped save Frodo.
'Is this okay?'
While I was thinking, Arwen asked:
"What are you thinking so hard about?"
"Ah, nothing. Okay, let's get married."
I don't know. I decided to follow my heart. Whatever happens, happens. Hearing my words, Arwen was overjoyed and hugged . I smiled and hugged her back.
We inford Elrond in Rivendell. To my surprise, he accepted it easily. After two years of Arwen visiting the Dragon's Tower, he must have expected it.
"It's troubleso, but I suppose it had to be. Both of you are immortal, so there should be no major issues. But I have one question. I may emigrate to Valinor. Would you co?"
Elrond had been considering leading the elves to Valinor for so ti.
"Hmm... I wouldn't mind, but I wonder how the Ainur would receive ."
"In your case, it should be fine."
"I see. Very well."
With that, the wedding was held very quickly in Rivendell. The elves scattered flower petals, sang songs, and celebrated. Interestingly, a young Aragorn was also present at the wedding. I recognized him easily — a human child in an elven realm. Here, he was called 'Estel.'
We stayed one night in Rivendell, but with elves' keen hearing, we simply slept. Then Arwen and I returned to the Dragon's Tower. We would now share my room. Arwen had occasionally stayed at the tower for days at a ti, so she was already familiar with modern anities.
We enjoyed our honeymoon, and five more years passed.
'Hmm... The original story should begin soon.'
I decided to wait. The main characters of The Hobbit — Thorin and Company — would likely pass through Rivendell or the Dragon's Tower.
As expected, a few months later, Thorin and Company arrived — not at Rivendell, but directly at the Dragon's Tower. Gandalf was with them, so he knocked and announced their visit.
"Long ti no see, Gandalf."
"Yes, long ti no see, Arkad Jean."
Living in the Misty Mountains had earned that na. 'Jean' was my choice, 'Arkad' was a moniker aning 'Guardian of the Mountain.'
"Oh! You're the guest who visited my house that ti!"
Bilbo recognized and spoke cheerfully.
"You're the friend with the wonderful house in Hobbiton I t while traveling."
"Yes! The teacups you gave are still in good use."
"Old friends have co. Co inside. Dwarf friends, please enter as well."
I welcod them warmly. Arwen, who was at ho, also smiled and greeted them. Thorin then said to Gandalf:
"You were right. I can't believe there's a dragon without arrogance. Is he really a dragon?"
"Yes, he is. He's a special one."
They entered the living room, unloaded their gear, and sat down to rest. There was still plenty of space — the living room was that large.
"Has everyone eaten?"
Gandalf spoke up.
"We had an incident on the way and lost so of our supplies. I have a favor to ask."
"I see. Very well."
I prepared warm food, soft bread, and drink — and plenty of it. They sat at the table and ate and drank eagerly.
"You've had a hard journey."
Bilbo answered while eating:
"Yes, we almost got killed by trolls. You see, what happened was..."
Bilbo told the story of their journey so far, like an old friend.
"So you're the owner of the Dragon's Tower! Then you're a dragon?"
"Yes. Co to think of it, I haven't introduced myself. I am Arkad Jean, the dragon who lives here. And this beautiful elf beside is my wife, Arwen."
"Oh~ I see. Nice to et you. I'm Bilbo Baggins."
"Nice to et you."
Thorin asked between bites:
"You're a dragon, yet you don't seem to covet gold or treasure."
"Each dragon pursues different things. Isn't it the sa for dwarves? So are interested in ornants, so in gems, so in gold. Even dragons are all different."
"I see... I understand."
I asked Gandalf:
"Why didn't you go to Rivendell? Why co here instead?"
"Because the dwarves dislike elves. They're not fond of dragons either, but we needed to replenish supplies, and this was the closest place."
"So that's how it is. Well, I'll make sure you rest thoroughly."
"Thank you."
While they ate and drank, I prepared the large guest room I'd built for such occasions and opened the bathhouse. I could have given them private rooms, but cleaning them would have been a hassle, so I chose this.
They finished eating, rested a while, then used the bathhouse. Gandalf, having experienced it before, showed the others how it worked. The first day passed. They slept well, woke late, and we talked over breakfast.
"Wow, this place is great! The bathhouse is big, the beds are soft, and the food is especially delicious!"
After resting and recovering from the hard journey, Bilbo began praising the tower.
"I'm glad. You're my first guests in a long ti, so I put in so effort."
After the al, I looked at their swords and asked:
"Where did you get those swords?"
"Ah, we found them in the troll cave I ntioned."
"May I see them?"
Bilbo showed his sword. I examined it and said:
"Hmm... This sword appears to have been forged in the ancient elven city of Gondolin. But the script is very old, so I can't translate it precisely. I think it would be best to stop by Rivendell and ask Elrond. It's nearby, so it won't take long."
I could translate ancient languages, but I wanted them to hear the sword's history from Elrond and plan their next steps, so I encouraged them to go. But Thorin imdiately objected.
"We ca here to avoid the elven realm. That's not possible. Instead, couldn't you take care of Smaug? You're a dragon too, aren't you?"
When Thorin made that request, the other dwarves looked at expectantly, hoping for an easy solution. I pretended to think, then said:
"Alright, I'll help. On one condition: I take half the gold in Erebor as paynt."
The dwarves were shocked and began arguing.
"You said you didn't covet gold or treasure! Why such a condition?"
"I don't care much for gold or treasure. But Smaug is different. Even if our personalities and thoughts differ, we are both dragons. Thorin, could you kill one of your own kin for half the gold in Erebor?"
Thorin thought for a mont, then said:
"...No, I couldn't."
"You know it well. So I must take sothing you value as paynt."
The dwarves murmured among themselves, debating. They seed split.
"Half the gold for killing Smaug — that sounds like a good deal."
"Right. At this rate, we might not even reclaim Erebor."
"Yeah. Maybe we should just leave it to him."
"But giving up what we've worked so long for..."
"Silence!"
Thorin quieted them and spoke to .
"Please give us ti to think."
"Alright."
They stayed at the tower for two days, debating heatedly. I didn't care which way they chose. Gandalf asked :
"If they accept, will you really help?"
"Yes. A dragon's word is heavy. But will they?"
"Hmm... I'm also curious."
Gandalf knew that dwarves were obsessively greedy for gold and treasure — it wouldn't be an easy decision for them.
Then, soone arrived at the tower. I opened the door — it was Elrond on horseback.
"Long ti no see, Father-in-law."
"Yes, Son-in-law. My daughter called ."
While the dwarves were arguing, Arwen had apparently summoned her father. Elrond greeted Gandalf, then appraised the swords from the troll cave.
"Hmm... You've found excellent swords. These were indeed forged in the ancient elven city of Gondolin. These two in particular are truly exceptional."
Elrond looked at Thorin's sword and Gandalf's sword. First, he held up Thorin's sword.
"This sword is called 'Orcrist,' aning 'Goblin-cleaver.'"
Then he held up Gandalf's sword.
"I never thought I'd see this sword here. It is called 'Glamdring,' aning 'Foe-hamr.' It was once the sword of the King of Gondolin. Why such swords were in that cave, I do not know."
When the appraisal was finished, Thorin quickly took back his sword, afraid the elf might ask for it back. It was quite rude, but Elrond did not get angry.
"Famous swords tend to find their rightful owners. Perhaps your finding them was fate."
Afterward, Elrond also revealed the hidden runes on the dwarves' map under moonlight and advised them on passing through the Misty Mountains.
I served Elrond tea and light refreshnts. He ate and said:
"My son-in-law seems to be quite a good cook."
"Not sothing to brag about, but living alone for so long, it just turned out that way."
"I see."
"It's late. Let's talk again tomorrow."
I gave Elrond a separate room.
The next day, Elrond left first, and the dwarves packed their gear. I gave them various food supplies and items. Thorin thanked .
"I used to have prejudices against other races, but eting you and the elf lord has changed my mind. Thank you for making realize that 'bad people do bad things.'"
"Sure. But dragons are still dangerous."
I handed Thorin a ring.
"What's this?"
"It's a magic ring that sends a signal. It seems you're still undecided. If you want to make the deal, break the gemstone on the ring. Then I'll help, as promised."
"Understood."
It wasn't actually a magic ring — just a signaling device with a gemstone. If the gem broke, my [Nano Buckle] would receive the signal.
When they were ready to leave, Arwen and I went outside to see them off. Bilbo's expression was grim — probably dreading the journey ahead.
"Thank you for your help. Until next ti."
Gandalf also thanked Arwen and and said goodbye.
"I wish you luck."
And so they left. Arwen watched them go and asked :
"Will they ask for help?"
"Who knows. Dragons are greedy, but dwarves are no different."
"If you fight Smaug, can you win?"
"I will. No dragon in this world is stronger than ."
"I suppose so."
After years together, Arwen had so idea of my abilities.
"Co to think of it, I've never seen your true form. Could you show ?"
"Sure. I'll show you."
I imdiately transford into Safi'jiiva and asked her:
"How is it? Impressive?"
"Wow~ It's magnificent."
"Want to ride?"
"Can I?"
I lowered my body and let her climb onto my back.
"I'll fly, so hold on tight."
"Okay."
She gripped the spikes on my back, and I flapped my wings slowly, thinking of her comfort. With a passenger, I didn't fly high — just cruised slowly around the area.
"How is it?"
"It's so much fun! I'm going to ask you to do this often. Oh, look over there! It's the group that left earlier."
Arwen pointed. Thorin and Company had stopped and were staring at the sky. Recognizing , they waved. Arwen waved back.
I circled once above them, then returned to the tower and let Arwen down.
"I've never experienced anything like that. I'll ask you again."
I had a feeling this would beco a regular request, but as long as Arwen was happy, so was I.
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