stands at his doorway, a twinkle in his eye, a warm smile beneath his bushy beard, he strums a lute "Approach, approach, my dear young sage, What walks on four legs at dawn, two at day, and three at age?"
Man. Four legs crawls, Two legs walks, Three legs runs. the answer is Man. He smiles back, leaning on his wooden staff, he had green skin and eyes that looked like pools of gold.
"Oh my, impressive young one. You have earned a place at my table. Come and join me for some humble hospitality. May your thirst be quenched and your mind be fed." He gestures you inside his home with an inviting smile
walks inside, nodding in respect I'm just wondering what lies within these woods?..
leads you into his dining area, setting two places at the table, he fills a goblet with wine and sets it before you "These woods have seen many things, my friend. They have witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, the passing of ages. The trees here hold more secrets than the ancient libraries of old. And the creatures that dwell within... Ah, they are beyond imagination."
Hmm, Sounds like a place I'd love to visit one day. What lies at its center?
pauses for a moment, gazing into the distance with a look of nostalgia, he takes a seat at the table and signals for you to do the same "The center of these woods holds a place that defies description, a place where magic is woven into the very air. It is known as the Heartwood. The Heartwood is a clearing surrounded by the oldest and wisest of the trees.
So...you're saying there's a place where magic is woven into the very air? A place that's the center of these woods? That sounds like a fable from my childhood...but you seem all too real. Hmm...the Heartwood. Does it hold any power? Or perhaps someone of note?
leans forward, placing his hands on the table "Indeed, the Heartwood holds great power and knowledge. There resides an ancient being, known as The Guardian of the Woods. It is said that The Guardian can grant favors to those who prove themselves worthy. But know this, my friend, The Guardian does not bestow gifts lightly. To gain an audience with him, one must face three trials of wit and courage."
Can one become The guardian?
narrows his eyes, studying you intently "Ah, my curious friend. Becoming The Guardian is not a feat to be taken lightly. It requires centuries of service to the woods, dedication to the balance of nature, and an unwavering commitment to justice and protection. It is a path not many dare to tread. But tell me, why do you ask? Do you feel the call of the wild within you?"
Hmm, I think I do. This world seems so full of wonder, there's still so much I don't know. I have a lot to learn yet..haha!
raises his eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye "Ah, my dear friend, prepare yourself for a journey unlike any other. The road to wisdom is paved with questions, and the path to enlightenment is lit by the flames of curiosity. Embrace the unknown, and let the lessons of the woods guide you."
The road to wisdom...interesting. Tell me more, old wise one.
stands up from the table, pacing back and forth, gesturing with his hands as he speaks "Ah, the road to wisdom, it is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows.
...I'm listening. Do go on.
pauses his pacing, looking directly into your eyes "The road to wisdom begins with humility. It demands that you surrender your preconceptions and open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. It requires self-reflection and a willingness to confront your own ignorance. And it demands that you embrace uncertainty, for it is in the unknown that true growth lies."
Interesting... How long have you been walking this road, wise one?
smiles, taking a seat back at the table "Ah, my young friend, if only I could count the years. My journey began before the first rains fell upon the earth, before the first leaves danced in the autumn breeze. I am older than the oldest tree, wiser than the wisest wizard. And yet, despite all my years, I still consider myself a mere traveler on the road to wisdom."
raising an eyebrow Before the first rains...older than the oldest tree? You're quite the enigma. What's your story?
leans forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief "My story, dear friend, is a tale unlike any other.
Then do tell, Mr. Bomdevil. I'm all ears.
smiles slyly, taking a deep breath "Well, my friend, buckle up and prepare yourself for the whimsical tale of my life. It is a story of adventure, magic, and the eternal pursuit of knowledge. It is the story of how a simple Hobbit, much like yourself, became the wisest being in these woods. But be warned, my tale is not for the faint of heart.
...I'm intrigued. Do continue.
grins mischievously "Oh, my dear friend, prepare yourself for a journey back in time. It was a time when dragons roamed the skies, when elves still walked among mortal men, and when magic was a force that could shape the very fabric of reality. It was a time of wonder, danger, and beauty, a time when heroes dared to dream big and pursue their wildest dreams. And it was during this time that my own journey began..."
Dragons and elves, you say? Now, that's a tale worth hearing. Pray, tell me more.
leans forward, placing a hand on your shoulder "Indeed, my friend. Dragons and elves were very real during my younger days.
Wow, your stories must be truly fascinating.
leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face "Indeed they are, my dear friend.
leans forward, a glimmer of excitement in their eyes "Indeed they must be! Please, do go on..."
leans forward, his voice lowering to a whisper "Ah, but my friend, there is something you must understand. Dragons and elves may no longer walk this world, but their legacy lives on. Magic may not shape reality as it once did, but it still lingers in the hearts of those who believe. And heroes? Oh, they still exist, though they may no longer wield swords and shields.
chuckles softly "Then heroes like...say, a great wizard? Do they still exist?"
leans even closer, his eyes twinkling with excitement "Oh, indeed they do, my dear friend. There are still wizards, though they may not be as powerful as they once were. They have refined their craft, using their arcane abilities for good, for the betterment of the world.
Interesting...and how do you fit into this picture? Are you one of these refined wizards?
leans back in his chair, laughing softly "Oh, my dear friend, I am no wizard. I am a simple Hobbit, a lover of tales and a weaver of words.
laughs heartily "A simple Hobbit, eh? Yet your tales seem to have a magical touch to them. What's your secret?"
pauses, his eyes gleaming mischievously "Ah, my friend, it is no secret at all. You see, the key to my tales lies not in magic, but in the connections they forge between people. A well-told story has the power to unite, to inspire, and to create a sense of community that transcends the mundane. It is through my tales that I strive to bring people together, to remind them of their shared humanity."
gives a hearty laugh "Transcend the mundane, you say? Now that's a noble pursuit! Your tales must be truly extraordinary then."
grins mischievously, a twinkle in his eye "Indeed they are, my friend.
Hmm...so these tales of yours, they aren't mere fantasy, but rather reflections of real events? Fascinating! And here I thought Hobbits were simple folk, limited to their Shire.
leans forward, his voice lowering to a whisper "Oh, my dear friend, Hobbits may be small in stature, but they possess a grand sense of adventure.
snickers "Small in stature, grand in adventure, eh? Color me intrigued, Mr. Bombadil!"
leans even closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone "And what would you like to hear about, my dear friend? Would you like to hear the tale of how I met a dragon and saved her from certain death? Or perhaps the story of how I outwitted a cunning troll and won the heart of its princess?"
the story of how I outwitted a cunning troll and won the heart of its princess?"
smirks playfully "Ah, you've chosen wisely, my friend. Prepare yourself for a tale of cunning and wit, of danger and desire."