Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Taking Photos for Théoden
High-end painting is often completed in the simplest ways.
An hour later.
After completing a personal photo album for Théoden, Ino began taking photos of the scenery with great interest. He captured the White Tower holding the Seeing-stone Crystal, the council hall of Gondor, and other buildings on the upper levels.
It's worth noting that without the guidance of the Rohan crown prince by his side, he wouldn't have even been able to get into the sixth level, let alone take photos.
Just as he was about to capture a swift flying swift above the White Tower, a disgruntled complaint came from beside him.
"My turn! We agreed to take turns! You've taken two rounds in a row," Théoden said, looking somewhat upset.
"Alright, alright! You take the photos!" Ino responded quickly, stepping aside from the shooting spot. The swift he intended to capture had long since flown out of sight during this brief distraction.
Watching Théoden eagerly squatting by the camera, Ino couldn't help but smile and feel sentimental.
This future king of Rohan, known for his bravery, had remarkable achievements. He was able to break free from the control of Saruman with sheer willpower, although with Gandalf's help. Accomplishing this as a mere mortal was already a point of pride.
Not to mention, he later kept his promise, leading Rohan's cavalry to aid Gondor despite just having experienced a war, truly embodying the spirit of leading by example and facing death without regret.
Yet now, he was still just a young man in his early twenties, a bit playful, snapping photos here and there with his camera as if it were a treasured possession.
Seeing Théoden continue beyond his allotted time without relinquishing the camera, Ino didn't bother to say anything. He pulled out a piece of toffee from his pocket, and just as he unwrapped it, the candy vanished from his hand.
"I'll have one! I'll pay for it later!" Théoden grabbed the candy and popped it into his mouth, then quickly ran back to the camera.
Ino sighed but wasn't surprised.
Throughout today's interaction, Ino had learned about Théoden's background, which, in essence, was his ancestors' fault.
Théoden's father had a falling out with his grandfather and left Rohan in a fit of anger, settling in Gondor, where he was welcomed by the then-steward of Gondor.
In this environment, Théoden was born in Minas Tirith in the year 2948 of the Third Age, seven years after the Battle of Five Armies.
It was truly a case of being born, growing up, and finally leading an army to aid Gondor, before being laid to rest here.
...
As dusk fell and the sky darkened, the seven walls of Minas Tirith lit up with lamps. Like stars, the lights enveloped the entire city in a soft glow.
Under the night sky, Ino hurried back to the outer third tier of the city just before the inner city gates closed, safely walking on the wide streets.
Suddenly, he quickened his pace, almost running back to his stall.
On the empty street, a short old woman stood quietly with a lantern, and a frail little girl nestled beside her.
"Julia Ma'am!" Ino called out softly, mindful that shouting was forbidden in Minas Tirith at night.
"Brother Ino!" Before the old woman could respond, the little girl beside her ran over with her short legs.
Ino picked up the little girl and approached the stall. "Why didn't you go back? These things aren't worth much; no one would bother with them."
"I wasn't watching your things; I was worried you'd get lost!" The old woman raised the old lantern she was holding.
"After all, you haven't been here long! With this, you can find your way back! Back when Lily's father..."
"Let's go home! I have some candy for you two! I made quite a bit of money today." Without hesitation, Ino interrupted the old woman.
Yes, he lived at the old woman's house, paying two silver coins a month for room and board.
"Yay, candy!" The little girl's cheer matched perfectly with Ino's words, making the old woman laugh too.
Despite laughing, she continued her complaints without stopping:
"Always thinking about eating! Do you think making money is easy? Why don't you save up? How will you marry Lily in the future?"
...
At night.
In a small, old stone house in the outer third tier, Ino sat quietly on a chair, facing the two figures, one old and one young, who were eating candy.
The room was small, perhaps less than ten square meters. Although there wasn't much furniture, it was tidy and orderly, even the rough stone walls were carefully polished.
Despite the room's overly simple furnishings, several handmade oil paintings hung on the walls, their colors faded, but still conveying the stories and emotions within them.
"Julia Ma'am, I might have to leave in a while!"
This sudden statement left the old woman stunned, not even noticing the candy she treasured falling to the ground, while Lily beside her looked like she was about to cry.
"You should come with me! Bring Lily, and we'll go to the Shire to settle down."
Seeing the old woman's emotional turmoil, Ino quickly finished his sentence.
People aren't plants; how could they be without feelings?
When he saw that guiding lantern today, he made his decision. He would take this grandmother and granddaughter away from Minas Tirith, away from this future war-torn place.
The old woman might not live to see the war, but decades later, Lily would be in her prime.
When Sauron's orc army breaks into the city, how could anyone survive the devastation?
"The Shire? Why do we have to leave so suddenly?" The old woman didn't refuse immediately but instead asked for the reason.
"Because I'm a human wizard, I saw that this place would be ravaged by war in the future, so I want to take you away in advance."
Without hiding anything, Ino drew his wand, and a small flame quietly burned at its tip.
This magical scene didn't elicit any amazement because the grandmother and granddaughter were both quietly watching the flame, seemingly seeing the beauty of the world in it, their lips curving into slight smiles.
After a long time, a relieved sigh:
"We'll go with you! I believe you, and they believe you too!"
...
The Anduin River flowed gently to the west of Minas Tirith, its water clear and sparkling.
The Shire was also west of the White City.
After crossing the river, Ino waved his wand, and through Transfiguration, he turned a person-sized boulder into a small cart, then used the same method to create a draft horse to pull it.
"This is amazing!" Lily exclaimed.
"There's even more amazing things! But you can only see them in the Shire. Now, be a good girl and get on the cart."
Ino patted the soft hair of the little girl, lifted her onto the cart, and then helped the old woman get on.
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