Smiley and the Demigorgon's Warband

Chapter 25: A New Dawn, A New Call

The battlefield lay still, the echoes of clashing steel and guttural war cries fading into a distant memory. Smiley stood at the center of it all, surrounded by the crumbled remains of the Orc King's once-mighty army. Dark clouds overhead began to break apart, allowing rays of sunlight to pierce through, as if Middle Earth itself was breathing a sigh of relief.

D.G., Elendir, Wesley, Vin, and Krag stood by her side, bloodied but triumphant, their faces reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and pride. Together, they had faced insurmountable odds, and now, they had emerged victorious.

Smiley wiped the sweat from her brow, glancing at her companions. "It's over," she said softly, the weight of her words sinking in. "The Orc King is gone."

D.G. smiled gently, wrapping her arm around Smiley's waist. "We've done what we came to do."

### The Return to the Shire

The journey back to the Shire was long, but filled with a sense of quiet satisfaction. As Smiley and her friends crossed the familiar green hills and entered the quaint village, they were met with cheers and tears of joy from the Hobbits.

Banners were hung, and a feast was quickly prepared to celebrate their return. The Shire's fields, untouched by the war that had ravaged other lands, were alive with color and beauty, a peaceful reminder of what they had fought so hard to protect.

Inside the warm glow of the Shire's taverns, stories of the battle were told over mugs of ale. Smiley and D.G., now officially a couple, moved into a cozy Hobbit hole nestled near a field of blooming flowers. It was everything they had ever dreamed of—a quiet life filled with love and peace.

As the months passed, the Shire returned to its quiet, idyllic ways. The memory of the battle slowly faded, and life returned to normal. Smiley and D.G. tended to their garden, often smiling at each other as they worked side by side, relishing the simple life they had fought so hard to preserve. Elendir returned to his people, Wesley continued his alchemical experiments, and Vin and Krag traveled the lands as wandering adventurers.

A Knock at the Door

One crisp morning, as Smiley tended to her flowers and D.G. sharpened her spear, a sudden knock echoed through the front door of their home. Smiley exchanged a curious glance with D.G., wiping the dirt from her hands before walking to the door.

When she opened it, she was met with the familiar figure of Gandalf the Grey, his long white beard cascading down his robes, and his eyes filled with urgency.

"Gandalf!" Smiley exclaimed, surprised but pleased to see the wizard.

"I'm afraid I come bearing news," Gandalf said, his voice grave. "Sauron's power grows stronger by the day. The defeat of the Orc King has only delayed the inevitable. He is preparing to make his final move, and we must stand united against him."

Smiley's heart sank. The peace they had fought for was already under threat again. "What do you need us to do?"

Gandalf stepped closer, his gaze moving between Smiley and D.G. "I need you, Smiley, and your warband. The fight against Sauron will determine the fate of all Middle Earth, and I fear the worst is yet to come."

D.G., standing by Smiley's side, looked to her partner, her expression resolute. "We've always known the fight wasn't truly over," she said quietly. "If Sauron isn't stopped, everything we've saved will be lost."

Smiley nodded, the weight of the world resting once again on her shoulders. But this time, she didn't hesitate. "Then we'll answer the call, Gandalf. Whatever it takes."

Suiting Up

As the sun set over the Shire, Smiley stood in their home, strapping on her gear once more. Her sword gleamed at her side, her trusted garden hoe strapped to her back, and the speargun given to her by Ramos held securely in its holster. D.G. stood next to her, adjusting her armor and ensuring her Gorgon powers were ready for whatever lay ahead.

"You ready for this?" Smiley asked, her voice quiet but determined.

D.G. looked at her, a soft smile playing on her lips. "As long as I'm by your side, I'm ready for anything."

Smiley smiled back, her heart swelling with love and courage. They had faced the Orc King together, and now, they would face Sauron. Whatever came next, they would face it united.

One More Adventure

Smiley opened the door, stepping out into the cool evening air. Standing in the field outside their home were her old friends, waiting and ready. Elendir, bow in hand, with his Warg by his side; Wesley, potion bottles clinking at his belt, with a mischievous grin; Vin and Krag, standing tall and strong, ready for battle.

Gandalf stood at the head of the group, his staff glowing faintly in the gathering darkness.

Smiley took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adventure swell within her. The fight was not over, and she knew they had a long road ahead of them. But she wasn't alone. Together, they would face whatever darkness lay ahead.

"Ready for another adventure?" Smiley asked her companions, her voice filled with determination.

Elendir grinned. "Always."

"Let's give Sauron something to fear," Wesley added, tightening the strap on his sword.

With D.G. by her side, and her warband at her back, Smiley stepped forward, leading the way into the unknown.

The road to battle was long, and the future uncertain. But as they marched out of the Shire, Smiley knew one thing for certain: no matter how dark the night, they would always find the light together.

And so, the Warband set off once more, ready to defend Middle Earth against the growing shadow of Sauron.

The journey continued.

End of Chapter 25

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The End (for now)