Rachel Port
Well-Known Member
The timeline Kate put together was remarkable, but I think one important part of Gandalf's first researches was left out. I think one of the first places he went was Rivendell. He would probably think Bilbo was likely to go there sooner or later, and he would want to consult with Elrond and enlist his help in observing Bilbo and assisting Bilbo's healing. If he got there after Bilbo, so much the better. He is concerned for Bilbo as a friend, but would follow his recovery and/or lasting damage anxiously. Elrond is a great healer, and Rivendell itself is a soothing place.
I think he would return there from time to time to see for himself, the same way he makes quick visits to Frodo to ask after his health. Part of his research is seeing the Ring's effects on these two. Although he worries about them, he thinks this Ring is safely hidden in the Shire while he tries to find out more from Gollum. I think he would have figured something else out if he saw serious deterioration in either of them. I think it might even have been during one of his visits to Rivendell that he met Aragorn and opened his heart to him.
What do you think?
I think he would return there from time to time to see for himself, the same way he makes quick visits to Frodo to ask after his health. Part of his research is seeing the Ring's effects on these two. Although he worries about them, he thinks this Ring is safely hidden in the Shire while he tries to find out more from Gollum. I think he would have figured something else out if he saw serious deterioration in either of them. I think it might even have been during one of his visits to Rivendell that he met Aragorn and opened his heart to him.
What do you think?