After leaving Rohan, Gandalf began his long journey exploring Middle-earth. He traversed vast plains and mysterious forests, tracing ancient paths and uncovering secrets hidden from the eyes of many creatures. At that time, the world seemed dark with the ever-threatening shadows of darkness.
In his travels, Gandalf eventually reached the majestic mountain region: Erebor, the once glorious kingdom of the dwarves, now closed off and forgotten. There, he met Thorin Oakenshield's father, Thráin II. They spoke at length about the past, honor, and the fate awaiting the dwarves.
Gandalf then received an ancient parchment containing the secret entrance to Erebor. The parchment held the key to the future of the dwarven kingdom, a hope to restore their lost glory.
Gandalf's mission was clear: he had to find Thorin and deliver the precious parchment, as the first step in reviving the greatness of Erebor.
After obtaining the secret parchment from Thorin's father in Erebor, Gandalf continued his journey to find Thorin himself. He searched through valleys, dense forests, and small towns across Middle-earth, asking travelers, merchants, and other creatures about the whereabouts of the brave young dwarf.
Finally, news led Gandalf to the Human Vilage, Bree, It is located east of the Shire and is part of Bree-land, the only place where Men and Hobbits live side by side. Bree is famous for The Prancing Pony, an inn where Gandalf met Thorin Oakenshield before their adventure to Erebor. Gandalf approached Thorin calmly and respectfully.
"Thorin Oakenshield," Gandalf said, extending the rolled parchment, "this is the key to unlocking the secret door to Erebor. Your father entrusted me to deliver it to you. Now is the time for you to return and reclaim your ancestral lands."
Thorin received the parchment with a look full of determination and spirit. "Thank you, Gandalf. This is our hope, and I promise to bring glory back to Erebor."
A cold night enveloped the flat expanse of the Shire, where stars were scattered like jewels across the ocean of the sky. A gentle breeze rustled through the groves of trees and the fertile green fields. In a warm little house, with smoke curling slowly from its chimney, a peaceful atmosphere soothed every corner of the village.
But that peace was soon greeted by a company that arrived from afar—a tall and dignified man in grey robes, with a long staff held firmly in his grasp; followed by several small figures with stern yet eager faces, who did not seem to be of ordinary stock. They were Thorin Oakenshield, son of the dwarven king, and his loyal followers.
Gandalf, in a soft yet authoritative voice, said, "We have traveled far, my friends. Now the time has come for us to enter this peaceful land—the Shire, home to small creatures, simple yet of great heart."
Thorin looked around with curious and slightly skeptical eyes. "Hobbits? They seem insignificant in our eyes. Can it truly be that they can be allies in our quest?"
Gandalf smiled knowingly. "Do not underestimate them, Thorin. They may be small and simple, but their courage has proven to be unpredictable. I have known one among them—a hobbit whose heart is pure and whose spirit of adventure lies hidden. He is the one who will accompany me and you to Erebor."
A young dwarf, Kili, chimed in with an enthusiastic voice, "If the hobbit can help defeat a dragon and reclaim our kingdom, then I am ready to welcome him as a brother."
Gandalf looked at the eager faces and said, "Tomorrow we will meet him. And the Shire will be the beginning of a great journey that will change the fate of us all."
Gandalf sat in the corner of a dimly lit room, candlelight dancing on the wooden table laden with parchment scrolls and ink. His sharp eyes stared intently into the flickering fire, his mind racing through the complexities of the plan he had to set in motion.
Bilbo Baggins… he murmured to himself. A simple hobbit from the Shire, who had lived his life in comfort and peace. Yet, there was something within him—something unseen by ordinary eyes, a hidden courage, and a rare wit.
Gandalf sighed deeply. Bringing him out of his small world would not be easy. Adventure would test him, and perhaps change him forever. But without that hobbit, the journey to Erebor would lack the touch of luck they so desperately needed.
With a steady hand, Gandalf took a piece of parchment and began to write a letter to Thalion, the crown prince of Rohan, who was now in Rivendell. The letter was filled with hope and subtle instructions.
Thalion,
Your time in Rohan has been invaluable, but darkness does not wait. Meet me in Rivendell before the date written below this letter. There are great matters we must discuss. You are needed.
Mithrandir
After neatly folding the letter, Gandalf stepped out into the courtyard, where a white raven stood waiting calmly. The bird, with eyes full of intelligence, nodded slightly, accepting the precious message.
"Go, my friend," Gandalf whispered. "Deliver this message to the right hands, so that our hopes are not in vain."
With a single beat of its wings, the white raven soared into the sky, leaving a white trail in the fading twilight.
Gandalf looked up, awaiting the answer of fate.
Gandalf sat before a worn wooden table, his hands rubbing his long white beard. His eyes stared blankly out the window, towards the distant forests where the simple lives of the hobbits unfolded without burden. Yet, in his heart, he knew that peace would not last.
Bilbo Baggins… he murmured softly, what can I say to him? That the world beyond the Shire is full of danger and unexpected adventure? That he will face terrifying creatures, and perhaps never return as the same hobbit?
He paused for a moment, then his thoughts wandered to Bilbo's nature—clever, curious, and possessing a hidden courage that even he did not fully understand. A hobbit who loved tranquility, but also one who could become an unexpected hero…
Gandalf took a long breath, then envisioned the grand plan he had to devise.
I must start with something simple. An invitation that cannot be refused, yet vague enough to pique his curiosity. I must make him feel that this adventure is not just an ordinary journey, but a call of destiny that he must answer.
He imagined how he would knock on Bilbo's door in Hobbiton, carrying his staff and pointed hat, and say with a mysterious smile, "Bilbo, I have an offer you can't refuse."
However, in his plan, Gandalf also knew the importance of keeping a great secret—that their goal was not just to reclaim a lost kingdom, but also to face a danger greater than it seemed.
What if Bilbo refuses? Gandalf thought. I must prepare words that will awaken his courage and resolve. His bravery will be key to the success of this entire mission.
His eyes narrowed again as he began to write the letter to Thalion, conveying news of the hobbit who would join them, and arranging a meeting in Rivendell.
This is no ordinary adventure. This is the first step towards a great change, one that will alter the fate of Middle-earth.
Gandalf smiled faintly, feeling the burden lighten knowing that in every plan, there was hope and a glimmer of light at the end of the road.
Night was late when a soft knock echoed at Bilbo's door. He walked to the door with a slightly wary heart, opened it, and found a stout man with a thick beard standing before him.
"Hello, I am Dwalin," the man said in a deep voice. "I have come at Gandalf's command."
Before Bilbo could respond, another knock was heard. This time a large and unassuming man stood there, introducing himself as Balin.
One by one, the dwarves began to arrive, knocking on the door one after another, without much talk, introducing themselves briefly—Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Fili, Kili, and others.
The atmosphere in Bilbo's small house began to fill with the presence of these uninvited guests. The small oil lamp illuminated tired yet determined faces.
Finally, the last to arrive was Thorin Oakenshield, the leader, with an unmatched aura of authority. He nodded to Bilbo with a piercing gaze.
"Good evening, Bilbo Baggins," Thorin said in a deep and meaningful voice. "We are about to embark on an unforgettable journey."
Bilbo could only swallow hard, a mixture of nervousness and curiosity swirling within him. That night, his home transformed into the initial base of an adventure that would change his life forever.
The dwarves had gathered at a place they had agreed upon, awaiting Bilbo's arrival. They appeared patient yet full of anticipation. The cool morning air accompanied their waiting.
Suddenly, from afar, the sound of footsteps could be heard. Bilbo arrived, wearing simple clothes, carrying a small bag and a walking stick. His face looked slightly hesitant but full of resolve.
Dwalin, who led the group, greeted Bilbo with a brief nod, then said, "So you are truly coming with us?"
Bilbo nodded slowly, "Yes, I am ready."
One by one, the dwarves looked at Bilbo with a mixture of wonder and curiosity. Thorin, who arrived last, regarded Bilbo with a serious gaze.
"We depart now," Thorin said firmly.
Bilbo took a deep breath, then followed them. They began to walk, stepping away from the village and embarking on the long adventure towards Erebor.
Behind his long white beard and eyes that shone with wisdom, Gandalf took a deep breath. A faint smile graced his lips as news that Bilbo Baggins had agreed to join the adventure reached his ears.
Ah, Bilbo… a small figure who I never tire of watching color this vast and dangerous world. How noble your heart, how unexpected your steps.
In silence, Gandalf felt a wave of hope flow within him. Not just because Bilbo carried hidden courage, but because that hobbit, with all his unassuming kindness, would be key in a journey that would alter many fates.
He is not a clear and brilliant hero like the knights, but that is what makes him special. Unspoken bravery, unseen perseverance, that is what I consider true strength.
Gandalf imagined the long journey that awaited them, the twists and turns they would face, and Bilbo's small smile that would suddenly appear in moments of crisis. This journey was not just a search for treasure, but about finding oneself, testing limits, and forging friendships.
Thank you, Bilbo Baggins. The world may not know it, but I do. You will make an extraordinary difference.