Holly's brow furrowed at this last statement of the wizard, and she stared off into the distance, chewing the inside of her lip. Why would one mouldering, old castle be of such importance? And what would it matter should it fall into the "wrong" hands. 'Let the shadow deal with the accursed old Maladil.' she thought to herself.
Still, if Gandalf were concerned, as well as the Elves of the White Council (and she was not sure who or what this might be, though it sounded very important) - then perhaps she had better be concerned also. The troubles of the bigger folk always seemed to spill over onto the Hobbits in one way or the other.
She turned her face back to Gandalf, who sat considering her, as if her thoughts were plainly visible to him.
'So,' she said, her voice barely audible. He leaned in closer to hear her. 'How may I be of service to you?'
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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