Galadriel stared at Gandalf with furrowed brows, while Gandalf looked back at her in clear astonishment. Galadriel spoke calmly.
"Your mind and emotions are in turmoil. What exactly did the Black Knight say to you?"
Gandalf flinched and froze for a moment as he looked at Galadriel, then let out a sigh before speaking.
"He did not tell me pleasant things."
Galadriel's brows knitted even tighter. She gently took Gandalf's hand and spoke in a soothing tone.
"Clear your mind. Allow me to look."
Gandalf hesitated for a brief moment, then sighed, nodded, and calmed his thoughts. Galadriel entered Gandalf's mind and focused on the conversation that had taken place during the night—and she was shaken. As she witnessed everything Gandalf had endured throughout the night, she was shaken even more. For the first time in a very long while, she felt fear. When she withdrew from Gandalf's mind, she asked through their mental connection.
"Who exactly is this man? How does he know the old names of our enemy?"
Gandalf sighed.
"I don't know… but the things he said—"
Galadriel interrupted.
"He spoke with unwavering conviction. I felt it."
Sighing again, Gandalf began pacing once more.
"I spent the entire night analyzing everything after Sauron's fall—every year, every day, every single hour!"
Galadriel continued.
"And you found some clues."
Gandalf nodded.
"My lady… if what Igris said is true… then it means we have been living within a lie all these years."
Galadriel thought carefully, unwilling to accept such a possibility.
"But there is no definitive proof…"
Gandalf nodded and continued.
"Igris presented us with proof."
Galadriel spoke while fixing Gandalf with sharp eyes.
"The grave of the Nine."
Gandalf nodded. Galadriel fell into deep thought.
"Show me the evidence Radagast brought."
Gandalf froze in surprise; he had forgotten it for a moment. He removed the dagger wrapped in enchanted leather that he had been hiding against his chest. Galadriel looked at the bundle and spoke.
"Open it."
Gandalf did so, and when the dagger was revealed, the breath of the realm of the dead swept through the room. Galadriel examined the dagger carefully.
"This dagger belonged to the Witch-king of Angmar."
Hearing this, Gandalf sighed uneasily.
"That was exactly what I feared."
Galadriel was clearly displeased by this revelation and spoke in a firm tone.
"Mithrandir, we must inspect the grave of the Nine, and I pray with all my justice that this matter proves to be a lie… I must speak with the Black Knight directly."
Gandalf sighed.
"Shall we summon Igris?"
Galadriel shook her head.
"No. He wished to speak with you privately, which shows he does not trust the White Council."
She paused, thinking for a moment.
"Furthermore, the Erebor expedition appears far more important than I initially believed… If our enemy has set their sights on that place, they must not be allowed to take it."
Gandalf nodded and asked with hope.
"My lady, then will you support the expedition?"
Galadriel nodded.
"If our enemy truly still walks among us, plotting as the Black Knight claims, then we must shatter those plans. I will immediately send word to my husband and have an elven army prepared. If the evidence proves true and we find our enemy in Dol Guldur, I will send that army to support the Dwarves at Erebor, and I will personally send a message to Thranduil to request his aid."
Gandalf let out a breath of relief.
"And when will you speak with Igris?"
Galadriel remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"First, I will observe him. I will see his character. You will remain here for a few more days—I have ample time… and I will also help him explore his hybrid nature. That will be an excellent opportunity to know him more closely."
She paused, then spoke again.
"Thorin's father, Thráin, may be the key to forging bonds with the Dwarves. If he is still alive, we must retrieve him from Dol Guldur. We could secure the Dwarves' alliance."
Gandalf sighed.
"That will not be so easy…"
Galadriel sighed as well.
"When has it ever been?"
— Igris's Point of View —
'System… what does this mean?'
System: [Because you have taken part in a historical event such as the Erebor expedition and completed its first phase, the administrators have decided to provide you with two forms of support.]
Stunned, I asked.
'Why?'
System: [I do not know. I have no clear information regarding the administrator's orders.]
I frowned.
'Who is this administrator?'
System: [One of those responsible for the operation of the systems. You could also call them a branch chief of the multiverse.]
I sighed with a growing headache. This was starting to get complicated… whatever, focus on the present.
'So what is the reward, and when will it arrive?'
System: [We will send you two individuals. They will support you. They will be sent to Arda either this evening or tomorrow. I will inform you; they are currently in the preparation phase.]
Understood.
Don't overthink it, Igris… don't overthink it… I'm already full enough as it is; my problems in Arda are more than sufficient. I let out a deep sigh, and at that moment I saw Glóin stand up and leave—there's my chance!
"I'm full. Please, continue your meal. Balin, Thorin, where shall we meet?"
Thorin and Balin looked at each other, then at me. Thorin spoke.
"Let's talk in my room. I'll tell my men to keep watch over the surroundings."
Balin nodded.
"Yes, it's better to stay away from unwanted ears. Elves can read lips—an enclosed space is the best option."
I nodded. Frankly, I don't want Elves joining my conversations; that only complicates things further.
"Then, if you'll excuse me."
I turned, intending to follow Glóin. Those at the table thanked me for the meal, and I accepted their thanks with a nod. As I walked on, feeling eyes fixed on me, I lifted my head and looked toward Lord Elrond's house. I saw two figures watching me—our old friend Gandalf, and the Lady of Light, Galadriel. The moment I clearly felt their gazes, I understood the situation instantly and cursed inwardly.
'Damn it! You scheming old man! Did you immediately run your mouth to Galadriel?! I hope what we talked about last night doesn't spread any further!'
I crossed my arms and shot an unhappy glare at Gandalf. He flinched and looked away.
'LOOK ME IN THE EYES LIKE A MAN, DAMN IT! YOU ROTTEN OLD COOT!'
A conversation between two men has fallen into a woman's hands! This is treason against manhood! If Saruman comes after me because of you, I swear I'll report you straight to my godfather! Then let's see what you'll do when you're up against the Supreme Alpha of the werewolves! Fuming, I followed Glóin. I know exactly how I'll make you pay for this betrayal, old man! Let's see how you handle one of the most painful dishes of the modern world! Hmph!
— Third-Person Point of View —
Gandalf shuddered violently. Without Galadriel noticing, he watched Igris walk away, deep in thought.
"His senses are very sharp… I did not expect him to notice us… It seems he wants to speak privately with the Dwarves."
Galadriel turned and looked at Gandalf. Seeing the darkened expression on his face, she asked with curiosity.
"Is there a problem?"
Gandalf, his face still shadowed, sighed.
"… I think he realized we were talking."
Galadriel was taken aback.
"How did you come to that conclusion?"
For the first time in his life, Gandalf spoke this sentence to Galadriel.
"… Male body language… his looks revealed everything."
Galadriel stared blankly at Gandalf in disbelief.
"You must be joking…"
Gandalf shook his head.
"No… men have an unspoken form of communication through body language, my lady… and I felt it very clearly just now."
Galadriel sighed, finding the matter absurd, and dismissed it. At that moment, Gandalf remembered something, and his face darkened even further.
"My lady… Igris has some powerful connections…"
Galadriel looked at him with interest.
"With the White Council?"
Gandalf fell silent and thought to himself.
'The heir of the Supreme Alpha, Kaelan, is his sworn brother.'
Galadriel was stunned.
"That makes things far more complicated…"
— Igris's Point of View —
I moved quickly and grabbed Glóin by the shoulder, whispering calmly.
"Psst, Glóin!"
Glóin flinched and looked at me, then grinned and shouted.
"IGRIS! HOW ARE YOU, MY FRIEND!"
I immediately brought my finger to my lips, signaling for silence.
"SHHH!"
I quickly scanned the surroundings. When I saw it was clear, I pulled Glóin into a corner. He looked at me curiously and asked,
"What are you doing?"
Once I was sure the area was secure, I looked straight into Glóin's eyes and spoke in a low voice.
"All right, spill it, Glóin."
Glóin looked stunned.
"What do you mean?"
I leaned closer to his face.
"The details of this morning's Count Broccoli versus Bombur fight!"
Glóin jolted in shock.
"ARE YOU SOME KIND OF FORTUNE-TELLER, MAN?! HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!"
"Shhh! Quiet!"
Glóin immediately covered his mouth with both hands, glanced around quickly, and when he saw no one nearby, he let out a relieved breath. He looked at me and spoke in a hushed voice.
"No! This is a matter of honor!"
Without dragging it out, I pulled a bottle of beer from my inventory and shook it lightly. The moment Glóin saw the bottle, his mouth watered for a second. Then he cleared his throat and spoke seriously.
"No! This is a delicate matter. The honor of the Dwarf King, the prince, and the greatest general is at stake!"
He quickly looked around and continued.
"One bottle won't be enough!"
I raised an eyebrow. Clearly, this wasn't going to be as easy as with Bofur. Calmly, I asked,
"Name your price."
Glóin spoke with the air of a serious merchant.
"Ten bottles!"
"Are you out of your mind?! That's highway robbery!"
Glóin shrugged.
"Information is expensive, and so is the price! Besides, I'm offering a low price considering your current situation and limited supplies! What more do you want?"
I frowned. Glóin's Dwarven stubbornness and merchant instincts had kicked in. I started bargaining.
"Two bottles!"
Glóin shook his head.
"Nine bottles!"
"Three bottles!"
"Eight bottles!"
"Four bottles!"
"Seven bottles!"
"Five bottles!"
Glóin spoke firmly.
"Seven bottles! That's the lowest I'll go!"
I narrowed my eyes.
"Five bottles, and meat snacks on the side!"
Glóin furrowed his brows, thinking carefully.
"Spicy?"
I grinned.
"Tongue-burning spicy."
Glóin thought for a moment, then extended his hand.
"A deal is a deal."
I took his hand and shook it firmly.
"Absolutely! Especially a promise between two men!"
Glóin nodded with a hard, confident look.
"Exactly."
We checked the surroundings one last time, and seeing it was clear, Glóin began recounting every detail in a hushed voice—especially the final epic fight, which he described down to the finest detail. I raised my eyebrows in disbelief.
"No way! Bombur picked up Fíli and threw him at you?! And then fought Dwalin evenly and hurled him over his shoulder?! He climbed onto the bed and launched himself on top of him?! Ahhh! How did I miss this?!"
I truly felt deep regret—how could I have missed such a glorious moment! After scanning the area once more, Glóin looked at me.
"A deal is a deal, Igris! I'll collect my payment later! Preferably with meat. Set aside five bottles of beer for me and—"
I nodded.
"I know, brother. This conversation never happened."
Glóin nodded.
"Right!"
We bumped fists and set off, acting natural. As we walked, I remembered the meeting and asked curiously,
"Glóin, where are you staying? I need to meet Thorin in his room—private matter."
Glóin nodded and replied,
"Got it! Once we wash our hands, I'll take you there."
I nodded.
"Thanks."
Glóin nodded back.
"You're welcome."
As we walked, I asked curiously,
"So, how is Gimli? Guno talks about him a lot."
Hearing this, Glóin burst into enthusiastic laughter.
"HAHAHAHA! HE'S GREAT—A PROPER DWARVEN LAD!"
He turned his head and looked at me.
"I'm proud of him. He'll become a great Dwarven warrior someday! If we reclaim our homeland and my family arrives safely, I'll ask Dwalin to train him. No dwarf wields an axe better than Dwalin!"
I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
"Will Dwalin agree to that?"
Glóin shrugged.
"We'll see. We haven't talked yet."
After thinking for a moment, I spoke.
"I can help you. I'm sure we can find a middle ground that will convince him."
Glóin looked at me gratefully and nodded.
"That would be great."
We continued walking while chatting, talking about the adventures of Glóin and Guno. I asked questions, Guno answered. After a while, we washed our hands and headed toward the dwarves' living quarters. As we approached, I heard Dori's voice. I turned, opened the door, and entered with a smile.
"Well, well—aren't these the group's two wounded ones? How are you boys?"
"IGRIS!" ×3
Nori lay pale and exhausted in bed, Bifur sat resting his body, and Dori stood watching over them. They all looked at me and smiled as they spoke. I nodded in return.
"Bifur? The axe in your head is gone?"
Bifur nodded.
"Yes! I finally got rid of that cursed thing! I can sleep in peace now. Oh! And by the way, thanks for the food! I'm glad you didn't forget us."
Pale Nori nodded from the bed.
"Yes… it was truly delicious…"
Dori also nodded with a smile.
"Indeed, Master Igris, I did not expect such marvelous craftsmanship from vegetables."
I chuckled and nodded.
"No problem—what are friends for? How are you feeling?"
Bifur puffed out his muscles and replied,
"Like a dwarf!"
Nori groaned as he replied.
"Manageable…"
I nodded and took two bottles of beer and one bottle of wine from my inventory, placing them on the table. Glóin stared at me in shock.
"For them, for free?!"
I nodded.
"They're injured, Glóin, and Dori has been taking care of them for days—so yes."
The three dwarves in the room stared at the bottles with watering mouths. Exhausted Nori spoke.
"Dori… let me drink from that bottle!"
Bifur hurried over, took his bottle, opened it, and took a gulp. As this happened, I spoke.
"I'd like to stay, but I need to speak with Thorin. May Durin grant you healing, my friends."
I turned and left the room with Glóin. Voices followed us from behind.
"Thank you, Igris!"
"Thanks for the beer!"
"Travel safely!"
Without looking back, I waved my hand and exited the room, heading toward Thorin's chamber. After walking a short distance, Dwalin raised his hand in greeting. He was armed from head to toe, and Fíli was covering the other side. Dwalin spoke.
"The area is secure. Altay and Fin are covering the outer perimeter. Uraz and Yabgu, along with the alps, are standing guard on the balconies. Gilan and Halt are inside with Thorin, waiting for you."
Then he turned to Glóin.
"Glóin, stand watch with me."
Glóin nodded, and I spoke.
"Thank you, gentlemen."
Dwalin nodded and stepped aside. I moved forward and passed through the door. Four people turned to look at me. I nodded in greeting.
It was time to tell Thorin and Balin about my little trick…
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