A streak of light shot straight up into the star-filled night sky and exploded loudly, bursting like a brilliant firework. Birds took wing from the nearby green trees, and swarms of butterflies danced in the cool air, while great eagles soared overhead and geese flew in tight V formations. Accompanied by bursts of color and sound, these spectacles illuminated all of Bucklebury before vanishing as swiftly as they had appeared.
Summer had arrived, and naturally, the Hobbits celebrated with boundless enthusiasm. With the riverside troubles now resolved, people were free to tend their crops and enjoy peace.
The ruler of Buckland, "Oldbuck" Gorhendad Brandybuck, brought forth his treasured fireworks and arranged an abundant outdoor banquet on the street outside Brandy Hall. His generous nature and love for feasting earned him the affectionate nickname.
Villagers from nearby settlements arrived in droves, filling the event with lively chatter. Children ran and played wildly, their laughter echoing as if venting months of pent-up energy.
Sadras, the youngest of the group, crawled under a table piled with dishes. As he tried to crawl out, he bumped his head with a loud "bang" just as droplets of wine splashed down, drawing laughter and playful chases from the older kids. In his mischief, he accidentally knocked over a plate of pastries—but neither he nor his friends minded. They picked up the pieces, blew on them, and eagerly ate.
Soon, the children swarmed around Aedric, who carried a glass of wine in one hand and a mug of beer in the other.
"Sir! Sir!" they chattered excitedly. "Can you tell us about what happened by the riverside? Gandalf said he was too tired and would rest early tonight, leaving for Tookland tomorrow, so we want to find you."
Aedric stood frozen, unsure how to respond—he had no talent for entertaining children with tales.
Seeing their eager faces, he quickly scanned the gathering and pointed toward a quiet corner at the edge of the banquet.
"This is Morgan, my companion. He's much better at storytelling, especially for kids. Go find him."
"Go on! Hurry!" the children urged.
Aedric smiled as they dispersed, surrounding Morgan Gray-shadow, who was quietly sipping in the corner.
They say annoyance never truly disappears—it just shifts from one face to another. Now, it was the Hobbits who felt bewildered.
But Morgan quickly adopted his role, his smile broadening as he animatedly gestured, weaving the riverside events into a captivating tale. His polished version held the children spellbound—sometimes drawing surprised gasps, other times hearty laughter. The atmosphere was alive and joyous.
"You really are good at this," Aedric admitted, shaking his head with amusement. He raised his cup to greet the dwarves loudly drinking nearby, then slipped quietly away up the hill.
On the grassy hillside, Luna sat serenely. Her circlet aided her vision, allowing her to observe the scene with crystal clarity. The hazy moonlight spread softly over the slope like flowing water.
Luna's pale form glowed faintly in the night, echoing the gentle sparkle of the stars overhead.
"Here you go," Aedric offered, handing her the wine.
Elves preferred fruit-brewed drinks and boasted impressive alcohol tolerance—even better than the dwarves.
"Good evening, Aedric," Luna greeted with a slight smile.
Aedric returned the greeting, settling next to her with his glass. Softly, he asked, "How is it? The night sky looks beautiful tonight, doesn't it?"
"Yes," Luna nodded, her gaze lingering on the stars. After a moment of silence, she said suddenly, "When I was very young, I was fascinated by the moon; it seemed mysterious and peaceful."
"My mother named me Istiriel, meaning 'Daughter of the Bright Moon.'"
"The closest name in Common Speech is Luna."
"Is that so?" Aedric bowed his head slightly, taking a sip of beer, the delicate foam filling his mouth.
Why this sudden talk of names? His own was a simple one, given by his father to inspire study—plain and ordinary.
He looked up at the sky once more. The bright moon shone faithfully, stars glittered, and thin clouds drifted slowly. Without fireworks, the sky felt elegant, calm, and timeless.
Aedric's thoughts drifted: "Since you like the moon so much, shall I tell you a story about the moon and the sun? Would you like to hear it?"
"Sure," Luna said, nodding eagerly. "You know so much; it should be a good story, right?"
"Let's hear it then."
Aedric smiled and began, "Long ago, the god who governed all growth nurtured two tall and graceful giant trees."
"The elder was Telperion, known as the Silver Tree. Its dark green leaves shone silver on their backs. Its branches blossomed with countless silver flowers that bathed the world in soft light."
"The younger was Laurelin, the Golden Tree. Its leaves were fresh green, and its flowers burned like golden flames flickering on the branches, radiating warmth and light."
"Telperion shone first. After six hours, its silver glow waned, and Laurelin's golden light filled the sky. By the seventh hour, the light dimmed, leaving only the glow of the sky itself."
"Laurelin's light lasted only seven hours before fading, and Telperion's silver flowers awakened once more, shining again."
"Thus, all creatures could live under light throughout the twenty-four hours of the day."
Aedric paused to watch Luna's expression as she looked down to sip her drink. If uninterested, he planned to end the story early.
But Luna's gaze held a trace of longing—a sign it was having the effect he hoped.
Encouraged, he continued, "Unfortunately, this peace did not last. Terrible enemies—dark forces—hated the sacred trees."
"Their lights were snuffed out one day."
"Ah!" Luna gasped, surprised, but Aedric went on undeterred.
"The gods grieved deeply yet could not heal the damage. Telperion left behind a glowing silver flower—which became the moon—while Laurelin bore a fiery golden fruit—the sun."
"Is that the end?" Luna asked, incredulous.
"Of course not," Aedric said, raising a finger to urge patience. "That's only the beginning."
"The heroes are Arien, who drives the sun's chariot, and Tilion, guardian of the moon's path."
"Want to hear more?"
"Of course!" Luna smiled brightly.
Aedric resumed, "Tilion was a romantic and reckless Maia, enamored with Arien's light, loving him deeply…"
As the moon slowly traveled the sky, time passed. On the tranquil mountaintop, Aedric told of love across celestial bodies—a tale of longing and pursuit.
Several times, Tilion drew close, the sun and moon shining together briefly.
But the sun's fierce heat scorched Tilion, dimming him until he retreated. Yet still, he followed Arien persistently.
"That's a good story," Luna said when he finished, her expression thoughtful. "But it has no happy ending."
"It's enough," Aedric said. "Birth and death, joys and sorrows. But departures carry hope. As long as we live, there is hope."
"By the way, there's a story of a loving couple allowed to meet only on the seventh day of the seventh month. If you'd like, I'll tell you next time."
"Alright." Luna's gray eyes sparkled in agreement, reflecting Aedric's slightly dazed smile.
Suddenly, shouts came from below the hill.
Oldbuck's eldest son, Rorimac, came running, having heard news. Spotting Aedric, he called out, "Master Aedric, my father needs you!"
"I'm coming!" Aedric replied, but when he turned, the spot beside him was empty—Luna was gone again.
He picked up his cup and strode down the hill.
"Master Aedric, here is your reward."
Oldbuck patted his broad belly, laughing as he handed over a pouch jingling with coins.
"Fifty gold coins. Count them."
Aedric accepted and passed the pouch to Gruel behind him. After all, this was a transactional commission, not a favor among friends. Careful handling avoided mistakes and looked professional.
Morgan took the pouch to a corner, inspecting each coin carefully. In the northern lands, some gold coins originated from former Khazad-dûm (now Moria), while others were recast by Blue Mountains dwarves from damaged gold items. Humans minted some coins but fewer, often with less purity and detail.
Generally, "gold coins" meant dwarf-minted currency; human gold coins were mockingly called "gold ingots."
"By the way, one more thing."
Oldbuck produced a letter from his desk drawer. "Master Aedric, Took told me you plan to settle in Bree and wrote a letter of recommendation."
"Coincidentally, Buckland and Bree have some trade. They need wood and medicines from our side," he added.
"The mayor of Bree is well connected to me and might put in a good word."
He pushed the letter forward. "Please accept this."
Aedric raised an eyebrow but took the letter politely, smiling. "Thank you for your help, Master Brandybuck. If you ever need anything in Bree, please seek me out."
"You're welcome." Oldbuck nodded. "Without you and Gandalf, Buckland couldn't have returned to this liveliness and peace."
Aedric shared pleasantries with the lord. Morgan finished counting the coins and nodded to Aedric, signaling all was well.
Oldbuck looked out the window. The festivities had ended, and most guests had gone home. Night had deepened.
"Master Aedric, Master Morgan, it's late. I've prepared rooms for you. You should rest."
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
After bidding farewell, Aedric returned to his room and lay down, beginning to organize this journey's earnings. Besides ten gold coins, there was a pitch-black orb. Other than that...
[Begin recording]
[Sixth log: Familiar Trouble.]
[Time: Third Age 2939, Sunhigh Month, Location: Eriador, Buckland.]
[Thain Fortinbras II Took requests you to visit Buckland and address the problem of the awakened trees. You plan to join the caravan, assess the situation, and decide the next steps.]
[You arrive at Bucklebury successfully. After conversing with "Oldbuck" Gorhendad Brandybuck, you decide to explore the forest edges.]
[Eventually, you meet Gandalf.]
[With his help, you cooperate to solve the trouble, restoring peace to Buckland.]
[You and your team nearly end the existence of "Cohamur."]
[Gandalf repelled two other Nazgûl.]
[Your actions from three months ago aided the resolution of the current crisis.]
[Overall rating: three stars.]
[Please choose one reward below.]
[1. Faint Númenórean bloodline.]
[Summary.]
[2. Basic mastery of Quenya.]
[Summary.]
[3. Eye of the Storm (*5).]
[Undoubtedly, in Arda all wind-related powers come from Manwë, chief of the Valar, master of the winds, ruler of Arda!]
[He is the mightiest after Morgoth among the Ainur—a power beyond doubt.]
[Of course, this is a single-use item. Activating it with mental strength unleashes a fierce windstorm centered on you with a five-meter radius. Large trolls or Nazgûl that can enter the wraith-world will be ruthlessly battered.]
[Note: Do not use in narrow places as wind flow will be obstructed. Do not use near allies as the wind cannot distinguish friend from foe.]
[The storm protects you!]
[Is that right? — Manwë]
[PS: If you wish, you may share your Eye of the Storm with others.]
Aedric gasped and decisively took five Eye of the Storm items.