A magical journey that begins at Hogwarts

"Some people believe this will be a sacred journey, slaying dragons and reclaiming their homeland."

I suspect the real motive wasn't so noble—theft of treasure, or some other attempt.

You've found the secret passage, attempting to retrieve the jewel that granted you power, the King's Jewel, the Arkenstone.

Thorin's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

"So, the Arkenstone is what you wanted us to find?" Aaron said thoughtfully. "We're not looking for a gemstone, we're looking for a throne!"

“That’s right. With that gem and the bloodline of Turin, we might really be able to unite the power of the dwarf tribes.” Thranduil smiled contemptuously. “I understand that its value is immeasurable to you.”

The Lonely Mountain also holds the jewelry I desire: white gemstones, as pure as starlight.

I will offer you assistance.

“That’s wonderful,” Bilbo said happily. “You can release us now, and we’ll give you the white gem after the adventure is over.”

"Ha!" Thorin shook his head inappropriately. "I will not agree."

"Thorin," Aaron said wearily, "the white gem means nothing to you, and giving it to the Woodland King wouldn't be a big deal, would it?"

"Don't you know about the feud between dwarves and wood elves?"

"We know, we all know."

But as the saying goes, a smile can dispel long-standing grievances, and a laugh can erase all enmity...

Before Aaron could finish speaking, Thorin interrupted him, saying, "I'm not that magnanimous."

“Okay.” Aaron pursed his lips and forced a smile. “Then I’ll choose something more realistic.”

We have no other choice but to cooperate.

“Smart man, Thorin Oakenshield, you really should learn from them,” Thranduil said calmly. “I assure you in the name of the King that you will be released immediately if you return my things to me.”

In addition, I will provide you with ample assistance, weapons, food, and even guarantee you unimpeded passage before reaching Lonely Mountain.

Upon hearing this, Bilbo and Aaron's hearts began to pound uncontrollably.

This journey has been incredibly arduous; we were constantly being hunted or on our way to be hunted. If only things could be a little easier.

“That sounds good, very tempting,” Thorin said with a smile, then his tone changed and his expression turned serious. “But I don’t trust you, Thranduil.”

A great king will keep his promise, even if the end of the world comes.

“You,” Thorin roared at Thranduil, “you have no integrity whatsoever.”

Legolas immediately drew his Beastbite and held it to Thorin's neck. "Watch your tone, dwarf."

“Legolas.” Thranduil waved his hand, and Legolas glared at Thorin before sheathing his sword.

“I witnessed you betray your allies. We were starving and displaced when we sought your help, but you turned away.”

"You abandoned my people's suffering, letting them be destroyed and devoured," Thorin cursed viciously. "May you die in the flames."

“Don’t mention dragonfire to me.” Thranduil suddenly walked up to Thorin, bent down and looked him straight in the eyes. “I know its destructive power.”

As soon as he finished speaking, half of Thranduil's face turned dry and festering, devoid of any color.

Gulp! ×3.

“Father, you…” Legolas said in disbelief.

“I have faced the dragons of the North, and this is the price I pay.” Thranduil’s expression returned to normal. “I warned your grandfather about the consequences of his greed.”

But he refused to listen, only knowing how to guard his treasure, and stubbornly believed that the dwarves' rule was unbreakable.

You look exactly like him.

Thranduil waved his hand, and several elven guards came over to escort them back to their cells.

"Stay here if you want, until you rot!"

For elves, a hundred years is but a fleeting moment.

I am patient; I can wait.

"Wait a minute." Aaron slapped away the hand holding his arm, looking at Thranduil with an awkward yet polite expression. "His stubbornness is his business, it has nothing to do with us. Humans and hobbits and elves have no enmity with each other."

“Yes, that’s it,” Bilbo quickly added. “We’ll do our best to persuade Thorin.”

"Take him away," Thranduil said impatiently. "I'm waiting for Oak Shield to change his mind."

“Wait a minute,” Aaron said again, “How about we change the deal?”

"Let us go, and I'll heal half of your face."

"Are you serious?" Legolas was somewhat tempted; he naturally wanted his father to regain his appearance.

Thranduil looked intently at Aaron. "Why should I believe you?"

The damage caused by the dragon's flames is incurable. I've consulted many people, but none could help, and you're just a child.

“But not an ordinary child; Legolas should have mentioned me.”

"so what?

Wizards may not know as many spells as elves, and it's not like I haven't consulted wizards before.

“There are differences between wizards. Just because they can’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t,” Aaron said meaningfully. “Just tell me straight, do you agree to this deal or not?”

Thranduil hesitated for a moment, then said, "If what you say is true, releasing you isn't impossible..."

Aaron had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the word "but," and his lips twitched involuntarily.

"But what?" Aaron asked nervously.

“But I have no choice but to release you and this hobbit.” Thranduil sneered, touching his face. “If it were before, I would have readily agreed to your terms.”

But so much time has passed, I've grown accustomed to this face, and its beauty is far less precious to me than the treasures of the elves.

Aaron chuckled awkwardly. "I understand. I'll think about it."

The elven guards put the three back into the cell, but they were much more polite to Aaron and Bilbo, since these two might become the king's benefactors, and it was not shameful for them to be polite.

boom!

The cell door was closed again, and everything seemed unchanged.

"Did he make any demands of you?" Bahrain asked anxiously.

“I did,” Thorin said. “I told him to wait for me to spit on his grave.”

"Give me a break," Aaron said speechlessly. "Elves can live longer than you. Even if towering trees or a whole forest grow on your grave, they won't have a single wrinkle left on their faces."

Seriously, I'm not trying to be mean, but do you even know what it means to be powerless against circumstances? Can't you occasionally put aside that damn arrogance of yours?

“That’s absolutely right,” Bilbo agreed wholeheartedly. “Thorin, we’re prisoners now.”

"You aren't?" Thorin scoffed. "Humans and hobbits have other ways to escape this cage, don't they?"

Bilbo paused, then turned to Aaron. "You really have a way to heal his face?"

Aaron sighed heavily and nodded slowly.

He had two incredibly potent potions in his possession; both the Moon Drops and the Resurrection Potion could heal Thranduil's face.

However, using the latter would be a shameful waste; if a portion of that medicine is consumed, it can only be used as a life-saving potion.

It would be better to use the Moon Drops to remove the aftereffects of the Dragon Flame, along with some potions, for a long-term treatment.

“I advise you not to do that?” Thorin said. “Or rather, you should be prepared for him not to keep his promise.”

“I know what I’m doing, because my trading partner isn’t Thranduil.” Aaron yawned and leaned against the wall, bored. “If I’m not mistaken, someone will be coming for me soon.”

“Legolas?” Bilbo suddenly thought of something. “If it’s him, it might work.”

Thorin remained silent upon hearing this.

He had no trust in Thranduil, but he had some confidence in his son, though not much.

"Even so, he might not necessarily let all of us go."

“We will go to Gandalf,” Bilbo assured him. “He might be able to negotiate with the Woodland King and get you released.”

“You’re overthinking it.” Aaron curled his lip. “Thranduil might give Gandalf some face, but as long as the stubborn dwarf doesn’t agree to hand over the white gem, he’ll never get out.”

Bilbo glanced at Thorin through the cell door, then sighed deeply. "Isn't there any other way to get him to release Thorin?"

"Of course."

"What?" Bilbo's mouth dropped open in astonishment. He was about to say something when Aaron made a shushing gesture, and he immediately shut his mouth.

Legolas slowly walked down the stairs and came to Aaron's side.

"You really can heal my father's face."

"I can, but how well I can heal depends on your sincerity." Aaron glanced at the other cells, his meaning quite clear.

Although it's somewhat unkind to take advantage of someone's filial piety, he has no choice in the current situation.

“No.” Legolas shook his head slightly. “I know what you’re thinking, but you should also understand my difficulties.”

Our king has a deep desire for the white gems, and I cannot let the dwarves out without permission.

Aaron rolled his eyes. Although he had guessed the outcome, he was still somewhat disappointed.

"Alright! Then give me back my wand."

“This won’t do either.” Legolas chuckled and pulled out two wands, one black and one white, from behind his back. “Do you think I’d be foolish enough to give you the power to escape?”

“Um… if it’s possible, could you please give me back my sword?” Bilbo interjected.

"Do you think he'll return the weapon to the prisoner?" Aaron said with a wry smile. "Impossible."

“That works.” Legolas threw the spikes into the cell.

"Thank you." Bilbo drew his short sword, letting out a heavy sigh of relief.

This was his first and only weapon, which accompanied him for a long time and held great significance.

Aaron was dumbfounded. What did this mean? Was he being slapped in the face?

Seemingly noticing the resentment in Aaron's eyes, Legolas explained, "He's weak, it's alright to give him the sword."

Bilbo: ......

Although it's true, could you please not say it to my face? It's too hurtful to my self-esteem.