The next five days passed in a flash. Kael spent them primarily in his inn room, relentlessly practicing the Lumos Charm. His efforts yielded remarkable results. He could now conjure a dazzling white light from his hand almost instantly, powerful enough to temporarily blind an assailant. Moreover, he had learned to condense a ball of light at his fingertip, a visible orb that could detach and float independently for a short duration—a practical application of his Lumos Charm combined with his burgeoning telekinetic abilities.
When the celebratory Founder's Day arrived, Michel Delving pulsed with a joyful energy. Flowers adorned every doorway, and cheerful music spilled from every window. Men rolled barrels of beer and ale from storage cellars, while women prepared their finest dishes. As night descended, the entire town gathered in the Great Hall, ready for the evening's festivities.
The Great Hall buzzed with conversation. Tables groaned under the weight of delicious food and rivers of wine. Children darted playfully through the throng, while adults danced jigs to the lively strains of country music. Kael found himself seated at the head table, next to the Mayor, with Sheriff Smallburrow on the other side.
The Mayor, a figure of considerable local prestige, rose to give a lengthy, heartfelt speech, concluding with an introduction for Kael. "And now, a special welcome to our honored guest, Kael the Wizard! His presence here tonight is indeed another cause for celebration!"
Under the gaze of hundreds of curious eyes, Kael smiled and rose to bow. He had never seen so many Hobbits gathered in one place. The hall was thankfully tall enough for him to stand comfortably. As he surveyed the sea of Hobbits, most of whom reached only his waist, he couldn't shake the peculiar sensation of having wandered into a land of little folk.
As the banquet reached its peak, the Mayor, his cheeks flushed from good cheer, turned to Kael with a request. "Wizard Kael, would it be our honor, on this most joyous occasion, for you to demonstrate the wonders of your magic?" Sheriff Smallburrow, standing nearby, winked conspiratorially, clearly having already arranged this with the Mayor.
Meeting the expectant, sparkling gazes of the crowd, Kael's lips curved into a smile, and he nodded. "Of course."
He clapped his hands together. Amidst the expectant hush of the hall, a dazzling burst of light erupted from his palms. Just as the brilliant flash threatened to overwhelm their eyes, he clapped his hands again, and the light burst, scattering into a shower of shimmering motes that danced and darted throughout the hall.
"Marvelous!" the Mayor exclaimed, tears of wonder in his eyes.
Every eye widened in astonished delight. One bolder child reached out a tiny hand, catching a shimmering mote, and spun in joyous wonder. The other Hobbits murmured in awe, their gazes fixed on the Wizard.
Seizing the moment, Kael brought up his request regarding the Mathom-house chainmail. The Mayor, without hesitation, put the matter before the gathered townsfolk. As Kael had anticipated, not a single objection was raised. After all, to the Hobbits, the items in the Mathom-house were treasures too precious to discard, yet too useless to keep. No one saw any reason not to bestow the legendary armor upon Kael, the Wizard, as a token of their immense appreciation. The Mayor, with the full backing of the assembly, formally gifted the chainmail vest to Kael, declaring it a reward for his enchanting display. Both parties were, naturally, delighted.
With the chainmail secured, Kael felt a surge of pure elation. He let go of his inhibitions, immersing himself completely in the joyous atmosphere. Toasts were exchanged with the Mayor, Sheriff Smallburrow, and many others, and for the first time since his arrival in Middle-earth, Kael found himself delightfully, thoroughly drunk.
"Wizard Kael, are you truly leaving so soon? The Midsummer Feast is not far off; it would be a shame for you to miss it!" The morning after the banquet, Sheriff Smallburrow made one last attempt to persuade him to stay.
Kael shook his head. "My apologies, Sheriff Smallburrow. Michel Delving's hospitality has indeed been intoxicating, but my journey must continue." He had acquired the chainmail he sought, and now that it was his, there was no pressing reason to linger. Indeed, the chainmail itself brought a quiet thrill of satisfaction. The vest offered an astonishing degree of protection. Kael had tested it himself; his cleavers, wielded with full force, couldn't leave a scratch, though their own blades had suffered considerable nicks. Wearing it, he felt a profound sense of security.
Seeing his efforts were fruitless, Sheriff Smallburrow eventually relented. "In that case, I can only wish you a safe journey, Wizard Kael!"
"Thank you, and farewell, Sheriff Smallburrow!"
With a final wave to Sheriff Smallburrow, Kael departed Michel Delving, turning his steps southward. His next destination was Tuckborough, the heart of Tookland. Kael remembered Tookland well; it was the ancestral home of Peregrin Took, one of the four Hobbits who would one day join the Fellowship of the Ring.
Tuckborough was not far, a mere half-day's walk. Unlike most Hobbit settlements nestled by valleys or rivers, Tuckborough stood atop a strategic hill, offering commanding views across the entire Westfarthing. The town itself had a more fortified appearance, and Kael even spotted Hobbits patrolling its perimeter.
Upon his approach, he was immediately challenged by a watchful Hobbit guard. "State your name and purpose, stranger! What brings you to Tuckborough?"
Kael, unperturbed by the guard's wary vigilance, replied calmly. "I am Kael the Wizard, from Michel Delving, here to visit your fine town."
The guard looked him over with a mixture of suspicion and surprise, then, with a curt "Wait here!", hurried into the town to report. A short while later, the guard returned, accompanied by a Hobbit with neatly combed golden-brown hair and an undeniably dignified bearing. The new arrival discreetly but thoroughly assessed Kael before stepping forward with a warm smile.
"Welcome, Wizard Kael. I am Paladin Took."
"Some days ago, I received a letter from Bilbo, mentioning your probable visit, though I admit I expected you sooner."
Kael was surprised; he hadn't known Bilbo corresponded with anyone here. "Hello, Mister Took. May I ask your relation to Bilbo?"
"Bilbo's mother, Belladonna Took, was my aunt. That makes us cousins, of course." Paladin Took explained briefly, then gestured for him to enter. "Now, Wizard Kael, please allow me the honor of hosting you properly, a guest who has traveled so far!"
At Paladin Took's earnest invitation, Kael followed him to his home. The Took family resided in the Great Smials, a sprawling, grander version of Bilbo's Bag End. The Great Smials was a veritable underground labyrinth of tunnels and rooms, a vast, bustling home to many members of the extensive Took family. Paladin Took's own residence within it was the largest and most luxurious. As the Thain of the Shire and head of the Took clan, he was the hereditary lord of Tuckborough and the surrounding lands.
For generations, the Took family had been prominent and wealthy, holding positions on the Shire Council and contributing many Mayors throughout its history. But what truly set the Tooks apart was their impetuous, adventurous spirit—arguably the most daring branch of the Hobbits. This, Kael knew, was precisely why Gandalf had chosen Bilbo Baggins for the expedition to the Lonely Mountain; Bilbo's maternal Took blood granted him that vital "adventurous streak."
As soon as Kael stepped inside the Great Smials, the familiar text box materialized before him:
[Hogwarts Sign-in System]
[Location Detected: The Shire - Tuckborough]
[Would you like to sign in?]
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