Chapter 297: Friend of Women and Children
"Would you like to come along?" Bilbo waved the letter, extending a casual invitation to Levi. "Drogo's family are good people. They wouldn't mind me bringing an extra guest. In fact, they'd probably welcome it. The more people, the merrier, after all."
"The letter says something to that effect. If you have friends and relatives who can attend, please bring them."
"Well then, I won't be shy." Levi readily agreed, grateful for the invitation. He happened to have several barrels of fine wine in his pack that would serve perfectly as gifts for Drogo's family.
"Wonderful! Then let me prepare. We'll depart shortly."
With that, Bilbo rushed inside to gather what he needed for the journey. Formal clothes for important occasions, small token gifts expressing sentiment, and blessings to offer after seeing the newborn—these were customary, though not strictly necessary. According to Bilbo, even if one simply showed up in casual clothes, bringing nothing, and freely enjoyed the feast, Drogo's family would be perfectly happy.
When Bilbo finished packing and emerged carrying a decoratively wrapped box, he and Levi set out eastward along the winding Shire paths.
Bilbo led the way, chatting comfortably as they walked. "Primula, Drogo's wife, comes from the Brandybuck family. Her father, Gerontius Brandybuck, frequently hosted lavish banquets at Brandy Hall. The venue would always overflow with fine foods from every corner of the Shire."
"That old fellow is genuinely a nice man. Everyone calls him 'Big Gerontius,' mostly because his belly is substantial, but his generosity is equally large."
"I heard that a few years ago, he even hosted a Roadside Keep Cuisine Appreciation Convention. Unfortunately, I didn't attend that particular event."
Levi asked with genuine curiosity. "Will he be at Brandy Hall this time?"
"No, he won't be." Bilbo's tone shifted, becoming quieter. "He never will be again. He passed away five years ago."
"What a pity," Levi replied from behind.
"Everyone grows old, Levi."
The moment those words left his mouth, Bilbo seemed to sense something and paused mid-stride. He shook his head without elaborating further, simply continuing down the path.
Hobbiton wasn't far from Buckland—only a town and two villages separated them. Though they didn't hurry, they arrived well before the banquet commenced.
Along the way, they stopped at the Green Dragon Inn in Bywater to rest and refresh themselves, ordering the local specialty craft beer. After taking their first sips, foam covered both their mouths, making them appear as though they'd suddenly sprouted large white beards.
In the afternoon, as they crossed the Brandywine Bridge, they officially entered Buckland and arrived at the banquet location.
"Hey, Drogo!" Bilbo called out cheerfully to a hobbit busy arranging dishes at the feast tables.
"Oh—Bilbo!" That hobbit turned around, moving with deliberate slowness. It was immediately apparent this fellow's generosity was considerable—his girth matched his generous spirit.
Drogo came over joyfully, wiped his hands on his apron, and gave Bilbo a warm embrace. His round figure made him appear broad and substantial.
After accepting the gift Bilbo presented, he received Levi with unexpected formality.
"I must introduce you," Bilbo said, stepping aside. "This is my friend Levi. I wonder if you've heard of him?"
"The name sounds very familiar..." Drogo muttered, raising his head curiously.
Then he froze entirely.
"Y-You... hello." His hand trembled slightly as he shook Levi's.
"Is it really you? Am I dreaming?"
"If you're referring to Roadside Keep's lord, then yes, I'm the genuine article," Levi replied warmly, bowing slightly to this broad-framed hobbit. "Levi, at your service. I brought several barrels of fine wine. Where should I place them?"
"Please follow me, Mr. Levi!" Drogo abandoned his work entirely, immediately taking Bilbo's gift and leading Levi inside.
Bilbo was left standing alone outside. He'd wanted to speak further, but hesitated, watching Levi and Drogo disappear indoors. He could only shake his head resignedly and follow along.
Barely two sentences had been exchanged, and his cousin had already forgotten him.
When Levi placed the wine barrels down, Drogo moved them to the most prominent spot in the wine cellar, displaying them with special care and reverence.
Ahem. Bilbo coughed deliberately from nearby.
"Oh, of course I wouldn't forget my dear cousin Bilbo. Have some tea," Drogo offered quickly, though somewhat belatedly.
"Well, I forgive your little oversight since the tea is quite good," Bilbo said, settling into a chair with gracious understanding.
Wheat fields and corn stalks trembled gently in the evening breeze. Distant windmills rotated slowly against the softening sky.
The banquet that day proved exceptionally lively and spirited.
When the sun finally set and the Great Hope Star appeared again in the darkening sky, Primula, Drogo's wife, managed to steal a brief moment away to rest.
"Frodo fell asleep at last. Oh, it wasn't easy. Thankfully, my sister helped me settle him."
"You must be exhausted," Drogo said warmly, unconcerned by others' presence. He smiled and drew her into a tender embrace, the couple's affection for each other evident and genuine.
Both had fairly round figures, having enjoyed Buckland's excellent food, and appeared quite healthy and content. Bilbo looked surprisingly slender standing beside them by comparison.
"You didn't meet Frodo earlier, so let me introduce you to this banquet's most distinguished guest," Drogo said, bringing his wife before Levi.
"Oh!" Primula exclaimed, nearly jumping with excitement. "I never expected you'd come. You're just as tall and strong as the rumors said. Oh, by the way, I recently heard people mention that a 'Great Wall' appeared in the north, nearly as long as the Shire itself. Is that true? I've always wanted to see it with my own eyes."
"Yes, it's true. I built it myself," Levi confirmed. "However, I wouldn't recommend you visit there. The region has many fierce wolves and orcs. They prey on both children and adults. You must be very careful about those dangers."
With this single cautionary statement, Levi extinguished the modest travel desire that had just kindled in the hobbit's heart. Yet his words sparked many additional topics of conversation instead.
The two chatted easily, and gradually a crowd gathered around them. Women and children were especially numerous, drawn by curiosity and a desire for warmth.
Before long, Drogo and Bilbo were gently squeezed to the side, left only to watch this growing circle chatting excitedly around Levi.
The two exchanged knowing glances, both appearing rather helpless at the development.
"He's truly popular with children," Bilbo observed, sipping his drink lightly.
"Cousin, that's not quite accurate," Drogo corrected gently. "Those are mostly maidens, not children."
Children felt pure curiosity toward Levi and approached naturally, listening to him tell stories directly. However, being children, many were mischievous—likely to behave inappropriately without proper guidance. Naturally, their guardians, mostly mothers, followed along to supervise them.
Then the mothers too became captivated by the stories, each holding their children close, listening together as a family.
Now it was perfect harmony.
Watching this beautiful scene unfold, Bilbo smiled knowingly. After this banquet concluded, Levi would probably gain another new title circulating throughout the Shire's towns and villages.
"Friend of Women and Children," Bilbo thought quietly to himself.
It seemed perfectly fitting.