The blossoms of the Mallorn and the White Tree filled the castle with their intoxicating scents.
The Mallorn's fragrance was warm, like sunlight given form, wrapping around the body in a comforting embrace.
The White Tree's aroma, in contrast, was crisp and cool—a revitalizing clarity that sharpened the mind.
Luke's eyes gleamed.
The White Tree's scent enhanced mental focus—perfect for meditation.
"Thank you, Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond," he said sincerely. "Without your aid, these trees might have taken decades to bloom."
His potion had accelerated their growth, but like wild herbs compared to cultivated ones, they lacked the depth of natural maturity.
Now, infused with the power of the Elven Rings, their vitality had been perfected.
Galadriel and Elrond accepted his gratitude, and the group settled in the fragrant garden, the distant banquet noise a world away.
Under the moonlight, they savored the quiet.
An Invitation to the White Council
"Luke," Elrond began, "what are your plans now?"
Luke blinked. "Plans? Do you have suggestions, Lord Elrond?"
Elrond's gaze was steady. "We've come to invite you to join the White Council. Would you accept?"
Luke was stunned.
"The White Council?" He glanced at Galadriel, who remained serene. "Don't such decisions require unanimous approval? Does Gandalf—and Saruman, as its leader—agree?"
"It was Mithrandir's suggestion," Galadriel said. "He believes your deeds against Sauron prove your worth. Elrond and I concur."
Luke flushed. "Gandalf overpraises me. The Council is for wise, ancient beings—not a youth like me."
Galadriel's voice was firm. "You need not humble yourself. You helped defeat Sauron in Dol Guldur, tamed Smaug, and ensured victory in the Battle of Five Armies. No one else has achieved so much."
She met his eyes. "The White Council exists to oppose Sauron. Your inclusion is decided."
Then, her tone darkened.
"As for Saruman… he is no longer our leader."
Luke's breath hitched. "You've confirmed his betrayal?"
Galadriel nodded. "Mithrandir investigated Isengard while I lured Saruman away. In Orthanc, he found palantíri tainted by Sauron's will… and designs for forging a Ring of Power."
Luke's eyes widened. Saruman had fallen so quickly?
"What will you do?" he asked.
Elrond's voice was grave. "Without absolute certainty of subduing him, we cannot act rashly. Orthanc is impregnable. If he allies fully with Sauron, Gondor and Rohan will be trapped between two evils."
Galadriel added, "We must bide our time—let Gondor and Rohan prepare, then strike when he least expects it."
Luke frowned. "Why not lure him out and ambush him?"
"He is already wary," Galadriel said. "And we lack the power to restrain him. Saruman is the strongest of the Istari—if he flees, we cannot stop him."
Luke exhaled. Saruman was more formidable than he'd realized.
Galadriel's gaze sharpened. "So, Luke—will you join us?"
Luke smiled. "How could I refuse?"
With his acceptance, Elrond revealed the Council's full roster:
Gandalf (Mithrandir)
Galadriel
Elrond
Celeborn (Galadriel's husband)
Círdan the Shipwright
Luke (newly joined)
Saruman, though secretly expelled, had once been their leader.
As a member, Luke would gain access to ancient lore, strategic intelligence, and even the secrets of the Valar's power.
After the discussion, Galadriel and Elrond departed via Floo, while Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas stayed to study magic under Luke.
Gifts for the Dwarves
The next morning, the dwarven craftsmen prepared to leave.
Luke addressed them, his voice magically amplified.
"For your labor, I offer two gifts."
First, enchanted gold coins—each would heat up in the presence of malice, warning its bearer.
The dwarves tested them instantly, laughing as pranksters were foiled.
Balin, deeply moved, declared, "These could save lives!"
Luke then presented a silver flask—a self-filling decanter that turned water into wine.
Balin's eyes sparkled as he filled it from the fountain. The moment water touched the flask's interior, rich wine poured forth.
"These WILL save lives!"
The dwarves roared in delight.
As they marched away, coins in their pockets and flask in hand, Luke smiled.
Hogwarts was complete.
The White Council had gained a new member.
And Middle-earth's fate had taken another turn.
The advantage is that Luke can not only directly obtain various information about Middle Earth, but also have a further understanding of the situation in Middle Earth.
After inviting Luke to join the White Council, Galadriel and Elrond did not stay in the castle for long, and returned to Lórien and Rivendell through the fireplace.
As for Arwen, Elrohir, and Elladan, they all chose to stay here for a while and learn magic from Luke. The banquet lasted until midnight.
The villagers returned to the village at the foot of the mountain one after another, and along the way they were excitedly discussing the elegance and beauty of the elves and the dazzling crown on their lord's head.
The dwarves remained awake, lingering in the hall, drinking and making dirty talk, much to the laughter of their companions. The mayor of Bree and the owner of the Prancing Pony Inn were both led by the butler, Edward, to the guest rooms.
Luke took Bilbo, the three elf siblings, Legolas, and Beorn to live in the tower.