I reforged the glory of the magic ring in Middle-earth

Chapter 2 May your journey be smooth

The moonlight shone outside Bag End, penetrated the glass, and cast a moonlight over Bilbo's house.

The Faded Man and Bilbo had finished their dinner. Bilbo used the excuse that the Faded Man was too tall to move around in Bag End, and went to wash the dishes himself.

When he came back, the Fader found another apple in Bilbo's hand and began to eat it.

Perhaps the Faded One should now be called "Tannis," which is what Bilbo thought the Faded One was called.

The Fader didn't think there was anything wrong with the name. Since it had a similar pronunciation, he accepted it.

"Mr. Tanis, are you saying that you come from a place called the Junction? I'm sorry, I've never heard of this place. I've hardly ever been out, so I don't know much about the outside world. But my father and mother have been out, and sometimes I wonder if I should leave my warm bed and go outside Hobbiton to see the world." Bilbo said with interest after listening to Tanis's own story.

He glanced at Tanes and asked, "What do you think, Mr. Tanes? Should I go out for a walk?"

After listening to Bilbo's words, Tanes thought carefully for a long time. When Bilbo was about to speak, he finally replied, "I can't give a definite answer to this question, Bilbo. The outside world is not only beautiful, but also dangerous. However, beautiful memories will be cherished for a lifetime, and dangerous things will make you miss and cherish your life at home even more."

Then Tanes looked at Bilbo and said with great envy: "From your few words and your sincere hospitality to me, it can be seen that you live in an extremely peaceful environment. I envy you, Bilbo, really. I really hope that my hometown can be as peaceful and tranquil as yours."

Bilbo was a little surprised and a little amused.

However, when he saw the envy and suppressed sadness in Tanes's black eyes, he held back his smile.

He pursed his lips and said, "Your hometown will be like my hometown, Tanes."

Tanes just smiled and said nothing else.

Bilbo sensed the awkwardness of the atmosphere, so he coughed and said, "Could you tell me more about your adventures, Mr. Tanes? I imagine you've been to many places."

Tanes had no reason to refuse. He narrowed his eyes and lost himself in memories. "Of course, but where should I start? Right, let's start from here."

"The fallen leaves bring a message, on the other side of the fog, my hometown, the borderland..."

As Tanes told his story, Bilbo was immersed in the story told by the Faded One.

He was excited by the howling wind in Stoneville, but also worried about the power of the evil demon and the cruelty of the limb-grafting king.

He was moved by the magnificence of Lake Lienia, and sighed for the love of the Full Moon Queen and the waiting of the Moon Princess.

Tanes continued to tell the story, from the battle between General Starbreaker and the Valkyrie in the Ionian War in Gelid, to the Blood King's conspiracy to crush the coalition forces in the defense of Rodel on the Astan Plateau, to the blasphemous king who was deceived by the giant snake at Mount Gmir.

A picture scroll seemed to appear before Bilbo's eyes. The content on the scroll was so rich, so colorful, and so immersive.

He heard things that he would never have seen in his entire life in Hobbiton.

Bilbo suddenly felt an urge in his heart. He wanted to see the eternal city underground that Tanes had mentioned, explore the ancient dragon city-state floating in time and space, and visit the shadowy land hidden in history.

More importantly, Bilbo wanted to see the golden tree that Tanis had often mentioned.

The huge tree that stood tall, as dazzling as the sun and as bright as the stars, brought prosperity to his hometown.

As time went by, the moon reached its highest point in the sky, and the light shining into Bilbo's house became brighter and brighter, as if someone was watching here through the moonlight and listening to everything Tanis said.

"...And so, the Ring of Elden was restored, and the borderland welcomed a new king. This is the story I know about my hometown, Bilbo." After saying all this, Tanis looked at Bilbo.

The Faded Man didn't know if it was his illusion, but he seemed to hear the sigh of a certain god in his ear. His sigh contained praise, sadness and sympathy.

Bilbo came back to his senses. He seemed not to have completely gotten over the story of the borderland and was immersed in it.

It was not until Tanes reached out and gently patted the other's shoulder that Bilbo came back to his senses and let out a long breath.

Bilbo blinked his sore eyes, then looked at Tanis with admiration and said, "Your adventures are beyond my imagination, Mr. Tanis. You have traveled to so many places and experienced so many stories. If you don't mind, could you let me record these stories in my free time? I want to write them into a biography and leave them for my descendants to read."

Tanis nodded. "Of course, Bilbo. If there are any unclear details, I can also fill them in for you."

Bilbo smiled with satisfaction, then looked out the window and realized that it was already late at night.

The sudden sleepiness that welled up inside him made him yawn. Bilbo said, "Ah, it's already so late. Let's stop here for today. This bed will remain with you while I go to my parents' bedroom to rest. See you tomorrow morning, Mr. Tanis."

The hobbit bade the Fader goodnight and left.

"Good night, Mr. Bilbo, may the moonlight light up your dreams."

After saying goodbye to Bilbo, Tanes suddenly felt a little tired, so he carefully adjusted his body to a comfortable position on the short bed and lay down.

Soon, his breathing became steady and he fell into a dream.

"Go to the southwest of Zhongzhou, which is south of the Shire. There are woodlands destroyed by the fire of the First Age. You can rebuild your homeland there."

"I allow you to join my great movement."

In the dream, Tanes felt that he had come to a pure white space.

A person of similar size to him was looking at him gently.

When Tanes saw this strong man with a crown on his head and a beard, his name automatically came to his mind.

As Ilúvatar.

The creator god of this world.

Tanes just felt that he looked familiar, and then smiled: "This is not the first time we meet, right?"

Ilúvatar smiled and nodded. "Yes, I saw you when you appeared in the void and fell to the world of Arda. However, I did not know your origins, so I did not wake you up hastily. I simply gave you the language of Arda, allowing you to communicate fluently with intelligent creatures."

Tanes, however, caught the other person's words and revealed a sad expression: "You mean, this is no longer the border area, no longer my hometown. Can I still go back?"

Ilúvatar simply nodded calmly: "Even I have not found the coordinates of your homeland outside the void."

The Faded One raised his head, and unspeakable sadness surged from the depths of his body, gradually drowning his entire body.

But Ilúvatar's next words shocked the Faded One's loss and sorrow.

He said, "But your homeland is within you."

Tanes looked at the other party in confusion.

Ilúvatar raised his hand slightly and pointed at Tanes' chest: "My eyes can see that everything in your homeland is there, within the magic circle that emits a gentle golden light."

He is referring to the Elden Ring?
In my body?
Tanes lowered his head in disbelief and stared at his chest.

As if sensing Tanes's gaze, a magic ring composed of multiple pure golden circles quietly emerged from his chest.

Tanes' mind was immersed in it. He saw that everything in his hometown seemed to be suspended in time and sealed in the magic ring.

At this moment, Ilúvatar's voice came: "So, go to the southwest of Central China. The story you told me tonight has given me incomparable novelty and satisfaction, so I allow you to rebuild your homeland in this world I created and compose your own music."

Tanes watched as the magic ring returned to his chest. He raised his head again and looked at the God of Creation with eyes full of gratitude. He said, "Thank you."

Ilúvatar shook his head slightly. "Visitor from another planet, I have not finished speaking. I allow you to compose your music, but I will not allow you to affect the music I have already composed. In Arda, some things are destined to happen."

The God of Creation looked at the Faded One, his tone slightly more serious than before: "It's like a great concert. As a special guest, you can play a magnificent piece, but you can't steal the show and become the true host."

Tanes answered sincerely: "I just want to rebuild my hometown and protect it with my life."

Ilúvatar said, "At the end of the music, I will help you. I will use my power to hide your homeland in Middle-earth. It will become a huge island in the ocean. And your deeds will become epics and myths passed down from generation to generation by humans. Perhaps occasionally, humans who have heard of your deeds will sail out to sea to find your homeland."

"Are you satisfied with the end of the performance?"

The border area itself is a continent surrounded by the sea, and Tanes did not think there was anything wrong with Ilúvatar's arrangement.

So he nodded.

Ilúvatar's serious expression softened, and he waved his hand. "Farewell, visitor from another planet. May we meet again at the end of the show."

As Ilúvatar took action, Tanes felt his consciousness quickly awakening from the dream.

Until he suddenly opened his eyes, the crisp sound of birds singing outside the window rang in his ears, and the sunlight gently spread on his face.

"Hey! You're awake, Tanes. I was just about to call you. Did you sleep well last night? Would you like to come with me for breakfast? There are fresh fruits and fluffy bread, as well as delicious bacon and fried eggs." Bilbo's enthusiastic voice came from the other side. He was holding a tray in his hand with a subtle smile on his lips.

The hobbit's chattering and enthusiasm made Tanes, who hadn't felt friendly for a long time, smile inwardly.

He also wished Bilbo good morning and enjoyed a hearty breakfast with him.

"I think I should leave, Bilbo." Tanes sat on the chair at the door of Bilbo's house and said to Bilbo who was enjoying the sunshine and smoking.

Bilbo was startled and immediately took the cigarette holder away from his lips, looking a little surprised.

"Oh, are you leaving now? Actually, I think you can stay here for a few more days. You don't have to worry about food in my house. There is enough to entertain you." Bilbo said.

Tanes smiled and said, "Although I have only met you for one night, I am willing to believe what you say. However, I had a dream last night. In the dream, someone told me to go to the south of the Shire, where I could rebuild my home."

Bilbo, upon hearing this, suppressed his reluctance and revealed a look of happiness for Tanis. "South of the Shire, that must be very far. Although I haven't traveled far, I've seen it on maps. You can start from the east side of the Shire and see a broad river called the Brandywine. If you follow it south, you'll reach a place called Minthriath."

Then he stood up and said, "Yes, I have a map at home, and I'll give it to you."

The hobbit always acted decisively. Hardly had he finished speaking when he had already crawled into Bag End and quickly pulled out a brand new rolled-up map.

Bilbo spread out the map and said, "Fortunately, I bought this map from a traveling merchant who passed through the Shire. Although it has been at home for a few years, the outside world should not have changed much."

He handed the map to Tanes and pointed to the location of the Shire and Minchirias: "This is the Shire. We are in Hobbiton now. Then you will go from here..."

Bilbo planned Tanis's route carefully, just as he had looked at a map countless times when planning a journey out of the Shire.

Tanis listened carefully to the route the hobbit pointed out for him. When he finished speaking, he took the map from him and said gratefully, "Thank you, Bilbo. I will invite you to visit my hometown when I have rebuilt it."

Bilbo smiled and said, "Of course, I am also looking forward to seeing the golden tree you mentioned."

Then he showed an expression of sudden enlightenment and patted his head. "I almost forgot. The journey from here to Minchirias is very long. I'll go get you some dry food and drinking water. And I'll also give you a backpack big enough to hold all this food."

Bilbo looked at Tanes and said, "You should be able to carry it, right? But I suggest you go to Bree first and buy a horse to help carry it. You just saw the location. But be careful when you pass by the Barrow-downs on your way to Bree. I heard from the traveling merchants that there are many wights in the Barrow-downs."

Tanes replied, "I am very grateful that you have prepared dry food and water for me, Bilbo. As for the horses, you don't have to worry. Have you forgotten what I told you last night that I have a magic sentinel that can call forth spirit horses?"

Bilbo coughed lightly. "I was a little too excited and forgot about it. I'll go get you some dry food first."

Sausages, cheese, bacon, dried fruits, bread, there are many such foods in the Hobbits' storage room, and they are all easy to store, so there is no need to worry about them spoiling in a short time.

While Bilbo was getting these things ready, Tanis put on his armour, but without his helmet.

"I really don't know how to thank you, Bilbo, I really do." Tanes sighed as he looked at the big bag of dry food that was almost as tall as Bilbo.

Bilbo said with a nonchalant expression, "This little bit of dry food is only enough for half a month in my storeroom. If I wasn't worried about it spoiling, I would prepare more fresh food for you."

"That's really more than enough." Tanis looked at the enthusiastic hobbit and thanked him again.

Bilbo said, "This is my reward for the stories you told me last night. I wish you a safe journey, Mr. Tanes, and may your homeland be rebuilt in the southern lands."

Tanes nodded, then put on the White Wolf War Ghost's helmet, reached out and fumbled in the air for a few times, and a golden whistle appeared, which he blew.

“——.”

The spirit horse Torret appeared with the sound of a whistle, causing Bilbo to watch the scene with great interest.

"This scene is really magical, and is this the spirit horse you mentioned? It even has horns. Can I touch it?" Bilbo stared at Torret and exclaimed in admiration.

Tanes hung the package filled with food firmly on Torret. After hearing what Bilbo said, he said, "Of course, Torret is very well behaved and very human. Maybe he can understand what you say."

After hearing this, Bilbo immediately waved to Torret, who was half a head taller than him and said, "Hello, lovely horse, can I pet you?"

Torret snorted, then lowered his head and moved closer to Bilbo, allowing him to touch him easily.

Bilbo was delighted to see this. He reached out and stroked Torret's neck, saying, "Oh, that's wonderful. He's just as you said, very well-behaved."

Then Bilbo took an apple from his pocket, and, placing it before Torret, said, "Do you like apples? Sweet and juicy, from the Shire!"

Torret leaned over and gently took the apple from Bilbo's hand, then began to chew it when Bilbo let go.

"If all the horses I meet are as well-behaved as yours, I think I can travel on horseback too," Bilbo said as he looked at Tanes who had packed his backpack.

Tanis came to Bilbo, patted Torret, and smiled at Bilbo. "That day will come, Bilbo. When I have rebuilt my hometown, I will ride Torret to invite you to go out and see the world with me. If that's what you want to do at that time."

Bilbo nodded happily: "No problem, I will wait for your invitation in Hobbiton."

Before he mounted his horse, Tanes thought of something and said to Bilbo, "You saved me from unconsciousness, took me in for the night, and gave me so much food. I would feel bad if I didn't return the favor."

Then Tanes stretched out his hand, and a pure pendant inlaid with four red ambers and a brass dagger with a blade carved with plant patterns appeared in his hand like magic.

Tanis half-knelt down, handed it to Bilbo, and explained, "This is a red amber pendant and a brass dagger. Wearing the pendant will make you healthier and less likely to get sick. As for the brass dagger, it's the protective weapon carried by the royal family of my hometown, the Golden Tree. If you encounter difficulties in the future, come to my hometown with this brass dagger, and the people there will help you solve any problems you encounter. Be careful, this dagger is very sharp."

After all, when Tanes was idle at the border, he asked the blacksmith Igu to strengthen many weapons that were not normally used, including the brass dagger.

Brass short blade+25.jpg
Bilbo took the pendant and the short brass blade, large enough for a hobbit to use as a one-handed sword, and said to Tanis, "I will keep them well."

Tanis smiled, then stood up, mounted his horse, and gave Bilbo a final nod of farewell: "Goodbye, my everlasting friend. Bilbo Baggins, may the golden tree always protect you."

"Goodbye, and may your journey be smooth, Mr. Tanes." Bilbo watched Torrett, wearing Tanes, walking further and further away on the Hobbiton trail, and his words of blessing floated to him on the wind.

(End of this chapter)