#362 - Gift
The reforging of Narsil would take time, and the Fellowship of the Ring and various forces also needed to prepare.
After the meeting, the group did not set off immediately, but stayed in Rivendell for a while, waiting for everything to be ready before officially starting the expedition.
As for the specific preparations...
First, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
Elrond met with Livy alone to discuss the surrounding situation.
"I originally wanted to send all of Rivendell's scouts to scout around, but now it seems unnecessary."
Elrond said, picking up the small teapot on the stone table and pouring Livy a cup of steaming tea.
"That's true."
Livy didn't decline or be modest, he said, "No need to worry about the safety of the road, at least the land west of the Misty Mountains is safe. Our people are everywhere in the wilderness. Even if you go out without any supplies, you can shout for help on the road, and you can walk a long way with the things given by the people who come to help."
Elrond joked, "What if no one comes?"
"Then shout a few more times, or walk a little further to the outpost for help. Hmm... Gandalf often walks this road, he knows where our supply points are."
"I must say, it's reassuring."
Elrond was slightly relieved.
In that case, he wouldn't have to worry about environmental reconnaissance.
However, to avoid accidents, Livy still asked the two cities to strengthen their vigilance and conduct a full reconnaissance of Eriador, not letting go of any hidden dangers.
The discussion about the safety of the starting point of the journey temporarily ended.
Elrond continued to busy himself with other preparations, and Livy also had his own plans.
This afternoon, he found the hobbits' residence.
"Hey, you fat little guy over there, come here."
In a secluded courtyard, Livy waved to a young man in the distance who was enjoying the scenery, signaling him to come over.
This fat little guy was naturally Sam.
"Hello, Lord of the North, Lord Livy."
Sam walked over, looked up at Livy, and said timidly, "May I ask what you need me for?"
Looking at the young man's rather restrained performance, Livy couldn't help but smile.
"You're Sam, right, Samwise Gamgee. I know you. Your father often visits Bilbo's house. We've met a few times. I happened to visit the Shire the year you were born and even held you."
Livy patted him on the shoulder, looked him up and down, and said:
"You've grown a lot stronger than when you were a kid."
After these two sentences, Sam immediately felt that the legend in front of him was much more friendly, like a relative.
Other people might find these words awkward, especially a certain Gondorian steward with deep thoughts, but hobbits are different. They like to talk about these things, such as aunts, uncles, and relatives, and they can't stop talking about them, even if the other person is a stranger they just met.
For example, Pippin, he could pull out Frodo's entire family tree in a tavern and then elaborate on what relationship he had with him, what relatives, and so on.
It must be said that hobbits really like to chat about family matters.
"Really?"
Sam asked curiously.
"Of course it's true. Didn't your father mention it to you? Once when I went to visit Bilbo, I happened to see them drinking together, drinking a bottle of vintage wine that your father treasured. I also had a few cups."
Sam listened and couldn't help but sigh, "What a wonderful fate..."
"Right, this world is so wonderful, maybe some kind of fate can connect anyone with anyone else."
After a little chat, Livy didn't forget the purpose of calling Sam over.
"I know you and Frodo are very good friends. You embarked on this journey because of your concern for Frodo. This friendship is enviable."
Under Sam's gaze, he took out a sword, a short sword with exquisite workmanship and emitting an imperceptible shimmering light.
Livy had just made this a few days ago. Its basic attributes were no weaker than elven creations, it was quite sharp, and Livy had also added some enchantments to it.
The most lethal of these was Arthropod Slayer V, which had a special effect on spider-type creatures, and could explode several times the damage of the sword itself when砍ing a spider.
Finally, a line of small characters was engraved on the blade of the sword:
【Forged by Livy, given to those who embark on an expedition.】
"I give this sword to you, maybe it can help you at some critical moments."
"But I sincerely hope you don't need it."
"I will remember."
Sam solemnly took the short sword and bowed with it in his arms.
Leaving Sam's residence, Livy found Pippin and Merry, and coincidentally, there was another person here.
"Agla, what are you doing here?"
Livy's first elven friend was talking to two hobbits, and he seemed quite happy.
"You're here, Livy."
Hearing his familiar voice, he turned his head to greet him as soon as possible.
"I came to give these hobbits some necessary things, weapons, etc., look."
He pointed to Merry and Pippin, and saw that they each had a sword in their hands, which looked quite sharp.
"It seems I don't have to worry about it."
Livy shook his head with a smile, but even so, he still took the two people's equipment over and added enchantments to it.
After doing this, and chatting with Agla for a while, Livy turned to another place and found Frodo, who was walking with Bilbo, talking about what had happened over the years.
Livy had nothing to give to Frodo.
In terms of armor, he had a mithril chain mail comparable to netherite alloy. Wearing this thing, even if an ogre刺ed him with a huge spear with the force to刺 through a wild bull, he would only suffer some skin trauma.
As for weapons, the Sting in his hand was by no means ordinary, even if it seemed ordinary.
Livy really didn't need to worry about this.
But help with equipment was one thing, and other things were another.
After catching up with the uncle and nephew, it was already late at night, and Bilbo was too old and couldn't hold on, so he went back to sleep first.
After chatting about some trivial family matters, Frodo was also sleepy and couldn't open his eyes.
Frodo looked at Livy, who was still full of energy, and said, "I don't know if it's an illusion, but I always feel like you don't need to sleep."
"Sleep?"
Livy thought for a while and said, "I do sometimes, but for me it's mainly for recreation."
"That's really strange."
Frodo couldn't imagine it, at least not now, he was really sleepy.
"Frodo."
Livy suddenly called out, so Frodo looked up.
"Traveling is always full of surprises. Even though I've made a lot of preparations for it, there are still some things I can't predict."
"I can't make any absolute guarantees, and I can't accompany you on your journey."
"But I will do everything I can to protect you in my own way."
…
Clop clop clop...
The sound of horses' hooves came from the entrance of Rivendell.
As soon as it dawned, Livy left on horseback.
There was still some time before the expedition set off. It was too difficult to ask Livy to stay in Rivendell when everyone was busy.
And he wasn't really doing nothing.
After arranging the security matters for Roadside Fort and Water City west of the Misty Mountains, Livy went to the Heavenly Road and went to the territory east of the Misty Mountains.
The Rhovanion region and the River Valley region were safe and sound. Sentries were stationed at the outposts at all times, keeping a close eye on Dol Guldur, and preparing for the attack there.
Saruman must be getting impatient.
