These two continents were known only by name, even to the ancient Elves.
After Ilúvatar bent the world of Arda into a sphere, the Land of the Sun, once far east, and the Land of Darkness, once in the southeast, both shifted to positions farther west than Aman, which lay in the far west.
In theory, by sailing endlessly westward, one could reach either continent. But even Círdan, the most skilled shipwright, could not build a vessel strong enough to cross the vast ocean. The waves alone could snap masts and crush hulls.
Now, with steam engines and steel shipbuilding, the sea-loving Elves were attempting to reach the Land of the Sun, or even circumnavigate Arda, a feat never before achieved.
Listening to Círdan's plans, Sylas was secretly astonished. Had he unintentionally ushered in the Elven Age of Sail? He also grew curious about the legendary lands, wondering if people or other beings lived there.
After staying in Grey Havens for a week and visiting Halonde and Forlindon Ports, Sylas and Arwen bid farewell to Círdan and boarded a large ship bound for Pelargir, Gondor's largest port.
The voyage lasted a full month before they reached the Bay of Belfalas. According to the captain, this speed was possible only because of the steam engine, old sailing ships would have taken at least twice as long.
During the month at sea, Sylas and Arwen fished from the deck, explored nearby islands by flight, and even transformed their bodies for underwater travel, using Bubble-Head Charms or Human Transfiguration to gain gills and tails.
Their transformations drew the attention of several Oarni (Merpeople), sea spirits who served the Maia Ossë and Uinen. With hair as white as sea foam and shimmering tails, they moved through the water like ghosts.
Curious about the transformed pair, the Merpeople grew fond of Arwen, recognizing her as the granddaughter of Eärendil, whom they had once aided at the Mouths of Sirion. Out of affection, they gifted Arwen pearl necklaces formed from their tears, pearls far more precious than ordinary ones, and a key ingredient in Felix Felicis.
When their ship finally reached Pelargir, Sylas and Arwen disembarked, driving their carriage through the port city.
Pelargir stood at the meeting of the Anduin and Sirith Rivers, serving as the Gondor Navy's main base. After years of pirate raids, its defenses were heavily fortified.
This time, Sylas and Arwen did not use invisibility magic, and their appearance drew immediate attention, especially Arwen's. Her serene grace and beauty left everyone awestruck, too humbled to approach.
Until finally, the Naval Commander stationed at the port was alerted.
Upon hearing Sylas's name, he dared not be negligent and immediately invited Sylas and Arwen to his residence as honored guests.
As a high-ranking officer of Gondor, he naturally knew of Sylas. Not long ago, even the Regent himself had personally attended Sylas's wedding.
Sylas accepted the invitation, and together with Arwen, went to the Commander's residence.
[Hogwarts Sign-in System: Location- Gondor, Pelargir. Do you wish to sign in?]
The long-awaited prompt appeared. Sylas's eyes brightened, and he immediately confirmed.
[Sign-in successful. Congratulations on obtaining the method for creating the Sorting Hat!]
"Sorting Hat?" Sylas was slightly surprised.
He didn't need Hogwarts-style Houses here, so what use could it have?
Still, though a bit disappointed, Sylas quickly grew intrigued by the hat's nature.
The Sorting Hat was a sentient magical artifact, capable of speech, thought, and creativity. It composed new songs each year, humorously commenting on school life, and it could perceive the inner qualities and desires of anyone who wore it.
Unlike magical portraits, which were only animated echoes of memory, the Sorting Hat truly thought and created independently.
That meant it bordered on the realm of artificial life, a pinnacle of alchemy and enchantment.
If he could grasp its principles, Sylas might one day create alchemical automatons, intelligent, loyal assistants with independent thought.
Realizing this, Sylas felt the reward alone made the journey worthwhile.
After staying in Pelargir for several days and touring the port, Sylas and Arwen departed, heading north toward Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor.
They traveled leisurely, admiring Gondor's scenery along the way.
Their enchanted carriage had everything, a small bedroom, kitchen, and bath, so they never needed inns. Whenever they found a beautiful view, they simply stopped.
Their winged horses were intelligent and self-guided; they only needed directions before flying or trotting onward.
At this relaxed pace, what would normally take three days took them half a month before they finally reached Minas Tirith.
When the white city built into the mountainside came into view, both Sylas and Arwen couldn't help but marvel.
The towering bronze gates, carved with reliefs of Gondor's Kings and the White Tree, radiated grandeur and solemn beauty.
As their carriage approached the gate, a company of Gondor attendants stepped forward respectfully to greet them.
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