Bethberry listened with rapped attention to the elaboration of the story of Maladil castle which Gandalf gave. The story bore all the traces of a true yarn and Gandalf lost no opportunity to tell it with a disciplined reserve all the more fitting for a story of such bitter truth.
Bethberry nodded solemnly although her eyes shone with appreciation for the extent of Gandalf's knowledge.
My wise friend, your story is all I could ask for, and much more. A foreboding tale that calls for at least an ale and pipe. Can I buy you ale and offer you the leaf?