Looking at the golden cup cradled in his hands, Kael's face broke into a satisfied smile. The weight of the artifact felt perfect, its surface warm to the touch despite being made of metal.
Unlike Gryffindor's Sword with its razor-sharp edge or Ravenclaw's Diadem with its wisdom-enhancing properties, Hufflepuff's Cup couldn't serve as a weapon nor boost intellectual prowess. Instead, it was a sacred grail dedicated to healing injuries, nourishing the body, and replenishing magical power with unparalleled efficiency.
Even the deadliest basilisk venom could be neutralized by the golden cup's power. It stood as the only remedy besides phoenix tears that could counteract the serpent's lethal poison, making it invaluable beyond measure.
The cup possessed remarkable longevity properties as well. Long-term use would not only maintain perfect health free from disease and ailment, but also extend one's natural lifespan significantly, allowing the user to live far longer than ordinary wizards could ever hope.
This was precisely why Helga Hufflepuff had become the longest-living among the four legendary Hogwarts founders, her vitality sustained by her masterwork.
Besides these miraculous healing effects, the cup served as an incredibly helpful life assistant in countless ways.
It could summon and transport various delicacies from distant lands or multiply existing food to feed multitudes. The cup also continuously produced wine, milk, tea, and other beverages of the finest quality to meet any daily need imaginable.
Having successfully completed this monumental creation, Kael carefully secured the cup and departed from the ancient stone circle.
He planned to bring it along to future banquets or lengthy journeys, where its abilities would prove invaluable for maintaining his strength and health.
As for the stone circle itself, Kael decided against dismantling the sacred formation, instead leaving it as a mystical scenic landmark within his castle grounds. The ancient stones hummed with residual power, and the intricate runes still glowed faintly in the moonlight.
Perhaps the formation would prove useful again someday for other magical rituals.
Using the Floo Network, Kael traveled through crackling green flames to emerge in the warm hearth of Rivendell's main hall.
"Kael, was the cup successfully completed?" Arwen asked with gentle concern, her melodious voice carrying notes of worry and anticipation.
She had witnessed Lumbar's brilliant light projecting down onto distant Weathertop the previous night, the celestial pillar visible even from Rivendell's elevated terraces. Though she maintained complete confidence in Kael's abilities, she still needed to hear confirmation with her own ears to put her heart at ease.
Kael's smile widened as he nodded enthusiastically. "Complete success."
Hearing this wonderful news, Arwen's last traces of worry evaporated like morning mist, replaced by a radiant smile that seemed to illuminate the entire chamber.
"Congratulations!" she exclaimed with genuine happiness, her eyes sparkling with pride for his achievement.
Since Kael had returned to residing primarily at Weathertop, Arwen remained in Rivendell under the watchful but understanding supervision of her father, Elrond, and her protective brothers, Ellohir and Elrohir.
After all, though Kael and Arwen's mutual love was obvious to anyone with eyes to see, until they held a proper wedding ceremony with all traditional elvish customs observed, it wouldn't be appropriate for them to live together permanently under the same roof.
More importantly, Arwen now had a delightful new companion to occupy her time, the magnificent flying horse that Kael had specially bred and gifted to her.
She kept the precious creature in Rivendell's spacious stables, personally tending to the young foal with devoted care. The sight of the elegant elf maiden brushing the winged horse's pearl-white coat had become a daily highlight for many residents.
The other elves of Rivendell had fallen completely in love with this pure white flying horse. Its graceful form and ethereal beauty matched elven aesthetics perfectly, as if it had stepped from their most cherished legends.
Brothers Ellohir and Elrohir made no attempt to hide their intense envy, often lingering near the stables with wistful expressions. Even the normally composed Elrond frequently found excuses to visit and observe the remarkable young foal, his ancient eyes bright with wonder.
Kael possessed keen social instincts. Recognizing how much his future father-in-law and brothers-in-law admired the creature, he immediately offered to breed three additional flying horses specifically for their enjoyment.
The effect was instantaneous. All three elves became noticeably more pleasant and welcoming toward Kael, their approval of his relationship with Arwen growing stronger by the day.
The flying horses they eagerly anticipated were currently developing in their mothers' wombs back at Isengard, patiently waiting to enter the world.
Just as their conversation turned to these magical steeds, a clear, musical neigh echoed from somewhere above Rivendell's towers.
Kael tilted his head skyward to see a magnificent pure white flying horse catching and reflecting pearl-like radiance in the golden afternoon sunlight. The creature was breathtakingly beautiful and spirited, its powerful wings beating with natural grace.
This flying horse had inherited the finest qualities from both bloodlines: the legendary Mearas horses' incredible speed, strength, keen intelligence, and legendary endurance, combined with the great eagles' mastery of aerial flight and their supernaturally sharp vision.
From its lofty height, the winged steed quickly spotted Kael and Arwen standing on the platform below, its enhanced eyesight picking out familiar forms among the elven architecture.
With a joyful neigh that rang like silver bells, the flying horse folded its wings and dove straight down in a controlled descent, spreading those magnificent white wings wide at the last moment to achieve a perfect landing on the stone platform.
The moment its hooves touched solid ground, the creature trotted forward affectionately, nuzzling Arwen's outstretched hand before rubbing its velvet muzzle against Kael's face with obvious delight.
Kael gently raised his hand to stroke the flying horse's neck, his own fondness for the magnificent beast evident in every gentle gesture. The creature's coat felt like silk beneath his fingers, warm and alive with vibrant energy.
This remarkable flying horse, christened "Eärendlos" by Arwen with the poetic meaning "Star Horse," had not yet reached full maturity but already displayed the impressive stature inherited from its great eagle lineage. It stood much taller than ordinary horses, its wings fully developed and strong enough to carry it soaring through Middle-earth's skies with effortless grace.
Eärendlos had become Rivendell's undisputed star and beloved darling. Every elf in the hidden valley adored the creature, and some were already secretly calculating when it would reach breeding maturity, hoping to find it a suitable mate to see if it could produce offspring.
Even immortal elves weren't immune to scheming when it came to such wondrous creatures.
After spending several pleasant minutes comforting and praising the flying horse, Kael and Arwen made their way to Elrond's private study to share the good news.
Elrond received them with his characteristic gentle demeanor, his ageless face radiating the profound wisdom accumulated over thousands of years. His keen eyes immediately noticed the subtle change in Kael's bearing, the satisfaction of a craftsman who had completed a masterwork.
"Did everything proceed smoothly?" he inquired with genuine interest.
Kael understood exactly what Elrond meant and smiled as he nodded confidently.
"Mission accomplished!" He carefully withdrew the golden cup from his protective pouch and presented it with appropriate reverence.
Elrond accepted the artifact with respectful hands and began examining it with the thoroughness of a master scholar. His ancient eyes widened with genuine amazement as he sensed the incredible magical properties woven into every molecule of the gold.
Though he had heard Kael mention his intention to create this particular magical artifact weeks ago, and when starlight had projected onto western Weathertop the previous night, he had correctly deduced that Kael was performing the final ritual; witnessing the finished product exceeded even his elevated expectations.
He had previously seen and even worn Kael's Crown of Wisdom, giving that remarkable treasure the highest praise possible from someone of his stature and experience.
But today's cup captured his heart even more completely than the diadem had.
The cup's extraordinary healing and nourishing magical properties impressed Elrond profoundly, especially considering his own reputation as Middle-earth's greatest physician and healer.
He returned the precious cup to Kael with careful hands, his smile tinged with good-natured resignation as he sighed. "With this miraculous cup in your possession, my traditional medical skills feel almost obsolete. I fear no poison or ailment in this world could trouble you seriously now!"
Kael shook his head in respectful disagreement, his tone earnest. "Lord Elrond, you praise me far too highly. This cup is merely an instrument, nothing more. It may possess certain healing properties, but it's hardly omnipotent, much less comparable to your status as Middle-earth's most skilled and knowledgeable physician."
This wasn't mere flattery or false modesty. Aside from Elrond's own legendary medical expertise accumulated over millennia, the Ring of Air called Vilya that he wore was itself a powerful healing artifact with capabilities that dwarfed most magical items. How could any single cup hope to match such accumulated power and wisdom?
Elrond chose not to argue the point, his attention shifting to his beloved daughter standing beside Kael. A kind, paternal smile softened his features as he spoke.
"With this cup enhancing your protection, your safety on dangerous journeys is greatly improved. This knowledge allows both Ellohir and me to feel much more at ease when you eventually venture to the far eastern lands."
His expression grew more serious as he continued. "When do you plan to begin your journey eastward to seek the remaining Philosopher's Stone materials?"
Kael shook his head thoughtfully. "There's no immediate rush. The Far East remains firmly within Sauron's sphere of influence, and Hildórien's exact location has been lost to time and memory. I want to make absolutely thorough preparations before attempting such a dangerous expedition, so I'll wait until after I create the Resurrection Stone. Perhaps I can use its power to summon someone who actually knows the ancient location."
Elrond nodded with obvious approval. "Your cautious approach demonstrates wisdom beyond your years."
"However, you shouldn't place all your hopes solely on the Resurrection Stone's capabilities. If you truly wish to locate Hildórien and collect the mysterious 'Salt of the Body,' I strongly suggest seeking out the two Blue Wizards currently active in the far eastern regions."
His voice took on the tone of someone sharing ancient knowledge. "They arrived from the west across the sea just as Mithrandir did, though they came even earlier than our beloved Grey Wizard. For centuries they have been quietly guiding the free peoples of the east in their resistance against Sauron's expanding dominion. Having maintained their presence in those distant lands for so long, they might well possess knowledge of Hildórien's whereabouts."
"Blue Wizards?" Kael's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Lord Elrond, you actually know them personally?"
Among the five wizards who had crossed the sea to aid Middle-earth, the most enigmatic and mysterious were indeed these two Blue Wizards.
They appeared rarely in Middle-earth's recorded histories, their deeds largely unknown in the western lands. After making the journey from Valinor to Middle-earth's shores, they had not lingered long in familiar territories but traveled directly eastward to regions where few western folk had ventured.
So while Kael knew the general designation "Blue Wizards," he didn't even know their individual names, much less their specific abilities or current activities.
From his limited knowledge, both Blue Wizards served as Maiar under Oromë the Huntsman among the Valar, but something significant had occurred in the east. After the final War of the Ring concluded, neither Blue Wizard had boarded the ships returning to the Undying Lands of Valinor.
Elrond shook his head with mild regret. "I met them only briefly, during a single memorable encounter. When they first arrived from across the western sea at the Grey Havens and traveled the Great East Road toward Rivendell, I offered them hospitality as was proper."
He paused, his ancient memory reaching back across the centuries. "They remained in Rivendell for less than a week. After crossing the Misty Mountains, they departed immediately for the eastern lands, and I have not seen either of them since that time."
"I've heard only scattered rumors and reports that they continue their work in the east, secretly inciting rebellion against Sauron's forces and hindering his operations in those regions. Their efforts apparently limit the dark forces' power significantly, though few details reach western ears."
"What about their names? How are they properly addressed?"
Elrond moved gracefully to an ornate water basin, waving his hand to disturb the mirror-smooth surface. Ripples spread outward in perfect circles, and gradually an image formed in the enchanted water.
The vision revealed two elderly men garbed in deep blue robes that seemed to shift color in the magical light. One sported a neat brown beard, while his companion wore a slightly longer beard of silver-gray. Both facial hair styles were notably shorter than the magnificent beards sported by Saruman and Gandalf.
Elrond pointed to the brown-bearded elder with careful precision. "This is Morinehtar, whose name means 'Darkness-slayer' in the ancient tongue."
Then his finger indicated the gray-bearded wizard in blue robes. "And this is Rómestámo, called 'East-helper' for his dedication to aiding the eastern peoples."
"They are the closest of friends, inseparable companions who have worked together for millennia. Both wear the traditional blue robes of their order, hence the simple designation 'Blue Wizards.' If you truly wish to locate Hildórien, when your eastern journey begins, you would be wise to seek their assistance and guidance."
He paused, his expression growing thoughtful. "Of course, I must admit I'm not intimately familiar with these Blue Wizards and their current methods. You might consider consulting Radagast or Mithrandir instead. As fellow members of the Istari order, they likely possess ways to contact each other across great distances."
Then, as if an uncomfortable memory had surfaced, Elrond's brow furrowed with obvious displeasure. "Speaking of knowledge concerning the east, Saruman should theoretically be the most informed about both the Blue Wizards and eastern geography. He once traveled extensively in those lands alongside them before returning west alone, abandoning his companions for reasons never fully explained. Regarding detailed knowledge of eastern territories and the Blue Wizards' activities, his information would be the most comprehensive and recent."
But the bitter irony was unmistakable. Now that Saruman had betrayed them completely and allied himself with their greatest enemy, consulting him about anything had become utterly impossible.
After absorbing this valuable information about the mysterious Blue Wizards from Elrond's vast repository of knowledge, Kael decided not to prolong his visit. After a tender farewell with Arwen that left both of them reluctant to part, he chose not to return directly to Weathertop but instead traveled to Isengard to check on his secondary stronghold.
Isengard's strategic importance couldn't be overstated or ignored. To maintain vigilance against potential attacks from both Saruman and Mordor's forces, Kael had previously devoted almost half his time and considerable energy to personally guarding this crucial location.
But gradually he had been able to relax his constant vigilance as the magical creatures he had bred, the three-headed hellhound, griffin, and hippogriff, grew larger and more capable. Their presence significantly reduced the pressure on his shoulders.
Without these faithful guardians, the constant stress of personally watching this vital stronghold would have been overwhelming and ultimately unsustainable.
Kael emerged from the first-floor fireplace of Orthanc Tower in a swirl of green flames and immediately encountered his most impressive creation: Cerberus, the massive three-headed hellhound that had grown to rival a small mountain in size.
He had wisely enlarged the tower's first floor using a powerful Extension Charm, expanding the space to roughly the size of a football field to accommodate the creature's impressive bulk and need for movement.
At this moment, Cerberus was sprawled across the floor in a picture of casual boredom. His left and right heads were fast asleep, their breathing deep and regular, while only the middle head remained alert with bright, watchful eyes scanning for any potential threats.
When Kael materialized from the emerald fireplace flames, the awake head immediately swiveled toward him with a fierce, intimidating expression that could have stopped armies in their tracks.
But the moment recognition dawned, that fearsome look melted away completely. The massive tail began wagging with enough force to shake the tower's foundations, all three tongues lolled out happily, and the hellhound made pleased whimpering sounds that resembled nothing so much as an oversized puppy trying to be adorable.
"Alright, alright, I know you missed me," Kael laughed warmly, approaching to pet the enormous heads while carefully maintaining his balance. "Cerberus, aren't I here to see you now?"
The gentle affection in his voice belied the creature's terrifying appearance as he tried to avoid being knocked over by enthusiastic displays of loyalty from his mountain-sized guardian.