Chapter 27: Reunion in Hobbiton

With the full support of the Brandybuck family and Kael's financial backing, all the residents of Buckland were mobilized. The efficiency of collecting potion materials soared. Bundles of Mugwort, Lavender, Daffodil Root, and Daisy Root were promptly delivered, while basins of Leeches, Slugs, Caterpillars, Mouse Tails, and Spleens were placed at Drogo's doorstep. While Kael was pleased with their efficiency, he was also extremely busy. He needed to process all these potion materials; some required drying, while others had to remain fresh. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume, Kael even conscripted Drogo as a laborer to help him. "Uh, Kael," Drogo began, looking at the basin of slimy slugs with a difficult expression, completely at a loss, "are you sure these things can really be used to make potions and not... poison?" "That's for sure!" Kael assured him with certainty, a mischievous smile flickering in his eyes. "Once I've finished making the potion, I'll give you a bottle. I guarantee it will take effect immediately after you drink it." Kael, not wanting to touch the slugs himself, had maliciously handed them over to Drogo, who, in his good nature, couldn't refuse. Hearing that he would have to drink it, Drogo's face immediately showed resistance. "Uh, well, forget it then. Anyway, I rarely get sick or injured, so I don't need potions." He then steeled himself and, with a shudder, picked up a slug, using scissors to snip off its tentacles, the actual material for the potion. Kael wasn't having an easy time either. He was currently processing a basin of caterpillars. He had to wear sheepskin gloves to avoid being stung, then meticulously cut open their bellies, scoop out all the dirty intestines, wash them clean, and lay them on a stone slab to dry. Processing just these potion materials took Kael a full week, even with the aid of his magic, leaving him with a sore back and aching muscles. Besides the potion materials, Kael also secured four pots of plants. Two pots contained Dittany, and the other two were Deadly Nightshade, a common type of mandrake. Kael planned to use the Dittany to make more Essence of Dittany. As for the Deadly Nightshade, Kael wanted to try cultivating it into the magical Mandrake of his old world. The two Deadly Nightshades he had obtained were found on the outskirts of the Old Forest and had been growing for decades, their roots already resembling small, fully limbed figures. Kael injected magic into the four pots of plants regularly every day. The two Dittany plants showed obvious transformation, growing vigorously. However, the two Deadly Nightshades remained stubbornly unchanged, still greedily absorbing Kael's magic, and in even greater quantities. Kael was not disappointed; the fact that they could absorb magic at all was a good sign. His magic had doubled compared to before, so he wasn't worried about running out. After collecting and processing all the potion materials, Kael did not immediately start brewing. Instead, he packed everything into his carriage, tidied up, and formally bid farewell to Drogo and Rory Brandybuck. He needed to return to Hobbiton quickly. He couldn't remember the exact date of the journey to the Lonely Mountain, but if he wanted to catch that ride, he couldn't delay any longer. So, after parting with the reluctant Drogo, Kael once again drove his carriage away. Hobbiton was as peaceful and serene as ever. Bilbo had just finished lunch and was sitting in a chair in front of his garden, leisurely smoking his pipe. He gazed into the distance, his eyes unfocused, and murmured, "I wonder where Kael is now?" Ever since Kael left, Bilbo's life had returned to its quiet routine, but as time passed, a subtle unease settled upon him. He couldn't help but think of Kael traveling, and sometimes even wondered if he should have gone with him. Just as Bilbo finished his pipe and was about to go inside for afternoon tea, a carriage approached from a distance. Bilbo watched curiously as it drew closer and closer. Kael jumped off the carriage, waving with a bright smile. "Long time no see, my friend! Did you miss me?" "Kael!" Bilbo was overjoyed. He quickly ran out of the garden and happily hugged Kael's leg. "How did you come back?" "Oh? Am I no longer welcome, then?" Kael quipped, a playful glint in his eye. Bilbo, while recognizing the playful jab, answered with unwavering earnestness, "How could that be! You are always welcome here!" He then warmly invited Kael inside for afternoon tea. Kael shook his head, pointing to his fully packed carriage. "I need to unload everything first. Oh, by the way, I also brought you a bag of your favorite Long Cleeve Leaf tobacco." Bilbo's eyes lit up. Besides enjoying good food, his greatest hobby was smoking his pipe, and Long Cleeve Leaf tobacco was his absolute favorite. He immediately couldn't wait to help move things. Kael refused his help. "Alright, my friend, you don't need to do this yourself. You just need to provide a place to put things." With a snap of his fingers, items began to float out of the carriage one by one, a large bag of tobacco flying right in front of Bilbo. Bilbo watched the scene, his mouth agape in awe. "Although I've seen it many times, Kael, your magic is always so amazing!" He then quickly opened the door of Bag End and cleared out a storeroom to accommodate Kael's belongings. However, when Bilbo clearly saw the items Kael had brought in, he couldn't help but be astonished. Besides the four pots of plants and bundles of daisy roots, mugwort, and daffodil roots, which were somewhat normal, what on earth were those leeches, slugs, and caterpillars in the glass jars? And those sheets of snake skin even gave Bilbo, who had a strong aversion to snakes, a fright. Bilbo swallowed, asking hesitantly, "Kael, what are you going to do with these things?" "To make Potions." "Potions? With these things?" Bilbo looked utterly incredulous. "Of course, you'll see later," Kael replied, not explaining further. Now that he was back, he planned to make some potions in preparation for the upcoming expedition. After putting away the items, Kael took out some jewelry and accessories for Bilbo to choose from. The jewelry Kael had obtained from the Barrow-wights was all very precious and ancient. However, Kael disliked that these jewels were taken from deceased people and had no intention of using them himself. So, he didn't mind giving them away, especially since Bilbo had helped him so much. Bilbo, seeing the sparkling jewelry, recognized their value and felt embarrassed to accept them. But at Kael's strong insistence, he finally chose a ruby brooch. Kael noted the amusing coincidence: Drogo, his cousin, had chosen the same type of item. Later, during afternoon tea, Bilbo eagerly pulled Kael into recounting his travel experiences. Kael also learned from Bilbo that the news of him repelling the invading Huorns in Buckland had spread throughout the entire Shire, and Kael's title of "Tree-Cutter" had become deeply ingrained in people's minds. The reason this news had spread so quickly was largely due to the Brandybuck family in Buckland actively promoting it. Kael was speechless, but reluctantly had to accept this nickname that sounded more like a lumberjack. What Kael didn't know was that his name was not only known throughout the Shire but had also reached Bree, outside the Shire's borders. The Prancing Pony in Bree was a temporary resting place for many traveling merchants, adventurers, rangers, and even Dwarves in Middle-earth. So, it was no surprise that his name would spread throughout Middle-earth with these people. 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