Dinner and proposal before departure

Hundreds of years ago, Smaug relied on his immense power as a dragon to decimate the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. His attack left countless casualties, and the remaining dwarves fled their homeland in shame. After seizing the wealth of the dwarven kingdom, the gates of the Lonely Mountain were sealed, and Smaug nestled within the mountain, sleeping on a bed of gold. Whether it was the Elf Kingdom, the Human Kingdom, or the Dwarf Kingdom, none could deal with this evil dragon, allowing him to remain in the mountain for centuries.

Of course, it wasn't as simple as a few adventurers slaying the dragon when none of these kingdoms could manage it.

When Wayne posed his rhetorical question, Gandalf didn't appear the least bit embarrassed. Instead, he reached for another biscuit, popped it into his mouth, and replied with a sly smile:

"Indeed, Wayne, if we can kill Smaug, it would be the best possible outcome. Whoever defeats Smaug will be hailed as a hero across Middle-earth, forever honored and respected by all."

"However," Gandalf continued, his tone more serious now, "our immediate goal is more modest. This expedition seeks to reclaim a specific treasure from the hoard in the Lonely Mountain. The instigator of this journey is none other than Thorin Oakenshield, prince of the line of Durin and the rightful heir to the kingdom under the mountain."

"He hopes to enlist the aid of a skilled adventurer like yourself and is willing to offer a generous reward in return."

With that, Gandalf pulled out a rolled contract from within his robes and handed it to Wayne. Having lived in Middle-earth for many years, Wayne had long since learned the written language and could read it easily.

Taking the contract, Wayne scanned through the pages. It was over ten pages long, densely filled with clauses and obligations. Everything was laid out in detail, from the expedition's risks to its potential rewards. The promised reward stood out—one-fifteenth of the Lonely Mountain's treasure.

Upon seeing this, Wayne couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Anyone familiar with Thorin's story knew that he was paranoid, proud, and deeply afflicted by a gold-obsessed madness—classic symptoms of "dragon-sickness." In the original tale, after Bard the Bowman of Lake-town, along with Bilbo and the dwarves, defeated Smaug, Thorin descended into greed-fueled madness, refusing to pay the promised rewards. He even insulted the people of Lake-town, mocking their plight after Smaug destroyed their homes.

Though Thorin showed remorse for his actions before his death, Wayne—having seen the story unfold—remembered the incident well.

Moreover, Wayne had long coveted the treasure hoarded in the Lonely Mountain. However, he had always exercised caution due to the existence of the God of Creation in this world. He didn't want to risk invoking the deity's wrath through reckless actions and potentially trigger catastrophic consequences. As such, he'd held back his ambitions.

But one-fifteenth of the treasure was nowhere near enough to satisfy his hunger for gold and power.

As Wayne finished reading the contract, a familiar sound echoed in his mind.

Ding! New quest triggered: [Obtain the Arkenstone], master level.

Accept/Decline

Despite the offer, Wayne didn't immediately accept the quest. Instead, he folded the contract, neither agreeing nor refusing. Smiling at Gandalf, he spoke with conviction:

"Gandalf, I must admit, this expedition piques my interest."

"However, as a warrior, I cannot allow my goal to be as simple as retrieving a piece of treasure stolen by a dragon."

"If I join this expedition, my goal will be to kill Smaug, to rid Middle-earth of this evil once and for all."

"I have the ability—and the confidence—to see this through."

"So, let's keep the contract aside for now. I'd like you to invite Prince Thorin and any other warriors who wish to join the expedition to the Lonely Mountain. We can host a dinner at my manor, where we'll enjoy some drinks and discuss potential adjustments to the contract."

After hearing Wayne's confident speech, Gandalf paused, surprised, perhaps even slightly doubtful.

As one of the busiest Maiar in Middle-earth, Gandalf had been entrusted by the God of Creation to maintain the balance and order of the world. In fact, it was Gandalf himself who first proposed the Lonely Mountain mission. His purpose was clear: use the power of the dwarves to drive away or, if possible, destroy Smaug. With Sauron's shadow looming, the last thing the wizard wanted was for the dragon to ally with the Dark Lord, strengthening the forces of evil.

Initially, Gandalf's plan involved finding a cunning burglar—preferably a hobbit—who could infiltrate Smaug's hoard and steal the Arkenstone, a powerful symbol for uniting the dwarves. Thorin could then rally his kin to face Smaug.

Wayne, however, had not been part of Gandalf's original calculations. Despite all the time Gandalf spent in the Shire, he had never heard of this Witcher. Only after Thorin and Balin recommended Wayne did Gandalf learn of the powerful adventurer, respected in both the Shire and beyond.

While Gandalf had his doubts about Wayne's strength, he couldn't ignore the terrifying eight-meter-tall creature Wayne rode upon. That sight alone gave him a flicker of hope. Even if Wayne himself wasn't as capable as claimed, that beast could surely aid in the quest. If Wayne could be convinced to join the expedition, there was little to lose.

Gandalf stroked his beard, smiling thoughtfully. His sharp eyes lingered on Wayne, but there wasn't much to read beyond the Witcher's imposing presence.

Still, Gandalf, ever kind-hearted and a champion of light, made his decision after a few moments of contemplation. Nodding, he said:

"Very well, Wayne. I will relay your invitation to Prince Thorin. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, in three days' time, we shall gather at Wayne Manor for dinner with the other warriors joining the journey to the Lonely Mountain. I appreciate your hospitality."

The gray-robed wizard was as polite as ever, and Wayne responded with equal courtesy. Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, from tales of Middle-earth to the finer points of pipeweed. Wayne even gifted Gandalf some of his manor's finest pipeweed, much to the wizard's delight.

The meeting didn't last long. After their chat, Gandalf departed from Wayne's manor and set off to meet with Thorin.

Meanwhile, Wayne wasted no time in preparing for the journey. The expedition to the Lonely Mountain was no small undertaking, and he needed to ensure he was ready, not just for himself, but also for Robin, his loyal Deathclaw. Robin's immense size and strength made him a formidable ally, but they also meant his daily food intake was considerable. Even though he could digest vast quantities of meat, a cow's worth in a single day wouldn't suffice for him.

Additionally, Deathclaws could digest small amounts of metal, which bolstered their skin and body's defense. In the case of adult Deathclaws like Robin, their hide could resist even thermal weapons. Some particularly unique individuals were known to withstand even miniature nuclear blasts without sustaining fatal damage.

Three days flew by, and on the afternoon of the planned dinner, Wayne had already prepared for the upcoming journey. He stocked up on dried meats, essential tools for traveling, and various cooking ingredients. With the help of his kitchen staff, he also laid out a feast on a long, elegantly set table.

Soon after, Gandalf arrived at Wayne Manor, accompanied by a group of stout dwarves. Under Ford's guidance, they made their way to the banquet hall.

Wayne's banquet hall was lavishly decorated, though rarely used since Wayne seldom stayed at home. Nevertheless, Old Ford, ever the diligent butler, ensured the room was always maintained in pristine condition. The hall, with its gleaming chandeliers, polished floors, and grand tapestries, was ready for its rare use.

As Gandalf and the dwarves entered, they were greeted by the sight of dozens of flickering candles and torches, illuminating the hall with a golden glow. The centerpiece was a grand long table laden with all manner of delicious dishes, including a whole roasted wild boar, prepared to perfection for the feast.

Wayne stood near the table, dressed in finely tailored yet casual clothes, awaiting his guests. As Gandalf and the party arrived, he greeted them with a polite nod.

"We meet again after quite some time, Prince Thorin, Mr. Balin."

Then, his eyes fell upon a familiar yet unexpected face amidst the dwarves. With a faint smile, Wayne spoke up, a hint of amusement in his voice:

"And what a pleasant surprise, Mr. Bilbo Baggins. To think you're joining such a dangerous expedition to the Lonely Mountain! It seems the adventurer within you is finally stirring."

Many of those present were not strangers. A few years earlier, when Balin's dwarven engineering team helped build Wayne Manor, Wayne had interacted with several members of Thorin's company. In dwarven terms, a few years was a mere blink of time.

Thorin, who had always been serious and composed, lifted his chin, his eyes meeting Wayne's, albeit from below due to the height difference. With his usual pride, he responded:

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Wayne. It has indeed been several years, but I still remember how you took down Bisog, the great black bear that plagued the forests. You avenged the townsfolk in mere hours, a feat many still speak of today."

"Your name is mentioned often in the taverns. People speak of your bravery and generosity. So, when it came to this expedition, naturally, I thought of you. You are a powerful warrior. With your help, the odds of reclaiming our treasure will greatly increase."

Wayne nodded with a modest smile, acknowledging the praise without lingering on it. Instead, he picked up a glass of fine red wine from the table and raised it high.

"Ah, but let's leave talk of the expedition for later, my friends," Wayne said warmly, his voice carrying a note of celebration. "As my honored guests, let's first enjoy the feast. Everything you see on this table was prepared by my own hand, and the wine is a rare vintage I'm sure you'll appreciate."

"Once we've had our fill of food and drink, we can discuss the details of the Lonely Mountain expedition."

Thorin's brow furrowed slightly as he glanced back at the older dwarves, Balin and Gandalf, before reluctantly nodding and following Wayne's request to enjoy the feast first.

Soon, the group settled into the meal, and the food quickly won them over. As seasoned dwarves accustomed to living in human towns, the combination of Wayne's expertly prepared dishes and fine wine easily conquered their appetites. Even Bilbo, typically proud of his own culinary skills, couldn't help but offer praise, joining the others in eating and drinking heartily.

The dwarves at this banquet were not ordinary folk. They were the elite warriors of the remaining dwarf clans, all seasoned fighters with hearty appetites. After two hours of feasting, Wayne's large spread of food and several barrels of high-quality wine had all been consumed, much to the satisfaction of the guests.

Even Gandalf, who usually kept a more measured demeanor, seemed quite content. After finishing his meal, he leaned back in his chair, lit his pipe, and blew smoke rings leisurely, a content smile on his face.

As the meal wound down, the dwarves leaned back in their chairs, touching their full bellies and occasionally muttering praise for the meal. The warmth of the food and wine spread through the hall, creating a relaxed atmosphere, though Thorin's mind was still on the matter at hand. He adjusted his expression, turning serious as he looked at Wayne.

"Wayne, Gandalf mentioned that you wish to renegotiate the terms of the contract. Is that correct?"

Wayne nodded calmly, setting down his glass of red wine. His eyes met Thorin's without wavering.

"Yes, Prince Thorin. It's not just about the remuneration—I also have different thoughts regarding the goal of the expedition to the Lonely Mountain."

Thorin's face tightened slightly. The mention of changing the agreed-upon reward left him feeling uneasy, but he maintained his composure.

"I've already offered what I believe is a fair distribution," Thorin began. "Each person involved in this mission receives an equal share of the treasure. But if you have an issue, speak your mind. As long as everyone here agrees, I will listen."

Bilbo, sensing the tension, attempted to intervene, hoping to smooth things over. Among the group, Bilbo and Wayne shared a longstanding friendship. Though they hadn't met many times, their bond went back a decade, and Bilbo still had fond memories of Fang, Wayne's loyal direwolf. However, Bilbo decided to wait and see how the conversation unfolded before stepping in.

Wayne wasn't offended by Thorin's tone. In fact, he appreciated the dwarf prince's straightforwardness. He understood that Thorin, as the rightful heir of the Kingdom Under the Mountain, saw the treasure as his birthright and had already made a generous offer. Thorin's willingness to divide the treasure among the fifteen participants was indeed generous, especially considering the dwarf's history.

Smiling, Wayne responded with calm confidence:

"Prince Thorin, if we were following the original contract—simply venturing to the Lonely Mountain to retrieve a treasure—I would be satisfied with the agreed reward and would gladly accept it."

He paused, letting the words settle before continuing, "But you may not fully understand my capabilities. For me, the purpose of this expedition is not just to retrieve some treasure, but to rid the world of the evil dragon Smaug and bring justice to the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain."

Wayne's tone grew more serious as he added, "And when it comes to facing Smaug, I won't need the help of others. I'm confident I can slay the dragon myself."

His words left a stunned silence in the room, the weight of his claim sinking in.

"So," Wayne continued, "I propose we amend the contract with an additional clause. If I slay Smaug single-handedly and avenge your kin, I believe one-third of the Lonely Mountain's treasure should be my reward."

He leaned back slightly, looking directly at Thorin. "What do you think of this proposal, Your Highness?"