Chapter 306: New Life
The various territories within the valley remained as usual, without any change.
During the day, bustling crowds and lively activity filled the streets. At night, warm yellow light shone from windows, guiding people so they would not walk in the dark.
The banner bearing the emblem of 'Sword and Bow' hung at the gates of the valley city, proclaiming its history to all visitors.
It seemed it had always been so, yet this year it carried new meaning.
The older generation, upon seeing it, often felt a wave of nostalgia.
In the year 2978, Théoden sent Levi a letter—a letter of gratitude.
This year, Théoden's son, Théojad, was born, though Théoden's wife nearly died in childbirth.
At that moment, a ranger squad from the Roadside Keep passing through Rohan's capital hurried to the scene and saved her life.
Thanks to healing potions, both mother and child were safe.
"Théoden has started a family," Levi thought as he read the letter.
This fellow had never revealed a thing about marriage or children... no, there were hints before, but Levi hadn't been in the mood to pay attention then.
Reflecting, Levi tidied himself and set out again. Adopting a strolling mindset, he went to observe Rohan and Gondor in turn.
During this visit, another surprise awaited.
In the same year as Théoden, Denethor's first child was also born.
"Boromir."
In the stewards' palace of Minas Tirith, watching Denethor's child, Levi chuckled softly and, in his mind, gave him the nickname: 'Big Pineapple.'
Unaware of Levi's thoughts, Denethor held his child tenderly, joy unhidden on his usually stern face.
His cautious expression seemed mismatched, and his large hands handled the boy as gently as carrying a delicate tray.
His wife, Finduilas, scolded him for this and, together with Levi, taught him how to properly hold a child.
After Finduilas left with Boromir, Denethor wiped the sweat from his brow.
He said, "Do you see? That is my son, Boromir, my first child."
"My boy..."
Denethor stared after the retreating figure of his wife, murmuring,
"He will grow slowly, learn to walk and speak, mature from infant to youth, and keep growing until he is stronger than I am."
"By then, perhaps I will have to stoop, my shoulders aching, my steps less nimble..."
"But as long as I can open my eyes and see my child, as long as my hands have strength, I will always watch him, watch him walk ahead, watch him turn and wave at me..."
"And I will wave back."
That is a father's love for his child.
The stronger and prouder one is, the more profound their breakdown when it occurs.
Such a father, upon learning terrible news of his child and facing the immense pressure of an unavoidable national downfall, would surely fall into despair.
Inside, Levi patted Denethor's shoulder, seeming both encouragement and comfort.
Denethor welcomed Levi's visit and allowed him close to his child.
Yet, with others, it was not so.
Not long after Levi left, an elderly man in gray robes strolled casually by.
Gandalf smiled and said, "Congratulations, Denethor II, son of Ecthelion II. Your child will surely grow strong."
"Thank you."
Denethor responded politely yet did not look joyful.
Gandalf was not allowed to meet the child.
Thanks to Ecthelion's influence, Gondor as a whole warmly welcomed Gandalf.
Each time Gandalf visited, he received a grand reception.
Ecthelion also valued his counsel on important matters.
Still, not everything went smoothly.
For various reasons, such as knowing Aragorn's true identity and discerning Gandalf's real intent in bringing him here, Denethor bore no fondness for these two who had oppressed him.
He did not wish to see them.
Sighing softly, Gandalf quietly departed outdoors.
He was aware of Denethor's attitude but understood many things must proceed regardless.
"Disliked or not, it does not cost meat."
Accustomed to misunderstanding, exile, and blame over the years, Denethor accepted his fate.
Shaking his head, Gandalf left Gondor and continued his travels elsewhere.
Meanwhile, adventures elsewhere approached their ends.
In 2980, a dust-covered figure bade farewell at the Dorwinian border to Aratar, passed the Rhovanion outpost, and hurried to Lothlórien.
At the edge of the Golden Wood, facing the archers guarding the border, Aragorn removed his hood and revealed his true face.
He began speaking the Elvish tongue with the guards.
Upon confirming he was a friend, the Elves stood down and welcomed him inside.
In the heart of Lothlórien, on an ancient hill, Aragorn met Arwen.
She wore flowing, shining white robes and wore silver ornaments, like a star fallen to earth.
Aragorn was captivated.
At this place steeped in ancient history, Aragorn removed his Ring of Barahir and gave it to Arwen.
Together, they pledged lifelong love and unending commitment.
Though long separated, their relationship advanced closer than ever.
The Golden Wood remained serene and peaceful.
Elsewhere, in the shadows, a small creature hurriedly avoided several rangers and fled east.
"Damn these blade-wielding rangers everywhere," whispered Gollum.
"We can't stay here. They have seen us, no, they scorn us, they don't care about us. That's good, yes…"
Muttering, Gollum climbed another hill and slipped southward along the river under night's cover.
Though not covert, many rangers had seen this odd creature in the wilderness over the years, but took no action.
They found it curious, a strange new species.
They did not consider it a threat—rather, a useless, ugly, inedible creature.
Strange things abound in this world; nothing surprises anyone anymore.
For a fresh oddity, travelers might visit Dale, where each night a giant bear sat atop the huge rocks watching the moon.
As for Gollum, out of basic respect for life, rangers chose not to disturb him as he fished, caught rabbits, or searched for bird eggs, only to be pecked.
Gollum was like an Easter egg, appearing randomly and occasionally mentioned.
"Seems he's searching for something."
Some perceptive folks said.
That year, perhaps weary of hidden gazes or sensing something, Gollum followed the brown earth southward, leaving the Free City territories and entering Ithilien.
Then, guided by a calling, he entered a shadow-clad black mountain range.
"Mordor, Gollum. How to enter safely..."
After searching, Gollum found a pass far south of Minas Morgul, a distant opening into the Shadow Mountains.
From here, one could reach deep into Mordor.
Just as joy filled him for this discovery, a deep black shadow slowly crept behind.
It was the Barghest.
At that moment, Gollum understood why Sauron placed no guards here.
No one could safely pass this place.
That day, Gollum wailed:
"No, don't eat us! Our meat is little. Gollum... We can find you more food!"
Upon hearing that more food was available, the Barghest perked up.
Then, a spider and Gollum teamed up—the latter attracted Orcs to the area.
In this cooperation, perhaps seeing Gollum was useful; the Barghest temporarily abandoned devouring him and coexisted peacefully.
All this took place in shadow, unknown to others.
Meanwhile, in the light, people lived peaceful lives.
Gollum had no idea his coveted treasure lay under the Bag End in Hobbiton.
Beneath the Bag End, a series of Hobbit holes lined a path named 'Bagshot Row,' starting from Bilbo's home.
The precise address was Bagshot Row Number One.
Next door, two doors down at Number Three lived the Gamgee family.
They excelled at tending beautiful plants and flowers; indeed, Bilbo had entrusted his garden to Hamfast Gamgee.
But today, hardworking gardener Hamfast was off duty.
Because his son was born.
Upon hearing this, Bilbo dressed and prepared to visit the gardener neighbor to offer congratulations.
By the way, this gardener's son was named Sam—Samwise Gamgee.