Chapter 5 - Gandalf The Grey

Chapter Four: A New Journey BeginsTaranis Storm glanced over the familiar streets of Bree with a sense of restlessness. It had been two years since he reached level 10, and he had only just managed to reach level 11. The surge of power he once felt with each level-up had become a distant memory, replaced by the creeping realization that his progress had slowed to a crawl. Completing quests for the people of Bree no longer yielded the same rewards, and the thrill of adventure had all but vanished.He had often thought of leaving, but the question of where to go had left him stalling. Bree was safe, known, and offered little surprises. A part of him feared stepping out into a world he barely understood, but another part of him, the adventurer's spirit that had pushed him to survive in this strange world, longed for something new.Then, one rainy afternoon, everything changed.Taranis was heading back to his room after a long day when he noticed a figure standing under the old elm tree in the town square. Draped in a grey cloak with a wide-brimmed hat that shadowed his face, the man was impossible to ignore. His presence seemed to command attention, yet he stood quietly, his hands clasped over a wooden staff.Taranis felt a surge of recognition. He had watched this figure on screens, read his lines in books—there was no mistaking that this was Gandalf the Grey. His heart leapt, caught between disbelief and sheer excitement. The Gandalf was here, in Bree, and looking right at him."Taranis Storm," the wizard said, his voice carrying a peculiar resonance that seemed to echo. "I've been looking for you."Taranis blinked, taken aback. "Gandalf..." he murmured, barely able to believe it. He struggled to contain a grin as he stepped closer, his voice trembling with excitement. "You're Gandalf the Grey."Gandalf's sharp eyes softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I see you know of me, then. And I have come seeking you with good reason."Taranis tried to keep his composure, but his excitement threatened to spill over. Meeting Gandalf was like a dream, a piece of his old life brought into this new reality, and it left him feeling both awed and ready for whatever this legend of Middle-earth needed of him."I see you've become restless, Taranis," Gandalf continued, observing him with a knowing look. "You have outgrown Bree, though you may not yet realize it. There is a greater purpose waiting for you, if you are willing."The thought of a new adventure, of finally breaking away from the routine he'd been stuck in, was exhilarating. "I'm willing," he said without hesitation. "But... what would you have me do?"Gandalf's smile deepened. "I want you to go to Hobbiton. There, you will find a small house with a red door. Inside, you'll meet a hobbit and a group of dwarves. They are led by none other than Thorin Oakenshield, the last rightful king of the Lonely Mountain."Taranis's breath caught. Thorin Oakenshield? He'd heard the name before, but only in stories. And yet, his memories of another life, a life where Middle-earth was just a tale on a screen, came rushing back."Thorin Oakenshield... The Thorin Oakenshield?" he asked, excitement bubbling in his voice. "You mean I'll be able to meet him? And the hobbit, is it Bilbo Baggins?"Gandalf nodded, his eyes twinkling with an understanding smile. "Yes, the very same. They are planning an expedition to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug, and they could use someone of your talents."Taranis's grin widened. "I... I would love to join them," he stammered. "But why me? I'm no warrior—I'm just a man who's learned a few tricks.""Perhaps," Gandalf replied. "But you have proven yourself resourceful, and I have reason to believe you will be of great help to their cause. You have a strength that is unique to you, Taranis. Trust in it."A thrill shot down Taranis's spine. He was going to meet Thorin, Bilbo, and the company of dwarves! These were characters he'd once only dreamed about, and now he was about to share in their journey. The very thought sent his mind reeling, and he could barely suppress a grin as he realized the adventure that awaited him."I'll go," he said, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'll head to Hobbiton and find them. When do they set out?""Tomorrow evening," Gandalf replied, inclining his head. "I would suggest you prepare yourself. The journey will be dangerous, and it may test you in ways you have not yet imagined."Taranis nodded, a serious expression settling on his face. He had no illusions about the dangers ahead, but the chance to make a difference—to be part of something grand—was too enticing to pass up.As Gandalf turned to leave, he paused and looked back at Taranis. "Remember, Taranis Storm, not all strength lies in the sword. Sometimes, the greatest power is found in the heart."With those final words, the wizard walked off into the mist, leaving Taranis to contemplate the journey ahead.That night, Taranis packed his few belongings, his mind racing with visions of the road to come. He would meet Bilbo, Thorin, and the others. He would fight alongside them, face Smaug, and reclaim a kingdom. It felt almost too incredible to believe, and yet here he was, at the very threshold of that dream.As dawn broke, Taranis stood at the edge of Bree one last time. He took a deep breath, casting a final glance over the town that had become his home. Then, with his heart alight and his steps filled with purpose, he turned and set off toward Hobbiton, toward adventure, and toward a future he could never have imagined.