Chapter 311: Interruption
"The Brandybuck family always seems strange."
During a casual chat, Bilbo mentioned Frodo's mother's family to Levi.
"That's inevitable."
Bilbo's neighbor, Old Man Took of Bagshot Row Number Two, passing by, overheard and added:
"After all, their home lies on the oddest spot near the Brandywine River, closest to the Old Forest. That woodland is just off, dark and gloomy, with strange noises now and then. Who knows if something has influenced their family?"
"Master Took is a decent and respectable hobbit, but I really can't understand why the Bag End Baggins family would travel so far to court a wife."
"But their lad, Frodo, is quite polite—one of the best kids I've ever seen."
"Well... that's no surprise; after all, his father is a Baggins."
Old Man Took mumbled as he walked away.
"It seems your family has a good reputation," Levi teased Bilbo.
Bilbo just shrugged.
"You know, all hobbits love a stable life."
"And our Baggins family is almost a synonym for 'going by the book'. Many admire that, making my ancestors highly respected."
"Is that so—"
A warm voice interrupted untimely.
A gray-robed old man leaning on a cane stood before them, blocking the sunlight somewhat impolitely. Addressing Bilbo:
"But as far as I see, there is a Baggins filled with spirit of adventure."
"Exceptions exist, and you're late, Gandalf!"
Bilbo immediately stood, complaining, but genuinely embraced Gandalf.
"Forgive me, Bilbo; some trifling matters delayed me two days. Otherwise, I wouldn't miss your birthday."
Looking at Levi, Gandalf added:
"Yes… I truly regret it. I imagine the feast must be full of delicacies."
Gandalf grinned widely, saying:
"Long time no see, Levi."
"Long time no see, Gandalf."
Levi greeted his old friend.
They patted each other's shoulders and exchanged a greeting considered close among Elves.
"You have changed much."
Almost at first sight, Gandalf sensed something different, mainly in Levi's aura.
He sighed softly, then suddenly smiled and said:
"Take it easy, Levi. Some things must be lived through."
"I have always taken it easy."
"Better be so."
Without pursuing this further, Gandalf turned to Bilbo, resuming:
"I don't think you're an exception, Bilbo."
"I told you before, your grandfather Garlind Took, Old Took, was a man of great adventure. When the White Wolf invaded the Shire, and the Brandybuck family sounded the call, he was the first to respond. They and other hobbits drove out the beasts, restoring peace to the Shire."
Mentioning this, Gandalf sighed emotionally:
"My old friend, Old Took... we've known each other peacefully for over a hundred years. Every Midsummer's Eve party, I'd bring carefully prepared fireworks."
"Once, I gifted him a pair of magical diamond buttons. His joy still echoes in my mind; he said it was one of the most important days of his life."
"But now those buttons lie buried with him."
Gandalf smiled again, his words free of sorrow or weight, only calm remembrance of a century-long friendship.
"Oh, of course. My grandfather, Garlind Took, was the longest-living hobbit on record at 130 years. I dare not even imagine."
"Not necessarily..." Gandalf looked at Bilbo with meaning.
"What?"
"I mean, you forgot one thing: Old Took also holds the record for having the most offspring."
"I know that too." Bilbo nodded.
Listening to their chat, Levi smiled slightly, feeling the sun warmer today.
Bilbo was a mysterious hobbit, perhaps related to his ancestry. He combined the Baggins' comfort and optimism with the Took's courage and adventurous spirit.
That's why Gandalf could successfully coax him out of the Shire.
The old man, how cunning.
After chatting for a while, the three went inside. As the host, Bilbo eagerly boiled water for tea and found some snacks.
During the lull, Gandalf shared recent experiences with Levi.
"I saw markers you left in Moria, and campfires."
"Oh, so you explored inside?"
"Indeed, it was quiet. I wandered for a long time without encountering anything, not even a single bat."
Pausing briefly, Gandalf continued:
"The dwarves have thoughts about the place. Last year, Balin asked me about Moria's situation. I told him my experiences and findings. Later, he asked if now was a good time to reclaim the home."
"What did you say?"
Gandalf shook his head slightly:
"My advice is to wait."
"Why?" Levi asked curiously.
"I have an indescribable feeling."
Recalling Moria's interior, Gandalf frowned slightly.
"I sense a deeply hidden evil force. The dwarves might succeed now, but it won't last. It may turn into another tragedy."
"Your feeling is right."
Levi affirmed confidently:
"Perhaps most of the orcs inside have been cleared, but the Balrog is missing. I searched multiple times but saw no sign."
"I guess it's wrapped deep underground, sleeping."
"Whatever the case, it definitely hasn't left. Many years ago, Galadriel and I joined forces to keep it inside the mountains. As long as the Elven Ring Nenya still holds power, it can't step beyond the range."
"I've heard that." Gandalf nodded.
Nenya holds the power of understanding, creation, and protection. The Golden Wood thrives thanks to it. Without Nenya's shelter, the forest would soon wither and the elves would lose their home.
For this reason, Galadriel rarely strays far from the Golden Wood unless necessary.
"Fortunately, Balin is wise. He only grumbled a little but chose to follow my advice."
Gandalf clearly held Balin, the dwarves' strategist, in high regard.
No wonder they got along—such a steady, thoughtful dwarf mixed well with a wizard.