It turns out that the terrain of the Misty Mountains is indeed rugged and rough, and the climate and environment are the same every day.
After five days of running around, Carl finally got out of the wind and snow.
He slowly climbed down the mountain peak, and after descending, he walked down the river valley formed by the melting water of the glacier. After walking for half a day, the green scenery finally began to appear in front of him.
Grass began to appear, and the path ahead started to become smooth again.
Everyone's footsteps began to lighten, and the dwarves and Bilbo's chatter started to sound in the team, discussing everything that had happened before, boasting about their experiences. Thorin's furrowed brow also relaxed.
Now, they had crossed another obstacle, and they were even closer to the Lonely Mountain, which was indeed gratifying.
With this kind of joy, everyone's footsteps quickened, and they finally spotted a village and some houses appearing under the setting sun in the distance, emitting smoke before it got dark.
"Ah, there's a village over there!" Bilbo cried.
"I see!"
Everyone was not blind, and of course, they all saw it, but seeing Bilbo's excited expression, they could understand his elated mood at the moment.
After all, all the way they had traveled, they encountered nothing but poor mountains and mountains, and they were still on their way. In addition, after enduring several storms, they couldn't stop. At this moment, their spirits were exhausted, and they were eagerly looking forward to eating, drinking, and then having a good sleep.
The group headed toward the village.
It's not surprising that there are villages not far from the Misty Mountains because since the defeat of Sauron, the dark creatures on the continent have either died, been wounded, or driven to remote mountains, or like goblins, hidden underground.
In short, as long as you don't go to the depths of the Misty Mountains or other dark places, you generally won't encounter those cruel creatures.
And because of this, the people who have multiplied gradually began to develop and settle in suitable places everywhere. Over time, villages and towns began to emerge on the plains or next to the forest.
….
"Who are you?" Carl followed the dwarves along the mainland, and when he got to the front, behind the cottage, a few burly men suddenly jumped out.
With guns in their hands, they looked at Carl, Thorin, and the others, their eyes full of alertness and vigilance.
As soon as he approached, he was pointed at by a gun and questioned sharply, but Sorin was a little unhappy in his heart.
But thinking that everyone is still going to stay here to rest, but it is not easy to attack, so I can only explain patiently: "Your Excellency, I am Thorin Oakenshield. I happened to pass by here, I plan to take a rest, and I hope you can promise."
"No, we don't allow outsiders here!" The leading man shook his head and shouted, "Go find somewhere else to sleep."
"Hey, what do you mean? Do you know who you are talking to now?" Groin jumped out.
Groin was already displeased when these men pointed guns at them. Now, seeing his "king" being treated so rudely, he couldn't help it.
"I don't care who you are, in short, you can't stay here, hurry up!" the leading man shouted.
"Are you looking for a fight?" Groin exclaimed. After all, he came out, and he was about to start.
Sorin was also a little uncomfortable at the moment. He was the lord of a kingdom, but he was blocked from the door by several humans, which was too embarrassing.
But after so much, he is not as high-spirited as he used to be. After stopping Groin, he said to the man:
"We can pay, you can name a price, and we won't take your things for nothing."
Facts have proven that Sorin has indeed grown a lot.
After listening to Sorin's words, several men looked at each other. Then he asked Thorin a few questions, and then allowed them to enter the village, reassuring them.
After Sorin rummaged through Groin's pocket, took out a few golden coins, and handed them over to the men, he was allowed to enter the village.
The crowd followed the man named Rogge as the leader and walked inside.
Except for Groin, who looked a little worried, the others looked around intently.
...
At first glance, this seems to be just an ordinary and simple village.
Along the way are houses made of old wood, a few reluctant fences, and a few vegetation decorations, which look ordinary and unremarkable.
The village does not look very big, but there are twenty or thirty houses stacked together, and the population must not exceed one hundred people.
Along the way, the elderly and children stood by the door, looking at Sorin and the others.
They talked a lot and pointed.
"Who are these guys?"
"It should be dwarves, you look at them, they all seem to be small, short, and ugly."
"But there are two guys who are very tall."
"Well, like elves and humans..."
"What a strange team."
"What do you think they came to our village for?"
"I don't know, but since Captain Rogge allowed them to come in, they should be good people."
"..."
…..
"Tsk tsk tsk, I didn't expect the people here to be so hospitable, so they would send us off." Looking at the gazes around him, Bilbo said with emotion.
"Haha," said Gandalf, stroking his gray beard, "that's how it is in Middle-earth, and everyone has good intentions in their hearts. You haven't been disappointed by this trip, Bilbo."
After all, he encouraged Bilbo to come out and swim in muddy waters, and Gandalf had a chance to prove that his instigation was in Bilbo's favor.
"Hehe, yes." Carl also laughed, "Bilbo, this is indeed much more interesting than your hometown in the Shire; you can always welcome unexpected surprises at unexpected times."
Carl said, his eyes turned away, and he looked at the crowd watching around him, but there was an inexplicable smile in his eyes.
Although the expressions of these people did not look different from ordinary villagers, Carl still felt something unusual. These people are on guard. Be wary of them, no, or something else, something foreign.
So, what is it? What happened to this village?
Carl thought to himself, but he was patient and didn't ask any further questions. After all, they are now unwelcome outsiders.
"Okay, you can stay here." The man who led the way led the crowd to a low bungalow, and then said, "Although I believe in your intentions, please stay in the house at night. out."
After all, he turned and left.
Although the attitude was not very good, everyone didn't care anymore, because now there is nothing more important than a good meal.
…..
Bilbo began to get busy again. Everyone put up shelves, cleaned the house, and processed the ingredients. After a while, the small table was filled with food.
The huge grilled meat with oil, the hot soup, the mellow wine, all kinds of vegetables and berries are all ready.
Following the light of the fire, everyone's red faces showed laughter and satisfaction, and Carl joined the crowd with joy on his face.
This rare excitement should indeed be enjoyed.