Untitled - BoG-Archive

Still, Mithrandir thought, it had been a most surprising evening.
The new year stretched before them all, with endless possibilities for good
or ill. Things might change in ways that no one could now foresee, or they might
change very little. In another year’s time, Sauron might have arisen or been
defeated. Gondor might have a king again, or it might be conquered. Or perhaps
things would be much the same as they were tonight. All of Mithrandir's wisdom
and experience could not tell him what would happen. As he had told Boromir,
none could know the future.
Some things seemed likely. Tomorrow he would dine with Denethor and
his sons; the next day he would return to the archive. If he found out nothing
about Bilbo's ring this winter, then perhaps he and Strider might learn something
from Gollum in the spring. Beyond that, it was difficult to say.
But Mithrandir was sure of one thing: before he retired for the night, he
intended to have a good smoke.
Author's notes: Gandalf knowing the passwords of the seven gates of Minas
Tirith is a detail mentioned by Ingold in Book V, chapter 1. The idea for the Mettarë
celebration was suggested in part by the custom of military officers serving the enlisted
men during the Christmas season in some parts of the world, which was brought to my
attention by Roh_wyn. I would like to thank all who offered suggestions and talked this
story over with me, but especially Lilan, whose patience for listening to me ramble is
enormous. I would also like to thank Eru that I was able to finish the story!
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