At the end of 2948, Roadside Keep opened a maritime technology program, with navigators and sailors from Lindon serving as instructors.
From then on, there were a few elven figures within Roadside Keep.
Logically speaking, elves were more accustomed to quiet and peaceful environments. They didn't like entering bustling markets or crowded places.
Even if they had to gather, such as hosting banquets to commemorate certain festivals, it was mostly with their own kind.
In fact, this group of elves who came to Roadside Keep for teaching had been told: if they couldn't adapt to the environment here, they could apply to return at any time.
However, so far no elf had said they wanted to go back.
Partly out of curiosity about external things. Even scenery as beautiful as Lindon would eventually become somewhat tiresome after looking at it for too long. Changing places to see scenery was quite refreshing.
Additionally, it was out of curiosity about this world's new legend. Many instructors volunteered to go, wanting to explore the scenery of Levi's residence.
The results were somewhat unexpected.
In terms of scenery, Roadside Keep was no worse than any elven territory. Regarding environmental atmosphere, though elves initially weren't quite used to life away from their kindred and couldn't immediately adapt to frequent, extensive contact with humans.
But after staying for a while, the elves found that the humans here seemed quite good too. Especially their mental outlook, different from humans they'd encountered before. There was an indescribable vigor that was quite infectious.
Very relaxing.
Moreover, there was an unlimited wine supply with a taste that was simply intoxicating. You could call it the best in Middle-earth.
Fine wine indeed.
With the establishment of maritime technology, the Craftsman Academy also developed a branch discipline called Naval Engineering.
All knowledge and talent needed for river and ocean navigation were steadily increasing.
Time passed peacefully until 2949 arrived.
Snow and ice mixed with mud spots on the ground melted away. Looking at the moist earth, many people finally came to their senses.
Another new year had arrived.
Life was calm and quiet, but in places people didn't know about, some commotion would suddenly arise, startling those nearby.
Like at the Lonely Mountain.
A not-very-tall figure suddenly ran out, with another figure following close behind.
"Balin, where are you going? Come back!"
Thorin shouted from behind in pursuit.
"He's calling you."
On horseback, Gandalf glanced back at Balin, who'd just gotten on behind him, then looked at Thorin approaching.
"Go, Gandalf, hurry! I don't want to stay here!"
Balin anxiously grabbed Gandalf's robes from behind, urging him on. His beard was trembling.
"Alright, hold tight."
As soon as he spoke, intense acceleration hit them. Old Gandalf smiled helplessly as he drove the horse forward, leaving only a silhouette in a whoosh.
Thorin wanted to continue chasing, but long-distance running was quite demanding for dwarves.
"Huff, huff..."
He panted heavily, shaking his head repeatedly.
"Why run so fast? It's not as if I don't allow you holidays when you need them."
"Can't there be a little more trust between us?"
But Balin was destined not to hear these words.
"Is this freedom, Gandalf?"
"Perhaps."
"Durin above, can you not learn those elves' tones? Every time you ask them if something's right or wrong, they like to answer 'perhaps.'"
Pff.
Unable to hold back, Gandalf laughed aloud, his beard flying up.
"Quite an apt assessment, Master Balin."
After this topic ended, Balin asked: "Where are we going?"
"Hmm... yes, where indeed."
Gandalf pondered: "I plan to visit the western side of the Misty Mountains. How's that sound to you?"
"Perfect for me."
Balin poked his head out from behind: "I haven't been to the Blue Mountains for some time. I wonder how many dwarves are still there. Oh, and Bilbo! I haven't seen him since we parted at Erebor after the war ended. I want to see how he's been living recently."
"Mm, very good. In that case, we're going the same way."
Gandalf nodded.
"Bilbo..."
He recalled: "He's doing well. He went to the feast when Roadside Keep held their banquet last time. Looked quite good."
"Don't mention that, Gandalf."
Upon hearing about the Roadside Keep banquet, Balin looked indignant.
"Such a big event, and Thorin and the others had the heart to leave me behind!"
"It's too much! They are simply bullying an honest dwarf!"
Gandalf smiled.
Thinking of the dwarves who'd been lying on the ground drunk at the time, he said: "It might not have been a bad thing. At least you didn't lose face."
"What?"
So Gandalf told him about the amusing events at the banquet.
"I never knew."
Balin looked serious.
"They never mentioned this to me at all."
"Ha, how embarrassing! They couldn't even out-drink elves. Now when I go back, I'll have something to say to them."
The old dwarf finally got one back.
Rumble rumble...
At Lake-town's entrance, the massive elevator activated, and one wizard and one dwarf soon arrived at the Sky Road's starting point—Starting Point Town.
While feeling the surrounding bustle, Balin's gaze turned toward the forest below, filled with emotion:
"How wonderful. I'd like to live here."
"So are you planning to stay here for a while?"
"No, no need."
Balin quickly shook his head.
This was too close to the Lonely Mountain. He'd better not stay lest he get caught and dragged back.
"Then let's set off. There'll be no shortage of scenery like this on the road. You can keep looking."
Gandalf opened his carried map, pointing to the Sky Road markings clearly drawn on it:
"If all goes well, we can reach 'Carl Town' before dark. Oh, you might not have been there. It's the newest town established by Beorn's clan, near Carl Rock."
"We can rest there for the night, go to Halfway Town in the Misty Mountains the second day, and reach Roadside Keep on the third day..."
When mentioning the third day, Gandalf seemed to think of something and fell silent for quite a while.
"In the past, this journey would've taken me at least a month."
"Enough reminiscing. Let's go."
Balin urged from behind.
"Alright, alright... don't rush, Master Balin. The weather's warm, the journey's smooth, and we have plenty of time. We can confidently take our time."
"That's really nice."
Balin smiled genuinely.
"Ah... travel and peace."
Just as Gandalf said, when night fell, the two had just arrived near Carl Town.
As they descended from the main road, Balin exclaimed:
"What's that?" He pointed at a massive figure atop a towering rock.
Gandalf looked in the direction of the pointing finger and showed understanding.
"That's Beorn."
"It's his habit."
Gandalf lifted his chin, indicating: "Look, tonight's sky is very clear, and the moon isn't obscured by clouds. Very suitable for coming out to appreciate at night, isn't it?"
"Some say Beorn might see something in the moon, because sometimes he can stare at it all night long."
"Of course, others say he's sleeping up there, because even if he watches the moon all night, he shows no signs of fatigue the next day."
"What about you? What do you think he's doing?" Balin asked Gandalf.
"Me..."
Gandalf showed a thoughtful expression: "I think he might be pondering something, like life philosophy. The moon can make his mind clearer."
"There are always many strange things in this world," Balin said with emotion.
At the same time, Beorn gazing at the moon atop Carl Rock had the same thought.
He was indeed thinking.
"Why can bees grow as big as human heads?"