Chapter 181: Westward Journey
In Rivendell's training ground, Kael and Ellohir were locked in combat.
Elrohir and Arwen watched from the sidelines.
Kael wore the form-fitting elven battle garments Arwen had sewn for him, wielding the divine spear Aeglos with superhuman reflexes and agility, constantly dodging and parrying Ellohir's attacks.
In their fierce contest, though Kael was still at a disadvantage, he could at least hold his own rather than falling quickly.
Ellohir held an elven sword, maintaining an elven grace and beauty throughout the fight, his expression relaxed yet appreciative as he watched his opponent.
Through long training with Ellohir and Elrohir, Kael had unconsciously learned elven fighting styles. If not for his ears, one might mistake him for an elf.
Thanks to the Ent-draught, Kael's physical condition now rivaled elves'. This was why his martial skills progressed so rapidly, allowing him to last so long against Ellohir, who had thousands of years of combat experience.
Watching from the side, Arwen and Elrohir observed the battle appreciatively.
"Kael's martial skills are improving quickly. Given more time, he could well become a formidable warrior," Elrohir praised.
Arwen's gaze followed Kael's movements constantly. She shook her head gently, eyes tender. "He doesn't need to become a warrior. Magic is his most powerful weapon."
Elrohir nodded and smiled. "Indeed, compared to being a novice in martial arts, magic is his specialty. He is, after all, the renowned Black-Robed Wizard of Middle-earth. If he were allowed to use magic, I'm afraid Ellohir and I would be the ones getting beaten!"
The battle soon ended. Unsurprisingly, Kael lost again.
Ellohir sheathed his elven sword and returned the captured divine spear Aeglos to Kael with a smile.
"Your martial skills are now quite accomplished. Even some elven warriors wouldn't be your match. You're qualified now. Simple sparring will have little further benefit. To improve more, you'd need life-and-death battles."
Kael took the spear, caught his breath, and nodded. "I understand. Thank you and Elrohir for years of training. I've gained much."
He knew that though Ellohir and Elrohir claimed to be disciplining him through sparring, they'd actually taught him various martial skills without reservation, constantly providing guidance to enable such rapid progress, preventing him from remaining a fragile wizard.
Of course, there might be a tiny bit of displeasure at him stealing their beloved sister, but it was generally harmless.
Hearing this, Ellohir's smile deepened, his resentment over Kael taking his sister diminishing somewhat.
The two descended from the training platform. Arwen approached Kael, using a soft silk cloth to wipe his sweat and gently offering him a drink.
"Tired? Have some water."
Kael deliberately bent down, gazing tenderly at the beauty as she wiped his sweat. Then he took the cup and drank it in one gulp.
He felt his spirits lift and fatigue diminish.
Seeing Kael's eyes brighten, Arwen smiled. "This is dew I collected from the White Tree leaves, with a little honey added. If you like it, I'll make it for you in the future."
Kael's eyes sparkled as he nodded happily. "Yes!"
The two seemingly forgotten brothers now felt sour, their previously diminished resentment toward Kael surging back.
Blond troublemakers stealing sisters were the worst!
Elrohir quickly interrupted. "Kael, Arwen says you recently forged a sword with exquisite craftsmanship. Show it to us for appreciation."
Ellohir also nodded in agreement.
Kael looked helplessly at Arwen. These two brothers-in-law always ruined the mood.
Arwen gave him an amused, comforting look and put away the cloth, not wanting to increase her brothers' hatred.
Pressed by the brothers-in-law, Kael extended his hand and called softly. "Flammifer!"
As soon as he spoke, a magnificent silver sword appeared in his hand, its red gems glowing with fiery light that seemed to raise the ambient temperature.
Seeing the sword in Kael's hand, Ellohir and Elrohir were amazed and shocked.
"I feel incredible heat from the blade. Touching it would surely cause burns!" Ellohir exclaimed, leaning back as if unable to bear the sword's temperature.
Kael smiled and offered the sword. "You can try holding it."
Ellohir was startled by Kael's gesture, having clearly sensed the blade's lethal heat. But upon touching the blade, instead of the expected burns, he felt only warm contact, not scalding at all.
Seeing Kael deliberately tease her brother, Arwen explained helplessly to Ellohir and Elrohir. "This Flammifer is scorching hot, but once someone gains Kael's recognition and permission, it won't harm them."
Ellohir and Elrohir understood with amazement at Flammifer's properties.
Just then, Elrond approached from nearby, accompanied by his secretary, Lindir.
"Father," Arwen, Ellohir, and Elrohir called out.
"Lord Elrond, Lindir, why have you come?" Kael asked in surprise.
Elrond's gaze immediately fell on Flammifer in Ellohir's hand, smiling warmly. "I felt scorching heat from afar and came with Lindir. Is this your reforged Flammifer, Kael? May I see it?"
"Of course," Kael naturally didn't mind.
Ellohir handed the sword to Elrond.
Elrond took the sword, examining and sensing it carefully, then showing admiration. "A novel, unique forging technique that develops metal's capabilities to their limits, endowing metal with memory. Sharp, indestructible, self-repairing, and able to absorb beneficial substances for continuous strengthening! This is craftsmanship neither elven nor dwarven smiths possess. Kael has once again brought me surprises!"
Kael was even more amazed. He marveled that Elrond truly was one of Middle-earth's most learned sages, discerning the sword's properties so quickly.
Then he saw the Air-ring Vilya appear between Elrond's fingers, its gem shining like brilliant blue starlight. Elrond gripped Flammifer, infusing Vilya's power into it.
"Lord Elrond, what are you...?" Kael asked in surprise.
Flammifer became even more extraordinary after absorbing Vilya's power.
Elrond smiled and returned Flammifer to Kael. "Try it."
Kael took the sword and swung it a few times, discovering it moved faster. Air resistance seemed to disappear, becoming propulsion instead, leaving only afterimages.
He struck forcefully toward an empty area, and instantly an air blade flew from the sword, swiftly cutting through air and splitting a boulder in half.
"Sword aura?" Kael's eyes lit up.
Had he suddenly entered a martial arts story?
Looking closer at the cut, besides the smooth surface, there were also burn marks from melting. Clearly, the "sword aura" was not only sharp but also carried scorching heat, doubling the damage.
Everyone present was shocked at this sight.
Kael was delighted. Now his Flammifer was not just a close-combat weapon but had ranged attacks too!
"I don't know how to thank you, Lord Elrond!" Kael felt grateful to this elven elder who had helped him so much.
Elrond shook his head slightly. "On this journey, do your best to return safely. Don't make Arwen worry about you!"
Kael looked at Arwen, his gaze softening as he nodded. "I understand. I'll return safely!"
Since Kael was departing on a long journey, Elrond, Ellohir, and Elrohir didn't disturb them further. They let Kael and Arwen spend their remaining time together.
The two strolled slowly through Rivendell's winding elven corridors.
Elven emotions were restrained yet enduring. Arwen didn't cling like passionate lovers unable to part, nor did she demand to accompany him.
She only said gently, "While you're away, I'll stay at Hogwarts often, caring for your companions and subjects. You needn't worry about home. Just remember to protect yourself and avoid injury."
She removed the Evenstar pendant from her chest and placed it in Kael's hand.
"May it guard you in my stead. Wherever and whenever you are, I am with you."
Kael looked at the star-gleaming gem in his hand, then at gentle, devoted Arwen, emotions surging in his eyes.
He took a deep breath and pulled Arwen into a tight embrace, breathing in her unique fragrance as he said deeply, "Having you is wonderful!"
Arwen was somewhat surprised, but hearing his words, her eyes curved with gentle warmth, holding starlight as she embraced his broad back.
Kael spent the following days with Arwen, returning together to Weathertop.
Arwen collected dew from the White Tree daily to make magical drinks, or picked mallorn fruit to make lembas. She prepared these as Kael's provisions for his journey.
When parting time came, Arwen remained at the castle while Kael departed Weathertop riding great eagle Thorondor.
His first destination was the Grey Havens on the western coast.
But this journey wasn't only to find Philosopher's Stone materials. It was also a check-in mission.
So he didn't use the Floo Network to reach Bilbo's house and shorten the journey. Instead, he flew north from Weathertop.
He planned a detour, first visiting Fornost north of the Weather Hills.